I DIDN'T EXPECT THAT AFTER LEAVING A GARAGE SHOP | Van life reality
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- čas přidán 10. 05. 2023
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I DIDN'T EXPECT THAT AFTER LEAVING A GARAGE SHOP | Van life reality
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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 come 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 will 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 will consider this the lowers 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 are have been living full-time in my self convert van.
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What happened with Chrome? I was so happy for you guys.
Thank you Surfshark for supporting this nice YT channel!
Write parts numbers in your little book. It's super handy later on.
Hey Emi, I felt so bad when I saw how fast the rust came back after all the work you did. When you replace the rocker panels, you do not want to use regular primer like in those spray cans from Canadian tire. The rust will always come back if you use those. If you use a 2K epoxy primer (Maxx brand is pretty good) it will seal the metal and you'll avoid the problem of rust returning so quickly. The key is to treat all the rust after you cut out the old rocker panels, and before installing the new ones. Kill the rust, prime with 2k epoxy primer, top coat with your paint, and then clear coat with a 2k epoxy clear coat to seal everything again. Best of luck!
Excellent tips 👍😊
Thanks for this advice I got same issue on my campervan so thats helpful
Bushings and tie rod ends are important and should be in good shape when camber and caster are being adjusted for alignment. Think of a roller skate. The bushings are the rubber part that the trucks (axels) move on. When they go bad, your steering if the skate will be off, you can sometimes lose control if the bushings snap or crack. Hope this makes sense. Thank you for the advice, I will keep a journal for my cara, as I have 4 and always forget what I've done or needs to get done. I love how your kitty comes in for kisses when you say so. My cats prefer to come around for treats. Lol
If that even needs to be done. They see a girl come in. So I don't believe that all needs to be done cuz she woukd a foot it n her steering wheel woukd a been shaking too. I don't trust that. Get Loren to check that first.
That guy at the tire shop must have been ok for Kelly to show herself. The story of her sneezing at the other one was so funny. 🤣 Glad you got Loren lined up to do the rest of the tire related work done.
The cat sneezing and scaring the mechanic got me giggling, I could just imagine his surprise 😮 😅
Thanks Emi and Kelly, much love from Perth Australia 🤘 🇦🇺 🦘
Good idea, get a ledger book to keep a van repair diary.
Great idea with your maintenance notebook! As always, I enjoy your videos and kisses from Kelly! 😻😽😽😽
😂 I bet Kitty was wondering about that mechanic guy getting in the seat! Kitty is so sweet. You’re sweet too Emi.❤️✌🏻🐱
automobiles are so frustrating sometimes. Loving Kelly's kisses today.
Your such a smart lady.
It's better that your problems with the van are being taken care of now rather then when your own the road across the country away from Loren. And Kelly's sneezing story, 😂😂😂
Glad your getting your bearings done..
And fixing things one thing at a time is always needed…and to be expected.
Thank you for the cloth soaker up showing … I will put them on my list to get
Great advice on the note book, take care Emi and Kelly.
Traversing rough terrain in the back country can certainly put stress on parts like bearings, hubs, tie rods. Even normal wear and tear on aging vehicles (new ones too), requires maintenance...as you said. I just spent $2000+ on a wheel hub, idler arm, tensioner, tie rod, alignment, belts...on and on, on my low mileage 2003 Silverado. Worth every penny! Looked at new vehicle price tags 😨 lately? Yikes! Smart girl Emi, to record all your maintenance and repairs. Good luck! Stay safe. 🕊
Emi, say the salted roads in winter will continue to play havoc on your van with the rust
You could also take picture of receipt and put in folder on your computer or phone and you could also put your repair notes in that folder also. No paper notebook needed.
Always a good idea for you to share with your audience and for anyone to keep a book recording all mechanical work done, also comes in handy when you resell your vehicle!
There's always something with a sticks and bricks too. Even if it's something goofy, like the house across the street where I used to live. One morning there was a car in their front porch. Sone one lost control and drive into it. Take care Emi and Kelli. I know youvwantvyo get on the road!
Might as well throw a bit of a lift kit on there while your at it! 😊
Hmmm. I was thinking you'd get faster service on those parts by driving to Kansas!
Your right it's always something that you have to deal with.
Never ending repairs. Your right about fixing a old house up not much different than a old van .except your saving on mortgage and utilities. So the repairs are still not so bad
i always kept a book of all repairs done to any of my vehicles. It's good for reference and resale.
Good afternoon and to you to Kitty
Thanks so much for the kisses Miss Kelly. Love ya sweet kitty. Good luck on getting the house ready for summer travels.
Thanks for advice on notebook for car repair. Your a very smart lady, love you Emi
Hey Emi! Your repair log book is a great idea! You can put all of that info in I think it's a quick books app. I used to have a fleet of 100 trucks that I used the app for fuel tracking, parts purchasing, mechanical repairs and any number of a hundred other things that needed to be recorded and info kept. At first it was a royal pain in butt, however it saved my bacon on a warrantee issue 3 different times and it made it so easy to look up repairs and/or roadside assists and the other great part of having it on a laptop system was that I could look up any tire replacement/repair AND see the scanned bill of sale/receipts. I learned the hard way that thermal imaging receipts literally fade away leaving you a black scrap of paper. The tax prep lady was NOT a happy camper because a repair that cost that significantly more than a usual repair absolutely must have the harsh reality of a paper trail to prove the repairs were made. It's just a thought, but if you're running a business out of your home which is your van you have to be extra vigilant about record keeping and having easy access to those records as well as having the originals stored separately off site. Happy trails Eli and Kelly!
Take a picture with your phone that way you can keep copies for warranties too
Great idea to keep a log book on your van and also great to call your friend mechanic.
Smashing the like button does wonders for this channel. Thank you for your help.😊👍👍👍👍
Add a lift kit too.
Kelly is so sweet! Its funny how she responds like she understood all you were saying.
I always tell everyone it's cheaper than a house.
It is so important to keep up with repairs and maintain a record for reference and develop a relationship with a garage at base camp. The back country is dotted with broken down rigs that did not and it’s sad.
Get van oil spray underneath and in panels
That’s very smart my friend, that’s what all people should do. Keep tracking when and what was done.
Em, it sounded like you dont use a cat carrier for kitty when works being done on your van and I would think kitty would be less likely to be accidentally hurt or even escape if the doors are left open (all workers might not get the word that there is a cat loose inside ) and or she gets startled by the workers and runs away???) Not a hater here just someone that has had both feral and non- feral cats over the years and have learned to expect the unexpected. So my thinking is always secure your animals so that they are safe and as stress free as they can be when their home is about to be envaded by strangers. Ps- still loving yours and Chrome's vids and think it's crappy that the analyticals or whatever is keeping you guys from filming together. Keep up the good work! 😊😊😊
Yes this! They also have carriers that are foldable like a gym bag with mesh that would fold down and be smaller for her to store in the van then the hard plastic ones.
Don't forget the rust spreads
Everything is taking so much longer for delivery now, and the prices are insane!
Good idea about a notebook .I'm going to start that today. Thanks❤
It’s always something. No matter where you live. Chin up you will be on your way soon😊
Good & informative video. 👍 Safe travels there Emie.
I really enjoy your videos !😊
You are right about older vans. Mine is now 11 years n I ve been working to change out nearly everything for 2.5 years now in the hopes that by the time I m done, it will be like new n out last me, lol. I ve been living in it the entire time, so its worth the time, trouble, effort n expense, imo.
Have you been practicing doing commercials? I only ask because you seem more relaxed when doing it.
I know what you mean, Emi... Seems my Summer plans keep getting all pushed around, and I, personally DON'T LIKE IT! 😂 I have been getting frustrated and have been in a foul mood. I know I'll get there, but I want to be ready to GO. Going to Maine for the Summer, so I know how short and sweet Summer is and I don't want to miss a thing. It's the time of year to adventure, play, see everyone I love and just smile for a few months. But May is FLYING by... Glad you made the choice to wait for "rust repairs." It will be there for ya when you get back! Get excited.... Summer's THE BEST!!!! 💖
I stopped telling places I had a cat in the RV, after them refusing to do work until I removed her.
I had nowhere to take her, and I told them she would stay hidden until I came back, but they refused service to me.
Since then, when the RV is serviced, “I have no cat”.
The old your front end is too loose and needs repairs before we can do the alignment. I have had that same experience more than once. You may or may not have needed that work, but they will always offer to take care of that for you. It is like BS usually, sometimes not but usually it is. So having your experts to contact and verify the issues like Lauren and even Chrome is priceless. Looking forward to the getting ready for the summer travel eventually. Peace and Love.
You are right there is always something just got to address it one thing at a time. Plans change just need to keep positive that all will happen in good time. It's no fun but it's life.
You are looking good, keep your spirits up road trip will happen when it will meant to happen.
Kelly you are just too adorable as always.
Much love to you both 😘😘
Would have been funny if Kelly jumped out at the mechanic like she was thinking he was you. Mine would do that. LOL.
Woow always nice to see you and get my love from Sweden to you all ❤
I leave my cat in the RV for all services. Ninja just hunkers down and stays hidden until I come back.
Hi Emi. I really enjoy watching your videos so sorry to hear than your van is leaking. I think you're a very brave and strong lady. Your kitty is so cute and very intelligent. Blessings xx
I had the front end done in my van, 96 Astro, total in 2017 was $1400.00. Extremely good deal for me for what was done. Very necessary, don’t want your front end fall off! It’s a bummer but … Be safe and enjoy the weather. ☀️🤗🍦
Kelly is a gem. How old was Kelly when she started Van life? Vehicle repairs are a part of the life. It’s always better to discover issues at the shop instead of being broke down along the road. The rust issue is frustration. Michigan has the same problem. Salt is an enemy, along with standing water/condensation. Looking forward to the road trip. You have such an eye fir finding the perfect video footage. Stay safe and content.
❤😊 luv. all the kitty kisses ❤😊
Loren is the best.
Yes cat lady that is pretty smart keeping a diary everything you do to the van then you can go back and relay what you’ve done and When you did it, watching now
Hey 👋🏿 lady I appreciate your honesty, van 🚐 life is knot easy. ❤❤❤❤.
Love your Channel Emi and Kitty 😺
Oh, Kansas, send Emmie's spark plugs, please! ❤
Stay safe
I can hear a lot of rain .
Hello EMI and miss Kitty (Kelly)
Good luck with the repairs. Yes i keep ALL car repairs in a folder always separate.
Great video emi hope you are well
Hi Emily and Kelly, thank you so much for making your videos. I always look forward to seeing them. Thank you for the advice about the book, it will be invaluable for many people. Much love to you both xx
💋💗for Kelli
Such a great idea about the car maintenance log. ☺️🙋♀️😸
Safe travels.
I really like those shop towels..
Thanks for all your tips. It's amazingly how long it takes to get things shipped. What used to take a few days now can take weeks. Times winding down to going on vacation. Hope you have safe travels and no mechanical issues.
I think you need to upgrade the suspension on your truck,like the weldteck system like chrome did because you like alot of back country driving.
Thanks for the great idea about a record of work. Totally taking it on board. Cheers heaps
Thank you sp much for this. I'm starting absolutely new with an oldtimer van bus. You are so helpful and I love your videos - and sweet kitty 🐈🚐
Hi Emi, i thought you had some work done last summer in Ontario when you were going back home out west. Always good to look back at your videos just to make sure before fixing. Best of luck on your adventures. Love following .❤❤❤
I’m learning ❤
Parts in Kansas, I am right next door to Kansas in, Missouri.
Very good video Thank you..
Hi Emi! You two are looking great! I always love seeing Kelly kitty. She is just beautiful! Glad you guys are doing great! ❤
Ti rods is dangerous, that controls your steering. If they break you are in trouble, believe me mine broke on me.
Buy better bearing, isn't there a oil spray u can put on it until u get back ? Rust sucks.. safe travels, too u kitty and crome... and the pup...
Hi Emi - great video. Has Kelly ever experienced a cardboard box with windows, and doors cut out?
I hang on to all my receipts.
Did you sand all the rust off, down to pure metal? You have to do that before you apply primer and paint
Hi Emi, hope you are having a good day. I can totally understand putting the rust repair back a bit it doesn't seem too long to wait if you need to go. As a previous van dweller myself though not sure if I've missed your other plans a bit. Have you finished doing up the inside now as I think that you said you were going to do a bed? Also I forget but there might have been other things you said too but I was wondering if you were going to spruce up your cupboards because I know that you said you put them in from salvage in a bit of a hurry because you were trying to get everything done. Maybe you've decided to stick with them I'm not sure but was just excited to see what renovation you were going to do in the van. It's hard isn't it because the road is calling but also it is your home and it would be lovely to see it how you would have to have it if you could? Maybe you can update here or on another video a bit more about it. Lots of love to Kelly ❤
Kisses to Kelly!!
I wish you the best! The rust problem must be driving you crazy by now.
Have you ever considered getting a new van? I know it would be costly and difficult...❤
Emi, love watching all your daily updates. Love little Kelly and I'm sure she's her safest in the van while at the shop. How cute Kelly sneezing. That's adorable. Hopefully they got you out of there pretty quick. Take care.
Not sure where your looking for parts carquest or uap check locally for body panels
you always have your phone use some app on the phone to keep track of things
Thank you for all the info and your lovely vids! What are your thoughts on off-ylroading through those big puddles and potholes? I am thinking of going in back country but my car is older and I do not want a rust backlash. So far, no rust. What do you think?
Start taking a photo of your vehicle bills. Keep on a fob. That way at your fingertips is a list.
In all your videos when you are in the van…I keep waiting to see where your sink or water source is in the van. You never show it!?? I love your van, but I would sure like to see how you have water!!??
Hi Emi
Hey Emi that is so true. Whether you live in a van your home on wheels or sticks and bricks there’s always repairs that you have to do. You guys always make my day I look forward to your next video. You guys be safe out there.🇺🇸♥️👍🙂🙏🐈⬛🪵🔥🏔️🚐🇨🇦
Allo sa vas Bonne vacance
The subtitles said Tarot rotation!, that had me wondering🤪
Seems to have issues with her accent, gets really crazy subtitles some times. 😂
Hi Emi,from Australia...love your channel.
Is your cat's name Kitty or Kelly ...I've heard Chrome call her Kelly...?
How old is she, I travelled last year with my cat's for 5 months during our winter....
It's to hot here to be out west in the summer time for the furkids.
My girl Charlie (Charlotte) is very naughty and has a habit of running away....I wish she'd stay in a harness..