Excellent update. It is really true how much stuff we accumulate throughout our life that we do not need. All we need is the basics except maybe for me, some extra books 😌. Everything looks like its falling into place minus some minor annoyances for you but thats life, life on the road. Dont work too hard and safe travels Tif!
Thank you, Sue. ♥ I have a growing list of things I want to do/change, of course, to continue making her my own, but I gotta prioritize. :) I do love this van, though. Very grateful.
Wow, you already got the new Saker harnesses! I had the original one with the hydration packs (and that goofy ass light that won't stay on anything... I think you did right to velcro it to something stationary) and I'm not too thrilled with it. The leash hook thingy is squeaky, the extension clips chafed my dog's sides (and he's a very furry Husky), the reflective coating is coming off (and that's with hand washing the thing with Woolite), and I didn't like the packs, either how they attach, or the hydration pack thing. I found that it leaked and my dog didn't really like to drink out of it. I really wanted the harness for seat-belting him in the car, though. Their original seat belt clip that keeps the seat belt from retracting doesn't work with my car. They said they'd send an updated one but they never did. So I've been using a traffic leash to seat belt in, and then clip that to the harness, even though that is not the way it was designed to work / crash tested. I abandoned the pack thing and I use a different harness on him when we want him to carry things (which isn't that often, I'm a city gal and a very limited hiker, LOL). I have a second Husky now and despite my concerns about the first-generation Saker stuff, I did buy both of them a new harness (expected sometime in May), with the extension but without the saddlebags. I'm hopeful that Saker worked out some of the kinks. I really wanted to love their stuff but the first gen was disappointing. I'm glad you got your second set free! I'm very curious what you think. You do really thorough reviews, so I hope you end up getting the outdoor shower, too. :) That's how I found your channel to begin with, searching for reviews of the Saker stuff. I did notice that you aren't using the 1st gen Saker stuff anymore. I really want to be able to seat belt the dogs in. I have a friend who was in an accident and one of her dogs was crated - that dog was killed - the crate was ejected and broke apart. The other dog, unrestrained, was also ejected and injured but survived. So that's why I gave them a 2nd chance. The other weird thing is that my dog hates the Saker harness. He tries to hide from it. It doesn't seem to bother him much (well at least without the extension) when it's on, but he always tries to get out of wearing it, even though it means we're going somewhere. They said the new one doesn't have to go over their head so maybe that will make a difference. He doesn't mind putting on his other harnesses so I'm not 100% sure why he resists the Saker.
Hi, Katie! I remember you were having a lot of issues with the Säker. I definitely would keep sending friendly follow-ups until they send you the replacement seatbelt clip. The reason my dogs haven't been wearing the Ascension is because we're testing multiple harness/pack systems for backpacking, so I'm trying to get equal time in each. We wore the Ascension on 40 miles of The Colorado Trail last season. My goal is to wear the Ray Allen Icon Air and the new Canyon Light in similar conditions so that I can give as close to a true comparison review as I can. I've been using the Icon Air for various short hiking trips, but have yet to get it in the backcountry for a hardcore test. Really hoping to get some good time with each--the Icon Air and Canyon Light--this season. When the Säker rep visited with me about becoming a "Säker Pro," the one thing they really wanted was a comparison between the Canyon and Ascension systems, particularly since we had some chafing issues with the Ascension on Japhy. So that will definitely be a video of its own, probably after backpacking season this summer/fall. But from a personal perspective, I am looking for the best pack system to use when backpacking with the dogs, so I'll be comparing until I find the right one for us. I figure I may as well share that journey here on the channel. That's the other reason you don't see my dogs in those harnesses much in my videos. I only use them for backpacking and hiking trips. The main function of them, for us, is to attach saddle bags and carry items. I have, however, come to really appreciate the velcro on the Ray Allen Icon Air harnesses for patches, since Japhy is dog reactive. All of that said, for regular dog walking, particularly in urban areas, I cannot use harnesses to attach a leash to, as they simply don't offer the control I need for my two large dogs, one of which is dog reactive and requires very careful and precise control when around other dogs. Anyway, that was a longwinded response. Sorry. I definitely would keep following up with Säker about the replacement clip, though. My guess is they were probably pretty overwhelmed with that initial buckle failure and dealing with so many pissed off people. My gut says they're trying to do good things for us dog folk, and I hope they stay the course. We need more choices in the market and companies that are willing to try to make something different than what already exists.
Absolutely. This is an Amazon associate link, just fyi (it helps me out a little). But right now it's actually cheaper to buy on Amazon than Wolfbox directly. amzn.to/4bfixAw Here's the Wolfbox direct link: wolfbox.com/products/wolfbox-g840s-12-4k-mirror-dash-cam-2160p-full-hd-smart-rear-view-camera-mirror-dash-cam Wolfbox has other models you can check out, too, but I have no complaints about this one.
The company opted not to send me one. It was worth a shot, and at least they did respond and let me know. Since then a very VERY kind patron reached out and asked me which shower I'd requested, and ended up buying me the shower and the mounted shower room (!!). I haven't gotten the room yet, but I got the shower and it's pretty amazing. It's the Joolca Nomad kit. Hot water, even. It's definitely nomad heaven. Will do a video once I get the whole setup.
I would never get a roof fan put into my van because of leaks so instead I just use a portable fan attached to the ceiling of my van which works fine have you tried placing a small tarp over your roof fan when it’s raining to stop the leaks & always have some sealant in your van to fix the leaks i hope you get it fixed properly soon
The leak actually isn't from the vent like I originally thought it was. The spot in this video shows where something has actually damaged the roof (before I bought the van). I had just assumed it was the vent, because I didn't see any other damage or cracks on the roof and the vent seemed a likely culprit. So far no leaks from the vent. I suspect, however, that new sealant will eventually need to be applied around the vent as well. All of that stuff cracks and wears off in time.
@lovedogsontheloose i watch a lot of build videos and people have talked about beutal tape for securing and attaching and sealing things to their roof. There is also a special kind of self leveling sealant that rv'ers and other builders recommend but the name eludes me at the moment...dicor!
@@antoniobaez6282 Dicor lap sealant seems to be the go-to for a lot of van folks. I just don't have it (or a caulk gun) in my arsenal yet. I think some people use both tape and lap sealant.
Excellent update. It is really true how much stuff we accumulate throughout our life that we do not need. All we need is the basics except maybe for me, some extra books 😌. Everything looks like its falling into place minus some minor annoyances for you but thats life, life on the road.
Dont work too hard and safe travels Tif!
Thank you, Sue. ♥ I have a growing list of things I want to do/change, of course, to continue making her my own, but I gotta prioritize. :) I do love this van, though. Very grateful.
Wonderful update. Thanks Tif!✌️
Thanks for watching, Jerry! Hope all is well!
@@lovedogsontheloose Doing well, thank you. Ready for July to get here. lol.
@@tangenttrails I bet!! I'm so excited for you! What's your step-off date?
@@lovedogsontheloose Tuesday the 16th, 6:00 am.
@@tangenttrails Woohoo!
I love you secret camp place. I need to find something close to Lubbock to go to boondocks.
Wow, you already got the new Saker harnesses! I had the original one with the hydration packs (and that goofy ass light that won't stay on anything... I think you did right to velcro it to something stationary) and I'm not too thrilled with it. The leash hook thingy is squeaky, the extension clips chafed my dog's sides (and he's a very furry Husky), the reflective coating is coming off (and that's with hand washing the thing with Woolite), and I didn't like the packs, either how they attach, or the hydration pack thing. I found that it leaked and my dog didn't really like to drink out of it. I really wanted the harness for seat-belting him in the car, though. Their original seat belt clip that keeps the seat belt from retracting doesn't work with my car. They said they'd send an updated one but they never did. So I've been using a traffic leash to seat belt in, and then clip that to the harness, even though that is not the way it was designed to work / crash tested. I abandoned the pack thing and I use a different harness on him when we want him to carry things (which isn't that often, I'm a city gal and a very limited hiker, LOL). I have a second Husky now and despite my concerns about the first-generation Saker stuff, I did buy both of them a new harness (expected sometime in May), with the extension but without the saddlebags. I'm hopeful that Saker worked out some of the kinks. I really wanted to love their stuff but the first gen was disappointing. I'm glad you got your second set free! I'm very curious what you think. You do really thorough reviews, so I hope you end up getting the outdoor shower, too. :) That's how I found your channel to begin with, searching for reviews of the Saker stuff. I did notice that you aren't using the 1st gen Saker stuff anymore. I really want to be able to seat belt the dogs in. I have a friend who was in an accident and one of her dogs was crated - that dog was killed - the crate was ejected and broke apart. The other dog, unrestrained, was also ejected and injured but survived. So that's why I gave them a 2nd chance. The other weird thing is that my dog hates the Saker harness. He tries to hide from it. It doesn't seem to bother him much (well at least without the extension) when it's on, but he always tries to get out of wearing it, even though it means we're going somewhere. They said the new one doesn't have to go over their head so maybe that will make a difference. He doesn't mind putting on his other harnesses so I'm not 100% sure why he resists the Saker.
Hi, Katie! I remember you were having a lot of issues with the Säker. I definitely would keep sending friendly follow-ups until they send you the replacement seatbelt clip.
The reason my dogs haven't been wearing the Ascension is because we're testing multiple harness/pack systems for backpacking, so I'm trying to get equal time in each. We wore the Ascension on 40 miles of The Colorado Trail last season. My goal is to wear the Ray Allen Icon Air and the new Canyon Light in similar conditions so that I can give as close to a true comparison review as I can. I've been using the Icon Air for various short hiking trips, but have yet to get it in the backcountry for a hardcore test. Really hoping to get some good time with each--the Icon Air and Canyon Light--this season. When the Säker rep visited with me about becoming a "Säker Pro," the one thing they really wanted was a comparison between the Canyon and Ascension systems, particularly since we had some chafing issues with the Ascension on Japhy. So that will definitely be a video of its own, probably after backpacking season this summer/fall. But from a personal perspective, I am looking for the best pack system to use when backpacking with the dogs, so I'll be comparing until I find the right one for us. I figure I may as well share that journey here on the channel.
That's the other reason you don't see my dogs in those harnesses much in my videos. I only use them for backpacking and hiking trips. The main function of them, for us, is to attach saddle bags and carry items. I have, however, come to really appreciate the velcro on the Ray Allen Icon Air harnesses for patches, since Japhy is dog reactive. All of that said, for regular dog walking, particularly in urban areas, I cannot use harnesses to attach a leash to, as they simply don't offer the control I need for my two large dogs, one of which is dog reactive and requires very careful and precise control when around other dogs.
Anyway, that was a longwinded response. Sorry. I definitely would keep following up with Säker about the replacement clip, though. My guess is they were probably pretty overwhelmed with that initial buckle failure and dealing with so many pissed off people. My gut says they're trying to do good things for us dog folk, and I hope they stay the course. We need more choices in the market and companies that are willing to try to make something different than what already exists.
Salted nut rolls are the best! Former Iowan here…lol
They are! Can't get 'em in West Texas!
That review mirror is aweome! Can you link it?
Absolutely. This is an Amazon associate link, just fyi (it helps me out a little). But right now it's actually cheaper to buy on Amazon than Wolfbox directly. amzn.to/4bfixAw
Here's the Wolfbox direct link: wolfbox.com/products/wolfbox-g840s-12-4k-mirror-dash-cam-2160p-full-hd-smart-rear-view-camera-mirror-dash-cam
Wolfbox has other models you can check out, too, but I have no complaints about this one.
Did you get the shower?
The company opted not to send me one. It was worth a shot, and at least they did respond and let me know. Since then a very VERY kind patron reached out and asked me which shower I'd requested, and ended up buying me the shower and the mounted shower room (!!). I haven't gotten the room yet, but I got the shower and it's pretty amazing. It's the Joolca Nomad kit. Hot water, even. It's definitely nomad heaven. Will do a video once I get the whole setup.
I would never get a roof fan put into my van because of leaks so instead I just use a portable fan attached to the ceiling of my van which works fine have you tried placing a small tarp over your roof fan when it’s raining to stop the leaks & always have some sealant in your van to fix the leaks i hope you get it fixed properly soon
The leak actually isn't from the vent like I originally thought it was. The spot in this video shows where something has actually damaged the roof (before I bought the van). I had just assumed it was the vent, because I didn't see any other damage or cracks on the roof and the vent seemed a likely culprit. So far no leaks from the vent. I suspect, however, that new sealant will eventually need to be applied around the vent as well. All of that stuff cracks and wears off in time.
Use Marine Lap sealant, not silicone
Yeah, lap sealant is on my list to buy. Using what I’ve already got on hand for now. Silicone will do the job for the time being.
@lovedogsontheloose i watch a lot of build videos and people have talked about beutal tape for securing and attaching and sealing things to their roof. There is also a special kind of self leveling sealant that rv'ers and other builders recommend but the name eludes me at the moment...dicor!
@@antoniobaez6282 Dicor lap sealant seems to be the go-to for a lot of van folks. I just don't have it (or a caulk gun) in my arsenal yet. I think some people use both tape and lap sealant.
What’s your insta name?
@lovedogsontheloose