HAS CANADIAN VAN LIFE KILLED OUR CAMPER VAN?

We've driven 70,000 miles & been on some crazy roads but has our Canadian van life adventure to the Arctic actually killed Trudy our van?
Travel vlog 531 | Filmed August 2022 | Vancouver Island Canada | Country 33/197
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😀 A BIT ABOUT US:
We’re Marianne & Chris, a happily married couple from the UK. Marianne is a living kidney donor to her best friend, and realising that life was for living and never really knowing what’s round the corner - we decided to fulfil our dream of travelling full time.
So in March 2018 after the kids had left home, we sold our belongings, rented our house and moved into our campervan called Trudy. We set off to see the world and after vanlifing around Ireland and Europe, we grabbed our backpacks and spent 5 months exploring Central America.
Feeling like we needed a challenge, we planned the ultimate van life adventure! In Jan 2020 set off to drive around the World from UK to UK. But after arriving in Turkey, covid caught up with us and closed the borders, so we had a wonderful 18 months exploring this special country. Realising we were not going to be able to head further East, we decided to do a handbrake turn and go the other way and shipped our van to the USA.
We hope you enjoy coming with us, and we’ll continue to share our real adventures and hope you feel inspire to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.

[@biddiemutter3481]

14:35 I'm so glad I'm not the only one who has country confusion 😊

[@phyllisgoffin5153]

We live in Courtenay and loved your segment in Campbell River. Thanks for showcasing our beautiful Island. Glad to see you got such great hospitality from your hosts Clint and Linda. Thanks, Phyllis (Clint's mom and stepdad Bob)

[@TREADtheglobe]

Awwh you are so lucky to have such lovely kids !! We love them - they have been so kind and generous with their time, home and knowledge - we are lucky to have such lovely friends 🌺💕 Kind regards Marianne and Chris (And Trudy !) xx

[@johnz7239]

Hi Guys, I have 22-year-old Mitsubishi Montero (Pajero) and stopped dealing with the dealer long ago. Together with my amazing mechanic, we get most parts when needed online, mostly on eBay. My car was also not locally available in Canada and still managed to keep it in top shape all those years.

[@seanchambers8950]

As a former mechanic in California, I think Trudy has done fantastic to last that long. Plus those roads are pretty rough for that light duty suspension.

[@annekennedy8127]

No-one makes the drive that you did...only truckers who have to...

[@TREADtheglobe]

Yep she is a trooper - to think she has driven from Georgia to Vancouver Island via South Carolina and Alaska ... she is doing great 🌺

[@adrianadrian255]

I'd have been reluctant to do that trip in a European van, the vehicles you see out on the dirt roads out here tend to be pretty different from those you'd see even in most of North America. - Even if they look like a truck straight out of a showroom, they've probably got every custom option as far as axles, suspension and tires go. Many of the logging companies/road crews/tree planters etc. have their own "formula" for how they order their "crummys". I used to have an ex-crummy, if I ever took it in anywhere to get something fixed, the mechanics would all delight in telling me immediately which company it had belonged to. Naturally, the locals adopt a lot of the customizations that the companies use.

[@stephenberrill8613]

I know im nearly 3 months behind with viewing this video, but I thought you may still be interested. Previous comment has already said that Euro parts had the parts when you call to them was not 100% successful. I just put your reg into their search box and up came all the parts for Trudy. I included a full suspension strut and shocks which came to £850. Of course someone would have to ship them out to you. Anyway for any future problems (and I pray you dont have any) just get some one in the UK to do the search for you. Happy adventures.

[@ari.voutilainen]

I am glad you got the parts and at the right price. Ducato parts, also older ones, are quite common and relatively inexpensive - even up here in Finland. The shock assemblies, bearings and stabilizer joints are all consumable parts, which are easy for a garage to replace. With the parts Trudy will be like new again 🚐👌 Safe travels from 🇫🇮

[@shooster5884]

No travels in this video but it was fabulous! Your Aunt Julie is a real treat and a great Warrior and letting you use and experience her beautiful VW van. So nice you've been able to spend so much time with her. And that mechanic and the parts company and cushion people and the bathroom cabinet fixer! All brilliant... But you guys bring out the best in people. Seriously, You are SO positive. You are an example to us all to be more so! Hoping that now Trudy will roll on to take you on your next bit of the adventure... and taking us with you!

[@TREADtheglobe]

Awwh Thanks - yes we have loved spending time with family and sharing it too 🌺

[@tutsywutsy]

The sway bar is called a drop link , the strut part is only a dust cover which you could drive without replacing until you get back to the uk

[@roygardiner4002]

But the bump stop is also buggered ! New front strut bump stops required !!

[@roygardiner4002]

The bump stops and dust covers are service items, should be cheap on eBay. Good luck! They will take the struts out to replace those bits, a good time to fit new strut top mounts as the bearings suffer over time.

[@debbiebaker6692]

So glad you could get all the parts you needed and in a great time frame. Plus fixing your Medicine cabinet and new foam for the table seat. Much accomplished on your fix it break. Trudy will be like new. Good luck

[@TREADtheglobe]

Yes! Thank you!

[@lindacox8156]

How do you 2 stay so calm? I would have been crazy !It is sounding GOOD that everything is going to work out to get Trudy fixed!!!

[@NaickKim]

Sorry you guys are having all these issues. We're rooting for you :))

[@TREADtheglobe]

Thanks both xx 🌺😘

[@lindawoody8501]

Happy for you both that you got needed parts, a great mechanic, and saved money on your order. I know all will work out well.

[@pelinbulent4892]

Oh Trudes you’ve been through it all babes, and you’re still going for Chris and Marianne. Sending you virtual hugs and thanks to the lovely mechanic looking after you and giving you TLC- thank you for taking us on some spectacular places on our planet xxx 🚐

[@TREADtheglobe]

Awwh Thanks - yep the team at the garage are fabulous !!

[@biddiemutter3481]

I would have loved to see the face of the person who answered the phone after that introduction 😂 9:35

[@TREADtheglobe]

Ha Ha !!

[@trevorkenny]

I know this is tough but this video is great to show others that it isn't all smooth sailing and stuff can be very trying on these trips. Love the positive energy you keep.

[@TREADtheglobe]

Very true! And we like to show the good the bad and the reality of what we do and how it works out ... as it always works out in the end !

[@leecatesby3490]

Two struts from euro car parts are around £120 each here in uk £43 for rear bearings and around £80 for the front each

[@davidwong9230]

When someone says that you have a flat battery, the response should be: what shape should it be 😆

[@TREADtheglobe]

LOL

[@magdastar2249]

Another wonderful video and wishing you all the best with Trudy. She is EPIC. 👍❤️

[@hrhpaul]

I had a similar issue with a Volvo.. Quoted 2,800 for parts and difficult to obtain (six weeks). So, jumped on a plane and picked the parts up from UK dealer just one hour after ordering them. All genuine parts and only 400. Paid a mechanic 400 to fit them. Return flight was 380.00 Halifax to Gatwick. Only hardship was a night sleeping in Gatwick departures.

[@TREADtheglobe]

Wow love your resolve !!

[@philipsommeling9256]

So glad you got the parts Love you guys hope to meet you both one day

[@Alan-Dawson]

That company Is going to be your lifeline for parts, which Is excellent news for Trudy! 🙌 Being someone who does all the work on my own car I want to see him fit the parts!

[@TREADtheglobe]

We won't be allowed to hang out in the garage - but if we can get a bit of B roll we will 👍

[@carmenfigueroa8490]

Sad to hear you guys are going through this God is good and we your community love you guys things will get better I’m praying for you guys stay healthy safe and blessed.♥️🙏🏾🦋

[@traceykray1280]

Hello…. Great catching up with the last 3 videos, while on night shift lol xx

[@TREADtheglobe]

Awwh - great - Hope you get to put your feet up for a wee bit 🌺🙌🌷

[@lizzieb6027]

You guys rock, is so much fun watching your adventures. The photography is superb and so relaxing to watch. Stay safe and happy travels. 🇬🇧

[@TREADtheglobe]

Thanks so much!

[@neilfreemantle3392]

Good work guys. .

[@susannetoon2709]

Hi Both.Am not suprised re price of parts.So pleased yph worked it out.Please look at Travel Trolls last vlogs.Dan has just demonstrated ecoflow Delta 2 .It only take 1 hr mow to fully charge up ! Would love you to demonstrate the efoflow powerstation also much better design and the Ninja Multicooker and goodi Grill. People are really looking for things to help save energy.You must show your Aunt the new power station and ask her opinion.The battery life is apwrently 10 years.Trudy bless her .Keeps giving and giving and what an amazing camper can your aunt owns just proving that if you look after things they can last and look after you.Feel really pleased that you are staying with your aunt and enjoying her and making more wonderful memories.Stay safe .!

[@coloradoridgerunner791]

Wow that's a great price (I think you said 400e) for all of those parts! I have been pricing struts for my older Toyota and the best price I have found was $165 per strut.

[@neilholden7821]

well that was a lot of fun. hope the parts are correct. keep safe

[@idabustamante7081]

Hello Friends . . so glad your able to get the parts in and get Trudy some tender loving care she'll be good as new . . great mechanic 👍 happy safe travels take care ❤️🙋‍♀️

[@TREADtheglobe]

Thanks so much

[@alialshmmary7]

Thank you, nice video👍

[@ritasmoot1823]

Oh I just love you guys!

[@MrJckDoo]

@TREAD the globe The Ducato shares its design and basic underpinnings with three other vans - the Peugeot Boxer, Citroen Relay and Vauxhall Movano.

[@firstmotorhome8024]

🤣🤣

[@HolgerJakobs]

Plus - at least more recent versions - with the RAM ProMaster in the US, which may also be sold in Canada.

[@sammayet9002]

Excellent , amazing and awesome, always you’re in luck . Keep it up 🎉

[@TREADtheglobe]

Thank you so much 😁

[@Aaron-P]

"To be continued - watch this space!" 😉😉 Goodness, you both are so cool under stress. Big ups to everyone at Bronson Muffler!! ❤️❤️😎👍xx

[@TREADtheglobe]

We were laughing at how lucky we are ... we had the expression sent to us - never drive faster than your angels can fly ... and we realise this is true !! 💕🚐👍

[@mariaelkhyari9682]

It was amazing to see how you sorted everything despite the challenges with a smile! Hats off! Looking forward to your new adventures on the Westfalia VW van! Keep your positive spirit up! You are a wonderful couple!

[@TREADtheglobe]

Thanks so much! 😊 We try for sure to stay positive 🌷

[@roblundy4203]

Hey guys another great source for parts in europe is 7 zap.I have two VW LT vans that parts can still be sourced for and they are 1987 and 1989 models.My bro in law just got a wack of parts ordered for his Mercedes MB100 camper van from them as well.BTW I live in Abbotsford BC so I feel the pain of parts anxiety.Hope Trudy feels all better shortly.Enjoy the island

[@lookaroundwithme]

Hi Marianne /Chris we hope you are well. Sad to see Trudy needs some extra care. Uneven roads do this to any car, but Trudy has been excellent so far👍 good luck with parts

[@TREADtheglobe]

Thank you - she is a trooper and she will be right soon ... 🌷🙌

[@sandrap6321]

Wow. Happy ending. Somebody is living right!!

[@beachut]

You are so lucky to find a good mechanic and to get the parts so quick, I understand the time difference as I deal with Asia,Uk, Spain and the US...always checking on the time difference from here in Australia, hope it all goes well for you 2

[@TREADtheglobe]

Thanks John - we will get her sorted - and she will be heading off into the sunset as soon as she is done - Sean and the team have been great letting us park outside and used their toilets and water tap - M 🚐🌺

[@xhogun8578]

Great video, just love your energy and enthusiasm even when things are not going to plan.

[@bassamtravel]

Awesome video like number 14 thanks for the entertainment 👌

[@dcal1452]

I'll never understand businesses that don't have phone numbers smh. Glad you were able to find parts though!

[@sinamandalinci3214]

Quick fix for the cabinet & handy for the future- try covering the hole & splits with cotton then add superglue. It sets up like fiberglass & is handy on the road especially.

[@repaid1]

Good advice never tried that..I learned to use baking powder and Superglue works like a charm

[@NeilD163]

Loving the adventures, only thing is KZbin for some reason had unsubscribed me from your channel, added again and looking forward to your continuing adventures.

[@suznet]

that happened to me last week too, silly KZbin. 🙂

[@TREADtheglobe]

Welcome back!

[@flash4eva123]

Nissan interstar has the same part as your van at that years. I kid you not.

[@les.6343]

I can understand the need for support it comes to us all at a certain age.🤣🤣

[@TREADtheglobe]

You are not wrong !!

[@leighcouper4594]

Hi Huys.They have Fiat decato front strut assemblies on Ebay.Remeber you can get stuff through asia as your on the Pacific side of the world.

[@ramazanbayat5831]

parts of ram promaster tool may fit. I recommend you take a look.

[@TREADtheglobe]

Hi - they are interchangeable with the new fiats not the old ones 👍

[@sambrad94]

What he called the sway bar end link, in the uk we call it the anti-roll bar drop link so I would ask for that. If some one said sway bar end link I wouldn’t have a clue but luckily you recorded it.

[@TREADtheglobe]

Yep - we have been learning a lot of differences !!

[@freelancelady]

What is your next destination once Trudy is all fixed up? I love your adventures around the world.

[@TREADtheglobe]

BC Mainland and then Alberta 🙌

[@robertfisher7723]

I nearly had a heart attack when your 1st quote came. So I went online for what I guessed was your van and the front strut was less than £40- for a pattern part. That is the strut bare. So when you got a

[@robertfisher7723]

the last quote I was very happy for you both. That is what I expected the parts to cost so good luck and continue with your wonderfull journey.

[@normanrussell5526]

If it is mechanical, it can always be fixed, always. The suspension struts bump stops and bellows you can get , you do not need complete struts as the springs are in good order as are the seals.

[@roygardiner4002]

Great advice !

[@huacamaya119]

I always wonder if you are as "warm and fussy" behind cameras as you are in front of it😁

[@TREADtheglobe]

Yep - we have been married a long time so get on really well - but we have our tense moments but we are usually going through it together !!

[@huacamaya119]

@@TREADtheglobe Yeap. My husband and I just celebrated 41 years this year. We practically have grown up together😅

[@chrisc3197]

I have worked on the North Slope i am surprised that your van has lasted that long European camper vans not designed for those conditions the trucks that we had there where always in the repair shop

[@TREADtheglobe]

Yep she is doing great for an old girl !! 🌷

[@pauharpe8464]

Guys no shockers needed if they are not leaking, just change the top mounts with bearings ,

[@erdincgurer9036]

In turkey we have all the parts and can go and buy from a regular fiat service. Next time ask someone from here:)

[@TREADtheglobe]

Thank you - we have one part coming from Turkiye 🌷

[@peteivil7315]

If you have any problems in the future for parts I used a fantastic company called Coastal Motorhomes who supply a huge amount for older vans. Hope this helps and enjoying your videos.

[@TREADtheglobe]

Thanks for the tip!

[@wildandliving1925]

You just need an average Joe to get the parts back home stick them in a box and mail them to you. The other option is aftermarket parts

[@bassamtravel]

🙏🙏🙏 part's

[@adrianadrian255]

The van equivalent of the ship of Theseus ?

[@Alifeofglory]

Can try a salvage yard.

[@suznet]

don't seem to have Fiats in Canada, so that would be no.

[@Alifeofglory]

@@suznet ok :[

[@jamesabbott9301]

Might a usa foreign vehicle garage have parts?

[@levinawalsh2015]

Brilliant Video Guys👍. Absolutely Great news about Trudy's parts🚐🥰. Auntie Julia is Awesome & so is Jay bee👌. ☘❤.

[@TREADtheglobe]

We agree! She is a legend 🌺😘🙌💕

[@eyupderebas3805]

Gemlik.gemlik.kumladan.selamlar.teşekküler

[@RobertsBulgaria]

Perhaps, Small Blessings come in disguise, no COVID, you wouldn't have been in Lockdown in Turkey and on your way through Russia to Vladivostok and those roads would have done far worse to Trudy and there, you wouldn't have the advantage of the English language and really would've been up the Creek without a Paddle. You've got where you are with a 2x4, no mechanical nous and on some roads that demand a beefed up suspension, but you're there and I'm here with my Russian built 4x4 only dreaming about your achievements and yet, I'd be fine going the Russian route as I speak fluent Russian. As the Brummie Road End sing, Keep Right On Till the End of the Road, Keep Right on Till the End. 👍

[@aliduran9578]

istanbul dan isteseydiniz,orada arkadasiniz vardi diye biliyorum.. geçmiş olsun..

[@TREADtheglobe]

Thank you 🌷

[@marksvanlife2963]

the 3 models ( Fiat, Citroen and Peugout ) ran in the USA from 1994 to 2006, so there must be dealers around that dealt with one or the other brand who have/can get parts or if not one of the huge Breaker companies in the states may have reconditioned ??

[@TREADtheglobe]

You would think !! But the parts are all different 🙄

[@marksvanlife2963]

@@TREADtheglobe have you actually sourced it all yet ???

[@TREADtheglobe]

Hi Mark - we have now - there are a few more issues ... but we are lucky to have a fabulous TREAD community and supply chain worked out - we will always get through it as there is no other outcome other than to solve / resolve issues and we will share it as it happens and as soon as we can edit the footage 👍

[@hegster1966]

Coastal motorhomes uk do parts

[@beterbocekUK]

🥰

[@Alifeofglory]

Glad it all worked out... I should have watch it to the end before commenting lol

[@kevinw.2158]

🚙🙏❤️

[@carlosvictor8679]

🙂

[@kathifoynm]

One step at a time…

[@TREADtheglobe]

You are so right 🌷😘

[@ayhankocabiyik]

👍👋🏻

[@stevem3534]

Do you have link to company for spares please

[@TREADtheglobe]

Hi Steve - www.auto-ricambi.eu/ We hope they can help you too

[@CynicalLemonade]

Ridiculous comments about getting rid of Trudy… don’t you realise that Trudy is part of the adventure? There are three personalities on this trip and Trudy is one of them. Goodness me!

[@TREADtheglobe]

Woo Hoo !! We love you James !! And Trudy loves you more !! 💕🚐😘🌺

[@CynicalLemonade]

I don’t comment often - I figure you’ve got enough to read without me gushing - but sometimes I just have to step in!

[@TREADtheglobe]

LOL - gush away !! We appreciate the love for our girl Trudy !! 🚐💕🌺

[@mjd03085354]

Senior moments that

[@TREADtheglobe]

LOL - yep !

[@grahames9228]

Trade Trudy for a VW. You can get VW parts anywhere.

[@TREADtheglobe]

No ... No and NO !! LOL - We love Trudy !! woo hoo 🌺🚐🙌

[@davidmbell]

By any chance was it the daft way Americans write MM/DD/YYYY instead of DD/MM/YYYY

[@cigdemmertkol8989]

👍👍👍👍👍👍🇹🇷🇹🇷🇹🇷🇹🇷🇹🇷👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@yorkieterrier8868]

I have been saying for weeks, when going around the world, why wouldn't you have a Ford van? Fiat are a bit more niche. I know as every car I have ever had bar one has been a Ford and the other one was a Fiat. Parts were difficult.

[@TREADtheglobe]

Hi Yorkie - our friend Naick and Kim have a Ford van and had to wait 3 weeks in Regina for Ford Europe to send a part .... 🙄

[@HolgerJakobs]

90 percent of all camper vans in Europe are based on Peugeot/Fiat/Citroen. Plus, the model is sold in North America as RAM ProMaster. You couldn't get anything more common.

[@TREADtheglobe]

Hi Holger - Trudy is too old to have compatible parts with RAM and if you are doing such a trip crossing continents etc, we have expected that this would become an issue ... but we will share how it resolves itself so others planning to do a trip like this or those interested in the reality of doing this kind of adventure can see how it works out - kind regards Marianne 🌺

[@set5395]

Starbucks 🤮

[@ziggy_bandicoot]

How ridiculous is that? No phone number for a business? I hate to say it, but it might be time to trade Trudy in for another van. 😭

[@CynicalLemonade]

Not uncommon in the UK - so much has moved online to maximise profit and minimise expensive customer interaction. It can sometimes be very hard to get a resolution to problems in the UK because you can’t talk to actual people, particularly with big companies, utilities and healthcare.

[@TheShauNanigans]

All of their issues they've had with Trudy have been understandable given how much they drive and some of the roads they've driven on. After the roads they drove to get to the Arctic Ocean, it's not the van's fault they needed a service. She seems fine, otherwise.

[@reddiamond6688]

Time to get rid of Trudy. Park her at your home. Get a better updated vehicle. When these kind of troubles start, it only gets worse, not better.

[@TREADtheglobe]

Hi Red Diamond - even if we could afford to buy a new vehicle - we are trying to drive Trudy around the world (UK to UK) and as we rent our house out the tenants may have something to say about us taking up a parking spot ! Trudy is our girl and we will continue as long as we can - she has done over 70k miles on roads that are above and beyond her capabilities - so she was due a good service - Marianne 👍

[@barryscurr929]

Hiya I’ve said to you in the comments before you really need to contact nick at coastal motor homes really nice and helpful guy if you need his details just contact me he specialises in fiat and Alfa and most of his stuff is genuine he can get aftermarket stuff as well and ships all over good luck I love the way you guys are always so happy 😊

[@Hutch3021]

That’s brilliant you managed to get the parts to sort out Trudy and a bonus you can got them cheaper 👏🫶 Well done Kevin for helping sort Trudy’s cabinet 👌Glad your backside is going to have more comfort Chris 😂 but def worth it if it’s where you edit and keep us all entertained ❤

[@TREADtheglobe]

Thanks Paul - yep we are using the time to get all the 'jobs' done !! And the cabinet is still firmly on the wall !! woo hoo 🌺