VANLIFE DAY 1:transmission exploded, stranded at 10,000 ft, Hitchhiking with a stranger. Is it over?

[@ethantravels]

Hey guys! Feel free to check out my OF! Find me at EthanTravels :)

[@chrisf6037]

Oh i need a roommate ha. But yea md is pretty close to me. I wish you had hit me up so I could see your new rig and show you around nc and do the beach ha.

[@clemsonbloke]

You didn't keep your other RV/Camper/Truck that you used to have? This one looks different.

[@clemsonbloke]

BTW, were you in scouts? I am Eagle Scout is why I asked. Best!

[@robertnovoa341]

Is there a free online security by any chance😮? I'm student on a budget

[@noahark3810]

jesus loves you

[@donaldfinch1411]

The despair in your voice when everything upended in your shower made me tear up, not gonna lie.

[@larrytalbott700]

That shot of the night sky through the trees is truly artistic! Kudos, Ethan!

[@hithere1590]

Yes Kudos. 🙄

[@markbailey162]

Ethan, I am so amazed by how you roll with the punches. You turn lemons into lemonade. I don’t know how to say it better. You are amazing!!!!

[@Gryphonisle]

As a local coffee house puts it: When life hands you lemons, make orange juice and let everybody wonder how you did it.

[@jeremiahallyn4603]

It's like America welcomed you back with some bad luck. That sucks Ethan. But at least you found some really nice people that helped you out. Stay safe on your travels 🫶🙂

[@roymartinez4862]

I'm glad your not traveling alone

[@nshvlcat]

You are undoubtedly the most resilient & even tempered person I have ever seen. I am so glad you are back in the US.

[@brandonj7440]

I really admire you’re attitude to adapting and overcoming. Most people your age nowadays would quit and call mommy the first time something didn’t go right

[@craigadams4143]

I would have opted for the laundry mat. When you were at the park I thought of Millie and missed her being with you.😢

[@alynam82]

He said "like you're gonna stick it in 'your A' " 😄😄 That got a laugh out loud from me Glad you made it thru!

[@douglasjensen8986]

You never cease to amaze me how you are so adaptive and resourceful, and gracefully handle so many trials and tribulations. Great video!

[@ultimatefoodgeek]

Poor guy! I was in Ouray and Montrose with some RV KZbin buddies when you were stuck. We could have at least taken you guys for some hiking adventures to pass the time! Sorry our pads didn't cross. Happy trails from a fellow KZbinr!

[@_John_Tyree_]

🤣🤣🤣16:50 The "new" camper looks really cozy! 👌 ❤

[@wolfguardian8312]

at 12:45 min into the vid....that experience you had made me cry....put such a feeling of pity through me that touched my soul

[@billspooks]

I always love to see Ethan Lusby traveling. You are my Hero, Ethan.

[@counsellour]

Now that you are restarting the van life, this might be a good time for those of us who missed the beginnings of your journeys if you ever told the story of who you were just before all of this started and how you came to choose this life of adventure?

[@mikephalen3162]

I lived in Silverton for a year. US 550 is the most avalanche-prone stretch of highway in the continental U.S. We were snowbound for a week once in 1991. To do any serious grocery shopping, I had to drive south to Durango (50 miles) or north to Montrose (60 miles). There were dangerous passes in either direction. At one point between Silverton and Durango, you could see the remains of an RV a hundred feet below the road. I bet that RV is still there. Believe it or not, my vehicle was a 1980 Datsun 510. I had to drive this lightweight car in all kinds of conditions. Best of luck to you.

[@tselliot9762]

Of course you packed a bag with a couple outfits! Represent Ethan! I know this turns out ok so I'm glad you're well.

[@delllall4563]

Ethan you are just an amazing awesome young man. Whatever adversity you face ,you deal with it with confidence. Lots of love x

[@RonaldCorrao]

Welcome back to the states, Ethan. We missed you.

[@malcolmschenot6352]

I love your honest and unvarnished take on whatever you're doing and wherever you are. I've been watching van life videos for years and this video is one of the most representative of what people have to deal with off-camera. I like watching van life videos; I have zero desire to do it myself. Good luck Ethan, and remember it's you and your take on things that make you interesting.

[@justkelly6992]

I used to hitch hike all over the West starting at age 11. I logged thousands of miles and never met a serial killer. I did have one problem once but bailed at a stop sign. Other than that I had a great time and met a load of truly great people. Sometimes the scuffiest can be the kindest and the best dressed the most dangerous. You buy your ticket, you take your chances. Love your videos.

[@EricBrushaber-x9p]

I give you credit for your ability to conquer every issue

[@chad4503]

Let's all agree to handle problems in our lives like Ethan, shall we? Like we tend to fReAk OuT at every little (or big) thing that goes wrong and (a) it never helps the situation and (b) we miss out on personal growth. Rest assured I'm preaching to myself first on this one!

[@kaimauracher6758]

the best thing is that you are not alone wherever you are 😊 but I fully understand that this is not the way you're journey was planned

[@richardjohnston1672]

Glad you are back in the USA! Stay safe!

[@BrazilSuperfruit]

OMG Ethan, I was on that same highway - Hwy 550 (million dollar highway) in January and I pulled my jeep over on the shoulder to take a photo of the snowcapped mountains. The jeep started tipping over to the right. Found out there is no shoulder and they don't put guardrails so the plows can push snow over the edge. My jeep was teetering over the edge of the cliff. Jumped out of the jeep, waited for 10 minutes for another vehicle. A kid in a pickup from Durango stopped, hooked up a cable, and pulled me back up on the highway. Tipped him $40 and was on my way to Silverton. I love your travel videos - you are awesome 😃

[@Daniel-xd1ig]

An angel helped you. Has happened to me a coupla times. A lot of people are SOBs but a lot are angels.

[@davehnh]

So nice to watch you out on the road and living a normal life. Unfortunate for you breaking down. Also was missing seeing you shirtless and wow you gave us a 1 second treat of you gorgeous body. Keep it up

[@trellaine201]

Omg I always think your alone. I would be freaked out alone in the middle of nowhere. Glad someone is with you!

[@kevkev5935]

That cliff drop shot is terrifying. Hopefully you get your rig fixed soon.

[@rickhager7978]

Glad you're back in America. This country is so beautiful. I love your rig. I have a 2000 Ford Excursion with 7.3 liter diesel. The good news it's got 458,000 miles. The bad news, is I'm on transmission # 3.

[@WarrenGregson]

Ford is found on road dead or fix or repair daily lol

[@ericgen1231]

James, you are so inspiring with your constant resilience and positivity in the face of so many obstacles. I'm sure you have done your fair share of crying behind the scenes and that is understandable. You say you want to show us beautiful places but, wherever you go, you're IT! Oh, and I'm glad that your cuddle bear didn't get soaked in urine! I'm looking forward to your next adventure wherever and whatever that may be! P.S. I miss Millie, but I picture her there with you in spirit as your Guardian Angel. 👼🐕☺

[@darbat]

Who's James?

[@PeterRiopel]

Ethan, the kitchen item that you thought was strainer is actually a steamer. Put it in a pot, add water, put in your pieces of vegetable, put the lid on and put it on your stove. You are doing a fabulous job.

[@krisdabaliguy6850]

I’ve had to get my van towed before and it’s never fun. Always help others when you can and it’s safe. It makes my day when I can spend even my free time helping someone with their bad day. A little help from a stranger can save some people’s life’s and future. God Bless and I’m glad people helped you with your truck

[@ColeMayes]

Oh my! 😱 This looks exactly what I think would happen to me if I had to return to living in the states after my life here in Thailand the past 20 years. 🥺 My heart goes out to you, Ethan. 🤗

[@thecarolvanpod]

Holy 💩Ethan! When things go wrong they go very wrong. Ugh. I feel you! So anxiety-provoking. And the expense! I'm always surprised how in my worst moments of van life, there have been enough good people extending small kindnesses to keep me moving forward to the solution. As well as the "silver linings". It really is good fortune that you weren't far from a town. And the shop allowed you to live in the truck and use their utilities. Two weeks. Damn! I was on my way to the San Juan mountains in Colorado last year and broke down in Buena Vista. It's not quite comparable as I only lost two days waiting for the repairs. But I was grateful for the help I received and the lucky coincidence of being very close to a garage that could take care of the minivan. It's fun to see you back in the states. That Million Dollar Highway between Ouray and Silverton is insane, right? I sure hope you had the opportunity to spend time in the area once the repairs were done. It's gorgeous there. And hey, I was in that very same park in Montrose watching people practice surfing in the river! Can't wait for your next video.Your sense of humor makes me laugh so hard. You did a great job documenting your experience. And that starry night sky - what a view!

[@SteveChambers]

I just had a day where everything seemed to go wrong. Feel a lot better about it now.

[@S2minute]

Netflix?!? You poor child

[@mattg8369]

I just discovered your channel this evening, and you are truly inspiring. laid back, fun-loving, and have a 'eh, I'll figure it out' attitude. Keep up the great posts!

[@timr6603]

Glad things worked out for you! Glad you're back in the U.S.

[@Lylo-mj8ek]

Just glad your still with us.. Much Love and Respect ❤️

[@nigelbond4056]

Awww Ethan, that’s such bad luck. But the interior of your van looks amazing, a real home from home. As always, your video is brilliant, funny and informative. Sending you positive vibes and best wishes ❤️

[@619Bob]

Hi Ethan! I'm looking forward to living almost exactly like you! I just sold my house in USA, TO retire in Cambodia 🇰🇭. And will live and tour in the USA in a campervan!👍I'm guessing I will probably have to look forward to the same experiences👍👌 I'm encouraged by your persistentance! Thank you for bringing us with you on your journey! 🙏

[@mattytj2002]

Glad you are back up and running. Have fun in beautiful Utah!

[@gclsarnia]

Check engine oil every time you put fuel in it. Low engine oil is a major cause of problems!

[@JJ-in3bc]

Loved how much fun you had, with simply making a rope swing. Yes, the simple things can be wonderful and amusing! Your joy and giggles brightened my day and inspired me to adventure & be zany. Thank you Ethan!

[@davidpp330]

Headed to a camp on a mountain, your truck breaks down, you have to hitch a ride to town for help. The mechanic tells you it’s going to be 2 weeks to get the transmission so you have to camp out in the mechanic’s parking lot in a strange town. If that doesn’t sound like a horror film fit for the big screen, I don’t know what does!

[@wehojm7320]

Sorry about the tough start to this journey however you were able to solve the problems and "roll with it" and keep a positive outlook. Safe travels and good luck. Above all be safe.

[@WayneThomas-d7m]

❤ Hi Ethan really enjoyed the Video. You certainly kept your cool in spite of all the adversity and went with the flow. Well done. Safe Happy travels to you both👍❤️

[@tonystone1016]

Ethan you're pulling a lot of weight when you're going uphill it outs a lot of stress on the engine and transmission. Every couple of hours pull off and let the truck cool down at least a half hour longer if your engine guage is going out of the normal range. Good luck.

[@Skotte1963]

I think it’s fantastic that you’re young and resourceful enough to do all these travels! The life you’ve living, is the life I wish I could have had! Please take good care of yourself & enjoy your life! Hugs & kisses!

[@erichertzen3251]

I also blew out a transmission in my Honda Element going up a steep incline. I was able to limp back to California to have it replaced.

[@michaelpriest]

So glad you're back on the road Ethan, always loved your camping adventures.

[@Gryphonisle]

That has to be one of the best opening lines, ever!!!

[@GaryGarlic]

I missed these kinds of videos of Ethan traveling in a van. Come to Cali Ethan and explore Yosemite!

[@andyacedo1947]

sorry you broke down, but looks like you found a way to make the most of a bad situation. when your black tank overflowed I wanted to give you a hug. you're so resourceful too washing shirts in the park and making a swing with rope and sticks. you'd be a lot of fun to hang out with

[@Mega_Casual]

It just doesn't seem right that shower water would go into the black water tank. Wonder if that was an error when they plumbed the RV? Wonder if you can 'eventually' ... after all your other Must Do lists, get that changed so the shower pipes into gray water and not black water. PS - With all the misfortune you experienced in this video, I never once heard you say a 4 letter word. (Like I would have blurted out!) You have a great level of patience and perseverance.

[@harleygould7255]

...then again, you didn't hear him OFF camera....lol....

[@gblakev]

His gray water tank may not be big enough for all the water of a shower. He needs a way to dump the shower water on the ground when he is camping, without dumping the toilet water.

[@Mega_Casual]

@@gblakev True, and as an after thought, I thought of a valve that he could switch from dumping shower water between gray or black tanks to outside where he could allow it to drain to the ground when he's out camping in areas on soil and not on pavement.

[@Granulus]

on a long camping trip I take my UVC lamp and hang my clothes up on a line letting the lamp zap the bacteria and germs out . as long as I don't get dirt on the cloths saves a lot of time and the whole wash time.

[@skyliner7333]

You poor thing, I wanna give you a big hug for all your troubles. I'm really glad to see you traveling in the US again.

[@MrClarence1126]

You're such an impressive young man, how you handle life. "My truck's being fixed for two weeks, I think I'll go to the park and make a rope swing :)"

[@jamesmardeusz5899]

Its so nice all the peeps that watch and love you. Whats not to love. You have a lot of knowledge as to how life works, why fear stuff as 80% of it never happens and if something goes wrong you get it that the universe will take care of you. I traveled at your age throught europe for two years, I was a time when few spoke english, No ATM's all money from each country was differant. Great times, crazy times but every thing worked out. You remind me of you ha! I love to help people with so many things or ways only learning now and I hate to say it is if it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, its usually a duck. My thought that I could make a differance with those who have been incarcerated usually dont value all I shared with them. being a good person means you dont always need to say yes. Well thats another story. Keep on keeping on. Im happy I found you! now all i need to do is get caught up with all you have don. Love you bro!

[@RonInAVan]

Ethan in my motorhome when we first got it and was leaving on a cross country trip I was going up this long grade and it was over 100° out and my transmission started smoking and leaking oil. Luckily, we were close enough to a town. I went to a transmission shop and think God he was honest he told me that I just overheated the transmission oil and expanded and came out the vent. I added a little bit of transmission oil and haven’t had a problem since and it’s been 6 months and a lot of driving. Just saying?? You should question it?? Be safe out there.

[@carlosmartin2264]

Ethan, that truck is worth fixing, it has one of the most reliable diesel engines ever. Maybe find a couple good mechanics along the way for preventable maintenance

[@bjolley8686]

Well. Not the most desirable way to get back to Van Life. I love that you are able to see the good and beautiful all around you whatever the circumstances. It’s just fun to travel with you in your camera. I’m not getting the least bit claustrophobic 😂🎉

[@jimmygarcia9860]

Wow the stars at night look so beautiful 😍 that you took video of. Thanks for that

[@Jake-g6h8c]

CONGRATULATIONS 🎊 👏 💐 🥳 🎊 👏 💐 🥳 🎊 👏 💐 🥳 🎊 ON YOUR SUCCESS WITH WHAT U R DOING! I OWNED A BARBERSHOP FOR YEARS!!!!!

[@thomasdrew99]

The Colorado sky at night was beautiful.

[@petersburg8920]

Love that you are back in van life!! Look forward to the year!

[@Velvet-Sunshine.]

FABULOUS,Thank You.💖

[@KB-dg2gr]

As a truck driver you should always carry extra stuff always and if its a short distance prepare for everything snow rain and warmth my boyfriends used to ride with me and it makes things much better maybe you need a companion

[@tommyreid8094]

i spent today out and about sorting business problems in Glasgow, i came home, put you tube on, clicked this on the feed and tbh it was great to see someone else had problems to sort, and in good style too. well cool video pal

[@donaldbates277]

I applaud your spirit.

[@Jeremiah7-ox2nj]

Yay! 😀 The kind of content that I've missed. Ethan's at his best sharing his adventures while living on the road. Will he be getting a canine replacement? So miss Millie too. ❤

[@4hubby971]

The new van (new to me) is terrific. That night sky shot was breathtaking.

[@belggay]

Your in CO, come say HI!

[@paulballard304]

The added camper weight and wind resistance is taxing the transmission, even with a new trans it would be best to add an additional after market heavy duty trans fluid cooler to give peace of mind in your travels.

[@RaymundoX]

Do prevent rolling, turn your wheels all the way left or right, whatever is against the slope.

[@Mark-in-Texas]

Utah gets cold too, so you may want to check weather reports. When I was around 19 years old, I helped a friend move to Salt Lake City, Utah. We loaded up his stuff in the back of my truck and drove there. It was the most brutal cold I've ever experienced in my life. My engine temperature stayed cold, and I couldn't get any heat in my pickup. I wish you safe travels and may your pickup have no further problems.

[@MattGoing52]

Ethan I just started to watch your U-Tube channel. My lady friend and I live around the area you broke down. We would have taken you in until you got your truck fixed. Take care of yourself.

[@PhilipWeisman-dl4ik]

Great to catch how the journey began .... typically Ethan with a mechanical hiccough! Yet there was a solution. Ever going forward. ❤😅😊

[@justkenny6474]

The inside of the camper is really nice and has some space considering its in a truck bed.

[@jodyaaron5553]

i admire his fortitude

[@someguy9778]

You really lucked out with the mechanic. That's amazing they are letting you stay on the property. Excited you're back in the US.

[@allenraysmith6885]

You are such a cute guy! Very intelligent and funny!❤❤❤❤

[@fl5337]

They were nice to you because you are polite and pleasant!

[@edwelty]

Welcome to Colorado but bummer on the transmission. Hugs from Denver. Be safe. If I was closer I would come rescue you

[@rsd_mtnbiker6422]

Lord Lusby! LOOK EVERYBODY😃😃😃😃 Gotta hand it to you, you really know how to get yourself into deep 💩 💩. Really looking forward to your van life vids again. Stay safe and be happy! Your loyal Lusbian🙏🏻

[@someguy9778]

I also wanted to add, not all branches within the same car rental business are 25+ to rent. Sometimes airports are easier to rent from as well.

[@akuto17]

That was a long journey from Maryland to Colorado. Stay safe on your travels.

[@johnheah1526]

Love his clear way of talking.

[@jasonbathurst3199]

I love listening to your voice, it's always so calm. I'd be freaking out after all those issues! LOL. Also you are adorable! :)

[@andrewjackson8421]

Come down to Florida this winter, after Hurricane Season. Lots of wildlife, beautiful beaches, and we are supposed to have a warm winter down here thanks to El Niño.

[@thomasgriffith2953]

I'm kinda stunned and amazed at your adventurous spirit. What a crazy but awesome life you lead! 💪🤗👍❣️

[@TheRemyRomano]

Be sure to visit the Hot Springs around Ouray . One of them is at a hotel in town and it is spectacular.

[@JorgeFlores-en4zi]

I found it hilarious how you stepped out of your truck and you said I slept amazing how did you sleep because of all the construction that was happening outside.😂😂❤❤😊

[@seancoleman2276]

My Jeep broke on the dirt road between Telluride and Ouray. Colorado West Jeeps helped me out of bind in August. Unfortunately, my jeep is still out in Grand Junction.

[@BK-nx7rc]

We have nice places in Germany too. Maybe one day you can see this beautiful country. 😊

[@dinoinphx]

Welcome back to the states, sorry about your truck. That sucks but I can't wait to see more.

[@danielferguson6694]

Your videos are great, and I love your determination to survive in your life's adventures. Stay strong.

[@gerardguida7727]

I give you alot of credit.... I would of packed up...got on a plane.....and went 9-5..😅😊

[@darwindurek148]

Oh Ethan, we feel so bad for you, but at least you are young and have time to recover all from these tro7bles.