Our Biggest Problem Buying an RV in USA (as a Tourist)
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- Опубліковано 15 тра 2022
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In this USA vanlife travel vlog, we talk about the biggest problem we've had since buying our RV in the USA as tourists. The process of buying and registering our 80s campervan went relatively smoothly and quickly. However, the next step of getting our vintage camper van ready for its first Big American Road Trip is not going to plan. It has been stuck at the mechanics for weeks and we have no idea when we will be getting it back.
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Welcome to the official Travel Beans UA-cam channel! On this channel, you’ll find a variety of travel and vlog content, in which you’ll see us in places like Thailand, Japan, USA, Slovenia, and more.
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After 5 years of aimless, yet enjoyable, backpacking around the world we found ourselves in New York City battling with depression. At this point, we decided to go home and confront this problem head-on. After 6 tough months at home we decided to go away again, but this time with a goal in mind.. to turn travel into a lifestyle.
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Be careful about recording in the National parks as you need a permit. Kara and Nate were caught out, I think they’re banned from the parks now.
@@bklondon75deliciousnesswit64 If I remember correctly, Kara and Nate were banned because they flew the drone and not because they simply filmed. However in the end, they solved everything and are no longer banned. :)
@@loryhere7973 Ah that might be correct, thought it was something to do with filming for a monetised channel. It was a while ago. Thanks.
Does Emma get up, do her hair, put on her face and crawl back into bed pretending she just woke up for videos?
@@bklondon75deliciousnesswit64 Things have changed since then but always check first.
I am a one man shop that work on cars and rvs in southern oregon. I tell you, what I heard they say makes no sense. Send the van to a machine shop... for what? I explain things ... and give people options..
Getting anything done in a shop right now is really hard. Especially with older or specialized vehicles. Hang in there!
Love your channel. Things are very different these days aren't they? I travelled around the US and Canada in 1982 with my wife in a 1967 Ford F250 pick up with a cabover camper on the back. No air con in either camper or pickup. No toilet, shower, fridge. We visited over 40 states spent 2 years and travelled over 50,000 miles. Had the truck serviced once in that time and it never let us down. The USA was fantastic, the people were amazingly friendly, we had an unforgettable time that I look back on fondly 40 years later.
@Spring is in The Air 🇺🇸 Winchester UK
That "swamp cooler" y'all got will work great in drier areas, but hopefully the AC is fixed before you head anywhere humid (AKA the entire Southeastern US), or it'll just be a Bean Stew in that van.
In the future there are a couple things you should do when seeking/booking repairs. First find out if they have they part, if they do not then do not drop the vehicle off. Ask them to order the part and let you know when it is in and you will then schedule the repairs. Also do not book multiple repairs at the same time UNLESS they are directly related and will save you on labor rates. If you do those 2 things you will typically only be without your vehicle for a day or 2 depending on the repairs.
Excellent advice!
Excellent advise 🙌🏽
Totally agree 🇨🇦
Sound advice & well put
Josh great advice but that does not really work that way, I come from the Automotive industry and also am a collector of cars. So if you bring it to a repair garage always get a written estimate of repairs to be done and ask for the old parts back (sometimes old parts are used as cores, so it may not be possible), but after they give you a written estimate ask how long the parts will take, if they say a week or so then ask them if you can pay for the parts in advance and have them order them. I was thinking if they could buy the parts, but I know for fact most repair garages will not install customer supplied parts. Now with all this said, they should have brought it to a big FORD dealer whom most likely can get the parts faster than a small repair shop and may even offer a free warranty on what parts & service they perform (nationwide). Yes the price of labor will be more per hour, but they would get there van back faster (less hotel and car rental bill or whatever).
For your cooler make sure to use block ice instead of ice cubes. The cubes will melt much quicker than the blocks! I made a homemade version and took it tent camping, worked like a charm.
The "swamp cooler" will work out west where it's dry, but it won't do much where there is high humidity.
a true swamp cooler works by blowing hot air over wet evaporative cooling pads. this works best in dry climates as this makes evaporating the water in the pads more efficient. the heat in the air gets converted into the energy it takes to dry the pads.
what they have is not a swap cooler. it doesn't need to evaporate any wet pads. the heat in the air is used to melt the ice in the cooler. this works relatively independent of humidity levels and should work even in areas with high humidity, however, warm humid air is almost always more unpleasant than warm dry air so the perceived cooling effect this thing can produce might feel a lot less in a humid than in a dry environment.
when it comes to campervans, RV class B+, class C and/or Class A... always take it to the RV shop where they will have the parts there, especially when you see a sticker on their front business window shows "BBB" (Better Business Bureau) = Most satisfying work.
(continuing watching) well there you go CAMPING WORLD, they do their repairs as well for your van too.
Frank Repair:. Same suggestions as others posted here? Your in the south, everything takes slower for everything.
I am transplant from the Northern states. Move down here, almost 15 years later, that things run at a different pace process. Always call ahead, to learn if they have parts for your model vehicle, before leaving with them. Best find place like Camper World or specific RV/camper mechanic repair shop. Again, one with a top BBB A+ rating.
It's not a tourist trap you got Frank held up in, it's the way of the Nomad adventurer, unknown in strange land.
You currently are in high humidity belt area. Until you get to Arizona, where it's dry heat (air conditioner requirements)!
Wishing you well, on exploring!
Frank Repair:. Same suggestions as others posted here? Your in the south, everything takes slower for everything.
I am transplant from the Northern states. Move down here, almost 15 years later, that things run at a different pace process. Always call ahead, to learn if they have parts for your model vehicle, before leaving with them. Best find place like Camper World or specific RV/camper mechanic repair shop. Again, one with a top BBB A+ rating.
It's not a tourist trap you got Frank held up in, it's the way of the Nomad adventurer, unknown in strange land.
You currently are in high humidity belt area. Until you get to Arizona, where it's dry heat (air conditioner requirements)!
Wishing you well, on exploring!
With all the labor and parts shortages going on it is a bad time to try to get things worked on. My college age son was involved in a hit and run accident in February which dented in both passenger side doors on his car. It took over a month to even get an appointment at a body shop, it took them another 2 weeks to even look at it, then they had it until last week (1st week of May) mostly waiting on parts to get in (2 used doors, and a fender panel).
I live in Ausralia. To help us keep cool during the summer in our not airconditioned van, we use pet cooling mats. They work a treat. We also use a portable air cooler that runs on 12v
I'm surprised that there would be vehicle's in Australia these day's without AC .That would be tough .
Welcome back to US of A!!! As the former owner of a VW T3 Westfalia camper van, I’d say your delays with the mechanic are right on target. I’m back to a tent and a suv. Just got my lifetime (over 62 now!) national park pass for just $85! We do do some things really well here. Hope to cross paths here someday.
Welcome to the world of the auto mechanic business in the USA! I was not surprised at all with the delays that you dealt with. It is just a matter of being patient and to expect delays to happen. I am looking forward to your road trip! Please don't forget the Grand Canyon this time, including the Skywalk on the West Rim. You won't regret it!
Congrats on getting your purse back and not freaking out about it too much. I would have been devestated in that situation. So lucky that no one took it!
Parts in general are difficult to source at the moment. Even delivery of new cars is suffering these days due to waiting for parts. I have a 1981 RV and parts can be scarce or have to be made. It's worth joining forums to get ideas and help from others who have your RV .. or similar.
Before I start watching the new video, I just wanted to say some lovely words to both of you. I had seen some other videos of you I found on my homepage (van tour of your other van a long time ago), but I found your actual channel trough multiple UA-cam friends of yours and I'm glad they've sent me this way over. I just started following you - like yesterday - and I am already really enjoying your content. You are lovely people, with humor I can appreciate. I am very much looking forward to seeing all your crazy adventures. You are making amazing videos. Thank you for giving me some giggles and happy moments during my week ❤
Agree with your purchase of the Rhino external waste tank....we also have one for those wild camping/boondocking times...we also hang ours off the rear mounted ladder and use bungee cords to secure it to the ladder....best of luck with getting on the road with Frank...
Keep up the good cheer ! Sorry you have to go through the wait, but that has been my experience of late with US shops. It looks like you snagged a good on the camper and I am sure it will get better. Camping world is great. We recently stayed a night in their lot for free. We just left early like they asked before they open .
I have found that looking for higher elevations works good for overnight in hot weather. It is much more likely to cool down. love your channel.
I found that if I showed up at the mechanics they were a lot more apt to explain things and a lot more specific on timelines. I was never rude and they were more inclined to finish. I also took a friend with me and told them that my friend was needing to have an engine overhaul and looking for a shop….since they were REALLY interested in doing that…I got my vehicle back and fixed really good and quickly! 😉
Good thing y'all found it.
Note to Emma, keep purse in a secure pocket. Glad you found it as lost cards could have been the nightmare from hell.
Good luck. Thanks for sharing. From the UK
As I'm watching and you're describing how it works at the mechanic in the UK I am incredibly jealous! Yes, your experience with the delays is typical.
Beloved Beans - I think the mechanic thing is par for the course. He certainly was kind to keep you in the loop. Maybe next trip to Camping World you'd want to find a water filter? It's a thing that when you pull into a site with water hookups, you attach the hose to one end, then the other end of the filter you put into the supply valve on the van. It can make a difference in keeping the yucks or weird tastes out of any water you may hook into. I can't wait to see your next adventures!! If you end up driving to Alaska in the future, let me know!
Bless you!! Not all garages are that way. I make an appointment for mine & it is done that day. If parts must be ordered they make another appointment to install as long as the vehicle is drivable. However, it is hard to find a garage that handles high-top camper vans
I can relate with the mechanic issues. Thankfully I finally found a fantastic mechanic shop that is fast, reliable, and reasonably priced. I think it really depends on the mechanic and the shop. I hope Frank gets out of the shop soon so you can get on the road :)
If I was going to give really shitty customer service & fail to do a job for weeks, I would hope it would be for customers as unbelievably patient & nice about it as you two.
'Boondocking' - new word for me. Sounds cooler than 'wild camping'. Hope Frank the Tank comes back Swank.
I hope things are better now. Also, what a nifty cooling device.
I loved your kindness to appreciate the guy after so many sorry your car not done today too conversations :)
Yes unfortunately in the U.S. vehicles sit and wait and wait and wait to be repaired 🤦🏾♀️ it's so frustrating
Thanks Beans! Great video. Top tips about the grey tank and cooler, and OMG, losing your wallet is the most stressful thing that can happen. Glad you found it!
We relate!! Been without our van for four weeks now! Hope you get moving soon
X
Sorry for all your troubles. I hope you get on the road soon.
Love watching your adventures
Great video travel Beans! to be honest.. it seems like you have a good mechanic there. he actually calls you back and keeps you updated on the repairs.. There are serious parts shortages for brand new RV's let alone older ones most likely out of production.. Most mechanics will ghost you until it's fixed and then want to up-charge for the rare parts.. This guy seems to be at least forthcoming..
Even though your van repairs took time, and we do not know the cost you paid. The mechanic sounded as if he was honest; that is key.
Once upon a time I piloted a VW "Westy" around the Western US and I found Good Sam membership to be a handy resource. You often get campground discounts and, if they still feature it, a 24 hour number in case of emergencies. It paid out more than it costs, though. Cheers
Our Class C sat in the shop from November 2021 to April 2022. There were several major issues; mainly water damage from a cracked seal; plus needing a new carburetor for the generator. It didn't make sense to constantly run it back and forth (50 mile round trip) whenever the parts FINALLY came in (it has been a hugely awful era for getting RV parts) so we left it until told everything was done.
So, I have much sympathy with people facing this ordeal. Especially for those needing work on older RVs. Our 2011 interior no longer matched available materials, so we said "JUST FIX THE D* THING!" we didn't care if the color of wall panels couldn't be matched.
Thank God for the footage showing where you had your purse. I'm so glad it was still where you dropped it and it was only time and fuel wasted! Days like that are horrible, I empathize!
I recently bought a motorhome so happy with it ,but went to insure it and found out that due to the value the company would not touch it without a thatcham alarm system being fitted . (this was three days prior to picking it up...fortunately our dealer was able to arrange the alarm fitting but it was a week later...(no where near as bad as your situation guys) i am hoping that i can have a short trip away this weekend to have a shake down trip to work out the "kinks" of the setup before getting out on the road. NC 500 in mid September fingers crossed , really enjoy your van life stuff!
Oh I hope things get better for you.
Can't wait for you guys to get out in the van for your 1st overnighter!
Nice both Attitudes for people to see and find amusing. Thank you Beans
🥰 MAIN thing is that after having your van longer than expected… that it comes back to you in much better shape than when you left it there !!! Hopefully you’ll be so happy. Enjoy your journey and if/when you make it to Virginia…. Hopefully you’ll be on interstate 81 in southwest Virginia and be able to stop near by so I can meet ya !! Would be great !! Safe travels !! Hugs for now !! Karen in Bristol Virginia!!
Dear brave Beans!! So sorry to hear of your frustrating weeks! There'se not much I can do to make it all better but to say: hang in there, remember you're living not only your but our American dream, and give yourself a break and a breather. It's okay to feel frustrated after all of this. Go out to scream into a void to get rid of any anger, and in the meantime, I'll send you all the love and kudos from the Netherlands.
You are doing AWESOME things and are giving the internet the shiny sparks everyone is looking for. You're an example for quality content and every Monday is better because of you!
Omg guys i feel for you! Really hope you get it soon. 🙏
You picked a great name for your camper van as my name is Frank too. Before counting your roof A/C out, you need to plug it into 30 amp shore power supply if you haven’t done it already. Really enjoying you channel! Glad you hooked up with The Endless Adventures. Good luck with all your travels.
You may be having some bad luck with repairs, but so much automotive work has become so specialized that passing off part of a job to another specialist is not that uncommon here in the US. There are fewer people becoming trades persons as well, so this is not a good situation for anyone in general.
Let’s hope you get Frank back real soon 🙏🏼.
And how lucky was Emma finding her purse 😨. Stay safe beans 👍
We totally feel your pain with mechanics. Our 31 year old motorhomes engine blew up in March whilst we were travelling home from the Cairngorms!! Our engine is still in Cambridge waiting to be finished and our van is in the garage in Swindon!! We are hoping to have our van back soon. Good luck with Frank it will be worth it when you get him back 🚐 Take care Sarah and lee
Love the way your not afraid to show setbacks and frustration. It makes for great viewing. Can't wait to follow your American adventures. 👍😊
baby❤
Good, efficient service shops are tough to find but they are out there. Time for your viewers to step up and let you know who they use in their areas. We can't leave the Beans stranded. If you get to western Pennsylvania I have 2 for you.
Hopefully your problems with Frank will be fixed soon. I'd check the reviews on this repair shop. If there's bad reviews I'd look elsewhere. Being that Frank is a 1988 it was built with a R12 AC system. Hopefully it's already been converted to R134 and it's a easy fix. Good luck
Seems like everything is back ordered now including labour. We’re lucky we have food in the stores the way things are going with supply chains. Automotive part supplies are messed up! We were amazed how beautiful Texas was, beyond all expectations! Austin was beautiful and the river walk of San Antonio - amazing. Enjoy America and then get up to Canada before winter.
Seems like a few of the good mechanics changed jobs during covid and some places are having a tough time getting good mechanics. I do not know what you had to have fixed but with an older vehicle you will run into lack of knowledge about the van and some that just do not want to work on older vehicles. The local jeep dealership does not want to ever work on my older jeep we go to a rural town jeep dealer a few hours away. If you replace your air conditioning you may want to look at the 12 volt units and another coach battery so you can run it even when not plugged in to "mains" or shore power. Be safe and hope they fix your van so you can get out there.
Oh my gosh, just atarted following you and now your in the U.S. I also was thinking of buying a camper there and touring in it... The purse scenario was so scary, I recently lost cards from the inside of my phone holder and didn't realise untilI waa going to pay for all my groceries. So that was a nightmare retracing steps. Finally found them in some grass near a bin I had out my coffe cup into. Thankfully the ladyat the store was so good to ke when I got back there! 😌
Looking forward to seeing you on the road!!
So frustrating for you 😢 Hope you can get it up and running asap!
This is exactly why your vlog is amazing, you share the good, the bad and the ugly! Very dramatic episode, turned to a real thriller when Emma lost the purse, and when you found it I was cheering! 👏😃
Hi ya Beans. Blimey you have some patience with the mechanic. Hope they sort it out for you and you are soon on the road as we love your videos. The tank must seem massive after your VW. Take care of love to you both. Dave and Cynth. Norwich UK. 😁👍 X
Great video super beans. You will get success soon 👍
Supply chain issues are real and waiting weeks for parts now is common. I agree with others that have commented on ensuring the mechanic actually has your part(s) in stock. Good luck!
Let’s hope all sorted soon.
Oh no! Hope your next video is you guys in the van! Loves your videos 💛
OMG how lucky Emma you were to Find your purse back ( keep 🙏🙏🙏 it safe )
So sorry you had to sit around waiting for Frank to have his work done , can imagine your
Frustration & the fact its eating away your travel days ( don’t know how long your planning to stay in USA 🤔)
If your limited visa etc .
🙏 you Got Frank back & you can start your Road Trip with Eric & Alison🎉🎉
Have a Good week safe travels. Take care 🥰
The air cooler will work like a humidifier. So the relative humidity has to be below 50% in order to cool. Keep your van windows open or it will feel like a sauna while operating it. The ice will melt fast and it will wont cool long.You'll have to sit by it to feel the cool. You might consider a window AC. They start at $100 at Walmart. You can only use it at a camp ground with electric hookup. Then , when you’re out on the road, take the ac down .
I feel you about service in US even with appointments. I broke my MacBookPro Screen while traveling there and it was almost impossible to get service.Went to 4 different store and one with appointment where I had to drive 2hrs to get there and the store was closed suddenly. Took 3 weeks and NOTHING. I had to call Singapore and the day I landed, courier picked it up and 2 days later, I had a new screen.
The Beans are back baby!!!
I’m sorry y’all have had a hard time getting the van fixed and that you are frustrated. My husband works on auto body repair. In the US you can bring a car in and it can stay for a day or weeks depending on whether or not parts are on hand or not and how difficult finding the part is. Lately parts (especially parts for older vehicles) have been extremely difficult to find and shipping the parts takes forever. I’m really sorry y’all are having a bad experience. I hope it gets better! 😃 😘
But it's ridiculous if you literally have no way of transportation and it's in the shop for months on end
This doesn't happen in Australia, if they say a day then it's a day and no excuses given, it shows a lack of honesty on George's part .
@@TsunamiKitten56 Yes. But that’s not the shops fault. Most jobs are insurance jobs and the insurance company will pay for a rental car.
@@rightwinggo9694 I’m not sure how things are done in Australia. I can only speak as to how things are done in the US.
In the US independent car repair shops rarely keep every part for every year of every make and model of any given vehicle. It’s different if you have a Toyota and go to a repair shop that specializes in Toyota’s. They should have most parts. And time shouldn’t be an issue. But in an independent shop where any car can be brought in at any time, parts are not kept on hand. They are ordered as needed. The parts are paid out of pocket by the shop and the car is held as collateral so the shop isn’t left with the bill of an expensive part if the owner of the car takes off. Which sadly does happen. I’m not saying the beans would do this. I’m just saying it is standard procedure.
You can find the parts yourself and skip that step.
Congratulations on the Annual National Park Pass I love mine.
Similar long repair times in UK for Fiat parts for year 2000 Hymer Motorhome. They start the job find out what parts are required then wait for fulfilment which is now taking longer. Even when parts are readily available at our local independent garage, there is only one ramp that can take a 3500kg, 3m height vehicle so it’s in a queue with other commercial vehicles all with urgent jobs.
If you start to make a fuss then the other jobs may get priority over you and days can become weeks as commercial vehicle off the road is loosing money to owner who often has a fleet maintained by independent garage.
Franchised dealer may be quicker but pricey so it’s a balance between cost and convenience.
Good luck with your travels and keep up the positive vibes
I think you are being incredibly patient, I would be hopping mad by now. I hope you get some good news soon.
Exactly, there’s no way I would be so accommodating, the nicer you are they more they will think they can wait ! it’s the ones who don’t accept their excuses will more than likely get priority, that’s my experience for what it’s worth .
Love their videos!!!!!
The parts for any vehicle are on shortage from the shipping issues we have had during covid. Now the road transportation for supplies has also been disrupted. All of that has created a shortage in many different types of businesses. These mechanic shops will also over book repairs and then fall behind because of worker shortages. How do I know this ? I ran a trucking company in NY for years and finally decided to retire a couple years ago. Also I have a few friends and a son who are mechanics.
Well now we only recently had a issue with a mechanic,wont go into too much details,got a appology in the end after i stood my ground,we had enough. Your guy seems more pleasent, and hopefully a good job done in the end. Wow thats a huge grey tank. Hopefully ye will have your van sooner,roll on great adventures ahead.
Texas is world's worst on mechanics because it's so big!!! I pray you get your camper van back soon! I truly know how you feel 💕
How frustrating for you guys. Fingers crossed you get it back soon.
Good Sam has one of the best features *ever* and that is their Emergency Road Service.
Generally, I have found that they arrive more quickly than AAA and they are specific to RVs and the needs of an RV/
There have been times when AAA was not equipped for our RV need, so if you need an RV specific item replaced (like the inner dual tire) or need to go into a repair bay (height issue) it is no problem for Good Sam shops. etc
They also have a problem resolution hotline where "issues" can be addressed...just saying...
Happy travels once you are back on the road!
Additional comment:
Good Sam has one of the best features *ever* and that is their Emergency Road Service.
Generally, I have found that they arrive more quickly than AAA and they are specific to RVs and the needs of an RV/
There have been times when AAA was not equipped for our RV need, so if you need an RV specific item replaced (like the inner dual tire) or need to go into a repair bay (height issue) it is no problem for Good Sam shops. etc
They also have a problem resolution hotline where "issues" can be addressed...just saying...
GS has many additional features that may come in handy for you, especially being "from away" -- all kinds of insurances and plans - like emergency health coverage and tire coverage and transport replacement services.
Many regions have workshops and Regional helping members hotlines. The"Samborees" are organized meet-ups where you can join other RVers. Their RV parks are OK and although the nightly discount is nothing to crow about, they have a large directory of parks all over the US.
If you affix the GS sticker to your van, you will generally have someone looking out for you. In our lives, we have both offered broken down members help and a place to stay as well as having been hosted during our breakdown. In our case, we broke done n the middle of Kansas in July. (2 women, 4 children aged 7,5,,3 & 1 plus 2 dogs).
Also, having both GS & AAA, you will have breakdown service no matter what holiday or time of day it is.
Call them both, whichever one arrives first is the one you go with, and cancel the other.
Hi guys so sorry you're having trouble. One thing to remember is that a little sternness goes a long way in the US unfortunately I would definitely push them and tell them that you have to have it done that you are from another country and that you're only here for a limited time and you have to get the van done and that you're getting impatient. If they know you're going to be nice about every delay they're going to delay you for somebody that's pushing harder. I saw somebody else by that cooler thing that you bought and it didn't work for them I'm hoping that maybe this is a better one so good luck. Happy safe travels
How frustrating for your both, fingers crossed you get your van back soon. Took me 4 week to get mine back from a UK garage so feel your pain.
Also memorial day here is coming up. Hope you get it going .
I'm definitely a bit late on this comment so I doubt this will get read, but it's worth mentioning that the solution at 15:28 is a type of swamp cooler. They're not a bad choice for a very dry climate, like Arizona for example, but in much of America, like the whole of the east coast, summer heat comes with high humidity, and much of what AC accomplishes is taking the humidity out of the air in addition to cooling it. So a swamp cooler may cool off the air a bit through evaporative cooling, but it actively increases the humidity, further contributing to the felt experience of hot weather, kind of negating much of the benefit of the cooling.
Don’t worry. We all have bad days. It’s frustrating getting things fixed these days. I trust that everyone is doing their best, but with shortages and shipping delays, it is a frustrating thing. Y’all are great. I am praying for you as you wait and yes, I believe that God really cares about daily details of our lives. I hope you know him in a personal way, too. Y’all have some great stuff once you get Frank back. I’m excited for you to be able to get started. ❤️🙏🏻from South Carolina, Jane😊
Not only hit up the National Parks, but also go to some of the state parks. Texas has some really good ones. One of my favorites is Mineral Wells State Park. They have rock climbing, hiking, and swimming.
Regarding shopping: Find what you want by shopping online then identify a local store that carries it. It's much more efficient courtesy of sort and filter options.
so very very happy you found your purse. How very frustrating. Glad you are getting everything checked out even though it is taking so....much time⏲️ Best to be safe . Even though it's hard better now than on the road. Stay safe! Love 💘 your videos. Looking forward to seeing you on the road and your adventures 😀
Good luck!
How frustrating. You’re so polite though Emma. I’m sure Frank will be ready soon and we can’t wait to see him kitted out with your accessories you’ve bought him. Omg, your wallet!! I couldn’t believe it was still there! We’d never have thought to have checked our camera footage to see when we lost it! Every days a school day! Great video and here’s hoping Franks out next week! 🍻
I just went through 3 days of driving from body shop to body shop to do a small repair on my car. Some shops told me they were backed up 2 years!!!!!!!! Most told me they wouldn't do the fender repair as they were too booked up. Finally found a guy who would do it if I buy the parts first then hopefully in a couple months he could get it in to do the job.
Great video, fully understand the to much choice in stores, I also end up buying nothing 😁. Hope you get the van soon and get to enjoy the touring
My van (T4) was in the garage for 7 weeks and when I eventually got it back I realised a mouse had moved in and made a right bloody mess inside my cupboard! I hate garages.
I want pictures of the beers in the a/c cooler thing, btw, it's also called a swamp cooler.
Pretty common here to wait multiple days for your car or van to be worked on. My advice if it's not something that inhibits driving don't have them hold it until they are ready to work on it. But they might also put you off still. Very frustrating the last few years at mechanics.
Ah no beans, I hope the next video you put up will have good news and you's are sitting happily 😊 in the van🤞
Oh geez, guys. I'm sorry you're going through so much trouble. This is why I always felt lucky that my dad's best friend is a mechanic, and my dad could do a lot himself. But if I ever needed anything, I knew who could fix it or he would know a guy...small town life 😂 I hope this is the end of your troubles and you get to making it your own!
I commend your patience. This forced down time is good planning time for you...so it will all work out.
The cooler does work, however in the southwest, the ambient Temps may melt the ice quicker. I found insulating the cooler works great. If you three, Frank included, ever make it up to the Northeast near Boston, you have a safe, free place to park in our neighborhood.
your van will be fixed sometime, hang in there (so easy for me to say). i am not a van lifer, but it does seem like a nice life for a few years...love you both.
I’m so glad you found your wallet!! OMG! I did that In Croatia, and also found it safely 🙏🏻 I hope the cooler a/c works. That will be a blessing! You have been incredibly patient. I couldn’t be that kind or patient 😂 But, it is true that parts and all sorts of automotive things are in short supply. I bought a new Jeep Wrangler in November and it took me probably 2 months to even find one at a dealer that wasn’t already promised. I hope you can get on the road soon. If you are in Northern California, I’m in Santa Cruz. I would love to meet you both.
Hello there
I wish one day all of us who are watching and dreaming about traveling can actually travel more to learn about different cultures and end hate in this loving journey of life.
Fingers crossed with the cooler... I'm interested to see how it works for you because I haven't had the best luck. Try adding salt to the ice for colder air. Thanks for another great video!
Hi can you me the links to the Igloo cooler? I'm interested in buying one. Thank you so much!