Our Summer Van Life Begins (Episode 1); plus bonus tips from a viewer.

[@solitudeinthewild82]

What a nice video, my friend! Amazing van life! Your free life style is adorable.. Enjoyed watching. Cheers from Russia, 🙂👌 , and welcome to my channel about bushcraft and survival! Kind regards, Yuriy!

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks. I love how KZbin can bring people from around the world together. Your English is impeccable.

[@richdome1]

MTB and RV enjoy the journey! Rise and grind ready to start our journey at 64. Thanks for the tips!

[@ellenbower4825]

I thought it was a toilet brush too. Lol

[@Pinky121971]

Thanks for sharing , Always enjoyed your weekend videos.

[@spellmadam2947]

Loved the bedroom scene. 😆

[@djpWilson]

As a guy who works with horses, this is great. You can probably find a local barn with old mats (they do wear out in stalls every so often) that have big spaces that are still good. They also cut with a new (sharp) utility knife. Honestly, that's the best way

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks for the tip.

[@mysticalmisfit1332]

Hi Debbie! Great video and great tips from Steve😊

[@angpb6176]

I can’t believe you making jam on the way and then soldering wires - you’re the best!🏆 I would have fumbled the torch & lit the van on fire. Great ideas Steve!

[@bettyjorodgers8552]

Great, great video. Thank you.

[@pamt6829]

Some. Great tips, love the snaps on the fantastic fan.

[@bevn362]

Always enjoyable, educational, & fun! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼Thank you for sharing.

[@EMWms-dg7gh]

I love your videos, you and John are hilarious; so much fun watching your videos while learning bout RV life. Thank you

[@kerryloper6142]

Another great video. Thanks for sharing!! Safe travels. ☮️❤️

[@timsmith7625]

Thanks for the tips and ideas! Almost at my MT destination, there tomorrow. Will be in touch.

[@FromShetoMe]

We should be in Spokane tomorrow evening.

[@waiheketranscend]

I love how you have a go at doing anything & everything Debbie!😀 My dishwashingTop Tip is to use a silicon scraper spatula (I get great ones from kmart in Nz) on everything before washing. It will take off every scrap of food or sauce left in the pot or on the plate so you use less water to wash. I'm loving Travelling Vicariously with you two. Thanks.

[@FromShetoMe]

You’re right. I do have one and use it on the tougher bits. Thanks.

[@waiheketranscend]

@@FromShetoMe my addiction to silicon spatulas started with making sure we got every last skerrick of that yummy sauce out of the pan. Then I realised how good it was for scraping dishes for the dishwasher as we're on tank water so can't waste water to rinse. & that's transfers to the camper. I love how clever & inventive we all are tehe 😁

[@kathyowens9901]

That was great, so wonderful that viewers help and we get the results, Debbie you are a wonder.!

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks but It’s mostly just about jumping off the high dive which I couldn’t do as a kid.

[@janm8477]

Thanks again, great video. Dishwashing is always interesting - how other people manage it in a small space, so thanks. And the soldering project was encouraging!

[@marshaburlingame3760]

Our dogs do the pre-wash instead of a paper towel. They love their job!

[@camperab]

Thanks for showing these tips. I love the water-saving dish-washing. Ref. TV: Never had any in my RVs. As an old-fashioned camper I read books during my trips, books made of paper.

[@StacyForest738]

I love paper books but I don't like the space they take up, or even worse, finishing a book and having no new ones to read while in the middle of nowhere, and the environmental impact, but I have switched over to electronic books but I hear you on preferring paper books. We don't even have a TV in our stick and bricks, ha ha.

[@FromShetoMe]

We use the TV exclusively for watching KZbin videos we have downloaded. But I did bring 2 geology books with me.

[@StacyForest738]

@@FromShetoMe Ohhh, geology is cool! Love that. My daughter just took a course in that at college, pretty neat stuff.

[@beverlyhendricks9456]

Hope the soreness wears off quickly. Not surprised at it you were really stretched manhandling that heavy bike on that trail. But I sure admire you. “The more you do the more you can do “ is my motto. Have fun!

[@FromShetoMe]

He fell again a few days later-soft deep sand. Went to an urgent care yesterday because it was really hurting. Doctor dressed it properly and said elevate it. But he’ll be back at it soon.

[@CharlesinGA]

For dish soap consider using Dawn Platinum Erasing Foam. Its a thin liquid that when pumped out of the special pump bottle makes foam. Works real well with little or no water, and makes for minimal rinsing to remove it. You buy refill bottles for the pump. Here in the east we have dish washing stations in many of the campgrounds so you can wash up without wasting your onboard fresh water.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks. That’s what I use at home although it is really hard to find the refill bottles.

[@stan3497]

love to watch your adventures. Thanks for posting

[@lindac7146]

Steve has great ideas. Live the horse stall matt

[@debbie5765]

At first I thought I was watching Itchy Boots on one of her impossible “roads” !🇺🇸❤️🌵

[@FromShetoMe]

LOL. I love her.

[@tarac5137]

The horse stall mat idea is so clever! 🌟

[@marykaylayman1078]

We use the stall mats for our van and love them. They were in our barn and hubby thought they’d be great to level, they work like a charm.

[@dianashelton1371]

Great tips. I worked in Electronics and a good solder was the key to any modification/installation.

[@TM88FYI]

Good morning!

[@TravelSmallLiveBig]

“I’m just going to casually make jam on the road” oh my gosh you amaze me! That “bike hike” looked super sandy which means everyone is going to tip over. Oh man do I miss the 395. The last time we were by theWalker River we drove through a still smoldering and burning fire. 😳

[@FromShetoMe]

LOL. We tip over just standing still.

[@BobKeefe]

Glad to hear I’m not the only one who wondered why you (of all people) keep your toilet brush over your kitchen counter 😂 I guess it’s because your’s resembles my toilet brush more than my bottle brush. Glad to have my faith in you restored 😁

[@FromShetoMe]

LOL.

[@WTFgus]

Had to look twice, thought you were grandpa Ron??

[@FromShetoMe]

Love his channel.

[@WTFgus]

@@FromShetoMe You two give me the best ideas for my MB based class C, even did the low cost stabilizers Ron suggested, couldn't swing the bike rack, like yours, so got lectric foldable.

[@marshaburlingame3760]

Debbie, if you crochet, buy a ball of Red Heart "Scrubby" yarn and crochet up a pot scrubber or two. A pattern is on the label. They are the best! You can always put it in hot water, microwave, laundry (or dishwasher) to clean it. And in no way does it resemble a toilet brush!

[@pj1378]

Bottle brushes are common in Europe and have been for many years, maybe the commenter was joking! Love the Obsidian btw, must go sometime.

[@FromShetoMe]

I figured so. Always appreciate a laugh.

[@linz_in_NZ]

Great tips from Steve, thanks for sharing. I remember seeing the snaps used on a vent somewhere before we did our campervan, they are a great idea, must get some as our vent is one that has a trickle airflow, and it can let a bit of light in plus I can sometimes feel a cool breeze at night when we are in the Mountains. Might try Jam in my breadmaker sometime.

[@nancyschaecher2548]

What confidence you display. I’m envious but admiring you, of course. You asked good questions of Steve regarding the welding. And he’s a great teacher who inspires confidence by his attitude and encouragement. It was fun observing. And wow, horse stall mat! And replacing the screws with snaps……how ingenious!

[@FromShetoMe]

Yes, I learn so much from my viewers. Love it.

[@chrisbuchanan1193]

What a great idea to make jam in the bread maker! Does Monk Fruit taste better than Stevia? My son developed type 2 Diabetes so having to make changes in all my baking

[@FromShetoMe]

Oh yes. Great substitute. Our Costco sells it. But also try Lily’s chocolate. It’s sweetened with Stevia but I can’t tell the difference.

[@tradersato]

On your bikes, you need to air down the fat tires as well like you would on a 4x4 or the sprinter on sandy soil or any offroad trail. The slipping you are experiencing is just too small of a footprint patch of the tires.

[@tdadventures]

Oh man!! sorry to see all those broken plates and bowls. I love it when John does not say anything and we know what he is thinking. That hot flame would scare me too. The horse stall mat is a brilliant idea. Can we place an order?

[@FromShetoMe]

Only broke 1 bowl and I had an extra one at home.

[@小肉肉-f4u]

@@FromShetoMe hi sweetheart you look fit and pretty 😘

[@marshaburlingame3760]

I'm curious about making jam in a bread machine. Can you print your recipe? Maybe it could be done in an instant pot.

[@FromShetoMe]

My machine has a jam setting. I use 2+ cups of fruit, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of low/no sugar pectin, and a half cup of monkfruit sweetener. It stirs and then cooks it for about 1 1/2 hours. You can do it on the stovetop too but it’s just so easy in this tiny machine.

[@OTWD_yt]

Love it 😍😍

[@mikemanjo2458]

What brand of hitch/rack do you have for the Rads? I so love your videos, Debbie. Excellent job on the music, editing and transitions! My hubby is now addicted to you channel. Thanks for continuing to share great content with us. Stay safe! (Jane in SC)❤️🙏🏻

[@FromShetoMe]

Thank you! It is a Wilco Swing hitch with Hollywood rack.

[@always.wondering.wandering]

Thank you for all the tips, information and demonstrations. Will we get to see June Lake, I haven't been there in such a long time. It was one of my father's favorite places to go when we were young. Have fun!

[@FromShetoMe]

I did a video from the Silver Lake side of the loop a few years ago. June hasn’t changed a bit in decades.

[@lauralincoln45]

Thank you for sharing your journeys!! We are new to vanlife this summer and just starting to roll, taking tons of your tips and inspiration! We also hike n bike and have a question. We live in BC Canada and wonder what do you carry as a bear deterrent (as you always seem so fearless!)? You two rock!!

[@FromShetoMe]

In Canada we each carry bear spray. In the Sierras we don’t. Now we are in Washington so we’ll probably carry the spray again. Although in Alaska someone recommended that foamy hornet spray. Less chance of blow back.

[@jann4732]

Curious about the bikes. Any concern about theft as you take them everywhere? While less likely at a campground, anytime unattended poses a potential risk. Thanks.

[@FromShetoMe]

We wouldn’t leave in a sketchy area but always lock them. They aren’t high end so we don’t worry because that would reduce the joy they bring.

[@sherylhelmkamp6452]

Do you still enjoy using your Ridge Monkey? Where did you purchase?

[@FromShetoMe]

I do like it but wish it were a little bit bigger. They can be hard to locate. I had to buy from a store in the UK but sometimes you can find them on Amazon or eBay. I think I searched the UK Amazon store and was able to find the name of a store and then contacted them to see if they would ship to the US. I know, it’s a pain and may not be worth your time and money.

[@medicbill]

What were the size of the blocks that Steve made from the horse mat?

[@FromShetoMe]

I think he said 11 x 8. We made some recently and did them in different sizes. Be aware that they do off gas.

[@karenhazen2980]

Are those different bikes than you’ve shown on your previous videos? If so could you share info? Enjoy watching your videos!

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks. We’ve had the RAD minis for 2-3 years and still enjoying them very much.

[@hetheringtonfamily8798]

Does Steve have a you tube channel? I like his ideas

[@FromShetoMe]

I’m afraid not.

[@debrabrandt3528]

What is the temperatures like up at mammoth lake in the summer? Fun video! 😊

[@FromShetoMe]

Temperatures can swing wildly. You can get snow in late spring or a heat wave like we did that week. But generally it is mild (and often windy). Nights get chilly.

[@elizabethmacdonald6038]

Another insightful video. Do you think the horse stall mat might also work for winter traction on ice?

[@FromShetoMe]

I was wondering the same thing. I’m guessing it would help. My horsey friend in Vermont has them in all her stalls and walkways.

[@sewellt1]

Great tips as usual. Do you have the cut dimensions for the stall mats?

[@FromShetoMe]

I’ll check with Steve.

[@FromShetoMe]

Steve says he made them 8" by 12".

[@MrWinger1951]

Target stores carry melamine plates and bowls and they are unbreakable.

[@FromShetoMe]

I even have some from when our son was in pre-school and they decorated them with handprints, etc. But they can't be used in the microwave. The Corell dishes hold up pretty well, even when dropped.

[@jmarshall228]

OK. I have to ask! I have a new (to me) Ascent 2017. I am a solo woman. I worry about what I would do on these backroads if I broke down! Do you have all terrain tires? I don’t have a spare tire (yet) but plan to get one. (Although I don’t think I would be able to change it by myself!). I guess when you are not alone out there it is a little less frightening 😮. LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!!

[@FromShetoMe]

Yes we have all-terrain tires and a better jack in case we had a flat and couldn’t summon help. But we also carry a Garmin in reach. I suggest you get a plan that allows texts. Do be careful and use the share your location feature on your phone.

[@jmarshall228]

@@FromShetoMe Thanks so much for responding, Debi! And, for the great tip regarding Garmin in reach. I’m adding it to the list! Would love to know more about your Jack. So many tools; so little space! Where do you fit it all!? I just bought new tires. I was afraid the AT’s would be too noisy.

[@FromShetoMe]

@@jmarshall228 We bought the Jack from Agile Offroad in Santee, CA. They are the ones that did our suspension upgrade. They also put the AT tires on. We didn't notice any difference in noise between the stock tires and the ATs. These Sprinter vans are noisy no matter what you do.

[@JustMe-vi8nx]

How do you secure your bread machine while you're driving? I see lots of RVers cooking while they drive but I can't figure out how they secure their cooking devices.

[@FromShetoMe]

Our van has a perfect spot in the rear between the sofa and ottoman where I can put it. The plug is also right there. Another option is if your sink is large enough you can put it in there.

[@controller2152]

I’m in the market for a swing arm for our Revel and is yours a Wilco off road? They have great reviews but they are pricey. Was it a game changer for your bikes? Thanks Dave

[@FromShetoMe]

Yes, we have the Wilco but when we bought ours it was "only" $450. They are excellent swing hitches. Some people have recommended the Kuat. But the Wilco can "tow" and we haven't seen any others that can.

[@controller2152]

@@FromShetoMe ….. I like the tow option while you have your bikes on the back too. Thanks for quick response Sue. Y’all have a great night and we love Van Life. Big Sky was a beautiful place to camp. Dave

[@controller2152]

@@FromShetoMe We just pulled the trigger on the Wilco swing arm.

[@FromShetoMe]

Ouch. It was a little tricky installing it. If you have any issues, let me know. John may have some suggestions.

[@controller2152]

@@FromShetoMe It’s Pricey but worth it overall. We have a 8in extension to the hitch for our Saris MTR but if that doesn’t work, I’ll be sending y’all a shout out. Thanks for all the info, we are Total Van life newbies. Dave

[@DestinationsChronicles]

Forgot to latch again? LOL That's why we have metal camp plates in our van ROFL

[@gbennett3009]

What type of ebike and where did u buy… cheers

[@FromShetoMe]

Rad mini. You buy on line directly from company.

[@rockyfehrgaming1829]

Man those bike look ugly

[@FromShetoMe]

But they sure are fun!