Living at The World's Largest Truck Stop in My Blacked Out Car
My name is Arslan and I’ve been living in vehicles for the past few years. My journey of alternative living began after I was fed up with the high cost of rent in the United States. I fell in love with the idea of living on the road, so over the years, I converted a sprinter van, a Camaro and most recently been living in my 2014 chevy suburban camper car. I enjoy making KZhead videos and recording my different experiences to share with you guys. I’m also a nurse half days of the week because I have a significant passion for helping people.
In This video: we spend an entire day living at iowa 80, this truck stop became my home!
KZhead Posting Schedule: Saturdays 9am EST
I love reading your comments and wish I could reply to all of you but my schedule doesn't allow. But I always reply to SUPER CHATS because they pop up on my phone!
P.S. If I need to tell you guys something, I will comment and pin it on my latest video.
All of my long form videos can be found in this playlist: • How I Live In My Car W...
My shorts playlist on KZhead: • Do you agree or Not? #...
You know what I love about this channel? Bro, you do everything by yourself you genuinely don’t need anyone around for you to enjoy! Something I’m still struggling to overcome with myself! Keep up the good work bro, I’m locked in for life!
Hey thanks gamerslust! it must be difficult for you, I used to be that way too. It took me some time to learn that I don't need someone else with me to be a whole person or "complete me". But that still doesn't mean that I don't believe in love or enjoy spending time with others ❤️
I do hope one day soon, you will overcome that
Me too
Your VLOGS are so entertaining!! I'm a retired Registered Nurse of 35 years. So happy your living your best life!!! Please accept this gratuity to keep on Vlogging!!!!❤❤
Hi Lisa! ❤️ Thanks for the encouragement!! also, for sharing a little bit about your background - it's nice to learn more about the Solar Camper Car community!
I found the truck stop pretty interesting. thank you for showing me that.
Shower 🚿
Same!!
@@marissa88888 UR welcome To Take shower 🚿 at my house ....No problem
I am a home baker of more than 50 years, and I love baking challenges. So one day, after watching Ukranian residents trying to cook in the street after having their homes destroyed, I asked myself: can you bake bread (and such like) without an oven? The answer is: you certainly can. You can "bake" in a lidded frying pan as you just experienced, and you can also steam in a lidded saucepan (my favorite way). For instance, mug cakes are even better steamed than they are cooked in a microwave and so would be those cinnamon rolls. Anyway, it takes experience which I know by numerous failures and successes. Anything with sugar and/or butter will burn at higher temperatures, so use low temperatures and you can make it work. Simpler breads are easier because they don't contain so many "burnables." The trick is low and slow because baking takes time to produce a good result.
That's a big truck stop. I've seen it a few times by other you tubers.
@@beachobsession29 I've been there several times it is very big ..but it's not my favorite
@@nonstopnomads1268what's your favorite?
@@virginiavoigt2418 I like the Petros best if there is any left not a fan of TA as much
Hallelujah!
Buy a small rack that fits in skillet they sell them at Walmart and it bakes just like an oven
A metal round steaming rack that fits in the skillet
I bet the cinnamon rolls were better done stove top in butter! Love your zest for experiencing life, optimism & positivity, and your willingness to share it with us. Wishing you all good things always☺️
Cinnamon rolls in a skillet - creative bro! Definitely too much heat the first time around 😆
I feel like watching entire ads is a nice time to look at the comments 👍😉
I love this guy he’s a breath of fresh air
18:51 - You don’t see that too often!! A driver stopping to remove a piece of debris from the road!! 👍👍👍👍👍 BTW - Great video!!
So they do have portable ovens for camping and grills 😀 This may be a game changer for you! Although I’ve never used one, I’ve watched others and they seem perfect and are foldable for easy storage. Love your videos 💖
Is it summer where you live? It’s 95*f outside, and 70* in my stealth camper. Sorry I was sarcastic but it’s fluffin hot in Cali. I have a full kitchen but definitely not using it 🥵 🥵 🥵 😂 😂😂
I really like following you. I'm 80 and retired, but I traveled 92 to 98% of my time for my job for 25 years. And have been in many of the places you've been to. Yes I liked watching you cook. From watching you I think you areva great nurse... Yes I enjoy
Arslan, We are pretty proud to have the Countries largest truck stop and they do an amazing job at always changing and improving it as the times changes with us. I'm in Des Moines. Thanks for visiting Iowa we have loads of things to do no matter where you are at in our State. And yes I have been to every cave many times in Iowa so I did know where you were at. Blessings!
I frequent CR and find the people there friendly and nice consistently. Only fuss is there is no direct flight from SD to CR.
You are so brave entering those caves with no one else around! Love your style of cooking, your steaks always look so delicious and good for you eating vegetables!
ooh Arslan, you should try getting the Omnia Oven . its a flame stove top thingy that can bake stuff-- from fresh batter to reheating baked goods. get the Omnia Oven Kit so that you have all the basics and the accessories. so far everybody who's been using that (campers, vanifers etc) is giving glowing reviews. i think that would be a really good addition to your cookware there without occupying too much space or taking up too much power
I used an Omnia for a year when I full timed in a VW Rialta. It was fantastic!
@@AnointedTravelers yup and the Omnia Oven looks like its a multi-meal gadget, specially if you get the 6-pack silicon molds. i saw another vanlifer have a full meal using the Omnia oven with the silicon molds in one cooking session-- like they had veggies and mac& cheese with some fish i think(i forgot what was on the 4th mold) . heck that Omnia thing can easily replace Arslan's little pan there :D
I looked that up...all it is, is a bundt cake pan, with a lid. They want anywhere from $80 - $200 bucks for one. All you need is a lid, cut a hole in it, place that on the burner. Put the bundt cake pan on it. Place a lid on it, and you have your Omnia stove. You can get all the mentioned items at a thrift store for about $5. I also saw a 6 pack of silicone bundt cake liners for $2 from Temu. 😁
I'm in Missouri and have been to Iowa many times. The first time I saw that truck stop, I could not get over it! That was many years ago but I'm thrilled that you got to experience it!!! Iowa is so very friendly and beautiful. Great video as usual!
Who cares !
This was such a fun video to watch. That truck stop is amazing. Nice of you to pick that torn tire piece up and remove it from the highway. Iowa looks like such a beautiful state. Your dinner looked so yummy and the biscuits turned out pretty well. Looking forward to your next video.
Jam packed @Solar Camper Car, one of your best ones yet IMO, loved to see the truck stop and the caves, excellent content, keep it up!
I said the same thing..I think this was one of his best videos yet... keep them coming Arslan!!!❤
Arsland your an amazing young man am 62yrs old women but I enjoy your content I came across your video now am hooked can't wait for the next video safe travels this world is dangerous so be safe you can bake on a skilet you can cook anything on a stove top all the food that cook are all delicious wish happiness and good health my daughter is studying to be an RN one more year and she'll get her degree since she was three yrs old wanted to be a nurse take care Arsland see you on the next video
I too live in Iowa although not close to that truck stop, welcome! You should get a toaster oven. They run on regular electricity and you can bake and toast everything in it. I haven't used my traditional oven in years. I bake cakes, cook bacon, bake chicken etc.
Toaster oven and an air fryer is all you need
I'm in Des Moines
I do enjoy your video Arslan... I always enjoy watching you cooking and eating and the way you laugh and the humor... You're a great person, very natural.. You gave us the opportunity to watch your life as a camper with a degree... You're an amazing person You make my day happy for real.. And the caves are amazing.. Please keep safe... Much love from the Philippines ❤I'll follow you everywhere you go Arslan.. Enjoy your life to the fullest.. Explore more..
Hello, I always enjoy your videos. Try washer sheets. I changed because of my wrist but for you, it takes up little space. I’ve given up on those mega jugs of liquid detergent. Plus you reduce use of landfill’s. If your towels become smelly, use 1 c white vinegar and 1/2 c baking powder in a regular load. I recommend: Arm & Hammer Power Sheets Laundry Detergent, Fresh Linen 50ct, up to 100 Small Loads
Greetings from a nurse from Berlin! 🙋🌞Love your content!
Mixing colors and whites like a true G
I admire You Arslan, You always take care of your hygiene , while living on the road... great job! mwah mwah, love you Arslan! Your my hero for sure!
An air fryer would be good idea for you. I love mines use it for everything.
Good idea but they use a lot of electric- I don't think he has the resources for that.
Air fryers take a LOT of power. I don't know what size power station Arslan has, but it would take at least 2000 watts to run an air fryer (I really wanted one, but don't have the watts to run it).
thats genius! 👍👍 Arslan has incredible new solar panels (like 400 watts or smth and flexible and thin its amazing). but the question would be how much capacity are his current batteries. given his solar panels and his inverter i think it would be easy for him to increase his battery capacity so that it can store more of those energy generating sources, then he can easily use an air fryer or a portable air cooler or other creature comforts.
@@steelsheen Space in his vehicle is limited so he may not want to add batteries, a power inverter and etc.
Air fryer uses a lot of watts per hour
You are a good looking young fellow, you DO NOT look fat, shut up 🤓😆🫕🔥. Fun video Arslan. Wishing you much happiness and fun times.
Love your simple cooking
I love watching you and have been a fan for awhile now. I enjoy your sense of travel and admire your fearlessness. I have to tell you how hard it was for me NOT to hold my breath while you were spelunking in the cave by yourself.
I Like the POV camera for your cooking. NICE.
I think a Airfryer would be a great addition also I know there is a small oven you can use on a burner
Wow, 900 truck capacity!!!
Have you ever thought about getting a small crock pot? You'd be surprised what you can "bake" in them. I love your videos!
This guy has the most upbeat attitude. Love ❤️
Wow that place is incredible. Thanks for sharing
What an awesome place and the people seem so friendly. And nothing wrong with your weight. You look great! Love your videos as always :)
Thanks for the truck stop tour. Good place to tuck away in the memory bank for cross-country trips. 😊
There is a portable oven ,you can put it on top of your gas stove.it's so cute,i've seen it on Just Rowan,who is a van lifer too.kisses from Greece ❤❤
I just wrote the same thing! Just Rowan bakes bread, cookies and even just baked enchiladas in hers! And it folds up and only $55 on Amazon, Coleman Portable Camping Oven.
I've owned my Coleman oven for over 25 years. Have baked breads, biscuits, dinner rolls, casseroles, pot roast, chicken and pizza. It will heat up his car though. Nice to have if he stops and cooks outside. It also folds down when not in use. Easy to store. Bake with mine on my two burner Coleman camp stove. When it is too hot and humid inside, I set up my Coleman oven.
Ahh ! It makes me sad to see the end of your videos, fella. 😢. Till we meet again . 🎉
Good to see the Iowa 80 truck stop. Spent many nights there over the decades of driving semi. Be safe and you do a great job with the video editing etc. Very talented!
Hi Arslan, Like you video . I Drove18wheelers for 30 plus years. sure has changed a lot from the old days. I use a bit of solar energy .👍 Take care Jim 👍
Arslan. Put a spoon of oil in with the butter so the butter doesn’t burn!! And cook on low heat……with lid on….. check frequently ❤️
We have a 700watt toaster oven in our Suburban. We've made biscuits in it and it bakes pretty well. It takes a lot of power from the 1000 watt power station, but if there's enough sun on the solar panels, it recharges quickly. But your way works, too!
Great video Arslan 👍🏼 Take care, Until next time❗️
Arslan I am going to cook my cinnamon rolls on the stove top! Thanx for the idea!
i saw the title and thought to myself, theres no way he's talking about the truck stop i live 30 minutes from. was not disappointed. love from Iowa
Hi loved today’s video, you mentioned wanting an oven have you thought of getting a small air fryer?
Thank you for cheering me up!
I just discovered your channel recently and am so enjoying it! Thank you for sharing! I loved seeing this place, and sharing your adventures!
I have a tiny toaster oven similar to the dash toaster oven but a little bigger. It's perfect for off grid. Mine is 600 watts and goes up to 450 degrees F
It’s great having your video on Saturday morning
This video was FANTASTIC! I love the drone shots (if that's what you're using). All of it is so interesting. You manage to pack a lot of living into your life. Thank you for taking us along with you. Your videos are a highlight for sure.
He does have a drone... But this looks like a 360° camera on a pole
All videos are nice but this one is the best! 😊
You know if you use a little baking soda on your steak it makes it really tender really fast ..you can look up how to do it on KZhead Another dinner suggestion...You could also cut the steak into strips and use those pepper and onions wrap them in flour tortillas it makes fajitas ..just get you some salsa and cheese if you want Or if you want to grill the green peppers and onions yourself and then marinate the steak in the baking soda cut in the strips and then do it that way with the flour tortillas
I love sharing your travels and adventures. Your videos are amazing!
Dirt cake is my favorite! I have it every year for my birthday! You look great Arslan! Nothing is wrong with your weight but if you aren't happy then of course I understand.
The color of that blue sky! And the low clouds, they are smaller. Like puffs! So white against that bright deep blue sky. So different than the PAC NW colors and clouds. Very beautiful and very clear! 😃
Try this oven, Coleman Portable Camping Oven with Thermometer & Adjustable 10 Sq. In. Rack, Designed to Sit on Top of Camp Stoves or Fire.
Arslan, Your awesome. Please be careful. Love watching your KZhead channel. ❤
Come to New Mexico! Hopefully on your bucket list 🔥❤️
Thanks for taking that shredded tire off the road. 😊🎉❤
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Another good video. BTW, you can buy a toaster/oven they are pretty good and you can bake whatever & toast bread, even bake or rotisserie chicken, bake steak, make brownies, cookies, etc, plus they don't cost much; I got mine at Walmart I use it every week. Stay Safe & Healthy... Abrazos
I so enjoy your videos. You are such a precious young man. Take care out there and stay safe. Keep being you 😊
Those caves were very cool!
I’m from Iowa. Been through Iowa 80 numerous times. Never knew about those caves though. Thanks for sharing.👍🏽
Thank you, Arslan, for sharing your adventure with us. It looks like your videos had built up a great and friendly community. I enjoyed watching the video as well as all the nice comments. Stay safe, stay happy.
Hello! From fellow nurse in CA! I’m glad you found this place. Not sure how you do it but I enjoy watching your videos. Makes me want to go car camping somewhere…thanks for sharing! Take care!
I'm so glad you were able to explore the I-80 Truck Stop. I've been there a few times. You must see the Grotto in West Bend. And the Effigy Mounds. Not to mention the Surf Ballroom and Museum. For a variation on the steak, use some Greek seasoning on it with the butter. Throw some rice in there too. It's soo good. I prefer the Greek seasoning without msg. Another flavor heaven. Enjoy your travels.
I was totally amazed at that truck stop. Never knew they existed like that. Keep up the great content.
Sounds good! Be safe, my friend! 😊
I love your channel and your camera is awesome the way it allows you to get everything. You day in life videos are my favorite!
Arslan - thanks for sharing your adventures with us! I really enjoy seeing where you go and how you live!!!! You are very inspiring!!! Thanks again!!!!
Love your positivity and visiting these places, good content for the channel! The point of view camera is great
My grandma used to make "donuts" with those biscuits. Well, the original ones. She'd fry them up in oil and then sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on them. Best ever
Did She cut out a Hole in the Center?
Love the slow motion! lol you’re like a kid 😂❤
Thoroughly enjoyed your Vid and that Truck Stop is everything all you can ask for mobile traveling❤👍👍⬆️ Be SAFE😎💪
Man if only you added some eggs and white rice to those mixed peppers. And imagine if you chopped up the steak and added that in. Absolutely delicious.
Great video, Arslan!! I've watched your content for some time. I enjoy sharing in your adventures.
Wish I had known, I live and work in the Quad Cities! True story, I've lived in this area 23 yrs and never been to the I-80 or the Maquoketa caves, but my family has.
Thanks for another awesome video! I envy you that you are able to go and explore on your own! It looks amazing!
Wow I would not have gone 2 feet into the entrance of the caves! You are BRAVE! This was a super cool vlog thanks for sharing with us!
They do have camping ovens, it goes on top your little stove, has a thermometer in door. A van lifer use hers all the time.
On your travels I love that you make the world a better place wherever you go.
Chrome hubcaps and spotlights would make your Suburban look a whole lot more stealth.
Grandma's Kitchen is awesome 👍. Welcome to Iowa. ✌️
Totally enjoy your videos. The point of view when you were cooking was good, but I also like when you appear on camera. So maybe a little of both. God bless you. Oh, yes, loved the caves. Thanks.
Love your videos. I was once living out of a chevy cruz for awhile while working to save up due to a relationship not working out. Your setup is so great though compared to what i had lol. Keep up the great work your awesome.
Looking forward all week to this morning
Wow. That was a great tour. Love from your Philly fan!🤗🥰💕👍
This was great fun watching this video. All your videos are great. I've seen each one. I was mini-praying for your safety (knew you'd be alright) during your cave walk lol
Lovely to watch as always 👍😀
Wow. Those caves look creepy 😮. You’re brave! Loved your ending. lol 🥰
So much fun hanging with you! Love how you spiced things up with more content while keeping your channel's authenticity :) I really enjoy the wide camera angles too, very nice to see the views. Take extra care when you're driving and filming through the window tho, that may be dangerous. But way to gooo! Keep living your best life
Fabulous truck stop.
Start your biscuits out in a cold pan and don't open the lid as much. Good luck next time! 😊
That was an awesome video . The truck stop mall looks like so much fun and the food looks yummy even at the buffet . I am jealous you can be a free spirit !!!!!! I was going to say come to Maine & visit us but you might get bored lol .
Yes point of view camera is great. Cave exploring is fun but not safe alone. Great video overall
this is one of my favorites youve done in a while. i mean i like all your videos but this one was very cool and well done Arslan! ty!
Wow!! You listened to me about real butter, but it is not the best to cook with. It burns at a low temperature. I'm thrilled. It is so much better for your body. Coconut oil is best for frying and your body. It does not add coconut flavor, so don't worry about that.
Loved the video, they keep getting better & better! 😊
Not only do I enjoy your videos but I LOVE WATCHING YOU COOK AND EAT!!! You are entertainment at its best.