Hi!!! I'm new only saw 2 videos of Mateos. Saw how he got the Van. So...he still has the same Van from that kind lady. Inside just looked different to me ...🦋
When I was trucking I would be so angry at breakdowns. Then one day I was in Oakland on side of highway getting my trailer air brake replaced on side of the highway and about 30 minutes later traffic started backing up on highway at least 5 miles it was a bad motorcycle accident. Then I said what if this breakdown was preventing something bad from happening. I live like that now everything happens for a reason.
That’s the way God works a similar situation happened to my friend when his car wouldn’t start which prevented him & his passengers to avoid being in a car pile up when things go wrong it’s really a blessing in disguise
This is an important video that shows the real side of van life. It's not all fun and games life happens and it's just great Mateo has the means to deal with them as they come. It's a blessing he had the means to get himself and Lars a hotel.
@@MigdaliaQuinones-p4i😂😂😂 Your misery is SCREAMING! You offended? How much did YOU give to "help?" If it's $0, I'd advise you to hush. You haven't given one cent and your OFFENDED by someone giving what THEY could AFFORD. You pissed about it DO BETTER .. GIVE HIM $100 since $10 is NOTHING to you BIG MONEY. HOW MUCH DID YOU GIVE TO HELP? Or are you living in misery and pissed you have NO company so you came here and the FIRST good deed you saw INFLAMED the demon inside. I hope you find happiness somewhere and get that miserable demon off your back. Again, the misery IS LOUD. Please take that noise else where.
A little over 3 years ago, I had to do 5 back to back repairs on my minivan home, after buying it used for $2K 2 years prior. One of the big repairs was rebuilding the transmission, three days later it was starter, a few weeks later rear axle. It was roughly $5K in repairs. Last year, I repaired the heater, a few months ago the struts. In the 5 1/2 years I've had it, I spent probably $8K in repairs and maintenance including a full set of all season tires, a couple of break jobs, and small repairs. It's going to be like that with older vehicles. In all, it's still better than a car note and expensive full coverage insurance. When I divide the costs of keeping my van, my repairs and maintenance total to $125/month. It's still a good deal versus the way overpriced new vehicles and a hell of a lot cheaper than paying rent. I hope this encourages you. The majority of the expensive repairs happened in Spring of 2021, but once you get over a big hump, it does get better in terms of upkeep. I'll always buy used vehicles. It takes a good year to learn a vehicle's kinks. Chin up. You'll be fine!
You got this. A vehicle sitting for 12 years means nothing. MECHANICS say that for a reason. They fix their cars no matter the age of the vehicle. Check THE ALTERNATOR, BATTERY, HOSES, FUSES, TRANSMISSION, leaks of any kind, timing belt, spark plugs, air filters. Remember ADD transmission fluid, DO NOT CHANGE transmission fluid. Dont put a price on freedom, get it fixed, keep it moving. You got videos and adventures that we love to see cuz we cant do that right now LOL SHOUT OUTS TO LARS❤❤
WE HAVE TO ALL OF US SEND UP PRAYERS FOR LARS AND MATEO. CAUSE WHEN THE PRAYERS GO UP BLESSING COME DOWN. ITS GONNA BE ALRIGHT MATEO HAVE FAITH GOD HAS YOU.
I had a 1979 Chevy Van, when she ran she ran perfectly. I used to tell jokingly people she was practically new because I replaced almost every single part on her. I knew her engine intimately, I spent so much time there.
I agree, our van is 25 years old. Had it towed 8 times this year to find out it was our battery. Interstate Batteries had a huge law suit. My brothers are twins both mechanic’s. They told me to add a gas additive. (Sea Foam) I listen occasionally. I completely forgot. The van sputtered all the way home jerking. Engine lights popping on. My husband said did you put the additive in? I said no we put it in runs well…. I don’t want to jinx it! Whatever you do don’t go to Firestone. Our van road line a cloud. Freezing air. Took it to them. For a Freon touch up. They disconnected the AC in rear. It blows hot, not cold. Bought from Florida the entire way home I froze to death. Front and back. They (Firestone) Told me I needed a new condenser. It worked perfect. I just plan everything out. I rather it be maintained. Let it break, don’t tell them. Bad gas too will do it! Our son said mom buy expensive gas not Sams club. Prayers for you & Lars!
I had same issues, after multiple repairs we found it could only use factory battery type. Using any other battery caused terminals to pull. Got factory r commended battery, cleaned and tightened terminals and voila. Also ask repair for discounts AAA, anything! Midas, All Tune, etc. all have coupons and discounts on their sites for everything. Praying for you and Lars!
Mateo, because the van set so long, I'd check ALL rubber parts to make sure there's no dry rotting. Change timing chain/belt, check charging system, and other basic maintenance, and Gossimer will last you for years and years to come. Stay safe out there, you and Lars! Much ❤
Yep probably at a Ford dealership if there's one close by. I remember spending a total of$3,000 bucks back in 2020 trying to get my 2019 Jeep fix after it just died while driving through Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. I used a local shop thinking they were "Jeep Experts" and it died again on my way from Denver after they fixed it. (I thought) I took it back and spent more money with them and it died again. I finally took it to the dealership and it cost $800 to replace the BCU (Body Control module)...(and around $350 to replace the ECU six months later). All in all I spent about another $3,000 staying in a cheap hotel with my pets. That's the downside of van life...and I haven't even mentioned what happened when someone ran a red light and totaled my home in 2022. These things will pass. 😅
Good Lord, do NOT go anywhere near a dealership! Unless of course you want to pay five times what you should. Talk to the locals and find a small locally owned shop, they'll take good care of you and they won't rob you.
@@missychan63 I did go to locals and got ripped off for 3K and the vehicle didn't last one day! I rather pay More and get it fixed right and be able to contact the manufacturer and get results if the dealership tries to scam me. Mom and pops stores don't answer to the manufacturers so you're out of luck. Not saying he'll get ripped off at a local but he should definitely study their online reviews.
Hang in there Mateo… I’m in the Houston area… one week ago today Hurricane Beryl dropped 3 trees in my yard… most of my family also lost trees but praise God none of us sustained any kind of structural damage. My car was trapped under my carport for 5 days and my son n law had to cut a tunnel for me to get out of my front door…again my house was not hit, just trapped by debris. My point is… this too shall pass! You will be back on the road before you know it. God is good and He is with both of us. Just take one day at a time and thank Him for the blessings you have…. Even if it seems a little bleak now, the sun will rise. I’m praying for you kiddo! Safe travels and as always… thank you for allowing us to “travel with you”, YOU ARE NOT ALONE, lol, I’d come get you in a heartbeat. ♥️
I love how you added text saying the water sound is from Lars' drinking fountain... Just in case anyone thought you were peeing in a cup in the driver's seat. 🤣
Feeling your vehicle start to give out on the road is so stressful! I was feeling it with you. But, you have a lot of support from this community so stay encouraged. ❤
Hey Mateo you may want to not stray off the beaten path too and be close to where you can get assistance in case the van breaks down… it’s new to you and will probably need some more tweaking before it’s a 100% right . Stay safe son!
My father, who was a mechanic for a major automobile manufacturer, always said that an older vehicle should have a overhaul with parts replaced . Repairs are temporary and more costly in the long run. Getting an oil change to go on a long trip is useless if the vehicle has underlying issues. Electrical issues are the typical issues on older vehicles and very costly because of brittle and dirty wires that lose conductivity. I pray that you will be successful in getting it back on the road again. 🙏
Sorry about the van troubles and the WA. drivers. My husband just got back from the gas station complaining about the drivers, and yep, we in WA. state. ❤
Definitely so stressful when it’s your home and you don’t want to spend a fortune getting back on the road! You will get to the point where the van is working better. Don’t give up friend!! 💗
Maeto, from my experience, following your dreams will have bumps in the road, and there are always a silver lining of blessing even in the midst of the storm. Hang in there and keep your eyes on the prize-take care of what you can-and know that we are praying for you and helping out in the best ways we can!!! You have a lot of people who are rooting for you!!!
💟🐾🐈 Well, things could be much worse! Just thankful you have the means to grab a room for you and Lars and your bellies are full. Stay safe 🙏🏼💙🐾🐈 sending positive vibes and much Love 🖤💙💖
You should look into taking an introductory automotive class, That way, when things go wrong, you have an idea of what it could be. When you know how to interpret the gauges on your dash, you're able to detect problems before they get worse, Especially when you know the characteristics of the car, because you drive it every day.💪🏾💪🏾
My 1999 Sienna may come with some issues in the future, so the last thing I’d want you to feel is alone in this journey. Hope this helps , even just a little bit
Mateo, praying for you and Lars, for comfort and strength in these trying times....just dont give up. Any vehicle that is left dormant for a lengthy period of time is bound to have some issues. Hopefully you will get some answers soon on your van. Keep moving forward and keep your chin up.
Lars really does look like he loves the van life, its not even trying to get out of the van when you open the door! Van sat for so long, and you just drove it across the country. Hopefully the fixes are not too expensive and that will be the last of them for awhile.
My 2009 Nissan xterra kept needing a fuel pump. It was changed 3 times before a good mechanic said it was the computer that was bad and was causing the fuel pump to go bad . Once a new computer was put in no more problems. It’s been 4 years
Lars the stealth vanther! 😂🐾❤ He just makes me happy! Sending hugs, Mateo! You always deal with issues so calmly. Sending good repair vibes to Gossamer - get fixed and be well and safe for your two happy travelers, G! 🚐🔧🪛🧰🔌
Damn, dude! I'm glad you made it off the road to safety! Don't despair but realize that any vehicle sitting neglected for years on end will experience cracked seals and belts. I'd have a mechanic get underneath it to identify any potential issues. Safe travels!
Prayers to you, brother, it’s gonna be OK. You were meant to do this. Also, I would like to add how it’s cool that you always say “we “when you’re doing stuff. I know you probably mean you and Lars, lol but for me someone that doesn’t get out much I include myself. 🙏🏾🙏🏾 take care Safe travels
Prayers up, god is with you and thru him everything and anything is possible! Thank you for the update! Good vibes sent your way. You’ll be back sooner than you think ❤
LARS plays scary cat well. 🐈⬛😂 YOU HAVE A GREAT COMMUNITY! Just like life, vehicles come with its own set of issues. You overcome it all. You did it in the past, and you will continue to do it. See it already solved my friend!
I just had to replace my tire’s yesterday, steering wheel was shaking really bad, I prayed the id get to the repair shop safely. I made it & was so relieved.
Hi Mateo. Im glad you and Lars are ok. Im in south Texas with no power ❤ the heat is unbearable. I have large trees down everywhere, and tree companies want thousands of dollars. Long story short, i am sending you and Lars love and light. You are strong, and you will get through this. I so enjoy your videos. I get to travel and see beautiful places thanks to you. Also, i love your realness in presenting all aspects of van life. I live on the Coast, and im so tired of hurricanes and storms, but i dont have money to move. However, i count my blessings every day. I feel blessed that you are sharing your journey with all of us. ❤ You have a beautiful soul. You inspire me.
I think Mateo your a great candidate to sponsor Trader Joes , also your cooking always looks so good, can't wait to see what's your next menu in your new kitchen ☺️ Sending prayer and good vibes to end your issues with your van, hope you and Lars are doing good 🙏❤️
I bought a van they had been sitting a while and I kept having issues with it and a mechanic told me: The thing with a vehicle that has sat for a while is that no fluid has circulated so every seal that is supposed to be kept moist is dry and cracking. Every computer component that is supposed to be clean has been covered in dust. Every electrical wire has become more brittle. You’re going to be having LOTTTTSSS of little weird quirks like this for a year or two, as the whole vehicle resets. I am so sorry you’re having to deal with this!!
And count it all joy. You were gifted the van, you're safe, living life!!! Now might be a good time to learn basic mechanics... Be strong and keep it moving ❤
You look much more comfortable cooking meals with more room than in the astrovan. Don’t stress. You have to expect and anticipate parts needing replacement because of the age of the vehicle. Just have a plan for the unseen. If you haven’t, have a diagnostic run to detect mechanical and electrical issues. It comes with the territory of old vehicles. Something will come up again. Just go with the flow and prepare for what you will do, where you will stay.
Mateo please please keep us updated. I think you’re making a wise decision not to go very far and try not to use the van much. You got this bro I know it’s hard in the moment but it will work out for the best. Myself and all your other subscribers have your back along with your buddy Lars. We love what your doing just keep on doing what your doing. We got your back like I said. Love your content. Peace
Sorry you going through this but we have watched you break down bet back from your feet and keep taking us through your awsome journey and it will happen again you will get back up and will be a better outcome praying for u n lars❤❤❤❤
Hang in there. I drive an older car and went through 18 months of one break down after the other. But now, the car is running very well. Sometimes it takes time to work out all the kinks on a vehicle. ❤
Look for rusty grounding straps/points and hit them with a wire brush - I bet it's something like that. Older American vans have been getting bad batches of repopped sensors, try to stick with ACDelco for replacement if you can't get OEM. You might have better luck with some hot-rod guys that love the big V8's - Good luck from another vanner down in Oregon!
please keep making these videos. I've only come across your page today on my recommended and i haven't stopped watching it. currently working my way back and i am hooked!
Yep. And I think Mateo loved that van more than he realized. For the money he spent (over 8k), he could have got a raised roof and all the other toys for it. This van has been shaky even when he first picked it up because he was having trouble getting a mechanic that would touch it due to sitting for 12 years.
@@ToddSt Nah man. I think he made the right decision moving to a bigger van. You can't expect it to be perfect, but he's slowly fixing it as time goes on. Keep doing what you're doing.
I’m sorry that you are having van issues it sucks but you always maintain your composure. It shows how resilient and adaptable that you are. Love the chef hat and the apron just tops it off. You Go Chef Mateo.
Good morning Mateo and Lars ❤🐈⬛ Sandwich looked so good. It's so funny when cats try to scare you to play 😂. One of my cats does it all the time, not realizing I know what he's up to lol. Once the electrical system is fixed you guys should be fine, won't be cheap, though. ❤
Mateo, you and Lars will come full circle under these circumstances. As always, I am sending up prayers for you and Lars' strength, perseverance, safety, and prosperity. Keep the faith. You may not be able to see it, but Grandfather is blessing you and Lars right now. Much love & peace! ❤
Life happens to all of us, but i just don't have 80,000 subscribers to share with. Keep your head high and I'll definitely be praying for a miracle for you and Lars! Just, think they could have a cancellation and find a minimal electric connection! ❤
I love this channel. This is the side of van life most don't show. Lets see the good, bad and indifferent side such as good food, good scenery and breakdowns.
Hello everyone I am the new kid [ 60 years old hihi ]on the block from the Netherlands ,i just started at the beginning of the vids, and a am loving it .stay safe everyone big hugs from this Dutch Girl
Minor setback for a major breakthrough!!! Never get discouraged always look towards the bigger picture ahead of you. You and Lars are touching many lives positively keep striving!!! Keep pushing and most of all keep believing!!
He may been given a FREE vehicle (which was setting for years) but in reality he inherit a lemon vehicle that may cost him more money down the line. Hopefully he put money to the side to get a NEWER and dependable van (with warranties). A newer van will give you a peace of mine when you travel across country.
