RV Winter Camping Preps Part 3: Keeping my Battery Warm

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  • Опубліковано 17 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 374

  • @SlimPotatohead
    @SlimPotatohead  Рік тому +177

    NOTE FROM SLIM: Oh No, the HITCH BALL WAS LOOSE !!! Thanks for the viewers who pointed this out, you really saved me this time! I have now fixed this. PLEASE DO NOT keep posting this in the comments. Thanks! SP

    • @richardthomas1743
      @richardthomas1743 Рік тому +10

      You are welcome! I am really happy that you checked it out and are fixing it. My only concern was for your safety when I had mentioned it.

    • @azclaimjumper
      @azclaimjumper Рік тому +5

      @@richardthomas1743 Good job for noticing a relatively small but important detail that even Slim had overlooked. You must have had a loose hitch ball at one time.
      If anyone had any doubts about Slim reading the replies, we all now know for SURE, Slim reads 'em.
      I watched this video a 2nd time so I could see what you saw.
      Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada

    • @richardthomas1743
      @richardthomas1743 Рік тому +4

      @@azclaimjumper I think there were several that noticed the ball being loose. I am just glad that Slim is safe and I am sure that he would have noticed it soon. 👍

    • @ronammologist16
      @ronammologist16 Рік тому +1

      Haaha, Slim, your hitch nut's been loose for years!!!

    • @bflo716
      @bflo716 Рік тому

      Came here just to check for this lol

  • @dianakamalamars8397
    @dianakamalamars8397 Рік тому +3

    always such a good education, pleasantly and simply delivered! LOL, glad you straightened out your cushion stress!

  • @estalcole1
    @estalcole1 Рік тому +18

    Yes Slim We watch every one of your videos. I have pulled up to a rest area I5 in CA, what do I see an A frame camper. Walked over introduced myself and asked do you watch Slim potato head? He said every video. We talked campers and slim for 2 hours at a rest area! Congratulations Slim keep doing what gives you bliss.....

    • @clarkpeters8273
      @clarkpeters8273 Рік тому +1

      When my wife and I were looking for a larger travel trailer to replace our slightly too small Aliner we attended a Casita rally. One of the guys there showed me the modifications he had made to his trailer and asked if I knew about Slim Potatohead. My answer, "You bet. I watch him every week."

  • @makaylaforbes6719
    @makaylaforbes6719 8 днів тому

    Those straps are such a smart idea. I wouldn't have thought of that

  • @billg8677
    @billg8677 Рік тому +46

    I don’t comment often, I just watched this vid and have to say I so respect and appreciate your ingenuity and how you do your best to keep costs down. My respect Sir. May Peace Health and Happiness follow you and yours

  • @petermenor8074
    @petermenor8074 Рік тому +31

    I would guess that more people than you think watch All your videos. I find myself waiting for the next one. When I came across your channel I binged watched all your past videos and now I am caught up and watch anxiously for anew one to be released. I must say the quality of the videos have improved tremendously over time. You amaze me with all your ingenious ideas with your videos. I watch many RV channels and yours is right at the top. I tell everyone about your channel and tell to subscribe. Many have and I assure more will. Thank you Slim. I hope to cross paths with you someday.
    Peter in Arizona

    • @SlimPotatohead
      @SlimPotatohead  Рік тому +7

      Thanks Pete! Good to hear my videos are appreciated! SP

    • @dalepointer9414
      @dalepointer9414 Рік тому +7

      Peter you are correct. He is the Traveling Photojournalist for campers.

  • @ScubaSteveCanada
    @ScubaSteveCanada Рік тому +28

    Good Afternoon Slim!
    Most quality Lithium batteries use the BMS to prevent overheating, overcharging, low temp cut off and high temp cut off. You should be able to "use" the battery down to -20 but charging is subject to freezing (It should allow charging again at about 36-38). Will Prowse's channel is fantastic for practical builds and explanations. Cheers, Steve

    • @SlimPotatohead
      @SlimPotatohead  Рік тому +24

      Hi Steve! I have had the BMS shut things down on my last winter trip, so better safe than sorry. I love Will Prowse, but would really like to see him in a Real Canadian winter doing his cold tests! SP

  • @keithbrookshire
    @keithbrookshire Рік тому +4

    The heating pad in the battery box is a genius idea.

    • @fubufb420
      @fubufb420 12 днів тому

      @@keithbrookshire cool idea. Didn't know they were so cheap. I got 2 on the way!! I can rig 2 USB outlets right off the fuse box and when I'm out at camp I don't have to worry about freezing the batteries.

  • @ladikmk
    @ladikmk Рік тому +18

    Safe travels Slim. Something tells me you’re going to be staying warm.

  • @Lord_Seiborg
    @Lord_Seiborg Рік тому +5

    I really love the way you come up with these DIY solutions on the cheap, very cool!

  • @tumblebugspace
    @tumblebugspace Рік тому +14

    Wow! I had to rewatch the ending too, as I didn’t see the tiny wobble in the hitch ball on the first viewing. Glad that many of your viewers are seasoned travelers who have had that issue before, and wanted to be sure you tightened it before your next camping trip. Good to know that you read your viewers’ commentary as well. Happy Trails, Slim! ☮️❤️🐾

  • @dinobm13
    @dinobm13 Рік тому

    Omg I hate diesel smell too. You heater has solved a 30 year problem in my various RVs. Stay safe.

  • @ginalindsey8171
    @ginalindsey8171 Рік тому

    You remind of Apollo 13 when they were trying to conserve power so they could get back to earth. You're all about watts. I love it. Astronaut Slim Potato.

  • @Crodmog83
    @Crodmog83 Рік тому

    That camper cover is pretty sweet.

  • @vanvorst1999
    @vanvorst1999 Рік тому +4

    If a cushion stresses you out, time to hit the road and unwind! 😉

  • @ejp9921
    @ejp9921 Рік тому +1

    Such a great succinct explanation of the Dickinson. Awesomeness battery warmer & cushion ‘holder-in’!

  • @blairwilliams136
    @blairwilliams136 Рік тому +3

    Your solutions for cold weather camping are genius Slim !

  • @fama5736
    @fama5736 Рік тому

    16:35 the cover you use for protection would be also great for insulation, you could just put it on when you stop at your destination, it would work like the double layer tents with the outside layer fabric against the cold and inside layer keeping the heat in with and air layer in between, might be good to keep stowed with you as it’s only fabric and can be tightly folded and packed
    All The Best
    Fabrizio

  • @tazmania4513
    @tazmania4513 Рік тому +2

    You made me laugh aloud in the part where you explain the stress with your cushion and the simple fix. I really felt you when you expressed that relief . I know that feeling😅😂. Love the way you explain. Your videos are super relaxing. Greetings from Ibiza.

  • @lindamarie6574
    @lindamarie6574 Рік тому +8

    I sure learned a lot about heating an rv, you explained things very well, easy to understand. Stay safe!😊

  • @raktoda707
    @raktoda707 Рік тому +1

    You get the "Golden RV Award" for most sustainable, gosh darn handmade attractive components and set up It looks fabulous!!!

  • @laurenhoward8397
    @laurenhoward8397 Рік тому +3

    Hi Slim! I also have a heater under my LiFePO4 battery, but mine is a beehive heating pad. The wattage it draws is similar to what you are using. I found that there isn't a need to have the heating pad on 24/7 so I installed a little thermostat that turns it on and off as the temperature changes. This saves A LOT of battery power over the course of the day and night. I also have a timer on it so that the thermostat can only can warm the battery beginning just before dawn and not after 1 pm. The timer makes it so that the battery only needs to be warm when there is actually light to recharge it. The battery retains enough heat in the afternoon and night to keep using it until the next morning when it re-heats. If you find your battery heater is using too many amp hours, a thermostat linked to a timer could be your solution.

  • @craftingwithcharm7665
    @craftingwithcharm7665 Рік тому

    Thank you for all the tips! Especially about the heating pad! 😊

  • @lcarter194
    @lcarter194 Рік тому +2

    Living on Emerald Coast I have to grab my sweater every time I see you playing in cold or talk about leaving in the camper just above freezing. Stay warm and safe in the woods and on the highway. You always bring us some of the best content. Thanks for sharing your travels with us and hope you make back to Florida this year.

  • @stevengreco5897
    @stevengreco5897 Рік тому +4

    Slim is the best!

  • @weswalker1208
    @weswalker1208 Рік тому

    Sometimes I'm a few days late but I believe I see them all

  • @karlbaschal3245
    @karlbaschal3245 Рік тому +1

    That was a good video. Thanks for the heads-up about Lithium batteries too. We live in CA and we have been having freezing temps for once and experienced the drain on the buttery too. Glad you are underway. Can’t wait for the next video.

  • @douglasmacgregor3878
    @douglasmacgregor3878 Рік тому

    I had not seen you for a while and I am glad you are back

  • @metaxaanabeer
    @metaxaanabeer Рік тому +5

    To grease or not to grease the hitch ball? That is the question. I'm a greaser. Ergo, I'm also a cleaner, wiper, fiddle with my hitch kind of guy. Love your projects, love your solutions. Regarding the tear in your cover, round the corners of the tape you use to seal it up. The patch lasts a lot longer then.

  • @sheilawaldren9236
    @sheilawaldren9236 Рік тому

    You are something. Good job on the seat problem.❤

  • @dragonskunkstudio7582
    @dragonskunkstudio7582 Рік тому +2

    What I love about your channel is all the solutioning in ingenuity you come up with. It's really fun.

  • @lbox88
    @lbox88 Рік тому +6

    I think that the Dickinson is the perfect fit for your use case. Diesel is neat and easily accessible sure, but like you said it can stink up a place. And in general you want much lower power consumption, which neither the diesel heater nor propex are. Now you just have to consider what all you can use that space from the old Suburban propane heater, like building in a drawer or putting a door on it so you can use it as a storage cabinet.

  • @j.patrickmoore9137
    @j.patrickmoore9137 Рік тому +4

    Slim, I was watching the beginning of the video as you talked about the intake/exhaust of the heater and realized that there's a heat exchanger somewhat built into the system; the cold air coming in will be warmed by the exhaust heat going out. It will be interesting to see if you get any condensation on the exterior pipe - my guess is that there may be some when it first starts up, but that the heat (once it gets going) will evaporate it back off.

  • @papajon62
    @papajon62 Рік тому +2

    Nice to see the window insulation and the curtains pulled back! Enjoy your trip!

  • @davebenson1504
    @davebenson1504 Рік тому +4

    .. the newer Outbacks have contour cuts in those cushions and with a velcro tab on the back they stay just fine.... I also have a trailer cover...I use an inexpensive pool noodle, (cut in half does front and back with 1 noodle) with a slit lengthwise and slide the noodle over the front and back edges of the solar panel so it doe not rub through with windy vibrations or catch as I slide the cover off and on.... enjoy your winter camping... I look forward to the next video 🙂

  • @hardtruth2039
    @hardtruth2039 Рік тому +23

    I used to use the reflectix on my 5th wheel windows in the cold or freezing temps but I would get water or ice build up on the inside of the windows and then it would melt and run down the walls or doors. I found that using heaters and the furnace would keep the majority of the moisture from building up on the inside of the windows. I also keep a dehumidifier running to take the excess moisture out of the air.

    • @azclaimjumper
      @azclaimjumper Рік тому +4

      Is your dehumidifier a 12V usb powered ?

    • @susanpremo8068
      @susanpremo8068 Рік тому +1

      I use reflectix to line our cooler, top, bottom and sides, every little bit helps!

  • @froggie6608
    @froggie6608 Рік тому +3

    Another interesting and enjoyable video from Slim. Am looking forward to seeing how the new heater and battery warming box works out. Thanks for sharing this with us.

  • @bambambundy6
    @bambambundy6 Рік тому +2

    Great video Slim! I think the heat pad idea will work great!!

  • @GreatGrannyFreeBird
    @GreatGrannyFreeBird Рік тому

    you are so resourceful! Learning so much from your videos. Definitely going to try this heating pad idea.

  • @suzymeister
    @suzymeister Рік тому +1

    Slim, the heater looks awesome 👌🏽 I'm glad you're enjoying it and it keeps you warm.

  • @dannydewitte8783
    @dannydewitte8783 Рік тому

    Hello, saw your Dickinson 9000, nice and effective heater.
    Take care with the outlet You made, exhaust pipe on roof , hotel bel hihi, has 2 functions.
    Outer tube is for fresh air intake, inner tube is smoke exit.
    Good trips, Danny Belgium.

  • @ei513563854
    @ei513563854 Рік тому +1

    Enjoy your channel, been watching for years. Sad the diesel heater didn't work out. There are installations that would've worked - without the diesel smell. Glad you found something that suits you. Looks like a great unit-albeit expensive. I do like the direct vent concept and that the moisture is kept low. Safe travels Slim!

  • @kcraine6521
    @kcraine6521 Рік тому +2

    Bubble wrap can also be used to insulate windows. Just spray on a thin layer of water and put the wrap up with the flat side against the glass. When it's time to take it off, all you have to do is peal it. The advantages are that you don't lose much light and you can still see through it. The big bubbles give the best vision. The small ones are better insulation. It's what I use in my house.

  • @jenspetersen672
    @jenspetersen672 Рік тому

    smart with those spacers

  • @agesadventures
    @agesadventures Рік тому +4

    I'm like you with regard to Diesel fumes. They bother me so much I need to get by the other vehicle or stop the air intake into the cabin of the vehicle.
    Great trick for the battery warmer!

  • @odiesclips7621
    @odiesclips7621 Рік тому +3

    Slim, you planned this out quite well. Looking forward to the next one. Bon voyage!

  • @sabrinabelli7356
    @sabrinabelli7356 Рік тому +2

    Safe travels Slim!! Can't wait to see where you're off to! Enjoy and stay warm 🙂

  • @pagewhite61
    @pagewhite61 Рік тому +2

    Happy Trails Slim! I can’t wait to see what you get up to and to see how the heater worked. Thanks for the video.

  • @barfass
    @barfass Рік тому +4

    You may find that you will have to put a fan at the top of the camper, in the middle to blow the heat down. However, it may work just fine with the smaller space and being able to kind of "bounce" off the walls because of your fan in the furnace and you USB fan. Can't wait for these videos! Bring on the winter camping!

  • @EarthCamper
    @EarthCamper Рік тому

    Slim, after watching lot of your video...i really feel like you are sitting just inside my living room and talking. Really so much information and involvement...

  • @jamesriley1207
    @jamesriley1207 Рік тому

    The great tips just keep coming!

  • @squidgypants722
    @squidgypants722 Рік тому +5

    Afternoon Slim. Love your videos. Keep up the excellent work. Love the new heater install. I'm glad you got a usb heating pad . They are really great and will hopefully work well with keeping the Lithium battery warm.
    Regards Paul from England. 👍

  • @joemeyers3127
    @joemeyers3127 Рік тому

    Safe travels!

  • @krhode5185
    @krhode5185 Рік тому +2

    This episode reminded me of another true Canadian, Red Green. LOL. I guess it’s all the silver.

    • @ScubaSteveCanada
      @ScubaSteveCanada Рік тому +1

      I was in the audience twice; let's just say between takes was hilarious but not able to air that content.

  • @Onemattressatatime
    @Onemattressatatime Рік тому

    I enjoy the Variety of content on your channel . Safe and healthy travels

  • @campingwiththeadamss8552
    @campingwiththeadamss8552 Рік тому +1

    Excellent video Slim! Glad to see that you are getting back out. The wife and I will be heading out too next month to kick off our 2023 Camping season. Enjoy and be safe out there.

  • @MapleMarmite
    @MapleMarmite Рік тому +3

    Nice upgrades, Slim. The ‘sunshade’ window insulators is a great idea and cheap from the $ Store as you say. The other item that caught my eye is your extendable ladder. I was trying to figure out how I could mount a permanent ladder onto my truck camper shell but there’s not really a good spot for it. A ladder like yours would do the job just right. Safe travels. 👍🏻

  • @garlandstyle5797
    @garlandstyle5797 Рік тому +4

    Hey Slim. I noticed you didn't wrap a Velcro strip around the electrical plug to the vehicle. I learned that from you and always do it! 😅 Good video!

  • @Xenos996
    @Xenos996 Рік тому

    Another video done inside of the camper, nice! I wish you good luck in your travels!

  • @450rhino1
    @450rhino1 Рік тому

    Great explanation of the heater. HAPPY TRAVELS in 2023, we will be with you.

  • @beacee
    @beacee Рік тому

    You are amazing! Waiting for your first Winter outing this year.

  • @38below39
    @38below39 Рік тому

    Great idea for the battery , Slim

  • @BackcountryDirtbag
    @BackcountryDirtbag Рік тому +2

    Another great video Slim! Can't wait to see how the heater performs for ya. Stay warm out there yourself!

  • @yooperdog
    @yooperdog Рік тому +1

    Great video. We just bought a trailer with 4 battle born heated batteries. Will let you know how it does. Looking forward to running it through the paces.
    I'd say "see ya in the Yoop eh", but we're getting ready to head to warmer temperatures ourselves.
    Safe travels 🍻

  • @paulr.3220
    @paulr.3220 Рік тому +11

    I feel as anxious as a kid before Christmas as we wait to see how well the new heater works. I have confidence it will work well. ✌ Paul from New England.

  • @skytechbits
    @skytechbits Рік тому

    Love your creative ideas Slim. Have a safe trip. See you in the next video.

  • @donharbort4203
    @donharbort4203 Рік тому

    I am so impressed

  • @jeremymccuistion860
    @jeremymccuistion860 Рік тому

    I just watched your video. Was fixing to point that out glad you got it taken care of.

  • @Adam-ox6zy
    @Adam-ox6zy Рік тому +3

    The other con about a diesel heater is they can be finickerty if they are not installed pretty much perfectly and the DIYer can have issues. Plus, unless your batteries are tip top the diesel heater will struggle at start up and often error out. That’s my experience for what it’s worth

  • @JEpps1956
    @JEpps1956 Рік тому

    I am so glad someone let you know about the ball hitch, I was so worried when I saw it wiggle.

  • @karenebarker9244
    @karenebarker9244 Рік тому

    I sure understand that sensitivity to diesel. I get headache and nausea when we get behind a diesel truck. My husband knows to pass as soon as possible.

  • @benf3607
    @benf3607 Рік тому

    Love it slim - great honest review and that’s why o have followed you for years !

  • @vincentrisalvato9921
    @vincentrisalvato9921 Рік тому

    Really enjoy ur channel, U come up with good inexpensive ways to improve ur experience while camping....

  • @patrickfillion7193
    @patrickfillion7193 Рік тому

    Love the new heater. With all the silver covering it now looks like you have an Airstream

  • @nzdatsports9659
    @nzdatsports9659 Рік тому

    update just saw your post .ha well done .

  • @sueg2658
    @sueg2658 Рік тому +1

    Great ideas! Im going to buy one of those usb heating pads. Thanks Slim.

  • @randallelliott1969
    @randallelliott1969 Рік тому +1

    Love watching your channel …. Keep the videos coming

  • @kurtlober7250
    @kurtlober7250 Рік тому

    ALERT! Thanks Slim for another video full of great ideas..but today I discovered what a invitation a camper cover I have like yours is to squirrels and mice! No more cover for me..I got wires to fix etc.I am in and out of my camper everyday and the buggers still got me!!! Hope I can put it all back together...ha! Peace!

  • @dnngskn62
    @dnngskn62 Рік тому

    On the road again. can't wait to get on the road again as Wille said.

  • @onedollah49
    @onedollah49 Рік тому

    Ingenious, hope everything meets or exceeds your expectations.

  • @davidworkman5778
    @davidworkman5778 Рік тому

    to see outside, cameras work great

  • @jasonbroom7147
    @jasonbroom7147 Рік тому +1

    I bought two of the 25w heating pads and a thermostat for about $25, all in. It's been working great, but I found that it's important to have the battery in an insulated box or the pads are turning on and off quite regularly.

  • @JeffWinter1
    @JeffWinter1 Рік тому

    Have the same battery but different label. Keep it warm in a small cooler with led strip lights all around it hooked up to the USB. They use about 3w and seem to do the job of adding just enough heat to keep it above zero. Haven't had it in extreme cold weather yet.

  • @weswalker1208
    @weswalker1208 Рік тому

    Be safe Slim

  • @eldonmontgomery2465
    @eldonmontgomery2465 Рік тому

    we all love your videos and care very much for you. and don't mean to pester you. I now want a Dickinson heater. I just need a place to use it.

  • @pammadrid7804
    @pammadrid7804 Рік тому

    Good luck on your journey. We will all be waiting...

  • @dennisslattery499
    @dennisslattery499 Рік тому +1

    Be careful in your travels. Thanks for sharing, we have so much in common. I’m just upgrading my solar energy system in my camper. I love the winter time! Anxiously awaiting your next video!🏕🏕🏕

  • @lindawoods6841
    @lindawoods6841 Рік тому +1

    !Hi Slim! Great info,, and thank you for sharing..I am sure that is going to keep you all warm without any worries..

  • @turfnsurf9367
    @turfnsurf9367 Рік тому

    Like to put one of those Dickison diesel heater in my sail boat and extend the boating season.

  • @anthonyhitchings1051
    @anthonyhitchings1051 Рік тому

    My Renogy Smart Battery prevents it the Li battery from being damaged in cold weather - but I take the battery into the house anyway when the camper is not being used in winter. When in use for camping the camper cabin heat keeps the battery warm enough because the battery is inside in a compartment that has large ventilation holes to allow warm cabin air to get into the battery storage area.

  • @jmpattillo
    @jmpattillo Рік тому

    Always great to see Slim leaving on a new adventure.

  • @michellebevans3847
    @michellebevans3847 Рік тому

    Haha not like the Grizwald cat! Thanks for the laugh and, as usual, an interesting and informative video Slim!

  • @ronammologist16
    @ronammologist16 Рік тому

    Nice work slim, go where the road takes you!

  • @judyrobinson9556
    @judyrobinson9556 Рік тому +2

    Your camper should be nice and toasty with the new heater. The warming cloth for the battery is a good idea, but I'd keep an eye on it that the battery doesn't get too hot. I'm sure you will. Curious to hear where you're off to. Safe travels.

  • @linebrunelle1004
    @linebrunelle1004 Рік тому +1

    you are awesome. my trailer's hitch clip fell off in the middle of town in Powell River because in pitch black night, there were no road work warning with large ditch across the road. The trailer flew up, back down, dragged on the ground til I stopped. Residents stopped immediately and all offered help. BC government, responsible for Hwy 101 refused to help. oh well. lesson learned.

  • @fionaludbrook8193
    @fionaludbrook8193 Рік тому

    Great innovations Slim. Thanks for sharing!

  • @thomasmckay9878
    @thomasmckay9878 Рік тому +1

    A snake aquarium heater may work...

  • @user-nv3kv2ir8s
    @user-nv3kv2ir8s 6 місяців тому

    U have the things I love to learn thank you so much Bonnie Dozier calera al

  • @robertphillips3893
    @robertphillips3893 Рік тому

    I like the heater you made. It is a good idea.

  • @rexjohnson1722
    @rexjohnson1722 Рік тому +1

    As usual, very interesting and wonderful vid, love keeping up with what you do with the van and the cabin. I have installed solar panels (600W) and lithium batteries (240AH) in my van (17"6"), we don't have the problems of freezing in Australia anywhere as much as you have, but we have a big power need when we free camp, or as call it "boondocking". Another thing that came to my attention at the end of the vid, I noticed when you were hooking up your van the tow ball looked as though it was loose, hope it's OK. Stay safe and happy travels.