With as much time as you spend outdoors and being able to “talk” with 135,000 people, you have earned the right to speak about the disregard for nature. Well said!
As a boondocking nomad, I spend a larger portion of my time picking up after previous "campers". It has gotten worse in the last few years. Thank you for your meditation on harmony and chaos 💚
It's especially frustrating that they are so ignorant that they're cutting down live trees, which won't even burn decently. It doesn't normally take much walking to find downed timber that's had time to dry (if that's allowed in the area).
Wanton destruction of habitat and environment is always heartbreaking for me - I hope your desire to educate and suggest alternatives for little cost reaches the ears of those who need to adhere to this practice and encourages them to comply and let our forests survive and thrive.
If they don't want to stop at the gas station and purchase real wood, would purchasing Dura-Flame logs work? I don't know much about them but I've seen them at the store.
@@spoosieoopsie1616 it may, but also remember that having a wood burning fire produces almost the worst emissions....regardless we still have them, but limit their uses as he suggests.
@@gordon3988 Thanks, Gordon. I appreciate your help. My husband and I rarely light a fire, even if the night is cool. We don't really like the smell. Now I know why.
I love having a Campfire. For us it’s part of the experience. But I would never cut down any living tree. In the first place they don’t burn well. Secondly, the Forest belongs to the trees!! Not me!! I do pick up some dead wood for kindling. We used to bring our own wood from our yard but with the Emerald Ash Borer we have learned to buy local now when we go camping. We haven’t gone boon-docking much but hope to as we retire and travel more. Seeing the kind of destruction Slim showed on this episode will dishearten me greatly when I run across it. I hope more people learn to respect our natural environment and stop this kind of senseless destruction.
A telescope and star gazing are one good alternative to a camp fire. Another is a propane fire pit or a candle or lantern. You will not smell of smoke in your rig either. In the 2000s even the Boy Scouts started reducing the size of their camp fires. The also stated using the cured out invasive species in their camp fires.
I share your anger about the trees. It's not so much that people are malicious, but rather they are ignorant. Your video provides some needed education. Safe travels.
Agreed. I've camped all my life but never once cut down a living tree. There is always ample dead fall to gather. Green wood doesn't burn that well anyway.
Mike Scherer - They are nearly always selfish, not ignorant. "I want what I want AND I want it right now!" I want what I want and don't give fig about others!"
@@wendyweaver8749 selfish until caught, then they play the ignorant card. I too have been camping for over 40 years and rarely use a camp fire. I've also never cut down a tree, ever! Heck, at a state campground in PA, a local sold me a trunk full of wood for $5. Couldn't use it all after 2 days so I left it for the next camper.
I, personally, am so glad you spoke to the issue of telling everyone to sell everything and become a nomad! I’ve always felt it was setting some people up for drastic failure. Being a nomad is not an easy life. Like you said, it takes a lot of planning and finding out if it is truly for you. So, I’m very grateful for your addressing that. And, as far as respecting the land, I get crazy over the things people do to our parks and land in general. It makes my blood boil. Take care of yourself!! ♥️❣️🙏🏼❣️♥️
Judy A I kinda did that 11 years ago and have been full time in my T.T. for over 10 years now. My expenses are now less than half of what I had "owning" a house or as I think it was owning me and tied me down to it.
@@DB-yj3qc - I’m very happy for you. It can be a great life for folks who are prepared and suited for the nomadic life. Apparently you are. Good luck and enjoy yourself. ♥️
We full time and I totally agree. I actually think it's psychologically very stressful for most people. You must be comfortable with the fact that you are always a stranger and that you have to explore. People who need familiarity to feel safe and secure will probably lose their minds.
People are responsible for making their own decisions. If they listen to advise that is contrary to what they know is right for them, then they have only themselves to blame.
Thanks for the rant, I share your frustration...sadness. Along with cutting down live trees, there’s shotguns, litter, reckless 4x4 off trails, the list grows longer with each passing camping season.
The growing trend of hiking with bluetooth speakers cranked up annoys me. If you must disconnect your sonic experience (and please reconsider that), at least use headphones so you don’t impose your disconnect on others. For some of us, the sonic and other non-visual aspects of nature are as important as the visual one.
I was hiking up Mt. Lassen in northern CA. On the way down, but still near the top, I passed a trio of dudes coming up with a boombox blasting Led Zeppelin. I would have scolded them but they were playing Stairway to Heaven. I was honestly torn. I did talk to them about it, and they understood my position, but I had to admit it was something I might have done at their age.
Well, Slim, hit another one out of the park. I learn something every video. This time I was reminded of the need to live in harmony with nature and the environment around you. Thank you so much. I think it's time to rewatch all your nature videos.
Yes yes yes! Preserve our beautiful wild areas! “Leave no trace! “….Leave it better than you found it” are not just slogans… it’s a way of life. Nature is God!
I just picked up an enclosed cargo trailer. It is a 5’X8’ with 52” of interior height. The roof on this cargo trailer lines up perfectly with the roof on our tow vehicle, a 2019 VW Atlas with the 2.0L 4 cylinder. Traveling at 60 mph netted 26 mpg, 65 mph gave 24 mpg, and at 70 mph it ended up at 22 mpg. So speed AND aerodynamics are what really effect fuel economy the most.
Don’t be sorry about the trees, it would piss me off as well! My neighbor here in Maine had to shut access off to a nice scenic water area because of the garbage and actual human poop everywhere. It only takes a few to ruin it for others!
It’s all because of poor parenting and the me culture. They spend their lives preaching about saving the planet, yet can’t look after their local parks and beaches.
“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.” ~ Saint Francis de Sales
Vandals in the wild has always been happening. Just been a lot more people out there then usual. The education system can only teach people so much, the entitlement and lack of respect is some thing the parents failed at.
Any idea where the term vandalism came from? It's from a group of people from the 5th and 6th century. Parenting has always been good and bad, as have people, regardless of their parenting.
@@veganpotterthevegan my point is, not since the modern era at least has there been an unapologetic wave of entitlement and disrespect. It's last 15 to 20 years i have seen in my lifetime the change in morality and cooperation towards any common good...just entitlement and disrespect. Blame who ever you want but it's happening.
@@Fingerprintguy You made me chuckle. Kids want axes and saws to play in the woods. They need supervision and direction. Adults with electric saws also need direction. Please leave the camp ground until you grow up! Think one hundred years.
As kids we were taught by our parents to "Take only pictures, leave only footprints". I've tried to live by that in all aspects of my life. Try in nature to be a low impact human being.
20:00 I think those things have to be said Slim! You are out there, you can see things that are happening better than any video will ever show. I am here for the good, the bad and the ugly. If I ever get a chance to go there, i would like to see it the way nature intended me to see it. Thanks Slim, keep up the eyes on the ground!
Rant on! I didn't think I could love your videos and you even more. To live in harmony with nature is a spiritual thing and to destroy it is disrespectful. Thank you for inspiring us that enjoy it!
I am also angered by people behaving in a stupid way in our beautiful forests! Selfish, short-sighted people ruin campsites. I don’t know a good solution but, meanwhile I hope wild places stay wild as long as possible.
The deer were looking at you and saying “ oh look, that’s the guy that got stuck in the mud but didn’t loose his temper and just figured a way out of it, he’s a good guy”!,
OMG almost crying with your last scenes.. so angry like you when you showed the devastation...do not understand those who do not see, hear and appreciate nature.. just the flutter of birds wings outside my bedroom window tells me it's going to be a great day. Keep up the good work Slim... you are so valuable and wise.. maybe help convert some that don't see, hear or smell nature... your anger was so palpable but also so honest and understood....thank you for all you do... from a true southern gal...
I wish all vanlife videographers would stress leaving a place as they find it. Thanks for actually showing how ignorant people camp out in out precious forests. We need more reminders to people like this. You’re awesome Slim!
We were always taught to leave it better, wilder, than we found it. It was a real bummer to disassemble 8 fire rings at an elevation above 10,000', in one day,on the JMT part of the PCT. Don't get me started on the other trash I packed out.
Thank you for your comments. Agree with you completely! I was taught how to camp from campers I met on the trail. They all had a deep respect and love for the outdoors. Slogan was leave only your footprints and leave as few of those as you can. Rules for open fires were keep them small, use only deadwood on the ground and never carry wood from one area to another. Appalled anyone would cut down trees. Know that you are probably "preaching to the choir" on your website, but still good to hear.
I could join you in the rant. Here in Minnesota we had people cutting down trees so they could have a better view. Or dumping their black water tanks in the ditches. Not taking their trash out of the Boundry Waters and I too could go on. Another great video, keep speaking up for the trees, we all need too and they thank you.
Slim, get one of those weird scoop things for the vehicle and cut that wind over the trailer. Don't worry about the rant. I completely agree. I don't think people are educated enough in the subject to realize that they are actually hurting the environment.
i agree to a point, and would add the entitlement is on the rise. what are we ready to do to stop it? raise better humans, enforce the laws, etc. I worked in the Rockies National Parks and the authorities refused to address issues if the perpetrators had a rental license plate.. its all about money
Thanks for another great video Slim. Sadly, many people don’t understand or care about the outdoor beauty given to us to enjoy. You make a great point about spending a few bucks and buying firewood at a gas station or convenience store.
Gas prices would only do so much to slow people down I have noticed. The carrot or the stick don't seem to have an effect on behavior behind the wheel. Time is money and the pressure is on so that everything and everyone can get there yesterday.
@@wendyweaver8749 Indiana State Parks ask that dead wood be left to decompose. Dry firewood is usually sold in the parks and most days/convenient stores
I think I’ve become addicted to your videos. This was a very special one. I join you in your love of nature and angst about the disrespect and destruction of the gifts from Mother Nature. Keep on traveling and staying true to your observations and messages to us.
I agree slim! I was brought up to take care of nature because it takes care of you, my father Taught us to only ever use already fallen dead trees and to also never leave any trace we were ever there, to leave it better than when we found it.
Slim - we have enjoyed your videos so much the past few years. In fact we have watched all of them from start to finish a couple of time now. In this video, you are talking about things that inspire you. You have inspired us so much, that we started our own channel. Thanks for all of beautiful nature shots and thoughtful comments thru the past few years. We truly appreciate it.
I had a fellow science teacher that did an experiment where he wouldn’t go beyond 3000 rpms when taking off and to accelerate and it definitely made for better gas mileage - although he was probably pretty slow and annoying to be behind if you were in a hurry... then again isn’t that the point of this video to find that ‘harmony’?
A good 70% of aerodynamic drag comes from the low preasure wake behind the vehicle. Improving air flow at the front will NEVER have the same effect as reducing turbulence off the rear of the trailer. A 0.5m cut of boat tail/kamback off the rear will have the largest impact on aerodynamic drag, with little weight or asthetic penaltie. I can run some air flow simulations if you would like
Stacy, What are air foils usually made of? What gauge aluminum plate? I would guess the angle of deflection would be slightly greater than that required to draw straight line from top of vehicle to top of trailer. Typically how tall must the air foil be to get air mass to travel over the trailer (instead of getting trapped between vehicle and trailer).?
Just to add to my last comment, I have 6 gears, I use 5th when towing, at about 2000rpm at about 60mph, seems to be the sweet spot, I drive not by mph but by managing rpms as best as possible, I'm retired and do not care how long it takes to get somewhere as long as I don't travel in the dark.
The abundance and popularity of UA-cam videos promoting “woodcraft” camping is no doubt contributing to the destruction of campsites and the environment. I appreciate your “light touch” approach.
Thank you for another insightful and entertaining video, Slim. I don't know what bothers me more, people poop or people burning pallets that leave nails everywhere. I decided years ago that I will never have another campfire and I seldom camp where people frequent.
I consider myself a slow driver. I normally try and keep it at least 5-10 miles under the speed limit. Slower in low traffic areas. Driving too slow can be almost as dangerous as driving too fast, so I try and almost match general traffic. My gas mileage varies from around 10.5 to 14.5 depending on conditions.
I appreciate that rant. Am hopeful that maybe some of the bushcraft videos would stress more that you just can't go into the wilds and start hacking away. The past year on Vancouver Island has been disheartening. The sheer amount of toilet paper on paths and sides of roads is shocking.
The sad thing is there are so many dead trees and branches if you aren't too lazy to go pic them up! Thanks for respecting the land! Love your videos :)
Problem here in Britain too sadly. I've been a wildcamper over 30 years and have never seen the wanton destruction of woodland that I have seen in the last 2 years. It makes your blood boil.
Nice to see you back in your natural habitat, SP! There is no excuse for ruining a camping spot by cutting down living trees for a campfire. There are tons of entrepreneurs selling bundles of dry firewood for $10 a bundle all over the place in our area.
Thanks Slim, well said and coincidentally we were just having a similar conversation while camping. One tip, consider buying the Gotread traction device, much more effective, fold very small and you can use them as leveling blocks if needed. With shipping however will cost you close to $180 CDN (perhaps less as the CDN dollar has strengthened recently).
Nice video and nice to see you back ! Something about your videos and the way you conduct and edit your videos is soothing to the sole and draws you back for more:) keep it up I’m really looking forward to your next camping season
Leaving the campsite as you found it or better (packing out not only your own trash but any trash others have left behind as well), is the golden rule of camping.
Elaine and Martin, leaving a campsite "better" is open for interpretation, and for those who have no common sense, it means "re-decorate" it. A more accurate golden rule should be "leave it natural" or "leave it wild". Thanks! SP
Thank you Slim for your rant about fools destroying our land it sickens me and makes me sad, I love nature and just love to sit and listen to the sounds of the forest it calms me
I just have to say, I love your channel, the fact that you aren't pushing anything, so many travelers think you need to take to the road 24/7 all year every year and if you do anything else you're doing it all wrong and you're a sham or a fake, I like to travel for my own reasons, as do you, as does everyone.
I think the flat bottom skiff on the jeep roof idea looks good. Maybe even with a small fairing to close the gap with the roof, and having a small boat opens up new exploration opportunities. As you no doubt know, moving through air is a big limiting factor at 60 mph.
In almost every forest I have entered there is always substantial dead fall available for firewood. There is no need to cut live trees for firewood. I have come to the conclusion that the age of a large campfire is past for several ecological reasons. The most prominent of these being wildfire prevention. If a campfire is absolutely necessary there are several very good high tech airflow technology twig burners that produce a substantial fire from a handful of small dry twigs.
I have a small rocket stove I purchased to have mini, efficient "campfires" on my travels. I can set a pan on the top of it and cook a meal or heat water while still getting the enjoyment of watching the flames through the bottom opening. To make it even safer to use, I set a large rectangle ceramic tile underneath the whole set up so, any embers that escape don't come in contact with the ground. This rocket stove uses only small branches or split wood no bigger around than your thumb!
Sorry to say man, but you're not supposed to pick up dead fall for firewood. The whole 'Leave No Trace' slogan actually means...leave no trace, not just pick up your trash...but leave it all exactly like you found it. Lots of critters need that dead fall to live. Want a fire, purchase some from the forestry station that's been responsibly sourced.
@@luchaDor it's a slogan, not a rule. To be precise National Forest in the US offer permits for harvesting deadfall as firewood for personal use. There are specific rules that must be followed. But harvesting deadfall helps limit the amount dry fuel for wildfires.
Sorry Bo Dean, but I am with @dorelse on this one. It is NOT the responsibility of campers to clear deadfall. The "limits the amount of dry fuel for wildfires" excuse is bogus as it is the campfires themselves that are the root cause of many forest fires. Leave the trees as you found them is just as essential to the "leave no trace" concept. Control your urge to set trees on fire every night and the forest will do fine. Thanks! SP
@@SlimPotatohead here in the US they have started clearing all debris in a huge take away pile and have encouraged campers in some places to use the wood for free. The reason being is that someone said the fires out of control was from " poor forest management" I agree with your point that many places trees depend on ground cover for nutrients and animal cover. The animals in turn help fertilize too. Some camp areas have left the wood where it was and allow campers to go pick up their own so there is no consistency in rules. Some you must stay on trails so as to not disturb some of the wild areas where plants would be damaged from foot traffic and again others you can pretty much go where you want but can't even have a camp fire. This frustrates the heck out of many who may find yet another rule or lack there of.. it used to be different when we used to go camping when younger you were supposed to leave the greenery alone. Don't pick, carve or otherwise damage a tree just to try out your shiny new ax or hand tool. Camp fires were for cooking or stay warm.
Oddly enough, people that live in cities have a lower carbon footprint. Shared walls, close access to infrastructure have a huge effect on reducing emissions.
@Veganpotter Thevegan, sorry but where are you getting that data from and what are you comparing? I certainly know that my energy consumption (carbon footprint) is extremely low while travelling and living in a camper versus that huge energy bills I had in a city house. Please state your source. Thanks! SP
@@SlimPotatohead Living in a camper is a different story, especially since you're not driving a diesel. I'm mostly referring to those that live in single family homes, but play outside a lot. But still, the lowest carbon footprints come from people living in apartments and condos in cities. And where many don't even know how to drive a car.
About wind resistance, there is a product called Airtab that you can install on the back of the trailer to reduce the drag. I always wondered if the effect was real or not. Slim would be the best tester to provide an unbiased review of these!
I've been curious about them too. I saw a video of an RVer putting them on her Class C. But I don't think she ever gave a follow up about the performance.
I've been curious about those too but hesitated to mention them because I figured they wouldn't work on a rounded camper like his. They seem intended for square-ish rear edges. Maybe on the Jeep?
It’s so good to see you back in the woods. Thank you for bringing us a few minutes of bliss - and a reminder of why we go camping.....it’s the trees, the water, the Earth.
Wind is everything while towing, I have a nice f150 with towing package with 24 foot TT. Way under its capabilities. My mileage towing with no wind at 60mph is around 13mpg. Get a headwind and it drops to 8 or 9mpg. I have got 16 mpg with a tailwind. The weight of the trailer only has a minor effect until you are in the mountains.
I was car designer so I know a bit about aero. It's not so much the head wind hitting front of the trailer but the drag at the rear. Rounded edge on the back of your trailer causes incredible amount of drag. It's literally pulling you back. Modern aerodynamic cars have sharp edge on rear. You can see that on sports cars like Corvette rearend or fuel efficient cars like Honda Fit. Not sure what can be done to fix it however.
Every one of the RV / Camping vlogs that I see is saying the same thing. Thanks for bringing this up Slim. Somehow we need to improve how folks interact with nature - everywhere.
Thank God Slim Potatohead is back in town camping again. Next time Slim call me first so I can post your bail money to get you making travel videos again. Your stuck in the mud video today was priceless. And no mud was even harmed in the making of this video. Cheers from Northern California Slim, we missed your postings as the lockdown stays in place for all who can’t afford $50.00 a gallon in gas. Now I get 90 miles per gallon. Your still the UA-cam TOP GUN so rant all you want, the trees are listening to your voice. Watch out for those trees who are taking notes. They may no be so loyal to the cause.
Agree 100% with your rant. And sadly here in the U.S., several states are closing down some boondocking land due to more and more people trashing those areas. 😏
My advice: Forget about wind resistance and focus on the weight. The difference in milage with the trailer vs without is almost entirely the additional fuel that your engine requires to pull the extra weight of the trailer. I know that in the past people have paid a lot of lip service to wind resistance but the effect on your size /configuration setup is really negligible. ie: if you removed your trailer and loaded 1800lb of lead bars into the back of your jeep and somehow factored back in the rolling resistance of the trailer, you would get virtually the same milage as you do with the trailer. Our intuition doesnt serve us well in this area, its like driving across town to buy gas that is 2 cents per gallon cheaper. It seems like a good idea, until you actually do the math. Thanks for taking us along on your adventures, cheers!
@@bruisercruiserproductions228 Im not saying that wind resistance doesnt exist, Im saying that it has a negligible effect on fuel milage on this size vehicle, at the speeds I assume its going (under 70 mph?). Even if you could cut the trailer's wind resistance in half, (which you cant), you might pick up 1-2 MPG. The best you could hope to do is reduce it by 8-10% and maybe gain .2-.4 MPG. Thats roughly $14 per 1000mi savings. So youre going to spend 3 or4 hundred on some wind deflectors that would probably never pay for themselves. You could get better results by losing a couple hundred pounds from your overall weight and extend the life of the vehicle and trailer at the same time. Also if you read carefully, you will see that I said you would need to factor back in rolling resistance, (as it does have an effect).
Slim this may have been your best video ever. Your content is always good but your observations on preserving the earth / living in harmony really resonated and are a much needed message.
I have the same tires on my truck. I rotate them every 5k miles. I have 12k miles on them thus far. They still look like new tread wise. This is my 4th set of BF Goodrich tires. I have absolutely zero complaints. Safe travels to you.
There's a group called ecomodder where the members know a lot about improving MPG and aerodynamics . From what I read the "worst" drag component is the the rear of your trailer. Next would probably be the trailer front, as well as the Jeep front, of course. A roof top deflector will not help enough to justify the expense. Why that is true is because of the distance from the back of the Jeep to the front of the trailer. If you could completely fill this space it would definitely help, but turning would be something you will miss. Tongue in cheek. Those tires have hurt your MPG a little, I am sure. The biggest improvement is to left your right foot more... slower speeds. But, checkout Ecomodder and maybe see if there is more you can do. I suspect that most changes are not economically feasible. Saying all that.. I am surprised that the Jeep does that poorly. I pull a 23' Airstream with a Ford F150 Ecoboost and it gets typically 22-25 solo and 13-14 towing and fully loaded.
Sadly it is universal. In Australia the same thing happens. I’m with you. Limit the fires to necessity rather than luxury. Or keep it to a small fire…there’s nothing wrong with that if it is done with a conscious thought for sustainability. It’s the excessive bonfires that get under my skin. Good work Slim. Your message will get to many and if it changes the habits of just one person for the better… it’s a gain.
My thoughts exactly, I'd dump 20+ psi out of the tyres as they sound very hard on the road. Mind you, he might only have a foot pump, you never know! :)
Dear Slim I am so in tune with what you say. Everyday we pick up litter on our morning litter walk. I have stopped getting mad as it destroys me inside rather I see it as a service to my community in the UK. I would love to meet you in person but that will never happen so just to say thank you for your encouraging videos.
I completely agree with you about protecting the land, living in harmony with it. I never do campfires, I don't like the smell, or the risk that a spark will get away and touch off a fire somewhere. I love being in nature, and don't need a fire. I take out anything I bring in and practice leave no trace. Including taking out trash if someone else has left it there. And I love thunderstorms while out camping, and yeah, falling asleep to the sound of the rain on the roof is awesome!!! Thanks for all your videos, one of these days when the border opens again I plan on coming up and exploring your province for a while. So much beauty up there!!!
Being from southern Alberta myself, and camping in the area you do (I recognised the mountain) I feel your pain regarding the destruction. I usually go out for a week at a time, and spend a good portion of that time cleaning. I rescue the trees and cut off all those ropes, pick up the green canisters, toilet paper, spent shells, etc. Peace.
Thank you for being a voice for the trees slim. I have seen this as well and it breaks my heart. I'd like to think that some just don't know any better, so perhaps bringing it to light can help educate and create change. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
With as much time as you spend outdoors and being able to “talk” with 135,000 people, you have earned the right to speak about the disregard for nature. Well said!
Yay! Mr. Potatohead is back! Welcome back Slim! 👍 😎
As a boondocking nomad, I spend a larger portion of my time picking up after previous "campers". It has gotten worse in the last few years. Thank you for your meditation on harmony and chaos 💚
What a great way to start the day, With a Slim Potatohead video!!
Bullterrier 💓
I can feel your anger. I find it hard to believe that some people are so ignorant and cut down trees in a park.
Seems like it’s people that are ignorant of forestry norms
It's especially frustrating that they are so ignorant that they're cutting down live trees, which won't even burn decently. It doesn't normally take much walking to find downed timber that's had time to dry (if that's allowed in the area).
Wanton destruction of habitat and environment is always heartbreaking for me - I hope your desire to educate and suggest alternatives for little cost reaches the ears of those who need to adhere to this practice and encourages them to comply and let our forests survive and thrive.
If they don't want to stop at the gas station and purchase real wood, would purchasing Dura-Flame logs work? I don't know much about them but I've seen them at the store.
@@spoosieoopsie1616 it may, but also remember that having a wood burning fire produces almost the worst emissions....regardless we still have them, but limit their uses as he suggests.
@@gordon3988 Thanks, Gordon. I appreciate your help. My husband and I rarely light a fire, even if the night is cool. We don't really like the smell. Now I know why.
I love having a Campfire. For us it’s part of the experience. But I would never cut down any living tree. In the first place they don’t burn well. Secondly, the Forest belongs to the trees!! Not me!! I do pick up some dead wood for kindling. We used to bring our own wood from our yard but with the Emerald Ash Borer we have learned to buy local now when we go camping. We haven’t gone boon-docking much but hope to as we retire and travel more. Seeing the kind of destruction Slim showed on this episode will dishearten me greatly when I run across it. I hope more people learn to respect our natural environment and stop this kind of senseless destruction.
A telescope and star gazing are one good alternative to a camp fire. Another is a propane fire pit or a candle or lantern. You will not smell of smoke in your rig either. In the 2000s even the Boy Scouts started reducing the size of their camp fires. The also stated using the cured out invasive species in their camp fires.
I share your anger about the trees. It's not so much that people are malicious, but rather they are ignorant. Your video provides some needed education. Safe travels.
Agreed. I've camped all my life but never once cut down a living tree. There is always ample dead fall to gather. Green wood doesn't burn that well anyway.
Mike Scherer - They are nearly always selfish, not ignorant. "I want what I want AND I want it right now!" I want what I want and don't give fig about others!"
@@wendyweaver8749 So true!
Most of these people aren't ignorant. They know what they're doing, they simply don't care
@@wendyweaver8749 selfish until caught, then they play the ignorant card. I too have been camping for over 40 years and rarely use a camp fire. I've also never cut down a tree, ever! Heck, at a state campground in PA, a local sold me a trunk full of wood for $5. Couldn't use it all after 2 days so I left it for the next camper.
I, personally, am so glad you spoke to the issue of telling everyone to sell everything and become a nomad! I’ve always felt it was setting some people up for drastic failure. Being a nomad is not an easy life. Like you said, it takes a lot of planning and finding out if it is truly for you. So, I’m very grateful for your addressing that.
And, as far as respecting the land, I get crazy over the things people do to our parks and land in general. It makes my blood boil.
Take care of yourself!! ♥️❣️🙏🏼❣️♥️
Judy A
I kinda did that 11 years ago and have been full time in my T.T. for over 10 years now. My expenses are now less than half of what I had "owning" a house or as I think it was owning me and tied me down to it.
@@DB-yj3qc - I’m very happy for you. It can be a great life for folks who are prepared and suited for the nomadic life. Apparently you are. Good luck and enjoy yourself. ♥️
We full time and I totally agree. I actually think it's psychologically very stressful for most people. You must be comfortable with the fact that you are always a stranger and that you have to explore. People who need familiarity to feel safe and secure will probably lose their minds.
People are responsible for making their own decisions. If they listen to advise that is contrary to what they know is right for them, then they have only themselves to blame.
Thanks for the rant Slim! It needs to be sent more often!
Thanks for the rant, I share your frustration...sadness. Along with cutting down live trees, there’s shotguns, litter, reckless 4x4 off trails, the list grows longer with each passing camping season.
The growing trend of hiking with bluetooth speakers cranked up annoys me. If you must disconnect your sonic experience (and please reconsider that), at least use headphones so you don’t impose your disconnect on others. For some of us, the sonic and other non-visual aspects of nature are as important as the visual one.
I was hiking up Mt. Lassen in northern CA. On the way down, but still near the top, I passed a trio of dudes coming up with a boombox blasting Led Zeppelin. I would have scolded them but they were playing Stairway to Heaven. I was honestly torn. I did talk to them about it, and they understood my position, but I had to admit it was something I might have done at their age.
@@waltermeerschaert Cougars love Stairway To Heaven. After they hear that song, they get mighty hungry.
@Lou Louis Sad. That lack of consideration - utter selfishness.
Well, Slim, hit another one out of the park. I learn something every video. This time I was reminded of the need to live in harmony with nature and the environment around you. Thank you so much. I think it's time to rewatch all your nature videos.
Yes yes yes! Preserve our beautiful wild areas! “Leave no trace! “….Leave it better than you found it” are not just slogans… it’s a way of life.
Nature is God!
I just picked up an enclosed cargo trailer. It is a 5’X8’ with 52” of interior height. The roof on this cargo trailer lines up perfectly with the roof on our tow vehicle, a 2019 VW Atlas with the 2.0L 4 cylinder. Traveling at 60 mph netted 26 mpg, 65 mph gave 24 mpg, and at 70 mph it ended up at 22 mpg. So speed AND aerodynamics are what really effect fuel economy the most.
That Atlas is a very well designed & engineered vehicle.
Don't forget that the German engines are very efficient compared to many other makes.
Don’t be sorry about the trees, it would piss me off as well! My neighbor here in Maine had to shut access off to a nice scenic water area because of the garbage and actual human poop everywhere. It only takes a few to ruin it for others!
It’s all because of poor parenting and the me culture. They spend their lives preaching about saving the planet, yet can’t look after their local parks and beaches.
Garbage in nature is probably the most disheartening thing I encounter...especially when there's a garbage can nearby.
@@Chequr_Prostate Why do you people always blame bad parenting? Terrible people have always existed, regardless of their upbringing.
@@veganpotterthevegan
It might have always been the upbringing.
“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.” ~ Saint Francis de Sales
This gentleman has a solution for everything (if not most things) it’s pretty impressive.
LOL, he was so proud of his silverware drawer fix. Way to McGuyver it Slim!
Vandals in the wild has always been happening. Just been a lot more people out there then usual. The education system can only teach people so much, the entitlement and lack of respect is some thing the parents failed at.
Any idea where the term vandalism came from? It's from a group of people from the 5th and 6th century. Parenting has always been good and bad, as have people, regardless of their parenting.
@@veganpotterthevegan my point is, not since the modern era at least has there been an unapologetic wave of entitlement and disrespect. It's last 15 to 20 years i have seen in my lifetime the change in morality and cooperation towards any common good...just entitlement and disrespect. Blame who ever you want but it's happening.
Too bad trees cannot fight back. They're all bark, no bite. 😉
@@Fingerprintguy
You made me chuckle. Kids want axes and saws to play in the woods. They need supervision and direction. Adults with electric saws also need direction. Please leave the camp ground until you grow up! Think one hundred years.
As kids we were taught by our parents to "Take only pictures, leave only footprints". I've tried to live by that in all aspects of my life. Try in nature to be a low impact human being.
Grant, exactly -- you and I must have been raised by parents that thought alike; thank you!
Perfectly said....
20:00 I think those things have to be said Slim! You are out there, you can see things that are happening better than any video will ever show. I am here for the good, the bad and the ugly. If I ever get a chance to go there, i would like to see it the way nature intended me to see it. Thanks Slim, keep up the eyes on the ground!
Rant on! I didn't think I could love your videos and you even more. To live in harmony with nature is a spiritual thing and to destroy it is disrespectful. Thank you for inspiring us that enjoy it!
I am also angered by people behaving in a stupid way in our beautiful forests! Selfish, short-sighted people ruin campsites. I don’t know a good solution but, meanwhile I hope wild places stay wild as long as possible.
The deer were looking at you and saying “ oh look, that’s the guy that got stuck in the mud but didn’t loose his temper and just figured a way out of it, he’s a good guy”!,
OMG almost crying with your last scenes.. so angry like you when you showed the devastation...do not understand those who do not see, hear and appreciate nature.. just the flutter of birds wings outside my bedroom window tells me it's going to be a great day. Keep up the good work Slim... you are so valuable and wise.. maybe help convert some that don't see, hear or smell nature... your anger was so palpable but also so honest and understood....thank you for all you do... from a true southern gal...
I wish all vanlife videographers would stress leaving a place as they find it. Thanks for actually showing how ignorant people camp out in out precious forests. We need more reminders to people like this. You’re awesome Slim!
We were always taught to leave it better, wilder, than we found it. It was a real bummer to disassemble 8 fire rings at an elevation above 10,000', in one day,on the JMT part of the PCT. Don't get me started on the other trash I packed out.
Thank you for your comments. Agree with you completely! I was taught how to camp from campers I met on the trail. They all had a deep respect and love for the outdoors. Slogan was leave only your footprints and leave as few of those as you can. Rules for open fires were keep them small, use only deadwood on the ground and never carry wood from one area to another. Appalled anyone would cut down trees. Know that you are probably "preaching to the choir" on your website, but still good to hear.
Mount a Aluminum wind deflector on your roof rails at the rear [ a spoiler ] they use to be fairly common to see in the past.
I could join you in the rant. Here in Minnesota we had people cutting down trees so they could have a better view. Or dumping their black water tanks in the ditches. Not taking their trash out of the Boundry Waters and I too could go on. Another great video, keep speaking up for the trees, we all need too and they thank you.
Slim, get one of those weird scoop things for the vehicle and cut that wind over the trailer. Don't worry about the rant. I completely agree. I don't think people are educated enough in the subject to realize that they are actually hurting the environment.
danmanx2 - Unfortunately, the forest vandals do not care about the effect of their actions. They want what they want, and want it now!
i agree to a point, and would add the entitlement is on the rise. what are we ready to do to stop it? raise better humans, enforce the laws, etc. I worked in the Rockies National Parks and the authorities refused to address issues if the perpetrators had a rental license plate.. its all about money
Good Morning, Slim. Keep living the dream. Your adventures inspire me to keep working towards mine. Happy trails.
I so much appreciate the thought you put into these useful inspiring videos. So glad to have you camping again.Thanks Slim!!
Oh yes! So good to see you Slim, you just made my day!
Thanks for another great video Slim. Sadly, many people don’t understand or care about the outdoor beauty given to us to enjoy. You make a great point about spending a few bucks and buying firewood at a gas station or convenience store.
By far the best way to improve gas mileage is to go as light as you can on the gas pedal...Slow down people! 😊👍🎉🎉🎉
Drag is proportional to the SQUARE of velocity.
@@waltermeerschaert That’s really cool dog....
Gas prices would only do so much to slow people down I have noticed. The carrot or the stick don't seem to have an effect on behavior behind the wheel. Time is money and the pressure is on so that everything and everyone can get there yesterday.
Oh, btw campers who cut the trees, green wood does not burn well!
SRPerk - "I don't want to take the time or make the effort to search for deadwood! I want a fire NOW!" Selfishness run amok.
@@wendyweaver8749 Indiana State Parks ask that dead wood be left to decompose. Dry firewood is usually sold in the parks and most days/convenient stores
I think I’ve become addicted to your videos. This was a very special one. I join you in your love of nature and angst about the disrespect and destruction of the gifts from Mother Nature. Keep on traveling and staying true to your observations and messages to us.
Thanks once again for your insight. Your anger is also mine. Needless distruction. Namaste Jay
I agree slim! I was brought up to take care of nature because it takes care of you, my father Taught us to only ever use already fallen dead trees and to also never leave any trace we were ever there, to leave it better than when we found it.
Always enjoy your side of the story and message... it’s original-it’s you man!!
Slim - we have enjoyed your videos so much the past few years. In fact we have watched all of them from start to finish a couple of time now. In this video, you are talking about things that inspire you. You have inspired us so much, that we started our own channel. Thanks for all of beautiful nature shots and thoughtful comments thru the past few years. We truly appreciate it.
Great concept to cover...harmony in nature and with nature. Nice job!
"Jack-rabbit" starts and hard braking can increase fuel consumption by 40 percent but reduce travel time by only 4 percent.
Good to know!
I had a fellow science teacher that did an experiment where he wouldn’t go beyond 3000 rpms when taking off and to accelerate and it definitely made for better gas mileage - although he was probably pretty slow and annoying to be behind if you were in a hurry... then again isn’t that the point of this video to find that ‘harmony’?
A good 70% of aerodynamic drag comes from the low preasure wake behind the vehicle.
Improving air flow at the front will NEVER have the same effect as reducing turbulence off the rear of the trailer.
A 0.5m cut of boat tail/kamback off the rear will have the largest impact on aerodynamic drag, with little weight or asthetic penaltie.
I can run some air flow simulations if you would like
Stacy, What are air foils usually made of? What gauge aluminum plate? I would guess the angle of deflection would be slightly greater than that required to draw straight line from top of vehicle to top of trailer. Typically how tall must the air foil be to get air mass to travel over the trailer (instead of getting trapped between vehicle and trailer).?
Just to add to my last comment, I have 6 gears, I use 5th when towing, at about 2000rpm at about 60mph, seems to be the sweet spot, I drive not by mph but by managing rpms as best as possible, I'm retired and do not care how long it takes to get somewhere as long as I don't travel in the dark.
Enjoyed your video- I feel like I’m visiting a good friend! You’re a soothing, kind and intelligent human being. Please keep your videos coming!
The abundance and popularity of UA-cam videos promoting “woodcraft” camping is no doubt contributing to the destruction of campsites and the environment. I appreciate your “light touch” approach.
Thank you for another insightful and entertaining video, Slim. I don't know what bothers me more, people poop or people burning pallets that leave nails everywhere. I decided years ago that I will never have another campfire and I seldom camp where people frequent.
Driving slower will improve gas mileage, wind resistance increases proportionally to the square of the speed.
as a former trucker, i agree 100%.
I agree too, we did a 12,000 mile trip, and had a 2000lb loaded trailer, with a 4cyl SUV and we averaged 17 miles to the gallon.
I consider myself a slow driver. I normally try and keep it at least 5-10 miles under the speed limit. Slower in low traffic areas. Driving too slow can be almost as dangerous as driving too fast, so I try and almost match general traffic. My gas mileage varies from around 10.5 to 14.5 depending on conditions.
@@shmack-dab-in-da-middle3960 My Dad did that. The Police stopped him and told him he was causing a tailback and to go at the normal speed.
My last campsite had 9 fire rings where the ground was scorched by building fires above ground. And I carried a mound of trash out of the site.
Well, you made me cry...but you also made me smile. Love your videos, Slim.
I appreciate that rant. Am hopeful that maybe some of the bushcraft videos would stress more that you just can't go into the wilds and start hacking away. The past year on Vancouver Island has been disheartening. The sheer amount of toilet paper on paths and sides of roads is shocking.
The sad thing is there are so many dead trees and branches if you aren't too lazy to go pic them up! Thanks for respecting the land! Love your videos :)
Wasnt expectn a video today slim. But damn im glad to see ya
People not looking after campgrounds is a global problem it seems. I'd love to know why people think doing stuff like this is acceptable.
Its a big problem here in Australia too. The indigenous people here are campaigning to close of national parks.
Problem here in Britain too sadly. I've been a wildcamper over 30 years and have never seen the wanton destruction of woodland that I have seen in the last 2 years. It makes your blood boil.
Good grief. You should be angry. How could people be so irresponsible? Thank you for speaking up, Slim. Save the trees.
Nice to see you back in your natural habitat, SP! There is no excuse for ruining a camping spot by cutting down living trees for a campfire. There are tons of entrepreneurs selling bundles of dry firewood for $10 a bundle all over the place in our area.
Thanks Slim, well said and coincidentally we were just having a similar conversation while camping. One tip, consider buying the Gotread traction device, much more effective, fold very small and you can use them as leveling blocks if needed. With shipping however will cost you close to $180 CDN (perhaps less as the CDN dollar has strengthened recently).
Nice video and nice to see you back ! Something about your videos and the way you conduct and edit your videos is soothing to the sole and draws you back for more:) keep it up I’m really looking forward to your next camping season
I am with you, do not cut down trees and leave the campsite as you found it or better.
Leaving the campsite as you found it or better (packing out not only your own trash but any trash others have left behind as well), is the golden rule of camping.
Elaine and Martin, leaving a campsite "better" is open for interpretation, and for those who have no common sense, it means "re-decorate" it. A more accurate golden rule should be "leave it natural" or "leave it wild". Thanks! SP
@@SlimPotatohead 👍
I too love getting out of the chaos of city life once in a while for a respite out in nature. Being a city person sure has a lot of stress.
Thank you Slim for your rant about fools destroying our land it sickens me and makes me sad, I love nature and just love to sit and listen to the sounds of the forest it calms me
I just have to say, I love your channel, the fact that you aren't pushing anything, so many travelers think you need to take to the road 24/7 all year every year and if you do anything else you're doing it all wrong and you're a sham or a fake, I like to travel for my own reasons, as do you, as does everyone.
that woods hike and talk was beautiful!!! It was pure and well said ...
I think the flat bottom skiff on the jeep roof idea looks good. Maybe even with a small fairing to close the gap with the roof, and having a small boat opens up new exploration opportunities. As you no doubt know, moving through air is a big limiting factor at 60 mph.
In almost every forest I have entered there is always substantial dead fall available for firewood. There is no need to cut live trees for firewood.
I have come to the conclusion that the age of a large campfire is past for several ecological reasons. The most prominent of these being wildfire prevention.
If a campfire is absolutely necessary there are several very good high tech airflow technology twig burners that produce a substantial fire from a handful of small dry twigs.
I have a small rocket stove I purchased to have mini, efficient "campfires" on my travels. I can set a pan on the top of it and cook a meal or heat water while still getting the enjoyment of watching the flames through the bottom opening. To make it even safer to use, I set a large rectangle ceramic tile underneath the whole set up so, any embers that escape don't come in contact with the ground.
This rocket stove uses only small branches or split wood no bigger around than your thumb!
Sorry to say man, but you're not supposed to pick up dead fall for firewood. The whole 'Leave No Trace' slogan actually means...leave no trace, not just pick up your trash...but leave it all exactly like you found it. Lots of critters need that dead fall to live. Want a fire, purchase some from the forestry station that's been responsibly sourced.
@@luchaDor it's a slogan, not a rule.
To be precise National Forest in the US offer permits for harvesting deadfall as firewood for personal use. There are specific rules that must be followed.
But harvesting deadfall helps limit the amount dry fuel for wildfires.
Sorry Bo Dean, but I am with @dorelse on this one. It is NOT the responsibility of campers to clear deadfall. The "limits the amount of dry fuel for wildfires" excuse is bogus as it is the campfires themselves that are the root cause of many forest fires. Leave the trees as you found them is just as essential to the "leave no trace" concept. Control your urge to set trees on fire every night and the forest will do fine. Thanks! SP
@@SlimPotatohead here in the US they have started clearing all debris in a huge take away pile and have encouraged campers in some places to use the wood for free. The reason being is that someone said the fires out of control was from " poor forest management"
I agree with your point that many places trees depend on ground cover for nutrients and animal cover. The animals in turn help fertilize too. Some camp areas have left the wood where it was and allow campers to go pick up their own so there is no consistency in rules. Some you must stay on trails so as to not disturb some of the wild areas where plants would be damaged from foot traffic and again others you can pretty much go where you want but can't even have a camp fire. This frustrates the heck out of many who may find yet another rule or lack there of.. it used to be different when we used to go camping when younger you were supposed to leave the greenery alone. Don't pick, carve or otherwise damage a tree just to try out your shiny new ax or hand tool. Camp fires were for cooking or stay warm.
You're so right to be angry, the idiots from the city do this and should be banned and jailed. They are destroying it for us true outdoor people.
Small towns have their own idiots who dump appliances in the bush. Leave brass and shot gun shells.
Oddly enough, people that live in cities have a lower carbon footprint. Shared walls, close access to infrastructure have a huge effect on reducing emissions.
@Veganpotter Thevegan, sorry but where are you getting that data from and what are you comparing? I certainly know that my energy consumption (carbon footprint) is extremely low while travelling and living in a camper versus that huge energy bills I had in a city house. Please state your source. Thanks! SP
@@SlimPotatohead Living in a camper is a different story, especially since you're not driving a diesel. I'm mostly referring to those that live in single family homes, but play outside a lot. But still, the lowest carbon footprints come from people living in apartments and condos in cities. And where many don't even know how to drive a car.
Thanks for clarifying Veganpotter! SP
The people doing all these damages to trees obviously do not know what they are doing.
Or don't care...
The only problem with a Slim video? They end. I usually save them for a relaxed evening with time to appreciate. Many thanks for another good one.
Lots of great advice Slim!👍
Great vid, Slim. Glad to be getting you back.
About wind resistance, there is a product called Airtab that you can install on the back of the trailer to reduce the drag. I always wondered if the effect was real or not. Slim would be the best tester to provide an unbiased review of these!
I've been curious about them too. I saw a video of an RVer putting them on her Class C. But I don't think she ever gave a follow up about the performance.
I've been curious about those too but hesitated to mention them because I figured they wouldn't work on a rounded camper like his. They seem intended for square-ish rear edges. Maybe on the Jeep?
Welcome back. Glad you are out and about.
Spot on, as always! Good to see you Slim.
You make so much sense that I am now a new subscriber to your channel, 2 thumbs up
Hello from Vancouver, BC.
Love your videos. Always makes my day when you've uploaded one for us to watch.
It’s so good to see you back in the woods. Thank you for bringing us a few minutes of bliss - and a reminder of why we go camping.....it’s the trees, the water, the Earth.
Wind is everything while towing, I have a nice f150 with towing package with 24 foot TT. Way under its capabilities. My mileage towing with no wind at 60mph is around 13mpg. Get a headwind and it drops to 8 or 9mpg. I have got 16 mpg with a tailwind. The weight of the trailer only has a minor effect until you are in the mountains.
I was car designer so I know a bit about aero. It's not so much the head wind hitting front of the trailer but the drag at the rear. Rounded edge on the back of your trailer causes incredible amount of drag. It's literally pulling you back. Modern aerodynamic cars have sharp edge on rear. You can see that on sports cars like Corvette rearend or fuel efficient cars like Honda Fit.
Not sure what can be done to fix it however.
Put a spoiler on the roof of your car like how trucks do for their trailers
exactly what I was about to write. Saved me.
@@carolleenkelmann4751 Yip
Spoiler Alert!
He totally did just that 🤠
Every one of the RV / Camping vlogs that I see is saying the same thing. Thanks for bringing this up Slim. Somehow we need to improve how folks interact with nature - everywhere.
I love Slim's and his videos, keep them going my Canadian friend.
Some of us are more sensitive to 'Urban Chaos' than others. Thankfully nature is a healing balm.
Sometimes I feel like we owe mother nature a huge apology. We have to be more responsible. Thanks for sharing.
Thank God Slim Potatohead is back in town camping again. Next time Slim call me first so I can post your bail money to get you making travel videos again. Your stuck in the mud video today was priceless. And no mud was even harmed in the making of this video. Cheers from Northern California Slim, we missed your postings as the lockdown stays in place for all who can’t afford $50.00 a gallon in gas. Now I get 90 miles per gallon. Your still the UA-cam TOP GUN so rant all you want, the trees are listening to your voice. Watch out for those trees who are taking notes. They may no be so loyal to the cause.
I loved "Travels with Charly". I read it about 40 years ago. Time for a second read.
Check out “Down John’s Road”. It’s a good read as well.
Such a great book
Travels with Charlie
@@maureenmackey4879 Actually, it's Charley. Please forgive my misspelling.
thank you Mr potato head not for the trailer tips not for stunning views but for speaking out for what you believe in fair travels
Agree 100% with your rant. And sadly here in the U.S., several states are closing down some boondocking land due to more and more people trashing those areas. 😏
Love your analogy of Nomadland. A true misconception of the lifestyle we chose, not what we were forced to do!
My advice: Forget about wind resistance and focus on the weight. The difference in milage with the trailer vs without is almost entirely the additional fuel that your engine requires to pull the extra weight of the trailer. I know that in the past people have paid a lot of lip service to wind resistance but the effect on your size /configuration setup is really negligible. ie: if you removed your trailer and loaded 1800lb of lead bars into the back of your jeep and somehow factored back in the rolling resistance of the trailer, you would get virtually the same milage as you do with the trailer. Our intuition doesnt serve us well in this area, its like driving across town to buy gas that is 2 cents per gallon cheaper. It seems like a good idea, until you actually do the math. Thanks for taking us along on your adventures, cheers!
I disagree. Wind resistance plans a roll. Tires also play a roll (no pun intended) in it as well, rolling resistance is real.
@@bruisercruiserproductions228 Im not saying that wind resistance doesnt exist, Im saying that it has a negligible effect on fuel milage on this size vehicle, at the speeds I assume its going (under 70 mph?). Even if you could cut the trailer's wind resistance in half, (which you cant), you might pick up 1-2 MPG. The best you could hope to do is reduce it by 8-10% and maybe gain .2-.4 MPG. Thats roughly $14 per 1000mi savings. So youre going to spend 3 or4 hundred on some wind deflectors that would probably never pay for themselves. You could get better results by losing a couple hundred pounds from your overall weight and extend the life of the vehicle and trailer at the same time. Also if you read carefully, you will see that I said you would need to factor back in rolling resistance, (as it does have an effect).
Slim this may have been your best video ever. Your content is always good but your observations on preserving the earth / living in harmony really resonated and are a much needed message.
Traction boards would be helpful if you get stuck in the mud.
He had traction mats.
I have the same tires on my truck. I rotate them every 5k miles. I have 12k miles on them thus far. They still look like new tread wise. This is my 4th set of BF Goodrich tires. I have absolutely zero complaints. Safe travels to you.
There's a group called ecomodder where the members know a lot about improving MPG and aerodynamics . From what I read the "worst" drag component is the the rear of your trailer. Next would probably be the trailer front, as well as the Jeep front, of course. A roof top deflector will not help enough to justify the expense. Why that is true is because of the distance from the back of the Jeep to the front of the trailer. If you could completely fill this space it would definitely help, but turning would be something you will miss. Tongue in cheek. Those tires have hurt your MPG a little, I am sure. The biggest improvement is to left your right foot more... slower speeds. But, checkout Ecomodder and maybe see if there is more you can do. I suspect that most changes are not economically feasible. Saying all that.. I am surprised that the Jeep does that poorly. I pull a 23' Airstream with a Ford F150 Ecoboost and it gets typically 22-25 solo and 13-14 towing and fully loaded.
Sadly it is universal. In Australia the same thing happens. I’m with you. Limit the fires to necessity rather than luxury.
Or keep it to a small fire…there’s nothing wrong with that if it is done with a conscious thought for sustainability. It’s the excessive bonfires that get under my skin.
Good work Slim. Your message will get to many and if it changes the habits of just one person for the better… it’s a gain.
Tyre pressure lowering is fundamental to going off road
My thoughts exactly, I'd dump 20+ psi out of the tyres as they sound very hard on the road. Mind you, he might only have a foot pump, you never know! :)
Dear Slim I am so in tune with what you say. Everyday we pick up litter on our morning litter walk. I have stopped getting mad as it destroys me inside rather I see it as a service to my community in the UK. I would love to meet you in person but that will never happen so just to say thank you for your encouraging videos.
The housing Bubble!! 2008 is nothing like what's coming up in the future!! We learned nothing from 2008!! Happy Trails!!
I completely agree with you about protecting the land, living in harmony with it. I never do campfires, I don't like the smell, or the risk that a spark will get away and touch off a fire somewhere. I love being in nature, and don't need a fire. I take out anything I bring in and practice leave no trace. Including taking out trash if someone else has left it there.
And I love thunderstorms while out camping, and yeah, falling asleep to the sound of the rain on the roof is awesome!!! Thanks for all your videos, one of these days when the border opens again I plan on coming up and exploring your province for a while. So much beauty up there!!!
I appreciate ur perspective on things, ur a well traveled(in many ways) individual.
Being from southern Alberta myself, and camping in the area you do (I recognised the mountain) I feel your pain regarding the destruction. I usually go out for a week at a time, and spend a good portion of that time cleaning. I rescue the trees and cut off all those ropes, pick up the green canisters, toilet paper, spent shells, etc. Peace.
Thank you for being a voice for the trees slim. I have seen this as well and it breaks my heart. I'd like to think that some just don't know any better, so perhaps bringing it to light can help educate and create change. Thank you, thank you, thank you.