Erica, you are tough as nails. I think if it were me, I would have just packed it all in and said goodbye to van life. It's even more stressful when you have to care for 2 dogs as well. I hope returning home allows you to recharge your batteries, relax with your family, and explore new options. Your devoted viewers, me included, wish you well and hope to see you again on YT soon.

Your mechanic skills are impressive. Such a capable van-lifer. Don't quit. I've only recently started following but I'm sure you would be missed. I'll be hitting the road soon in my 90's Chevy van and 3 dogs, hope I see you out there.

Wishing you and the pup’s the best. Long time subscriber from Ky. Whatever you decide, if or when you make another video I will be here to watch it. Thank you for taking us along with you on your journey.

Okay, girl, I had tears in MY eyes watching this. And hearing you say you're not as tough as you thought you were. You are crazy tough. And such an inspiration. Tears don't change that. I am wishing you some peace and calm on your solid ground and look forward to when you'll be back.

Just watched this. You are way stronger than you think. You kept your furbabies safe and happy. Every strong person needs rest. You have seen signs for a while that something new is on the way for you, this is just the guidance you needed to regroup and get clarity. Your new chapter is about to start, this is just the rest and recovery phase. All the best to you in your next adventure. My fav quote - go boldly in the direction of your dreams. xo

Keep your head up you have been thru a lot I think you will be back stronger than ever in a truck camper🙏🙏👍👍✌️✌️

Don't despair. I've been there. I got stranded in Nevada in the middle of the summer for a month due to my truck's fuel injectors. I was stranded 8 days and paid $3000 to have it repaired. Hit the road and the same thing happens an hour down the road. No cell service again. The repair shop never checked the fuel filter so the brand new injectors got clogged up and got stranded again and had to wait 14 more days to even get it looked at due to the back ups in diesel repairs. Got stuck in my trailer in 110 heat with my 8 year old. Then a fire swept right by the town. Thought we were stranded with no vehicle. This was my summer vacation. Paid another $1500 plus $900 in car rental and $1500 for rv park rental. I definitely cried. It felt like hell. Especially with the extreme heat and fire. We were trying to get to Idaho. Never made it to Idaho. However we were stranded on Idaho Ave, ironically.🤣 But I did discover some beautiful areas in my rental in the middle of Nevada that made it bearable. Hang in there.❤🙏

Oh damn. But thank you for your honesty, your transparency, and the example of your courage even though you may not have felt very courageous at times. As a fellow vanlifer, I worry about these things, too. You hit the sh*t-show trifecta there, and that's not fair. Being selfish, I hope you will regain your bearings and get back out on the road because I enjoy your travels. But my compassionate side wants and hopes you will make the very best decision going forward that you can - for you. And your beautiful dogs. Can't wait to see you again!

Erica, whatever you decide I wish you and your pups the very best of everything. You deserve it. Cheers.

Big hug. Mice are the worst, I’m so sorry you had eleven 😭

Don’t beat yourself up, you did really well and are obviously braver than most to change your whole life and start this journey. The smartest thing you can do is make yourself feel safe and give yourself some time to make a decision from a calm, secure place. Whatever you decide it will be right for you at this point. Life is growth and change. ❤️

So sad for you. In the end, you just do what’s good for you. Sending you love and positive energy 🌸

You did great! That is a tough situation and you handled it well. I hope you find a way to continue the nomadic lifestyle, I look forward to your videos. I like the truck and camper idea. Considering that myself.

Stay safe. Best wishes.

Sorry to hear that all of this happened to you at once. I know that could all be very frustrating and eye opening. Just know that you have a good following here and I'm sure everyone will support you in whatever decision you decide to make going forward. Just remember it's all about you and what makes you happy. Hope that you get the time to unwind and take a little break. Be careful on your trip home and hope this comment puts a smile on your face.

You are made of strong stuff, lady. Don't ever doubt it. Tears don't mean weakness. They mean strength!

Big hug! Take your time, breathe & reset. I pray that you dont lose that desire that started you on your journey in the first place. You've done more than many of us who follow you & have been my inspiration! I hope we see you soon. Take care of yourself & breathe🪷❤.

Not taking away from your frustration as I get it. But I have to say you might want to take a bit of relaxation time in one of those beautiful places you get to enjoy due to your van life situation and reflect for some perspective on the current state of events. I came 22:38 accross your channel and watched several of your vids and thought to myself. Now this is a talented, determined, and down to earth realistic van lifer. Your personal story is quite inspiring imo for many regular people who may have similar dreams of being able to have an adventurous life while still needing to have a regular job to pay the bills. You seem pretty tough to me and these issues though frustrating now arent anything a capable person like yourself cant handle. I mean you bravely took the leap to chase your dream of wanting a better more fulfilling life, You built your own van, you vanlife with 2 big pups, and you hold down a fulltime job while vanlifing. All that to say you got this! Though these current circumstances are super frustrating no doubt. The next time your watching a beautiful sunrise or sunset someplace your van has allowed you to experience, or your taking an awesome hike with your dogs in some amazing place, you might catch yourself reminiscing about this dificult time and smile while thanking yourself for pushing through and not letting the Murphys Law of life prevent you from living your best life. Maybe the grass is always greener on the other side. But as I sit here in my comfortrable apartment in a midwestern state with 2 vehicles so if one breaks down its not to big of a deal, I cant help but envy you and your adventurous life. As my life though comfortable is quite doldrum these days and I so miss my earlier adventurous life out west. And watching inspiring individuals like yourself pushes me closer and closer every day to making the leap back into an adventurous life myself. So thanks for being an inspiration! So many of us in this world arent.

Take all the time you need to heal yourself. You would not be the first to go through different rigs to find one that suites your needs.

Sorry you’re having such a bad time I feel for you hope it gets better good luck

Hugs , I'm so sorry you had such a string of bad luck . Take some time and reset at your mom's.

Stating the obvious, but to roam and be nomadic like you've done, your van has to be many things, so when the van goes, it makes a lot go sideways. Those events, compounding on one another, would throw anyone for a loop--I would've already rolled the thing down the hill with the diesel heater! Hope the reset gives you time for reassessment and you find a solution that works best for you. Thanks for letting us all experience vicariously all the places you've gone (those open roads , sunsets and mountain scenes have been stellar). The road will always be there if/when you're ready to hop back on.

Van Life: Ups & Downs Prayers for you to get ur life bk!

Thank you for sharing the good times and bad. It makes it very real. Hang in there. I've watched all your videos and you may be at a low point now, but I see you are very resilient and resourceful. Whatever you choose for your next path, make it whatever makes YOU and your pups happy.

Yes, God bless you Sweetheart. Thanks for sharing your videos. We wish you the best with whatever you decide is best for you. Lots of love.

That’s a bummer. It’s too hard to take when fear takes over. Hang in there… everything always changes… you will be ok…

Oh gosh, Erika, that’s really tough! Go home, rest, visit your mom, get your bearings, we’ll be right here waiting for you and the dogs ❤

So sorry this all happened. You are strong. That is a LOT coming at you. I have no idea how I would handle all of that. Hope you made it back to your mom's safely, and you can take some time to breath and get some good sleep. Sending hugs!

Best wishes from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 I hope you and your lovely dogs can decompress and rest whilst you are at home. You’ve got this x

Sending prayers for strength and peace ❤ I hope you come back to keep us updated. All the best.🤗🙏

Going bk home is ok. God has a plan and sometimes he intervenes in our life to get our attention to get bk on track. Ur in my prayers 🙏 hope to see you again. Love ur style.

Very frustrating for sure, agree 100% on the time is more valuable than a few bux.

Thank you Erica for posting this. This is the first video of yours I watched and I have been in similar situations (except with a cargo tricycle). We know when to pause, we need to rest, to recharge our batteries (mentally, emotionally and mechanically). Comparing our journey to the journey of others is pointless; doing what your life requires is a personalized journey. May you always be guided by what you need 💚💚💚

Strength has absolutely nothing to do with tears. Tears are just a way to release anger, frustration and stress. I think if you can work from your mom's or another family member or friend, I would take off the rest of the year to rest and re-group and de-mouse! I would take this time to take the van to a dealer and have any items under warranty reviewed and get full maintenance work done. Definitely check wheel bearings, suspension, coolant and transmission fluid/filter. Then, maybe snow bird down to Florida for a trip and see how things shake out. There's nothing and no one that can tell you to stop or go. This is your adventure!

I think you are amazing.....whatever your next choice is it will be another chapter. All the best to you and congratulations for being so level headed and capable.

Erica, you do what feels right for you. I started traveling at 70 y/o and I imagined it a lot different than it turned out to be. Found out I cannot boondock all by myself but prefer to stop at truck stops, rest stops etc....but that is what is comfortable for me. And no, I don't travel year around, but 2-3 months in spring and a couple of months in fall. That is what I am comfortable with, but did not figure that out until I started! I have a little 2 acre home base with a 17 ft TT, and I am thankful for that, so I can take breaks when I need them. So, no, you are not the only one that is learning what feels comfortable and good! You will figure out what feels good to you, I have no doubt in my mind. It may not be what you first thought it would be, but adjust to your situation and make the best of it! I love to follow your videos and I hope to see more whenever you decide what is next. Good luck out there for you and your pups, and remember....you are you, and you need to do what is comfortable for you whatever it will be. ❤

I recently stumbled across one of your videos and immediately subscribed. Then came the battle to not binge watch to enjoy longer. Your videos are fabulous! Your story telling is on point, music choices are amazing, love the larger font of typed commentary and really appreciate that your volume is much more consistent overall than most vloggers. I've found that people who allow themselves to cry (or scream) to release emotions are better balanced. Strength is in the perseverance to overcome life's challenges! You're a great dog mom, provider, builder, mechanic and adventurer! Do you! Stay safe and be happy! I, for one, will be patiently waiting and hoping our paths cross somewhere down the road! 😁✌️

Sorry . You take sometime and decide what's best for you and the dogs. Hope things work out for y'all .

Hang in there kiddo. Rest. You sound like a smart girl and you’ll make the right decisions. Things get blurry when you keep getting slapped down over and over. I think a big change is right for you. Good luck. 🤗

Yes go to family and regroup... I had a car accident and it shook me when I was living alone far away from my family and that is exactly what I had to do - go back to family for a bit. Then after some re-group time, you will know the right choice for you. Thank you for making this video. Life does give us lemons sometimes but you have a good take on it, you just need a little break before you come back stronger. Sending good thoughts your way. Take your time, your audience will be waiting for you when you are ready to film again. We love your honest adventures with your 2 pups.

Wishing you and the pups the best. Take time to figure out the best for you.

Hugs girl. Tough days happen and overwhelm is human. It is wise to go where you feel safe and be able to regroup. Rest and revisit your next journey options. Much luck.

Sending hugs to you , i really hope everything works out for you Erica , Charlie , Penny ❤❤❤

Just found your channel when someone shared this video with me. Watching the intro I was worried the diesel heater caught fire and burned your van. Mice are bad, burned van might have been worse. Happy for you that it wasn't. Thanks for keeping it real.

You. Ma'am are a warrior and I so love it. Thing like this sends my anxieties up.

Hi Erica, Sometimes things fall apart. Thank you for all your videos. All this is recoverable. Give it time.

I hope you are safe with those sweet pups, so that you feel like you’re on solid ground for making decisions. Take care of yourself. Don’t worry about videos, we just hope you’re safe and well.

Hang in there. Whatever we do in life there will always be challenges. Sorry you had three big ones in such a short period of time. It may not seem this way now, but the challenges do make us more resilient. After 63 years of more than enough challenges, I can look back and see it’s been that way for me. Wishing you all the best with whatever path you take going forward.💕💕💕

I vanlife and love these real videos because I think it will help prepare me mentally for when my van inevitably breaks down, so thanks for being real!

Great video! I follow a lot of nomads on YT and it seems like the normal progression is bus life to van life to truck camper for some of the hardcore nomads, others eventually just get tired of road life and settle down. Do what is best for you! Quoting Hunger Games: "may the odds be ever in your favor!" Best of luck to you and the pups!

You totally deserve a break & need to reset. Sending good vibes to you & your puppies.

Erica you are so tough. That is so scary and 11 mice! Yikes! Girl! I understand for your re group and getting on “solid ground”. I am really sorry this all happened to you and yes TIME IS ALWAYS MORE IMPORTANT THAN MONEY. Whatever you decide I’ll be praying for you.

Erica, please take some time for you and whatever you decide, we’ll be here. I wish you the best and peace of mind with your future decisions. God bless and be safe.

I really enjoy your videos You show people what Vanlife is really about the ups and downs. I really enjoy your honesty about everything. As much as I’m going to miss your videos. Your happiness and well-being is more important so take as long as you need make choices for yourself, not for the channel. Thank you for sharing your life with us.

Another option. I have a van to tow a cargo van I've converted. If van breaks down, I can rent a uhaul pickup to tow it and still live in my trailer. I have rental coverage. Downside is so areas of parking, and turn around. Front hitch and lots of cameras helps that.

I will miss you. You are VERY STRONG!! The more i watch van life the more I knw I could never deal with the break downs. You are not the only one and there were many I have watched (male's too) who were really upset and scared) and admitted it. When you have pets and your whole world is in that van anyone would be stressed. Take care of you first and we will be here whe you are ready to come back. you deserve a rest and recoup time. hugs...a fellow teacher

Hey, you've just been through a bunch of nasty stuff that could do in the toughest of us. I think you're doing the right thing. Go to Mom's, chill (or take a nice hot bath), relax for a few days, and then start thinking about what you want to do. You've got this.

Keep your head up! Whatever decision you make is your choice. Whatever your next step is, we support you. ❤

Hang in there girl, You got this! I'm with you with the mouse situation, yuck. It will get better. Hugs!

I've binged watche all your videos in the past two weeks. Enjoy your break but please hurry back!!

I finished the video, so sorry you had to go through all of that. I hope you’re able to find a little peace and figure out what you want to do next. Hopefully, you’ll still post, your videos are amazing and I love sharing in your experiences, just a little. ❤❤❤

Oh Wow! First off, I'm impressed that you are so knowledgeable on those diesel heaters. Secondly, I'm sorry about the break down annnd the mouse 🐁 infestation.....I would've cried too! My hat is off to you young lady. Thumbs up 👍

I’m sorry you had a break down with your van. I just started watching your videos about a month ago; although, I’ve been watching others for a couple years. Just about everyone has had a breakdown, and they have all been upset. It’s hard when you’re on the road, and have no support. I know you said it’s hard with your dogs to meet other van lifers which would be helpful if you could. I’m glad though that you haven’t given up on Penny. I will say that I thought Maria Alice had a good idea. She rented a U-Haul box truck. She and her dog moved into it for a few days, while she was having work done on her van. I hope you have a nice relaxing time with your mom, and you return before too long.

Been there. Done that. And, yes, it can be scary. Especially when typically you’re (for all intents and purposes) in the middle of nowhere. You’re at the mercy of dealers that can, and will, pip you off. At least with a truck & camper (hopefully a towable) you don’t lose your house. Hope you choose to keep doing videos because I happened across this one and if you continue, will be watching your channel. Good luck.

Erica, i cant even imagine. You are so smart and all the things you did are things that normal person cant do (i say normal like i dont have a clue how to do any of that) you are strong youve been thru so much and are still sane and still standing. Take the break its totally okay to regroup reevaluate and if need be make a change even if its a big one. You got this even if you cant see that right now you got this ❤

Sending Love, Peace and Positivity Erica, from the Catskill Mtns of NY ✨️ When you are ready to return, ill def be here for it...Take good care of yourself and your fur babies🐕🐕

Wonderful video of reality and your willingness to be so transparent is awesome. You are super tough and fierce and will make decisions once you get some solid ground. Proud of you for taking some time and regrouping. ❤

Honey you do what ever you need to do to make you happy life is to short so do what makes you happy ❤

Sorry for so many troubles. I hope you have better days soon.

We’ve been on the road 5+ years, now, and I’ll admit, some days are much worse than others. Some weeks are much worse than others. Never easy. It’s not easy out here, at times. Best advice, I can give to You is do what is best for You. Only You know what that is. I wish You well in whatever decision you. Be happy, be safe, and maybe, We’ll see You out there.

So sorry to see you having such a rough time. Stay safe you and enjoy your break. Selfishly, I hope you take option one or three but you do what is best for you. I have really enjoyed following you on your journey in life, and know you will succeed in whatever you decide to do. I also disagree, you are stronger than you give yourself credit for, not many people male or female could have got through some of the things you have. Take care! x

Opening up the combustion heater, cleaning it, then reassembling it with $15 in new gaskets is only a couple hours of work....just a few screws....and a container of brake cleaner. Tip ..learn how to adjust the fuel control in the computer or buy a unit with altitude compensation...higher elevation makes it run rich, resulting in carbon buildup. Some suggest (including the company I drove for when I had to deal with the heaters said to) run them on max for 3-5 minutes before shutdown. Good luck after getting everything fixed. Remember what doesn't kill you makes you smarter and stronger! Plus tip.... warranties are great when fast and free, but if you must wait weeks and live in a hotel, an independent repair shop can be cheaper if it saves nights in a hotel etc....you just decide who to pay

You are one tough cookie and I admire you. Regroup and I’m looking forward to future videos.

I think you are strong as sh!t. Everyone has their breaking points. I’m solo in a 5th wheel. I’ll be on the east coast this winter. Please reach out if you need to talk or discuss your 3rd option. Be well and stay safe! Enjoy some much needed time off!

I’m a first time viewer of your channel. You’ve had a very terrible experience to say the least. That said I believe you’re a very strong individual and if I had daughters, I have two sons, I would’ve been so pleased if she had your strength. Enjoy your journey!

Keep your Head up Erica, I love that You know how to work on your Van Too cool. I just installed my Own Gas Heater in my Ford Transit.

Sorry for all your bad luck! Keep us posted and stay safe!

Big HUG from Dan

Love your channel but I can definitely understand needing to take a break from it right now. Enjoy your time with your Mom and looking forward to your next video💕

Hey gorgeous sorry you've gone through so much stay strong babygirl everything will be ok we support you, we'll be here for you whenever your next video is whatever you decide to do ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Take your time …. Never rush big decisions like this …. Life is about seasons …. Nothing is forever .., you got this💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻 2:45 We will wait and cheer you on as your next decisions come forth 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💃🏻

Nothing wrong with doing a reset!! Hope you find a new adventure - either in the Van or doing something else. Cheers!

Mom will always be your shoulder ❤

Wow..I know I won't have the right words to express this right..but I am truly sorry for what happened.. You probably don't want to hear this Again but I Definitely think you have handled all this as best as you or anyone could given the circumstances..you are very impressive and strike me as strong and wise as more than most people I have known..I will leave it there for now but for what ever it's worth..know my thoughts are and will be with you..I do hope you come back on when you can and please be safe..this is the first time I have seen your journey and channel and hopefully will get the chance to see you back again..take time to heal and take care of yourself and your dog..peace to you..a nomad from Minnesota ✌️

I know what happened to you is really hard to deal with. I'm glad that you are thinking thru things and continuing to move forward to whatever the next step is. I am praying for you that God protects and provides what you need. I'm glad you're not laying down and letting this defeat you. Keep going. You are brave! Braver than me, I might add. Take care and be strong...but cry when you need to. ❤❤

Wishing you good luck and the dogs hug❤❤❤

Agree with others!…give yourself some time to breath/relax…the options are there! I think the majority of your followers would have reacted the same! You’re not alone…we’re all cheering you on!

You did fantastic and I'm so proud of you. I'm doing van life with all the ups and downs and would not change a thing. Thank you for being so genuine and transparent. I have so much respect for you. One thing I have learned for me is that I have a couple of mechanics that I work with but I don't travel as much as you do mainly because of work. But whatever you decide I wish you the very best and safe travels.

I think you are a tough cookie to endure what you have/are going through. Having your transportation and living quarters as one can be a challenge if/when something goes wrong and there is not other transportation. I am biased because we have a travel trailer but I certainly believe that is the way to go.

Thank you for sharing this info. I’m contemplating van life and I really needed to hear this. Good luck whatever you decide. I think you did amazingly, especially deciding to take care of yourself even if it means a detour or complete change of plan.

Nothing has changed the moment the mice are gone and you have your heater in working order. Just a bit of a journey and test you’ve been through recently. Hold steady. Big changes or redirects are usually costly and not without flaw. I know from many instances of my own experience. Anyway,…I have been in a van coming up on 3 years, and for me I wouldn’t change it, despite some extra hustle it takes to make it livable. I’d like a really small camper to tow behind it for situations like you just had, but saving for other priorities. Anyway,…keep cruisin you’re fine.👍 PS,…it may take some time, but you may be able to find someone with some property that will let you pay a campground price ($300-$400/mo.) to stay on their property. Then you can put a small fence (doesn’t have to be with post in the ground or permanent just standing enough so the dogs know not to go over it) around your van with a gate to pull the van in and out. It’s great with privacy and the dogs love it. Then you’ll rarely question the van life again.

I'm so sorry, Erica. I knew something was up by your Instagram post, but I didn't want to ask. Please take care and take the time to make the best decision for the three of you. ❤

Girl, what a rough run you’ve had! Yes, go reset! And you’re tougher than you think. Seems like you’re more frustrated than anything. Who wouldn’t be with all that you’ve been dealing with?! But if you love the nomadic lifestyle, I’m sure you’ll find someway to continue. I hope you do bc I really enjoy your videos. Good luck and prayers. ❤❤

Even without the dogs that’s a tough spot to be in. Don’t be so hard on yourself. From watching many KZfaqrs; vans seems to always be breaking down. No Perfect Plan now has a camper top on the Four Runner. Seems like a good option possibly. I get vans seems more home like. Good luck to you. Enjoy your time with your mom.

All I have to say is Erica, dont give up on life on the road if its something you enjoy. Every one of us gets shaken up sometimes, needs to take a step back and regroup. You are not weak for needing to take time for yourself to figure out what your next plan is! Find out what vehicle would make you the most comfortable. Have an emergency plan laid out next time something like this happens and grow from this experience. Headaches, incoveniences and emergencies will continue to happen no matter where you are in life, so you might as well be doing what you love and diving head first into what life brings your way, and keep fighting! You are strong and I believe in your resiliency! Keep your head up and work on plan B. We all are rooting for you Erica!!! ❤

Just found you & immediately liked you & your program. Of course I liked & subscribed as well. I hope to see you back on the trail & be part of your journey. Do whatever you think is best for you. Regardless I'm sure we will forever like, can I say Love, & remember you & wish you ALL the best.

Tough Break. Experience never comes without its price and it always becomes our best teacher. Is it tough? Of course. Did you Die? No. Are you and the pups safe? Yes, and that's all that matters. A vehicle can be replaced. You cannot and that is priceless. You did the best you could with the resources you had. I wish you all the very best in whatever path you decide to take. You deserve time to regroup and recharge. You got this !!!

I'll definitely miss seeing your face every Sunday, but hang in there and do what's best for you and the dogs! Good luck with which ever path you choose to persue!

Cars, van's, homes, hotels, they all cost a lot of money 💰. Good luck. God bless.

Marvels mystery oil for the diesel heater and everything in life is about frequencies! Find one and drive critters out of your van, than clean everything, I know, it sounds stupid.... research! ❤