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Living The Van Life - Off Road Living In a Van

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**Click “Show More” for more information**.
I lifted my 1991 2WD Volkswagen Westfalia with 1.5" GoWesty lift springs, a 3/8" polyurethane spacer block in the front, Fox Shocks, Burley Motorsports Front Upper A-arms and installed 225/75r16 BFG All Terrain KO2 tires.
One of the great things about living in a van is having the freedom to take your home on wheels where ever you desire. Getting out into the backcountry and exploring the wilderness through dirt roads and the path less travelled is a great experience. I have spent a lot of time preparing my Westfalia camper van for use in off road, rough terrain situations. My 52", 300w LED light bar has been a great addition to traveling at night.
Tires: BFG All Terrain KO2 - 225/75R16
Springs: 1.5” GoWesty Lift Springs with a 3/8” spaced block at the top of the front springs.
Upper A-Arm: Burley Motosrports Vanagon upper A arm.
Shocks: Fox Shocks
The gear I use while Living The Van Life:
Mr. Heater - Big Buddy Heater: amzn.to/2Strpu2
ARB 2500 Awning: amzn.to/2SmJjyq
Off Road 300 Watt LED Light Bar: amzn.to/2KTVnV6
Dimmable LED Lighting: amzn.to/2KR9qe9
USB Mood Lights: amzn.to/2PjYdn8
Sony Bluetooth Speaker: amzn.to/2Pj2qY3
Van Life Garbage Can: amzn.to/2PfJNEw
Dehumidifying Packs (Moisture Control): amzn.to/2KTlSKy
USB Charging HUB: amzn.to/2Pj1Ut5
USB Fan (circulates heat from Mr. Heater): amzn.to/2UbNfUn
Dash Mount Phone Holder: amzn.to/2zGNs9j
Off Road Recovery Gear:
MaxTrax: amzn.to/2U77Sku
Hi-Lift Jack: amzn.to/2PcCOMF
Hi-Lift Wheel Jack Strap: amzn.to/2Pkn5vb
Coyote Tire Deflators: amzn.to/2KRQhZL
Portable Air Compressor: amzn.to/2PcDq4V
My Camera Gear:
Canon EOS 70D: amzn.to/2KYnF17
Joby Vlog Tripod: amzn.to/2RybHxo
Rode VideoMic Pro Plus: amzn.to/2PfKTjC
DJI Mavic Air: amzn.to/2SvB9nz
#vanlife #livingthevanlife #vanagonlife #2wdcansurvive #offroad

Опубликовано:

18 ноя 2018

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Комментарии : 154

@lenurban 4 года назад

If I had this channel 30 years ago, and the balls to think for myself instead of what crapitalism society fed me, my whole life could have been different. I'm a late bloomer, better late than never I guess, but what could have been....This channel is EXCELLENT guidance.

@LivingTheVanLife 4 года назад

Cheers! Much appreciated!

@plutoplatters 5 лет назад

the CB radio thing is a great idea... always thought about having one in each car if you travel with someone... ultra easy free communication.

@mystuff1405 5 лет назад

Why not modern long range walkie talkies? They don’t have the background noise we had with CB radios.

@robbwolf8489 2 года назад

I miss these older vanagon videos

@mlmredstripe 5 лет назад

This whole video is gold. Thanks a lot for sharing.

@LivingTheVanLife 5 лет назад

Awesome!!!! Thanks for watching!

@mlmredstripe 5 лет назад

@@LivingTheVanLife yo, I'm actually purchasing an 85 Westy next week in Durham, NC. May be reaching out with some questions. Keep truckin'!

@davidsradioroom9678 4 года назад

You really have your van well fitted out! By the way, CB is NOT outdated. Ask any truck driver. 📻

@raw3165 4 года назад

I don't see any reason for someone to give a thumbs down to Chad's any videos.

@JaneDoe-sb8ry 5 лет назад

We just got our 81 Vanagon, we've been debating on the Goodrich tires 16in as well and you just solidified our decision. Thanks for all the information in your videos.

@LivingTheVanLife 5 лет назад

Yes! This is awesome! Glad to hear you have got yourself into a vanagon. You should definitely get yourself into a set of BFGs. I don’t reckon you’d be disappointed.

@1stBORNMTM 4 года назад

I'm Super Stoked

@NickOeffinger 4 года назад

Dude I’m hooked on this dudes videos.

@wildginger07 4 года назад

Another option to consider for communications back up is a satellite phone - especially if you may be out hiking on foot.

@robertpolito6139 5 лет назад

Our life is great living in a van. He not lying!

@soothedlife 4 года назад

It’s taking me a while to see all of your videos, but I’m having a blast.

@PidasianHippie 5 лет назад

Great video Chad. I don't know much about the suspension and towing, but you have really shown how you can make the most of these Westies.

@gnrrpreacher 5 лет назад

Love the Prerunner sticker on a 2WD! I run 215s on my '85 with 15" Porsche phone dials and spacer/adapters from T3.

@Micksoffthings 3 года назад

I leave this under every video I watched, it helps the algorithm

@SailBeforeSunset 5 лет назад

Glad to have stayed with your channel. Great update! Really like the technical side of how you upgraded. We have a collection of CB radios and will be taking a select few aboard when we leave. I think it is more nostalgic with us, but it is still a good way to communicate that is not centrally controlled.

@LivingTheVanLife 5 лет назад

Yes indeed very much so. Especially if you have a few of them amongst yourselves, they come in handy for talking between yourselves. Where are you guys off to?

@user-im5tk5te5c 5 лет назад

I'm glad your doing ok buddy. Stay up. May Jesus be with you everyday .

@LivingTheVanLife 5 лет назад

🙌🏼

@jlcy8313 5 лет назад

You should consider getting a lockable diff, especially on a 2wd

@LivingTheVanLife 5 лет назад

That would be awesome!

@ramm1775 5 лет назад

F@&$ yea...

@danieldavidson5672 4 года назад

Very, very good idea. Dif lock would help tremendously, especially on low traction uneven terrain.

@wayneworld850 3 года назад

Love to watch u cook too !!!!

@nannetteloader7751 5 лет назад

You are Certainly Living the Good Life !! 😎

@LivingTheVanLife 5 лет назад

I’m not here for a long time, but I’m here for a good time. 🙌🏼

@forrestrichardson8891 4 года назад

awesome view, great video well done

@futurebalance6134 2 года назад

Would be good to see a detailed technical video about the Sprinter front cab, mpg, total weight, etc. for us gear heads. 🤙

@LivingTheVanLife 2 года назад

Noted! Thanks for the suggestion!

@mr-ly8kp 5 лет назад

Would love more detail on those arb gutter brackets and also how you wired your light bar. Awesome Vid!

@ramm1775 5 лет назад

m r Sup bro He has a video where he explains everything about the light bar.. Idk about the other thing.. Great videos!

@jeffthompson8663 5 лет назад

You're talking my language,,,, I have a cobra 29 cb with weather and if needed bluetooth.... subbed.

@LivingTheVanLife 5 лет назад

Yeah! Same here! It’s great

@stevesebek7294 5 лет назад

I'm new to the channel. I just wanted to say Awesome !! I've always had my CB radio . Good thing to have!!

@bigdon2241 4 года назад

very good info thank you

@Peacenik22 4 года назад

Uh-oh... I am getting hooked to your life-style before ever trying it out! Ok, I looked up some Westfalia Campers on Portland, Craigslist... any bullet lists of 'things to know' or even a favorite year/best-ever model with best features? If I bought one, can I pay your to trick it out like yours (I'm 58 year old female with an attitude!) but no mechanical instincts... do you have a website with info to use to explore adapting a Van into a SuperPower Van? Keep up the great work, Chad, referring your to my pals who would dig your groove!

@simonking5863 5 лет назад

Awesome video, so insightful and some great ideas...thanks so much

@wayneworld850 3 года назад

I’ve watched numerous van/car life videos by far chad u have the best content !!! Love the videos !!! Keep em coming!!!

@ashtarsheran1803 4 года назад

Hi bro, been in northern California do the van life/ overlanding off grid in my 2003 Honda element for a year now. Love watching your videos sitting up on top of the Eddie mts over looking MT Shasta city. Inspire me to do videos of my travels here in Northern California. Thank you keep up the excellent work.

@ProJectMan81 5 лет назад

Yeah!!! Born in the age before cellphones, yepp me to. And CB radios are way cooler, and just like you said - a great way to communicate with your buddies or come bad situations with anybody else out there. Just remember to have an extra battery so you don't have to Magyver the s#it out of it. Love your vids and like you i just love my Vanagon. Keep on keeping on.... Peace.

@syncrowanderers1932 5 лет назад

We’re here in Washington from Hawaii with our VW Syncro! Would love to meet up, we’ve been such a fan of you and your vids. Keep up the good work!

@LivingTheVanLife 5 лет назад

Richelle & Nigel yes!!!! This is awesome! Where in Washington are you? Let’s def meet up!

@syncrowanderers1932 5 лет назад

@@LivingTheVanLife We're currently on the western side in Lacey! Looks like you're on the eastern side?

@LivingTheVanLife 5 лет назад

Richelle & Nigel Actually I’m on the west side as well. Up in the Bellingham area.

@syncrowanderers1932 5 лет назад

Living The Van Life oh cool! When are you free to meet up? We’ll be heading back down to California Sunday or Monday. Are you gonna be up in Bellingham for awhile?

@gamer-tantrik 3 года назад

So did u guys meet.??

@pauls466 5 лет назад

I know that the Belgien army had VW-T3,s 2wheel drive but with difflocks , that would be a great extra for your van! keep the vids comming

@littlefarmer32 4 года назад

Cool set up for sure. Good times offroad

@tedfondak5206 5 лет назад

Thanks for that last view! Perfect ending to a great video.

@LivingTheVanLife 5 лет назад

Thanks For the feedback Ted.

@jason7231 4 года назад

So happy I found this channel. Good stuff.

@carlmizell5930 3 года назад

You've showed us all your off road equipment accept what kind of tire pump you use for tire repair in the back country.

@BudhagRizzo 5 лет назад

Thinking about ordering that light bar now. Thanks for the review!

@LivingTheVanLife 5 лет назад

Awesome! They are pretty dang handy!

@richardbrabbs8283 5 лет назад

Nice mods chad loved the light bar man that thing really lit up the road stay safe brother

@markreynolds3850 5 лет назад

Thanks for sharing useful information

@Beavis-et8ox 5 лет назад

Great video again. Good information combined with beautiful pictures. A bit jealous in central Europe its not that easy finding remote places to drive to that are not owned and defended by someone 🤔 thank you for sharing.

@catdaddy2899 5 лет назад

Freaking awesome view 😎👌🍺 thanks again for the great video, the set up abd add on of the van are great. Thanks again for sharing, keep up the great work and great videos... Safe travels ✌️😎🍺

@LivingTheVanLife 5 лет назад

Thanks Sal. I always enjoy reading your feedback. Keep on truckin!

@jamieshaw4110 4 года назад

Just bought myself an ARB awning after watching all your videos and seeing how easily you deploy it and how you use it in some horrendous weather. Love the videos Chad! I find them inspirational and a form of meditation as it takes my mind off the dreary bits that life can throw at you. Take care buddy. 👍🏻

@mudonsunday 4 года назад

Hey Chad!!! Another great Vid! I live in envy of your lifestyle everyone I watch your vids.

@lianessyes7238 4 года назад

Hey Chad, I'm a solo Momma who wants to get into a van for me and my 2 kids. We live in Cali and want a vehicle we can camp/travel in and go prepared when the fires come again. So a little off topic from your video but wondering if you have some buying tips. Am considering vanagon or westy options. Can make either work but want to really know the basics for what to look for when I'm shopping around. Rust, new hoses, engines swap/rebuilt...

@Alexandros.Apeirwtan 4 года назад

Dude, you are the best out there!!!

@Rainaman- 5 лет назад

Beautiful pics from trips man! I am always too worried somthing might brake, so off road is a thing I pass.

@rosabenavides4332 3 года назад

Beutiful!!

@Camp_Runamuck 5 лет назад

I’m do for a Vanagon Washington Trip .I so want to do those suspension upgrades to my Westy . Keep on Trucking Chad

@LivingTheVanLife 5 лет назад

Yes you should Runamuck! And if you make it up this way, hit me up!

@Camp_Runamuck 5 лет назад

Living The Van Life I’ve spend so much on my van the last couple years I’m about two years out from a Alaska run at that point I’ll be looking at either a spring or fall around your neck of the woods . One more year I’ll have new van ..I want those Porsche Axles before the Alaska Run . I’ll definitely hit you up

@RicardoRoams 5 лет назад

Great video! I saw the CB whip and wondered for almost the entire video if you had a radio to go with it. I miss the days of CB communications. Long ago I owned a '71 VW camper and I installed a Cobra CB. It was a great way to pass the hours traveling cross country communicating with truckers and other RVs. The problem with CBs today is nobody has them anymore! So even if you were out of cell phone range in a remote area your chances of making contact with another CBer is unlikely. And in mountains and canyons the CB signal is pretty limited. Volkswagen still sells new camper vans but you can't buy one in America. I'm not sure why. I've tried contacting VW and all I get is they feel Americans are too in love with their SUVs for the VW camper to compete. My guess is if they did try to sell them here they would be in the $70,000 to $80,000 price range. So Volkswagen might be right. But I'm retired and would buy one in a heartbeat if it was available. I no longer want to crawl around working on my vehicle to keep it running. I'm too old for that. So I would pay the price for a new camper. And if I could buy a brand new VW camper, I would install a CB radio just for old times sake.

@nathanmace3936 5 лет назад

Look up chicken tax on vehicles. It's why we can't get vw campers in the US.

@nathanmace3936 5 лет назад

They are also around 80k euros. 110k dollars ish give or take.

@RicardoRoams 5 лет назад

@@nathanmace3936 , I don't think the chicken tax had a significant impact on VW camper vans. The Chicken Tax, which went into effect in 1964, was more directed to cargo vans and light trucks. It affected VW cargo vans and VW pickups but not camper vans. And the proof of that is VW sold camper vans in the USA until 2003. If the price of a new imported VW camper van is in the vicinity of 100 grand, then VW might be right. They will not be able to compete with the popularity of SUVs in this country.

@LivingTheVanLife 5 лет назад

Interesting information indeed! Thanks for taking the time to comment, Desert Rat.

@RicardoRoams 5 лет назад

@@LivingTheVanLife , Just as a follow up...Volkswagen is supposedly going to start exporting an electric powered van beginning in 2022. But it won't have the camper configuration.

@adventureswithgnomie6553 5 лет назад

Looking at the awning for installation on a truck cap. Good information.

@LivingTheVanLife 5 лет назад

ARB makes really great products. I love how simple and inexpensive the awnings are.

@petrij966 5 лет назад

Awesome setup!

@sierrasurvivaladventures 5 лет назад

Superb video great info

@jacobcushman8253 5 лет назад

I love your van life videos man I love your van if you ever want to sell it hit me up man and your videos are pretty inspriring you tell it like it is and you always put yourself in high risking situations for us to see how it really is so awesome man keep on trucking and stay safe in your travels.

@CampingWithJoey 5 лет назад

Killing it dude!

@LivingTheVanLife 5 лет назад

Thanks Joe!

@jacknifedbl 5 лет назад

I am surprised you haven't gotten your ham radio LIC yet. Cb is not bad 38 ssb someone is always on.....but a decent 100 HF vhf UHF all mode radio is amazing you can always get someone....if ya can hear them monster of the time they can hear you. Awesome vid!

@LivingTheVanLife 5 лет назад

Ham radio would be cool. Any sort of off grid communication is good. I do wish CB was more common.

@jacknifedbl 5 лет назад

Living The Van Life since the FCC lifted a few of the restrictions it has picked up a bit..I still have one in my Jeep and in my home set up....

@LivingTheVanLife 5 лет назад

jacknifedbl you’re talking about the ham?

@jacknifedbl 5 лет назад

Living The Van Life no a few of the "nonsense" rules the FCC had on cb like limit of how far you could attempt to make a contact and a few other laws have changed...

@DiggaDiggaDo 5 лет назад

Hey Chad, great videos. Love your content, I'm a Vanagon owner in Washington too! You mention all your upgrades, curious if you have a Peloquin TBD in your trans or just the stock gearing and automatic transmission for traction?

@richardomahony6132 5 лет назад

Brilliant mate

@LivingTheVanLife 5 лет назад

Thanks Mate!

@robbwolf3309 5 лет назад

Good video!

@engineisdead 4 года назад

just a quick information, but there is not one all terrain tire that is good wett/rainy streets...they all slip like hell ;) be careful with that!

@justmona9647 4 года назад

Congratulations on 92,00🎉

@anthonystennis5753 5 лет назад

Cool Video👍

@LivingTheVanLife 5 лет назад

Thank you!

@michaeltindera173 4 года назад

Great video!!!!!! Are those Mercedes rims? They have a similar look. Thank you again for making this video

@jackwagonsplaylists 3 года назад

Hi-lift jack- - definition The most dangerous, poorly engineered, and rickety piece of equipment that I would never be caught offroad without

@user-fb9pl8sy4d 3 года назад

Круто!!!!

@turbo5488 4 года назад

Chad I saw people put conversion chassis under that have four wheel drive already on it now I don't know if that would work under your van or not it asking

@jdusk3652 5 лет назад

oh man my westy blew its engine and now its sitting in my driveway. for over a year. I'm in WA do you have any recommendations on where to find an engine or know anyone that would have a 1.9 or 2.1L water boxer engine for sale? love the videos btw

@David-ry5il 5 лет назад

Do a Subaru swap if you can do the swap yourself you will save a ton of cash you also learn how to fix you Van ... Stave is maybe the least expensive for the DIY plus he will help you subaruperformanceengines.com. if you want to keep you Vw motor subaruperformanceengines.com consider joining the "VOG" group on face book vanagon owners group ... odds are you can find an used motor from someone who is doing a swap if money is an issue... I went subaru and never look back drove the Van to across Mexico recently.

@trailneverfollow1687 3 года назад

Super Vidéo! Do you upgrade your diff? And do you have a link or modele for porsche cv axle? This mixt work with manuel trans to?

@galegarcia1988 3 года назад

Hey Chad great video man. I’m new to the vanagon game with my 91 GL I bought over the summer. It’s pretty stock, but I wanted some 16in wheels as my first upgrade. Aside from the suspension and spacers, is there anything else I need to add before hand, like longer studs ? Also congrats on your new Van, I can’t wait to see that one upgraded as well. Cheers from Oregon

@jimgeddes3184 5 лет назад

Hi Chad. How are your GW 1.5” lift springs holding up? Mine started sagging not long after I installed them.

@LivingTheVanLife 5 лет назад

Of course. Every product has a break-in period. Especially in suspension parts. Mine settled in to about where I expected them to be. Of course it would be “cool” to have them at full height as when they were brand new.... but the ride was horrible at that moment. Much better now.

@dogan6070 4 года назад

It looks like the Ninja turtle van.

@JC-fo1ne 5 лет назад

Quigley Conversions bro all I'm gonna say

@kelRGo 2 года назад

Also what are your thoughts on the canoo electric bus?

@tommtomm1287 5 лет назад

Interesting 😉

@LivingTheVanLife 5 лет назад

🙌🏼🐐

@jessiecasteel2902 4 года назад

Chad hey brother ive noticed alot people have pet why dont u have one.if you would what would it be?

@MattPaiton 4 года назад

I know this video is old but we have a prerunner as well and this is the exact set up I’m looking at doing... what did you do with the coil springs in the rear? Did you make more spacers?

@chaddumlao8190 5 лет назад

Hey Chad! You have one rad van man. I'm looking to store my Maxtrax in the top luggage rack as well. I've been pondering ways to lock them up nice and secure. How is yours set up?

@kx80moto 5 лет назад

Too bad i can t afgord a van living that way is my life dream

@LivingTheVanLife 5 лет назад

Set yourself a goal. You could get there

@stevecleans 4 года назад

Got a link for the black rope for recovery? Id luv to ck that out

@Annatar0 4 года назад

how do you keep the van dry from wheather humidity?.

@aracnid23 5 лет назад

You forgot to mention about the spare tyre! Which one do you carry?

@blapblapism 5 лет назад

Where was this filmed? I wanna check It out. i live in Snohomish, Looks like bow? Great vid btw that van is sick!

@LivingTheVanLife 5 лет назад

It’s up near Sumas Washington. Thanks for the kind words

@millsman19 4 года назад

What type of interior lighting do you utilize?

@kelRGo 2 года назад

What do you think about starlink?

@adrianharrison5208 3 года назад

do you have a locker on this Westfalia?

@anthonymancuso7272 4 года назад

does the keep going till it sounds expensive saying still work when you live in it?

@motoshedman 4 года назад

What's the width of the rims and ET? Is it really tight fit?

@LivingTheVanLife 4 года назад

I have no idea really. It has been years since I have purchased them. I got them from GOWesty. You can look up the specs on their website.

@mobile1954alabama 2 года назад

Why don't you carry a spare tire?

@coconin5941 5 лет назад

Dude i wanna meet up with you..im living in my rv in cali

@ericyuan9718 5 лет назад

Did the suspension system raise the ground clearance of your van and did u install it yourself? I wonder if I can mod a sprinter the same way. Great tips to allow any van to go off grid for extended periods.

@LivingTheVanLife 5 лет назад

Eric Yuan Yes indeed, the suspension lift kit definitely made a huge difference on the ground clearance. And yes, I did the whole entire rebuild and lift myself. I do all of my own work. I’d have to look at and study the sprinter van suspension to know if it were possible.

@ericyuan9718 5 лет назад

@@LivingTheVanLife Since its not a 4x4, did u install a 4high, 4low switch somewhere?

@LivingTheVanLife 5 лет назад

Eric Yuan mine is STRICTLY 2wd. It is NOT a 2wd concerted to a 4wd. It’s only 2wd.

@OBSESSED1954 5 лет назад

Has the engine been updated or is it stock

@LivingTheVanLife 5 лет назад

Subaru 2.2L

@mikeking294 5 лет назад

this is something I've really been looking into doing. I have a few vans I'm looking a but I hear repairs and maintenance are costly on the van is that true?

@LivingTheVanLife 5 лет назад

mike king they are older vehicles so they do need some maintenance from time to time. They are also tuff vehicles. I do all of my own work, I do recommend being mechanically inclined if you are going to own one. I have got mine into a good position and do not feel whatsoever that it’s a lot of work. But it really depends on how good of a solid foundation you’re starting with when you buy one of these vans.

@mikeking294 5 лет назад

@@LivingTheVanLife what do you think is the most important things to look for when buying a used van?

@LivingTheVanLife 5 лет назад

Well the engine would be the most important key to the whole thing. I’m assuming it’s a stock Vw engine? I’d check for a good, smooth, “quiet” running engine. Ticking, knocking, burning oil (blue smoke) are all signs of a worn engine. I got rid of my Vw engine a long time ago and have a Subaru engine in mine now. Otherwise it’s good to check wheel bearings, front suspension bushings, smoothness in transmission shoving etc. it’s best to review maintenance records from the previous owners. Anything is repairable. Just depends on how far your willing to go. Mine, I’ve down a full complete rebuild.

@mikeking294 5 лет назад

@@LivingTheVanLifethat awesome thanks for the tips! And yes it's stock vw.

@IndigenousPathways 5 лет назад

Mike King. If you are looking for a Vanagon/Westfalia, I would recommend the 1986-1991 years. By that time VW had worked out many kinks from earlier versions before shutting down production on those vans and later creating the Eurovan (Eurovans excel with air conditioning, but not much else IMHO). Make sure you get a qualified VW mechanic to inspect BEFORE you buy. Anything ~ 160-200K miles will most likely require a new engine and transmission rebuild. And get it as rust free as is possible, or plan to do body work so you stay dry and warm inside! Owning a classic VW van has its pros and cons. The pros are that the van is exceptionally well suited for camping, whether it be urban stealth or off-road adventure. The VW van is super comfortable for sleeping and has the cozy comforts of a tiny home. With that said, there are cons. The youngest of these vans are now approaching 30 years old. Even if the van is in very good condition, I find that the parts do not last forever. Plastic and rubber do break down over time. And the talent pool of qualified mechanics that work on these vans are decreasing over the years. If you have mechanical chops, as Chad does, then you can do a lot of your own work. However if you don’t, it will cost you A LOT of money. In my opinion just remember that entire systems on these vans will need to be replaced depending on the age and wear, for example the engine, transmission, cooling system, suspension, fuel system, etc. Those repairs will make the van much more reliable and dependable, especially if you off-road as I often do. But the rides into the deserts, oceans and forests and glorious vistas make it all worth it! Good luck with your search.