After 4 Years of Van Life It's Time for a Change

Now that we're a family of 4, we need to take a good hard look at van life and decide what's next...
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[@FnAVanLife]

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[@fjgrg2033]

I'm screaming righ now saying don't get a bus!!!!!!. Get a box van. 16ft.

[@fjgrg2033]

I feel like the mechanical work will be expensive and like any comercial vehicle is high maintenance. If you guys get a box van you don't have to do any demolition and start the build right away. You can even make it modular where you can get the stuff out and in when you need to.

[@infotoons212]

I agree and I live in a School Bus that I converted. A box truck is easier to build, taller, no leaky windows and less hassle with the law in cities.

[@fjgrg2033]

If you guys want to remove seats and demo the insulation of a bus van then I recomend that than a full diesel bus. The diesel top kick buss will be expensive. Please get a gas box van or bus van, gasoline 5.3 5.7 6.0 engine on it. Get the longest one so you guys have a lot of space. One of the avantages of a box van is that you can make it stealth and you can park in more places. Industrial parks etc. This kind of vehícle will give you issues like any other vehícle but the repairs prices will be more manageable that the full size bus. Having a school bus is like having an airplane. And ask other youtubers of why they got rid of their full size diesel bus. ⛽️

[@fjgrg2033]

also ask other youtubers if they were able to sale the bus.

[@michellem2152]

Transit ( flat nose) engine is harder to get to and the engine will make it much hotter on the inside when driving AC will never keep up. I am a school bus driver.

[@NoClocks.NoCalendars]

Awww, he's so cute sticking his little tongue out. 😊 And I'm not talking about Paco. On another note: Also, you gotta remember, busses are much wider too.

[@timrodatz1274]

Buses are awesome until maintenance. I was owner operator truck driver well the engine and tires are same size. 1 steer tire costed me $750 mounted and balanced, if you blow the engine parcel rebuild is $20,000 and full rebuild $45,000. Engine oil change maintenance $450 every 20,000 miles. Then fuel mileage diesel is not cheap. Sorry to burst a bubble. But that's true facts just saying up front so your not surprised. Detroit DD16 is what I had that's a good engine you get about 1,000,000 miles on it before it needs rebuild. Hey just keep in mind if fuel is $4.50 a gal and you got 200 gal. Fill up is $900 bucks. I use to spend $1,750 every 5 days

[@timrodatz1274]

@@Vvvvv11113 I don't know that DT but cheaper is always a good thing, but still it's costly verses a F350 F450, and Chevy. Now if I was able to work yeah id have a DT 😂 DD16 I know well

[@sigreddasparks16]

Driving a truck as a profession is totally different from driving a bus that you live in with a child. They would probably only drive about 20k miles in one whole year. So I get what you're saying but skoolie travel is entirely different from driving a truck for a living.

[@timrodatz1274]

@@sigreddasparks16 it didn't matter how long they drive, the POINT is the Cost of repairs, engine, ties, fuel injector break or bust at and God giving time. Don't be surprised what it will cost to fix. It don't matter how many people live in the bus. If it's going to happen it's going to happen. Other Point is getting the picture of Repair Cost before getting into someone you can't afford. Yeah some people work a online job Monday through Friday $15+ big difference

[@tinaeldridge3802]

OMG what a dilemma, the height, the width, the length, the engine, good grief. So much to think about The right one be it a bus or van will happen when you least expect it, but it's great fun looking Right!. I could'nt believe how strong Everly was in this video towards the end. She was trying so hard to sit up and then you held her hands and she stood up, amazing! Safe journey back to Canada. Hugs to everyone & a special Paco hug. Hugs UK. Oh yes and it would be amazing to see you in our neck of the woods.

[@FnAVanLife]

You are so right Tina - there is SO much to think about and maybe it would be better going in blind haha then we'd have probably bought one and already be building and figure out the issues later LOL Frankie would hate that!! Everly is basically already walking!!! She's so strong and amazing and we love her so much. Sending lots of love to you in the UK. xo

[@sigreddasparks16]

Love that you guys are looking at a bus! I have a medium short bus so about 24 to 25 feet long with 2 emergency doors. With a family your size from the research ive done, go with a 7 or 8 window bus, dog nose, dt466 engine and allison md3060 transmission. If you can find that, you'll be good and the maintainace won't be bad at all. I think it would be fun for a bus build to be on the channel as long as you guys could take a break from everything to recharge then be ready and in the right mindset to tackle a bus build. It'll be unlike anything you've done before lol

[@sigreddasparks16]

@greenranger-cv9rr that's the one I have on my bus!! With an MBE 924 4.3L, 4 cylinder. She's a beast lol 😊😊

[@FnAVanLife]

Thank you so much for all the info!! It's defintiely stressful to try and find the right vehicle especially with something like a bus!!! Sounds like you found the perfect one!!!! Can we have it?? Lol kidding!!!!

[@TeutonicNordwind]

You homeys have got a lot on your plate! Pending bus buy is exciting stuff. And as usual, little Everly gets cuter by the day 😊

[@MrDoodlebug68018]

What thought you guys just went back to Canada, must of recorded this before you left. Will be fun to watch you build out a bus for your family. Good luck with the hunt! ❤

[@FnAVanLife]

Bingo this video was in the making on the way to Canada. Two of the rigs we stopped to see were on the way north.

[@lisavansinclair2335]

@@FnAVanLife what province?

[@shorteelan]

Buses are awesome, but the cost of gas and repairs are for the rich. Great if you don’t travel much though! If you have the cash, I’d love to see y’all rent different rigs and see what they are like. Box truck, shuttle bus, bigger rv, bus… it would be a fun journey.

[@SisterSherryDoingStuff]

It would be, for me, a really hard decision. Keep looking!

[@IllMakeItWork]

I found you guys, have been binge watching you. I love how funny you guys are. Then I seen the last title and started doubting myself in the middle of my build. An after working on it all day and seeing this I'm so happy you wasn't meaning giving up the van life ❤

[@brandymcgrath9386]

This is my first time watching your videos. I’m hooked. You two are hilarious and love seeing you all together as a family. Looking forward to watching some of your past adventures now. ❤❤❤

[@FnAVanLife]

Thanks for joining us. We have done a lot over the past 4 years. Traveled as far north as Alaska, and last year, we drove all through Mexico and Central America. Really fun adventures. Looking forward to seeing your comments, Brandy 😀 . Thanks again 🥰

[@chrisp7652]

I just spent the weeks in Tallahassee at my Aunts ice cream shop (Bruster’s stop by) and she commented that every job I worked on needed thee other things fixed first and took three times longer to fix. So, you are not alone!

[@amielawhorn3537]

You could put in a floating floor and make storage underneath.. It has more headroom but who needs all that space above them? Just a thought

[@Tam.I.am.]

Baby growls!

[@FnAVanLife]

Hahah too cute!!

[@jennifermedrano7918]

Goes to show... never ever jump on the first sale you come across!!! Best wishes to your family ❤

[@FnAVanLife]

Totally!!! I'm defintiely a sucker for wanting to just go for it. Frankie is more pragmatic lol

[@michigancarols.6385]

I think you are crazy for wanting to do another build!

[@staciw4979]

Hey guys, my ex and I had bought a 30ft that was perfect size and we were working on getting it converted but things happened and we couldn't continue the build but 30ft is honestly a great size and that from bumper to bumper. Good luck!

[@NitrosMom074]

Whatever you get, I will love watching you guys build it out. I hope you get something big, only because you deserve to be able to stretch out a bit and call it home.

[@bekimoore8761]

Very excited to see what is next for all of you. Glad you are keeping Sunny at this time. Good idea!

[@mstikdragon2736]

Looking forward to you guys, van built series.

[@HoltKid171]

Caution buying I believe if it has air break of any kind you need a different license in Ontario

[@TheCanadianBubba]

That last bus sounded to crank just fine, anything that is running when you get there is very suspicious, anything in that scenario that will not start again after being shut off is a dire warning.

[@backpackingJas]

Great video, looks like a good space to transform into a home on wheels, I’m pretty sure you know already but a few files were corrupted, just so you know, Paco was feeling at home on the second 😂😂🎉

[@FnAVanLife]

Thank you, yea. We have to delete a clip from our computer for some reason. Premiere pro can't find it and forces it to be offline when rendering, which is weird cause the clip is located on our hard drive. Regardless, thank you. 😊

[@backpackingJas]

@@FnAVanLife maybe you can add the clip in the edit of the uploaded video, I don’t know if is possible 😁

[@gertie_a.van.degroot]

Decisions, decisions, decisions…..that’s what she said. 😇🤪

[@jordangloss]

Enjoy you guys so much! Happy bus hunting!

[@vanlifeeh585]

Should ask Jimmy and Natalie about bus life. Does air brakes make travel more difficult for steep hills?

[@FnAVanLife]

We've seen a lot of creators go through the bus life shuffle... we'll see!

[@seanmcarthur3168]

I think what the last person said is a great idea get a box van with a pass through

[@FnAVanLife]

I do love that idea!!

[@Gonenomading]

Great choice for a bus. I love those mid sized ones with short wheel bases. They turn tighter than the vans you've been in so far. Don't sweat the starting troubles not uncommon for new batteries and some mechanical work up front. Do that first, request maint records if it was a school bus and you'll be good

[@FnAVanLife]

Definitely want to make sure the mechanics are 100% before building our house in it!!

[@JohnWCR]

You 2 or may I say 3 now are always changing. Love it. I drive a bus haha

[@FnAVanLife]

Nice!!! We should be calling you for tips!! And yes, always changing, everyday it seems!! Lol

[@jeanlujan6129]

That’s like the huge rvs Don’t need a specialty license to drive it does break big monstrous RVs scary right some of them are the size of a semi look like a semi but you don’t need a semi drivers license to drive it because it’s technically an RV

[@FnAVanLife]

I know it's so wild!!! I feel like I want training hahha 😆 meanwhile Frankie is like, no problem, let's go!

[@sharonoldham4374]

I like the looks of the flat front Blue Bird bus. It's going to be a hard choice. Good luck !😊

[@denabutz4559]

That's one I could use

[@FnAVanLife]

Us too!!!

[@diannerobinson7150]

there is a bunch right down the road from me here in okla out in an open field ...last time i saw a price one of them was 6.000 i think...been a while

[@plants4thewin]

Im excited...and I would never get a bus...but Im excited. LOL

[@tonialorick9884]

I can’t wait to see which one you guys pick and watching it get converted into a home

[@Bellasafari]

So far, I like the last one- with a bagging deal made on it! 🎉Bon chance🎉

[@tommyamaya4254]

Good luck guys on the bus purchase

[@jimc5624]

When you get a bus won't really change your mpg when towing a car

[@FnAVanLife]

wild!

[@tammymahon5571]

I think you should look at a truck you know the box style.

[@lisamillard1272]

I knew you guy's were gonna need larger quarters, id keep looking for one similar to first with the handicap hoist, i think that is very useful.. Guys are gonna build another beautiful dwelling ❤❤❤ can't wait see.. oh yeah question u have home in Canada or family.

[@QueenBee2018gail]

And it’s a bluebird that’s cool

[@raghnor2614]

It’s not just the DPF to keep an eye out for, the EGR is the real engine killer. Pretty much anything 04 or newer will give you issues eventually unless you remove those components.

[@raghnor2614]

@@Vvvvv11113 even if diesels are emissions exempt in the state, federal police can be dicks and inspect. Sad world we live in currently. EPA needs to be abolished. The “new” interpretation of the clean air act is a total violation. EGR, DPF, PCV recirc is total bull. Takes an engine capable of 250k+ and basically guarantees major overhauls/repairs at 100k

[@Tammy121111]

😮 DON'T RUSH INTO ANYTHING IF YOU DON'T HAVES TO !

[@FnAVanLife]

We aren't in a rush. We never are in a rush, actually lol

[@Tammy121111]

@@FnAVanLife , WE WERE KINDA IN A RUSH WHEN WE HAD DOWNSIZED EVERYTHING & MOVED INTO THIS PLACE AND WE DIDN'T THINK THINGS THRU , IT'S A REALLY NICE PLACE THAT WE HAVES BUT, IT'S TO FAR AWAY FROM WHERE WE WERE BUT, I WISHED THATS I COULD MOVE THIS PLACE IN THE AREA THAT WE NEEDS TO BE IN BUT, THIS TIME WE'RE NOT IN A HURRY ! LOL

[@karrelbuck]

You’re in Tampa? Stop by. I thought you were back in Canada

[@FnAVanLife]

We are in Canada. We just started this video in Florida. Didn't finish until we made it back to Canada.

[@pllennox]

💜💜💜

[@FnAVanLife]

So much love!!!

[@infotoons212]

That wasn't an alternator problem. The engine was turning over fine when you tried to start it, would have been lugging if it was an alternator/battery problem. Always ask to start it cold and put your hand on the engine to make sure it's cold before you start it. If it's running when you get there, walk away. If you think it's "The One", hire a mechanic to come out and look it over and check the fluids. It will save you money in the long run. I would not buy any of the buses you showed here. I got burned on my bus. As a result I've become a decent 7.3 Power Stroke mechanic but that wasn't the goal lol.

[@FnAVanLife]

Hahahaha, I love the advice and that you have become a decent 7.3 mechanic, lol. Yeah, we didn't buy any of them, but the size of the one that didn't start the 3rd time was perfect for us. 😊🙃 Now we are back to the drawing board.

[@Tammy121111]

TAKE YOUR TIME AND DON'T RUSH INTO ANYTHING !

[@infotoons212]

@@FnAVanLife I sent you an email with a Facebook Marketplace link. I don't know where you are right now but if I was in the market for a bus I would be looking at this one. It might be a unicorn.

[@infotoons212]

@@Tammy121111 1000% Especially when you own a working, livable rig.

[@nomadbrad503]

BUS LIFE! but a box truck will gert you 7' ceilings 😎

[@FnAVanLife]

hahaha you're not wrong! Now if only we could find one as nice as yours!!!

[@lightdark00]

FeA vehicle menagerie life!

[@FnAVanLife]

All vehicles.... all the times lol

[@user-nw7yl7dj7l]

I so want to retire and live in a conversion van, bus, or whatever I can afford. It is just so expensive.

[@FnAVanLife]

Yeah it's hard to find the right rig set up for the right price. You have to figure out what you can afford and find something in that range. We're trying to figure out the same thing for ourselves at the moment!

[@daveallison1888]

If you live in canada you will have to import it to canada

[@Laura1221]

Did I miss something? I thought you guys left Florida to Canada already.

[@FnAVanLife]

During the video, we are traveling north looking at buses.

[@amielawhorn3537]

Did you guys get your current rig from Hannah?? You don’t have to answer if that’s being to nosey 😊

[@amielawhorn3537]

I walk away and the price drops when I buy a car. Lol easier than a 🚌 😊

[@debestanley3709]

I’m confused! How did u get back to Fla????? Thought u were heading to Ca

[@FnAVanLife]

We were bus shopping in the background and saved it all for one video!

[@justmike1529]

A bus is actually a truck with all the expenses of big truck maintenance and repairs. But. If you’re absolutely dead set on a bus…. Tow the camper Instead of driving it.

[@laruedouglas7972]

I thought you had to have an endorsement for airbrakes.

[@kelRGo]

What is the ROI on your current 🚌

[@FnAVanLife]

We don't know cause we have sold the sunrader.

[@FnAVanLife]

on Sunny?? We won't know till we sell her!

[@susanlewis1875]

I'd look for people who have already converted buses and ask what their experiences were. But I'm way past your search days, so..... Good luck!

[@CANADIANWARRIOR-il6rt]

You think the alternator isnt charging??? Please do not attempt any mechanical repairs yourself.

[@FnAVanLife]

Naw, I think it's much more than that. But the alternator was somewhere to start for them. The voltage on the battery after driving it was low, which in turn the alternator while driving is supposed to charge the battery. I was told both batteries are new and just installed that morning. That might have been a lie from the bus owner. But I don't know due to the fact I didn't have the tools to troubleshoot.

[@CANADIANWARRIOR-il6rt]

@@FnAVanLife What I was getting at is... while turning the key to start, the engine was cranking over very fast, way more than enough battery power to get it started. A dead batter WILL NOT crank over an engine fast, if at all.

[@tnllifeunedited9165]

🤠👍

[@barbrabrurrier7548]

3 extra feet is not much different than what you have already

[@FnAVanLife]

But I promise you we would make it way more with how we will build it.

[@FnAVanLife]

Fun fact our last van was smaller than this one, but we could fit 2x more stiff due to storage.

[@zepptar]

Seems like what I’ve seen here on KZbin, buses are money traps.

[@FnAVanLife]

ugh I know. When something goes wrong......

[@theglobalvanevent9191]

Do not buy the CAT C7 ARD motor. The most unreliable and expensive engine to repair in a Class 6-7 vehicle.

[@FnAVanLife]

Yeah we are staying far away from that c7. We are looking for a 444, 466 or a Cummings.

[@jwlindem1]

Just buy an RV.

[@robinfrancis8511]

Why do you always drive with the dog in your lap? Isn't that dangerous?

[@FnAVanLife]

He's been sitting on my lap for 4 years now. The only time it is dangerous is if we get into an accident. But if we get into an accident in an RV, that might be the least of our worry. Rvs are extremely dangerous in general they aren't crash tested that normal cars. Many things in life are dangerous, yet we do still do them. It is all about being safe and knowing how to do things. Right now, I'm removed old deck boards over 10 feet up, which is very dangerous, but here I am taking precautions when I can and understanding the task at hand. I feel weird with him not being on my lap while driving at this point. 😅

[@kelRGo]

Seems over priced

[@FnAVanLife]

agreed

[@simonefire]

Could she be teething? Re: fussiness

[@FnAVanLife]

Yes she's defintiely going some movement going on in there. She has her teo bottom teeth (so cute!!!) And now it looks like a top one wants to pop through. Crazy this whole process!!

[@Tammy121111]

LOL YOU NEEDS A SMALL LADDER

[@FnAVanLife]

Hahaha I know right?!?!

[@daveallison1888]

Mercedes motors and maxforce engine are junk !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@warmbreeze43]

Don't buy a bus

[@mylibertyvan5650]

Hey, so excited you are thinking about building out a van. 😎🚐🥾

[@FnAVanLife]

Maybe!! We've already built 2 so what's 1 more?! lol