A New Year and a New Breakdown - Van Life Misadventure
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- Опубліковано 26 січ 2024
- While driving across the desert, Humpty Dumpty has another great fall! Thanks @AdventureTimeLoui for the help!
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You are such a renaissance man, Foresty. You are a carpenter, a mountaineer, a climber, a car repair guy, a chef, a film maker, a bicyclist, a dog guy, etc. I am in awe of you many talents! LOVE your videos!
Thanks 👍
Was your alternator over taxed? Drawing more current than it should?
Its Called Normal here in Norther canada 😂 dont be a Cidiot,
its a chevy. they love having issues@@canislupis3129
@@forestyforestshoulda saved your prior alternator . As a backup.
Trailer park boys montage had me rolling 😂
…..time fer a lil 🥴drinky poo
Me too 😂😂😂
I'm mowing the air, Randy!
Canadians and cool Americans only know! lol!
Bubbles is my spirit animal!
Epic! 🤘
YOU.ARE.AMAZING... I cannot get over how you can do everything... here let me cook, here let me pull out my sewing machine and hem these pants, here let me pull the parts and repair my own van .. and after all that you are a great dog dad.. so glad Louie was there to help out.. take care and give the pup a pet for us all
The sewing machine part is the funniest: cool, though! So much can be done with it.
Jack of all trades..my sentiment exactly!!
21st century Mountain Man.
Yeah he is like, "A task? Here, hold my beer." :DDDD
And here let me hand build you a mini log cabin from scratch.
Ahhh, feelin' like true Trailer Park Boys. Stick around, you could be the assistant weekend trailer park supervisor!
funny now frig off :)
"You can drive your whole house into a moose and lose everything." Only a van lifer could express such a sentiment so succinctly. Foresty Forest, you have the soul of a poet.
Us truckers say the exact same thing. Especially if we own the rig.
Great job on getting the alternator fix!!
Think how the Moose feels ? Ouch
😂
"Jerry Rigging" will now be known as a "Foresty Fix"
😂😂
Jimmy rigg where I come from. 😁
LoL - I'm going to use that !
Mcgyvering becomes Forestying ?
Either way, I understood him. It is like mud bugs and crawdays, I know where your from. lol@@memorysometimers3067
So glad things worked out so well for you on this breakdown! 😅
You and Foresty have become my two favorite youtubers (well, you guys and the wonderfully endearing Steve Wallis make three!), and I'm so glad I got introduced to your channel through your first trip with Simon. I've had an innate burning sense of wanderlust for as long as I can remember and I feel most alive when Im out exploring in nature, but the monotonous routines of daily life can get me in a rut... While I know your lifestyle isn't easy - and as they say, the grass is always greener - but simply watching you guys explore and adventure is enough to ignite that spark and motivate me to get out there again. Thank you ☺ And Im so happy to see you guys hanging out more! While Im sure life on the road is lonely (and to some extent you, Simon, and other wanderer-types appreciate that "me time") being able to adventure alongside a kindred spirit who "gets it" must be a wonderful change of pace.
Sorry that was probably way longer than a youtube comment should be, I just appreciate you guys and I hope you keep exploring and doing what makes you feel happy and fulfilled! Cheers 😄
@@kmille1014 same goes for me plus Jonna Jinton
thanks Loui for helping foresty. 😺
You da real MVP
Nice repair! You are probably correct in that the high amount of use led to relatively early failure, which is a common problem with alternators set up to charge house batteries (especially modern high capacity batteries). Alternators just aren't designed for that kind of load - they are for topping up a close to fully charged starting battery, not for continuously charging up a half discharged or fully discharged high capacity deep cycle battery every single day.
Even high-output alternators don't help you here. All that means is they are capable of pumping out more amps. They are still going to get very hot proportionate to usage, which will lead to early failure. Some are touted as 'high efficiency', but there is no magic that will significantly decrease the amount of heat compared to a 'regular efficiency' alternator, barring some sort of extra cooling system (plumbed into the radiator for example, like on some older cars) or faster rotational speed (with the smaller pulley you mentioned making the alternator and its fan spin faster).
My recommendation would be to completely isolate your vehicle systems from your house systems. You don't want your ability to move to be affected by your ability to shelter and vice versa. Though a provision for temporarily connecting the two can help you out in a pinch, as it did in your situation! More solar or running a small generator for your house systems is probably your best bet.
If you want to retain your current system, I'd advise being mindful of the temperature of your alternator, especially after a long drive/charge cycle, and try to charge your house batteries at a slower rate. Your alternator can get SMOKING hot under sufficient load, and there is only so much cooling it will get inside a cramped engine bay regardless of whether it's an ultra super duper efficiency 5,000 amp one or a stock 90 amp. The more/faster you charge, the hotter it'll get, and the shorter its life.
Thank you, that is very insightful!
@forestyforest There are dual alternator installations, running the second off a V belt. The places that install ridiculous megawatt sound systems can do this. Just looked at my 5.3L. Have no idea where they would put it.
I couldn't afford a house within commuting range of work so I bought a small house way out in the country and I live in a mini-van during the workweek and come back to my house on the weekend. I was considering charging my 200 amp hour battery with the alternator but I heard alot of cases where the extra draw caused the alternator to fail way early. I think I'll keep charging the battery from my house wall outlets when I'm home on weekends but it is a pain lugging the 50 lb battery up the stairs, I wish there was a better way. I can't cover my mini-van in solar pannels because I'd lose stealth and stealth is very important when you are parking in the city.
@@Weathernerd27you realize you can get one's that can lay flat and not be noticeable??
How far do you live from your work??
So why is it, it works fine for so many, then??
I have watched thousands of hrs of videos of people living in their vans, and most have it set up that way.
And they don't have that problem.
I think, it is more about the brand and where it's made. Something's you just shouldn't by from China.
So I don't think you know as much as you think you do. Especially since you think all brands are equal. And anyone with common sense, knows better than that. Same as parts made for certain duties. Such as this. They make such part's as this, just like anything else specifically made for certain task's, better because they need to work better. What would be the point of making them better and paying a higher price for such part that is built better??
Also, you forget he lives in Canada where he deals with snow yearly. And salt is a bitch if you don't keep it washed off. Ten combined with the dust like he was saying.,
You were trying to talk like you were a professional mechanic, but seriously overplayed your hand. I don't think you are much of a shade tree mechanic either.
So what is your experience as a mechanic??
Hope there is no more breakdowns for a while. Take care.🤞
Man Foresty the money you save by doing so much of your mechanical is fantastic. Good work.
I’m a self taught mechanic from UA-cam, and YES you save so much money. It never ceases to amaze me how quick and simple some repairs are and the crazy prices some shops will charge for those simple jobs. They get away with it because the vast majority of people don’t take a few minutes to understand the processes involved.
A spare alternator, starter and the belt are a must for long term travelers.
And a portable jump for the battery
Starter is optional with a stick shift.
@@peeonthe3rdrail414 Can you get a stick shift with these vans?
also, radiator hoses, gaskets and water!
Axles, radiator
Growing up in a TPB's type of trailer park in Cleveland, Ohio and now being an obsessive camper....I literally cannot tell you how happy it made me seeing you posting that song over the RV park. It was comedic gold and deserves an emmy.
Dude that's all standard GM truck maintenance, and you work that pig!
yeah loui's got the hotz for mr. forest eh.
I lost it at the Trailer park scene. 😂
Rocco looked so cozy and happy sleeping on top of the sleeping bag. You chose the perfect pup and partner on the road. Louie and William are the icy on the cake great friendship .
Vehicle problems can suck, when you look into all the new vehicles and the problems they have …. Especially after dropping 80 thousand +..
I’d rather an older broken van, than a new broken van…😂
100% Agreed! Not only cheaper to keep an older vehicle well maintained with maybe the odd repair, but these new vehicles, lately, even from *reputable*, and highly respected brands are turning out to often have serious catastrophic problems! Ie Honda just recalled a quarter million vehicles across many models (seems to be one common engine choice affected) for connecting rod bearing failures. Even just heard of an Ontario couple with a brand new CRV -- engine blew up inside of 2-3 months (sent a rod thru the block) and their Honda dealer refused to warranty repair it! Crazy!
Or buy a toyota. My 2012 awd sienna is at 484,000 km still all original.
@@alan4sure
I’d love a Toyota van …
@@mickraybam6012 warning tho: alternator replacement is a 4 hr job apparently. I'm debating changing mine just cuz it's so old....
@@alan4sure sounds like a previa
When the going gets tough the new breakdowns get going.
These comments are breaking down
These top Comments need to put back in order again
@@Jon-jk8vd 🦨💄💋
@@Groovy-Baby-Yeah I really love and appreciate FF putting my comment directly below the top comment, and I hope that this will continue 🦜
My favorite part about Foresty's videos is that I feel like I'm watching a mix between a van life channel, an adventure network, and the old show This Old House 😂 He can diagnose and get anything fixed, all while adventuring. Been here since the beginning, and will be here until the end, if there is one 🙏
Yea thats why hes my favorite van lifer as well!
You are an old world man like my husband. he can build or fix anything, even without blueprints or instruction. You're the man!
just buy a chopper
When you said “provided I diagnosed the problem correctly” I wanted to reach through the screen and hug you. I’ve been there. It’s not fun being wrong. Good thing you knocked it out of the park!
In my younger days, we called our selves, A jack of all trades, master of none. There's always a small stumble in a happy life. You're doing great. Happy trails:-)
Only old ppl, with few exceptions, can do that nowadays!
Loved the TPB musical interlude!!
Thanks! That old alternator looked like Konky after they found him in the swamp😜
😄 thanks!
LOL I lost it at the TPB theme song part. Watching that show is a Canadian necessity
To be fair foresty you burn the hell out of that alternator 😂 Stay well bro ✌🏻🇺🇸👍🏻🙏🏻
Yeah, was thinking the same. 😅
Not really. It's a high capacity one, and he has a DC-DC charger that limits it to 60 Amp output, so it should be running fairly easy. But the off roading might get it clogged up and overheating. Or something.
It should last 10 years. If it's getting soaked off roading then maybe the bearings could wear out but that's definitely re-buildable. If the windings burned out then it was never capable of 250A in the first place
@@srlane61 Yeah, I find it funny that the supplier doesn't rebuild this. If I'm not mistaken, the alternator cost a couple of grand.
Thank you for the new video. We lost our pup Tuesday and this was a simple comfort for me.
Sorry to hear that 😔
Foresty, make sure to get a 50A circuit breaker for your alternator output. Because your winch under the huge power draw possible at full load can damage the highest output alternators, or underrated wiring. You can do 100A (2 x50A) breaker if you're absolutely certain of your wire ratings. The breaker(s) can be heard kicking in and out under heavy load, but is desirable. Always good to have a plan "B."
MORR found that they ate too many alternators, Now they actually shut off and rely only on the cranking battery, with recharge periods.
On a road trip with my wife to Iowa, my alternator on my Ford died at 2am. I was told that that alternator had an issue that a couple of hard hits with something would make it work again for a while. Out of desperation, I hit it twice with the blunt side of a hand ax. It kicked back on, got me home, and worked for 6 more days.
Great to see the TPB reference getting love. Incredible.❤
While I feel for your struggles, these are also the vids that I love. Chilling at the van and improving/fixing stuff.
TBP?
I love the Trailer Park boys reference
that sepia tone overlay and the TPB music was hilarious! nice to see you're back on the road!!
For the amount of driving you do, I think you are doing pretty good maintenance wise on your van. Especially the terrain you subject the van to. Everything wears out sooner or later. Good to see you back on the road again!😀👍
You are looking much healthier these days Simon. I’m glad to see it. Take care 🙏
So, glad you had Louie to assist...you very lucky
If it were me, I would keep some parts on hand with me;
Alternator
Starter
Battery
Wheel bearing assembly
Serpentine belt
Enough tools to replace all these things on the road. I’ve had to pull a rear drive shaft more than once and limp a 4x4 vehicle home as front wheel drive vehicle more than once.
I nearly spit out my coffee when i heard the music and saw the trailer park montage. I absolutely love your wit and sense of humour. Glad you could make the best out of things 😊
Good to see you tackle the problem and find a solution so quickly. Go Foresty Go!
The trailer park boys intro killed me. I LOVE that show!
And it’s awesome to have a friend along….
She’s cool, i had girl friends like that…
Lots of fun!!!
Stay safe brother
The nod to the TPB at 3:43 gave me a big smile😃
All the extra charging above just running the engine/vehicle will wear an alternator down quicker than normal. Nice you're able to rnr it yourself.
That Beanie is a noice Thinking Cap.
This channel needs to do some serious thinking 🚽 🤔
@@Jon-jk8vd DiDO 🛌💤🍕
Well done Simon. You did an incredible job. So glad you had Louie to help you.
You are looking great these days. Hope you get that climb in. It looks really nice in the area you are in. Glad you got sorted in just a few days. Take care.
Great having a friend on the road to help out is very comforting 🥰
Breakdowns are a part of life. It comes with the territory. Glad everything worked out. Now I know how to take care of the situation when it happens to me. Thank you.
That Sunnyvale RV park looks nice. Hopefully Ricky & Julian didn't eat all your pepperoni or drink all your rum 🤣I think the time has come to crowdsource an EarthRoamer for FF & Rocko! 🚚
Where's Bubbles?
Even if one 1/3 of his subs donated 5$ that would get him a earthromer 🤔
@@canadianboyee I'm down!
Hal-e-pino
Ff is too humble to accept that.. obviously, you dont know him that good.
Nice that Loui was there with you to help and bonus you found someone that carried your alternator. No fun when the older vehicle break down. But your back and ready to go , all the best.
Okay now you're up and running I would order another alternator from where you got that last one and then install it even though you have a new one in there and if it works properly wrap up the the new the old new one and stash it in your vehicle as a known good part.
Get you a Tacoma and replace the bed with something custom! Second most reliable vehicle, super easy to access and repair, parts are common, etc. ❤
BREAKING NEWS 📰
*Punxsutawney Phil* did NOT see his shadow.
It's gonna be an early Spring! 🌄😎
Hot diggity dog 🌭
@@Jon-jk8vd Doggonit 🍔
That trailer park is a long way from home.
Take off you HOSER !!!
This channel is parking hard
I love seeing you both adventure together. You do look better and happier.
Thank you Forest for your comment about not needing the luxury build and determining what you really need for your van. I live in a 21 year old ambulance and I need to hear things like that because I know this ride doesn’t have much longer in the brutal NorthEast seasons/roads. Makes me appreciate what I’ve got and I know I don’t need more. Cheers!
Hanging out with a beautiful woman does wonders for a man’s heart and health ❤😊😂
Yes, we all need a Rocko in our life
TPB music was a great touch 🤣. You're looking good my friend. Glad you're back on the road. Have replaced many an alternator, the load you put on it definitely is going to lead to a shorter life.
Keep a spare starter AND alternator
THAT VAN IS KILLER!!!
Keep it.
Love the tpb throwback..lol!
Trailer Park Boys edit at 3:45 had me like
Hi FF and Rocko! We’re really enjoying your adventures here in New Zealand 😊
Glad the alternator got sorted.
Your Uplander Van was the real deal.
It was cheaper by far than driving the Humpty Dumpty.
I should have boughten that van and hijacked the Foresty Forest channel
This channel is guzzling more than gasoline ⛽️
Those episodes were the real deal
WATCHING THIS IN MY VAN 😊 JUST CHILLING IN THE BACK WATCHING MORESTY MOREST
Man, has anyone noticed Forresty is all smiles when Louie is in his videos? I know they’re just friends just saying they vibe well together.
Oh my gosh, that TPB intro add in made my day, bud
All the best to you
Lol love the Trailer Park Boys homage
God bless Lou ❤
Loved the Trailer Park Boys scene! 🤘😎🤘
Dusty and bumpy takes it's toll on parts.
As long a Rocko is good, all tends to work out. And the Journey continues...
Working on a van is tight quarters for the hands. Glad Louie was there to help out. Like the trailer park Boyz theme song that was cool.
I was thinking same thing .. made me lol as I had been thinking of TPB as soon as I found out about the alternator issue and being stuck at an tv site 😂
oh i missed it. it went right over my head.
That Trailer Park Boyz theme is just something else.
Swing by a pick-n-pull and pick yourself up a stock used spare alternator and starter for emergencies. No alternator is gonna last forever feeding the van +60 amps to power your house. Invest in roof top solar (400watts minimum) or invest in a dual alternator setup (120amps each).
In stock vs 2 week delivery, nice find! Keeping Foresty and Rocko rollin!
It DID look like a nice RV park. 😁
Nice nod to TPB.
Was praying for you my friend and I'm so glad to see that was answered! Thank God for your friend Loui as well 😊 looking forward to the next episode whenever you're ready 🤠
Glad you got your van fixed quickly and it's great to have a friend that can help out when needed. Looking forward to watching your next video 😊
Thanks
Thank you!
Dont ya love it when something works out half right......great to have a friend, and happy soaring to you both!
High amp alternators built in the standard size case are usually very hot running and put out less amps at idle than the factory unit. Most high amperage alternators that are in a standard case only reach their advertised level of output at high rpms....then that creates a ton of heat. A high amperage alternator should have a larger case and a fan system to keep it cool. Probably the most reliable setup for your van is a dual alternator kit that runs two factory alternators. This is available for your van application and is common in the commercial vehicle market segment.
Loui is so hilarious...did you get the ride of your life? Thanks FF, glad your back on the road and on to the next adventure.
Foresty, sorry to hear that you had trouble with the alternator, but it is really great that you were able to get the replacement quickly and without too much difficulty. And we got to see the entire process. A perfect example of turning lemons into lemonade!
Quick fix make always happy😊
So glad you got everything fixed! I really admire your self sufficiency in so many areas. It’s great to see someone grabbing life by the horns, making their own path work by using their wits and applying liberal doses of persistence and good judgment.
My greatest fear when traveling out in the middle of no where!!
Yes! I have the 2WD 2016 version of your van. I use it to sleep in on jobs on the road. I love mine!
I had to do the same thing, fortunately I made It to the driveway. I clamp the belt onto pulleys after I get it in place so I can install by myself. Just had to do tensioner and pulleys, used same method, works well. Great job! Going through same thing with old van. Decided not to put too much money building out an old van. I’ve seen people build them out then engine blows.
Thanks!
Tough one to weigh, keep what you got and know, or spend the money to get a new rig. I admire your ability to fix what you got and keep rolling. You kind of have to expect some wear and tear. Hang in there, love your channel.
LOVED the trailer park boys reference! You are the best forests! An inspiration!
OMG... the Trailer Park Boys tribute! :D
glad you got that fixed, your day in the life are my favorites
Loved the tpb theme song
I’m glad you have a driving partner now for this little set-back.
“May the wind be ever at your back…”
When you start explaining about the amperage to and from this and that, I feel so dumb !
I am glad I do not have all the electronics that you do. Kudos to you young man !
You are a man that knows how to get things done !
As I contemplate having to live in a vehicle because rents keep going up higher than my income, I marvel at how skilled you are at all the mechanical, electrical, and survival things that come up in van living. I don't have anywhere near that skill and wonder how I'll acquire it. Good thing you had Loui there to help out! It would be very nervewracking to have a big breakdown in the middle of nowhere.
I am in a similar situation. I'm hoping to sell my house and travel around in a van in 2024, but I really need to acquire repair skills quickly if I am going to do this. Really admire Foresty's know how!
He just learned along the way by educating himself via the internet, I think. He mentioned this in a video a couple of years ago.
It's really a matter of where there's a will, there's a way :)
@@minicoletta Yes, you may be right. I also think that I remember Foresty saying in a past video that he took an auto mechanics class in high school. And maybe he learned some car repair skills from his dad, too.
@@nancyhanson3472 Yeah, so whichever way one looks at it - at first he knew nothing, and then he learned. He didn't let this block his way :)
That Humpty Dumpty Van is a wet fart of a surprise.
Old man farts
@@Jon-jk8vd Beer farts? 🍻
Love the trailer park boys music in the video, lol. Happy ur rig is back up and running !!!
That's good. You managed to put everything in the same video: The problem. The possibilities and the solution!! Good luck to you from France!
Trailer Park Boys theme music for the win! :)
Don't scrap the old alternator. Find a small auto electronics repair shop and they should be able to rebuild it as a spare. I've had alternators rebuilt for much less than new.