First, please don’t respond to my comment. (I probably won’t respond to any comments anyway; my choice.) Please take your well-deserved break/vacation/hiatus and chill. Enjoy your life. No pressure from me, anyway; and I’m a loyal long-time viewer who’s not going anywhere. I’ve had many hours of enjoyment viewing what you’ve put on your channel. You don’t owe me anything, and I don’t curse your name if you don’t do what I want you to do. Second, I don’t know if any of the unsolicited genius-level advice that I spout will mean anything to you or anyone else. But anyway, I’ve suffered from anxiety and self-esteem issues my whole life (genetics, some dysfunction in the family, shyness/isolation, bullying throughout adolescence, ad nauseum). For me, guided meditation (self-hypnosis or whatever you want to call it) and a well-designed exercise routine that builds muscle (see some YT vids for guidance) are very beneficial. The guided meditation helps manage negative thoughts and emotions; and the exercise routine strengthens, builds and shapes your body, and that affects your mental outlook which affects your emotions. (You don’t have to become a muscled-up bodybuilder, either. Use relatively light weights and a LOT of repetitions per set [NOT 8-12 reps per set, but more like 15-20 reps per set.] Do even more reps per set for push-ups and stomach exercises, for example.) An exercise routine (ie, done regularly) is a positive way to channel anxious energy into a stronger self. It works, and you don’t need a gym, necessarily. (Body-weight exercises, dumbells, hand-grips for the forearms, yoga, etc can all be part of it. Search YT vids for a good full-body exercise program, if you’re interested.) As far as health goes, alcohol is not helpful, usually. Ok, this is too long, now. So, finally, please don’t respond to me. Pet Rocko, relax, and enjoy the Spring. Be with people who you like being with. Or don’t. Do what ever you want. It’s not my choice to make or to criticize. I do that in my own life, not yours. I expect that you won’t be making or criticizing my choices in my life, and I’ll return that respect to you in kind. In short, you do you. I’ll be around if you decide to post more stuff. I’m here for the long haul.
I can hear the stress in your voice, and can see how Rocco does too. Please take comfort in knowing that you have literally hundreds of thousands of people that care about you, and thousands who are ready to help.😊
And despite what you might hear on the evening news…there’s a lot of good people in the world, especially in that part of the world! Really good people. My son lives in Montana.
It's hard to know that Foresty is feeling so stressed that he felt the need to shut down his Patreon page. I'm pretty sure many of us signed up just to support his van and outdoor lifestyle and didn't feel the need for extra content on Patreon. I'm fine with any videos posted here. I read many comments that said that very thing. Hoping he finds what works for him and Rocko. All the best, Simon. Please do what is best for your emotional and physical well-being. Everything you've posted on this channel has been a pleasure to watch.
I've been getting the feeling for a while that he's loosing interest in filming. He says what's he's done in the video, like, the new ceiling in the van, but we never saw it. Maybe he filmed it, maybe he didn't. But there's a definite feeling of a change. If FF needs a break, so be it. He needs to take care of himself. We know his health hasn't been what it was. I just hope he's ok. Appreciate the update about patreon news. 🙏
Dear Foresty My wife and I just want to tell you that for the last 2 years that we have been watching you and now your beautiful Rocko, you make our life more beautiful. We only took the Patreon as a form of support and we never expected regular videos. Thank you and we wish you great moments with Rocko
@@valentina-cn9et thank you for posting this! So many people are going through mental burnout myself included. Hope ff knows he’s not the only one we all are in this together, we all are human
Simon, don't worry. Just rewire the van. Piece by piece. Spend a few hundred bucks on wire and soldering kit. And rewire it. It will take a few months. One hour here. And an hour there. Should not be more than say , sixty hours. You will spend a lot of time selling your rig and buying another. Get new harnesses also. Should be less than a hundred bucks for harnesses. Maybe two hundred.
Foresty should look into the 'big 3' upgrade, replacing all ground wires with 4 awg copper wire. With some crimpers for the terminals he could make them himself.
@@nuffnonsense9544 I saw a video from a real good service tech. A guy had been to the GM dealer with his 2019 Silverado to a dealer for an array of electrical issues. The dealer "diagnosed" the vehicle as needing a couple of new control modules for the Engine , Brakes and Steering and he was quoted over $3,900.00 for the repairs. Well the trucks owner decided to get a second opinion. It ended up the the truck only needed a ground cable. Even though the truck was fairly new and low miles GM had used a braided ground cable on the passenger side "cab to frame" the salt had turned the cable green with corrosion so that it could not carry the proper ground. When you have a bad ground the voltage will feed back through other circuits and can cause an array of problems.. A shop that does not know what they are doing will cost you a LOT of money.. Replacing things that are not the problem. And the kicker is that you will still have a problem after spending a ton of money.
Revisiting this comment section after 3 weeks and I'm absolutely blown away. I've been struggling with my desire to live for a while now and seeing how much support Simon you've got here buddy is unreal. This really gives me a boost to keep going and keep chasing my dream of being an adventure filmmaker, making videos that inspire and touch people in some way and building something amazing like what is going on here. What an incredible group of people here, easily the best comment section on youtube right here.
All the best to you and Rocko. We get massive good vibes peering over shoulder and will continue to follow your adventures -- as long as you're up for it. Thanks, Forestry.
My dog passed away a couple years ago from cancer. I thought I was fine after a few months until I went to clean my car windows and realized that I was cleaning her nose prints. I cried through the whole process.
Hey I had something similar happen to me in a 2012 checy Express 3500 and it turned out to be the ground cable between the engine and frame. Components like the ABS module, fuel pump and transmission control module all get their ground through the frame. It's easy to spot, it's a braided copper cable, mine corroded right through.
So true. He's the best. If YT gave out Oscars for best efforts, he'd win them all. Cinematography, content, actor in a leading and supporting role, editing, consistency, humor, soundtrack, style. Within and outside of the VanLife genre.
Thank you so much for sharing with us. Your videos bring me so much joy. Take care of yourself and Rocco. My thoughts and prayers are with you for good health and a joyful life. Watching you has changed my life.
Never underestimate what grounds can cause on those Chevys. I have mine go crazy more often than I would like and its almost always corroded grounds. Best of luck
Dear Simon, when I first found you, you were riding a fat tire bike and I thought you were amazing. Since then you have taken me on countless adventures. I have just found out that you closed down your Patreon account. I am saddened by the news. But the most important thing is your health. Don't worry about us. Worry about you and Rocko. You are an amazing man, and this world needs you. This is your next mountain to summit, and I'm sure you will stand triumphantly at the top with Rocko one day. IMHO This is undeniably the best channel on UA-cam, with the best drone footage on the planet and you should receive some kind of award for it. Thank you very much for the great ride. and know I will never unsubscribe to this cannel and will pounce on anything you do in the future. Peace Simon.
Classic foresty. So much gold content in one video. Every other channel would make 10 videos on the break down, 10 on the roof, 10 on rocko. Proof that Simon is the best and just a real gem.
Nothing wrong with GM, when you have your van worked on stick around the area where it was worked on so you know for sure that it's fixed! So that you can take it back if the problem arises. I think you have a ground wire problem
I want to thank you so much for the gift of letting us into your life for the past several years. You’ve provided a constant Zen space for me and thousands of others to escape to during the tumultuous times we live in. While you will be sorely missed, I can’t imagine the pressure and effort required to keep up with the pace of high quality content you have produced for so long on the road. You seem like such a genuine and kind soul and I only hope the best for your wellbeing and your future. If it can provide even a modicum of solace, know that you have an army of people who cherish and support you in perpetuity.
I'm sorry you've been struggling with breakdowns (could give a person more than mechanical one, believe me I've been there! Hope this fattens the piggy bank a little.
Just a drop in the bucket but I hope we can all rally and help! Wish it could be more man, I'm just caught in the daily grind and doing my best...👊😎 been checking on the channel, waiting for a video and hoping all was well so thx for the update!
@@QwibzOSRS What does it natter how much he makes? If you don't like it, don't watch it..? How much money would you need or demand to climb all these peaks etc he entertains us with? Yes it's his life and choice to do it whether or not he records it. Just be thankful he is recording it for us to follow along ...? Some people's kids...FFS...?
@@QwibzOSRS you are free to make money on UA-cam, by making your own content. The question is will people watch it? If you’re jealous of other people’s success then why watch them?
Foresty, find all electrical wire grounds and clean them well on both sides then lubricate in corrosion inhibiting compound. This should solve most of your current and future grief. You may also add additional heavy gauge grounds to ease any loads on high power alternator. Wishing you safe and well!
I echo this - strange electrical gremlins and bizarre warning messages can be a symptom of bad grounds. Check each one and make sure they're not corroded away.
My thoughts exactly. Should probably test each harness to check for damage such as incorrect resistance from the bad ground(s) as well. Audio shops are usually good help as they deal with multiple high amp alternators and other gadgets.
This absolutely smacks of a bad ground or CANbus issue. Sometimes the BCM Canbus loom can get pinched, borking a lot of modules in the process. I'd check the loom between the engine bay and the BCM.
Sound like a bad or broken ground pull lightly on your all your wire connection and pull lightly on wire in bends looking for a broken wire inside the insulation and harness. Safe travels
Foresty😂 I've been reading comments for what feels like hours, and scrolling... I have never seen so many! You are one very appreciated person! We will keep our eyes on your UA-cam, enjoy yourself. Warm wishes to you both!
Hopefully the van is savable after all the hard work you've put into your home, but maybe an idea to keep in mind if there's a next rig is a trailer build that will keep your hard built home seperate from any powertrain problems. Trailers carry their own problems though, so it's something to carefully weigh. I hope everything goes right for you my dude.
We changed from a 4x4 van to a truck & FWC camper for that exact reason, decouple the vehicle from the living area so you make changes to one without affecting the other. There were other reasons too, I posted more above.
@Craig Hunt Yep, I'm in a truck with overhead camper. I've fixed it up just how I like it and added a woodstove. I don't want to tow anything down rutted, rocky dirt roads. However. If I get a small fishing boat, easy peasy to bring it along.
It's hard to believe Rocco has been part of the episodes for a whole year❤ she gives a dimension to your videos and we all appreciate your sharing your adventures with us.
Ya she really does, just the right size dog too. I have a friend who told me to put my cat in my hiking videos but I'm pretty sure my cat would be pissed off the entire day if I did that 😂
Forestry…hope you and Rocco are doing ok. We are still here waiting for you when you get everything back on track. We miss you…stay safe and take care!!
I had a Buick that had very similar issues, they were more prevalent during rain. The dealership was stumped and sent me away without a fix. I ended up finding that the side detection sensor was full of water from the back passenger tire and unplugging it solved everything. Maybe you have a device under your van full of water.
I discovered Foresty Forest's channel a few weeks ago, and was really sad to see his van broke down. I donated. And I'm watching all his older videos now (they are fantastic as usual!), so at least that will still help to support him through UA-cam viewable hours. The bike tours across the US west and the fat bike tours are amazing!!! I made a post on my Facebook feed about this channel to try to pull in more viewers for his channel. They are the best on UA-cam, no doubt about it! Stay safe, Foresty, and take care of yourself first!!
When I discovered his channel (couple or three years ago), I did the same. It was cool going back and watching the bike videos and the ones that followed, and seeing his evolution as an adventurer, a mountain lover, and a videographer. Enjoy!
As a mechanic, I will only say these simple *AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRICAL FACTS* ::: 98% of automotive electrical problems is ----> *GROUND* ground grounD grouND groUND grOUND gROUND ----> *G R O U N D* Locate the body-to-chassis GROUND STRAPS..... Locate the engine-to-chassis GROUND STRAPS..... *REMOVE THOSE CHEAP BRAIDED STRAPS AND REPLACE THEM WITH ---> 6AWG SILICONE JACKETED STRAND CABLES AND DO NOT EVER CRIMP THE LUGS ON THE CABLES ---> THEY MUST BE SOLDERED TO THE LUGS* *WHEN BOLTING THE LUGS BACK ON THE VEHICLE BE SURE TO SAND TO SHINY METAL AND USE COPPER WASHERS BETWEEN THE LUGS AND STEEL AND YOU ALSO MUST APPLY ---> DI-ELECTRIC SILICONE GREASE BETWEEN THE LUGS AND COPPER WASHERS AND STEEL SURFACE AND USE STAINLESS STEEL BOLTS WHEN ATTACHING* *AFTER FIRMLY BOLTING TO SURFACES FINISH BY APPLYING ....* ------> *PRO-FORM Wax Based Permanent Rustproofing* (Ontario, Canada) OR ------> *Hammerite WAXOYL CLEAR* (UK product, this is an excellent product !!!) *THESE ARE HEAVY-DUTY NON-PAINTABLE ---> "WAX-BASED RUST-PROOFING COMPOUNDS" .... AND SIMPLY TAKE A SMALL ACID BRUSH OR EVEN A Q-TIP AND APPLY TWO COATS OF THIS HEAVY GOOP TO THE ENTIRE OUTER PART OF THE LUG CONNECTION COMPLETELY SEALING THE CONNECTIONS* Hope that helps!
Get a can of Deoxit and spray every fuse, relay and wiring connection you can find. My Safari was doing very similar things until I cleaned every connection.
Mercedes Benz have a factory 4x4 version of their Sprinter van. They’re pretty rare here in Australia and I don’t know if they ever made it to North America or not, but the rear wheel drive versions I used to drive in my previous job over ten years ago seemed very reliable when compared to the competitors like the Ford Transit(just don’t go there!). All our ambulances in Tassie are Sprinters too, and have been for decades. I just hope you get this sorted soon and don’t have to go through the whole process of a build again though. I’ve noticed some comments by people who seem way more knowledgable on the subject than me about checking all the grounds…
@@Artoconnell I’m not surprised they’re expensive. There’s not a lot of competition in the 4x4 van sector and production volumes would be quite low. The 4x2 sector is a completely different kettle of fish.
I drive a 2006 Tundra. It is by far the most beautiful and reliable truck I’ve ever owned. Had a guy offer me $25k usd for it just last year. Granted, it’s a limited edition with only 98k miles after 17 years. But I have faith in all Toyotas, especially the earlier models.
Don't give up Foresty! It's a dream rig! It's definitely frustrating when there are problems but it feels like your home. Would be hard to replicate in a smaller vehicle for sure. Keep at it!
I’m currently building out my Chevy Express van and a friend told me about your channel!! I have been binge watching and it has been awesome!! Thanks for sharing your experiences!!
Rocko is clearly in dog heaven being with you. I love the shots of her just being a dog in your videos. There's so much to explore in Canada and the US. Plenty of time later for the other countries.
I bet your mouth hurts from talking so much😂😂. A man of few words. Ceiling looks great! So happy you have Rocko. She’s amazing! She adds another dimension to your channel.
Hello Forest, with your electronic gremlins you are experiencing my money is on condensation. See if there is a pattern that triggers it on and off. I slept in a car travelling Australia for 12 months. I had dash board warning lights and central locking playing up on it. The dealership couldn't find it because they didn't think about it. I saw a pattern every time the night and morning had high condensation dripping down into the dash board. Good luck with it all Forest. Jason from Melbourne Australia.
Unfortunately that shop hadn’t learned the cardinal lesson - it’s almost NEVER the ECU. Any tech that just points at a control module hasn’t been a tech for long. I just repaired two different 2017 Silverados with the same problem, they’d randomly stall, crazy warning lights, weird nonsense codes, crank no start (sometimes), no crank no start, and so on. FIX: the ABS module is on the driver’s side frame rail. Unplug the large connector. Follow the wiring loom from the connector up over the frame rail to where it meets the main harness. In this area, they are well-known to have pinching damage, pull-stresses, and the last one I did had a rotten green spot on a wire 3ft up in the harness along the frame rail. No sign of physical damage to the harness wrap or loom. Very odd. What this wire is, though, is one of several critical high-speed CAN (controller area network) circuits that allow all the separate “brains” to talk to each other. If they can’t, bad stuff happens, and oftentimes less-proficient mechanics will see the “trash” codes produced by this and just load up the parts cannon. You’re a hands-on guy, so I’d say take a look! If you’re ever in the Duluth, MN area, look me up and I’ll fix it for you for nothing - I have my own small shop behind my house and do this kind of work all the time. Best of luck out there and stay safe!
I want to thank you for all your content and advice. I built a van similar to your first one, same layout, even added some sprouts in the back window in your honour. All your little tips and advice really has helped me. I don’t live in it full time but I use it to visit my family across Ontario and it has saved me a lot of money and given me more time with my family not having to worry about hotels and such. I even started hiking more to get my health in order because of your amazing adventures that inspire me. I wish you all the best. Some advice when I was in basic training 20 years ago, in the CF, a course officer once told me … when things get tough, keep leaning into the hill. Cheers mate.
You and Rocko are simply AMAZING, all the stuff you do!! I really enjoy watching your channel. Is it possible you can park this van somewhere and continue to enjoy living in it while you search for a suitable truck/van replacement to work on? I hope it works out quickly for you! Take care! Theresa
Can't believe how big she's gotten. That dog has put more miles on her paws that I have put on my feet in 60 years of life. Well travelled. Well loved.
Definitely,the best chanel for great photography of epic mtn hikes and winter hikes as well.Really blows me away to see him do the winter stuff solo. If its burnout,it's understandable.The pressure and work hours to make videos on a constant weekly basis is grueling imo. A break from it is a good thing.5yrs is a long run and life has other opportunities. If anyone knows of any equally good hiking channels lmk here.Thx.
I think you're frustrated right now but once you get home and able to have someone familiar with your van take a look at it, you might think differently about a different model. Your build out is really YOU so don't give it up just yet. Stay safe and rest your nerves closer to home.
Hi from Australia, I have had similar electrical problems with boat alternators. If your modified alternator is connected to a lithium battery to charge it directly, the bms may block it resulting in a dc power surge damaging electrical systems and wires. It will be impossible to trace damaged wires. It is not a good idea to modify alternators as car electrical systems are very sensitive.
First, please don’t respond to my comment. (I probably won’t respond to any comments anyway; my choice.) Please take your well-deserved break/vacation/hiatus and chill. Enjoy your life. No pressure from me, anyway; and I’m a loyal long-time viewer who’s not going anywhere. I’ve had many hours of enjoyment viewing what you’ve put on your channel. You don’t owe me anything, and I don’t curse your name if you don’t do what I want you to do.
Second, I don’t know if any of the unsolicited genius-level advice that I spout will mean anything to you or anyone else. But anyway, I’ve suffered from anxiety and self-esteem issues my whole life (genetics, some dysfunction in the family, shyness/isolation, bullying throughout adolescence, ad nauseum).
For me, guided meditation (self-hypnosis or whatever you want to call it) and a well-designed exercise routine that builds muscle (see some YT vids for guidance) are very beneficial. The guided meditation helps manage negative thoughts and emotions; and the exercise routine strengthens, builds and shapes your body, and that affects your mental outlook which affects your emotions. (You don’t have to become a muscled-up bodybuilder, either. Use relatively light weights and a LOT of repetitions per set [NOT 8-12 reps per set, but more like 15-20 reps per set.] Do even more reps per set for push-ups and stomach exercises, for example.)
An exercise routine (ie, done regularly) is a positive way to channel anxious energy into a stronger self. It works, and you don’t need a gym, necessarily. (Body-weight exercises, dumbells, hand-grips for the forearms, yoga, etc can all be part of it. Search YT vids for a good full-body exercise program, if you’re interested.) As far as health goes, alcohol is not helpful, usually.
Ok, this is too long, now. So, finally, please don’t respond to me. Pet Rocko, relax, and enjoy the Spring. Be with people who you like being with. Or don’t. Do what ever you want. It’s not my choice to make or to criticize. I do that in my own life, not yours. I expect that you won’t be making or criticizing my choices in my life, and I’ll return that respect to you in kind. In short, you do you.
I’ll be around if you decide to post more stuff. I’m here for the long haul.
I can hear the stress in your voice, and can see how Rocco does too. Please take comfort in knowing that you have literally hundreds of thousands of people that care about you, and thousands who are ready to help.😊
Love your comment! Absolutely 💯!
100%
Agreed 100%!
And despite what you might hear on the evening news…there’s a lot of good people in the world, especially in that part of the world! Really good people. My son lives in Montana.
Na, as a 40+ yr dog owner, Rocco is just being mellow. She's still livin her best life!!
Take care of yourself and Rocko. Come back to UA-cam when you're ready.
It's hard to know that Foresty is feeling so stressed that he felt the need to shut down his Patreon page. I'm pretty sure many of us signed up just to support his van and outdoor lifestyle and didn't feel the need for extra content on Patreon. I'm fine with any videos posted here. I read many comments that said that very thing. Hoping he finds what works for him and Rocko. All the best, Simon. Please do what is best for your emotional and physical well-being. Everything you've posted on this channel has been a pleasure to watch.
Hit the ‘thanks’ in the comments to keep supporting too! 💰
@@joanned35 I don't see any "thanks" in the comments. The choices I have are a "thumbs up", "thumbs down" or "Reply". That's it.
Thanks!
Oh no🙁 I hope he’s okay.
I've been getting the feeling for a while that he's loosing interest in filming. He says what's he's done in the video, like, the new ceiling in the van, but we never saw it. Maybe he filmed it, maybe he didn't. But there's a definite feeling of a change. If FF needs a break, so be it. He needs to take care of himself. We know his health hasn't been what it was. I just hope he's ok. Appreciate the update about patreon news. 🙏
Dear Foresty
My wife and I just want to tell you that for the last 2 years that we have been watching you and now your beautiful Rocko, you make our life more beautiful. We only took the Patreon as a form of support and we never expected regular videos. Thank you and we wish you great moments with Rocko
I’m a bit concerned for him as he hasn’t put out any new videos for sometime now🙁
@@valentina-cn9et Thank you for sharing this. I did not read this post from Foresty on Patreon... Hope, we see him again soon. Greetings from Germany
@@valentina-cn9et thank you for posting this! So many people are going through mental burnout myself included. Hope ff knows he’s not the only one we all are in this together, we all are human
@@valentina-cn9et Thank you for posting this. As usual I have been checking daily for a new video. Have been so worried. I love this guy!
Here, here!
It’s not much, but I hope this makes things a little easier
Simon, don't worry. Just rewire the van. Piece by piece. Spend a few hundred bucks on wire and soldering kit. And rewire it. It will take a few months. One hour here. And an hour there. Should not be more than say , sixty hours. You will spend a lot of time selling your rig and buying another. Get new harnesses also. Should be less than a hundred bucks for harnesses. Maybe two hundred.
@@sasquatchrosefarts plus he's put a lot of time and money into this one 👍
@@RickMartinUA-cam the best solution, when mountain lions attack deer too much....is to ban antlers.
Glad you're home safely. 💕🐕💕✌🏻🇨🇦
@@RickMartinUA-cam The guy who donated the money is named Brandon. The fact it also mocks a politician is an added bonus.
Check engine to frame grounds , body to frame grounds. GM has grounding issues.
Agree. Obv sounds like grounding issue or sensor fouling out. Can he create his own grounds, op?
Harness?
Foresty should look into the 'big 3' upgrade, replacing all ground wires with 4 awg copper wire. With some crimpers for the terminals he could make them himself.
Sell it, buy a springer. Enjoy life.
@@nuffnonsense9544 I saw a video from a real good service tech. A guy had been to the GM dealer with his 2019 Silverado to a dealer for an array of electrical issues. The dealer "diagnosed" the vehicle as needing a couple of new control modules for the Engine , Brakes and Steering and he was quoted over $3,900.00 for the repairs. Well the trucks owner decided to get a second opinion. It ended up the the truck only needed a ground cable. Even though the truck was fairly new and low miles GM had used a braided ground cable on the passenger side "cab to frame" the salt had turned the cable green with corrosion so that it could not carry the proper ground. When you have a bad ground the voltage will feed back through other circuits and can cause an array of problems.. A shop that does not know what they are doing will cost you a LOT of money.. Replacing things that are not the problem. And the kicker is that you will still have a problem after spending a ton of money.
Revisiting this comment section after 3 weeks and I'm absolutely blown away. I've been struggling with my desire to live for a while now and seeing how much support Simon you've got here buddy is unreal. This really gives me a boost to keep going and keep chasing my dream of being an adventure filmmaker, making videos that inspire and touch people in some way and building something amazing like what is going on here. What an incredible group of people here, easily the best comment section on youtube right here.
All the best to you and Rocko. We get massive good vibes peering over shoulder and will continue to follow your adventures -- as long as you're up for it. Thanks, Forestry.
Tacoma cab and chassis would be a nice choice.
My dog passed away a couple years ago from cancer. I thought I was fine after a few months until I went to clean my car windows and realized that I was cleaning her nose prints. I cried through the whole process.
Sorry about the loss of your dog. Your story made me very sad.
❤
Awwww, God bless u man! I had to put down my 19 yr old cat on January 12th. It hurts when you least expect it.
❤ there's so many waiting in Shelters ready to Love you when your Ready. I'm so sorry
What was her name?
Hey I had something similar happen to me in a 2012 checy Express 3500 and it turned out to be the ground cable between the engine and frame. Components like the ABS module, fuel pump and transmission control module all get their ground through the frame. It's easy to spot, it's a braided copper cable, mine corroded right through.
It's under the vehicle near the front of the engine.
It would be great if that was what it was.
The high power alternator together with a bad ground cable could really be the problem.
This!! Eric at South Main Auto has posted at least one GM with ground issues! His diagnostic skills are great.
The entire internet wants this to be the fix!
This channel broke the mold of Van Life.
Long live the Foresty Forest Legend.
That’s nice💕
So true. He's the best. If YT gave out Oscars for best efforts, he'd win them all. Cinematography, content, actor in a leading and supporting role, editing, consistency, humor, soundtrack, style. Within and outside of the VanLife genre.
Thanks man for the amazing journeys
Rocco’s treats
Thank you so much for sharing with us. Your videos bring me so much joy. Take care of yourself and Rocco. My thoughts and prayers are with you for good health and a joyful life. Watching you has changed my life.
You *Ladies* are the best darn thing since sliced bread. ♥🙏
Never underestimate what grounds can cause on those Chevys. I have mine go crazy more often than I would like and its almost always corroded grounds. Best of luck
Thank you, Forresty. You have been hitting it hard for years, time for a vacation. Hopefully you come back, either way, get rest.
Dear Simon, when I first found you, you were riding a fat tire bike and I thought you were amazing. Since then you have taken me on countless adventures. I have just found out that you closed down your Patreon account. I am saddened by the news. But the most important thing is your health. Don't worry about us. Worry about you and Rocko. You are an amazing man, and this world needs you. This is your next mountain to summit, and I'm sure you will stand triumphantly at the top with Rocko one day.
IMHO This is undeniably the best channel on UA-cam, with the best drone footage on the planet and you should receive some kind of award for it. Thank you very much for the great ride. and know I will never unsubscribe to this cannel and will pounce on anything you do in the future. Peace Simon.
Love your comment, Richard. I am in total agreement with your sentiments about both Foresty and his amazing channel.
True words man 💪
So sorry. It’s your home. Not just a van. Must be hard on you to be stuck. Best of luck.
Keep livin the dream bro
For you and Rocko.
Hope it all works out buddy.
Thanks! Hang in there Forest. Keep it going and remember always better days ahead.
Classic foresty. So much gold content in one video. Every other channel would make 10 videos on the break down, 10 on the roof, 10 on rocko. Proof that Simon is the best and just a real gem.
Repent to Jesus Christ “You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.””
John 12:8 NIV
H
Nothing wrong with GM, when you have your van worked on stick around the area where it was worked on so you know for sure that it's fixed! So that you can take it back if the problem arises. I think you have a ground wire problem
Great video as always
He is a gem! I miss him and Rocco😟
@@terrymoore9185 possibly coming from the higher output alternator. You have to change the wire's out also. I bet that's where the problem is at.
Been watching for so long, not a lot but I hope this helps ❤️
Thanks for the longest Foresty monologue ever. Rocko is a luck doggo. Vehicles can be a challenge, stay safe.
Thanks, since your message to Patron supporters ..here is a bit more..Tae care of yourself and Roco , YOLO
I want to thank you so much for the gift of letting us into your life for the past several years. You’ve provided a constant Zen space for me and thousands of others to escape to during the tumultuous times we live in. While you will be sorely missed, I can’t imagine the pressure and effort required to keep up with the pace of high quality content you have produced for so long on the road. You seem like such a genuine and kind soul and I only hope the best for your wellbeing and your future. If it can provide even a modicum of solace, know that you have an army of people who cherish and support you in perpetuity.
Some treats for Rocko maybe 👍
Or something towards a Timmies. Sorry still not able to do regular yet again.
I'm sorry you've been struggling with breakdowns (could give a person more than mechanical one, believe me I've been there! Hope this fattens the piggy bank a little.
Just a drop in the bucket but I hope we can all rally and help! Wish it could be more man, I'm just caught in the daily grind and doing my best...👊😎 been checking on the channel, waiting for a video and hoping all was well so thx for the update!
Thanks! Happy to help. Take care and so sorry for your situation.
WOOF WOOF MEOW
Please come back Forest when you’re ready? Everyone loves you❤❤❤❤❤
Hang in there, Forest, and good luck with the van or its successor.
@@QwibzOSRS What does it natter how much he makes? If you don't like it, don't watch it..? How much money would you need or demand to climb all these peaks etc he entertains us with? Yes it's his life and choice to do it whether or not he records it. Just be thankful he is recording it for us to follow along ...?
Some people's kids...FFS...?
@@QwibzOSRS you are free to make money on UA-cam, by making your own content. The question is will people watch it? If you’re jealous of other people’s success then why watch them?
The voice of jealousy raises its head.
All the best to you
Keep on truckin -- just want to see you guys continue to do well.
Foresty, find all electrical wire grounds and clean them well on both sides then lubricate in corrosion inhibiting compound. This should solve most of your current and future grief. You may also add additional heavy gauge grounds to ease any loads on high power alternator. Wishing you safe and well!
I echo this - strange electrical gremlins and bizarre warning messages can be a symptom of bad grounds. Check each one and make sure they're not corroded away.
My thoughts exactly. Should probably test each harness to check for damage such as incorrect resistance from the bad ground(s) as well. Audio shops are usually good help as they deal with multiple high amp alternators and other gadgets.
This absolutely smacks of a bad ground or CANbus issue. Sometimes the BCM Canbus loom can get pinched, borking a lot of modules in the process. I'd check the loom between the engine bay and the BCM.
Sound like a bad or broken ground pull lightly on your all your wire connection and pull lightly on wire in bends looking for a broken wire inside the insulation and harness. Safe travels
And the first areas I'd check is anything OEM that got removed to do the 4x4 swap
Foresty😂
I've been reading comments for what feels like hours, and scrolling... I have never seen so many!
You are one very appreciated person!
We will keep our eyes on your UA-cam, enjoy yourself.
Warm wishes to you both!
we miss you because you're a good soul
Some of us have overestimated his
mental capacity to handle more than he can chew.
I'm glad to know that he's much cared for in the comments.
Hopefully the van is savable after all the hard work you've put into your home, but maybe an idea to keep in mind if there's a next rig is a trailer build that will keep your hard built home seperate from any powertrain problems. Trailers carry their own problems though, so it's something to carefully weigh. I hope everything goes right for you my dude.
We changed from a 4x4 van to a truck & FWC camper for that exact reason, decouple the vehicle from the living area so you make changes to one without affecting the other. There were other reasons too, I posted more above.
@Craig Hunt Yep, I'm in a truck with overhead camper. I've fixed it up just how I like it and added a woodstove. I don't want to tow anything down rutted, rocky dirt roads. However. If I get a small fishing boat, easy peasy to bring it along.
Instant money thing is embarrassing to me that I can't contribute. And it makes me think that maybe I just won't even watch anymore
@@-HighTide You're contributing BY watching.
@@-HighTide Yeah slacker!😮😂. Seriously though, make sure you click thumbs up.
Welcome back! Rocko is taking everything in stride! 🐶 Time to visit Steve and Crazy Neighbour!
It's hard to believe Rocco has been part of the episodes for a whole year❤ she gives a dimension to your videos and we all appreciate your sharing your adventures with us.
Ya she really does, just the right size dog too. I have a friend who told me to put my cat in my hiking videos but I'm pretty sure my cat would be pissed off the entire day if I did that 😂
I envy F.F.'s calm humor when faced with adversity.
Repent to Jesus Christ “You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.””
John 12:8 NIV
H
Learn to roll with the punches
Forestry…hope you and Rocco are doing ok. We are still here waiting for you when you get everything back on track. We miss you…stay safe and take care!!
Thanks
Been there too many times to count…Happy you two are safe. That’s the most important.
My favorite UA-camr! You’re the real deal. Hang in there. This too shall pass.
Stay safe out there Foresty🌲We need you!!!
Love the content! I'd watch you build another one, or fight to keep Rocco's first home afloat. Whatever you decide, we're along for the journey!
Thanks! Hope your van behaves for a long time. Electrical things are tricky.
Best of luck Foresty!
I had a Buick that had very similar issues, they were more prevalent during rain. The dealership was stumped and sent me away without a fix. I ended up finding that the side detection sensor was full of water from the back passenger tire and unplugging it solved everything. Maybe you have a device under your van full of water.
Hope everything works out for you buddy
I discovered Foresty Forest's channel a few weeks ago, and was really sad to see his van broke down. I donated. And I'm watching all his older videos now (they are fantastic as usual!), so at least that will still help to support him through UA-cam viewable hours. The bike tours across the US west and the fat bike tours are amazing!!! I made a post on my Facebook feed about this channel to try to pull in more viewers for his channel. They are the best on UA-cam, no doubt about it! Stay safe, Foresty, and take care of yourself first!!
When I discovered his channel (couple or three years ago), I did the same. It was cool going back and watching the bike videos and the ones that followed, and seeing his evolution as an adventurer, a mountain lover, and a videographer. Enjoy!
Cancel your patrons will you? You’re not going to get away that easily!
Donate to somebody in need if u want to donate so bad wow
Just passed you on the 520 heading west of Claresholm. Nice to see a celebrity in my neck of the woods. Love your content Mr forest.
As a mechanic, I will only say these simple *AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRICAL FACTS* :::
98% of automotive electrical problems is ----> *GROUND*
ground grounD grouND groUND grOUND gROUND ----> *G R O U N D*
Locate the body-to-chassis GROUND STRAPS.....
Locate the engine-to-chassis GROUND STRAPS.....
*REMOVE THOSE CHEAP BRAIDED STRAPS AND REPLACE THEM WITH ---> 6AWG SILICONE JACKETED STRAND CABLES AND DO NOT EVER CRIMP THE LUGS ON THE CABLES ---> THEY MUST BE SOLDERED TO THE LUGS*
*WHEN BOLTING THE LUGS BACK ON THE VEHICLE BE SURE TO SAND TO SHINY METAL AND USE COPPER WASHERS BETWEEN THE LUGS AND STEEL AND YOU ALSO MUST APPLY ---> DI-ELECTRIC SILICONE GREASE BETWEEN THE LUGS AND COPPER WASHERS AND STEEL SURFACE AND USE STAINLESS STEEL BOLTS WHEN ATTACHING*
*AFTER FIRMLY BOLTING TO SURFACES FINISH BY APPLYING ....*
------> *PRO-FORM Wax Based Permanent Rustproofing* (Ontario, Canada)
OR
------> *Hammerite WAXOYL CLEAR* (UK product, this is an excellent product !!!)
*THESE ARE HEAVY-DUTY NON-PAINTABLE ---> "WAX-BASED RUST-PROOFING COMPOUNDS" .... AND SIMPLY TAKE A SMALL ACID BRUSH OR EVEN A Q-TIP AND APPLY TWO COATS OF THIS HEAVY GOOP TO THE ENTIRE OUTER PART OF THE LUG CONNECTION COMPLETELY SEALING THE CONNECTIONS*
Hope that helps!
Hope the van gets sorted soon!
Get a can of Deoxit and spray every fuse, relay and wiring connection you can find. My Safari was doing very similar things until I cleaned every connection.
Mercedes Benz have a factory 4x4 version of their Sprinter van. They’re pretty rare here in Australia and I don’t know if they ever made it to North America or not, but the rear wheel drive versions I used to drive in my previous job over ten years ago seemed very reliable when compared to the competitors like the Ford Transit(just don’t go there!). All our ambulances in Tassie are Sprinters too, and have been for decades.
I just hope you get this sorted soon and don’t have to go through the whole process of a build again though. I’ve noticed some comments by people who seem way more knowledgable on the subject than me about checking all the grounds…
They are here in our market, and the word expensive doesn't even come close.
@@Artoconnell I’m not surprised they’re expensive. There’s not a lot of competition in the 4x4 van sector and production volumes would be quite low. The 4x2 sector is a completely different kettle of fish.
Good luck with the van - the wood ceiling is beautiful
Its smells SOOO good in there too!!
The cost and maintenance we put into our fur babies, is given back 💯 fold with their unconditional love and loyalty.
Hey Forest, thank you for your wonderful videos. Praying everything works out for you soon.
I drive a 2006 Tundra. It is by far the most beautiful and reliable truck I’ve ever owned. Had a guy offer me $25k usd for it just last year. Granted, it’s a limited edition with only 98k miles after 17 years. But I have faith in all Toyotas, especially the earlier models.
Everything will be better soon! Love your content!
Don't give up Foresty! It's a dream rig! It's definitely frustrating when there are problems but it feels like your home. Would be hard to replicate in a smaller vehicle for sure. Keep at it!
I’m currently building out my Chevy Express van and a friend told me about your channel!! I have been binge watching and it has been awesome!! Thanks for sharing your experiences!!
looks like u chose a bad van lol
@@buttface9434 😂
Congratulations, you have stumbled upon the best van life channel on UA-cam :)
@@buttface9434 eh I’m not too worried about it. Every vehicle will have problems at some point. I’ll worry about it IF it happens lol
@@KingTheRat I have really enjoyed watching so far!!
Rocko is clearly in dog heaven being with you. I love the shots of her just being a dog in your videos. There's so much to explore in Canada and the US. Plenty of time later for the other countries.
❤
Thank you!
@I have a Bone to pick with You! I very been watching his videos for years and never donated , it more then well deserved.
@I have a Bone to pick with You! lol good luck in life m8
Miss you FF. Hope you are doing ok. Sending love and blessings to you.
Stay healthy foresty love your content!
Packers suck
Go Pack Go 🧀🏈🏆
@@mobigsly9595 yes sir
I hope the van is fixed and things get better!
Welcome home Foresty, so happy you made it safe and healthy. Rocko is a treasure, she loves her Foresty Forest.
Enjoy you videos. Love that you added your pup.
I bet your mouth hurts from talking so much😂😂. A man of few words. Ceiling looks great!
So happy you have Rocko. She’s amazing! She adds another dimension to your channel.
Bedankt
Hello Forest, with your electronic gremlins you are experiencing my money is on condensation. See if there is a pattern that triggers it on and off. I slept in a car travelling Australia for 12 months. I had dash board warning lights and central locking playing up on it. The dealership couldn't find it because they didn't think about it. I saw a pattern every time the night and morning had high condensation dripping down into the dash board. Good luck with it all Forest. Jason from Melbourne Australia.
Unfortunately that shop hadn’t learned the cardinal lesson - it’s almost NEVER the ECU. Any tech that just points at a control module hasn’t been a tech for long. I just repaired two different 2017 Silverados with the same problem, they’d randomly stall, crazy warning lights, weird nonsense codes, crank no start (sometimes), no crank no start, and so on. FIX: the ABS module is on the driver’s side frame rail. Unplug the large connector. Follow the wiring loom from the connector up over the frame rail to where it meets the main harness. In this area, they are well-known to have pinching damage, pull-stresses, and the last one I did had a rotten green spot on a wire 3ft up in the harness along the frame rail. No sign of physical damage to the harness wrap or loom. Very odd. What this wire is, though, is one of several critical high-speed CAN (controller area network) circuits that allow all the separate “brains” to talk to each other. If they can’t, bad stuff happens, and oftentimes less-proficient mechanics will see the “trash” codes produced by this and just load up the parts cannon.
You’re a hands-on guy, so I’d say take a look! If you’re ever in the Duluth, MN area, look me up and I’ll fix it for you for nothing - I have my own small shop behind my house and do this kind of work all the time.
Best of luck out there and stay safe!
I'm going back and watching all your early videos and there was just such a void in the days before Rocko! I'm happy to see her again.
I want to thank you for all your content and advice. I built a van similar to your first one, same layout, even added some sprouts in the back window in your honour. All your little tips and advice really has helped me. I don’t live in it full time but I use it to visit my family across Ontario and it has saved me a lot of money and given me more time with my family not having to worry about hotels and such. I even started hiking more to get my health in order because of your amazing adventures that inspire me. I wish you all the best. Some advice when I was in basic training 20 years ago, in the CF, a course officer once told me … when things get tough, keep leaning into the hill. Cheers mate.
We love you, Foresty! Thank you for all the amazing content! 😊
Awe, I hope your van gets its act together and behaves itself. I love that darn van.
Welcome back to Canada foresty! Best of luck with the van! You are a great person. Thank you for this channel and everything you do!
Hope the van gets figured out and May Rocco continue to bring us all giggles and joy!
Rocko is so special, you found the perfect companion!!!!
You and Rocko are simply AMAZING, all the stuff you do!! I really enjoy watching your channel. Is it possible you can park this van somewhere and continue to enjoy living in it while you search for a suitable truck/van replacement to work on? I hope it works out quickly for you! Take care! Theresa
Thank you Gemma! The van has been driving very good over the last week. I'm hopeful the situation has been resolved!!
_Joy is a cheerful state of mind._
_But a smile is the Holy Grail of Happiness._
-- Honeysuckle Rows
So true.
Beautifully stated.
Hello Foresty, just wanted to say I hope everything’s OK! I miss seeing you on UA-cam. Just wanted you to know I was thinking of you.😊
Can't believe how big she's gotten. That dog has put more miles on her paws that I have put on my feet in 60 years of life. Well travelled. Well loved.
Hope things get sorted for you. ☮️❤️
I always feel like I'm traveling in cozy van while watching your youtube channel. Hope you continuously enjoy your life and be happy with Roco
I really can’t imagine you without Rocko at this point 🐾🐾 what a wonderful addition to your life .
Definitely,the best chanel for great photography of epic mtn hikes and winter hikes as well.Really blows me away to see him do the winter stuff solo.
If its burnout,it's understandable.The pressure and work hours to make videos on a constant weekly basis is grueling imo.
A break from it is a good thing.5yrs is a long run and life has other opportunities.
If anyone knows of any equally good hiking channels lmk here.Thx.
Keep your focus on what makes you happy.
This Van Life channel will keep you outta the factory.
This channel has roots 🌳
Hi Foresty. I saw your van in town today with Rocco in the windshield. Glad you (and the van) made it “home.” I appreciate you very much!
Where do you live?
@@lindasmith3648 Small town in Alberta foothills.
Hey! Continuing to cheer you guys on. Happy one year with Rocko and cheers to many more. Take good care of yourselves!! ❤️🐾
Dogs lives are so short but it is safe to say that Rocko has had one exciting life so far and I am sure there is more to come. You are a good dog dad!
I think you're frustrated right now but once you get home and able to have someone familiar with your van take a look at it, you might think differently about a different model. Your build out is really YOU so don't give it up just yet. Stay safe and rest your nerves closer to home.
Love your advice Cherrie.
You and Rocco do look happy in the van so I hope it gets figured out!
Hi from Australia, I have had similar electrical problems with boat alternators. If your modified alternator is connected to a lithium battery to charge it directly, the bms may block it resulting in a dc power surge damaging electrical systems and wires. It will be impossible to trace damaged wires. It is not a good idea to modify alternators as car electrical systems are very sensitive.