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.

Anytime I have to do repairs I think about what just one month’s payment is on a brand new vehicle and suddenly it doesn’t seem so bad. :)

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

Just a little something to help you on your journey. Thanks for the great content and give Rocko a belly rub for me 😊 Darryl Victoria BC

I always love how Rocko makes herself at home on the dash. She’s truly living the best life possible! 🐶

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 KZfaq deserves to have a million subscribers, it is Foresty Forest. He will never ask you to do this. But I will!

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 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.

If vlogging doesn't work out, now you're a master mechanic!

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!

Thanks for all the hours of entertainment! This is for a treat for Rocco and a beer for you.

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.

9:44 His reaction to fixing the van problem is the same when he's on top of a mountain. Success!

Foresty Forest, He Fixes His Van, Foresty Forest 😀😀 ( new theme song maybe ? )

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.

Thank you for taking us along

For you and Rocko ❤

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!!

Great job on fixing everything, Foresty! The relationship between you and Rocco is so sweet! She obviously adores you!

idk how many years later, u still impress me

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.

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.

Thanks!

I really enjoy watching you fix stuff on your van. Takes me back to the days working with my uncle on the farm when if it broke, he had to fix it!

This is part of the reason why I watch you. Real life. Real issues. Safe travels

Thanks for sharing. Love from Taiwan

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.

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

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.

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!

Sorry to hear about the van issues, but on a good note, you're almost at 400k subscribers! Awesome!

You walked by the vette at the car dealer. Glad you didn't throw in the towel with a vette driving off into the sunset close out scene.

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.

I got me a 3 month old Jack Russell named Dixie she is a handful. My 100 lb pitbull just loves her😂. Be careful stay safe 😂

Dont give up on it now! You’ve nearly gotten the whole thing replaced one piece at a time!

The awesome thing about driving an old van is, yes you'll have to replace stuff but after a while you know where everything is and what to look for

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 KZfaq 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.

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.

Happy wednesday. Nothing beats this notification. Nice to see you again foresty forest. Hope you get the van fixed.

Thanks. I love a Foresty fixes it vid.

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.

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!

That's a lot of Lordcos in one episode. You should be sponsored by them!

Amazing self-diagnosis and repair work Simon! You are my number one go-to channel and have been so for 5 years + now. Thanks for being you.

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!

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.

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!

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.

Ah, wished it was longer. Always enjoy you taking us on your adventures no matter what’s in store. Thank you Simon stay safe out there.

Thanks! this is not much but it might help you with something for repairs.

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 !!

You probably did a better job than a lot of mechanics that I see now a days. I was a heavy line technician for GM for 25 years and I am a firm believer that always trying to fix It yourself. I know that we use to have the same problem with the vacuum switch on the T Case causing the front diff. to kick in and out. I would have thought that GM would have fixed that. Or Not. I think that it has to do with that detent ball sticking. I hope that your issues are fixed. Happy and safe camping. Doug from, Colorado

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.

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.

I'm amazed you can get all these parts where you are. Here in the UK often you wait weeks for parts.

My heart goes out to you, I hate car care problems. Roco looked so cute on the dashboard pulling into the oil change station. Thanks!

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 !!!!

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. ❤

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!

You can fix anything, never fail to impress us!

Just watching Foresty slowly building a new engine one part at a time 😂

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 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.

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...

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.

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.

10 sent for Parts chip In. We've all owned chevys Simon!!! Keep going buddy!!!

"Humpty Dumpty here..." LOL. Love you Forestry Forest, stay blessed my friend ♥️🙏🏼

Foresty Forest, he's fixing his vaaaan!~ Foresty Forest!

Filming and fixing ur car. Wow pure talent! You know everything and you fix it

We feel your pain, Simon. We spent the entire day trying to get our household AC running properly here on the GOM. Better luck tomorrow, eh?

Vehicles will always have issues down the road, and specially if driven tough like you do. It is all normal imo. Just take it in your stride and deal with it as it happens, having a positive attitude even with that in life. Think of all the things you learn about mechanics etc. 🙂

Being able to fix your own problems truly gives you a lot more freedom.

Glad you fixed some of your van problems... We all have to remember, poop happens. Love your videos and the star of the show, Rocko.

Good effort mate. I know how frustrating it can be replacing parts and it still being faulty. Your perseverance paid off though. 👍🏻

It's always nice to be able to fix your car on your own, dealerships and most mechanic shops charge way too much to fix minor issues.

Great video. Glad you got all repaired and ready to go.

Way to go ,that's how you save on repairs do it yourself bravo.

It was really nice meeting the other day Foresty. Glad you got your van all fixed up for a summer of adventures. Safe travels.

As much as I love watching you do van builds, I hope your van is good to go for a long time. Love seeing the reality of van life and I'm glad you are able to figure some of this stuff out and do the repairs yourself.

I would have cried and ate a carton of ice cream trying to deal with that nonsense. So glad it’s fixed

You amaze me with your skills and your attitude.

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!). 😉

That pup just puts me away every time I see her.

dang. hope you got all them issues licked. safe travels.

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.

This video sparked joy! So happy to see an issue fixed at the end of the video

Glad you got everything fixed up. We all had those frustrating periods. Hope you are hanging with a nice beer as you read this!

Dude you are awesome. Fixing stuff, getting it done and staying on the road.

9:51 Congrats Simon! So happy for you!! 😃👏🏻🐶🍻

You’re ridiculously resilient. Enjoy the 3 seasons within 3 days’ time of the calendar and travel well. 👍

All makes and models will break down, some more than others (cough, cough, Ford) however GM parts tend to be more available in the aftermarket and half the price of the others.

UR A GRANDLY RESOURCEFULL GUY!!!

Oh that smile when you fixed your rig! Beaming!

That smile of triumph says it all. DYI paid off. 😊

@ForestyForest, it may be a bad voltage regulator. FYI, the clamp of a multi-meter won't "measure" the ground conductivity it's meant to measure amperage thru hot & in some instances neutral conductors.

One of those Toyota Sunrader 4x4 conversions would be cool, kind of pricy and not very stealthy but always reliable.

Foresty Forest defies the laws of mechanics. That Humpty Dumpty van is a keeper.

WOW! It pays to have knowledge of your vehicle when it comes to repair, it saved you much money I'm sure! I'm so happy you fixed your problem, I know when my car is sick I'm sick! Rocko is so cute, what a great fur friend you have there! PS Glad you finally got to change cloths, LOL! Looking forward to your next camping video with Rocko!