One of my favorite philosophical quotes to live by is : Everyday may not be good, but there’s something good in every day. Being on the road where multiple things can change instantaneously, I can see where there would be lots of highs as well as lows. And that’s okay… the lows make you appreciate and value the highs much more. And as they always say…. Tomorrow will be better.
Definitely great when you meet someone who is an honest mechanic. My Dad was friends with a lot of cops when I was little because they all went to Tae Kwon Do together. The cops all had 1 mechanic they all took their personal cars to. So my dad ended up part of this group that hung out at this mechanic's shop for coffee every morning with a bunch of cops. One of them ended up being my high school's resources officer, so I had an in with all the cops at school. I was the kid no one messed with. I also ended up babysitting for the mechanic and I bought my first 2 beater cars from him, and we ended up taking all of our cqrs to him. He recently passed on, but they sold the shop to a friend and kept the name and we still take our cars there. RIP Joel, I'll always look back and laugh at your advice on switching the winter air out of my tires!
This was such an honest video. People don't realize that the vanlife people can also fall into the "Keeping Up With the Jones's" mindset. Someone is ok in their car until they see someone in a SUV. Then the SUV person sees a minivan setup. Then the minivan person tours a van. Then the van person hears someone rave about their high top van. Then the high top van person tours a small bus. Then the person in the nice van or bus stays in an Airbnb and decide they want a great house. 🤦♀️ And all of the "upgrades" come with more work and limitations than the person in the smaller vehicle has or sees, along with the pros. It's crazy.
@@RileyDoesLife Same! There's nothing wrong with any of them but they all come with tradeoffs. We get more room, but less mobility, less stealth, less ground clearance, more notice/attention, higher gas cost, etc. We go from complaining about lack of space in a small vehicle to complaining about the bigger mess in a larger vehicle, cabinets breaking, higher gas costs, higher repair costs, getting stuck, electrical systems acting up, having to heat and cool the larger space, finding water and dump stations, etc. Everybody I know - whether they're living in a house, apartment, or vehicle - has complaints about their living environment. I think it comes with just being alive. 🤣 PS I'm complaining too. Everytime I open my SUV door and something falls out, it irks me.
One the bright side-you have a place to stay while your car is being repaired. And you did not brake down on the road And you have time to find out the cost of replacing the belt & if any other maintenance should be done at that time 👍🤗
First time watching your channel. Can relate to the vehicle problems and the stress they cause internally when it's your home. Plan on watching some back issues and looking forward to your future ones. You go girl! Prayers
Don't get discouraged, been feeling that way myself all day. Frustrated trying to empty ,fix up ,then sell parents house, but it doesn't seem to want to empty. After swaddling in frustration/self pity all day saw short video of guy feeling same way, he had no limbs. I'm quite fortunate after all
You may be pulling more amps than you vehicle is rated for. Automotive outs are only rated for 60watts … the Ecoflo will try to pull 100 watts.. Have you considered a Dc/Dc charger option w a extra battery… this independent system would keep it simple.. Your gonna spend the same amount of money on a auto shop… just for diagnosis
Hi there keep your head up it's good you have nice friends very interesting story I'm looking forward to seeing your future positive progress in the next episode thanks for sharing
@@RileyDoesLife Got me a 2007 Toyota sienna with a 117000 miles on her last year. Still a lot of life left in her. I loved my Honda. I had a lot of work put into her but I had to do it. Believe me you will be much happier. Not to noticable so you can stealth anywhere. I'm in NYC 😬😳🤫🤣
Sending a huge hug from Palestine Tx. I paid $12,000 for my wheelchair 2010 dodge grand caravan I have about $9000 now in repairs and I still have wiring issues and need my AC compressor replaced. I am only part time on the road, but hope to change that in the future. I enjoy the videos you and Bunny put out all the time! Keep your chin up. Safe travels and enjoy your journey.
I will give you some car tips… when you go to Walmart get a gallon of rain-x windshield fluid and also a bottle of rain-x to put on your windshield when you get your new blades. Do it to all your windows so you can see better out them next time you wash your car. A good way to clean up clutter is to the nest time you see Dee, from Ladybug, get her to work magic on your car and reorganize it for you. She is a wizard in neat and clean automobiles. Then afterwards organize your rooftop box. Maybe you can invite her to a meet up at your parents house too and take time to empty and scrub everything after getting your car repaired . I have a Suburu Outback too and most serpentine belts need replacing by 90,000 miles. It will cost between 125$-200$ depending on where you take it. Good luck on your trip back home and I am glad that Bunny is making the trip too with you. You can go see all the good things at home base with Bunny and will have a blast. Take care of your health and eat well and drink plenty of water… be safe! I do not have a rooftop box and have tried to have the bare necessities with me. I hope to start getting out more in the spring when the weather is a little warmer as I live in Kentucky and we have all 4 seasons. It will be 70 one day and 32 the next.
If your batteries are trying to pull to much power OR you are plugging in anything trying to pull too much power you will blow fuses...I know, been there done that
Absolutely terrifying words....I lost my dog!! All the things you have you love and use. A guy told me 2 years ago my serpentine wouldn't last a week. My poor van is 23 years old...I KNOW it needs work...BUT when a mechanic sees a lone helpless looking female there's always MUCH MORE WRONG. if they saw Brock they would say things are great. Riley..did you get new glasses or did I just wake up? I love that color
@Riley - Sometime (well most of the time) you have to get messy to clean it up. It is what it is. Even if it's a little at a time....Keep moving forward! Take care my friend!!
Only problem with that is some mechanical shops won't replace parts on your car you provide due to liability issues. So then, some people have to wait for the mechanic shop to order the part and wait for the part to come in. ☹️
Just an idea... once your car is sound and dependable again, just a suggestion... I have a friend who had an SUV like yours and liked to do just some over night touring. Not sure where she got it done, but she had a pop up put on her SUV which allows her a bit more room, plus when traveling it is pretty invisible so it doesn't draw attention to her on the street. Hers is like the kind you see on VW vans... she had the bed option put so she can put things below in totes and bins. As for your auto problems, find out where your dad or male relatives go for maintance... they have diagnostic tools they can plug your cater into and tell you exactly what the problems are... also there are diagnostic tools and software for your phone that you can use to plug in their device and do your own diagnostic.. they sell them at Amazon and auto supply stores... As for that belt, you should look into buying one and keep it handy... that way when or if it breaks you will have the correct part fir the mechanic... keep in mind that part is very expensive... As for the rest, sounds like you are having a Murphay's Law. When I get those, I keep my head down and trudge thru... also I find that if I'm having a Murphy's Law Day so are all the other people around it...
Dirt can get in the 12v lighter ports, so u should keep the covers on if u have covers. Out in the desert sand gets everywhere as u know. Good luck... hope u figure out ur issues.
Hi Riely, this is the first time you have popped up on my U-Tube, I have always seen you with Bunny, so nice to see how you video. Good you friends fixed your windscreen wipers. I’ll keep a lookout for your next video, bye for now Elaine from Queensland,Australia.
Hi Riley. Sorry you're having such complications with your car. I haven't seen a video of your bed setup. How exactly do you sleep? Is it from door to door or from front to back? When you were going from sleep mode to living mode it looked like you had a great deal of space. Your wipers were quite shredded. Sorry but I kind've giggled at that because I've never seen wipers like that. I love your group of travelers/friends. You're all awesome. Hi Tyson. Hugs
It's more front to back. It's more comfortable that way for me, and yes when I removed the passenger seat there was SO much more space. I had to laugh every time something went wrong lol
New subscriber! I've been watching Bunny for a bit, so now I can see your vids too! I'm sure there is a video on it but, what made you decide on van life? Hope your car is ok!
Welcome! There are a variety of factors that led me to vanlife. I may have mentioned a few reasons in previous videos, but I'll have to go into further detail on it in a future video. 😊
Maybe it’s time to think about investing in a bigger vehicle in the meantime just do the best you can keep your car organised and look after yourself if you pray each day that will help too
Oh, Riley, the ants can give you some space. You’ve had a rough couple of days and deserve not to be bugged. Wishing you respite and reorganization while at base camp (and no ants yay!).
Yea… I seen some swing arm setups … could provide even more room inside your rig… I myself don’t like feeling cluttered with stuff living outta my rig.. but this would be one way of working w what u got already.. but nothing is cheap anymore
I don't think a bus will help, but rather just add to the stress. You just need to do a big 'I don't use/need this anymore' cleanse, and go back to more minimalism. I have to do this in my own home, as I'm planning on renting it out, to start travelling. Meaning everything I have accumulated needs to be reviewed, and I tend to get emotionally attached to stuff, so it isn't easy. It helps donating my stuff to second hand stores, who can then use it to keep running, so I can enjoy changing my clothes cheap, or get things I need, and by that, help them more, and waste less.. I used the local scrap yard, to get 2 new lights on my car, as the old ones was all scratched up. I watched a YT video, to see how to do it. And it took sweat and time, but I did it, and I am so proud of myself + my car look so fresh with those lights on... 😁
Get one of those auto diagnostic doohickies, don't just trust mechanics. Especially if they know you're living in your car and they can hold it hostage.
I knew from the very start that a bus was the answer for me, no offense to those that make a car, truck, SUV or Van their mobile home, but I know for a fact that I need space and that I could never truly be comfortable in anything smaller than a bus..
Hi whatcha up to hope all is well prayers 4 healing and unspoken also 4 everyone and bless great healthy peaceful safe journeys travels and happy camping also prayers u get ur car/sun fixed and it won't nothing bad in the name of the Creator God and Yeshua/ Jesus and the Holy Ghost Amen much honor and respect keep walking tall yall and keep on keeping on and hugs smile u should change ur ripers out also u can get rainx peach in color antifreeze windshield washer fluid from wlmrt or auto parts stores this will u see in the rain better many blessings always walk tall 🚌🌅🌌⛺🌄🏞🏖 👍👍💪🙂👍👍
Riley, please keep you tiny dog in a leash, because there are coyotes out there and other animals that will kill him and he can't protect himself even bigger dogs can't.
One of my favorite philosophical quotes to live by is : Everyday may not be good, but there’s something good in every day. Being on the road where multiple things can change instantaneously, I can see where there would be lots of highs as well as lows. And that’s okay… the lows make you appreciate and value the highs much more. And as they always say…. Tomorrow will be better.
Definitely great when you meet someone who is an honest mechanic. My Dad was friends with a lot of cops when I was little because they all went to Tae Kwon Do together. The cops all had 1 mechanic they all took their personal cars to. So my dad ended up part of this group that hung out at this mechanic's shop for coffee every morning with a bunch of cops. One of them ended up being my high school's resources officer, so I had an in with all the cops at school. I was the kid no one messed with. I also ended up babysitting for the mechanic and I bought my first 2 beater cars from him, and we ended up taking all of our cqrs to him. He recently passed on, but they sold the shop to a friend and kept the name and we still take our cars there. RIP Joel, I'll always look back and laugh at your advice on switching the winter air out of my tires!
😂🤣👍
This was such an honest video. People don't realize that the vanlife people can also fall into the "Keeping Up With the Jones's" mindset. Someone is ok in their car until they see someone in a SUV. Then the SUV person sees a minivan setup. Then the minivan person tours a van. Then the van person hears someone rave about their high top van. Then the high top van person tours a small bus. Then the person in the nice van or bus stays in an Airbnb and decide they want a great house. 🤦♀️ And all of the "upgrades" come with more work and limitations than the person in the smaller vehicle has or sees, along with the pros. It's crazy.
Thank you. I have to constantly remind myself not to fall for the “wow” factor
@@RileyDoesLife Same! There's nothing wrong with any of them but they all come with tradeoffs. We get more room, but less mobility, less stealth, less ground clearance, more notice/attention, higher gas cost, etc. We go from complaining about lack of space in a small vehicle to complaining about the bigger mess in a larger vehicle, cabinets breaking, higher gas costs, higher repair costs, getting stuck, electrical systems acting up, having to heat and cool the larger space, finding water and dump stations, etc. Everybody I know - whether they're living in a house, apartment, or vehicle - has complaints about their living environment. I think it comes with just being alive. 🤣 PS I'm complaining too. Everytime I open my SUV door and something falls out, it irks me.
One the bright side-you have a place to stay while your car is being repaired. And you did not brake down on the road And you have time to find out the cost of replacing the belt & if any other maintenance should be done at that time 👍🤗
Very true ☺️
First time watching your channel. Can relate to the vehicle problems and the stress they cause internally when it's your home. Plan on watching some back issues and looking forward to your future ones. You go girl! Prayers
Welcome! 🤗
I guess a lot more things can go wrong when you drive your vehicle a lot. I hope you get your car probkems solved soon Riley 😊.
I hope so too! 🙃
Oh girl, I TOTALLY feel your pain. Just went through this process myself, and yeah, it's tough in a tiny little SUV!! 😱
lol it’s almost never ending isn’t it?
Fellow-side-eyer-of-bugs here...I'm learning understanding why they're here, knowing their purpose helps 💚💚💚💚💚
Don't get discouraged, been feeling that way myself all day. Frustrated trying to empty ,fix up ,then sell parents house, but it doesn't seem to want to empty.
After swaddling in frustration/self pity all day saw short video of guy feeling same way, he had no limbs.
I'm quite fortunate after all
Frustrating days happen from time to time, and sometimes all I can do is laugh at myself. 🙃
That’s a crazy amount of hail! Gals you were safe
I know! Luckily it wasn’t too big and nothing was damaged. But it sure was an adventure of sorts lol
You may be pulling more amps than you vehicle is rated for. Automotive outs are only rated for 60watts … the Ecoflo will try to pull 100 watts..
Have you considered a Dc/Dc charger option w a extra battery… this independent system would keep it simple..
Your gonna spend the same amount of money on a auto shop… just for diagnosis
Good idea. I should try that.
I'm in a van and we all go through this. No matter the size we never have enough space. Serpentine belts are no joke!! 12v fuses are a big deal.
You’re right. 😅😅
Hi there keep your head up it's good you have nice friends very interesting story I'm looking forward to seeing your future positive progress in the next episode thanks for sharing
Started in my 2001 Honda CR-V. Had to get something bigger for many reasons. Minivan is the way to go, for me. 🙏
I have lots of friends in a minivan, specifically the dodge grand caravan. I think you’re right that a minivan is the way to go!
@@RileyDoesLife Got me a 2007 Toyota sienna with a 117000 miles on her last year. Still a lot of life left in her. I loved my Honda. I had a lot of work put into her but I had to do it. Believe me you will be much happier. Not to noticable so you can stealth anywhere. I'm in NYC 😬😳🤫🤣
Awww I hope it doesn’t suck so much now. Miss you guys.
Sending a huge hug from Palestine Tx. I paid $12,000 for my wheelchair 2010 dodge grand caravan I have about $9000 now in repairs and I still have wiring issues and need my AC compressor replaced. I am only part time on the road, but hope to change that in the future. I enjoy the videos you and Bunny put out all the time! Keep your chin up. Safe travels and enjoy your journey.
Thank you!
I will give you some car tips… when you go to Walmart get a gallon of rain-x windshield fluid and also a bottle of rain-x to put on your windshield when you get your new blades. Do it to all your windows so you can see better out them next time you wash your car. A good way to clean up clutter is to the nest time you see Dee, from Ladybug, get her to work magic on your car and reorganize it for you. She is a wizard in neat and clean automobiles. Then afterwards organize your rooftop box. Maybe you can invite her to a meet up at your parents house too and take time to empty and scrub everything after getting your car repaired . I have a Suburu Outback too and most serpentine belts need replacing by 90,000 miles. It will cost between 125$-200$ depending on where you take it. Good luck on your trip back home and I am glad that Bunny is making the trip too with you. You can go see all the good things at home base with Bunny and will have a blast. Take care of your health and eat well and drink plenty of water… be safe! I do not have a rooftop box and have tried to have the bare necessities with me. I hope to start getting out more in the spring when the weather is a little warmer as I live in Kentucky and we have all 4 seasons. It will be 70 one day and 32 the next.
Haha you're so right, I should have Dee help me organize. She is the master!
If your batteries are trying to pull to much power OR you are plugging in anything trying to pull too much power you will blow fuses...I know, been there done that
That’s the funny part. It’s not a blown fuse 😅
Absolutely terrifying words....I lost my dog!! All the things you have you love and use. A guy told me 2 years ago my serpentine wouldn't last a week. My poor van is 23 years old...I KNOW it needs work...BUT when a mechanic sees a lone helpless looking female there's always MUCH MORE WRONG. if they saw Brock they would say things are great. Riley..did you get new glasses or did I just wake up? I love that color
I know! I hate when mechanics do that.
Oh yes,mechanic will try to take advantage of a lone woman
@Riley - Sometime (well most of the time) you have to get messy to clean it up. It is what it is. Even if it's a little at a time....Keep moving forward! Take care my friend!!
Lol you’re absolutely right. That morning I was having a fed up moment though 😂😂😂
You go girl. One foot in front of the other. You got this!
Some days just be like this lol 😅
Love a real days in the van life ❤❤
NEVER too late to eat breakfast 😋
I suppose you’re right! 😄
good luck with repairs! just an idea to buy a serpentine belt for your car & have it with you as a precaution? happy trails to y'all!
Good call!
Only problem with that is some mechanical shops won't replace parts on your car you provide due to liability issues. So then, some people have to wait for the mechanic shop to order the part and wait for the part to come in. ☹️
Just an idea... once your car is sound and dependable again, just a suggestion... I have a friend who had an SUV like yours and liked to do just some over night touring. Not sure where she got it done, but she had a pop up put on her SUV which allows her a bit more room, plus when traveling it is pretty invisible so it doesn't draw attention to her on the street.
Hers is like the kind you see on VW vans... she had the bed option put so she can put things below in totes and bins.
As for your auto problems, find out where your dad or male relatives go for maintance... they have diagnostic tools they can plug your cater into and tell you exactly what the problems are... also there are diagnostic tools and software for your phone that you can use to plug in their device and do your own diagnostic.. they sell them at Amazon and auto supply stores...
As for that belt, you should look into buying one and keep it handy... that way when or if it breaks you will have the correct part fir the mechanic... keep in mind that part is very expensive...
As for the rest, sounds like you are having a Murphay's Law. When I get those, I keep my head down and trudge thru... also I find that if I'm having a Murphy's Law Day so are all the other people around it...
Are
Dirt can get in the 12v lighter ports, so u should keep the covers on if u have covers.
Out in the desert sand gets everywhere as u know.
Good luck... hope u figure out ur issues.
Really?? I didn’t think about this. Thanks!
@Riley Does Life there's some utubes on it. And I believe they are easy to replace... but don't quote me.
Hi Riely, this is the first time you have popped up on my U-Tube, I have always seen you with Bunny, so nice to see how you video. Good you friends fixed your windscreen wipers. I’ll keep a lookout for your next video, bye for now Elaine from Queensland,Australia.
Welcome! 😊
Hi Riley. Sorry you're having such complications with your car. I haven't seen a video of your bed setup. How exactly do you sleep? Is it from door to door or from front to back? When you were going from sleep mode to living mode it looked like you had a great deal of space. Your wipers were quite shredded. Sorry but I kind've giggled at that because I've never seen wipers like that. I love your group of travelers/friends. You're all awesome. Hi Tyson. Hugs
It's more front to back. It's more comfortable that way for me, and yes when I removed the passenger seat there was SO much more space.
I had to laugh every time something went wrong lol
New subscriber!
I've been watching Bunny for a bit, so now I can see your vids too!
I'm sure there is a video on it but, what made you decide on van life?
Hope your car is ok!
Welcome! There are a variety of factors that led me to vanlife. I may have mentioned a few reasons in previous videos, but I'll have to go into further detail on it in a future video. 😊
I love your videos!
They are very differents😂
Thanks!
Maybe it’s time to think about investing in a bigger vehicle in the meantime just do the best you can keep your car organised and look after yourself if you pray each day that will help too
Oh, Riley, the ants can give you some space. You’ve had a rough couple of days and deserve not to be bugged. Wishing you respite and reorganization while at base camp (and no ants yay!).
It was just SO many ants lol 😅
Did you pick up ‘crikey’ from Brock? (You said it while trying to empty that container of something into the pot that was on the stove.)
LOL I think I did 😅
@@RileyDoesLife It’s unusual to hear ‘crikey’ coming from an American, so it stuck out to me. Hehe.
Do you have a hitch ? Put a storage box on the back ?
I chose to use a roof box instead. So far it’s working for me
Yea… I seen some swing arm setups … could provide even more room inside your rig… I myself don’t like feeling cluttered with stuff living outta my rig.. but this would be one way of working w what u got already.. but nothing is cheap anymore
I don't think a bus will help, but rather just add to the stress.
You just need to do a big 'I don't use/need this anymore' cleanse, and go back to more minimalism.
I have to do this in my own home, as I'm planning on renting it out, to start travelling.
Meaning everything I have accumulated needs to be reviewed, and I tend to get emotionally attached to stuff, so it isn't easy.
It helps donating my stuff to second hand stores, who can then use it to keep running, so I can enjoy changing my clothes cheap, or get things I need, and by that, help them more, and waste less..
I used the local scrap yard, to get 2 new lights on my car, as the old ones was all scratched up. I watched a YT video, to see how to do it. And it took sweat and time, but I did it, and I am so proud of myself + my car look so fresh with those lights on... 😁
Oh for sure. Buses have their own set of problems and stress 😅
5:49 Subaru is terrible for wiring. I work with a man who drives a Subaru and it’s in the shop more than it’s not.
Hey, I just thought of this, are there certain areas y'all stay away from like San Francisco because of car theft crime statistics?
Riley, heard that you've been under the weather lately. Hope you feel better soon
Thank you! I’m much better now ☺️
Get one of those auto diagnostic doohickies, don't just trust mechanics. Especially if they know you're living in your car and they can hold it hostage.
Oh yeah I was thinking of getting one of those 🤔
When you say they can hold your car hostage, in what way? Do you mean in terms of creating an unnecessary list of things to fix the car?
I knew from the very start that a bus was the answer for me, no offense to those that make a car, truck, SUV or Van their mobile home, but I know for a fact that I need space and that I could never truly be comfortable in anything smaller than a bus..
I get that. There’s pros and cons to each. I’d love the space if a bus 🙂
If that belt goes out while driving, you will lose power steering.
National Parks don't allow dispersed camping.
Truth.
theres alot of aussie van man in this video lol
🤣🤣🤣 you were apparently important in this one.
@@RileyDoesLife yes more Aussie van man !
🌿❣️🌿
Hi whatcha up to hope all is well prayers 4 healing and unspoken also 4 everyone and bless great healthy peaceful safe journeys travels and happy camping also prayers u get ur car/sun fixed and it won't nothing bad in the name of the Creator God and Yeshua/ Jesus and the Holy Ghost Amen much honor and respect keep walking tall yall and keep on keeping on and hugs smile u should change ur ripers out also u can get rainx peach in color antifreeze windshield washer fluid from wlmrt or auto parts stores this will u see in the rain better many blessings always walk tall
🚌🌅🌌⛺🌄🏞🏖
👍👍💪🙂👍👍
If you can't afford a bigger rig, get yourself a tent that attaches to your SUV.
I thought about that, but I think I move around too fast so the set up and takedown would get old.
Riley, please keep you tiny dog in a leash, because there are coyotes out there and other animals that will kill him and he can't protect himself even bigger dogs can't.
Absolutely. When I realized we could hear all the coyotes, I kept him on a leash.
@@RileyDoesLife So glad, because I can see how much you love your little furry baby. You always take care of him.
This Life style is very draining
Burnout is real.
@@RileyDoesLife definitely very real
👻 ⚡