I head out with the Express on a road trip to solve all my problems! Merchandise: foresty-forests-store.creator... Summit Map: drive.google.com/open?id=12GF... / strava
Part of the reason why I like this channel is that you occasionally post these "day in the life" style videos. You never know what you'll get in a Foresty Forest video, and that keeps things fresh.
Hey Foresty. I've followed you from the beginning from a tiny car with a space heater to you now diagnosing complex electrical issues in your home on wheels. As a person who lived in his car for a period, I know how tough and lonely it can be. You really have done something great with all of this. this isn't much but I want to contribute something toward your repairs. Be blessed brother
How is Foresty not only a great mechanic but a great cook, climber, skier and carpenter all at the same time? How can one know ALL THIS STUFF at such a young age? You amaze me Simon! ♥️♥️♥️🐶🐶🐶👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😃😃😃
I really don't watch other van life channels. I loved watching since the parking lot days. You've impressed me with your growth in cinematography, story telling and of course sticking to your guns, your impressive handyman skills and you complete dedication to "Van Life". Some people talk it but you walk it.
For real. My car didn't start after cleaning the intake manifold and EGR. I had gotten some carbon in there. So many people would've just gone and signed up for 72 mo. Of indentured servitude at a dealership. AAA free tow and the mechanic said it was a $300 fix (injector seals)
I am consistently amazed at how smart you are; I hope you don't take it for granted. I know it's not an accident you're in the position you're in. By that I mean, you set off on this life knowing you could diagnose/fix things. You are still always learning new things and we are grateful to be able to have you share them with us. You are in inspiration, Foresty Forest. Be well.
I want to tell you how much I admire your ability to fix your van yourself, plus all of the other mechanical issues and problems you have been able to diagnose and repair with your non-van equipment throughout the years that I have been following this channel! You are definitely a man of many talents!! One of the things that I love the most about your channel is the variety of things you present and how we never know from week to week exactly what you will be up to. It sure keeps us entertained and I really enjoy how you intertwine such a wide-ranging variety of topics. Anyone out there who reads this, please be sure to give Simon a thumbs up, leave a comment, share the video with your friends and family, and also subscribe to this channel. If anybody on RU-vid deserves to have a million subscribers, it is Foresty Forest. He will never ask you to do this. But I will!
He's no quitter. But I can relate to his frustration with vehicles. I once had to change my timing belt on a 74 Pinto. On the street. In 35 below celsius temps. With marginal tools. I had to get to work the next day. Ah the joy of no money! But I was young.
I just enjoyed watching a man drive to multiple auto part stores attempting to fix his van. Been following you for a couple of years and you deserve WAY more followers at this point. Honestly keep the content coming, these videos are great.
GM tech here. You did alright! I would replace that actuator regardless as they are troublesome. Your low voltage is most likely internal to the alternator. The voltage you see may just be battery voltage so test these seperately. You are right to test all the grounds you have and modifications.
@@forestyforest Hey Forest haven't chimed in the comments for years but just wanted to give my 2 cents. The vortec 6.0 and the entire driveline in that van is the best youll find period. The Fords and dodges are extremely problematic. They are the most in for repairs at low mileage by far. But no matter what you have the same stuff generally needs changed north of 150,000 kilometers. But for hard use I would never buy anything but Chevy.
I'm just spit balling here but: you're on the island, Steve is on the island, beer is on the island. Let's get all those things together. Step Two's and the Slow Cooker ride again!
You've replaced so many parts on this van it's almost a new van already! Foresty's Van of Theseus. I love these videos as much as the hikes. Came for the fat bike tours, stayed for the every day approachability of fixing your own stuff, livin' life and showing us the mistakes and the wins. Still the best youtube channel!
My favorite part of this video was watching Rocco sleeping in your arms parked during snowfall. So cozy. I'm guessing since you experienced all the stress from dysfunctional parts, that may have been your favorite part too...providing some stress relief and comfort.
Your attitude is amazing....most people would have blown their stack with one problem after another but you just keep on moving...and I'm so impressed with your mechanical skills and so grateful you can do your own repairs.. must've saved you tons... give Rocko a kiss for me, she's my fave YT baby
I can’t believe that you only have 396K subscribers, it seems like you should have well over a Million. I mean you have the very BEST content of all the hiking, camping, car camping, living in a van UTubers. And, you don’t do product/equipment reviews, which has become a pet peeve for me. You are the BEST!! Living the real life.
Ugh. I can’t tell you how much I can relate to this episode. I’m currently at the beginning of a 4 month adventure in my 2000 Chevy Express and have broken down 6/14 days so far from different gremlins. It’s just so deflating. I hope the worst of both of our days are behind us. Safe travels, friend!
Hello beautiful, I'm sorry to bother you with my message, but I must say seem like a nice lady and Worth talking to. I will appreciate being your friend.👋💐
AVOID MERCEDES AT ALL COSTS!! (Scotty Kilmer) Endless money pit, at least your Chev has plentiful parts available. Remember, the way you have your van built out with the extra weight and over sized tires, will put more strain on all the drive train and electrical parts. Just a cost of running a vehicle the way you do. Love your channel, keep them videos coming and stay safe out there!!
The problem with GMC/Chevy is you will not get Longevity out of them. They use to be great Vans, and the suburbans were really good, but as time has gone by parts are made cheap. Newer vehicles are all problematic because major electrical problems The manufacturers have added so Many things to the vehicles so they can charge huge prices, and this is the reason they have a lot of major electrical issues. So try and find a vehicle that has been around for at least 3 or 4 years so you can research and find what kind of problems it has had or not had. Also, you should consider going on the Scotty Kilmer You Tube, he is a very honest car repair expert, just type in what are the most reliable 4x4 vans and he can help you. Wishing the very best for you and little Mountain Girl "Calamity Rocko"🐾🙏🐾
Hey Simon. Thank you for teaching me how to operate my Garmin 745 Running watch. It has a hike mode and when I hit stop and shut the watch down so I can set up camp. The next day I can turn the watch back on and hit resume. Then after the hiking trip is over I can see the whole trip on the computer.
rule #1 dont always trust your dash gauges, use a multimeter to test charging voltages, if your having charging issues the alternator, alternator wiring and or voltage regulator could be bad, also the battery could be bad too. shorted cells but this wont cause a charging voltage drop.
Woohoo! 64 yo lady here. I've not watched mechanical surgery with such hope and attention! Such good news, I feel like passing our cigars! God bless always. T.
Awesome resourcefulness and self-dependence, and superb storytelling/editing!! But certainly; If you got a new vehicle, you'd pay a ton of upfront money, then spend a whole bunch more money and time bringing it on par with this current van, and then you'd be encountering the same exact maintenance requirements you're experiencing now. I feel like watching you deal with issues when they come up provides an honest, unvarnished view of actually living in a van, utilized heavily. Vehicles subject to heavy use, like fleet trucks, military vehicles, aircraft, etc, all are managed under maintenance programs, and exist within constant cycles of in-service/out-of-service, assembly/disassembly, etc. I would expect no different of a van employed the way you use yours! It's a fantastic vehicle, in a space with limited options. A really captivating video! Thank you.
Agree with some of the other comments that you should keep this van and keep fixing it. Knowledge of all the systems and weak points is a huge asset and getting something totally new will not only be a huge learning curve but not necessarily more reliable. Think of the fixing as “content” as it is part of what makes your channel unique and interesting. DIY repair work is becoming more popular. Look at channels like Louis Rossman.
Its real life Foresty - like everyone else, you have good times and bad times. Fingers crossed things improve over the summer. I actually enjoy the real life aspect of your vlogs as much as the epic mountain hikes. Keep going!
Hiking through the wilderness, climbing mountains in adverse weather, skiing solo off piste, fixing vehicles in car parks. It's only just dawned on me I've been watching a manly man channel all this time😆
Gm voltages can very, especially while driving at highway speeds. While driving, the pcm monitors battery voltage and the loads the vehicle is commanding from the charging system. If the parameters are met, the pcm will drop the output of the alternator to take the load of the serpentine belt. This was put in place because of emissions. It's supposed to help highway fuel economy, but in all reality, it doesn't do anything except freak people out. There is a TSB from General Motors put out for this type of issue. Im not 100% sure if yours falls under the tsb for these types of complaints. I'd have to have vin to check. Another thing it can be is the difference size alternator. The pcm is programmed for the smaller alternator and won't "relearn" itself to the larger alternator. Also, a new part doesn't me a good part. It's tough to do a diagnosis over a RU-vid video and little information but those are some things you could have going on. Love the videos man and don't you give up on that ol girl, that is so much more reliable the any Mercedes diesel or Ford Eco junk on the road.
I'll love to help you get a new "outfit". It wouldn't be much but I ❤you Rocko and sharing your adventures. I am sure there are more folks like me out here to.
I can see how frustrating it would be with constant problems happening. Can't imagine how much all of it would cost you if you weren't doing all the work yourself. I love your van and build, sure hope all the issues are resolved now. It's your home, job and vehicle. Sending positive energy!
Hello beautiful, I'm sorry to bother you with my message, but I must say seem like a nice lady and Worth talking to. I will appreciate being your friend.👋💐
Love your channel, Foresty! Hey, about your Voltage issue; it's designed that way from the factory. Bought a new 2008 Silverado, off the dealer lot it did the exact same thing. Went back to the dealer, nothing wrong, built that way. It's even written in the owners guide and explains why the voltage meter drops occasionally during a drive. It has to do with fuel economy and extending battery life. The ECM controls the alternator output (voltage regulator) and is programmed to periodically cut back the voltage to allow the battery to work under a 'load'. While the alternator is 'unloaded', it allows for a little bit better fuel economy. Silly idea to me, but that's the way they build them. Other manufacturers are doing the exact same thing. So, when you see your volt meter 'drop', NO WORRIES !!! It's made to do exactly that. Eventually you will see the voltmeter rise again, whenever the computer decides it's time to boost battery/system voltage again. Sometimes in my Silverado, it is literally DAYS before that happens. Crazy stuff, but that's the way it's built. Look and verify in your factory owners guide/owners manual, it's there in black and white !!!!
Love your mechanical videos. I own a 1960s house, always needs something fixed but i do it myself, with help from YT videos, saving myself $$$$$$$. You hate starting work but when you're done, you feel proud that you fixed it yourself and saved buckets...
Love your attitude on the repairs. I laugh too, what else can you do when everything just breaks. As far as a newer 4x4, personally I would keep what you have. It’s paid for and you know the vehicle. A new vehicle will have issues also and you won’t know the history. Unless the engine or transmission goes out in your current van, you’ll never spend that versus the cost of a new van. Peace.
Super stoked for two things: Foresty van’s repaired and Foresty on an Island? Dare I hope it’s Vancouver Island? Rocko was so cute with her head on your arm. I guess it isn’t the island. But I’m sure it’ll still be a great adventure for Foresty.
That was a lot of camera work too, thanks for taking the time to show us, What's Up, down or under. Take care out there, sending safety prayers your way. Hugs to Rocko, maybe she'll hug you back. ❤
It always feel great once u fix the Van issues. I just did the same on my Van fixed my ac issues and got it going Van shop wanted $500 just to look at it not even fix it. Enjoy ur videos
I feel ya man. You're not alone when it comes to going through a suspected list of parts and still find its broken. Kudos on your patience and perseverance to complete without help. I think the towel would of been thrown in sometime after the alternator tensioner personally!
My best friend is a master mechanic and he tells me trouble shooting is the hardest part of being a good mechanic. Most mechanics, according to him, struggle with this and end up throwing new parts at the problem until they finally hit on the right one.
Hi Simon. You look well today. Thank you for breaking up this yucky day for me! Always nice to watch you and Rocco any day actually! Stay warm and safe.
Whatever kind of home one has, there's always maintenance! You seem to be able to maintain good spirits even after multiple tries, I commend your patience (plus your mechanic skills!). 😉
Sometimes it's good to have something you can work on yourself. You've gotten good use out of that van. Tough to replace because new is so expensive and used can be sketchy.
I have a “17 Ford Transit medium roof with a Quigley conversion. It’s got the naturally aspirated 3.7L. I’ve had good luck with it. It’s also proven to be very capable. Bigger tires and wheels with an Aluminess roof rack and ladder. I did a full build out two years ago in my driveway.
Trouble shooting a car problem can at times be very frustrating but finally fixing it can be oh so rewarding !! I have a mechanical background as well and work on my vehicles. If you live in your vehicle, have a car problem and have no mechanical background, you're always at the mercy of a mechanic. In other words, you have to have deep pockets. Nice fix Fore-resty, see you on the next one !!
@@nancyhanson3472 One way to check is to get rough estimates from a number of different mechanic shops. You can also just check Google or ask in some car/mechanic/auto forums. You'll soon get a good idea of what you should be paying. 🤌
I wouldn't worry too much about the voltage drop on the alternator. It's computer regulated, so the computer is probably just reducing voltage because the battery is full, or it thinks the alternator is spinning too fast, or the sun is the wrong shade of yellow. For peace of mind, you might want to buy a cigarette lighter usb charger/voltmeter, so you can monitor the exact numerical voltage instead of relying on the imprecise (and probably deadened) dash gauge. A battery tester might not be a bad idea either, they are pretty cheap these days (~$30) so you can keep track of the battery's state of charge and health. A bad battery can do funny things to a good alternator (including killing it), and a bad alternator can do funny things to a good battery (also including killing it) so it's good to have an idea of the health of both.
Hello beautiful, I'm sorry to bother you with my message, but I must say seem like a nice lady and Worth talking to. I will appreciate being your friend.👋💐
Hello beautiful, I'm sorry to bother you with my message, but I must say seem like a nice lady and Worth talking to. I will appreciate being your friend.👋💐
