7 Days Off-Grid in a Snow Storm | WINTER VAN LIFE
Вставка
- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- We spent 7 days off-grid in a record-breaking winter storm with blizzard-like conditions, and things did not go as planned. ❄️ Stay healthy this season! Give yourself or your loved ones the gift of @waterdropfilter C1H Instant Hot RO System for a healthier, more convenient lifestyle!
➡ Amazon: amzn.to/3OjnzlW
➡ Website: bit.ly/4i2lF75
From a broken heater and power issues to losing all internet and cell reception when our Starlink failed, this week tested our limits in every way. Join us as we navigate the challenges of van life in extreme winter weather and share how we made it through!
Would you have handled it differently? Let us know in the comments, and hit subscribe! ❄️🚐
Episode 163 | Filmed November 2024 | Colorado
❤️ Patreon
/ jimmyandnatalie
⭐️ Instagram
/ jimmyandnatalie
📸 Vlog Gear
www.amazon.com...
💚 Support the Channel
paypal.me/jimm...
Chapters
0:00 - Trapped in a Winter Storm
0:46 - Day 1 - Our Situation in the Snow
2:09 - Day 1 - No Power (DC Charger is Broken)
4:19 - Day 1 - Fixing the Charger
9:51 - Day 1 - Testing Our Fix
10:55 - Day 2 - No Heat (Heater is Broken)
14:56 - Day 2 - Are We Sleeping in the Cold Tonight?
16:18 - Day 3 - The One With the Deer
18:06 - Day 4/5 - Cleaning the Solar Panels
20:08 - Day 6 - The Sun Comes Out
23:07 - Day 7 - Shoveling Snow
27:52 - Day 7 - Driving Out of the Snowy Canyon
31:18 - Day 7 - We Survived
32:48 - bloops
#vanlife #travel
Please ✨SUBSCRIBE✨ and be sure to check out Waterdrop for their holiday sales! Thank you for watching!! 🥰
Stay healthy this season! Give yourself or your loved ones the gift of @waterdropfilter C1H Instant Hot RO System for a healthier, more convenient lifestyle!
Amazon: amzn.to/3OjnzlW
Website: bit.ly/4i2lF75
The knock on wood is a Filipino thing❤😅
Is this a popularity contest?
Snowshoes would be a good addition for exploration, but some beefy snow tires. At least you don’t need electric for keeping things cold. Turning down a tow? Gluttons for punishment. 😅
If your WaterDropFilter is using 'reverse osmosis', it will remove all of the minerals from your water. If you drink demineralized water over time, it will pull the minerals from your bones. (and affect your health). You can purchase 'mineral powder', to re-mineralize your water..or take a good mineral supplement.
@@bras9646 While reverse osmosis removes minerals from water, most minerals in our diet come from food, not water. There's no strong evidence that demineralized water harms health if you have a balanced diet.
When the locals in Colorado offer to help get you out ......take the offer!!! 😊
Wish I could thumbs up that 100 x.
Wish I could thumbs up that 100x. Who in their right mind wants to "hopefully" drive out, when many have asked to pull you out. 😊
In those questionable conditions, ANYONE offers...take it
Anywhere there's snow and ice. Even if it's to just have them "spot" you (not leaving until you're unstuck and on your way). It also feels good to help someone and makes for some nice conversation when they get back home.
So how does a very young married couple afford all that expensive stuff ,,,, the ride along isn't cheap .
You guys were drastically underprepared for winter camping in Colorado! Chains and a shovel are necessaties at the very least! Call it a learning experience and keep carrying on! Love you guys!
And gloves
Strongly recommend tire chains a shovel and a longer push broom if youre going to do winter in the rockies. It gets worse. Push broom to clear your panels more frequently to prevent damage. Chains to help get out of those situations. And a shovel to help remove the snow around the van
Drink *some* ALCOHOL to INCREASE OUTER SKIN BLOOD VESSEL SIZE = LESS FROSTBITE + WARMER ...DO NOT SMOKE= shrinks OUTER BLOOD VESSELS
and maybe a couple pair of winter gloves? For you and your wife...;-)
(and maybe some 'fire starting' tools...e.g. 4 bic lighters, fire starter kindling, a fero fire starting rod, a small axe, etc;
Maybe a couple heavy plastic tarps (for shelter from the snow and wind), a shovel?)
Glad you made it out alive..👍
Once you got your solar panels cleared off, maybe consider turning off the fridge, to conserve power? If you had a plastic box/bag, you could move most of your fridge contents out into the snow (for keeping them cold).
@@bras9646For some reason I've been on this van life rabbit hole...and I'm appalled at how sht their clothing is (every single one of them I've watched so far!) for the weather they're heading into. Holy cripes! For snow you should always wear hat, scarf, gloves, and layers, not to mention proper pants and at least have long johns available (Duofold's the best I've ever tried). I know I don't have to tell y'all that, but geez I'm astounded at how much people don't respect the weather.
Winter in high elevations is no laughing matter. It is Life Threatening.
I would never put myself in such a sketchy situation. Scarey stuff.
Y'all are so cute together and are building great memories together as a married couple. ❤
He takes care of her and she encourages him. This is so beautiful to witness! God bless your marriage 😊
Great comment! Agree completely!
They seem like a really cute couple in how they support each other. They have a new subscriber.
@@JeffTiberendand another
Weird how he seems to do everything and she isn’t helping. Talk is cheap.
@@Karrikuashe is doing the camera work and giving positive vibes and moral support. Two ppl can't work on somethings.
Jimmy the mechanic and electrician. The power of building your own van!!!!!
So true!! I don't know how we would've done these repairs if we had not built out Pancake ourselves! 😊
Yeah I am designing minw for Canadian winters. Lol
Hey you two, while things may have gone wrong, one thing that did not, was your outlook. Your positivity is amazing. Both of you are extremely resourceful and encouraging. ❤
Thanks so much! We definitely try to focus on the positive and make the most of any situation 😊
@@JimmyandNatalie you do that really well and it’s appreciated. Luv you both
Because they are newly weds...
The best thing you can have in this situation is a great mechanic/electrician! Your guy is just that.
Just a heads up from a retired electrician. As electricians we use a compound on on our aluminum to aluminum connections , aluminum to copper connections. I have also over the years learned to use it on all my 12 volt wiring as well. I would squeeze a little into my crimps before crimping them and put a little on the terminals before attaching the wires. I have never had any issues with any of my connections. I like the Noalox brand myself. Not quite so sticky as some of the other brands. Can be bought at your local hardware store. Happy trails
Yep, or any Dielectric grease
So an anti oxidising grease on your connections then?
@@MrByootox yes something
And what's it called 😮
@@steveffuksake Nooalox or similar like electricians use...or I mentioned the Dielectric Grease...use something on there. They have the similar results.
Thank God you got out of there safely! The drive out of the canyon was so stressful for me, but you two seemed so calm. I loved the scenery-the snow. How lucky you are to experience that kind of beauty. Congratulations on your marriage ! I’m so impressed with how knowledgeable Jimmy is, the way he was able to repair everything that needed repair. He is definitely a great husband who knows how to take care of his wife. Great video!
Sounds like a normal bad day in Alaska, glad you used your head and were resourceful. I am sure you have thought more now about emergency preparedness and redundancy. Glad you triumphed your winter test.
Thanks! It was definitely a good test, and we learned a lot!
Love the fact that Jimmy was able to FIX all those components! Makes a huge difference when you can fix things instead of always having to replace! Good job
I was 9 days off grid in Colo this summer, my daughter was in pure panic. She said she was calling the police the following day if she had not heard from me.
Never heard her so freaked out.
I had found this beautiful spot along a river. Was the most wonderful stay, in 28 degree nights, no internet, phone or TV.
Use those lower gears in snow and extreme mud, 1st or 2nd is best.
Whenever you go 'off road' or into the back country, it would be wise, to send your "rescue family/friends", your current location information. If there is no cell service in your location, might be wise to invest in a satellite communication radio (e.g. a Garmin InReach Mini 2 communicator; Or, a GPSMap 66i unit) If you had lost the ability to heat your van, things could get dire pretty quickly...
Exactly
I kept saying good job jimmy. This was so intense for me. I was rooting for you guys . WE made it ❤😂
I live here in Colorado, between Denver & Boulder. You guys are welcome to park at our house and stay warm during snowstorms.
Here in Arvada he got truckstop at Ward and 44th
Thanks!
Oh I’ve been waiting. Congrats newlyweds. It’s the tough times that make lasting memories
Thank you so much! You're absolutely right, these kinds of experiences are what make them extra special! 🥰
congratulations, God bless you with many years together and have a wonderful CHRISTmas!
Oh my gosh, I was on pins and needles as you drove out of your camp site. This was more than scary. You guys are such a great team. Thank goodness you had the tools and supplies to fix your problems. I was so amazed at Jimmy's knowledge of repairing the issues. Natalie, your positivity and encouragement was such a help during this stressful situation. I am so glad you made it out safely. I see showers and food stock up in your future. Love you guys.
North Carolina here, understand what you’re saying about the snow. You guys need to carry a shovel and one of those latter that extend. You guys just proved that when you traveled wether in a RV ( class A,B, C, travel trailer, fifth wheel, or van conversion) makes sends to learn how to fix electrical & other things. Safe travels!
Can you believe how much you guys have learned? As a long time follower, it was fantastic watching you guys troubleshoot then take action. A little drama handled with no drama! Congrats! ‘glad y’all are safe, warm and traveling onward.
Aw thank you so much!! 🥰 I cannot believe how much more comfortable we felt during this "emergency" than the ones we had in the bus!
Remember, when roads are muddy like that, we have to go in and out on the freeze. Early in the morning when the roads are frozen. Or late at night. Sending love and light and positive vibes from Northern Arizona 😁
Jimmy is the Mechanic. But I think Natalie is Definitely the Supervisor? Nice Teamwork! 😂
It was fun watching someone who thinks that it was snowing hard (not) and who thinks that six inches of snow is a lot. I had six inches on my car yesterday and another 6 today. Last week we got a bunch of snow. And a good storm brings 18”. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan got 60” at Tahquamenon Falls.
Just stumbled upon your video and not even 5 mins in I decided to subscribe...you guys are awesome, I love the chemistry between the two of you! Also holy crap you both are very resilient as most people in situations like this would rely on someone else to fix things for them. You guys just buckled down and did what you had to do! You guys deserve all your subscribers and more!
Same!
Why do you say “most” people would react that way? I don’t think that’s true.. at all
Yep I bought a "Mr. Heater" with six bottles of fuel. Put in my Semi, if I cannot run my Semi I can run Mr. Heater on low and survive the storm. And cook on it also.
Thanks! Interesting video, well done. Keep them coming
I absolutely adore the respect you give each other and the compliments that you give each other. You guys are such a solid team. Also I have a bunk heater diesel in my Peterbilt and periodically I have to change the filter there is a mesh screen that is in Hazel heater that needs to be looked after, as well as there's a small little plastic filter in the fuel line at the fuel pump. Glad you guys made it out. Thanks for posting, of course I've already seen what's going on because I am a Patreon member.😂❤
Aw, thanks so much Brian!! We're lucky to have you in our corner, and are so glad you're a patron!! 🥰 Hope you're doing well, and keeping warm! ❄😄
Nice video ... first time watching, thanks for sharing your travels and adventures . I'm glad you got the van items repaired .
So good Jimmy knows how to fix things. Glad you are safe. Whuu!
Even the Birds Fly South in the winter 🥶. I just got back from a week in Yuma Az beautiful weather. So I have to prepare for a January or February trip in my RV
Next time U might want to have snow shovel and other back up supplies portable heater , 18 hour hand warmer , snow chain for tires, in case u get tuck again
Exactly
Hey guys!! I love how positive you are!! Especially in stressful situations! The snow was beautiful, but I can imagine that must have been scary!! Awesome video!! I’m glad everything worked out!!
That is why you guys need small wood stove as backup to keep warm when electric power fail or have a small gas power generator. Best of luck out there….
I suggest get the gen 3 starlink. Has a snow melt feature that could be helpful in conditions like this
You guys have to remember that word. Have power When you say stuff that you don't want to happen out loud, things will happen
No they won’t, life doesn’t work that way, don’t encourage people to be spiritually paranoid it’s a yuck way to live
I can see you two smiling and giggling decades from now as you look back at these videos of your life. Really lke the way you two knit together as a power team. smiles for miles
you guys are so adorable together!. i love watching van lifers or off grid peeps in a snow storm , i find it comforting, it looks soo cozy in a van or cabin
You make a great team. The advantage of building your own rig and knowing how to repair systems is a huge advantage
Couldn't agree more!! 😄🚐
with DC to DC charging using Alternator: Two things, don't set the voltage Low cause it will kick on too early and too often, thus depriving your battery and then which deprives your alternator, burning BOTH out. 2nd: if idling DONT DO IT in WARM conditions or the Alternator which is overworking will burn its self out/MELT or something like that. Wasn't sure if you already knew all this, but I'm speaking from experience and wanted to help another save money and time!!!. Subscribed!!
a push broom would be a good investment to have onboard guys
I ran the same unit in our van and it crapped out after 2years as well. 😢 it’s was the only Renogy item in our build. Go Victron. Also, Dollar Store oven cleaner works amazing for cleaning the heater chambers. Glad you all are safe.. 😊
This is so true.
If you have snow, you have unlimited water, snow is water 😂😂
This is insanity!!! I currently have no heat. It is debilitating. I sure as heck hope you get your heat fixed before the end of this video 😮
You guys managed to do a great job. If you guys are going to camp in cold weather really should consider back up heat sources. Candles, heated blanket, small electric heater and or even a little buddy propane heater. Even though it’s not rated for indoor use it could save your life. Everything usually works out until they don’t. So be careful
This makes me wonder how many YouTubing van lifers, survivalists, and the like who "haven't posted videos in awhile" have actually met their demise. I always pray that's not the case, but good grief!!! Backup EVERYTHINGs are needed in that weather.
I love you two sooooo much and feel so grateful that you made it through all of that unscathed!!!! You handled it like rockstars!!! You
Took care of business, thought outside the box, and conquered the problems, without missing a beat!!! Soooo proud of you!!! You done good, sweet bbys!!!
And through it all, with only a moment of lil grumpies! Sometimes, we just gotta let out some of the steam!!!
Stay safe, dear ones!!!
❤🎉
That’s why you should add a fire stove to be on the safe side.. The main thing is to keep warm. there’s plenty of wood around you. All you need is a fire stove.🎉
We got insane amounts of snow where I live in the last couple of weeks, and in the next few days the temperature will go from -6 to +10 degrees celcius. Wish us luck.
Imagine not having the knowledge on how to repair those things. Scary! You both sit so well to remain positive ❤
This is the first time I've come across your videos and subscribed right away. I love how positive you both were during a trying time with the electrical problem but you sustained yourselves through humor and teamwork which made seeing you successfully get out of there a joy to watch. I'll be checking in again. Merry Christmas!
a couple years ago I would of worried about you 2 young people, bot now you are seasoned and exoerienced,,, good job have fun
Love the fact that she was trying to keep it together on the way out and encouraging him he is doing great lol but the look on her face says ahhhhhhh lol awesome vid
Sounds like the prevention we all need.😂
GLOVES....KNIT Cap might help while playing in the❄️ snow. ....Congratulations on the wedding......finally. 😉
Keep a small Mr Buddy heater and a couple of small 1 lb cans of propane for emergencies in the future
Without knowing the entire situation, I would venture to guess your connections became loose and were arcing … loose connections cause high resistance and resistance is heat. I would suggest adding to your “checklist” to check and tighten connections at least once a month since you full time travel. That’s connections to charger, bus bars if any, battery connections, etc. and as far as the snow and star link… don’t have a broom? Clean off the roof and uncover the solar panels. Starling relies on satellite obviously so like sat tv, heavy cloud cover and such can block the signal… so snow clouds definitely fall in that category
You guys did great and have w wonderful attitude. That helps for sure. Also sometimes it helps to drive a bit in the snow to get traction in muddy conditions.
Always have emergency supplies when travelling...you can get trapped for up to 2 weeks. Always camp where you can hike out
You definitely will learn from taking things for granted. Always keep learning and searching for problems other people have. Enjoy your life together..
Well congratulations on your wedding and I must say this I I have watched your channel a few times. I do enjoy it but I did want to say this. Your husband is very smart, very intelligent + I would venture to say that with his knowledge you guys could be billionaires very quickly
I'm glad you made it out okay. But I can tell your from the south. Normal day in Michigan. I live in Central Michigan. Get a shovel and a good brush. We go to work in that weather all the time. Looking forward to your next video.
And normal in Colorado
You could also use jump starter cables from the starting battery to the house batteries and your alternator will amp up to charge all the batteries but you will have to rev the engine to start with to excite the alternator
You both have an excellent presentation style. You are so easy to listen to and stay focused because you have the right interest level. Even here in New Zealand, we usually see less snow.
I'm looking forward to viewing more of your adventures.
Natalie is so supportive, what a great partner, enjoy and safe travels!
Loved your video! Well done! Jimmy driving along that muddy road reminded me so much of my late husband, Jack. He was such an excellent driver. We lived in a 24 ft trailer a couple of times over a few years when we were looking for property to buy, took it across Canada. Best get a couple of shovels to carry with you, eh? Never know when a storm will hit. Jack grew up in Oregon and I am looking forward to the video you made of Mt Rainier as Jack took me up that beautiful mountain on one of our trips. Wishing you both many happy trails together, a long and happy married life. Have subscribed so I can see more of your adventures.
Compact survival shovel should be in order as well as some BFG KO2’s all terrain tires.
That bucket and Frisbee gave me flashbacks to when I was stuck in a ditch full of snow in my front yard out in the middle of nowhere. All I had was my trusty spatula! 😂 Thank goodness for the lost person who happened down my road who had a real shovel...I would still be flipping snowflakes out there LOL.
74 degrees in Quartzsite. Stay warm. Head south.
When we first started traveling with an RV, the initial weather gear we purchased was a snow shovel. Good job on the wiring repair. Impressed with your snow removal.
Your Awesome so Awesome no wonder other youtube creators admire you GODBLESS ❤❤❤
3:25 i keep a short kitchen ladder and brush to run around and clear off panels.
Good connections are cool connections.
Warm is okay but cool os better.
Hot is naturally bad or real bad.
I had a clamp wire on my solar to battery connection.
I haven't switched out to actual terminal connections and better wires. I have everything but the actual motivation.
My setup is sufficient for current needs.
Natalie's face when they were driving was literally emoji's
Yes little funny in a way. She dye beautiful color
First time viewer also watching from good ole South Carolina and this video was such an experience..it gave everything a good movie would as Jimmy is the hero handyman🦸. Congratulations on the wedding. You gotchu a good one there girl. Look forward to seeing more videos from you two.
I lived in Colorado springs during the '90s. One year there was a big snowstorm and a young couple stayed in their car. They were in the city limits. They were dead by morning. I'm glad you guys are fine.
Your snow looks pretty wet so it cannot be that cold.❤ I am Canadian and we know what cold is. Take care and be safe and well.
Memories r being made as we speak . ❤ U Guys will never forget this . Get snowballs lol 😂 for a snowman ⛄️... Stay Warm n Safe Out There Guys . God Bless Ya'll. Love n Hugs Always From Your Friend In Michigan Tam ❤️ ♥️ 💕 💖 💓 💗 ❤️ ♥️
So impressed with your fixing skills Jimmy and that you have enough food and water. Good cuddling weather hey. Making the huge snowball was fun to see. The snow is pretty but not fun driving in it. Take care you kids.
Can you clean the solar panels? I am assuming you have an mppt controller. You should still be able to capture some power.
I'm so happy you got out. Also happy I have a Woodstove in my bus
Oh my goodness! You two literally weathered every storm. That muddy road had me holding our breath.
For any winter heat survival you need your main heat a backup like a wood burning stove and a survival candle you two are living your r dreams that is amazing congratulations
So happy to see you guys! I know how much work it takes to put together these videos! We really appreciate you. And kudos to both of you for these problem-solving skills fixing this serious problem in a snowstorm! Hugs to you both Linda and Texas.
You guys are so cute the way you deal with issues and interact. Congratulations on getting married.
I've been to North Western Colorado hunting. I went to bed with 3" of snow on the ground and got up to see 3' of snow.
And this folks, is why you are at a great advantage when you build your own van. If something breaks, at least you have a good idea how to find it and troubleshoot... Well done Jimmy. It much be easier to work so hard with such a supportive partner in crime! Congrats on your nuptials!
Jimmy The Squirrel & Natalie The Drama Queen xD
Hey, I'm from SC to. Love to hear from y'all.
Of all your videos this has to be my favorite. It really shows how you both have fine tuned your skills. Adapting to overcome adversity and still having fun doing it. It's just so enjoyable to watch. Someone needs to send content to the travel channel. ✌❤☀️
Another great adventure. Jimmy, you might have missed a romantic opportunity. After you cleaned out the heater blower and you two were exchanging comments that the heat felt like it was working, you could have said, "Nah, it's not the heat from the blower, but my heated passion for my bride." Take it from an old geezer, it would have worked.
You always have water when you have snow and ice...just bring it indoors...snow shrinks in volume ...bring in lots
Survival point...don't park in remote areas during a snowstorm, in case you freeze any part of your systems, need supplies, need fuel, etc. always have old school ways to keep warm
I feel you
I live full-time in my 2008 Ram Sprinter 2500
In Northwest Montana.
When it's cold you go into survival mode.
Fun video. And glad is was only 7 inches of snow. I hope you read all the good advice here - when you’re young you feel infallible and you feel you can fix any situation. Don’t forget with electricity etc. there’s a learning period where “you know enough to be dangerous”. You might need a little more experience for actual off-grid in an actual snow storm. :). - keep learning and working hard. You two are a delight to watch. Congrats on wedding!.
I’m from and live in Florence ,SC! Happy to find your channel. 🥰
Always have shovels when travelling in the west. Never drive down a road you would have trouble shovelling out of. Always have a luggage loo
Is jimmy Superman 😄
I enjoyed this very much. You two are so made for each other too.
You are teuly blessed to have him for a husband ~ Hes great at fixing and getting stuff done🎉.. God Bless you both!💫🌞
Love seeing your videos pop up again! Glad to see your good nature and positivity shining through!❤️
You 2 are so sweet and so kind and supportive of each other, I hope you are like that off video and keep it up thru out your marriage ❤
Jimmy definitely got a workout that week. You guys are great. One of the best things about building yourself is knowing how to fix things when they break. Nice job.