A huge thanks to Readly for sponsoring this film and supporting us! Get TWO MONTHS FREE with our link readly.com/jitsintothesunset to unlock 1000s of magazines! And remember, you can cancel at any time ✨ Excited to hear what you guys think of our new van idea 😅 xx Tania, Adam & Triggy 🐾
When you are in Italy look at a Fiat Ducato Van they are 6’6” or 1.9812 meters across and the high tops are 6’6” tall inside!! You will love the space available to build your home on wheels
Think carefully, you will probably have a new set of problems with the next van. Anyway, have you spoken to Jits? She won't be happy! Spend some money on a new battery and alternator. It's probably all she needs . . .
😂 You're right, we haven’t spoken to Jits. It's going to be hard to break it to her! But yes, we're really considering our options and we're not going to rush into anything. I take months to buy anything 😂 let alone something as big as a van!! 🚐 Adam
Heyyy!! Aww thank you so much for the warm welcome and the very kind offer! 💛 We’re always up for making new friends, so we’ll come find you on Instagram and send you a DM 🥰 xx Tania
Aww!! Thanks so much, Grace!! ❤️ Absolutely delighted to hear that you enjoyed our film AND that we helped you discover Readly too! 🤓✨ All my life I’ve been known to my friend as someone that loves recommending brilliant finds… so I’m glad I can now extend that here! 👀💕 See you next Sunday for our Dolomites adventure! xx Tania
I have watched this, and these Vans are one of the most reliable simple mechanical engines. If its serviced, and parts replaced when needed. .it will go on for many more years!!! Battery should of been done before leaving the Uk
Howard!!! This is WAY too generous!! Not to mention that you already support us on Patreon 😭 Thank you for your thoughtfulness & kindness but really, you didn’t have to! We will message you about this, we’ll have to send you something special in the post to say thank you! ❤ xx Tania
Aww thank you, Angie! Yeah, we’ve been so fortunate with Jits and all the adventures she’s taken us! Whatever happens, we won’t get rid of her entirely, just park her up somewhere permanently and she will become our ‘guesthouse’. ❤ Thanks for watching and see you for the next one! 🚐🐶💕 xx Tania
I just love your positive outlook even in adverse situations. Whether you are filming at a car park, or anywhere, it is so enjoyable to see you two and Triggy. To two beautiful souls and a sweet little dog. Much love.
Just a suggestion. Have you ever considered dismantling Jits interior and retro fitting it into a similar van, for example a newer Boxer? Then you could take some of Jits with you and rebuild what I think are the best campervans you can buy to be honest. I really wanted to buy an autosleeper before we converted but we opted for something newer to convert.
Hi Sam! This is a great idea, and yes, we kind of have. We really want to reuse most of the interior of Jits. Fridge, oven, battery set up etc. Because these are all expensive and we've already invested in them. But another part of us wants to keep Jits functional and park her up on some land somewhere. So lots to consider!! But you're right, Autosleepers are so well built! 🚐 Adam
Can't believe how many times you jump started Jits without thinking of getting the alternator checked & a new battery but so glad you're back on the road. (This video wasn't the best sales pitch if you are selling Jits on though!😂.) Looking forward to your now trouble free road trip & beautiful films to follow.
I know the older vehicles are a lot simpler and easier to fix on the go, theyre built to last and be fixed with some tape and zip ties, but I still question if a 44 year old van will give you the reliability you need. I love it, its a characteristic old girl, which suits you guys down to the ground, but there will be risk involved. Regardless, absolutely love the videos guys, you are the only people of this type of video that I watch, dont know why, it just feels right. I want to be doing what you are doing some day, but id rather do it with my, as yet, illusive special someone, so perhapse in the future thattl be me too. (if they let me on a NZ passport :P) Good Luck!!!
So glad y’all made it to Italy, poor Jits she’s tired but she keeps pushing. Love your positive outlook to keep pushing just like she does. Also I can’t get enough of Triggy, my husband and I keep aweing at him when he comes on the screen.
I don't understand, you are struggling with that bad battery for days, but on every petrol station you can get a new one for cca 80€ and get rid of your problems 🙄 It seams that you only need to get excuse for purchasing another van 😏
I would replace old rubber on a vintage van. Mercedes T1 are reliable in diesel form and front beam axle good for rough terrain. Jits starting could be; dirty earth(s), worn out starter motor, failing battery due to high internal resistance in one or more cells or failing alternator. I wouldn't be driving in the fast lane with debatable reliability.
Thanks so much for the love & good luck wishes for the future! Really appreciate it! ❤ Hope you’re having a wonderful week too and see you again soon for the next film! 🚐💕 xx Tania
The running problem reminds me of an issue i had years ago,car would run perfect hen under certain conditions would stutter and lose power then cut out,i eventually traced it to a clogged-up filter inside the fuel tank, basically and old car with rusty bits floating around inside the tank and would clog up sometimes.took the tank off,flushed it out with a hose pipe,let it dry out upside down and solved the problem permanently
Oh no! This has brought a tear to my eye. I want to tell you to give Jits the TLC she needs. She’s got such great bones! But i want y’all to be safe and comfy as well. Hopefully, if not you guys, someone will restore Jits to her glory and she can continue to have adventures. Best of luck! 💜
Hey Don! Ah yes, it’s like a Yo-yo 🪀 of emotions. Sorry to hear you’re going through the same! 😢 Here’s to more adventures than breakdowns! 🚐💕 xx Tania
I’m shocked you don’t have more subscribers! Your videos are so brilliantly produced! Oh Jits!!!! The baby is tired! Hopefully you’ll make it through your adventures! Excellent video! ~Cara 😊
Yeah I’m surprised too! Seems like RU-vid stops people growing? I found jits after watching Johnny and Hannah over at finding our adventure and those guys should have more followers too!
The trials and tribulations of an old vehicle. It is an emotional rollercoaster for you. Lucky that the alpine views made a a bit for the disappointments. Great episode, thanks. Günter/Nürnberg PS: There is a couple in the German GS forum who bought such a used fire brigade Mercedes from the 70ies for their 12-month-sabbatical. And went around the UK, Ireland (where their motorbike on the back was stolen despite using metal cables), France, Spain, Italy. Seems the youngtimer was a great mix between outer and inner size and reliability. They're back to work in Munich in January 2023.
Haha, thank you, lovely!! 😅 We we’re worried that all our breakdown footage would bore everyone, so glad to hear that we’ve managed to make it entertaining to watch 😂 Thanks for tuning in & always taking the time to leave us a message here 🥰 Have a wonderful weekend and see you for the next Dolomites film soon 🚐⛰️✨xx Tania
I know your pain had my cam shaft go on mine and living in it for a few months in scotland had to drop my home off and check into some accommodation... so much relief getting it back
Aww ‘Triggs into the Sunset’ has got a wonderful ring to it!! 😅 Love it! Thank you for all the love you always share with us in the comments - excited to show you what we’ve been up to here in the Dolomites in the next film! 🚐🏔️🐾 Have a great weekend! Xx Tania
Aww thank you!! Triggy is currently fast asleep, but I’ll be sure to tell him and give his a loving belly rub from you when he wakes up! 🐶💕 Thanks for tuning in & always taking the time to leave us a message here 🥰 Have a wonderful weekend and see you for the next Dolomites film soon 🚐⛰️✨xx Tania
Hi Mauno! Aww thanks so much, I’m glad to hear that you enjoy and appreciate our style of filmmaking. ❤ Have a wonderful weekend and hope to see you again in the comments! 🚐✨ xx Tania
We always say, "in a few months you'll laugh about your current situation and will just see it as part of the big adventure" and usually that is true, but when you're stuck in that situation it is extremely stressful and can potentially spoil all the fun you could be having. That is why I always admire you guys for your positive attitude and outlook on life. Even after issues like you had with Jits or never takes you long to be all smiles and full of excitement again. 👍🏽😉 I can imagine that it'll be difficult to part from Jits after all the adventures you had together (and because we humans get far to attached to material things. We're supposed to love humans and use stuff, but it's often the other way around), but there comes a time for everything and everyone to let go. Jits has done her job, and fabulously so, but I agree with you. You'll need a new van! You've gathered so much vanlife experience by now that I'm sure a conversion done to your liking, specifications and preferences will be a hell of a home. I can't wait to follow you along in your conversion videos. That Mercedes Vario looks fantastic! 22,000 km?!? If they're original (and with a German dealer I'd bet my left arm on it that they are) that would be fantastic! 500,000 km for those Varios is nothing and even 1 million km is not unheard of. Those vans are indestructible! Also, since you now seem to do most of your vanlife on the European contingent, a LHD might be the way to go. But Adam, with your height you better forget about sleeping widthwise in any van. It's not happening! Don't forget you lose a good 10 cm with insulation too. 😬 All the best from my rock in the Atlantic! 🙏🏽😎
Forget the 1970's cool bus. It will do nothing but give you problems. It has ancient steering, engine, transmission, brakes etc etc. Get you a modern van ie Fiat Ducato or similar. That way it will be safe, reliable and will have parts available everywhere int Europe and GB. Cheers.
Coming from experience with a peugeot boxer type van, the earth leads usually give trouble, and the battery clamps wear over time, this gives battery and starting issues. Might be worth getting checked out, I hope you don't give up on jits.
Hi. I've watched your channel from the start and it was largely through it that I went out and bought almost the same van but the shorter 1998 Harmony version and we love it. The battery was most definitely the main cause of your problems as I have had exactly the same issue in the past and a new battery should keep you running for a few years to come now. Welding is just something you have to expect on a van of that age and if I were you, I would keep on trucking!
Hi Guys, great to see you back on the road, and Italy 🇮🇹 the Dolomites, fantastic. Had many agreat holiday there and lake garda with our caravan 30+ years ago, fantastic area. Poor Jits, I know how she feels, I find it hard to get going some days, it's old age you know. Looking forward to your next video. Take care, stay safe xx
Hi guys there are ups and down in a van, like in any house. we have been lived in our van for over 8 years and traveled England and Europe. We are in Lithuania now and have our share of things going wrong one of which was having to get a new battery like you now we have to get 2 new leisure batteries. Your little dog is cute. He gets to be outside but in a bag when he's a little tired. Luck thing. video was great beautiful scenery thank you.
Remember you can fit Flares to the rear of the van, in place of the rear windows, this will enable you to sleep across the rear of the van. Also think about the fact that you need insulation and a ceiling/lights that take out internal height.
It's isn't just km's that wear on an engine. It's also time. A 40 year old vehicle with low km's is still a 40 year old vehicle that will have lots of problems. Wait longer, save, buy newer. Love the show. Excellent cinematography. -Greg from rural California Greg
One thing to bear in mind with old diesel vans, is the increase in "low emission zones " in Europe. You may be excluded from many places in the future. Also I didn't see a "UK" sticker on Jits, the GB stickers were changed to UK ones as from September 2021, over a year ago.
Thanks Melvyn! Some very good points! There is a lot to consider, we definitely haven’t made up our minds yet! Yes, I’ve noticed everyone seems to have UK stickers these days! 🤔 not really sure why that happened 😂 we will try and get hold of a new one, thanks! 🚐 Adam
@@JitsIntoTheSunset the reason the government changed to UK is to include Northern Ireland. Great Britain is formally regarded as England, Scotland and Wales, whereas the United Kingdom includes the above and Northern Ireland.
My sister-in-law bought a 2000 Peugeot Boxer Autosleeper 'Symphony last year, and it had exactly the same stalling at junctions problem. After many trips to a mechanic, the local Peugeot dealer traced the problem to the crank position sensor. A part that costs less than a tenner, but can be so difficult to diagnose problems with. Theirs had some chaffing on the cable that's attached to the sensor and replacing the sensor and the cable has solved the problem. If you haven't already replaced this, then it would be well worth a try. Good luck.
Hi Alan, thanks so much for the tip! I will definitely look into that. We had the sensor changed, but not the cable. It has been behaving better recently though, so fingers crossed 🤞🏼 Adam
The problem with the poor performance at the beginning of the vlog sounds very much like flakes of rust in the fuel tank blocking the fuel pickup. With small throttle openings, the fuel pump isn't sucking hard, so it is not picking up the flakes of rust. When you use more throttle, the pump tries to suck more fuel and then the flakes partially block the intake. May not be the problem, but certainly worth checking. The other possibility is water in the fuel.
Aww thank you so much, Cheryl, for your generosity! So kind of you - we appreciate you very much already since you always leave us such thoughtful messages 💕 sending you LOTS of love from the 3 of us! 🚐🐶✨ xx Tania
Jits needs a new fuel filter, the sediment that collects inside it is being sucked against the filter material inside the filter at higher engine revs causing it to clog up and starve jits of fuel, replace the filter and jits will run like a new van 😀
Those old german fire trucks looked pretty amazing, I hope you'll be able to find a worthy successor in the near future! Can't wait for the build videos of Jitters II: Electric Boogaloo. 🙃 I also hope that you still had a good time over in Italy, despite the technical problems~ My own lil' micro camper just broke down and doesn't seem to wanna get fixed any time soon, so my own plans of visiting it had to be postponed for now... 😅
Just is such a sweet wee van, it's a shame she's on her last legs. I'm really looking forward to the next film, I haven't seen a hiking video in the Dolomites before, it'll be stunning footage to be sure! 💛
Omg!!!!. Adam said a few breakdowns! That's putting it mildly.! I am so glad you took charge and didn't give up. So many others would have. Jitts will be forever in your heart no matter where she is. Maybe a permanent home somewhere? She would be nice to come home to. Hopefully you will be trouble free in your travels. Thanks so much for taking me along. I cannot wait for each and every video you guys make and when you aren't on regularly, I miss you. Glad you are taking the wee old man with you. He is a beauty.Give Jitters a big hug. She's going to pull through. Safe travels.
Starting problems are not that complicated to diagnose, if you can find an honest repair guy. If you have invested that much in welding and it has a new MOT certificate, I think it is worth keeping Jits. Assuming you have a leisure battery also, I would disconnect the starter battery when you park up. Any repair guy should be able to measure that the alternator is charging the battery correctly; if not a new alternator is required. If the alternator and battery are good, it is most likely that something is draining the battery after you stop: this will require an auto electrician who should be able to diagnose the cause. A new vehicle needs to be thoroughly checked by someone other than the seller before purchase and a written report produced. Good luck.
Praying for Jits to make it all the way, one more memorible trip and happy times for all of you. I travel now with my little dog who will be 18 the end of this month. I just got my van the end of July and I love "van life". Thanks for sharing all the good and the bad with us, I love seeing reality. Take care you 3.
Hey Adele! Aww I’m so so pleased to hear this - congratulations on the new van and a big fat welcome from us for joining the van life community, particularly with you little pooch 🚐 🐾💕 Wishing you lots of wonderful adventures together 🐶✨ and thank you again for watching and always taking the time to leave us comments! 🥹 xx Tania
Have you invested in a new battery lately, because it seems like either the dynamo is broken, so it doesn't charge the battery properly, or the battery has run out of juice, and needs to be changed. If its as old as the car, you can probably fix it too, it just needs to be filled with new "water" And there a mechanic finally understood how easy the fix is ;)
We feel your pain, ours was running amazingly in the UK and as soon as we entered mainland Europe she started playing up. Definitely not barking up the wrong tree, I wish we had looked at old European fire fighting vehicles when we purchased ours, well looked after and low milage 😁
Hi guys, what a roller coaster of emotions on that trip, so glad you made it. One suggestion.... If Jits go's to van heaven, keep the registration and transfer to the new van!! ......JITS.2. Take care and looking forward to the next video, love Howard, Helen & Nemo.
Keeping my fingers crossed for Jits 🤞 There's still a bit more life in the old girl yet I reckon, she'll see you through Europe. Look forward to seeing another van conversion, that big red van looked good 😁
Aww thanks so much, Angela, for your constant love towards us and Jits, here in the comments! We appreciate you very much 🚐💕 Hope you have wonderful weekend and see you for the next Dolomites film soooooon (I think you’ll really appreciate the views!) ⛰️✨xx Tania
We, also, broke down in our 1990 VWT25,fortunately in Knepp,Wilding estate with a broken waterpump. It took a week to get it replaced by a mobile mechanic (a highly recommended solution). Meanwhile we lived in the van and explored estate seeing longhorn cattle and red deer etc.
Thanks for tuning, Lynn & for always taking the time to leave us a message here 🥰 Here’s to some more Jits adventures (hopefully drama-free 😂) and hope you have a wonderful weekend. See you for the next Dolomites film very soon 🚐⛰️✨xx Tania
Replace Air and Fuel filter as if blocked effect is stifling of the engine at high revs. My Motorhome is 20 years old. Have driven to Greece and Gibraltar. Your videos gives me new places to explore.
Hello from Canada! I found your channel last year through Kinging it. Poor Jits, have loved your van. I just had to scrap my rig. It was hard but new adventures always await! Good luck on your search.
Wishing you guys a beautiful journey through Europe with your beloved Jits🥰 Take pieces of her and add her to your new van so that she can continue to bless you on your future adventures 😁 God Bless 🙏
I think Jits probably needs putting out to pastures now. With all this travelling I really feel you need an upgrade , it’s the temperamental nature that’s the most stressful part of it all
Oh So sorry you had so many issues with Jilts😢 🙏🙏 things get beter. Your Doggie is so cute ❤ The Dolomites looked amazing the views are Breathtaking . Have a Good weekend 🥰🥰
Hi from Canada. Wishing you luck on your travels and no more break downs. Been loving the videos and watching for a while now. Always excited when I see a new video from you guys! 😁
oh guys, we didn't realise when we chatted with you for the podcast when you were in Austria, all that you had been going through! Sending good vibes to Jits now, and we are really looking forward to see your Dolomite Hiking videos - we went through that area many years ago, but didn't get to do any hikes. And a big hug for Triggy.
We had a problem with our 2003 Symbol "Fudge" corrosion on the earth terminal on the gearbox all sorted in two hours of dismantling and reassembly with copper slip it has now never started quicker and more positively
Oh Poor Jits. its so hard to let go but you need to do what's right either keep jits spend the money on Jits or pay out more and get a new van which could cost you more! If it's a new van take part Jits with you! Thanks for taking us with you you guys are just beautiful people ❤️
Guys, just be sure of the usage of the new van's engine which is different than the odometer mileage. Police, fire and ambulance vehicles sustain a lot of idling time and then periods of 'foot in the accelerator' running that most vehicles don't receive through all kinds of weather. Make sure you get a warranty on the vehicle and extra coverage for the engine. Have a mechanic go over it thoroughly and get any vehicle logbooks available for the van. All official vehicles have to maintain them for a variety of reasons.
Best of luck to you guys and Jits. But I do think that although there are lots of sentimental strings to Jits, it is looking like time to move on so that you can enjoy life to the fullest without so many breakdowns which I would imagine Adam's mum would have wanted more so than keeping Jits going. My van vote is to go for a more modern Autosleeper Symbol which are still made to date and would be an easy/simple switch. The Mercedes van conversion idea although I'm sure it would look really cool, the MPG would be very high, wouldn't be emissions compliant with a number of European cities and would be expensive/difficult to source historic parts. Also the Mercedes van you liked in the video looked like your hair was touching the ceiling... Once the flooring/insulation is on you might be less comfortable.
Aww thanks so much for the love, Rachel!! 🥰 Yes, it definitely feels surreal that we’re here! 🚐🇮🇹🎉 Excited to share our next film because already we’ve been on some breathtaking hikes! 😮 Have a wonderful weekend and here’s to your camper van making it to Greece! 🚐✨ xx Tania
Well, looking for something uplifting to watch, found this and it didn’t disappoint. Good to know there are some who go the extra mile to help and how good it must feel to get to those fabulous places, after the ups, downs and delays. Looking forward to the next one and hope you get some good advice on your replacement.
Aww thanks so much for the love, Vicky! Really appreciate it! ❤ Glad that despite all the breakdowns and Jits drama, that you too are left with an uplifting feeling! We like to say that ‘there’s always hope’ and how situations are never a bad as they seem! 😅 Thanks again for watching and see you in a couple of weeks for the next film xx Tania
For the Mercedes - well, spare parts are getting increasingly rare, it's relatively weak, it's most probably not a Diesel (which makes it extra weak) - so you are looking on 12 liters / 100km upwards, depending on the final weight. No aircon, no pre-fab parts like bike mounts, roof mounts, etc., quickly getting rusty even if it's only 22k km and used by firefighters. If you aren't petrol heads and don't want to learn everything about fixing an old car on the road, just stop looking for oldtimers or even youngtimers.
Yeah, we really don’t want to let her go! And you’re so right about the build quality. It’s just engine issues seem to be a constant, plus never ending rust issues 😬 🚐 Adam
I have problems with my van as it draws power while standing and I very rarely use it, so I always purchase a spare battery and decent heavy duty jump leads, (and a battery tester) and then every now and again I connect the spare battery to the van battery and start the engine up and charge them both.
Love how you guys carry Triggy in the back pack 🥰 Can’t believe you didn’t get a new battery before getting on Eurotunnel 🙈 Hope you get to travel breakdown free for a while.
Aww thank you, Gillian! Yes I really do think this little backpack has been a great investment for Triggy! 🐶🎒✨ You’re right about the battery, we definitely would have got a new one fitted had we not already spent £220 on a non-refundable Eurotunnel ticket 😭 plus the morning that the battery failed us for the first time, we assumed it was a once off. 😅 Thanks for tuning in & always taking the time to leave us a message here 🥰 Have a wonderful weekend and see you for the next Dolomites film soon 🚐⛰️✨xx Tania
I am glad you all eventually made it to Italy. Must be bit of strain worrying about Jits all the time. But eh, she is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are going to get. Belated happy birthday Tania.
No different to "normal" life.. you get the same constant highs and lows to.. and honestly the lows are longer, often way more expensive and the highs are not so beautiful and relaxing as your highs! Can't wait for the next vlogs😊
Hey Elizabeth! This is Triggy, we introduced him at the end of our Cornwall film. He’s my family dog - my mum and I adopted him 10 years ago from a rescue center. So whilst he looks like a puppy, he is in fact an old man between 12-14years 😅 We’re loving having him with us on this final Jits adventure 🐶🚐💕 xx Tania
Yeah, we can do that remotely via our app because of our leisure battery set up. That’s why the whole thing was confusing, sometimes it would be fine, sometimes it would be low. We thought perhaps something was draining it. Anyway, seems to be behaving itself now we have a new one 🤞🏼 Adam
Had the same issue last year spent an absolute fortune on my vw t25 keeping it on the road finally gave in and bought a newer Toyota its the best thing just get in and go knowing its going to make it
