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American Frontier Life
United States
Registrace 5. 08. 2016
Living and working so close to NYC its not possible to have a true American Frontier Life, however we make the most of getting outside and exploring. We have taken a trip out to Utah, but tend to stay closer to the East Coast and explore placing within driving distance.
Follow along with videos of us kayaking, hiking and some simple off-roading/overlanding in my Chevy Colorado Z71.
Follow along with videos of us kayaking, hiking and some simple off-roading/overlanding in my Chevy Colorado Z71.
Colorado Z71 Projects - Stock Colorado Vs a WV trail washout
In mid March 2022 I went with the OMT Offroad crew on a 4 day trip to explore the Appalachian Byway in West Virginia. During a night ride we came across a washout on the trail. The lifted Jeeps had no problem getting past it, but how would my stock Chevy Colorado Z71 Trail Runner do?
zhlédnutí: 148
Video
Colorado Z71 Project - wireless Android Auto
zhlédnutí 8KPřed 2 lety
Plugging in your Android phone each time you want to use Android Auto can be a pain and while some cars have 'wireless' Android Auto the Chevy Colorado does not. But you can have wireless Android Auto with the AA Wireless module. www.indiegogo.com/projects/aawireless#/ Watch the install and my first impressions of the AA Wireless Android Auto module.
Colorado Z71 Projects - Short ride in PA
zhlédnutí 268Před 3 lety
I've not gone off the asphalt much and been able to drive 'off-road' on mud, dirt and gravel. So when I got the chance to do a very short trail in PA I took it as an opportunity to understand how the truck feels and operates going through mud, over small rocks, up and down an incline. This was a good time to put it in 4WD High, test out the hill decent control and experiment with videoing diffe...
Goal Zero Lighthouse Core lantern won't turn off
zhlédnutí 4,1KPřed 3 lety
Over two years ago I got a Goal Zero Lighthouse Core from REI. This is a great USB chargeable battery powered lantern and we often use it in the yard when hanging out at night or have on hand for power cuts. 10 days ago I was surprised that it randomly turned itself on and I could not turn it off. Power switch is in the off position. Doing some research online its happening to a growing number ...
Crazy Drivers seen in NJ on a simple journey 9-6-2020
zhlédnutí 296Před 3 lety
Going south in Garden State Parkway and three speeding cars pass me on the inside. Then a speeding driver doing likely 100mph weaves through traffic. Next someone not paying attention almost crashes into my truck. 6th September must have been National Bad Driving day or something.
Colorado Z71 Projects - Yakima Overhaul HD rack
zhlédnutí 56KPřed 4 lety
After installing the RetraxOne XR tonneau cover (czcams.com/video/StbxjAHOpbI/video.html) the Yamika Overhaul HD rack was ready to be installed. I chose the Yamika Overhaul HD as it was compatible with certain tonneau covers, is height adjustable and configurable. Many 'overland' style racks I looked at dd not work with tonneau covers and certainly not retractable ones. This is a simple install...
Colorado Z71 Projects - RetraxOne XR install
zhlédnutí 5KPřed 4 lety
To make the Colorado Z71 into our adventure rig we needed a secure place to store our stuff so I got a RetraxOne XR tonneau cover. This is the best tonneau cover for us as it's lightweight, strong and lockable. The lock is also on the top so we don't need to lower the tail gate. This tonneau cover is also compatible with Yamika racks which will be useful later on. Just wait :)
Colorado Z71 Projects - Airdam and Line-X
zhlédnutí 1,9KPřed 4 lety
The first big change to my new Chevy Colorado Z71. I got the front airdam removed to give more ground clearance and got a spray in Line-X bed liner.
Driveway reveal
zhlédnutí 59Před 4 lety
What's on the driveway? After years of searching and waiting I finally did it.
Operator G1: Unboxing and initial thoughts
zhlédnutí 4,5KPřed 7 lety
Here are my initial thoughts on the G1 Operator for the Midland MicroMobile MTX100 GMRS base station. midlandusa.com/product/micromobile-2-way-radio/ Please excuse the poor lighting and white balance in parts of video. Get it from Harden Power Systems G1 Operator www.portableuniversalpower.com/our-products/operator-g1/ I first heard about unit from CommsPrepper's CZcams Review czcams.com/video/...
What has happened to Harden Power? I have several of their power packs but haven’t been able to contact them for support.
Same thing happened to 2 of my goal zero lanterns. They refused to replace them because I was outside the US. Highly recommend avoiding their products!
I have 4 of these and so far 3 of them have done this same thing where they turn themselves on and won’t turn off! I’m waiting for the fourth one to do this as it seems to be that a part inside is timed to go bad at a certain time interval because the last one to stop working was the last one I started using. This is the best light I’ve ever had as far as keeping a charge! It will hold a full charge for over a year but as soon as you start using them they will eventually turn themselves on one day and won’t allow you to turn it off! Customer service has to be aware of this issue!
Great tutorial, I have the same truck so it helped to see how that Yakima rack system will go on and function. Much appreciated!
My lighthouse 250 just did this last night. I don't want a replacement, since they don't make them any longer, I want a fix! Seems to happen to all models according to the reviews on Goal Zero's website. Loved the lantern til now, so I want that FIX!!!!!!! Hopefully Goal Zero watches this and reads the comments!
The mini does the same thing.
Yeah my Lighthouse Mini started to do the same thing about a month ago. I bought it 6 years ago, but reached out to Goal Zero support and then sent me a replacement so very happy with that. If you have your original proof of purchase they might also give you a replacement.
Hi. I also have a Colorado and just installed the exact retrax one xr tonneau cover. Just curious, does the top of your tailgate rub against the cover seal? Mines does that and just wonder if yours does too. If so, how is the seal holding up?
Hey Eric. Sorry for the late reply. I forget to check for comments. I think the seal has to be tight to stop water getting in. Problem I have is when closing the cover the right side tends to move back, certainly when driven so it's not completely square to the tailgate and then some water gets in. I've adjusted the rack a number of times and it's not as bad as it was, but it's not 100% sealed or water tight. I don't get that much water in, just at the bottom on the left and right and if we've on vacation I just put our luggage in large industrial trash bags just to ensure they don't get wet. They haven't so far, so that's good. How are you likely the cover so far? Will you get a Yakima rack too?
Hi American Frontier Life. May I use this on my channel? Full credited of course. Thanks!
Hey, sure you can use the video.
I have ordered one last week, I have tried the 3 CarKit versions, but they all do not work, and when they work, they work for just one time, the next time when you start the engine the connection is lost. I need it for my VW Touareq 2019 with Samsung S21 Ultra. When I have installed it I will let you all know if this works!
Hey man what brad is tour retractable bed liner
Hi. It's the RetraxONE XR Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover.
my bedcover doesn’t have the slits in the truck bed. What then?
Thanks for the video. I've seen some with the same Retrax that have mounted this Yakima and mentioned issues with the rails possibly bending if one over tourqes the bolt. How's yours been?
Hi Anthony. I've had no issue with the rails bending through install and torque on the bolts. Only issue I had which caused bending is going to a car wash and the top washer roller was not deactivated and got caught on the rail bar. The bending as not impacted the use of the tonneau rails or the Yakima rack.
useless video
Nice set up. I have pace edwards tonnea cover with explorer rail. Will the yakima tonneau kit work?
Hi. Doc Leng...The Yakima site says the Tonneau kit will work with Pace-Edwards UltraGroove. Yakima customer service is very good so I suggest calling them to check on compatibility.
That was crazy man! Nice work👍 I love it when a crew comes together to help like that. Very impressive.
Cheers! A good crew is worth more than any vehicle upgrade. These guys have got my Colorado through some crazy stuff with not a single dent...all the scratches are my fault :) Other best investment was training at www.nyoffroaddriving.com/ to learn how to really drive off-road properly. Left foot braking for the win.
Just happened to me too.. any practical fix?
I've seen videos out there about replacing the internal switch. I called Goal Zero and they acknowledged the fault and sent me a replacement light even though mine was out of warranty. Try calling Goal Zero support and seeing if they will help you too.
@@AmericanFrontierLife Do you have a link for people replacing the switch? I haven't been able to find them.
@@EastenNinja sorry don't know where I saw the information now. Was some time ago.
What year is your Colorado?
It's a 2019, I got in June 2020. It was perfect for my needs as I wanted the Bison grill and the Trail Runner package so have same tires as ZR2 and rock sliders.
Great teamwork there fellas. Nice job. Thanks for sharing
Thanks Mark. A great team is the best vehicle upgrade you can buy and investing in some training on how to drive off-road. I took a course at www.nyoffroaddriving.com/ and it really has been the best investment.
Can you tell me the name of the cover bed, thanks
It's a Retrax One XR retrax.com/retraxone-xr Check out my other videos for an installation video I did.
How does it effect your phone battery?
Using the wireless module does drain the battery. I've not done actual tests on the amount of battery drain, but I know it takes place. If I am going on a drive longer than 20-30mins I always plug it in to 'non Android Auto' USB port to charge it, or stop battery from being drained. If you plug it in to one of the Android Auto ports the head unit will use that over the wireless module and things can get confused. I do have to use a 12V socket USB charger so it has enough power to charge the phone while its casting Android Auto. If I use one of the rear seat USB ports the battery continues to slowly lose battery life and never actually charges. Having wireless Android Auto is still worth having for all the short trips I do.
That was fun to watch. Nice work!
It was fun and challenging surprise on an all-round amazing trip! Great teamwork, gentlemen!
I just received mine and installed it. Do you know why some music apps aren't appearing such as Pandora or Spotify? All I have is CZcams music.
Good to hear your's arrived. I've not seen any problems like this. It should just be casting Android Auto from your phone so what ever is available when plugged should be the same wireless. I've only got Pandora and CZcams Music and both show up. Also Google Podcasts does. The wireless unit is dealt with as a new device in Android Auto and I had to setup all my setting again. Maybe there is a security setting to allow Pandora and Spotify to be available on Android Auto. Last option would be to check is there are any OTA Updates in case this is a bug.
Have you gone to the play store and searched for app for Android Auto? They have a list of apps specifically for AA.
Mine is due in next week finally! Are you still happy with yours?
Good to hear yours is arriving this week. I am still happy with mine and it's perfect for short trips around town. I love how easy I can now listen to Pandora or CZcams Music when just going across town and don't need to plug my phone in. On longer trips I have had a few problems, with the phone getting very hot and not charging. I had to use a USB charger plugged into the 12V socket to keep the battery charging (very slowly) as the other USB ports in my Colorado didn't provide enough power. I've also had Android Auto on the head unit crash and I could only fix it by stopping, turning off the car and then on again. That was annoying during a long highway drive. But for the most part I am still very pleased with the unit. It's well worth the cost.
@American Frontier Life Thank you for the feedback sir!
Looks nice!
I want to get one but seems it will only ship in March 2022. Do you know where I can get one faster?
Sorry, I don't know where to get the AA Wireless units from any quicker than the team on indiegogo are shipping them. It did take about 6 months for mine to arrive. If you search Amazon there are a number of other companies selling wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay units now. No clue how good they are... Good luck finding something.
Seems that Motorola just launched a wireless Android Auto unit. www.theverge.com/2022/1/5/22865297/motorola-ma1-wireless-android-auto-dongle-bluetooth-car-head-unit
@@AmericanFrontierLife Good luck getting a MA1. Supply is so short when they are in stock they sell out within minutes or less! I have been trying to get a MA1 for 2 months now with no luck. I guess ill spend the extra $11 it cost the AAWireless and attempt to get one of these. For the people out there that think they would rather sick with their cables. That's fine but when you go through several cables by wearing out the USBC end of the cable or even worse ware out your charge port of your phone then come back and tell me it was worth sticking with the cable. That all ads up in price and repairs to your phone even if its possible will cot you way more than the price of the AAWireless or even the MA1.
The technology is not there yet...the reason of getting this wireless dongles is for convenience. But if its taking way longer to connect vs. me to plug in a wire (1 sec). Then I might as well just stick with the cable.
Having the unit for a while now I've learned the best way to use it for almost instant connectivity with my phone. I now almost always use the auto start as this powers the AA Wireless unit and has the benefit of heating the seats in the winter. If I don't auto start I unlock the door well before I am at the truck as this action also powers the unit. Then when I start the truck, once the head unit turns on fully my phone is already connected. The benefit of this is I don't have to take my phone out of my pocket and is extremely useful for short journeys. For longer trips I do have to plug the phone in to charge it as wirelessly doing Android Auto does drain the battery and also causes the phone to get warm. In hindsight I should have researched all this before publishing the video, but the video was a real out of the box and setup experience.
I've had this since late November in my little Peugeot 108. For me, it takes my phone somewhere between 5-20 seconds to hook up to the AAWireless from the minute I turn on the engine. Mostly, it's in the 5-10 second range. So it's not a deal breaker.
Do you have a list of tonneau covers that the Overhaul hd is compatible with? Good video!
Thanks. The 'TONNEAU KIT 1 adapts Yakima’s OverHaul HD™ and OutPost HD™ truck rack systems to work with the integrated tracks on Retrax XR Series, Pace-Edwards UltraGroove (except for 2004+ F-150), and Ford Embark LS tonneau covers.' yakima.com/products/tonneau-kit-1
Wow that update made a huge difference! Thanks for the video I've been debating this or the upcoming Carsifi dongle!
Glad the video helped. It is a great update and after a few weeks using it I've learned that if I remote start the truck as I am close, by the time I get in the AAWireless module has connected to my phone and Android Auto starts almost as soon as I drive way.
Do you sell any Yakima OverHaul HD that does not bring the spare parts when we have Retrax?
Hi, you need the Yakima Tonneau Kit 1 to fit the Yakima OverHaul HD with a Retrax yakima.com/products/tonneau-kit-1 Hopefully you can find one from a reseller near you. I know some Yakima products are hard to find at the moment.
@@AmericanFrontierLife Thank You
The same thing happened to me with our Goal Zero 400. It is almost 5 years old so I know I out of the warranty window. I still keep it around as a emergency light because it can charge from cranking the handle. Besides that it is one of the best lanterns I've had.
Hi there, would it be okay if I we're to use this video in a driving clip compilation I'm making? Ill give full credit in the description of the video. thanks in advance.
Hi. Sure you can use the clip for your compilation. Thanks for asking.
Hi sir, what the model of the Yakima that would be perfectly fit for that retrax tonneau cover?
Hi. The Yakima OverHaul and OutPost yakima.com/collections/truck-rack-systems will fit but do need the TONNEAU KIT 1 yakima.com/products/tonneau-kit-1?_ga=2.188715432.1054096179.1631634291-822530587.1631634291 to mount to the Retrax Tonneau cover. I recommend contacting Yakima support if you have further questions...they are very helpful.
Thanks so much for sharing this video, Yakima is great product, and very versatile configuration and many accessories. I buy mine just yesterday Thanks.
Glad the video was useful for you. Yakima products are great and must be in high demand. I've had the side bars on order since June and still not arrived...hopefully they will in a couple of weeks. Wishing now I'd just got them last year when I bought the rack.
Goal zero customer service is very helpful, but only if you live in the states. My lighthouse 250 has the same problem with the switch, I couldn't get a replacement unfortunately.
My GoalZero Lighthouse 250, after a couple years of very occasional use, turned itself on and won't turn off. Very strange. Obviously, I cannot count on a lantern that will run itself down, even when in the 'off' setting. It's apparently common. Must be some fix?
Try contacting GoalZero support about the issue, they might give you a replacement. I got a replacement.
The same failure occurred 20 months after purchase. I contacted the manufacturer by e-mail. They replied that the product was out of warranty and could not be replaced, although it was within two years of purchase, probably because the inquiry was made from outside the US or because there was no warranty card. I threw it in the trash.
Thanks for the video! This is exactly what I want to upgrade to.
Glad I could help!
What tonneau cover do you have that has the built in channels?
I have the RetraxONE XR. retrax.com/retraxone-xr Check my channel for the install video I did.
Did they indicate if they have done any redesigns in the switch? I want one but am scared to buy.
I think they have corrected the issue. I have two of these lanterns and the newer one works fine and hasn't displayed any issue, but then the one with a fault worked perfectly for a couple years before having issues.
Nice work! Any reason you didn't put the front rack closer to the cab?
Oh that's a good question. I never considered putting them more forward. I think I spaced them out as they are because they are the perfect width apart for the kayaks I have. If my kayaks were longer I think I might put the front rack closer to the cab, but for now they are perfectly spaced for my needs.
I’ve been looking at this and the aluminum version. $600 price difference but I can’t justify that for aluminum and the ability for 500lbs on the cover vs 250 lbs. are you happy with the RetraxOne?..
Hey Duncan, yeah I am happy with it and don't regret my purchase. I looked at the higher price aluminum one too, but I don't need the ability to rest 500lbs on the cover. I doubt I'd put 250lbs, but good to know I could if needed.
where are yours drainplug we dont see it???
Hi. So on the left side there is a factory hole in the bed that is large enough for the drain tube to fit in. On the right side there is not a factory hole. I've seen some setups were owners have drilled into the back of the bed and fed the drainage tubes that way. I need to do that, but don't have the correct drill bit or enough courage to drill into my truck just yet :)
Same issue for me. its been past 2 years.
Hope you able to get a free replacement from Goal Zero. Their customer support were very helpful.
Cover looks great I was wondering if you could provide some dimensions that I can’t seem to find.... What is the width between the rails (width of opening when the cover is retracted)? What is the height between canister and the floor of the bed? How much length do lose with the canister installed? Thanks in advance
Hey. Yeah those dimensions are hard to find. There are mine. All measurements are approx as maybe off a 1/4" or two. Width between the rails: 50 1/2 inches Height between canister and the floor of the bed: 11 inches Depth of canister installed (loss of bed length): 14 inches
Have you had any problems with your topper leaking
Driving in heavy rain or going through the car wash some water does get in, mostly on the driver side. I thought I had maybe installed the RetraxOne XR incorrectly, but looking at this Retrax page retrax.com/gate-gasket-seal it seems the problem is caused by a vacuum that is created and it pulls in the water. I am going to get the gasket seal and see if that solves the problem.
400 Lantern is doing the same.
I expect they using the same (defective) switch in a number of devices. Hope you get a replacement organized with Goal Zero Support.
Just went to my bedroom and mine 400 was one, super dim but on both sides. Haven't even turned it on in a few months so this is a bit bizarre.
I’m having the same problem on my 400 too. I’ve had it since 2017.
Same issue with my 400 that I purchased in 2018. I was literally looking at the 600 online to see if they fixed the issue and maybe purchased one. I brought my old 400 out, just to see if it's still screwed, and cranked it for 20 seconds or so. I noticed it didn't turn on 🤔 I then tried the switch and worked properly again. I'm still hesitant to say it won't happen again. Will have to wait and see.
Does it rattle
No rattle that I can hear, if there was a rattle I know my wife would have complained about it by now. When closed it's pretty solid and there is very little flex or movement.
What model retrax cover do you have. I have a 2020 Nissan Frontier with a 5' bed.
I've the RetraxONE XR. I got it from Amazon www.amazon.com/dp/B07GDPX965?ref_=pe_527950_33920290_dpLink I'm very happy with it. I like that the locking mechanism is on the top so I don't have to open the tailgate to unlock it.
Nice trail ride!
It works with Toyota Tundra crew Max?
That I don't know, you'd need to check on the manufactures site. I would be surprised if there was not a model to fit the Tundra.