THIS is Brilliant! WE'VE NEVER DONE THIS. Unload Smart car. Fulltime RV Lifestyle. HDT. Manatees
Вставка
- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- After we get settled in to our site in Bushnell, Florida, we have to unload the Smart car. Then, we set out for some unique experiences that you can only find in Florida. It's Florida. Isn't the water supposed to be warm? Well...it's NOT!
Sondra jumps in but will she jump back out?!? The things we'll do for wildlife spotting. We are treated to some rare sightings in the Crystal River and a fun adventure on land as well on the Withlacoochee State Trail one of the longest in Florida.
Plus, I take our drone (Ingenuity) where it shouldn't go...I hope I don't crash. And I get a boat...and take it out...and hit some wakes. It's not exactly the Daytona 500 of speed boat races but it's still fun. Hammer down, dude!
We're trying to stay out of the cold as we travel in Florida and enjoy the sunshine this winter. Join us because you just never know What's Next!
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @bigtruckbigtravels
Come join our Facebook Group, Big Truck Big Travels for more details such as Alaska itinerary, annual costs and RV stuff.
Facebook Group "Big Truck Big Travels" (see links above)
#rvlife #spacecraft #fulltimerv #customrv #lifeintheslowlane #hdt #whataburger #hdtrailers #hdtrvtravel #harvesthost #harvesthosts #campendium #wanderlust #boondocking #lg #rvroadtrip #traveltips #rvlife #rv #travel #travelvlog #campgrounds #rvliving #rvcouple #lifeintheslowlane #thankshanks #rvtravel #blm #roadtrip #epic #wildlife #wildrvlife #scrapbooking #hdtravels #heavydutytruck #heavydutytrucks #openroads #volvotrucks #stickers #roadtrip #florida #tampa #floridausa #alabama #snow #snowstorm #2025 #snowstorm2025 #escapees #rvlifeontheroad #bushnell #manatee #backingtrack #rvtravel #campgrounds #floridarv #crystalriverflorida #crystalriver #nanoboat #speedboat #dji #djimini4pro #withlacoochee #biketrails
RV Camping
We like to "Switch it Up" between resorts and campgrounds and boondocking is always an option.
We draw inspiration from Keep Your Daydream KYD, Less Junk More Journey, Finding Our Someday and Changing Lanes. We normally travel in an HDT similar to UA-cam channels Suite Travels, Switch it Up and Watts on Wheels. I also get some ideas from the editing style of Happily Ever Hanks @Happilyeverhanks #thankshanks and believe it or not, I actually learned something from MRBeast Mr Beast video's as well. Our journey is the destination but sometimes, our destination is a destination.
Our journey is the destination. We want to share our experiences of our discovery of What's Next.
I get my music from:
Epidemicsound.com
Tracks:
Outta Here by Jennifer Holm (intro song)
Dark Region Road by Roy Edwin Williams
A Future Promise by Christopher Moe Ditlevsen
Children's Corner by Thommy Anderssen
Company with Whales by Jo Wandrini
Lazy Days in My Backyard by Speedy the Spider
Staycation by Paper Twins
Just a Cowboy by Blood Harmony
Amazon Shop (no extra charge to you)
A convenient way to see (or buy) the items you see in the video's which may help in your adventure.
www.amazon.com...
We use the Open Roads card for diesel fuel and save a bundle each time we fill up our Big Rig. We also use it to fill up our Onan generator.
The big blue boards (XL version) we use sometimes to get us "un-stuck" is from:
Gotreads.com
Our Class C is built by Thor Motorcoach on a Ford F550 chassis. It's a production build Magnitude model XG32. We tow our red Jeep Wrangler Sahara behind it. We've made some modifications to it so that we can boondock comfortably. Lithium batteries, Victron 3000w multi-plus inverter, dual alternators charge while traveling and mods to the water system greatly enhance it's boondocking capabilities.
Our extreme completely custom 5th wheel is built on a semi-trailer chassis with air suspension and air brakes. Completely loaded it weighs 42,000 lbs rolling down the highway. And we do roll down the highway nearly every week. You see, we believe that if your home has wheels they should be used.
Vehicles:
2016 Volvo VNL780 "Voyager"
2016 Smart fortwo "Pathfinder"
2019 SpaceCraft Custom built semi-trailer 5th wheel "Orion"
2023 Thor Magnitude XG32 Class C "Curiosity"
2017 Jeep Wrangler Sahara "Artemis"
Power system:
3250 watts of solar with Panasonic panels
30.1 KWH of Lithium batteries
2- 4K watt Magnum Inverters deliver power as if we are on shore power
2- 4K watt 240v Cotek Inverters deliver additional power for our LG Mini split HVAC and stove
Coachnet is our roadside assistance company we use but hopefully we don't use them too often. LOL
We are not sponsored by Whataburger but I do enjoy them anytime I can get my hands on one. They used to be just out of Texas but they have expanded.
BIg Truck Big Travels video's are based on our personal experience and not meant nor portrayed as experts in anything we do or say. It's our life on the road and our opinions are not meant to be construed as advice. Enjoy life on the road.
Happy to watch this episode. I needed a positive passionate distraction. Hope all is well with Sondra's Mom. Here is a little bit of appreciation from me: You don't even ask for comments (lots of channels do) You are the only channel I am aware of that goes thru the effort to give us a nice thoughtful comment back, making this truthfully a community.
Hope all is well, Hans and this episode is right up your alley! Of course, your daughter could have navigated easily in this channel! Thanks for the kind words. 😊
@@bigtruckbigtravels The youngest one in the family is receiving Free Ranging Nautical style straight from her Mom. Another captain in the making.🥰
This was a fun episode! The phenomenal video, still and drone footage - we enjoyed. Again those dad jokes!😳
Get David this sign:
Good jokes - $5.00
Bad jokes - $1.00
Dad jokes - Free of charge
😂
We try our best to bring you the best. Thanks for watching! 😊 Not counting the Dad jokes! 😆
Such beautiful creatures lovely with the sun rippled on their backs🤠❤️
It was a special treat seeing them in the sunshine and how it danced underwater. Thanks
This vlog with the Manatee’s was really special you two! They are such gentle giants and I’m really glad you both got to do this together. So special! Great video footage of them too! We all especially loved the Dunkin Donut and Walmart escapades. Shopping with you guys would be entertainment enough for me 🤣 Thanks for sharing it all! Take care!❤~Wendy
Thanks for the kind words. We had a great time, glad you enjoyed the video! Still can't believe the Dunkin body wash! 😆
This was a memorable video. Very well done. Thank you.
Thanks, we are glad you enjoyed it.
My lord David and his jokes lol 😆 yeah saundra keep playin in the swamp 😆
Wonderful video one of the best😊😊
😆 🤣 she almost stepped in!
David and saundra are like family to me and my wife. We love the videos
Thank you. We love having you along on the journey. 😊
The film is wonderful, thank you both for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed it!
you are amazing guys i wished i had a soulmate and could get old with her like you...
Thank you. It is great to share experiences.
That was so cool! Awesome video!!❤👏👍
Thank you
Thank you for taking us along. I had a blast watching you with the manatees.
You're welcome! It was a fun experience.
MAN, A TEE shirt would have been a great souvenir! (That was for
David!) 😂
Beautiful creatures, great job braving the freezing water!
Stay safe. ❤
Good one😂
😆 🤣 ok, that's funny. I missed that one!
David is so funny, what a life!!!!!❤🎉
Thanks. We're very fortunate.
Beautifully done, thank you for some sanity in these times..
I love your new boat 😅
Wife approved boat.
It looks like a lot of fun
It gets great gas mileage and low maintenance! 😆 🤣
Loved this episode!
Thank you
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks
HELLO GUYS WOW WHAT A AWESOME VIDEO I LOVED THE UNDERWATER WITH THE MANATEES THAT WAS AWESOME ! I JUST LOVE YOU GUYS ! BE BLESSED BE SAFE 🇺🇸🇺🇸🚂🚂🙏
Thank you! We are glad you enjoyed it. Love having you along on the journey. 😊
I bet it takes forever to shop with him😂 love the boat, its a lot cheaper that the real thing.
So true. On both accounts! 😆
Wow, you two swam with the manatees and found the garden of eden, and kept it g rated! Looks like fun! David, please donut quit your day job!!!😂
😆 🤣 that's funny... and no, I won't. I'd starve of I did!
I love the way David cracks himself up with his Dad Jokes! 😂😂😂
😆 🤣 sometimes I'm the only one laughing!
You can use a sewer raiser to put the cord on so it’s not on the ground. We have two one for our sewer line the other for the cord as we are in BC Canada and it does get cold. ❤❤
Thanks! That's a great idea!
Absolutely stunning video of swimming with the manatees!❤
Thanks for watching!
Nice editing on this episode David, especially the manatee section!
Thanks. It was fun to do.
Of course, I love watching you two. Wish I had done this when I was younger. But I can do it through your eyes. Love you guys. See you on your next adventure. Safe travels.
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.
Really enjoyed watching as always and the manatee’s are so amazing just like you two. I mean, you just blow that canoe up and go! I don’t mean with dynamite lol! So adventurous! Best wishes 🇬🇧
Glad you enjoyed it. Lots of fun to just get out there!
How do I talk my wife into full timing it? From Ohio, heading to Texas and then camping on the way to Colorado in May for 3 weeks. I don't want to come home.😅
You won’t want to come home from Colorado! If you have a chance, drive to Ouray. It’s absolutely gorgeous. Take a drive on the Million Dollar Highway as well! Safe travels!
It's got to be a shared passion. Good luck!
The permutations from Cheerios are infinite. Poor David!😂
I know! It seems like every month there's a new variation! 😆
Great video! Enjoyed very much!
We are glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!
LOVE THE MUSIC AWESOME 👍
We try to make it good. Thanks for watching
I've always wanted to travel in an Rv of some sort. That is not to be my life at my age. What I like about watching you is how you make me feel as if I have been there and I learn the sights of the area. I'm a native of California, 2.5 hours north of LA area. We are in the valley and agriculture area. We are considered high desert, so the only areas I don't care for are the desert areas. The great Mojave Desert does not excite me. Lol
We are glad you enjoy the videos and hope to bring you on more adventures. But that area of Mojave is beautiful. Some people aren't thrilled with desertscape which is understandable but we enjoy it.
What a treat nearly an hour really enjoyed this thankyou both so much 😊
Glad you liked it! We're glad you enjoy coming along with us on our journey 😊
If you have not ridden the Hiawatha Mountain Bike Trail outside Wallace, Idaho, I highly recommend. It was an old railroad bed, so pretty gentle to ride.
Oh yeah. Did it last summer. The video was cool.
I was completely invested in how you exited the kayak!! I’m always dumping myself out!
It can be a little tricky! 😂
I’m so glad you did this video this week. I just arrived in Crystal River to swim with the manatees. Now I know what to expect. It should be warmer that when you were. 😊 you need an air pump for our kayak that can be powered by your car. It’s a lot quicker.
Thanks. That's true. At least get a double action pump.
My daughter used to be obsessed with Manatees when she was little. (Shes 32 now!) Every year she would pick out a Manatee and "adopt" it from a rescue/refuge down in Florida and they'd send her pictures which she'd hang up in her room. One year, my son had a hockey tournament down in Florida so we stopped at the rescue where she adopted her Manatees and then we stopped and swam with the Manatees in Crystal River. Once she got up close to them and realized how big they were and saw the the moss growing on their backs, she
got back in the boat and wouldn't go back in the water with them. When we got home, she took all her Manatee pictures down and never mentioned Manatees again. 🤣
This! Why I like your videos so much. Soooo good! Thanks for sharing these adventures. I got to snorkel with the huge sea turtles once. It was so fun
Thanks so much, we appreciate that! Turtles would be awesome!
I’m so glad you did this video this week. I just arrived in Crystal River to swim with the manatees. Now I know what to expect. It should be warmer that when you were. 😊
It’s amazing, right? We’re so glad you enjoyed the video and hope you have an amazing time!
Thanks for sharing your experiences with us. It's a pleasure to watch your videos. Stay awesome.
That manatee music sounds like the soundtrack to Magnificent Desolation. They are such beautiful creatures! If you need stickers off, get some duct tape and peel them out.
Thanks. Such a cool experience.
Looked peaceful. Florida is beautiful. Loved this weeks video. Be careful. Gig em
We're glad you enjoyed it. We love Florida.... in the winter. Summer gets a little sticky... 😆
That’s exactly the kind of campgrounds we prefer.
Oh yeah. Love it!
I had a toy submarine from Toys-R-Us. About a foot long, 2 AA batteries, not RC, but worked OK in a pool. The front dive planes were controlled by an internal float and pivot. On the surface, the the weight of the float forced the bow planes to "dive". As it submerged and the hull filled with water, the float rose and forced the bow planes to "surface". Really ingeniously designed toy, but the stern sat too low and it worked only marginally well. I cut it open on the upper / lower half seam line, added some internal flotation at the back then it worked great. Ran all the way to the bottom of a 4 foot deep pool for a little bit then automatically surfaced, then repeat the sequence. I have some video of my grandmother (in her 80's) playing with it!!
That's a great story! It sounds like you had a lot of fun. I'm keeping mine on top of the water! 😆
I'm really surprised you don't have E-Tracks on the back of the Semi to hold the smart car in place, so many different straps and accessories you can get and use . Would make your life so much easier when loading and unloading the car. It would also make that space more universal if you ever had to transport say a golf car / cart or any other toy. That's what I used to use on the utility trailer for my golf cart before we got our toy hauler, the Toy hauler has the E-Tracks in it to strap down the golf cart or any toys down. It's a great track system because it's so universal for whatever you need.
Thanks. That may be in the future.
@@bigtruckbigtravels No problem, as we get older I find I like to find an easier way to do things . I still have a lot to learn but every day is a new adventure.
Y’all are funny! 😂
Thank you. Enjoying life and glad you're along on the journey. 😊
You can make a cover for your extension cord connection by using a 5 gallon bucket. Cut the top off past the ribs, then cut slots the size of your cords halfway up the sides to the height you want the connection to be above the ground. Then make a cut going down at a 45 degree angle for a resting place for the cords on each side. The weight of the cables will keep it from being blown away.
That’s a great idea! Thanks for the tip. I've seen a cover on Amazon for $20 but that may be better.
I got some of the "Spray Paint" from that same company for a leak I found this past fall on my Kitchen Slide out. Has worked good so far. Much easier to apply and it flows into the crevice's that were the cause of the leak that they used "Tape" to prevent.
That may be the next step. Thanks
We took our Sea Eagle kayak to Three Sisters spring in March, 2012. We were able to paddle all the way back into the spring itself. Also, parking and launch fees are the same as they were in 2012! A true highlight of our trip to Florida!
Sounds like a great trip, thanks for sharing! That would be cool to take it all the way in!
Another great video!
Thank you! We're glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you. 4. Bring me along on your life's journey. Really, i doubt I will ever be able to do a lot of the things you are doing, and this is one of them! I am living my life through you.
Thanks, we enjoy sharing! You never know, you might do it one day! But we love having you along.
Another awesome adventure thank you for taking us along. It always makes me feel like I'm there see the adventure myself. Safe travels 😎
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it and we appreciate the safe travels! We love having you along on the journey. 😊
Really like your videos, keep it up
We are glad you enjoy them.
Love it! Thanks for the content
We appreciate it. We have lots of fun making these videos
I like older campgrounds too. We don’t need all these amenities they offer in these fancy resorts. We like it quiet. Good wifi, clean, quiet and some space is all we need. Finally, you got a boat 😂. Thanks for the great video, pictures and music. Safe travels!
Thanks, we like the quieter, older campgrounds too and the boat is actually a little icing on the cake! 😂
What a cool thing to do swim with the Manatees.Thanks for sharing the video .
We were so excited to get to swim with the manatees, it was such a memorable experience. Thanks for watching
Wonderful content, I could almost feel the water lapping through my toes. Your adventures are very motivating to get out and do it! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching! We love being on or in the water. We're glad you're along on the journey. 😊
Manatees seem so sweet! Swimming with them looks like fun!
They are super friendly.
NOT sponsored by Dunkin Donut 🤣
Definitely NOT! 😆
Just wow!
Thank you very much 😊
You guys are hilarious and fun to watch. I love the corny humor!
Thanks. We enjoy it but the jokes are corny!
Ok Uncle Bill!🤠❤️
😆 🤣 woohoo!
Wonderful video! Loved seeing the manatees up close. They truly are gentle giants! Thanks for taking me along
I’m glad you didn’t get -“Teed” off that it was so cold swimming with the manatees. Lol
Thanks for watching, we love them too!
nice video, you two keep it up
We are glad you enjoyed it.
I’ve always wanted to go swim with the Manatee’s. But several years ago I saw this clip about swimming with them and a mom manatee was so scared of the humans and trying to protect her calf from them. Broke my heart. Now they are off my list. But I’m glad you all had a nice experience.
Aloha from Maui 🥰lovin the jokes!
Aloha. Grew up in Kula. Mahalo for watching
@@bigtruckbigtravels current Kihei resident 40yrs😍
Looks like you are enjoying your time in Florida.
It's been a wonderful adventure so far. Thanks
Your delight in no hole in my argument 😂
😆 🤣 Thanks
I’ve lived in Florida all my life and grewup near the Withlacoochee River when I was in elementary school. It is my recolition that Withlacoochee meant “winding water” in the Seminole language.
Thank you. That's cool.
The Manatees also like all the power plants around Florida because it discharges warm water.
That makes sense. Pretty cool.
The older sites also usually have a lot of mature trees. I think that's a big plus too. You feel more in touch with nature. SOME ADVICE FOR RVS NEEDING SUPPLIES. I signed up for that walmart plus($9 bucks). Free delivery if you spend over 36 bucks and additional savings on some items. There have been a few times I just did not want to not drive to get food. I just wanted to sit back enjoy my campsite. It's nice to have your supplies delivered. I did have a concern at first about cold items but never have had any issues. Everything showed up still cold and frozen. One other thing you need to be in a camping area with and address.
That's a great tip. We prefer to select the items ourselves but I like the idea of just enjoying the camping experience and let them deal with the traffic. Thanks
What a tranquil adventure you had 'swimming' with the manatees. I'm jealous! 😊
It was pretty awesome, we are so lucky! Thanks
Nice vid!
Glad you enjoyed it! Appreciate you taking the time
‘Watch out for the Gators’ 🐊
😆 🤣 oh yeah!
👍❤️the video! Beautiful music and scenery. Fun as always!
Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching
Great episode. Very nice editing on the manatees, David. You were successful in making me feel right there with y'all.
Thank you so much! 😊 We really enjoyed making this one. That's always the goal to make you feel like you're there.
Very cool😮❤😊thank you.
Thanks, we are glad you enjoyed it.
I think it is time your viewers DEMAND (or ask really nicely, lol) that we see the journal page at the end for each episode? I know this is difficult, I just got my January memories spread done and it's well into February, but it doesn't hurt to ask. Really loved the music that you played while swimming with the manatees.
Thanks, we will consider your request. Sondra would like to do that but it's definitely a timing issue. Glad you enjoyed the music. 😆
That was a good one David. Love your videos.
Thank you! We appreciate the watch.
Shondra, do not wake the gators!!!
Shhhh... be very, very quiet... we're hunting gators.... 😆 🤣
Great vid guys, you guys have to promise me that when you get to Aus that you won't go splashing around on the edges of ponds like that. It may have to be required watching the original Crocodile Dundee first!! Safe travels
Very true! We are not going to splash around in any ponds in Australia but... maybe the ocean is ok, eh?- and we'll be sure to re-watch Crocodile Dundee. Good info! Thanks for watching.
As a former motorcyclist, I am really smitten with the smart car. If My class C only had a bigger bumper LOL.
It's very convenient for us but not available new in North America so we hope to keep it working. 😆 thanks
OMG, must be the moss, Sondra has the sneezes and you got on a roll !!!! lol Swimming
with the Manatee's, your swimming with one of God's favorite creations. He made them
in the beginning, so that they could help the other sea life adapt peacefully. They are so
majestic, thank you for taking us along.
BEAUTIFUL ENJOY. LOVE YOU GUYS
Thank you very much, AnnaMay. Love having your support.
Hi David! Hi Sondra! Love that campsite. You have some nice shade there. I love spacious sites. Needing a crowbar to get in is definitely not fun. Sorry David, we have a ton of Dunkin' up here. Lol. I've never seen Native Dunkin' body wash, though. Lol. Dunkin' for me is like Whataburger for you. That is a pretty cool RC boat. Such amazing manatee video!! Great job! They're such docile and majestic animals. Manatee fart 🤣🤣 Aw man, you didn't get to go to the Amazon locker friend. Lol. Safe travels and healing vibes for Sondra's mom!
That boat is Sondra approved!😂
Safe and happy travels! 👍🏾💙🤍❤️
😆 Raoul, that's only because it was free! 😆 🤣 😂 thanks
They look like the Tardigrade from a distance. Sondra you should look at the heated vests, I had one and it was really nice.
She definitely could have used it on the boat! Thanks
Thanks for sharing your amazing journey making awesome memories. 💜🩵
Thanks! We appreciate you watching! 😊
Hi, there good to see yall in Florida, I'm in lake county near yall. It's beautiful land and forestry. Love the comedy. I see you met "all about the banks" at the rv show in Tampa. You two couples are the best. I look forward to seeing you all each week.
Withlacoochee park is down the road from where i live. I haven't got brave enough to kayak. Yet.
Thanks for the kind words, we appreciate the support! It was great meeting the Banks at the show.
Loved your Manatee adventure!
It was an incredible day! Cold water but such a surreal experience. Thanks for watching
Wow almost an hour of fun with you two. Needed a treat today.
Love the drone, great RV park! Reminds me of the old FL I loved. So enjoy getting to tag along with you both ! This is a fun adventure and hope is it a great visit! Simply beautiful photography by you both. 👏👏👏👏 What a pleasure this was. I’ll watch again!
Loved the underwater footage❤️
It was cool. I loved the rays of sunshine.
Love you alls videos. David’s dorkness always keeps us laughing. Saw that shopping cart and you all had some of our favorite cereal brands. Chex and Raisin nut bran. You have GOT TO TRY the new Honey Chex. SO GOOD! Raisin Nut Bran I have always been a fan of, however the price is always high and they seem to be cutting us short on the raisin clusters. 😂 I really would like to have some of the power actuated solar mounts too.
We will definitely have to try that Honey Chex! Sounds amazing. They are really amping up the flavors while cutting down on the quantity. The boxes are getting pretty narrow...
Those orange 🍊 r protect!!
Oh... they were in a wildlife area... have to check it.
Hi david and saundra, looks like youall had a great time. Ive lived in florida twice and allways wanted to swim with the manatees never got to, im not sure about up by ocala but i was in lakeworth never could keep the windows clean on my van, and seriously never ever bought as many sets of windshield wipers . I even ruined a set of mirrors trying to clean them couldnt figure it out then a guy at work explained it. Way inland by lake okeechobee they grow tons of sugar cane they burn the fields right before harvest they say it concentrates the sugar in the cane ,also to drive all the snakes out of the fields for the guys harvesting. I have seen some of the biggest rattle snakes in my life come out of there and cotton mouths all kinds of fun snakes,anyways for like a month youll see these huge clouds of black smoke comming up from out there my work was by riviera beach about 35 miles east of the sugar that stuff was in the air and would stick on your windows terrible .if you rubbed your hand on the window it felt like heavy grit sandpaper. i know it bothers some peoples breathing quite a few people wearing .masks at that time,maybe that could have been bothering you? I love your new boat david you all take care hi from nm❤❤😊
Wow, that's a great story. Thanks! There was a similar situation in Hawaii when I was growing up on Maui when they burned the fields. No snakes but plenty of mongoose!
Oh Sandra was frozen but it was a great experience and great video of the Manatee . That’s what’s it all about for you both the Journey enjoying life and each and every day 🦦
Thank you for the beautiful video. I love the manatees!
We are glad you enjoyed it! They are magnificent creatures
Long time watch first time chat, wow! what can I say beautiful editing spot on.
God bless
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it and welcome to the chat! 😆 🤣 Appreciate your time watching the channel
Manatees awesome AND David has a boat 😅🇨🇦❤
Oh yeah! Can't go wrong with this video! 😆 😆
Boy you covered alot on this video. Really enjoyed it.
Phillip & Martha❤
Thanks Phillip & Martha! We're glad you like our videos! We were busy... but that's normal.
Thanks for sharing this video 😂
You're welcome! Hope you enjoyed the video.