Van Life Safety What To Do If YOU Break Down While Living in a Van
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- čas přidán 14. 07. 2024
- For most of us, breaking down is our worst fear. It is a realistic fear and something we might all have to deal with at one time or another. Are you ready for a break down?
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Thanks for watching!
It is so Bob that in the midst of a breakdown, he thinks to film this so the rest of us know what to do in a similar situation! Honestly…Bob, thank you for being such a kind human!
I drove 18 wheelers for 10 years. My tip for folks out there is pay attention to where you are at , in case you break down you know how to give directions for somebody to rescue you. For example on interstates there are mile markers every mile. Pay attention to the mm. Then you know where you are.
suppose now a days, you could take your phone out and get GPS coordinates.
My ex husband & I were living in our RV & driving cross country when we broke down in a small town . Angels must have been taking care of us . We put on emergency flashers & got out of the RV. The business we were right in front of us , told us his brother worked on RVs & was right around the block ! The mechanic also had a tow truck !! They towed the RV to their shop & told us we could overnight there too ! We were towing my Jeep, so we could have gone to a motel. Didn't have to tho. We had a generator , but the shop let us use their electricity. We went to eat Pizza. My husband wanted a beer but we were out. And discovered we were in a dry county !!
Then the shop owners gave us a six pack of beer from their fridge ! He couldn't take money for the beer ,so we agreed he'd add the cost to our bill !
AMAZING. We had to overnight for 2 nights since the shop had to order the part ! The cost wasn't a lot & we met really nice people ! So it was an interesting & pleasant adventure ! .
I'm glad everything worked out. Sounds like Angels were in the right place!!! Shout out to the mechanic and his shop!!!
I am out on the road without an emergency fund, for over 2 years now. I know I have to have one and I budgeted to save for it but As gas prices keep going up and my medical expenses went crazy I haven’t been able to save. I’ve gotten in a few pinches where I had friends able to deposit money in my checking account back home. So far I’ve been able to pay that back but not save for an emergency fund. To rent a U-Haul you’ve got to have a credit card. A debit card doesn’t do it. With all my medical bills I have no credit rating and therefore no card. I am flying by the seat of my pants and I know it. Some days it scares the heck out of me. But you have to realize you have to do what you have to do. One thing I do is I make sure that I go to my local mechanic, that I’ve known and trusted for years, when I’m in my home area and have the vehicle gone over and serviced well. my van looks like crap on the outside but the drivetrain, tires etc. are more important than the exterior look at the van. It just cost me over $500 in gas to come back to Pennsylvania from Florida for the winter. I’m not stupid, I know I need an emergency fund. In my case the choices are limited. It’s either be on the road taking a chance without the funds or sit in a tiny apartment somewhere staring out the window. I choose to take the risk on the road. But some nights it’s hard to close my eyes knowing the realities.
I admire you. I sit in a tiny house worrying about my future and finances all my waking hours . Having to spend the last of my savings on constant home maintenance, taxes and insurance. Fixed income, tons of medical expenses not covered by Medicare, crappy credit. It’s not possible to save anymore. But You are living, I’m existing. All the best 🙏🏻💙
Donald, Thanks for sharing this. I like you do not have an emergency fund saved and the way things are financially can't save for one. I want to hit the road also. I have a 99 Malibu that has and is well maintained. I am just sitting in my rocker/ recliner rocking the years away. I know there is more life for me. I let fear stop me tho. To hear from people like you helps people like me. Thanks for your honesty. The best to you.
Seriously, see if you can file bankruptcy. Chapter 7 preferred. Many places will handle for low fee. And recently medical bankruptcies are being taken OFF credit reports as they are all too common. Can get your credit back, it's nice to have a CC, mine recently helped me with unexpected vet bills atop planned large vehicle maintenance. Worth a try, start with free legal advice in your location.
@@dennyj8650 medical Has to come off report because of Hippa law violations. yep
Donald Billet, thank you for thecredit card idea so so much.........................
One of the best ways to avoid breaking down on the side of the road is to ALWAYS do preventative maintenance on your vehicle. This is even more important if you're driving a lot of miles. Every vehicle will have a schedule of when to do certain things in their user manual. As for your issue with that computer Bob, I'd try to see if it's possible to relocate it somewhere with less heat. I had a similar issue in my own diesel and relocated that unit so its less likely to fail from too much heat.
My transmission is dying right now and the soonest I could find anyone close who will work on a motorhome in under two weeks waiting was still a 9 day wait. So I went to a casino right on the way, and asked security if they'd allow me to stay that long. They took down my name, phone number, and said they'd let whoever know. It's been three nights so far when the usual limit is one so I guess all is fine. The transmission is losing 3rd gear/reverse but 1-2 is still operating. At 37 years old, it's just due for a rebuild. I'm renting a U-Haul van for a week while it'll be in the shop. It's cheaper than a motel and also i need to deal with stuff in storage which is why I came over this way to begin with, so two birds so to speak. It's an old C6 transmission with zero computers. In over five years, I've had a roadside breakdown, I always get somewhere to fix it myself or get to a shop to get it fixed. That's not to say nothing ever breaks.
A long U-Haul van rental gives you a discounted per-mile rate btw. Mine shows 38 cents per mile.
I have AAA and an emergency fund I had already figured 0n a hotel or a uhaul van . glad you shared this so I won't freak out when it happens
Thanks for another detailed and helpful video. You say breakdowns are part of life as a nomad but I submit that breakdowns are part of life as a vehicle owner. :) All vehicles breakdown sooner or later. The common sense steps you describe here are the same that we should all take no matter if we live in the vehicle or not: Have an emergency fund. Stay calm. Find a repair place and arrange a tow. Make arrangements for the time you will not have the mobility that your vehicle provides. Possibly it's differently inconvenient for a nomad since it is also your home but that's really all that is different. The cost and general inconvenience are the same.
Years ago, my mom was afraid to get a colonoscopy (hear me out!) until Katie Couric allowed a camera crew to film her through the procedure. Katie wanted to show that it wasn’t so bad. My mom felt Katie was trustworthy and she felt much assured to get her own procedure.
In a similar manner, Bob, you are loved and trusted by so many that your words and guidance will help so many get through a traumatic breakdown. Thank you so much for this one. We will all need it!
I wasn't allowed to be in my
rig during a tow. Lucky you,
Bob, CA is not RV friendly!!!
What I don't enjoy is the pressure to locate a trusted shop while being towed around. You are doing far better.
I'm not mobile yet, but the advice is sound for anyone traveling.
I am surprised that you don't have tow insurance. Everyone who lives our lifestyle can pay AAA about $90 a year which will get you four free tows per year. I also have a backup towing policy that I got through my car insurance company that costs about $2 per month extra. I have had AAA for 49 years. Great peace of mind. Pays for itself in just peace of mind even if you don't need a tow that year.
I broke down in Oklahoma while driving from NJ to California. I was in a Jeep wrangler and had my 73 year old mother with me. I did all the vehicle prep prior to leaving and had the Jeep in the shop to get it ready. Unfortunately they missed the fact I needed a new clutch. I was subconsciously prepared for a possible breakdown and I think I handled it pretty well. Fortunately I was towed to a reliable shop and was able to stay in a popular safe hotel in Oklahoma City. In total I lost a full day of travel and about $1000 in repairs. Thanks for your videos. I watch them all of the time. Happy to hear you’re back out there and in the road again safely. Be well.
Same here Bob! I just got my Dodge Caravan out of the shop yesterday.. had to have a used transmission installed $2034.cad plus $230 to rent a U-Haul pickup truck to tow my trailer to home base! There goes most of my emergency fund! LOL - I'm going back to just the minivan now. Going to leave the trailer at home base. Will start my rebuild of the van tomorrow.
Great video, Bob! I'm a AAA Premiere Member for 35 years now. Mostly Prius camping. Four tows per year total... 1 @ 200 miles, remainder 100 miles. Free First Day on a Rental Car. $$ paid toward hotel, etc if in accident. Twenty other awesome benefits. Peace of mind biggest tho IMHO. Well worth the $130 annually. Just used it last week in fact. 🙏🌈
How about some advice for breakdowns when you're in the middle of nowhere boondocking? That's a lot scarier.
STOP...Stop Think Observe Plan ; )
Don’t forget to curse ol’ Bob! 😂
Keep in mind a home repair such as a new water heater or HVAC service runs about the same $.
Great video Bob! As a single woman it’s always been a lil bit of a fear to be in the middle of nowhere and have that happen.
Great video! Seems like having AAA membership, or some other auto club membership could save on expensive towing fees. The plan I have will pay for a 100 mile tow. AAA will also bring gas, change your tire, and even bring a new battery. You pay once a year, so its an expected expense.
Some auto insurance companies can include towing in the policy for a few bucks more, less than AAA.
Fortunately the parts were available. Thanks for taking us along to show us how to deal with the breakdown.
I'm sure we mentioned this in your short about the breakdown, but having that emergency fund is a great thing. We broke down in West Yellowstone and had to get our truck hauled up to Bozeman. We were able to rent a uhaul truck to tow our teardrop. We spent a week at an RV park in Bozeman while our truck was being repaired. It was an annoying, nerve wracking week and it was expensive. But we got through it! The emergency fund allowed us to pay for everything we needed that week without touching our travel fund. And we got to see some of Montana which we hadn't fully intended to see at that time. Breakdowns happen, you get things fixed, you move on. And then there was the Kangaroo rat outside of Joshua Tree, but that's another story......
Great advice Bob! I think it's also wise to keep a good credit score or have at least one (empty) credit card set aside for emergencies, as well as cash savings. I have two credit cards set aside JUST for emergencies, and I'd only dip into my "cash" savings as a very last resort.
Me too! Two "empty" credit cards to be used for only car emergencies. Right now it's the car but soon it'll be for only RVing emergencies! Thanks.
Breakdowns are a fear factor and as I watched this I mauled over what is so anxiety producing. I think the the whole process is stressful but expecting it, being prepared for it like a game plan could go a long way in minimizing that overwhelmed feeling. Not knowing engines, transmissions, etc makes me feel more vulnerable than the reality of the situation so I've concluded that I can counter that vulnerability by increasing the minimum of my safety net, small money for peace of mind.
Wishing you all the best, Bob! Hugs..
You may have had them do a transmission service filter and fluid change. Never have a transmission flush never never never
That was wise getting a spare part if it’s a common problem it will save you big money in the future. ✌️✌️
We have two trailers. Our premium AAA renews this month. It seems like a lot but but is less than you paid! It works out to under $16 a month if you start a monthly sinking fund. Knowing I have someone to call is peace of mind. Sometimes we lock ourselves out. On trips everyone carries keys, that has saved us when someone locks them inside. Carry one in your wallet. Save for a spare FOB if you have those. That emergency fund and plan B turns stressful breakdowns into an inconvenience. Our older car is 20. Last year we got an opportunity to buy a 2017 Camry with only 2,550 miles for only $18.2k. Had the savings, including $800 in taxes at license and registration. It's was amazing! We chose to be a one car family in 2007. Husband rode the bus to work. No car payment since 2005! I was tempted to borrow to buy an expensive van to roadschool, homeschool in. SO glad we didn't do that! I thought things can change that I (you),don't have control. The world sure has changed! Only have mortgage debt after 16 years it is less than renting! And we live where it was one the cheapest cities to rent! Now recession. People are cutting back. Diesel shortages. I hear deflation on things we don't need. People will get laid off! Line up work if you need it and build an even better emergency fund. Inflation on necessities. Famine. War. We still have excellent savings. We have bought things we need! Did you know there was a tire shortage in WW2? One of our trailers, tires were shot. We've property so have storage. If I were a nomad and didn't have a job, I'd get one! Beef up the emergency fund! My medical bills are pricey! I had emergency life saving surgery 3 years ago, before insurance negotiated, just the hospitality bill was 68K!
Great video, as always. Since being a first responder, I have a saying, "If you aren't dying or bleeding, it's not an emergency." Just a way to remind me to relax, even when things don't happen as planned.
I really liked your Uhaul idea, I'm adding that to my list! And proper planning is the key to everything in life.
theres alot to be said for caring spare parts . i carie starter,alternator,fuel pump.ecm,coil cap and rotor,fuel filter,oil filter.The only thing i needed was the coil i was in the middle of nowhere utah but i had it. and at the next part store i bought another one
Very good. It is all about planning ahead for the bad days. Thank you for your insight.
Thanks for all the reminders, Just slow down is the message, this is why we are out here is to stop and smell the roses along the way !!
It was nice you found a honest shop and they didn't try to nail you with a total overhaul.name the shop they should be proud
I literally just drove the same road Flagstaff-Williams a couple hours ago. In 14 months of van-living, I have needed tows twice, but, so far, only short tows because of being stuck in the mud (no 4wd). As a result, I recently invested in some all-terrain tires for better off-road traction. But I did want to comment that many auto shops will not use parts you've procured on your own for liability issues. So, depending on the cost of the part, it may not necessarily be worth your while to obtain a back-up part you can't install yourself, just to try and save yourself the inconvenience of parking lot sleeping for a couple nights.
Just had our truck towed and had it fixed. Tow was covered by good sams but we had emergency fund for the repair. Thanks for all your advice!
Thanks Bob I needed to hear your calm voice saying it’ll be ok
We have AAA just in case. We have our tools, just in case although our truck is fairly new, but there are no guarantees. We have extra parts, just in case.
I have lived in my area for over 35 years and I can say that finding a honest repair shop is nearly impossible. Out on the where you don't know which shops are honest puts you in a very bad place. If they know you're from out of town they own you, and they know it.
I have a friend that owns a shop and he says the same thing.
In my opinion there are more good people than bad. I've had auto problems that mechanics have taken care of for free. Believe that people are good and those are the kind of people you will meet 90% if the time.
Excellent, excellent video! Yes, on the emergency fund. I had never thought about a U-haul van and now I have that as part of my “toolbox”. Thank you!
Ditto, hadn’t thought of that.😆
I broke down in Flagstaff and I had issues with the Transmission shops. My transmission wouldn't go into reverse. I have seen the trans fluid not going down and I don't know if it is the pump. All the shops wanted me to buy a transmission and the fixing for $4500. Oreilly and Autozone transmissions are only $2000. The Flagstaff shops wanted me to get a Jasper transmission. They didn't check my transmission or drop it or put it on a lift to check. I might do the transmission on my own unless there is someone who knows better and wants to help.
I have had Triple A towing insurance for 58 years I keep the RV platinum it's a $140 a year and it will give you one 200 mile tow and unlimited 100 mile tows and and the RV gives you an extra $500 expense for getting your vehicle to a shop. Triple A has saved us many times. For service I always call Napa auto parts and ask for their recommended bonified service providers they always know who's the best at doing what. Anything that a bonafide Napa repair shop does is warranted for one year or 12 000 miles. I have never been disappointed by using these procedures. Been doing Van life since 1964.
consider putting a computer fan directly on the heat sync. That would help out immensely, If you get the one that is temperature-controlled it will adjust its speed as the heat goes up, and turn itself off when it's cold. They are only 12 volts and like .2 amps. Buy a 10 pack, if it fails just toss it and replace it. Stay cool!
Hi Bob!
Glad everything worked out well for you and Cody. (And your RIG). I was surprised you didn't have a Towing service like the BEST Towing policy with AAA. I've heard how good it is. And that must've been spooky riding in your RIG on that flatbed... How is that even legal? 🤔
I had a similar experience with my '99 Dodge 1500 pickup. I could no longer move forward... My transmission was suddenly failing. Or so I thought. I was able to limp in to my destination, where I found a local mechanic to work on it.
I just knew I needed a NEW transmission that would cost around $4000-$5000.
I wasn't prepared for something like that! As it turned out, the transmission was fine. The problem was my Catalytic Converter. He put in a New one, plus labor... $400 total! LUCKY ME!
Good video Bob.
Thanks, Uncle Rick
#1: buy the right vehicle, which means something older, even from the 70s(which means not from the snow belt) -- these will have little/no electronics, except the ignition system, hopefully a carburetor, mechanical fuel pump on the engine, or if a diesel, mechanical fuel injection -- then go over it, bumper to bumper, replace anything marginal(preventive maintenance) -- mine was a 77 chevy(cheap parts, any mechanic can work on it) high-top van, that i rebuilt a 6.2 diesel into, put in a 700r4 tranny, got 25mpg, no bs -- sold it 20yrs later with 250k miles, still running great --- or if you've got too much $$, buy some computerized nightmare
Chevy a good choice just cause of parts availability which is Essential to older vehicles. Of course could get an old Ford or even Dodge - check on parts availability before buying vehicle!
I'm broke down and waiting 10-14 weeks for the part I need. Wow am I glad I did make it to an RV park where I can stay in my camper until the part arrives then ony have to be out of it for 2 days while they do the actual work. On the way here I did get stuck on the highway roadside for 11 hours. Not fun. It's hard when you're a solo female with 2 dogs. I will never travel again without 2 spare tires instead of just one.
Thanks for sharing this, it’s often not the issue itself but the built up anxiety and fear about the problem that is the most challenging. You continue to inspire and ground your audience at the same time. Love it!
Bob, I'm not so keen about the need to carry parts as spares, especially if you're not a mechanic intending to perform the repairs yourself.
If the parts were close to a thousand bucks, that's an even bigger dip into an emergency fund. Also, electronic parts are subject to revisions, updates and improvements that may make your spare obsolete, if perhaps still functional. "Perhaps" because the parts would have to be carefully stored so as not to be damaged by moisture, vibration or temperature extremes, and storage space is always scarce in vehicles.
Finally, many shops may be reluctant to install customer's parts, and almost certainly will not guarantee such a repair job.
If that failed transmission module was original to the vehicle, it's given great service despite its stupid heat soak location in the engine bay. Doesn't seem like you're gonna need another one any time soon.
The parts you're carrying are never the parts you need.
So true. I eventually quit carrying spare parts other than belts and hoses because the problems that occurred were never the ones I'd planned for. And I've been charged a higher shop hourly rate to install my parts, with no warranty.
Great topic! My van broke down a couple of months ago and the parts took two weeks to get in. Luckily it was a problem that the mechanic could make the vehicle safe to drive while I waited. Instead of an emergency fund, I have an emergency credit card. I had to rent a car for a few days before I got to get back into the van. The U-hall van is an awesome idea. Thanks.
Renting a Uhaul van is a very good tip, low cost, and able to carry some gear to the campsite.
Bob I just want to thank you for ....being you !
Stayed in the 4 nights in the parking lot of a Ford dealership in Wichita Falls, Texas in the last van I owned. I know that feeling.
After watching the video again I totally agree with Bob on one point. Take parts with you and do every repair that you can yourself. Even though I am not on the road yet I always have all of my tools with me, and a complete set of belts and hoses. I also have carried as many parts with me as possible (starter, generator...).
I never did any repairs until last few years but even then its been basic like change fuse. And I've broken my car doing repairs. I charged my battery with battery pack and it fried my alternator radio and air-conditioner. Cars are very fragile if your not experienced easy to break things even my mechanic breaks things in 30% of my trips to the mechanic
Thank you for sharing this 💖 Im hopeful my triple AAA helps me with the towing.. I'm still working on my emergency fund..🤗💖 thank goodness you are doing alright..and Cody is a trooper 🤗
AAA does not tow DYI builds in rigs like buses.
@@larrysouza5213 oh my goodness 😢😲 I need a bigger emergency fund.. thank you for the update on this..💓
@@larrysouza5213 can you please link us to where this information is on the AAA Web site?
I think the AAA cut off is 1 ton.
@@lesliehunter1823
They stipulate no DIY motor homes. I dropped them and need to shop for new provider. Meantime I have a rider on my insurance.
I love tripple "A", which gives me towing in a 100 mile range 🤠😺🐂.
Great advice
I was towing my 5th wheel with my usually dependable Ram cummins truck and it lost oil pressure. Luckily I had lots of extra oil and was able to add oil every 10 miles until I got to a place to stay in our rig. I had the truck towed to a local diesel mechanic and it turned out to be a failed main seal. So they had to drop the transmission and wait for parts. It took a week to be completed, we were so happy to have our extra car with us.
Bob this is such a timely post as I have seen three vlog videos of full-timers that broke down this week. I was surprised at how much the tow truck charged you. I am a single woman that does not know much about cars I have therefore had Triple-A (American Automobile Association) membership since I was twenty-one and it has more than paid for itself plus in my case, the peace of mind it brings me is like the commercial says "priceless".
Glad it all worked out and that you and Cody are safe. Happy Trails!
My worst fear is getting stuck. It has happened to my husband and I several times and it always gives me off the hook anxiety!
Great calming common sense advice as usual. Lol I feel better already. You learn something from every experience you go through!!
Thank you for the reminder, Bob. Keep your head and look at it as an opportunity. An opportunity to learn something new, an opportunity to meet interesting people, an opportunity for growth in patience and faith. How we react to trials or emergencies can almost predict the outcome of that particular event. It's sometimes hard to stay positive in situations like this, but I can tell you this......focus on whatever good you can find in these situations. You'll be rewarded with a new learning experience, and possibly new friends. Great advice about having the emergency fund. I really need to get mine back after just spending $600 on new tires yesterday. 😩
Sometimes our reaction to a problem can cause the problem to grow exponentially.
Thanks Bob. We all dread this eventually happening. Stay calm, have plans in advance and emergency fund.
Doesn’t insurance cover a tow? Agreed your attitude is probably the most important thing. Always a silver lining
Cool ,calm, collected! Thanks Bob🙏🏻❤️
Good subject to talk about. All the experience you give is very valuable.
I remember getting stuck in some quicksand out in the Arizona desert, in the middle of nowhere. I spent the whole day digging my vehicle out. This was before the advent of cell phones. I still remember the heat and buzzing of flies.
It really isn’t mentioned here, but the first step might be choosing a common vehicle. They all break down but some are cheaper and known by more mechanics. New parts are cheaper and common, used parts more plentiful.
I have two spare electric boxes I bought for a car that had a similar problem. In my case the Ford dealer wanted $900 for the part and to program it, but I found a replacement on Ebay for $100 which turned out to be for an earlier version and then one that worked for $300 that the seller programmed with my cars info and mailed to me and I plugged it in and it was fine. The key thing for a part like that is to find a build that is the same version or newer than yours that will work.
My fear is not a breakdown, but a breakdown somewhere off road where some tow companies won't go get you. There are 4x4 off road clubs that might pull you out to a road, but it is a matter of figuring out who they are and getting in contact. Since my trailer isn't very off road capable, I wouldn't be stuck very far from a road at this point. My truck is a truck and any shop could work on it if I couldn't and I always have my bicycle with me.
Your insurance may help with towing bill send receipt in and see, if so put back in emergency fund. Thanks Bob
Very comforting Bob. Thanks!
Well, I'm experencing my first breakdown right now! And while yes, getting the tow and garage arranged was stressful, the garage was kind enough to allow me to stay on the lot. So all it is, as you say, Bob, is really only an inconvenience. A few days of boredom - but even that - I have books, and my laptop, craft supplies... Not such a big deal. Glad I have the money to pay for the repairs. And it is handy to have food, cooking facilities, and my bed right with me when any waiting is involved, so that's a bonus.
Hi Nomad, I'm Jack from Montreal under 6' of snow at - 35* celsius. Newly retired, been traveling good part of my life mostly work as I travel being construction worker for 45 yrs. Have seen quite a bit of your videos lately and I just know that nomad in my van is in my near future. I appreciate and really thank you for all the tips and I admire your faith, attitude and planning. Merci mon ami.
Bob-
I can't help but wonder why you don't (&/or why EVERYONE living as a nomad doesn't) have AAA? Their Premier Membership is $80 for the first year ($60 for the membership & a $20 nonrefundable, one time admission fee for new membership) & if I recall correctly $115 a year after that- if you have to classify your vehicle as a RV they'll charge an additional $31 per household per year ("Any of your 4 allowable service calls per membership year may be used for RV/motorcycle tows, extrication and winching and RV tire changes. Up to $500 per service call; $1,000 annual max per household") but there may be discounts such as for auto renewal, through AARP (for those who qualify), former military, & the like. BONUS: about 3 to 6 months into your first year, they're going to offer a FREE membership with the same benefits as yours to one "adult associate" (& up to 2 juvenile associates 23 years old or younger) for the duration of your current membership year- this includes one tow per year up to 200 miles & up to 100 miles on remaining allowed tows.
At the risk of sounding like I work for AAA or something (which I don't), as I said, you are allowed 4 free Roadside Assistance calls per member per year (be it for a tow, gas, a locksmith, a jump, flat tire, what have you) & after that there is an additional service fee, but if you KNOW at some point you're going to break down- & especially if it's hard to find a tow truck in certain places- it seems like having AAA would be a given. And considering a year's membership is less than half of what you paid for one hard to find tow, it seems to me like a smart investment & preparedness plan. I highly recommend it.
I've always heard it as "fail to plan, plan to fail"
Keep on rockin' in the free world : )
Thanks Bob for the advice on how to stay practical during a breakdown.
It pays to have friends! Great comments, too!
Carrying the high-breakdown parts - great idea.
Bob you are such a cool cat. I enjoy your video content, and want to say thanks. I was forced into retirement a couple years ago and have actually been sweating what my next step is. Your videos tell me two basic things, that I appreciate Life is do-able on little to nothing, and no one is truly alone when there's a whole world of good people out there in the world to share friendship with.
This is something that is my biggest fear now that I had to early Retire and am now on a very low monthly budget.... with medical issues.
first sign of trouble i dump tanks and hit store for food
I would have just stayed in my home while waiting, friends or no. This is one of big reasons I have a truck camper. If my truck goes out I have my camper, if my camper has an issue I have my truck!
Would it be possible to relocate the electronic unit into the cabin? This is poor engineering. Thank you for the heads up and for another excellent video!
this is a valuable lesson! not yet a nomad, but I grew up on cars/vans/suv breaking down my whole life! it is an inconvenience but when you have that emergency fund and Uber set up in your phone then it really helps a lot!
Bob hoping after the Tow....you have considered just getting Triple A. Best insurance a driver can have; I've got the 200-mile Tow Premium, for around $120 a year. Invaluable. You wouldn't have had to spend 'several extra hundred' on the Towing there. Glad you got everything ship/shape again, and are back out where you are Happy! Safe Travels!
It’s nice to have a brother who I can turn to for this issue
#1 don't panic!
Thank you for posting.
As has been mentioned, would love it if you could do a video on tipster finding a good repair shop. That's my greatest fear. Thanks for all you do!
Bob. U are just the best!
Thank you, you give such good advice. Thank you.
Thank you!
Also good you weren't in the northeast. Not allowed to ride with the tow. Not until you get to hick town north west Pennsylvania. My nephew just got stranded in southeastern Connecticut. Towed the car to his residence but would not let him ride with it. He had to wait for a relative to get out of work and find him 60 miles away on I95.
Thank you so much for this video ❤
I greatly appreciate the calmness you show to really ensure the people that it really isn’t a big deal when you break down. Preparedness and attitude are what’s needed. Great, informative vid.
thanks for your informative video. We always enjoy them😄 Glad everything worked out ..good planning!
Great example Bob
I've been asking the "what if I break down" question for a while with no answers. But, today, yes! I finally got my answer. Thank you so much! Having this knowledge gives me the confidence to move forward as a solo traveler! Thank you!!!!!
Excellent advice.
Thanks Bob! Appreciate alieviating the fear a bit
Thanks for another great video! And I hope every car/van/truck lifer search up common failures and repair parts for their vehicles because your research will help prevent a lot of vehicle break downs and cut costs for you.
Thank you
Thank you!!!!