Van life fever dream (I got scammed)

Ughhhh so many issues with the whole van life of it all this week. Awful mechanics, scammy dealerships and van problems galore. The good thing is that NOTHING is ever as bad as it seems and I feel confident in any problem that may arise💙
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[@bobs1648]

Julia, actually if you lose your power steering the only time you will even notice it is when you are going slow. Also, if your A/C compressor is leaking anything, that's not good either. If you need a good dealership in Florida, I suggest Bartow Ford. They are the #1 dealership in the SE for a reason. And they are fairly handy being right smack in the middle of the state. 👍 Good luck and BIG HUGS from Tennessee! 😁

[@JuliaBrooke]

I’m gonna have a few more places check it out, because it’s certainly a leak! Thank you for the recommendation🥹🙏🏼

[@sonjadlong7554]

I'm having van issues too. Hopefully this week we both will get positive repairs ✌️

[@DuvAngel1]

It was a different world when I was young ~I had guys from the car parts store offering to replace parts (after I bought them) for me for free (zero labor costs or any other expectations from me) and they did it right in the parking lot~ those were the days!!! Now that I am older and I had a few gray hairs and a few extra pounds I’m pretty much invisible to anybody’s : “Oh my gosh, can I please help you !”

[@roxywyndham]

Yup that’s how it goes 😂😂

[@najaeriggs]

If this was in Tampa area, NEVER trust the dealership mechanics they're all about money. as a female who was ripped off 3k for a alternator replacement only to be told by someone else that my current one was already brand new and car wasn't fixed smh. They treat us like idiots when were looking up to their help.

[@Jacbean10]

Girl.. we read all the same things! Love those type of books. I hope the van doesn’t keep giving you problems!

[@Tstac2006]

SAME. I'm so stupid excited I found a vanlife girlie who is also a bookish girlie!!

[@djarnes9917]

Wherever you go, there you are, that's where we're suppose to be. Especially when we're in skates! Proud of you!!! Accepting WHEN we are will help neutralize your emotions, the rest is up from there. And that's is WHERE we are spose to be. sk8 on!

[@katekaos]

Scammy dealerships are the worst. Mechanics that are yuck to women are 2nd. So sorry this happened. You have a great outlook and attitude on it all. I wish I had that at your age! Good luck!

[@michaellong8799]

Typically, a check engine light is not connected with the steering system. Keep an eye on the power steering fluid level. If that gets too low, it can damage the pump and the rack and pinon. I'm speaking from experience and replacing those components on a couple of my cars. As a matter of good practice, I check all my fluid levels every time I get gas (coolant, oil, power steering, brake, transmission). It only takes a couple of minutes and has saved me more times than once.

[@michaellong8799]

You may also try a power steering stop leak additive available from any auto parts store. They work by causing the seals to swell slightly, sometimes fixing minor leaks. Of course, it won't help with a crack or hole in the lines or rack. It's way cheaper than replacing the rack and pinon.

[@keithhumpherys8343]

Julia, I have similar looking cat. He is around two years old? Took him in and got him fixed before got in trouble with other neighbour’s cats. Now had him for about seven months. Gets along with the abandon older female dog that I took in two years ago. My old calico cat and him still adjusting their tolerance. Women are taken advantage of at vehicle repair shops. But so are most people. Looking on KZbin on car problems can help if what they’re saying makes sense. Great that you like to read. Good way to relax and tune out constantly worrying. Wish your van adventures bring you smiles

[@blupoppy608]

hang in there lady, you got this...!!!...sometimes life gets tough which only makes us tougher. big hug!!!

[@chiphan69]

you should go back to the dealership and tell them you contacted them on numerous occasions to just get the run around. dont let them get away with it!

[@ronaldwood2955]

Julia, i am glad to here you got a second opinion on your problem instead of bring scammed. It not as bad as it serms. ❤❤❤❤

[@naturalflow157]

Absolutely another amazing video, :) You can't just miss the spirit of an adventure that is in this video. As someone who has been struggling with finding the path to life again, you're bringing exactly the great questions and maybe answers as well. I have been thinking of going van living for almost a year, and you really push me to do just that this summer. Finally, I started looking for a van. Thank you for such an inspiration and I wish you all the best. :)

[@brookecampbell4079]

You are crazy capable, resilient, intelligent and wise beyond your years. I can't believe how well you handle crappy situations and how knowledgeable you are about mechanics etc. It's truly impressive. I commend you for forging your own path and living life on your terms. You're an inspiration. 💜

[@toobydude41]

That royally sucks...but love your attitude through it all. And never thought I'd see someone roller skate again. Talk about retro. Looked like you can skate better than I walk 🛼😅

[@madilynndawn]

oh my gosh nooo, that dealership is so sketch, is that even legal? I understand being undermined for being a girl. If I’m in WA, I will bring my boyfriend with me just to try and avoid this (it actually works…) it’s really unfortunate. Im soooo happy you took it in for a second opinion, such a good idea! I love the ending tho ~ nothing matters ~ LOL so true & so freeing, it’ll all be ok ✨🤍 Also, Barnes & Nobel is like a safe space. I was just there for HOURS recently. They have a bathroom & it’s so chill 😂

[@JuliaBrooke]

I’m gonna try to talk to the person who sold me the van… hopefully they are willing to help/: & Barnes and noble is such a safe space😭❤️❤️

[@r.mcmickens7349]

Julia. You handled things so well. You are mature beyond your years. I feel like things will work out for you. Hang in there, and God bless.🫠 BTW, your new "go to" dress is so cute.❤️

[@Darkfur94]

Oh bless you I hope you are doing ok now. Just remember lass you are strong and you can get through anything 💪 😊

[@JuliaBrooke]

Thank you🥹🙏🏼

[@yvettehatrak787]

Julia, I love your content, and how honest and genuine you are. Have you ever mentioned what you do to sustain your lifestyle on the road? Income, job, etc.? Curious to know. Love Maui so much!

[@oolliiiviiiaa]

for someone who’s only roller skated once you straight up did the damn thing, and gracefully😍!!! but you’re COMPLETELY right. nothing is as bad as it seems, and it definitely could have been worse. i’m happy you shared your true emotions, while also reflecting positively on a frustrating af time. btw definitely going to you for book suggestions and Maui is so loveable towards you i can’t. 🥹 smooth sailing julesss, miss you and thinking of you always💓

[@JuliaBrooke]

I MISS YOU TOO ILL BE BACK SOMETIME THIS MONTH WE NEED TO CATCH UP😭❤️❤️❤️ ilysm

[@oolliiiviiiaa]

@@JuliaBrooke yes please!!! come over anytime 💓🥹

[@saida-wk2ut]

😍😍

[@saida-wk2ut]

​@@JuliaBrooke ♥️

[@marianna.with.an.a]

Ughhh! So frustrating! Hope you are fine now!💛 Wish you the best Julia!😊🌻 Say hello to Maui!🤍

[@JuliaBrooke]

Thank you, I will!❤️🐾✨

[@nickdavis8467]

Hi Julia, i found your channel and am sorry to hear you are having issues with your van, I really hope you can get it sorted soon, I look forward to seeing more & by the way your cat is adorable. All the very best to you both from Nick in England UK

[@marcimasca]

@JuliaBrooke yes, some things really are as bad as they seem. Like dying of cancer as a mom.

[@cynthianaylor9514]

It's hard to find a reliable mechanic. I'm in Florida and when I lived in North Miami mine was Knowles Garage and Now in Bonita Springs it's Carlos garage. You have to watch the dealers also and if you are buying used have your mechanic check it out. A reputable dealer sold me a baby truck and the brake light came on the 2nd day. I took it to my mechanic and not only were the valves ticking, the entire underside was rotted out. Called they kept claiming as is, but the mention of a lawyer changed their mind real quick.

[@jeffrenman4146]

hi Julia you seem really nice. It's my first time here and truthfully I feel I'm already rooting for you… I hope everything goes smoothly and be safe okay… And you do a really good job making these videos. Very thoughtful and skillful. Pretty cool

[@JuliaBrooke]

Thank you🥹🙏🏼

[@stevi6236]

Maybe you could invest in an extended warranty & pay monthly…… it may be the way to go cuz these things can clean you out financially ( same on that dealership for not being upfront……. They still could have helped you out)❣️ you are right there’s nothing that matters as much as accepting & moving forward❣️stay safe♥️

[@alysonbowler9040]

Extended warranties are only as good as the company that backs them. Consider the source of the warranty very strongly before purchasing one. Sadly, the majority of companies currently offering them are very well known for not fulfilling the terms of warranties they sell - or for adding language into the contracts that significantly lessens their actual value.

[@robertquinn1945]

Glad you got your van issues figured out so sad people try to take advantage of people 😢😢😢😢😢love❤❤❤ your van 🚐 😊😊😊😊😊!!!!

[@mikewatkins978]

The electric power steering in your van uses an electric pump to assist, instead of a pump driven by the engine, one of Fords better ideas on paper but ,,,,,,,, Don't be surprised if you have to replace the entire steering rack and pump, it isn't going to be cheap, nothing on the repair of that van is going to be cheap, the $10K you think you saved is what the dealer that sold it you was going to have to spend to fix it right. Here's a "You Should Have", I don't like saying this way but being up front with it is the best way to deal with it so here goes, You Should Have had all the issues that were mentioned at the time of sale instead of getting in a hurry to get the build started, Patience is a virtue that will more than pay for itself over time. When you enter vanlife it's a learning curve that never ends, you gotta roll with the punches or it will take you down. This is a common discovery with newbie's to vanlife, some give up, some beat it, if you want the quiet times at the beach you gotta beat it, I watched your build vid, not bad, don't get discouraged use the fails to build on for the next time you build a van interior, people have gotten by with a lot less, you can do it. I thought I saw you using a bug spray in one of your vid's, with cats you have to be very careful, they are extremely sensitive to smells, more so than dogs, just don't do it, find another way to deal with the bugs.

[@victoriaveeart]

@5:12 im in a women's writing course in college and last weeks readings was on mansplaining and how men often belittle and undermine women and this is a perfect representation of that. im so sorry that happened to you I hope you are okay

[@JuliaBrooke]

You’ve made me feel so validated😭💖 it’s like just because I’m wearing a dress doesn’t mean I’m lacking brain cells! Also, womens writing? Are you writing a book? 😏📚💖

[@sophieboisvert2886]

True. And the outrageous thing is when man go to the restaurant or the hair salon they are treated like kings by the ladies. Those man sure didn’t give birth to themselves and look at the asses they end up being. But I’ve figured them out because my brother has a garage. When those guy see women they’re like here comes some easy money and they ripped off much more women than man because we tend to believe what they tell us and they inflate the price. I’ve seen my brother ripped off so many people. Lunch time Is when I over heard them time and time again talk what they would tell customers to charge more. My brother ripped off his own girlfriend and me so don’t take things personal those humans are garbage.

[@memphysmoto2649]

Never go to a dealership for any service, they will charge you full price for everything plus they will try to add all kinds of BS to the service bill, good luck 🍀

[@ShadeTreeKennyT]

I feel so bad you went through such a terrible experience getting your van looked at! I'm glad it wasn't anything major, and that you have enough mechanical knowledge to know something was off! I absolutely loathe dealerships that take advantage of people! I'm also glad you were just parked over a sprinkler and didn't have a cracked water tank! I'm sure you were relieved as well!

[@saida-wk2ut]

♥️

[@JuliaBrooke]

Oh yes sooo relieved& ughhhhh I’m definitely getting a 3rd and 4th opinion on the leak. Definitely not as simple to figure out as it was on my old sbc😆

[@ShadeTreeKennyT]

@@JuliaBrooke yes, that old yellow van was great. It's too bad the fuel is so expensive these days.

[@dpman8402]

Sucks to hear about how your week went! But it all seemed to work out! Yeah if your power steering goes out itll just make it a little harder to turn the wheel! Just like back in the old days when they didn't have power steering!

[@ruebennomura9143]

Great van life hope you are ok

[@CallunaTrip]

Sorry to hear about your problems. Greetings from Poland.

[@tonyh4528]

Never Ever Be Afraid To Go Online Here And Ask For Help From Anyone Who Was In The Area, For Recommendations !! Be Safe Always

[@LEO_CXLIV]

I'd prefer a sailboat to a van. At least you have another form of propulsion than just an engine.

[@richarddennis1453]

Did you eventually get your van fixed... When you were roller skating I love that little dress you were wearing 😊

[@robertquinn1945]

I love ❤️ to read I’ve never been to a barns and noble sniff sniff 🤧 really need to❤❤❤!!!!

[@lar.k2]

hi question, what do you do for work? I really wanna do van life but i don’t know how to get money if I’m going it

[@kevinjohnson4418]

I uselly drink a tea,coffee or wine and find a park to decompress then find a better solution

[@timborgenheimer269]

Vans aren't made like they used to be. My 2006 sprinter with 433000 miles has no leaks. This van of mine is built like a tank.

[@mikesmart390]

Hi this is s very simple job replacing a pipe it's s hour or two job in uk if they have the part which would be delivered within 24 hours in uk if u in florida might take longer milage I gues also have you just bought the van you get 30 days from buying to check it out but here they often sell you a warranty for a year for a few hundred pound,?

[@saida-wk2ut]

What a nice car you have.

[@timborgenheimer269]

A 2020 van with a leak already?

[@justjudy7320]

Do your homework and stand your ground. There are enough videos on KZbin that you can literally have a video playing while this person is talking to you and say wait a minute you just said this but in this video they explain it differently. Also always ask for the old parts. Wait until they're done explaining what's wrong and what they're going to do and just as they turn to walk away with your keys say oh sir by the way please save all used old parts that you take from my van. About 50% of the time what's wrong with the vehicle won't be as bad as what they first told you. Keep your gut clear and your higher self will have your back. Let go of those emotions because you got a whole life ahead of you and you have to look at everything as along the way rather than in the way

[@mielesutter4159]

I don't blame you for being upset.

[@rose968]

Hey love, I saw you commented on a camera video. Is this filmed with the Sony Zv-E10? Thank you for any help I’m trying to decide between a couple. Gained a new subscriber 💖

[@JuliaBrooke]

Yes it is! All of my videos since moving into the van are on the zv e10🌞💖 I love it!!

[@mytranslucentreflections8995]

Oh my, what a wake up! (Your undercarriage got clean anyway!) And Barnes and Noble is one of my favorites! Kinda dangerous though 😉🤣

[@teresaferrer4748]

Get a card from the dealership that helped you. Good to have a good relationship. They also like to feel that not everyone is a scam artist.

[@fredricjulien8738]

Thanks!

[@fredricjulien8738]

I hope this takes a little bit of the sting out of all your issues you're experiencing lately.

[@JuliaBrooke]

You are too kind, thank you💙

[@sharonrice8255]

Fix it

[@lorahart56]

While I don't resonate with the contents of these novels, I do love to find another reader of 800+ page books. 300 pages? Short story for me. Not really interested. Love that you go on 'play dates' with your Mom.Congrats on surviving and thriving with all the misogynistic bull s=ite. So impressed with you.

[@JuliaBrooke]

Yes lol! Give me the 7 book long series with 800+ pages per book, anything under 450 is too short😂🙏🏼

[@lorahart56]

@@JuliaBrooke SO totally agree. ;)

[@ThePRINCSARA]

❤

[@Backhand77]

American corporations are the best. American laws protecting consumers from monopolistic corporations is second to none

[@JamesWaker]

Hi Julia

[@jasonjones5213]

It was dark and my cousin threw his sleeping bag on a underground sprinkler.I thought it was hilarious when the sprinkler turned on, he didn't find it to amusing though.Fine print sucks, but that's how they get you.

[@JuliaBrooke]

Omg I bet that was a shock to wake up to! 😂 & yes dealerships can be so scammy… I wish it wasn’t like this! Why is it so hard for places to be decent and hold up their end of the bargain? Ugh!

[@terrygreg1988]

2 👍👍 up beautiful safe travels

[@nishanbhandari34]

Hello

[@maddygvanlifer435]

I suggest you put these liar mechanics on blast so they won't take the next girl van dweller that comes along. Just a suggestion.

[@gatorred157]

hi Julia i like your roller skating part(why i was a skate guard during the kids night out every week i got free skating i got hit with car riding my bike & after i got med unit ride to hospital from skating this is not fun with hurt back & knees in braces or supports) the rest of van was like my truck the trans line are leaking on truck ok great fix it no there this much its great just fix it, it ok you fix trans if you don't put it on right I tow a trailer with my truck, that why i bought it! the camper i have has a pack of manuals for everything I got camper to live summers in and travel, to fish and boat this is odd i was adopted my real father had money it a sealed adoption & my real uncle was approve by court to see him, great i like 10 i hear my 2 uncles and step dad, you better tell Gregg this it me I bet uncle Fred about sh-t his pants puling into ranger boat to see the boss, co owner, buy court order, i have a ranger boat my relation ran on the bass tour for a year after retirement he worked at ranger boat & was a man that ravel and used the boat i got as his company boat, that why he wanted it he knew the boat it was damaged the dealer fixed it then he died, it was hard me not knowing him! it was forest wood but related to the money man when the factory burned to the ground years before he helped rebuild it and still traveled the world helping ranger dealer setup systems and boats, my uncle said forest wood had a old ww2 type boat with a motor like stuff he worked on in the navy, ps because he did that it saved me from blood cancer like 30 years later, you mean its bad being in Nevada in test area? the doc gave a nasty look when i said that! i understood he or my real mother would not have raised me like my step father did, one time in air-force a general for tactic the man in charge said abandon trucks if attacked there was several people injured how you get threw there lines to woods and get away the lay out of the field area we had to use, & my dad training in woods here find your way home like mile or more threw the woods when i could drive a car i beat him home his car broke down i had to go get him with mine the training was done! i took up auto repair in school! it end the way i never though! like my skating laying in ER in hospital on a back board for hours with a guy having heart attack next room this is not a good idea on skating! i had a lot time to think!

[@abbyabroad]

I discovered you yesterday and spent hours binging your content last night, but I can’t even finish this video because you’re talking driving while filming yourself. There is no reason for that 😰. It can wait until you park. Please… 20% of people killed by distracted, driving like this are pedestrians - - people who did nothing wrong, but walked near someone who didn’t wait to park before filming. Please, please consider not filming yourself while driving. It’s what is called cognitive distracted driving, even with your hands free. I know many people do it but I truly can’t understand why 🥺. In the past, I thought comments telling you to be safe were a bit patronizing, but in this case, you really are putting yourself at risk…and I think you are a beautiful human being with so much to offer! So… think about it. (On the other hand, I have ADHD & can only really do one thing well at a time, so maybe this is uniquely terrifying to me and something others can do safely.)

[@carlosguevara9311]

Hermosa

[@TheBrandonn]

I dont think homie was trying to undermine you, they just want money. everybody wants money. I'm sure if you had left it there for 5 days, they wouldve magically "found" more issues with it.

[@robned2442]

'Life is what happens to you, while you're busy making plans' John Lennon. Ur meal, Looked Good. Ur feline seems to be a great companion.

[@neilgoff2257]

You are so beautiful

[@cathy3864]

Welcome to the world of a woman where men have no respect for women and believe they are all dumb. Sorry you had to experience that. My rule of thumb is that I only go to dealerships. May cost more, but they are trained on the vehicle and have the correct parts. Safe travels.

[@lindasams6058]

MEN !!!!!!! 🥴

[@susananderson9619]

I hate being a female and having to deal with mechanics unless the mec hanic was my lover

[@growgrow863]

i want to marry you , i just saw you and fallen in love with you . i love youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

[@nawaalghamdi4752]

do you have a snapchat account to follow you in?