BREAKING DOWN ABROAD...CAN WE SALVAGE THIS TRIP? VAN LIFE EUROPE

With the highs of full-time vanlife, come the lows...and this means breakdowns and campervan problems that can turn your life and home upside down. Which is especially interesting when you're in a foreign country with language barriers in the way. Fun and games! This week, our van has three specific leaks that need dealing with as we navigate garages, missing parts and waiting around in limbo, reflecting on the fragility of vanlife and how everything can change in this life in a moment. More importantly, though, do we manage to get Daisy fixed?!
#vanlifegermany #vwcamper #breakdown
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Thank you for watching and for all your support!
Dan & Stephen

[@madcow5833]

The algorithm recommended me your Sweden video and I am so glad it did. I am away from my missus and you guys have a chemistry together that reminds me of how great life can be when you are with the person you are meant to. I am glad you were able to get Daisy fixed and looking forward to seeing what mischief you guys are up to in the future!

[@comealongdear]

Ahh, thank you, and we're pleased you found us via the Sweden video and have liked what you've seen so far ❤️🙏 We certainly have our off moments, but we make it work...just about 😂 I hope you are reunited with your missus soon 💖

[@os2musicuk203]

So glad you got Daisy sorted.

[@comealongdear]

Thank you 😊

[@peterwhite9261]

Hi, guys. I am Peter, new here! I hope Daisy is good now, too. I am retired RN. We live in Surrey BC. I am from Labrador, and my hubby of 25 years ( Pat) is from Chile. Nice to meet you, guys. I'm looking forward to more videos. Nice haircuts. Thanks for the tours.

[@comealongdear]

Hi Peter, welcome aboard! 😍 Labrador is an interesting town name! I take it BC is British Columbia? We're pleased you like the videos and hope you enjoy what's to come. Thank you for the haircut compliment, and congrats for 25 years together ❤️

[@Lindsay.k3492]

Oh , I’m so pleased everything has worked out with daisy! Another great vlog dan & steve! Sending love xxx

[@comealongdear]

Thank you Lindsay! It was a mission but we got there in the end 🙏❤️

[@PaulLancsUK]

Really felt for you guys this week. Could see your pain. Must have been so annoying it didn’t come in time. Suits you both with a buzz cut. Really happy for you that all worked out and daisy is singing again 🎉

[@comealongdear]

Cheers Paul, it's just the ups and downs of vanlife, well any life really! Luckily we had some good times straight after this which hopefully you'll see in the next couple of videos. And thank you for the haircut compliment- it's so practical too! 😍❤️

[@PaulLancsUK]

@@comealongdear You're welcome, my two favourite guys on KZbin. Really looking forward to your future videos. I'm sure its a big task doing videos every week for us. I'm sure we wouldn't mind if you needed to have a break every now and then. 💤☺

[@JimmyCall]

Great to hear the van has got attention. Before you leave Germany you have to get Steven in leidenhausen.

[@comealongdear]

Haha good idea, I like the sound of that 😉😍

[@findingxanadulife]

Well we both were trying to work out what the wooden building was at the viewpoint. I, Darren, was just shouting random words, but Alison just went with Bandstand. And everyone thinks I'm the one that gives everything the wrong name. Great news on Daisy, must be stressful not knowing if there is a solution, especially as it's a permanent lifestyle for you guys. We have often thought what if Percie goes wrong, our vans are more than just vehicles, they're our homes. Well you can continue exploring now, much love Darren & Alison 🤟♥️

[@comealongdear]

Thank you guys, the happiness and relief after this felt so good, and even better, our favourite parts of Germany on this trip immediately followed, so it all lead to a very positive ending 😁 It is indeed very stressful when it's your lifestyle. Apart from that, she needs so much cosmetic work at the moment bless her, we are going to have to get a hold on that soon but it's just of question of when/where 🤷‍♂️ Safe travels both, we have some vlog catching up to do! ❤️🤟

[@PeterSeabrook805]

I spent the time you were giving us information about the local area laughing at Steven's infectious enthusiasm lol. Me and him are very similar creatures and if we were any more laid back we'd be dead. It was a lovely area to be stranded and I'm so glad everything is shaven and sorted with the van. Its got pi$$ in it 😂😂😂

[@comealongdear]

The boundless energy and enthusiasm of Stephen truly has no limits. He oozes excitement and positivity from every pore, I can barely keep up with it. His so-laid-back-he-could-be-in-a-coma attitude is actually admirable for me and something I frequently try (and mostly fail) to apply to myself, but in some ways the polar opposite manner we have is probably vital: 2 of either of us together would surely be the death of any of this working 😂 And thank you, shaved heads, plugged up van, all is good! And if there was pi$$, we didn't taste it, so who cares I guess 😂

[@dihowardwood1067]

There is a bird stuck in the air vent of the toilet 😮

[@comealongdear]

Oh god it all makes sense now 😲

[@JonTanOsb]

I'm glad you got that lot sorted. So much stress for a few bits and bobs. Necessary ones, though! When you mentioned the VW garage, I said, "Yes, take her there!" I'm glad Stephen thought so, too. I'll bet the mechanics got a laugh with the cork plug. It's a wonder they didn't want to fix that. Baby wipes are great for in-between showers and available in most grocery shops. Have you thought about peel and stick tiles for your kitchenette backsplash? That could cover your scratched up bit beside the stove, too. Take care and I hope you find several nice free layovers after the one with the shower. :) Jon in rural BC, Canada

[@comealongdear]

Hi Jon, I'm so pleased Stephen suggested the VW garage it made life so much easier and would've been better had we gone straight there in hindsight. I'm sure there were a few raised eyebrows at many Daisy related things, the cork probably very high on that long list 😂 We've definitely considered stick on tiles, it's just been a case of getting around to it, but that's absolutely procrastination on our part! 🙈 Thanks Jon ❤️

[@garethroberts68]

Bleedin hell, three leaks?? Well things do happen in three's as they say. Glad it's all sorted. All the best lads.

[@comealongdear]

Cheers Gareth, yeah 3 made us think the worst. Still a bit worried why those three things would happen at once but so far it's been okay 🤞

[@gaiuscoleman8815]

So, congrats on a good-going motorhome again, so you can relax a fair bit. Another good video. Thanx.

[@comealongdear]

Thank you, we were so relieved to be back on the road again! The trip was saved 🙏❤️

[@tomcat7525]

Bloody saga, I'm sure after a nice shower you will feel refreshed and energised, and smell nicer too. That Daisy is such a dingaling, fluids leaking from every orifice but she is doing her best. Happy motoring from here on. Well we hope so. 🤪

[@comealongdear]

Thank you Mr tomcat, damn a shower was a long time coming in this instance 🙈 All the fun of the fair however and now Daisy's had her leaks plugged, maybe with another 3 prosecco corks for all we know. Maybe we should patent that idea. Back to adventuring next week and what pretty sights we have to show you 😍

[@groundhog1143]

yeah totally understand guys I've had to leave my van and dreams as the guy who was fixing my van and building it has sadly passed away 😢😢

[@comealongdear]

Oh no I'm sorry to hear that 😞 How sad for that to happen, was it sudden? And is there anyone else who could take on the project in future? Sadly we are no van-build experts but there is a great community out there so it might be worth reaching out and see if it's still possible, I understand if that's not possible though. Hope you're doing okay ❤️

[@cidercik]

There isn't a better place for a VW to break down than Germany!

[@comealongdear]

You'd certainly think so! ❤️

[@gaiuscoleman8815]

Do you have fully-comprehensive insurance on your van and have fully comprehensive breakdown insurance, especially because, as you say, it's your life? One positive thing I will say about your escapades is you put on some great music to accompany your vid feeds 💌

[@comealongdear]

Hello, yes we do have full insurance, it was just the trouble of trying to get the problems fixed in a foreign country that made it more difficult. Not to mention the worry of the van not being usable etc. Thank you for the music compliment that's very kind of you 😍❤️

[@motorhomediscoveries]

Hi guys So glad you got sorted in the end such a worry, but Germany was the best place for a VW to break down 👍great vlog and stay safe ❤xxx

[@comealongdear]

Thank you both, yes we were in very good hands. Amazing how friendly and helpful they were too given we couldn't speak the language! 🙏❤️

[@user-fj2cq1mt4z]

Hi guys hope your both well ?? Love the videos keep them coming 😊😊

[@comealongdear]

Hello, thank you we are doing fine after Daisy's little upset and had a good time after this. Glad you're enjoying our videos, appreciate it 👍 ❤️

[@susanadam6094]

I knew she would be ok it's Daisy after all ❤ Never minds lacy bits Daisy had leaky bits 😂 All is good with the world now love ya ❤❤❤❤❤

[@comealongdear]

Thank you, she is a trooper and we love her ever so slightly rusty bones ❤️

[@RVTIRED]

I just love your videos. You sound like you're having so much fun. I just waiting for someone to buy my house and then I can start my own van adventures. Maybe someday I'll make it over to Europe and check out some of the places you've shown us. Keep having fun and thanks for sharing.

[@comealongdear]

Hello, that's so exciting for you to be heading on some van adventures in the near future hopefully 😀 I hope everything works out for you 🤞❤️ And thank you so much, we're pleased you've enjoyed the videos and it's helped inspire you in some way 😍

[@GuinevereKnight]

So relieved to see Daisy getting the care she needed, and is now in recovery, or maybe even perfect health. You are all so sweet and lovely, Dan, Stephen and Daisy, in your very own quirky ways. Happy that the trio is still going strong! Safe and happy travels! ❤🥰🌷

[@comealongdear]

Thank you very much for your lovely words of support that's so nice to read ❤️ Daisy might need some tlc, but mechanically she's always been very sound so this was certainly a big worry. But we march on and hopefully she's back to full health❤️🤞

[@stefordlucky6056]

The moral of the story: Don't drive too far if you are not a mechanic or a millionaire🥴

[@comealongdear]

But only abroad, because this only seems to happen when you're not in your own country 😂🤦‍♂️

[@gaiuscoleman8815]

Yeah, that's what I do with my hair and especially since Lockdown - started losing mine at age 21 or so and it's mostly grey as well.

[@comealongdear]

It's so much easier this way! One less thing to think about in life can't be a bad thing..

[@gaiuscoleman8815]

Glad you're keeping fit and moving. That's what I have to do and about to go up a gear by going back to using stationary bike and some weights and, wait for it ... a fasting day/week.

[@comealongdear]

I think the exercises have somewhat slipped for the both of us on this trip but it always goes like this in swings and roundabouts. Well done on your workout routine and especially fasting! We've tried it before and I can definitely see how it's beneficial ❤️

[@AbsolutePernilla]

Better lacey bit than lacey bint. New nicknames for the week ought to be Cogney and Lacey... I'm sure you'll get proper help from the German garages. Germans are pretty direct, helpful and honest, to be honest. Fingers crossed for you. Cheers from the middle of Skåne, Sweden.

[@comealongdear]

Hello, I think you might be right, though lacey bint did make me laugh, I doubt Barbara in the town would've liked it much 😉 Yes you're right about German garages! In all instances incredibly helpful and clear, the last VW garage was especially amazing! 🙏❤️

[@know-your-worth7641]

I am sending nothing but good vibes to you. Both ✨️ stress is not nice, so sorry, it's hard to keep happy when life is throwing negativity at you guys AMAZON. Oh i gave up on them theifing app Sorry you dont need to hear that Yayyy for getting daisy pulled into somewere Were your stress can ease a little ( hows your bites stevie ) Bitetie (laughed so hard sorry bless him Take care you wonderful couple❤

[@comealongdear]

Thank you for your positivity and warmth, it's not much fun living in a van when that happens but that's the trade off! We've still had a blast on this trip and it got better after this 😀❤️ The bitey things loved Steve from start to finish on this trip 🙈

[@chrissycanvasart]

How frustrating 😢waiting 4 parts.i feel for you both. Its my worst nightmare breaking down expecially abroad. Xx

[@comealongdear]

Thanks Chrissy, luckily we got through it but there were a few days our heads went into doom-mode wondering where this was going. Just grateful the costs and damage weren't too great. Navigating all this with the language barrier was certainly interesting 🙈😂

[@chrissycanvasart]

@@comealongdear glad all OK 💙💙

[@Quandaria]

Hi Guys, dont mention Amazon, i used to love it, but im well and truly over it now the number of times i recieve a it was left with the resident isnt true, its frustrating and causes a lot of anxiety, i hope your trip gets better from here on, if my vehicle got a problem i can assure you it would be a citroen garage or an independent, chain garages can be great but they will get paid whether you get satisfaction or not. Lovely to see your cooking it gives me ideas for my own attempts, im not usually allowed in the kitchen its his domain!

[@comealongdear]

Hello, thank you, we definitely picked the right garage in the end! VW were fantastic and of course it made sense being our van make too. That's very frustrating with amazon, I think sometimes it feels like a company that's so big and vast that things often end up missing. Haha well good luck with your cooking attempts, can't you sneak in there to try something when he's out maybe? 😂 Thanks again ❤️

[@jplay1i973]

It has been tough, but things got repaired again. Let's hope this will be it for now! Good video lads!

[@comealongdear]

Thank you very much 😊 It seems to be a rite of passage in a van that should you take a long trip abroad, you must go through the trials of a breakdown 😂 But we completed the challenge (again) and all is now well 😍❤️

[@jimmyconnolly3461]

Fabulous episode as always. When filming yourself walking, do you ever forget to go back and get the camera? I’m pretty sure I would forget. 😉❤️🥂xxx

[@comealongdear]

Thank you as ever ❤️ Haha not yet, but I do try to make passive-aggressive comments along the lines of "I'LL go pick it up then, again, shall I, Steve?" 🤪 Strangely enough, that doesn't encourage him to go and get it 😂 Mind you, nothing does. I feel like I could make a montage of going back to pick up the camera moments as it does feel absurd sometimes, and I wonder why the buggery we're doing it, it probably doubles the length of a normal walk 😂

[@jimmyconnolly3461]

@@comealongdear I’d be crap at vlogging. I’d refuse to do this nonsense. I watch a couple in the south of France. Me and mon ami. One of them wears glasses that records everything. 😂❤️

[@comealongdear]

@@jimmyconnolly3461 honestly, to pretend it's not a chore much of the time in terms of positioning the camera etc, would be a total lie 😂 It's just nice to put something together at the end of it, but christ, the effort to get there, never mind trying to get Steve to film or feature in anything...🤦‍♂️😂 The glasses sound like a fabulous idea to solve some issues! Though bloody hell, they must have tons of leftover footage...

[@jimmyconnolly3461]

@@comealongdear get the glasses and make Steve wear them. 😉😂❤️🥂

[@annealognon7262]

Hi guys sorry you have faced frustrations. I recently had to put my van in for head gasket, then I broke my hip so I lost my home job by 4/6/24, I am having to live on the streets with no funds still waiting on my home being fixed 3 months on totally frustrating and an emotional rollercoaster but mechanics don't understand it, my whole life like yours on hold as soon as I get it back I am leaving the area I am at at present as no help is forth coming and I am 65 years old. Shame on the UK but I refuse to conform to what they want you to do live in concrete and pay extortionate bills. All the best xx

[@comealongdear]

Oh god I'm so sorry for you having to go through all of that 😧 What a horrible sequence of events and it does hammer home the fragility of being in a van sometimes 😟 Do you have family you could possibly stay with until it's sorted? I hope despite all this your fortunes soon improve and the van eventually gets fixed. I wish I could suggest something more helpful 😟 Best of luck to you and here's to better times ahead eventually 🙏❤️

[@annealognon7262]

Unfortunately no family and friends can't or don't want to help. Hoping the van is back soon. Happy adventures for you.

[@comealongdear]

Wishing you all the luck in the world for you and your van ❤️

[@robertrauter8459]

ooo you couple of noobs.....never give up please.....I love your vlogs ups and downs and all that.....I wish to accualy meet you down the road sometimes....untill then push through and smille for the camera you look great........😆😆😆♥♥

[@comealongdear]

Thank you Robert! We will stumble on haplessly in our own way wherever that takes us 😁 Hopefully one day we can explore your country properly too ❤️

[@lindawilliams9635]

Another great video, I rub chilli sauce on my bites it takes away the itch I’m sure a fresh chilli 🌶️ would work as well xx

[@comealongdear]

Hi Linda, my god we have never heard of that one! 😲 That really works? It sounds painful but I'm 100% wanting to try that now! We always have chillis on the go in the van 😀

[@lindawilliams9635]

@@comealongdearit has to be the hot chilli sauce not the sweet one or use a real chilli 🌶️ love you guys xx

[@comealongdear]

It's a great idea, we have hot chillis so that should work. Thanks Linda 😍❤️

[@daseteam]

Tip: Germany has scrapyards where all the parts are sorted. SCHROTTPLATZ

[@comealongdear]

Ah thank you for that, good to know! 😍

[@jackjack3902]

Hi what did the VW garage charge you got the work you didn't say in the video ? Thanks

[@comealongdear]

Hello, sorry we forgot to mention that. It was about 170 Euros, so really nowhere near as bad as it could have been! This was on top of the 250 though that we paid the ATU garage for fixing the initial oil leak. Really just grateful it wasn't into thousands and the fixes seemed relatively simple...🙏

[@MotorhomeMums]

I have a MacBook Air looking for a new home. Do you want it? Yours for a beer. 🍻

[@comealongdear]

Hi ladies, wow thank you so much that is a very generous offer ❤️🙏 We still can't work out if it's our laptops or the software, probably the former. That said, things seem to have improved a bit recently so perhaps it is the software after all 🤦‍♂️Still, we would definitely be interested but we'd have to give you more than a beer for it of course! Did you use to use it for video editing? Xx

[@melvinharris2404]

Were do you get you’re income from fuel food repairs etc

[@comealongdear]

Hello, we work and that's how we pay for our travels etc.

[@gaiuscoleman8815]

Have just helped you out a bit. But is this 'Buy Me a Coffee' just doing that, or is it helping you out financially?

[@comealongdear]

Thank you so much for that, that's incredibly kind of you and we're very grateful for any support of the channel ❤️ The reason we have it there is because so many people asked us and wanted to help the channel. We were reluctant at first, but since some people wanted to, which was lovely, we made it an optional thing that will help us along the way. No pressure or obligation at all. Naturally, it won't go to an actual coffee (I'm not entirely sure why they call it that!) but more to support Daisy and help keep her on the road, or towards some of the costs we have in terms of making videos (e.g the software used etc). Thank you again it's very much appreciated 🙏❤️

[@scottpaterson1349]

big guy. what a strange voice you've got... had to switch off pronto

[@comealongdear]

Well please kindly stay switched off our channel if you're going to leave unnecessary personal comments like that