Q&A From the Comments

I have a lot of really good questions lefts in the comments lately that I thought more than just the person asking probably wanted to know.  So I put them together into a video and here is what I said in the video and what the actual answers are in case you aren’t sure and you want to check on them.

Q. What kind of Trailer do I recommend?

A. I can’t really answer that for someone else. You need to look over what’s out there and decide what suits you best.  Tiny Minimalist T@BS, Aliners, Eggshell Fiberglass, Or regular box trailers like my Wolf Pup. Then decide what size you need. Some people love living in a van or SUV,  Some people can’t live without a 40ft 5th wheel.  Its all up to you!

Q. What did I do in my job?

A. If you need a consultant I’m available, Its a pretty thankless job, But I was what is frequently called a Risk Manager, or Safety Manager, Safety Engineer, or EH&S manager. Basically my job was to keep employees from getting hurt and the company from being fined by OSHA. I had a great relationship with OSHA and worked with them a lot.  My Prior company did not like that, they saw it as working with the enemy.

Q. How can we help you out Money wise?

A. I’ve added a “Tip Jar” Button to just below my videos –>.  If you click on this it will open a small window to send me money, from $2 to $500. Totally up to you!   I might add a subscribe button to the channel, But as you know I don’t like sharing with YouTube, so my best suggestion is to send me an Email at   [email protected]   with your Address and I will send you a sticker and my address for you to send me whatever amount of money makes you feel good for supporting me.

Q. Where will you be going next?

A. To be honest most of my “destinations” come from recommendations from viewers. I have some great suggestions for Tennessee, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio.  So send me your recommendations, and maybe we can meet up! And of course my next big adventure will the National Aliner rally in PA. But there will be a few little trips to check out the Aliner before that.

Q. How do you feel about the Aliner quality wise?

A. I think all RV’s are thrown together without any concern for quality. The Exception maybe the Newmar and possibly the Grand Design.  (If you have a spare $500,000). But these little light weight trailers are so “Under Engineered” it is pathetic.  Using soft pine 1×1 and staples, they don’t last if you go on any rough roads…like I-95 or I-80 or a number of other interstate Hiways. I find from reading forum posts the first thing you need to do is plan on changing out the axle. They are all under sized. Who knows why. They are saving $100 per trailer.  But my Aliner had a 2000lb axle, It was shot when I got it. I had to up size it to a 3500#, The Wolf Pup has a 3500# axle, and the trailer weights 4000#.  We are changing that out mostly by upgrading the springs. I’ll decide later if I need a new axle.  And the tires are usually crap, the battery is useless, etc., etc.  But there is a lot you can do with them to make them great. Anyway you look at it, you need to stay on top of maintenance and now what to look for in wear and tear. Think of any Travel Trailer/Camper as a rolling earthquake in the middle of a hurricane.  Its simple, they wear fast!

Q. How did I pick the Wolf Pup as my next trailer?

A. Mostly going to Shows and comparing models of trailers under 19ft  and availability and price. Originally I really liked the Geo-Pro (Also a Forest River product) but they were much rarer and much more expensive.  I had a list of what I wanted. Propane Frig so I can Boondock, Outside shower so I can use it when Boondocking, Dry Bathroom, Bunkhouse because it has incredible storage and the ability for extra people if necessary, Single axle so I don’t have to buy 4 tires. And Akela insisted on a Queen-sized bed and easy entry.

Q. Have I had any offers from companies to be sponsors?

A. Not really, since I hit 10,000 subscribers, not really sponsors, but free products to show on my channel. But nothing I would present to my viewers. Flashlights, fire gloves, tee-shirts, socks. And more.  I did except the Hammock
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if you saw my video on that. I thought that might be of interest since it was so inexpensive and seemed so well built.  But I will not turn my channel into an Infomercial like so many YouTubers have done for the “Jackery” or “Solo Stove” or “Smokeless Fire Pit”. Its sickening. I have unsubscribed from several of my favorite channels because every episode they have to pull out their item and explain how wonderful it is.  I might consider a RV unit like Traveling Robert has and RVMiles just received, But those companies don’t want to even talk to me until I get over 100,000 subscribers. That’s OK, I don’t want a New camper. I like Used, saving 50% on the price is very appealing and I have something unbiased to relate to y’all.

Q. Where are the best Boondocking sites?

A. I have a playlist with all the boondocking video’s I have done.  Just you tell me what you think is the best!  People should really be aware of Playlists.  All the videos are separated out but subject. Its an easy way to find what you looking for.  I’m not telling where good boondocking sites are until people stop trashing them.

Q. Now that your Retired, will you start doing daily videos to up you channel Subscriptions?

A. No!  I takes me and Akela 2-3 days to edit a video, 2 days minimum to record it, and a day to upload and prepare it.  Hopefully I will now have the time to do a better job of the recording and editing. The fights Akela and I have in the editing room can really slow down that progress. He really can’t be in every scene!

Q. Will you do a viewer rally now that you have 10,000 subscribers?

A. My subscribers are spread all over the world. I find it unbelievable. But I doubt if I did one I would attract more than 3-5 people. I do make it a point to announce any Aliner rally I attend, and you are always welcome to come to those to connect with me. I really only spend dinner time with the rally people if I have guests or companions.

Q. Why don’t I do more cooking videos?

A. Well, when I’m cooking at home, I’m usually naked.  I rarely cook while camping. I bring pre-prepared meals I made at home.

Q. Am I getting rid of the Aliner?

A. Hell no!  The Aliner is going to have to disintegrate away before I get rid of it. Currently fixing it up for long term boondocking for the Maine trip. It is getting a new life!

Q. Where is the best place to get your camper fixed?

A. At a rally or at home! Every camper has an Owners Club. Tap that knowledge base and don’t let inept mechanics charge you while they learn how to fix things.

Q. When is Akela’s birthday and how old will he be!

A.  If he lives, his birthday will be April 29th, and in 2023 he will be 5.  If he doesn’t stop hitting me with his ball to get me to play, he may not make it to his next birthday!!

Well, I think that is all for now.  Feel free to leave questions here or on the videos.  Any question will be answered where you post it, but if it seems like it might be of interest to others I will added them all together and do a short video of 10-12.    Don’t forget to visit my Amazon the RV store.  It really helps out the channel and testing new products.

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy and active
Rick & Akela

3 thoughts on “Q&A From the Comments

  1. Rick
    I watched your video on installing the struts- did you remove the springs completely?
    Remodeling a 1997 Chalet and really want to get rid of the springs.
    Thanks

    1. Hi Ginger. When I repaired the rot on the rear of the Aliner, I did remove the spring and installed air struts. But it is not a good idea. The air struts begin to work when the roof is about 1/3 of the way up. The springs do most of their work in the first 2 ft of opening. So if you remove the springs, you will have a very hard time getting the roofs up. Though once you get them open, it isn’t too bad. I am planning on putting my springs back in this fall. It is really hard to open the trailer up.

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