Our Biggest Problem Buying an RV in USA (as a Tourist)

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In this USA vanlife travel vlog, we talk about the biggest problem we've had since buying our RV in the USA as tourists. The process of buying and registering our 80s campervan went relatively smoothly and quickly. However, the next step of getting our vintage camper van ready for its first Big American Road Trip is not going to plan. It has been stuck at the mechanics for weeks and we have no idea when we will be getting it back.
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Welcome to the official Travel Beans KZbin channel! On this channel, you’ll find a variety of travel and vlog content, in which you’ll see us in places like Thailand, Japan, USA, Slovenia, and more.
In 2017 we left home with just £500 in our bank account and a dream to make a sustainable travel lifestyle happen! We are now living our dream as digital nomads and want to inspire you to create your own story, whatever it may be!
After 5 years of aimless, yet enjoyable, backpacking around the world we found ourselves in New York City battling with depression. At this point, we decided to go home and confront this problem head-on. After 6 tough months at home we decided to go away again, but this time with a goal in mind.. to turn travel into a lifestyle.
Our time spent battling depression has influenced our outlook on life dramatically! We are now traveling the world in search of what makes us happy. In our vlogs, we talk openly and honestly about our travel experiences, the digital nomad life and depression. We hope our videos can help to inspire you to create a life that makes you happy!
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[@TravelBeans]

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[@bklondon75deliciousnesswit64]

Be careful about recording in the National parks as you need a permit. Kara and Nate were caught out, I think they’re banned from the parks now.

[@loryhere7973]

@@bklondon75deliciousnesswit64 If I remember correctly, Kara and Nate were banned because they flew the drone and not because they simply filmed. However in the end, they solved everything and are no longer banned. :)

[@bklondon75deliciousnesswit64]

@@loryhere7973 Ah that might be correct, thought it was something to do with filming for a monetised channel. It was a while ago. Thanks.

[@FreezyAbitKT7A]

Does Emma get up, do her hair, put on her face and crawl back into bed pretending she just woke up for videos?

[@drinkinslim]

@@bklondon75deliciousnesswit64 Things have changed since then but always check first.

[@davidpatrick1813]

I am a one man shop that work on cars and rvs in southern oregon. I tell you, what I heard they say makes no sense. Send the van to a machine shop... for what? I explain things ... and give people options..

[@arielathome320]

Getting anything done in a shop right now is really hard. Especially with older or specialized vehicles. Hang in there!

[@johne1956]

Love your channel. Things are very different these days aren't they? I travelled around the US and Canada in 1982 with my wife in a 1967 Ford F250 pick up with a cabover camper on the back. No air con in either camper or pickup. No toilet, shower, fridge. We visited over 40 states spent 2 years and travelled over 50,000 miles. Had the truck serviced once in that time and it never let us down. The USA was fantastic, the people were amazingly friendly, we had an unforgettable time that I look back on fondly 40 years later.

[@johne1956]

@Spring is in The Air 🇺🇸 Winchester UK

[@cohenj87]

In the future there are a couple things you should do when seeking/booking repairs. First find out if they have they part, if they do not then do not drop the vehicle off. Ask them to order the part and let you know when it is in and you will then schedule the repairs. Also do not book multiple repairs at the same time UNLESS they are directly related and will save you on labor rates. If you do those 2 things you will typically only be without your vehicle for a day or 2 depending on the repairs.

[@patriciamoore6492]

Excellent advice!

[@Drpepperhernandez]

Excellent advise 🙌🏽

[@yvonnekneeshaw2784]

Totally agree 🇨🇦

[@aimos5990]

Sound advice & well put

[@toddsholtis4470]

Josh great advice but that does not really work that way, I come from the Automotive industry and also am a collector of cars. So if you bring it to a repair garage always get a written estimate of repairs to be done and ask for the old parts back (sometimes old parts are used as cores, so it may not be possible), but after they give you a written estimate ask how long the parts will take, if they say a week or so then ask them if you can pay for the parts in advance and have them order them. I was thinking if they could buy the parts, but I know for fact most repair garages will not install customer supplied parts. Now with all this said, they should have brought it to a big FORD dealer whom most likely can get the parts faster than a small repair shop and may even offer a free warranty on what parts & service they perform (nationwide). Yes the price of labor will be more per hour, but they would get there van back faster (less hotel and car rental bill or whatever).

[@FrethKindheart]

The "swamp cooler" will work out west where it's dry, but it won't do much where there is high humidity.

[@orange13]

a true swamp cooler works by blowing hot air over wet evaporative cooling pads. this works best in dry climates as this makes evaporating the water in the pads more efficient. the heat in the air gets converted into the energy it takes to dry the pads. what they have is not a swap cooler. it doesn't need to evaporate any wet pads. the heat in the air is used to melt the ice in the cooler. this works relatively independent of humidity levels and should work even in areas with high humidity, however, warm humid air is almost always more unpleasant than warm dry air so the perceived cooling effect this thing can produce might feel a lot less in a humid than in a dry environment.

[@MikeDiEva]

That "swamp cooler" y'all got will work great in drier areas, but hopefully the AC is fixed before you head anywhere humid (AKA the entire Southeastern US), or it'll just be a Bean Stew in that van.

[@tonys1636]

Note to Emma, keep purse in a secure pocket. Glad you found it as lost cards could have been the nightmare from hell.

[@jewelskeaton]

For your cooler make sure to use block ice instead of ice cubes. The cubes will melt much quicker than the blocks! I made a homemade version and took it tent camping, worked like a charm.

[@777Timberwolf]

when it comes to campervans, RV class B+, class C and/or Class A... always take it to the RV shop where they will have the parts there, especially when you see a sticker on their front business window shows "BBB" (Better Business Bureau) = Most satisfying work. (continuing watching) well there you go CAMPING WORLD, they do their repairs as well for your van too.

[@laural4644]

Frank Repair:. Same suggestions as others posted here? Your in the south, everything takes slower for everything. I am transplant from the Northern states. Move down here, almost 15 years later, that things run at a different pace process. Always call ahead, to learn if they have parts for your model vehicle, before leaving with them. Best find place like Camper World or specific RV/camper mechanic repair shop. Again, one with a top BBB A+ rating. It's not a tourist trap you got Frank held up in, it's the way of the Nomad adventurer, unknown in strange land. You currently are in high humidity belt area. Until you get to Arizona, where it's dry heat (air conditioner requirements)! Wishing you well, on exploring!

[@laural4644]

Frank Repair:. Same suggestions as others posted here? Your in the south, everything takes slower for everything. I am transplant from the Northern states. Move down here, almost 15 years later, that things run at a different pace process. Always call ahead, to learn if they have parts for your model vehicle, before leaving with them. Best find place like Camper World or specific RV/camper mechanic repair shop. Again, one with a top BBB A+ rating. It's not a tourist trap you got Frank held up in, it's the way of the Nomad adventurer, unknown in strange land. You currently are in high humidity belt area. Until you get to Arizona, where it's dry heat (air conditioner requirements)! Wishing you well, on exploring!

[@bobnicholls]

If I was going to give really shitty customer service & fail to do a job for weeks, I would hope it would be for customers as unbelievably patient & nice about it as you two. 'Boondocking' - new word for me. Sounds cooler than 'wild camping'. Hope Frank the Tank comes back Swank.

[@hederahelix4600]

Congrats on getting your purse back and not freaking out about it too much. I would have been devestated in that situation. So lucky that no one took it!

[@riverbendtube]

Welcome back to US of A!!! As the former owner of a VW T3 Westfalia camper van, I’d say your delays with the mechanic are right on target. I’m back to a tent and a suv. Just got my lifetime (over 62 now!) national park pass for just $85! We do do some things really well here. Hope to cross paths here someday.

[@andrewplunkett4055]

I live in Ausralia. To help us keep cool during the summer in our not airconditioned van, we use pet cooling mats. They work a treat. We also use a portable air cooler that runs on 12v

[@jackfishcampbell6745]

I'm surprised that there would be vehicle's in Australia these day's without AC .That would be tough .

[@toddlucas1550]

Even though your van repairs took time, and we do not know the cost you paid. The mechanic sounded as if he was honest; that is key.

[@vicki9929]

I found that if I showed up at the mechanics they were a lot more apt to explain things and a lot more specific on timelines. I was never rude and they were more inclined to finish. I also took a friend with me and told them that my friend was needing to have an engine overhaul and looking for a shop….since they were REALLY interested in doing that…I got my vehicle back and fixed really good and quickly! 😉

[@travelertrome8449]

Welcome to the world of the auto mechanic business in the USA! I was not surprised at all with the delays that you dealt with. It is just a matter of being patient and to expect delays to happen. I am looking forward to your road trip! Please don't forget the Grand Canyon this time, including the Skywalk on the West Rim. You won't regret it!

[@everleen56]

Parts in general are difficult to source at the moment. Even delivery of new cars is suffering these days due to waiting for parts. I have a 1981 RV and parts can be scarce or have to be made. It's worth joining forums to get ideas and help from others who have your RV .. or similar.

[@MrPenguinLife]

With all the labor and parts shortages going on it is a bad time to try to get things worked on. My college age son was involved in a hit and run accident in February which dented in both passenger side doors on his car. It took over a month to even get an appointment at a body shop, it took them another 2 weeks to even look at it, then they had it until last week (1st week of May) mostly waiting on parts to get in (2 used doors, and a fender panel).

[@biddiemutter3481]

Thank God for the footage showing where you had your purse. I'm so glad it was still where you dropped it and it was only time and fuel wasted! Days like that are horrible, I empathize!

[@davidsavage5930]

Hopefully your problems with Frank will be fixed soon. I'd check the reviews on this repair shop. If there's bad reviews I'd look elsewhere. Being that Frank is a 1988 it was built with a R12 AC system. Hopefully it's already been converted to R134 and it's a easy fix. Good luck

[@terria4698]

Our Class C sat in the shop from November 2021 to April 2022. There were several major issues; mainly water damage from a cracked seal; plus needing a new carburetor for the generator. It didn't make sense to constantly run it back and forth (50 mile round trip) whenever the parts FINALLY came in (it has been a hugely awful era for getting RV parts) so we left it until told everything was done. So, I have much sympathy with people facing this ordeal. Especially for those needing work on older RVs. Our 2011 interior no longer matched available materials, so we said "JUST FIX THE D* THING!" we didn't care if the color of wall panels couldn't be matched.

[@MariekeL]

Before I start watching the new video, I just wanted to say some lovely words to both of you. I had seen some other videos of you I found on my homepage (van tour of your other van a long time ago), but I found your actual channel trough multiple KZbin friends of yours and I'm glad they've sent me this way over. I just started following you - like yesterday - and I am already really enjoying your content. You are lovely people, with humor I can appreciate. I am very much looking forward to seeing all your crazy adventures. You are making amazing videos. Thank you for giving me some giggles and happy moments during my week ❤

[@delennamachoo]

Regarding shopping: Find what you want by shopping online then identify a local store that carries it. It's much more efficient courtesy of sort and filter options.

[@TravelGirl785]

I can relate with the mechanic issues. Thankfully I finally found a fantastic mechanic shop that is fast, reliable, and reasonably priced. I think it really depends on the mechanic and the shop. I hope Frank gets out of the shop soon so you can get on the road :)

[@mikeloughran5196]

Good, efficient service shops are tough to find but they are out there. Time for your viewers to step up and let you know who they use in their areas. We can't leave the Beans stranded. If you get to western Pennsylvania I have 2 for you.

[@TsunamiKitten56]

Yes unfortunately in the U.S. vehicles sit and wait and wait and wait to be repaired 🤦🏾‍♀️ it's so frustrating

[@DaimyoD0]

I'm definitely a bit late on this comment so I doubt this will get read, but it's worth mentioning that the solution at 15:28 is a type of swamp cooler. They're not a bad choice for a very dry climate, like Arizona for example, but in much of America, like the whole of the east coast, summer heat comes with high humidity, and much of what AC accomplishes is taking the humidity out of the air in addition to cooling it. So a swamp cooler may cool off the air a bit through evaporative cooling, but it actively increases the humidity, further contributing to the felt experience of hot weather, kind of negating much of the benefit of the cooling.

[@Doc1985]

You may be having some bad luck with repairs, but so much automotive work has become so specialized that passing off part of a job to another specialist is not that uncommon here in the US. There are fewer people becoming trades persons as well, so this is not a good situation for anyone in general.

[@Gary_and_Linda]

Seems like everything is back ordered now including labour. We’re lucky we have food in the stores the way things are going with supply chains. Automotive part supplies are messed up! We were amazed how beautiful Texas was, beyond all expectations! Austin was beautiful and the river walk of San Antonio - amazing. Enjoy America and then get up to Canada before winter.

[@rhondazappalewis3685]

Texas is world's worst on mechanics because it's so big!!! I pray you get your camper van back soon! I truly know how you feel 💕

[@frankgoodlett8670]

You picked a great name for your camper van as my name is Frank too. Before counting your roof A/C out, you need to plug it into 30 amp shore power supply if you haven’t done it already. Really enjoying you channel! Glad you hooked up with The Endless Adventures. Good luck with all your travels.

[@kelleyjewell3640]

Beloved Beans - I think the mechanic thing is par for the course. He certainly was kind to keep you in the loop. Maybe next trip to Camping World you'd want to find a water filter? It's a thing that when you pull into a site with water hookups, you attach the hose to one end, then the other end of the filter you put into the supply valve on the van. It can make a difference in keeping the yucks or weird tastes out of any water you may hook into. I can't wait to see your next adventures!! If you end up driving to Alaska in the future, let me know!

[@tomcourtney7147]

Keep up the good cheer ! Sorry you have to go through the wait, but that has been my experience of late with US shops. It looks like you snagged a good on the camper and I am sure it will get better. Camping world is great. We recently stayed a night in their lot for free. We just left early like they asked before they open . I have found that looking for higher elevations works good for overnight in hot weather. It is much more likely to cool down. love your channel.

[@jessicatruman8105]

Omg guys i feel for you! Really hope you get it soon. 🙏

[@joyceb5864]

Bless you!! Not all garages are that way. I make an appointment for mine & it is done that day. If parts must be ordered they make another appointment to install as long as the vehicle is drivable. However, it is hard to find a garage that handles high-top camper vans

[@magictheminishetlandpony5640]

Let’s hope you get Frank back real soon 🙏🏼. And how lucky was Emma finding her purse 😨. Stay safe beans 👍

[@tammaragill9347]

You are NOT alone being at the mercy of a mechanic. Nothing you can do, but hurry up and wait. You'll appreciate Frank working properly when all is said and done. OMG my heart sank when you lost your wallet! Thank goodness it was on the floor in Hobby Lobby with ALL your items in it! WHEW!!!

[@krisk4513]

Supply chain issues are real and waiting weeks for parts now is common. I agree with others that have commented on ensuring the mechanic actually has your part(s) in stock. Good luck!

[@badgerpa9]

Seems like a few of the good mechanics changed jobs during covid and some places are having a tough time getting good mechanics. I do not know what you had to have fixed but with an older vehicle you will run into lack of knowledge about the van and some that just do not want to work on older vehicles. The local jeep dealership does not want to ever work on my older jeep we go to a rural town jeep dealer a few hours away. If you replace your air conditioning you may want to look at the 12 volt units and another coach battery so you can run it even when not plugged in to "mains" or shore power. Be safe and hope they fix your van so you can get out there.

[@rachelstout466]

As I'm watching and you're describing how it works at the mechanic in the UK I am incredibly jealous! Yes, your experience with the delays is typical.

[@jennyguest202]

We relate!! Been without our van for four weeks now! Hope you get moving soon X

[@amibrau]

Agree with your purchase of the Rhino external waste tank....we also have one for those wild camping/boondocking times...we also hang ours off the rear mounted ladder and use bungee cords to secure it to the ladder....best of luck with getting on the road with Frank...

[@darrylgleave8276]

I recently bought a motorhome so happy with it ,but went to insure it and found out that due to the value the company would not touch it without a thatcham alarm system being fitted . (this was three days prior to picking it up...fortunately our dealer was able to arrange the alarm fitting but it was a week later...(no where near as bad as your situation guys) i am hoping that i can have a short trip away this weekend to have a shake down trip to work out the "kinks" of the setup before getting out on the road. NC 500 in mid September fingers crossed , really enjoy your van life stuff!

[@socialstew]

The internet is littered with stories of RV'ers mechanic/garage horror stories -- and that was _before_ the pandemy and the subsequent supply chain headaches! So one can only imagine what it's like now. Or... they can just watch this video! Great video! I just subscribed.

[@zaikaplates]

Good morning🌹 welcome

[@rosemaryferche8102]

so very very happy you found your purse. How very frustrating. Glad you are getting everything checked out even though it is taking so....much time⏲️ Best to be safe . Even though it's hard better now than on the road. Stay safe! Love 💘 your videos. Looking forward to seeing you on the road and your adventures 😀

[@ColinBarrett001]

Thanks Beans! Great video. Top tips about the grey tank and cooler, and OMG, losing your wallet is the most stressful thing that can happen. Glad you found it!

[@gowiththeflowartuk8086]

Oh my gosh, just atarted following you and now your in the U.S. I also was thinking of buying a camper there and touring in it... The purse scenario was so scary, I recently lost cards from the inside of my phone holder and didn't realise untilI waa going to pay for all my groceries. So that was a nightmare retracing steps. Finally found them in some grass near a bin I had out my coffe cup into. Thankfully the ladyat the store was so good to ke when I got back there! 😌 Looking forward to seeing you on the road!!

[@dennisandrews2970]

Sorry for all your troubles. I hope you get on the road soon.

[@karenlara9739]

🥰 MAIN thing is that after having your van longer than expected… that it comes back to you in much better shape than when you left it there !!! Hopefully you’ll be so happy. Enjoy your journey and if/when you make it to Virginia…. Hopefully you’ll be on interstate 81 in southwest Virginia and be able to stop near by so I can meet ya !! Would be great !! Safe travels !! Hugs for now !! Karen in Bristol Virginia!!

[@biddiemutter3481]

Texas is greener by water, I imagine, and that looks beautiful

[@pixelpeter3883]

When Frank is fully up and running and purring like a kitten, you'll probably soon forget all the hoops you had to jump through to get van-life-USA on the road ;-)

[@Talal1602]

Sad enough a fire destroyed the van completely.

[@davidsirois9164]

The cooler does work, however in the southwest, the ambient Temps may melt the ice quicker. I found insulating the cooler works great. If you three, Frank included, ever make it up to the Northeast near Boston, you have a safe, free place to park in our neighborhood.

[@A_Vets_Life]

Oh no! Hope your next video is you guys in the van! Loves your videos 💛

[@maryeckert9936]

Not only hit up the National Parks, but also go to some of the state parks. Texas has some really good ones. One of my favorites is Mineral Wells State Park. They have rock climbing, hiking, and swimming.

[@chrisfolkharmonicaplayer6292]

The air cooler will work like a humidifier. So the relative humidity has to be below 50% in order to cool. Keep your van windows open or it will feel like a sauna while operating it. The ice will melt fast and it will wont cool long.You'll have to sit by it to feel the cool. You might consider a window AC. They start at $100 at Walmart. You can only use it at a camp ground with electric hookup. Then , when you’re out on the road, take the ac down .

[@pompeymik]

I'm so bloody jealous😢😢😢 lovely video, despite the disappointment! looking forward to seeing Frank on the road. love to you both, stay safe ❤

[@jwdigitalnotesplanner]

I’m really glad you found your purse, but what you need is an over the shoulder small bag that will always be on you. Small enough to carry everything and small enough to not be uncomfortable.

[@DFR81Tube]

I have a suggestion for the AC cooler. Get gallons of water and freeze them. That way you can freeze them again when they all melt. Another suggestion. Dry ice.

[@chetbal]

I loved your kindness to appreciate the guy after so many sorry your car not done today too conversations :)

[@DiscoverTop10Places]

I wish one day all of us who are watching and dreaming about traveling can actually travel more to learn about different cultures and end hate in this loving journey of life.

[@nwsrcphotog]

Great video travel Beans! to be honest.. it seems like you have a good mechanic there. he actually calls you back and keeps you updated on the repairs.. There are serious parts shortages for brand new RV's let alone older ones most likely out of production.. Most mechanics will ghost you until it's fixed and then want to up-charge for the rare parts.. This guy seems to be at least forthcoming..

[@thomastrout9997]

Once upon a time I piloted a VW "Westy" around the Western US and I found Good Sam membership to be a handy resource. You often get campground discounts and, if they still feature it, a 24 hour number in case of emergencies. It paid out more than it costs, though. Cheers

[@rick5653]

I think the loud noise of that air conditioner would be disturbing. Excited that you’re a lovely couple and enjoyed your video. Keep them coming

[@paulgardner4931]

Ah no beans, I hope the next video you put up will have good news and you's are sitting happily 😊 in the van🤞

[@carolinestarkie9211]

Love watching your adventures

[@the1one132]

The parts for any vehicle are on shortage from the shipping issues we have had during covid. Now the road transportation for supplies has also been disrupted. All of that has created a shortage in many different types of businesses. These mechanic shops will also over book repairs and then fall behind because of worker shortages. How do I know this ? I ran a trucking company in NY for years and finally decided to retire a couple years ago. Also I have a few friends and a son who are mechanics.

[@lawrenceforbach2627]

Congratulations on the Annual National Park Pass I love mine.

[@PostcardAndAPint]

How frustrating. You’re so polite though Emma. I’m sure Frank will be ready soon and we can’t wait to see him kitted out with your accessories you’ve bought him. Omg, your wallet!! I couldn’t believe it was still there! We’d never have thought to have checked our camera footage to see when we lost it! Every days a school day! Great video and here’s hoping Franks out next week! 🍻

[@paulblois7194]

When you finally get to the National Parks you will need to pay to film there. Don't get caught out! Can't wait to see the videos!

[@mattward4405]

My van (T4) was in the garage for 7 weeks and when I eventually got it back I realised a mouse had moved in and made a right bloody mess inside my cupboard! I hate garages.

[@paulh5854]

I feel your pain! The age of the van and parts availability won't help but you would like to think any garage would have given you a realistic date to get it back! Hang in there.

[@Sarahandlee]

We totally feel your pain with mechanics. Our 31 year old motorhomes engine blew up in March whilst we were travelling home from the Cairngorms!! Our engine is still in Cambridge waiting to be finished and our van is in the garage in Swindon!! We are hoping to have our van back soon. Good luck with Frank it will be worth it when you get him back 🚐 Take care Sarah and lee

[@bridgetalves5667]

You are so polite & pleasant on the phone to George, he’s very lucky to have you and not me as a customer 🤣Hope to see you guys in Frank and on the road really soon, take care and enjoy your week 💕

[@ello7222]

That's right, I probably would have yelled at George

[@donstravelsandrants.]

Love the way your not afraid to show setbacks and frustration. It makes for great viewing. Can't wait to follow your American adventures. 👍😊

[@chrismccray361]

baby❤

[@BrianAlt]

1) Stringing you along. 2) Supply chain issues. 3) Generally busy. 4) They just don't care. (I'm sure I could go on.)

[@yvonnebailey9973]

Good luck. Thanks for sharing. From the UK

[@WaarisMarleen]

Dear brave Beans!! So sorry to hear of your frustrating weeks! There'se not much I can do to make it all better but to say: hang in there, remember you're living not only your but our American dream, and give yourself a break and a breather. It's okay to feel frustrated after all of this. Go out to scream into a void to get rid of any anger, and in the meantime, I'll send you all the love and kudos from the Netherlands. You are doing AWESOME things and are giving the internet the shiny sparks everyone is looking for. You're an example for quality content and every Monday is better because of you!

[@davidw8727]

Good thing y'all found it.

[@ohioclassCcamper]

Wow. it is hard in the USA to get parts for older vans and cars. With supply chain issues hopefully you have good luck.

[@samanthagaudet1461]

Oh I hope things get better for you.

[@alanhester9984]

I just went through 3 days of driving from body shop to body shop to do a small repair on my car. Some shops told me they were backed up 2 years!!!!!!!! Most told me they wouldn't do the fender repair as they were too booked up. Finally found a guy who would do it if I buy the parts first then hopefully in a couple months he could get it in to do the job.

[@Tom-yj3sc]

The Beans are back baby!!!

[@druiz012]

Pretty common here to wait multiple days for your car or van to be worked on. My advice if it's not something that inhibits driving don't have them hold it until they are ready to work on it. But they might also put you off still. Very frustrating the last few years at mechanics.

[@Skepsissw]

This is exactly why your vlog is amazing, you share the good, the bad and the ugly! Very dramatic episode, turned to a real thriller when Emma lost the purse, and when you found it I was cheering! 👏😃

[@jesseleroy76]

I want pictures of the beers in the a/c cooler thing, btw, it's also called a swamp cooler.

[@davegills6969]

Hi ya Beans. Blimey you have some patience with the mechanic. Hope they sort it out for you and you are soon on the road as we love your videos. The tank must seem massive after your VW. Take care of love to you both. Dave and Cynth. Norwich UK. 😁👍 X

[@diwarburton5369]

I think you are being incredibly patient, I would be hopping mad by now. I hope you get some good news soon.

[@Darenbranch]

Exactly, there’s no way I would be so accommodating, the nicer you are they more they will think they can wait ! it’s the ones who don’t accept their excuses will more than likely get priority, that’s my experience for what it’s worth .

[@QueenMonkeyGirl]

You’re not alone. My father’s car was in a mechanics shop for 6 weeks. Part of that was his own fault, but a solid 4 weeks of that was them waiting on parts and just him being told to keep waiting because it’s a VW and the parts have to come from Germany and blah blah. Needless to say, he was peeved every time they told him it was going to be another long wait.

[@TheVintageSoul333]

Hi guys so sorry you're having trouble. One thing to remember is that a little sternness goes a long way in the US unfortunately I would definitely push them and tell them that you have to have it done that you are from another country and that you're only here for a limited time and you have to get the van done and that you're getting impatient. If they know you're going to be nice about every delay they're going to delay you for somebody that's pushing harder. I saw somebody else by that cooler thing that you bought and it didn't work for them I'm hoping that maybe this is a better one so good luck. Happy safe travels

[@wookievr641]

It’s not just the TX region. It’s everywhere in the states. Standard operating procedure for repair shops.

[@pernillewarren8134]

So sorry for you having to wait for so Long. Hope you Will start driving next week

[@gaynorevans2644]

Great video, fully understand the to much choice in stores, I also end up buying nothing 😁. Hope you get the van soon and get to enjoy the touring

[@aWanderlustForLife]

Oh geez, guys. I'm sorry you're going through so much trouble. This is why I always felt lucky that my dad's best friend is a mechanic, and my dad could do a lot himself. But if I ever needed anything, I knew who could fix it or he would know a guy...small town life 😂 I hope this is the end of your troubles and you get to making it your own!

[@NyreeAlana]

I can just imagine how frustrating this was! And then when shit happens one thing after another, it's easy to feel quite despondent. I'm sure you're itching to get on the road and I can't wait either, it's gonna be great!!! 💚

[@peterjohndormor8173]

Great video super beans. You will get success soon 👍

[@soniachong5787]

I feel you about service in US even with appointments. I broke my MacBookPro Screen while traveling there and it was almost impossible to get service.Went to 4 different store and one with appointment where I had to drive 2hrs to get there and the store was closed suddenly. Took 3 weeks and NOTHING. I had to call Singapore and the day I landed, courier picked it up and 2 days later, I had a new screen.

[@slewisgreen]

your van will be fixed sometime, hang in there (so easy for me to say). i am not a van lifer, but it does seem like a nice life for a few years...love you both.

[@sevenr]

After Covid hit a lot of service industries have had issues. The supply chain is messed up. My RV just got out of the shop after 9 months of delays. Some of it because of inexperienced techs but most of it due to slow supply chains. Lack of workers at plants making parts, parts stuck in ports, etc. Sorry you had to experience that b

[@tedjones112]

Even worse for Vintage/OLD vehicles ....... for which parts become obsolete/no longer made

[@gwynethglas-brown9171]

OMG how lucky Emma you were to Find your purse back ( keep 🙏🙏🙏 it safe ) So sorry you had to sit around waiting for Frank to have his work done , can imagine your Frustration & the fact its eating away your travel days ( don’t know how long your planning to stay in USA 🤔) If your limited visa etc . 🙏 you Got Frank back & you can start your Road Trip with Eric & Alison🎉🎉 Have a Good week safe travels. Take care 🥰