urban bus life is stressful but fun // Bus Life Vancouver
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ก.ย. 2024
- This week i tried out urban bus life, living in my bus in Vancouver for a few days - then had some more mechanical issues and hurried back to utah.
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As a lifelong Pacific Northwest resident I can tell A LOT has changed throughout the PNW in the last 30 years.
Very wise choice to head back. That is a solenoid. It's an electromagnetic switch. They wear out and get stuck.
So glad you made it back..Look forward for your next video..btw...I'm not John..that's my hubby..lol....
22nd Skytrain station. I just live up the hill from that station. I recognized some of the video clips. Deep Cove is right next door to North Vancouver.I drove school bus and dropped students off to for Camp Jubilee which on an Island from Deep Cove
Good old “percussive maintenance” is indeed a thing.
Go to the beach a tidy the cycle in the city...big vehicle parking and end of season
I’m not sure - but try Canadian Tire’s - on the Sunshine Coast that’s where van people stay
those are my jams as well!!
Starter solenoid. Buy two to have a spare. Used to drive semi tractor-trailer. Everybody wanted the contents I was delivering but after that they always wanted you to get the heck out of there - NO PARKING - so I could feel your pain with the bus parking in Vancouver.
oh man come to victoria.
I always look forward to your adventures every week! Just curious, though, does the bus use regular gasoline, or diesel, for fuel?
Lots of love, from West Virginia
Was it the starter
While walking through Vancouver, all the filming looks so seamless. Did you pull out a camera, or just use your phone? Just curious, and if it's a phone, what kind? I love the way you do this, it is so causual, not touristy, and I love that.
You go girl, and we all will keep watching. Love and peace on the road. ✌
What? She was in Vancouver, bc, canada?? I miss out meeting these TH-cam stars! awwwww
Probably the Starter Solenoid or the Starter Motor, but could be the Starter Motor itself, or could be loose connections of the wires attached to the Starter Motor. I would replace the Starter Motor with the Solenoid and make sure the connections are clean and greased with silicone electrical grease so it won't corrode in the future. Hope this helps.
Had same issue in my SUV, tapped starter and it started.
This reminds me of an old car I had many years ago. The started needed replacing but would start with a whack of a hammer ...... until it didn't! It failed on a 4-lane street at traffic lights in rush hour. Car horns honking and drivers getting really mad until a truck driver pulled up across all 4 lanes to block traffic and kindly helped me push the car to the side of the street and my brother came and rescued me.
All things considered Emma, it's been a not too eventful (bus wise) trip and you dealt with anything that did occur. I'd say the plusses definitely outweighed the minuses.
that sounds like my nightmare 😭
@@EmmaBuildsBirbie Yeah, it was at the time but I can laugh about it now.😂😂
We use to whack our starters too. The Bendix spring would stick.
@@flynnstone3580 that's a while ago, they haven't used Bendixes since probably the 1980s
Hi Emma.
I am now fully up to date with your Birbie adventures. All those other perfect skoolie buses are just boring.
Sending good vibes from London.
This channel is starting to blow up as I knew it would. Keep going Emma, you have a great thing going here.
Just a tip from a senior mechanic that thing your tapping looks like a selonoid that powers up your electrical panel when you turn the key on giving the fuel system power to operate and supply fuel to the engine without that the engine will turn over but not start. Try jumping the two big posts with booster cables then crank engine thats called hot wiring. This tip is if it cranks over but wont start only. Need better picture of the area but give it a try and if you want to park just take booster cable off. Good luck.
Another very enjoyable video. Vancouver looks amazing.
I enjoy your video brave lady. And happy you got a new little one in your family.
FYI, if you could find a cracker barrel, maybe you could park in their parking lot, you'll have to check if you go to one of those places. I've seen a lot of van lifers park at the cracker barrel or walmart parking lots. Hope it helps. :)
Dude, I really appreciate you putting these videos out. It seriously reminds me that I am not too old to get free from my daily life, and live again. Keep up the great work Emma :)
Oh, the Rocky Mountains, Banf, Lake Louis are all near that area and it is super beautiful. If you get a chance, check it out too. :)
Vancouver has people living in vans, rv's, busses all over the city.
When I say living I mean staying in one spot not moving day to day and it's totally legal.
Where do they usually park?
@@sigreddasparks16 Mostly in commercial areas.
The act of hitting things until they work is called "percussive maintenance" and is pretty common for a lot of things on older vehicles in my experience.
Congratulations on 20 thousand subscribers.
👍
Glad you got to your family safe and sound. I hope you don't give the bus life up as I really enjoy our videos.
Yaaay...was waiting for this
I can relate absolutely getting to a new area and then not finding anywhere to park tired getting late I just stopped it a big dirt lot maybe a pizza place they don't open early and then unload my car and go to some recon and hopefully find an open place like I said before I'm in Forks Washington I stayed at the entrance of oxbow campsite they got some big enough sites down below I'm 36 ft long but I stayed at the entrance for 2 weeks and then I went down the street and mile and a half to Allen's bar and it's $5 a day been here for a month
As soon as she mentioned the hammer I knew it had something to do with the starter…I recently saw my husband do this on our old Toyota 😂😂
First
First person must fix the starter problem. Enjoy.
@@BillySBC Agree!😊👍
Great video, Vancouver looks like a nice place.That is the starter solenoid you have to hit with the hammer.I've been there before, had to do that for two or three days until payday.
Hi Emma, what a trip you’ve made. You have a great backup team and a wonderful mindset. You inspire us. Have a great week and till the next episode. 👋🇳🇱
Percussive maintenance is the art of shaking, banging or pounding on something, in order to make it work
You still have the best dang channel on RVing out there.
My ex wife and I had a big 40' Diesl Pusher for years, did the loop around the US several times. I discovered that 4 to 5 hours a day was plenty of driving. Plus 6 MPG was ridiculous and that was when diesl cost $140 a gal. So not sure I could justify that much traveling now. 🤔
The fact that you're taking the bus so far from home means you should have a new Starter Motor, a new Starter Solenoid, a new Fuel Pump and new Fuel Filters, a new Water Pump and Themostat with new Antifreeze, new drive belts, a new Battery, a new Alternator, and I would seriously consider installing a new Radiator as well. These are just things you don't want failing on you out on the road... It's a small price to pay considering the things that could happen in the middle of nowhere if they failed.
Too bad you didn’t make it to go north of Vancouver. So many lakes to see, Sun Peaks in Kamloops and all the wineries and gorgeous lakes in the okanagan and Shuswap lakes. Keep that in your future endeavours. Love your videos
So much of Seattle has become gentifried. Come to the Tri cities, right on the Columbia River
Must have been the solenoid!
That was the starter solenoid you were tapping with the hammer. Every time you moved those wires including to the solenoid, it worked. Wasn't the hammer. One loose wire on the solenoid being able to connect every time you moved it. Awesome! Don't let that slow you down.
Oh! and by the way hammers do work on stuck starters.
Not sure if this advice is relavant for you but... do not take the bus to bigger cities with a homeless problem. For example, in many big cities in CA, many families and others pushed out of their homes by the pandemic have been living in RVs and buses. The police in the big cities frown upon overnight parking of large vehicle on city streets. And the areas where the policy will let you park overnight are not safe. Hope this helps on your journey.
I'm so sorry you consider homeless people a problem 😐
I can only hope you are volunteering in some way to ease the ongoing burden.
That is a solenoid. They are not very expensive and the should sell them at any parts store. You can also jump around the solenoid if you get in a bad bind.
We use to jump them with a pair of pliers.👍
I laughed at loud at your opening remark about "crashing into Canada". I'd get that starter solenoid replaced sooner rather than later. You're not wrong about only having so much time before it fails completely.
Great video Emma
When you cross more than one zone on the Skytrain it adds some charge like $1.35 or something when you tap out 😎 Welcome to Vancouver. I'm from Quebec but moved here when i was 17 and now spend 4-5 months of the year here, currently here with my cat Merri. Feel free to reach out with any questions, and tons of Vancouver vlogs on my channel 👍
Is this for real??? I have never heard you mention giving away prizes. OTHER you tubers HAVE HAD REPORTS OF A GIVAWAY SCAM...
Emma, I think the same way
Ah, a relay, makes sense. Solenoid, whatever; don't @ me over bullshit semantics, it's an electronic opperated switch, how's that for semantics. Plenty of people clearly don't know WTF that part is. If it was the starter solenoid, it would be ON THE FUCKING STARTER... AND ... THE FUCKING ENGINE WOULDN"T TURN OVER. It probably sends power to a fuel cut-off valve AND many other things considering the engine wouldn't start and the dash wouldn't light up.
*Newly Updated Safety Suggestions;
I just happened to see your channel, and others similar channels recently, and I think that you, and others sharing their actual reality, and some have expressed some of the up, and down sides to van, RV, or vehicle living.
Although, I just noticed your TH-cam channel, and other similar channels, displaying van living.
I just wanted to remind everyone to Aware Be of your surroundings and Alert, I just posted this anyway to help anyone who may benefit from these suggestions
I believe that it is very helpful, and beneficial to others who may be thinking about this type of living without actually thinking through, about the some of the realistic problems that could occur with vehicle or van living etc...
People need to know what up sides there are, as well as some of the down sides of vehicle living.
I believe this channel, and other channels have been informative to others, including myself.
Although, I am NOT living in a vehicle or anything like this.
I feel that you , and others TH-camrs sharing this with your viewers will be very helpful.
I wish you ALL the Best with your traveling endeavors.
I shared this with several other travelers, as I watched their TH-cam channel for the first time, as yours, and I shared with them this information that may be helpful to you as well to others.
Therefore, I would also like to suggest a few Safety tips, and items that may help you, or others in your viewing audience.
Although, you may have knowledge of this already,
I am not sure, so I hope this will be helpful to you, others or someone.
*Keep a Extra working cellphone with you or in your vehicle.
You can purchase inexpensive phone with a very low monthly price between 25, 35, 45, dollars a month with unlimited data and text, and some have Nationwide coverage
Do your research for the best fit for you
Consider Carrying Several Extra portable cellphone phone chargers, and cables.
Consider theses items:
*Mini portable power charging station.
I have also seen outdoor portable solar powered power stations, that can be recharged from sunlight this may be very useful to have, to power your devices.
*Invest in a Cellular signal booster for outdoor use, and camping situations to boost or amplify your cell signal and reception.
Consider also the purchase of a WiFi signal booster to also boost your WiFi signal.
Research to see what you prefer.
*Very Inportant:
Invest in a SOS distress electronic signal device, this a kind of device can send out a distress signal with your exact location.
There are various types of these devices, and including devices that can be used when boating, or camping situations.
*Some have emergency Strobe lights SOS signaling with location alerts, and location updates that can be sent to your family, and emergency first responders.
Some can be synchronized with your smart watch or phone.
There are some satellite SOS texting messaging, locator devices that will send messages with your phone even if there isn’t any cellular signal, or WiFi. With this device your can still text, and communicate with others in a emergency satellite transmission.
Check online, for various emergency SOS products, some are small to fit in the palm of your hand.
You can check online, and on Amazon, research what SOS devices will be a good fit for you.
*Mini portable vehicle battery jumper charger
*vehicle battery jumper cables
*Vehicle Jumper cables
PLEASE BE AWARE that in the WINTER vehicle Batteries fail many times in very cold weather conditions.
Vehicle batteries drain more often in the winter months.
Please Keep a vehicle battery portable jumper pack, this is a device that can jumper or boost your vehicles battery yourself without another vehicle.
If you have a older battery in your vehicle, Please have it tested or replace it, and consider the purchase a new vehicle battery with higher Cold Cranking Amps rating.
*Keep a Fire extinguisher handy
*Smoke detectors, and Carbon monoxide detectors can be helpful
*Mounted Dashboard camera front and rear possibly.
Exterior vehicle cameras
Interior vehicle cameras
*Flashlights or pluggin spotlights
*Portable spotlights, and lanterns
Keep a few whistles around with you, and in your vehicle possibly in your vehicle’s center console
*A set of long range 2 way radios, walkie talkies, to communicate with others during trips, some have 100 mile radius keep for emergencies.
Use your own discretion regarding the use of any weapons.
Don’t forget to bring
Bear Spray
Pepper spray
Where is allowed
Purchase a couple canisters just in case and keep it with you
If you own a drone you can use it to survey your area for animals etc.
However, Please Be Safe and Beware of your Surroundings.
Stay Alert, and Be Safe even when stopping at Rest stops, Truck Stops, and conducting your various tasks.
Keep in often contact with your family, friends etc.
Keep up with the latest Weather Updates, beware and prepare for unexpected Weather events and conditions.
I would suggest *NOT* to travel to locations without internet, cellular service in the Winter, the reason is that weather conditions can change quickly, and you absolutely DO NOT want a vehicle break down, or malfunction, and not have the availability to contact your family, and or emergency road assistance or emergency services.
Safety is Paramount.
Keep your vehicle gas filled
Don’t chance your Safety by running your vehicle fuel or gas too close to Empty.
Fill it up anyway, it will save you alot of time, and headache later on.
Remember to keep up on routine maintenance, check your tires for wear, keep up with your fluids for your vehicle, like oil levels, antifreeze coolant,
Please carry extra (oil)(washer fluid), (brake fluid), (antifreeze).
You will need extra Winshield Washer fluid because of the ever changing Weather conditions, especially in slushy wet roads.
Because you will Be driving more often in dusty, dirty windy, varying weather conditions.
Your windshield will gather dust and debris from long term driving.
Also, Remember Because you are on the road riding for sometimes very long distances, and long periods of time, I would suggest investing in 2 sets of tires, and a spare, the extra set to rotate.
Check the mileage ratings on your tires they all very.
Conduct visual inspections of your tires often, check for damage, wearing, air pressure, etc
Keep a pressure gauge to check your tires pressure and a tire pump. Electric, Portable tire pump.
Keep towing insurance to Be Safe if you ever need it.
It Doesn’t cost much try to get National coverage if available, or where you will be traveling.
Keep Extra financing, and savings for any unexpected issues, vehicle repairs, and overnight stays, in a emergency or if you need to rest indoors.
Keep Enjoying Yourself,
Keep Enjoying the outdoors, and Nature
Just..Please continue to
Be Positive, Safe, and Alert..
Wishing Success, Well-being and Happiness You All.
God Bless You, and everyone
Traveling, or living in their vehicles, Vans, RVs, etc.
Please Be Safe.....
God Be With You...
Author Advocate for Humanity,
Safety Advocate
Jason Sandifer,
Michigan
10/06/2022,
10/02/2022
10/08/2022,
10/10/2022,
10/16/2022, 10/23/2022
11/07/2022
I love the City too!
It's fun!
Can't wait to see the Baby!!!!!!
Congratulations 💗💗💗
Check the outer areas. Langley mapel ridge, Abetsford , white rock.
Welcome to canada 🇨🇦😊💜BC is a nice place I’ve haven’t been there since the 80’s.we just live on the other side of canada 🇨🇦 in on Ontario 😊safe travels 😊back to your family home town cheers
Hello Emma, I live in Powell River, BC, which is only about 80 miles north of Vancouver. I recognized that you were in New Westminster, because I lived there for three years. It was fun to see you walking by Places that I have been. Cool...
Standard 100 amp solenoid. Luckily, they are cheap, and easy to change out. Remember to remove power from the batteries before servicing.
Great video!
Looks like you had fun! I was going to say starter motor until you showed it(they can get jammed when wearing out and if you hit with a hammer it loosens them up), bit it doesn't look linked to the engine more electrical looking, so it's not that but must be related to the starter motor circuit or maybe even a coil pack or solenoid, But I'm just guessing tbh it's a bus, so not sure. Old Minis and things used to have issues like that as they were open to the elements here in England..
Either way just replace it, pretty sure you could probably do it yourself if you get the part given how accessible it is..
Anyhow you had a good time and got where you needed to lol..
Have a great week 👍😉🏴🇬🇧
That's the starter solenoid. It is a switch that gets "toggled" by an electromagnet inside. When you turn the key to the Start position, it powers the electromagnet inside which flips the switch (which is spring loaded so that it doesn't remain on) for you to run the starter motor (in this instance). Solenoids are used throughout cars so that high current items can be switched using low current capable switches (like the ignition key barrel)
You're are correct, hitting it with a hammer loosens the main switch inside. It's an electro-mechanical device that flicks a switch using an electromagnet, but hitting it loosens the switch, allowing it to activate when there's electricity flowing to the electromagnet.
It's definitely a limited lifetime operation and replacing it is the best course of action.
And, it's a pretty easy part to replace ONCE THE BATTERIES ARE DISCONNECTED! Then it's just a matter of loosening the bolts, making sure which wires are on the correct posts and tightening them up again. Very easy. I've replaced many of them in picnic areas and caravan parks around Australia. I carry spares, though, given the remoteness of the places I travel.
Words cannot begin to describe just how beautiful you are Emma
seems to be a solenoid my guess is it should be a cheap (affordable) replacement. get it changed or you might need to bring out the BFH (Big Fu@%&ng Hammer) next time... good luck.
So, you think your bus is communicating with you. You are correct. Listen to what it is telling you. Stay safe and I love that "Million Dollar Smile". 👌
If youre out in the valley, Abbotsford, talk to BC Helicopters, maybe theyll let you come up and shoot some mountain tops along with featuring their awesome flight school!? Never hurts asking...do it!@ lol Let us show you the Abby Grind, only takes an hour to haul butt up to a vantage point.
Hi Emma love your over overwhelming courage being a bus driver myself I've done coach driving and school bus driving for many years also a bus mechanic for several years and the part that you're hitting to keep your bus running is the starter solenoid which do they do go bad they can be cleaned and put that together again without having to buy new parts also while fueling your bus you can keep it running without the fear of fire diesel fuel is not as flammable as gasoline so if you continue having it problem starting your bus you can keep it running while you're feeling it also in your travels if you get a chance to come to Pennsylvania I could help you finish your bus inside and outside if needed. Be safe on your Journeys don't give up hope don't give up your bus. Be safe and enjoy your Journeys take care David Chantry
A couple years ago. I would have told you of numerous places in Seattle that you must visit! Now? Dont stop! Drive through and keep going! Not safe there anymore! Safe travels!
If you ever reach Atlanta, you can park almost anywhere. I park about a half mile from the capital, month at a time, with no problems. Downtown is boring, but it's a quick train ride to Midtown, and a 40 minute walk to Little 5 points and a ton of vibrant urban activities. I enjoy being near and in the cities, and recharge in nature often.
Sorry about the stress driving too. I have a hole in my tire that's freaking me out! It's not leaking but it's a big chunk out of the side. I am parked now until I replace it, but drove 250 miles home stressing out about it. Comes with the life I guess.
Thanks for showing me Vancouver, i've never been and will probably never go.
Emma
One word of warning. I too suspect loose connections, but could be the solenoid. The wires are thick to carry high current. When working on the solenoid, ideally disconnect the battery. If that's going to break stuff, then cover as much of your tools as you can with plastic. (Electrical tape would be fine - don't need a great thickness
Contact between earth (battery negative - most of the metal of the bus) and the solenoid thick wires is to be avoided - as in - your spanner/socket may turn into a ball of molten metal droplets. Wear eye protection anyway. Equally, be prepared to slip a plastic (or card) cover over each thick (and thin) wire as soon as you undo their connection - that way they can't touch anything whilst you're fighting the rusty bolts holding the solenoid. That said - this is something you can do - just understand the danger and plan to avoid metal things touching other metal things.
Good luck
You can park/ camp on crown land. It’s canadas BLM and same rules as blm. Canada is covered with crown land. BC is 60 % if not more full of crown land. Watch vancity van life. He camps in nothing but crown land and can find free camping in so many area you may no know. Look him up. Lots of info from him
"Whack it with a hammer" is not just a troubleshooting step. It is a way of life.
11 years since I visited Vancouver, so many things that look familiar
Everything that you were saying made it sound like a bad starter (as others have said), and whacking it with a hammer will help get it unstuck a few more times before it goes totally dead. That thing you were whacking on isn't a starter though and now I'm confused. I could probably figure it out if I could see it in person or had a longer video. Luckily you know people that can help!
Great Video Emma I'm glad that you had yourself a fun adventure and made it back home safe. I'm looking forward to seeing your next video
You should try to meet up with Chrome from Vancityvanlife
Try the River rock Casino in Richmond - $2.50 for 24 hr parking.
I am on Vancouver Island, a little better space wise, but still not easy. There is nothing better than Utah, and all that BLM land. The main problem here is that there are so many people living in vehicles. Astronomical rent...sad.
Park N Ride and bus into Seattle. The streets are crazy and parking stupid expensive and tight even for a car.
welcome to B.C. Emma, im local to the area just in surrey if you need any help with any thing on the bus or anything else let me know, id be happy to help! stay safe and have fun Emma.
Connor
Emma, that solenoid could be for a couple of things, if I remember right once before when it did it the motor was cranking but not starting???? That would be a solenoid for the glow plug system, with out the glow plugs working the diesel engine wont start crank but wont start. Great job getting her to go to get you home. Keep up the great work be safe out there!
Wow now that was a groovy Trip Man little hiccups along the way but you were in B.C Canada very cool I was at that Park the last one you were at 40 years ago it was a lot newer if not brand new in Canada yeah it's clean they're kind they're wonderful people
Emma, Your solenoid is defective and must be replaced. It is not the starter motor as they are separate units. The solenoid has electric connections in it that get burnt from over use. By that I mean if the bus wont start for a while the solenoid will heat up and burn out. sometimes hitting it will jog the wires and make a connection. It is a simple fix. Enjoy the rest of your summer, good luck.
Strong work! Glad you had a good time in Canada. And welcome home!!! Xoxo
Sorry things got a bit stressful for you, but on the bright side I found your stressors very entertaining 😂 Have a great time at your sisters and enjoy the new nephew. 🚎🙏🏼👍
Loved this travelog. If you do stop in Seattle, be sure to go to the Ballard locks to see the salmon running( many to see 2 weeks ago) and the harbor seals frollicking in the water gulping down those same salmon.
I think the coolest thing about you and your channel just straight up natural what a blessing salude,cheers ,prost , nastrovia rock on
Definitely the starter solenoid. Has a contact inside that shuts to engage. Sticky solenoid needs a whack in a pinch and needs replaced asap so you don’t get stranded. Hugs and good luck!
Did you have much problems going through the Border with the items in your vehicle
Places you can park is definitely limited in a bus. Parking in most cities and small towns are almost always problematic.
After all of the things you have accomplished, it seems pretty easy for you to remove that thing and replace it.
Vancouver nomads complain about downtown Vancouver too!
What you tapped with the hammer looks like the starter solenoid switch.
LOL you are to Cute i think that is a starter solenoid,nothing like driving and jamming out
I discovered you last week and had to watch all your videos. I just finished watching the last one when you released the new one. Your Birbie is beautiful. Monkey complements him beautifully. Emma, you're amazing. I love your smile. I admire your determination and your skill. I long to be there with you... Hello from the Czech Republic. (I'm sorry, I don't speak English) ❤
you ought to go acr0ss to port angeles on the ferry and back into the wilderness
nvm solenoid sry ha. loose connection possibly tho. commented to early
i think you have been hacked got a message saying i won camping gear stuff to get ahold of them might want to check on this
it's a good thing you didn't try this in seattle even in the last 10 years amazon has laid this place to waste
Hi from the uk another good video keep up the good work and stay safe
Great adventure, what are you going to do after you return home????
KEEP THE GOOD ONE STUFF THE CHINESE ONE KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, TAKE CARE 🙂😷
Billy SBC knows what he's talking about. Most electrical problems are from poor connections. I've always wanted to see Vancouver and with your help I've seen it. Thank you. Great people are just ordinary people with a great amount of DETERMINATION!
Hi Emma, love having you visit our city. Don't worry, you were not charged twice for the skytrain, you have to tap in and tap out as the fare is based on zones and that is how it calculates your fare. Just make sure you used the same credit card both times. Safe journeys.
If that part ever dies all the need to do is turn on the key then just go touch the 2 top post together