MORE PROBLEMS | Van life reality
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- Опубліковано 17 бер 2024
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Hi, my name is Emi. I'm born in raise in small town just outside Quebec City, this is where my lovely accent comes from. My #vanlife story starts in September 2018. After a long-term relationship that I was trying for more than a year to rebuild, I decided it was time to end this toxic relationship once for all. This is where I decided to move away from this man that I was still in love with. I put all my belongings inside my SUV (GMC Jimmy) and moved six hours from where I was living. I didn’t know where I would sleep, didn’t know where I would work, but I knew I needed to make a drastic move. At that time, I told myself I would only sleep in my car for a month while looking for a place to rent. What I didn’t know is that one month became another month and another month. In the end, I end up sleeping in my car for a full year. Even if people consider this the lowest time of my life, this experience was the best thing I couldn’t have done with my life. I took that year to focus on myself, decide what I wanted, and most importantly, what I didn’t want. That year made me also realize that for so long, I was chasing the wrong dreams. I was chasing what society wanted me to be: to have a big house, a steady job, kids, get married… None of those dreams was making me happy. In September 2019, while I was actively looking for a van, I received a phone call that someone had found my cat (Kelly). After trying for hours with no success to communicate with my ex-boyfriend (who was taking care of her), I decided to drive the six hours to go pick her up. Without going into too much detail, it turns out he wasn’t able to take care of her anymore. So I brought her in a cat kennel for a couple of days until I found a van we both could live in. I put all the savings that I had accumulated while living in my car and bought my van (a 2011 Ford Econoline that I end up adding a hightop) In the beginning, It wasn’t so glamour. My cat and I were sleeping on a mattress on the floor of the van. We both had to adjust. Now, my cat loves this lifestyle as much as I do; she looks at the window while I’m driving, and she loves exploring new places. Since then, my cat Kelly and I have been living full-time in my self convert van.
I would have asked Chrome if I could work in his new space for the day. I'm sure he would have let you, to keep you out of the cold.
As I mentioned, I'm on the mainland for some appointments, and his shop is on Vancouver Island
Have you tried the repair products that are used on RVs and Camper roofs? I don't understand how they connected the top to van.
Praying
Hi to ~Emi & ~Kelly @ThecatladyVAN , could the windshield need a new seal, too?
Nice of you to volunteer Chrome's space for him.
I really feel weird hitting the Like button when you’re having difficult times😢 but I do it to help! Also don’t worry about always making adventure videos! We follow you because we care, in good times and the not so good. You are cared for by us for just you being the sweet lady you are! You give inspiration to so many, especially important for young and older women to show that not just men can do builds etc! Take care and stay safe and kisses for Ms Kelly❤
I think of it as a vote for EMI van life van repair is part of it not good that it happened so soon after the "FIX"
I feel her frustration 😢
Here Here we'll said 👏 🙌 ❤
Get a life, my goodness are you really that lonely you must be a cat lady too
I am so impressed. I would be still in a corner crying my eyes out for months! The way you can handle the downside stuff that happens is admirable.
🙏🙏
If we got her up to 100K subs it would likely help her with all this unexpected stuff. Let’s get our friends to sub when we see them.
For those who didn’t catch her previous video, she does have someone who will be helping her with a long term fix, but she has appointments for the next few weeks on the mainland. Then she will go to the location where her high top will be checked. It’s expensive and time consuming to take the ferry back and forth. Good job checking the old in the meantime, Emma. One less thing to do later! ✌️❤️🚐
No matter what you live in, if you are not renting you have to maintain it yourself. A perpetual job. But you get to call all the shots, which is a blessing. Best wishes to you and Kelly!
Exactly 👏👏
Emmi…… buy 1 or 2 cans of “FLEXSEAL” spray cans and spray along the joint of the high top to van. It comes in a clear colour so you won’t see it. This stuff works sooooo good.
This was my thought. It can also be removed.
SO TRUE! GREAT IDEA!
Great advice 💐
Flex-seal advertises that it can repair holes in boats! Give it a try!
Thanks for the flex seal tip !
Also...check your mattress for mold. That can happen when the mattress doesn't vent well.
Emi I have been a sub from when you had about 5k subs and I have to say how awesome you are!! You kick butt and you should pat yourself on the back for how far you have come!! You just grabbed some 2X4s and rebuilt your bed frame in no time!! I just didnt see you doing stuff like that in the beginning now 75k more subs and your a PRO girl!! Great job!! I also gotta tell ya your camera work and editing skills have become AMAZING too!! I just want to tell you I think you have come a hell of a long way in a short time!! Hard work pays off and you have always been able to jump right in and do it! Whatever needs done you make it happen with your own 2 hands and that is an incredible thing to see!! Keep up the great work girl your AWESOME!!!
I understand how much work producing video while trying to be productive can be. You're doing great. Thanks for sharing the challenges of real van life.
For less smoke! Switch your drill to '1' for driving screws, keep the '2' that you have it on, for drilling.
Even kitty 🐈⬛ looked exhausted…
Just watching mum 😂
Good job
Kitty attempting to escape all that madness at 4:00
You're having leaking water in your van. You might want to try this. Get some dish soap. Pour it all around the top of your van where your roof meets the body of your truck and pour some down the door cracks and then go. Turn your defroster on full blast with all the windows and everything shut and it should blow bubbles and you'll find it where the water's coming in. Something to try. 👍👍🙂🇨🇦
Getting something done is better than not getting anything done, so be happy. ✅ The rest can remain for the next time you have available time. Take care and stay safe. Until the next video…💕
Emi, I so admire you! I've kept my Dodge Grand Caravan in factory stock condition, no build, just a bunch of plastic storage tubs around a twin-size airbed, because I have no knowledge or patience with fix-it projects. Hang in there! Your skills are awesome, and your pluck is rare!
Eternabond tape on Amazon.
Works wonders on RV's.
Will also seal fiberglass hightops.
Just clean the surface area with isopropyl alcohol mixed with a bit of water before applying.
Just a suggestion, Emi.
If you haven't already, it is time to call out the shop that installed your leaky high top. I understand they are trying to fix it but they are not succeeding. Warning your viewers against them would be helpful for others so they can avoid that shop.
Bob Wells called out a Company on his Channel for that reason. He was cautious in speaking. Only used facts & said "they’re great people but if you’re already low on finances, this may not be the best Company".
I agree, I do not believe they are repairing it the way they should. Emi maybe should try to seal everything herself or get friends and hopefully they can do it themselves or find a very reputable repair company. And go after the people that are not doing their job. God Bless.
I believe she bought it already installed it was a Sears service van when she got it. The seal does have some age on her unit not a new install
Hopefully you will get the High top issue taken care of when you rebuild your bed do plan on putting drawers underneath for storage
@@southernvanlifewithrj2774 no, if you go back to her early videos, she had the hi-top added on her own after she bought the van.
Run an ozone machine in your van for a bit to get rid of the damp and mold! I'm so sorry that you are having such a rough go with your van.
Cheers from Ottawa 🇨🇦
Love your videos 😊 You achieved a lot for only 3 hours, well done you... Kisses for Kitty xxx
It's always nice to follow your real and lifelike vanlife videos, Emilie. Your van is very nice and I hope that you get some good help with your high roof to get it sealed! Your cat KELLY is so cute and adorable and my 4 cats excitedly watch the videos of your travels and your cat with me every time! Best wishes from Styria, Austria 🇦🇹, Christoph ✌
Good luck ☘️looks like a project you can handle! I admire you Emi 😊 oh and look at all of the views…come on people what does it hurt you to hit the like button ?
Kelly was on her lead, she was seen in the background.
😭
I thought the suggestion to put a rubber coating on the high top was also an excellent idea…people use this on trailer and motorhomes all the time!
Hi Emmi ... one of the hardest things to do in a van is covering the exposed steel behind your walls FULLY with insulation to prevent condensation. The most important thing to remember is the insulation barrier should be continuous if ANY steel is exposed it will create water drip-lets when there is cold steel warm air. closed cell spray foam is good .. treat it like a house ... the best would be a closed cell spray foam kit from home depot and foam sections of the van as you go to get a full coverage and NO exposed metal AT ALL behind your wood. fill all holes voids and even cover the surfaces with a good 1" of foam. Start on the roof and work your way to the floor. Remember metal will condensate much much more than wood does. I watched when you built the interior this summer and I was concerned when I watched the videos and there were pieces and sections where the steel was exposed behind the walls and so today I think you should consider spray foam as a good option for your van. The foam comes in a smaller BBQ tank size so you could do a large portion of your interior all at once. Good luck. Kevin
This means gutting the while Van first, right??
Yup. And where will she store her entire life while she works on it? Board the cat, get a hotel room, rent a car, just so she can do a major project? Wow. I think maybe that might break her. Her spirit and her bank account.
The right answer isn't always convenient. My advice is a permanent solution, not a band aid. AND it would be a terrific idea to make the chattles of her van removable for maintenance in the future. Something most vanlifers don't do as it just isn't discussed. I've built 3 buses and two vans in my lifetime so I have learned the hard way. Cheers! @@MyCleverHandle
yes temporarily this job after the van has been gutted would take one day including curing@@ketoauntie7301
If your leak is a seam use sikoflex or an automotive body panel seam sealer
I hope you get it all fixed. I like seeing the bad stuff. It’s real life and it is important for us to see. Safe travels! 😊❤️
You have my sympathy for having to rebuild your van. You had it fixed up so cute. We are living in a home we bought 3 years ago and have discovered mold problems.
Wow Emi it is obvious that you have lots of advice to help you with your problem. I sure hope you can get it fixed, because you have your van fixed up so nice. Good Luck girl, you’ll solve this problem. Nice to see Kelly pretty face, she had an exhausting day.
Poor Emi- such frustrating issues. I was reading the comments here and it sounds like sealing the entire outside seam with flexseal as well as maybe sealing the entire fiberglass top with that product the other commenter was mentioning would cover all your bases. Blessings to you and kitty ❤
You're certainly having a time of it. But, one thing at a time. Sure sucks to have it so wet! Your carpentry skills come in handy.
I have been thinking about your problem. I am wondering if it's the fiberglass not the seals. Have you considered putting a thick coat of rubberized Seal All? They claim it's a 20 yr fix. Flexible and good to minus 40. You buy a gallon and roll it on thick. And use a brush on the edges. You would also have to paint the top. I'm willing to bet a dollar that will fix your issues. It's amazing stuff.
I think that is a good idea myself ❤I’m watching this video right now aswell 😊
It comes in black white and grey l believe.
Oh, I wonder if this might help you?
It makes perfect sense that the fiberglass itself is what’s leaking. I think I’ve seen the product you’re describing, it certainly wouldn’t hurt the high top to apply it.
Would make the top look all new again as well.
12:50 Awwwww…nice to see Kelly getting scritchies from Mommy! 🐈😃👩🏻❤
Ye Gods! We watch both you and Chrome Emi - you are both having a crap time of it lately with your vehicles... We feel for both of you and Ms Kitty.... And Cruz....
You go girl. Hang in there. You are an inspiration❤
I hope it helps - a little - with the costs involved. All the best to you Emi ... & Kelly, of course❤😺
Awe ❤️ thank you so much. Have a beautiful day
In the US we have a product called "Flexseal" . Clean the area on your high top on the outside where the water is comming and it will seal it so water can't get in. Flexpaste also works great
I think Kitty still had fun outside. She seems pretty sleepy.
You are so competent, Emi! You know what you are doing. I hope your leak gets figured out soon - frustrating!
Take care Emi!
😊🎵🎶🍁🇨🇦
Eileen
I wish I was good as you at fixing stuff you are really good 😊
I guess the ultimate option would be to sell this van and get something that's already a high top.. there are so many of these used vans in America that were used for deliveries..
I tried a while ago being a nomad and did not work out for me. But I watch you vicariously and I love you and Kelly cat!! But I want you to know I admire you and how self sufficient you are. I watch all your videos. You rock!!
We are with you in good times and bad! Praying for good times ahead.
I’m amazed you got all that put away in time and after modifying your bed…lol Kitty says she’s going to have to start charging for her kisses 😂 I think you will sleep really well tonight 🤗
I feel for you Emi, van or sticks and bricks. Many things happen at the most inappropriate times. But, girl you have been blessed to have the talents or gift to fix things and to over come. You are truly an inspiration to others. God Bless and safe journey. 😊
Sorry you've been having trouble, but I always admire how you handle it. You're very skilled and capable. I'm sorry the high top manufacturer made a defective product/install. I hope, for your sake....not my viewing whims, that you get to have some fun even during this time where you're having a lot of appointments and trying to fix the leak and re-do the bed.
I bet the guy that drove by has never seen a woman using power tools along the road in the winter. Truly a lady of dreams. 💜 It’s great that you dispel the myths held by some about female capabilities. You inspired many and are loved by those of us that follow you and Kelly on your journey. Take care and give Kelly some scratches. Emi, you are amazing. Big cyber hugs!
Maybe you could go to a Van conversion place and just get advice as to what to do about your Van.
That wouldn't cost anything. If you're a bit low on money, you could always start a go fun.D main page as well.That's something you could look into
Until you get it fix buy a
big tarp and put it on
your van, Amazon have
rhino tarps for $19.99.
@TheCatLadyVANa
I been with you since
day one, UA-cam change
my name.
Everyone has an opinion.... and here is mine, do what you need to for now until you can get it into maybe Chrome's shop then pull it all out clean it up and redo, little repairs here and there are just dealing with the symptoms not the problem, so ok for now but a new fit out will hopefully solve it longer term for you.
Miss Kitty so cute she looks like she’s sleepy. Hope everything turns out good for you.👍😊
I wish I was there to help you.. in my opinion I think that high top should be designed to go over the rain gutter and maybe even over the back doors.. with clearance of course.. that way there is no exposed seal to the weather.. I hope it gets worked out for you
Was told by a mold remediator that thyme based cleaners kill mold quicker. Un fortunately moisture is the food for mold..so I hope those hi-top guys soon get it right!
Sorry you are having problems. You got alot done in just one day. Kisses for Kelly ❤
Smelling the mold is very worrying to me. Who knows what's happening in places you can't see. Black mold can cause serious permanent lung and brain health issues. Not just you, but kitty too. I am more and more concerned about you having to live in a van that has been deteriorating. Wish you could find some way to get a safer van 😢😢😢
I'm positive she knows this! No need to instill fear
I hope you get this issue fixed soon Emi, so sorry this is happening
the old van i was living in at the time began to leak more and more during rain. it's like your safe, cozy home becomes an enemy. bedding and carpet soaked etc. it's completely discouraging and miserable. you are one strong lady with this going on for a few rainy seasons. i couldn't take it anymore and donated my van to a charity. living in an apartment now that drives me crazy with noisy neighbors. miss the van life but not the broken down van life or the leaking van life!
If you dont mind, did you modify your old van at all with building it up in &/or outside?
Enjoyed spending time with you...smart lady..and it looks great❤
No fun today Miss Kelly. You are the cutest.
Take on more sponsors to save and do a new van build x
You do a great job sharing your life on the road. Thank you!
Don't worry about all of the nay-sayers and advisers, you know what is best is for you (and nobody else).
SUCH A BUMMER.... ITS JUST 1 OF THOSE THINGS ON OLDER UNITS, THE SEALS EVENTUALLY SHRINK OR CRACK. I WAS JUST UP ON A LADDER TODAY LOOKING AT REMOVING MY ROOF RACK AND SOLAR TO RESEAL MY CALLEN CAMPER SEAMS TOO. THEY ARE LEAKING AFTER 25 YEARS. BEFORE IT GETS TOO WARM HERE IN IDAHO. BE BLESSED EMMY.😸😸💙👍👍🙏🙏
I thought so too, will eventually leak; plus driving on very rough backcountry roads is hard on a high top added to a modified used Van. Do you think roof racks can cause roof leaks too?
Emmi you can get mold and water treated lumber. It’s usually their pink or blue in the lumberyard. If you’re going to replace any wood in the van with Newwood, you might consider using it. It is more expensive, but you’re less likely to get sick from water intrusion into the wood or rot from water intrusion. Also, don’t forget about the Eterna bond tape to seal your fiberglass high top to the roof of the van.
excellent ideas
Great idea if the wood has been able to age and off-gas. In a small confined space with those VOC toxins could add more complications, especially if someone is already exposed to mold.
I suppose it would also depend on what it is treated with also.
I really hope you’re able to get your house sorted out soon. I wish you kind, knowledgeable and inexpensive people to help get you through this.
🌴 Bonjour et Aloha.💚 I am happy you got to do what was needed 💙I hope you had a good rest and your appointment went well🩵 À bientôt!
Those that repaired your high top; should had it fixed the first time. If possible, take it back to them. Don't let anyone rip you off. You have such a pretty van compared to what it used to look like. You are amazing hard working woman fixing stuff. I love your high top. I don't think I would want to crawl around on the floor.
I sure hope better days coming for you soon. Look like you got the most of it fixed mold and mildew is so bad for your health and Kelly's. Downfalls of vanlife dealing with moisture and leaks. Stay positive Emi.
Hope you are able to finally get the leak fixed. ❤🎸
Hi Emi, So sorry! I am seeing lots of good advice in your comments.
You go girl - you got this 💪. You are making a temporary plan and you have a better plan later when you get back to the Island. You rock ! Hang in there 🥰 Hope your appointment went well.
Have you considered building w/ PVC piping ? Might be more waterproof .
Hang in there ; you are doing GREAT 👍🏽
Great job, as usual, Emi! You are the coolest!!❤
She is a trooper!!
Foam mattresses should be vented underneath, maybe drill holes in the plywood, so it won't mold 🤢. Take care ❤️
It is very admirable that you are self reliant and can work on the issue at hand. This too shall pass and things will be back to working order and you'll be back to adventuring ❤
I can't imagine doing what you did, let alone in a day. You really are remarkable 👍x
Hitting "like" just seems wrong but I am definitely rooting for you to find a solution. You're also taking the opportunity to improve your bed and clean those normally inaccessible areas so I suppose it's not totally bad
I feel for you Emi, you are doing a wonderful job and so practical sweetheart! 👏 ❤ 😊
No kisses today Mom, I just want to take a nap. lol Looking forward to Kelly's kisses next time. Great job on your bed frame. You are such an inspiration. See you both next time. :)
Sorry to hear your van is still leaking. Hope they get it fully fixed this time. In the meantime, maybe you can camp at a campground with a tarp above your roof? You are smart and capable of resolving mold issues. Just do what you can, when you can, it will get done. ❤😊😺
It take a lot of time, effort money and patience to do those things and I’m sure your proud of yourself. Great job!
I like watching you build...anything that keeps your life going.😅
Hi Emi. I realize that you can plainly see rainwater “pooling” in the top part of your high top. But I was wondering about the back van doors where you have a bad leak onto the floors. I too have a Ford E250 van and discovered that my van is leaking around the door gaskets…so I replaced them and it def helped. Gaskets wear out. Also was wondering about resealing around every joint in the high top?
Good advice.
I'm really glad to hear that you've got some folks who will help you look at the high-top situation. It's definitely time to get some new input on the problem. Wishing you good health and solid repairs.
Try sleeping with a cozy sleeping bag in a hammock for awhile before building another sleeping platform. You may like it.
Wonder Woman! Great work! 😘❤️🙏🏼🌺🐾🐾🐾🐾
Get Lexel sealant go around the outside edge and inside where u can reach, it says it sticks to wet surfaces, instantly waterproof, mildew resistant and it comes in clear. Do this for the time being until better weather arrives and then get a complete overhaul done. I’m sure this is not ur summer plan but u won’t lose us we’ll still be there for you. U can do this 💪❤
I hear ya! Mold is the bane of a van lifers existence. How about taking some time in Arizona to dry the van out? The atmosphere is great for drying out moisture.
Hello Emi and beautiful Kelly ❤
Keep staying positive my friend you got this 💐
Glad to see you have good power tools. Pick up some FlexSeal to seal up that hightop. I'm sure Chrome will let you use one of his shop spaces for a few days to pull out that bed frame and let the floor dry out well. Emi is really good at being self sufficient too. Way to go Emi!
Hey girl. Idk if you’ll see this comment but I live in an old trailer home and we paint the roof with this really thick sealant paint. We get it at the Lowe’s. Might be something to look into. If stops the leaks
wow, that plane was like an annoying fly! lol I wish you had some help, my friend. Good luck, Emi!
That wood wasn't showing any signs of rot. couldn't it just have been dried out and cleansed with bleach??? Did you actually get the leak stopped? If not, the new wood is just going to get wet also.
Stay strong. Hope you get your home fixed and those leaks is gone forever. I said when I see that the very first video, that those leaks is hard to fix and it seems to be that way. I'm not glad that I was right. 💪✌
Hey just throwing this out there .J5 has two vans for sale 1 is a high top. No leaks lot less rust. Might be something right up ur alley..
I love you content. Peace, love and light in your spring.
praying for a permanent solution for you Emi...
I try getting the rain water gatherer and L shape gutters 2. Seal outside with the stretch material on top of the stretch material, a soild white material. You choose the sealent. My two cents worth. ❤U virtual friend.😊
I am so sorry about your van. I know you worked on it a lot.
I am watching many van builds and am impressed with your quick fix and Tools plus skills to do this. You know your van and did a good job too. A few inches higher but you can sleep better tonight!
So sorry for all the headaches you've been going through!
Emi, check the brake light that's built into the high top right above the rear barn doors of your van. The leak could be coming from there.
Stay positive. I enjoyed your update and appreciate your down to earth personality
You are one tough cookie, Miss Emi. Keep up the good work.
I have been through all that myself in a Get-Away van: a leaky window frame (the type that slide open) on the raised roof,
AND MAINLY: the joint (between the base of the raised roof and the original roof of the van, where they meet and are screwed together behind the molding above the gutter, was letting water coming in when rain was filling the gutter because of the fiberglass roof insulation that was also screwed to the metal roof of the van, soaking water from the gutter upwards like a wet curtain and going into the van.
So once I removed everything to see that joint from the inside, I scraped the insulation at the base of the metal / van roof and caulked all around with a proper sealant, and it never leaked again. Hope it helps.