Randi's Adventures thanks for the comments. Most of us are likely part-timers, but we get out a lot and sounds like you do too. The grill works well, ours is not the mini , but still quite small. Easily big enough for 2. Wishing you all the best for the holiday season!🎄🚐
Really want to thank you for all the excellent videos and hints. We will be buying a Roadtrek ( most likely in a year, long story), now that I am retired. Your tips have inspired my wife and I to start picking out a few(?) accessories based on your inspirations! We found a nice seat back cover that not only nice deep pockets but uses a molle system to attach EMT First Aide kits and isn’t black (coyote brown)!! My wife has had years of my various black laptop bags/backpacks/cases! So every thing will eventually be handy right by the door! Will probably get a second one for various iPhone/iPad/MacBook chargers given the bottom cockpit floor power station! She loved the shower curtain privacy idea!! Since we will be traveling with our African Gray Parrot (Ira). Ira is our only grandson who loves car rides, he has already logged over 3,900 miles in multi-days trips riding shotgun! Gail found several beautiful ones with hummingbirds that should aid hear to sleep while providing a tropical background! A small 3qt Instapot will be a key kitchen appliance along with 2 rechargeable Jetpack Blendjets for smoothies! Sorry for rambling post. Thanks
Glad we can be of help! We purchased several things in advance as well, though some we never did use (few). Small is always best in a van! We would love to be able to set up a small fold down desk top somehow. A future task! Have to check out the blender you referenced...right now we often use a Magic Bullet.
Ryan Birr thanks for the comment. We have found many little things that really added to value for us... not time to show all here. Our favorite...all the Velcro options! All the best of the season!
Thanks for sharing your favorites. - the fan cover looks like a really good idea, and we bought the chairs recently on sale after seeing them around your camp in previous videos! The grill looks interesting, so thanks for showing that. Very best wishes for health , happiness and lots of excellent adventures in 2019...kisses to Precious!
Elizabeth Pankewycz thank you for your comments and Precious appreciates you noting the attention she deserves 🐱. Glad you found the chairs, we use a lot and have been pleased with them. Highly recommend the vent cover! The UCO flatpack grill worth considering too if you like to BBQ, but it also means having a small bag of briquettes along as well. Technically you could also use as a small fire pit, but we haven’t tried. We wish you all the very best for the holidays and a wonderful 2019. 🎄🎅🚐
swamp dawg thanks for the comment and we wish you a Happy New Year 🎊. We forgot to add one item...our Thermocell Mosquito Repeller. Surprised us how well it works, at least within a small radius. We just purchased another as gift.
Happy Holidays Gordon and Miki! I enjoy your casual travel style as you share your trials and adventures inside and outside the van. What has attracted me to your Chanel is your love of the outdoors and that you're not put off by what looked to be some rather strenuous all day hikes. Do you have any backpack trips on video? You live in an area of great beauty only relatively short travel times from your home. Thanks for sharing those sights with us. I'm looking forward to your 2019 travels and more beautiful video from your hikes.
John Havens thank you for your comments! Our main rationale in getting the van was to allow us to spend more time outdoors, but in a number of different locations so has worked well! We look forward to longer days on the trail, though find the comfort of a Zion much more pleasant than a tent ⛺️ (though we own a few - some places you stay are amazing). No we don’t have much in the way of video from backpacking (cameras came more as a result of setting up this channel to share our van trips), but may have a few next year. Wishing you all the best for the holidays! 🎅🚐🎄
Merry Christmas to you both (and to Precious). If you are on the West Coast, I highly recommend you check out Wya Point campground near Uclulet. Only having had an RV myself 3 months, I haven’t taken it there yet, but camped and yurted. The setting is magnificent.
Leslie Barclay thank you for your kind wishes and for highlighting Wya Point resort. It looks fantastic! We already have a spot booked at Crystal Cove near Tofino, but Wya is now on our list of campsites (or as a pet friendly lodge as well). Secluded and near the beach🌲🌊. Wishing all the very best for the holidays! 🎅🎄
We purchased a Carado Banff last Fall and will incorporate some of your ideas. I especially like the curtain to separate the cab from the rest of the camper. Where do you stow your sewage hose? Our van has a very small, lockable compartment under the driver side and I can only fit a 15 foot hose in there if I twist and snake it around. But I have to do it just right and, even with the ends capped, it's not a pleasant chore. I'd like to attach a hose carrier (such as a 5" hollow aluminum fence post) under the van but it's tough finding a good place for it. Have you done or heard of anything like this for camper vans? We're also looking forward to any updates on the Hymer financial situation, especially since we're still owed some options that were part of our package.
Thanks for the question. Our Zion has a macerator so our hose is only about 1 inch think and is always connected. Not sure if that is the same In the Banff. Stores reasonably easily in the compartment (although it is tight) next to the valves on the driver side. Different set up perhaps? If so, look at how they may store hose on a Travato, as may be similar. The curtain on the cab and the one on the side door (we only use this one only in winter) make a big difference in keeping the van warm (or at least less drafty). With Hymer now in Receivership can your dealer help with the missing options...hopefully nothing to important? Safe travels!
Great video. See you were heading to Tofino. Hope you were snuggled in during that storm we just had here on the island. Love Tofino for storm watching. We usually like February manly because its our anniversary. Merry Christmas and travel safely.
Experienced Living thank you for the comment and glad you enjoyed! Appreciate the travel advice as well...much of Tofino still without power (expected to be fixed sometime Sunday) and significant (!) snowfall today at Sutton pass all day today. We are planing on traveling tomorrow so fingers crossed ! We think Feb might be one of the best times...winter road conditions often not an issue and not too busy. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a Merry Christmas 🎄🎅🚐.
Hike'n RV just saw a video of road conditions at Kennedy Lake. Partial road wash out there. Traffic still getting by. Just thought you should be aware.
emaccomputer thank for the comment. We touched on this briefly in our initial review of the Zion, but only opening the awning ...snow on the ground so we didn’t actually use it. So a good add in for a future video. It is actually quite easy and our preference is for having the support legs attached to the Zion itself...just seems more secure, but we use both at times as having the legs on the ground is easier to walk around. Folding the legs back into the awning and locking them there is more the tricky part. Doesn’t always work as smoothly as it should.
Where's Wendy thank you and glad you found helpful! Wishing you all the very best! Today is the winter solstice so hopefully you can starting counting down the days until you have your van back on the road 🚐
Short answer is yes, quiet, a bit larger than some, but the larger blades make it quiet when it runs. Funny...the digital temp model (white) we had stopped working in the van this fall. Don’t know why, brought it home and it worked fine. Took the older Vornado (Black) we purchased first without the digital temp back to van and it works fine. Suspect the other will now too. May have simply been the tip,over switch sticking. Would recommend either..the digital is nice, but you can usually figure out where to set the other model so it turns off around the temp you like. Just takes a bit of adjustment.
We really love to see you out paddling in your inflatable kayak and wondered what kind you have and where you got it? Thanks we are considering one as well.
We most often use our Alpacka Packraft (Explorer 42 model) which we ordered online from their store. Small, light and also works well for 2 for short trips if needed. It is the blue boat. We sometimes also use a (red) Sunny from Innova, much more comfortable for 2 if a longer trip, but much heavier and larger to carry and store. We don’t believe that model is available anymore, but they have newer version. Love them both, but the Alpacka meets our needs 95% of the time. If more interested in a packraft style boat Alpacka has several models and you may also want to consider Kokopelli Packrafts as well. If using in an RV and not carrying far you can likely find a number of other inflatable brand and options to consider. We hope this helps!
Hi Gordon &Miki - as a recent Zion owner your recommendations are great. You mentioned the Fan-Tastic vent cover. Is it hard to install and does it increase road noise?
Glad you found helpful! We find the vent cover so useful. We had it installed by our dealer as we were there for something else, but it was quick (as we recall they only charged 1/2 hour). It looks simple. No increase in wind/road noise that we have noticed. Two very minor downsides; depending on your solar panel configuration and the angle of the sun it may shade a very small section behind the cover (a few inches in our case) at times and similarly that same section may get a little dirtier over time as the wind/rain doesn’t clean as well when driving. Easily dealt with.
RT should make the exhaust fan cover an option. I noticed some condensation on the windows (I know, it's normal), but I was wondering if you've noticed a difference (reduction) in condensation using the Vornado fan as opposed to the propane furnace? Nice vid and Happy Holidays!
Fly Fish agreed on the option, actually think it should be stock. Yes, with the amount of rain we had condensation expected, but we could have opened the vent or window...it was just too cold (we had only been in the van a short period of time so not very warm - and furnace fan would have challenged the audio). In theory there should be less condensation with a ceramic style heater and there likely is, but we haven’t noticed much difference. Our thermometer also measures humidity, so we could likely check. This time of year it would be high almost all the time here! Wishing you and your family the very best for the holidays! We are sure some fishing plans are in your new year!
We are RV weekenders too! Command hooks are essential and I love your grill! 👍
Randi's Adventures thanks for the comments. Most of us are likely part-timers, but we get out a lot and sounds like you do too. The grill works well, ours is not the mini , but still quite small. Easily big enough for 2. Wishing you all the best for the holiday season!🎄🚐
Really want to thank you for all the excellent videos and hints. We will be buying a Roadtrek ( most likely in a year, long story), now that I am retired. Your tips have inspired my wife and I to start picking out a few(?) accessories based on your inspirations!
We found a nice seat back cover that not only nice deep pockets but uses a molle system to attach EMT First Aide kits and isn’t black (coyote brown)!! My wife has had years of my various black laptop bags/backpacks/cases! So every thing will eventually be handy right by the door! Will probably get a second one for various iPhone/iPad/MacBook chargers given the bottom cockpit floor power station!
She loved the shower curtain privacy idea!! Since we will be traveling with our African Gray Parrot (Ira). Ira is our only grandson who loves car rides, he has already logged over 3,900 miles in multi-days trips riding shotgun! Gail found several beautiful ones with hummingbirds that should aid hear to sleep while providing a tropical background!
A small 3qt Instapot will be a key kitchen appliance along with 2 rechargeable Jetpack Blendjets for smoothies!
Sorry for rambling post. Thanks
Glad we can be of help! We purchased several things in advance as well, though some we never did use (few). Small is always best in a van! We would love to be able to set up a small fold down desk top somehow. A future task! Have to check out the blender you referenced...right now we often use a Magic Bullet.
Thanks for the video. It's nice to see what you've found to be tried and true.
Ryan Birr thanks for the comment. We have found many little things that really added to value for us... not time to show all here. Our favorite...all the Velcro options! All the best of the season!
Thanks for sharing your favorites. - the fan cover looks like a really good idea, and we bought the chairs recently on sale after seeing them around your camp in previous videos! The grill looks interesting, so thanks for showing that. Very best wishes for health , happiness and lots of excellent adventures in 2019...kisses to Precious!
Elizabeth Pankewycz thank you for your comments and Precious appreciates you noting the attention she deserves 🐱. Glad you found the chairs, we use a lot and have been pleased with them. Highly recommend the vent cover! The UCO flatpack grill worth considering too if you like to BBQ, but it also means having a small bag of briquettes along as well. Technically you could also use as a small fire pit, but we haven’t tried. We wish you all the very best for the holidays and a wonderful 2019. 🎄🎅🚐
Some great items to check out. I love to see what people come up with to make their RVs more comfortable. Happy Holidays.
swamp dawg thanks for the comment and we wish you a Happy New Year 🎊. We forgot to add one item...our Thermocell Mosquito Repeller. Surprised us how well it works, at least within a small radius. We just purchased another as gift.
Happy Holidays Gordon and Miki! I enjoy your casual travel style as you share your trials and adventures inside and outside the van. What has attracted me to your Chanel is your love of the outdoors and that you're not put off by what looked to be some rather strenuous all day hikes. Do you have any backpack trips on video? You live in an area of great beauty only relatively short travel times from your home. Thanks for sharing those sights with us. I'm looking forward to your 2019 travels and more beautiful video from your hikes.
John Havens thank you for your comments! Our main rationale in getting the van was to allow us to spend more time outdoors, but in a number of different locations so has worked well! We look forward to longer days on the trail, though find the comfort of a Zion much more pleasant than a tent ⛺️ (though we own a few - some places you stay are amazing). No we don’t have much in the way of video from backpacking (cameras came more as a result of setting up this channel to share our van trips), but may have a few next year. Wishing you all the best for the holidays! 🎅🚐🎄
Thanks for the excellent feedback!
Merry Christmas to you both (and to Precious). If you are on the West Coast, I highly recommend you check out Wya Point campground near Uclulet. Only having had an RV myself 3 months, I haven’t taken it there yet, but camped and yurted. The setting is magnificent.
Leslie Barclay thank you for your kind wishes and for highlighting Wya Point resort. It looks fantastic! We already have a spot booked at Crystal Cove near Tofino, but Wya is now on our list of campsites (or as a pet friendly lodge as well). Secluded and near the beach🌲🌊. Wishing all the very best for the holidays! 🎅🎄
We purchased a Carado Banff last Fall and will incorporate some of your ideas. I especially like the curtain to separate the cab from the rest of the camper. Where do you stow your sewage hose? Our van has a very small, lockable compartment under the driver side and I can only fit a 15 foot hose in there if I twist and snake it around. But I have to do it just right and, even with the ends capped, it's not a pleasant chore. I'd like to attach a hose carrier (such as a 5" hollow aluminum fence post) under the van but it's tough finding a good place for it. Have you done or heard of anything like this for camper vans? We're also looking forward to any updates on the Hymer financial situation, especially since we're still owed some options that were part of our package.
Thanks for the question. Our Zion has a macerator so our hose is only about 1 inch think and is always connected. Not sure if that is the same In the Banff. Stores reasonably easily in the compartment (although it is tight) next to the valves on the driver side. Different set up perhaps? If so, look at how they may store hose on a Travato, as may be similar. The curtain on the cab and the one on the side door (we only use this one only in winter) make a big difference in keeping the van warm (or at least less drafty). With Hymer now in Receivership can your dealer help with the missing options...hopefully nothing to important? Safe travels!
Great video. See you were heading to Tofino. Hope you were snuggled in during that storm we just had here on the island. Love Tofino for storm watching. We usually like February manly because its our anniversary. Merry Christmas and travel safely.
Experienced Living thank you for the comment and glad you enjoyed! Appreciate the travel advice as well...much of Tofino still without power (expected to be fixed sometime Sunday) and significant (!) snowfall today at Sutton pass all day today. We are planing on traveling tomorrow so fingers crossed ! We think Feb might be one of the best times...winter road conditions often not an issue and not too busy. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a Merry Christmas 🎄🎅🚐.
Hike'n RV just saw a video of road conditions at Kennedy Lake. Partial road wash out there. Traffic still getting by. Just thought you should be aware.
Thank You for all the Great Video's! Happy Holidays from Campbell River and be safe on your travels :)
trina williams thank you...🎄🎅🚐. Wishing you and your family all the very best over the holidays and a Happy New Year🎊🎉
Happy holidays to both of you and Precious. Thanks for all the great videos.
Marc Dsh thank you and wishing you and your family all the best as well!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you three! Looking forward to watching your 2019 adventures.
shawn kane thank you and we wish you and your family all the very best of the season as well! We are looking forward to Tofino in the winter ❄️,
Could you please demo how to open the awning and how to attach the support legs onto the Zion and onto the ground. Thank you, Daniel, California.
emaccomputer thank for the comment. We touched on this briefly in our initial review of the Zion, but only opening the awning ...snow on the ground so we didn’t actually use it. So a good add in for a future video. It is actually quite easy and our preference is for having the support legs attached to the Zion itself...just seems more secure, but we use both at times as having the legs on the ground is easier to walk around. Folding the legs back into the awning and locking them there is more the tricky part. Doesn’t always work as smoothly as it should.
Useful items, great info, thanks for sharing! Happy holidays to you also!
Where's Wendy thank you and glad you found helpful! Wishing you all the very best! Today is the winter solstice so hopefully you can starting counting down the days until you have your van back on the road 🚐
Are you still happy with your Vornado heater? Our camper heater died and we are in the market for a new one. Thank you!
Short answer is yes, quiet, a bit larger than some, but the larger blades make it quiet when it runs. Funny...the digital temp model (white) we had stopped working in the van this fall. Don’t know why, brought it home and it worked fine. Took the older Vornado (Black) we purchased first without the digital temp back to van and it works fine. Suspect the other will now too. May have simply been the tip,over switch sticking. Would recommend either..the digital is nice, but you can usually figure out where to set the other model so it turns off around the temp you like. Just takes a bit of adjustment.
Happy travels in 2019!
Wayward Waggs thank you and wishing you a wonderful 2019 as well!🚐
👍
We really love to see you out paddling in your inflatable kayak and wondered what kind you have and where you got it? Thanks we are considering one as well.
We most often use our Alpacka Packraft (Explorer 42 model) which we ordered online from their store. Small, light and also works well for 2 for short trips if needed. It is the blue boat. We sometimes also use a (red) Sunny from Innova, much more comfortable for 2 if a longer trip, but much heavier and larger to carry and store. We don’t believe that model is available anymore, but they have newer version. Love them both, but the Alpacka meets our needs 95% of the time. If more interested in a packraft style boat Alpacka has several models and you may also want to consider Kokopelli Packrafts as well. If using in an RV and not carrying far you can likely find a number of other inflatable brand and options to consider. We hope this helps!
Hi Gordon &Miki - as a recent Zion owner your recommendations are great.
You mentioned the Fan-Tastic vent cover. Is it hard to install and does it increase road noise?
Glad you found helpful! We find the vent cover so useful. We had it installed by our dealer as we were there for something else, but it was quick (as we recall they only charged 1/2 hour). It looks simple. No increase in wind/road noise that we have noticed. Two very minor downsides; depending on your solar panel configuration and the angle of the sun it may shade a very small section behind the cover (a few inches in our case) at times and similarly that same section may get a little dirtier over time as the wind/rain doesn’t clean as well when driving. Easily dealt with.
RT should make the exhaust fan cover an option. I noticed some condensation on the windows (I know, it's normal), but I was wondering if you've noticed a difference (reduction) in condensation using the Vornado fan as opposed to the propane furnace? Nice vid and Happy Holidays!
Fly Fish agreed on the option, actually think it should be stock. Yes, with the amount of rain we had condensation expected, but we could have opened the vent or window...it was just too cold (we had only been in the van a short period of time so not very warm - and furnace fan would have challenged the audio). In theory there should be less condensation with a ceramic style heater and there likely is, but we haven’t noticed much difference. Our thermometer also measures humidity, so we could likely check. This time of year it would be high almost all the time here! Wishing you and your family the very best for the holidays! We are sure some fishing plans are in your new year!
@@hikenrv Definitely fishing plans for the future, hope you have some boondocking plans for your new year;)
Great video.. thanks!
Ron Cleminson glad you enjoyed and thank you. Not our usual type of video and always welcome feedback. Wishing you all the best of the holiday season!
Love it
Kevin S thank you and glad you enjoyed! Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!🌲🚐