POOR RV QUALITY CAN RUIN EVEN THE BEST TRIP IF YOU LET IT

[@horizon42q]

Glad you found the solution. Happy it was a simple fix, once found.

[@larryvincent2098]

Always watching and always enjoying your channel!! BS & BK & BC !!!!!!!! 😊

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks Larry, we always appreciate your support.

[@joycemoses2411]

You have the best attitude!!!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We don’t always feel that way but thank you for saying that.

[@greygooseadventures5212]

Captain Upchuck!!! Laughing so hard. Funny comment Lynn. I will use again with your permission. Just came back from Mars Hill off the Appalachian Trail. Thought about you guys. Weather was so nice! ❤️

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

You can use the comment anytime you want. You need to stop by the next time you come up this way. Miss you guys.

[@sherriweber7105]

I have never had shrimp tacos but I live shrimp. I would eat shrimp tacos though. Love the fact Owen got the steps working. Loved seeing Lynn doing the happy dance then seeing Owen do it. That was awesome. 👍

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Shrimp tacos are really good, they usually have slaw on them. Owen is really handy to have around, which you need if you have an RV.

[@sherriweber7105]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle I most definitely love them because I love coke slaw and shrimp. It all sounds good to me. Lol!

[@johnwilliamson9453]

I didn’t realize when I bought the EKKO that you’re required to have so many hats to wear... plumber, electrician, mechanic, carpenter, and engineer. Hope. that fixes my steps too! Good job you two!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

So many hats to wear. It really helps if you are willing to learn to fix issues that come up. Thank goodness for the internet. Hope it fixes your steps too.

[@johnwilliamson9453]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle Well my magnet was clean as a whistle! :(

[@largemarge1603]

We delivered RecreateVehicles manufacturer-to-dealer and dealer-to-shows. A year and a hundred thousand miles convinced us to build instead of buy. . 2003, we built our ExpeditionVehicle on a 1996 Ford CF8000 commercial truck. Two decades full-time live-aboard, we boondock exclusively. Twenty-four months twenty-four thousand miles around South America. Alaska, Panama, all over North and Central America. Summers up rough logger tracks to remote mountain lakes. Winters on isolated Baja beaches. . And none of our caravan chums are in factory RecreateVehicles.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Sounds awesome! Thanks for sharing.

[@lleach7]

Mine has been repaired three times so far. At least it failed in. Replace controller box.

[@willar7179]

I’m glad you got your steps fixed. Too bad you didn’t do the magnet first, it might have saved you a lot of time on you back under the rig. But now everything is smoothly running again. Loved the Beethoven chicken!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Maybe others will learn from our mistake of not checking the magnet first. That was a lot easier fix.

[@annmoore6562]

I'm glad you got to see the Fortress. Have a calm crossing to Newfoundland We're going to go next spring!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We loved the Fortress. Newfoundland was even more special. Thanks for watching.

[@michaelcox6559]

Well NS is done and finally to NFLD! Cannot wait to see your adventures there! All the best

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It’s been a great time getting to our final destination. But like they always says the journey is the best part.

[@fraimaimfr4942]

Great vlog series you guys 👍 🇮🇹 🇮🇹

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you, we appreciate you watching.

[@mikestengel8181]

We had trouble with our Ekko steps on the way to Forest City. All week while there they worked. The first rain after leaving they quit working. Worked for the next 3 or 4 weeks. Currently not working…. We carry a small portable step that folds up for easy storage.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Sorry you are having problems with your steps too, it is no fun. This was the second time our steps stopped working, we replaced the motor the first time. We just kept trying everything we could find on the internet that could be wrong and finally found what was wrong. Good luck getting yours fixed.

[@FromShetoMe]

I thought you were going to say we’re trading in the rig. Something tells me that may happen anyway. I guess no houseboats for the Captain. We’ll be sure to check out the fort next time.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

You guys would have loved the Fortress. Still not planning to trade any time soon and still too much to see before a houseboat.

[@ftkinsella]

Owen buddy I am impressed. It ain't easy laying on your back with your hands above your head working for a while. Great work man. Beautiful views out that way. Love you guys. Hi Maggie!! ❤😊❤

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

The extra lift we added helps quite a bit for sure. But you're right. Reaching about your head while lying on your back to work on something that if you're not careful could do some major damage to you if it opens or closes... it is tricky for sure. Love you too.

[@grillinandchillinwithdeb]

Stinks your having issues but happy they are fixed. Looks so very enjoyable there

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I guess things are going to happen when you are on the road, Owen is actually very mechanical and will at least try to fix everything. Thank goodness for google.

[@grillinandchillinwithdeb]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle yep, we've had a few ourselves. Last was 2 flats

[@pdub6453]

We loved the “residents” of Louisburg. “Viva la France!” (Did you notice the devastation from Hurricane Fiona?) We also went to the lighthouse - so pretty in that area. You had some great shots. Finally, did you find Gravol ginger tablets before the ferry?

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We saw a lot of devastation from the Hurricane in this area especially on our hike. We did not get Gravol ginger but something like Dramamine, we did take it but I don’t think we needed it, the ride was really calm. We love the people in Louisburg too.

[@susanstrickland6774]

Another great video. Yay!!! Great fix on the steps, again. Happy dances all around. Beautiful lighthouse and fortress. Maggie ♥️ a fun doggie adventure time with Harley, nice. 🙂👍

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Maggie is very picky about who she plays with so we love it when she finds a friend she can run and play with. Fixing the steps was Happy dance worthy. Thanks for watching.

[@pammullin2160]

The North Star is owned by Colin and Justin of HGTV Canada and Cottage Life Television….our best friends were just there last month for a few nights stay on their 35th Anniversary. Small world.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It is a small world and we see that almost every time we travel. This time we met folks who follow us from all over the world... all the way in Newfoundland. Crazy. Our new friend Bobby told us about Collin and Justin's great place and it was a treat for sure.

[@sunshineviking9933]

Party On!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

You go!!! Is t it cool how ships and harbors can spell messages?

[@kittyshacktracks8808]

Where, how, can we hear more of Owen’s music? Love it!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

That's nice of you! Here you go: owenpoteat.bandcamp.com/

[@OverlandCitrus]

Hi Guys I had that happen to me once sucked had to strap the stairs up, mine the shear pin on motor came out its was on a 2 month old RV LOL it's not easy stay safe

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It does suck, we strapped ours up too. That is ridiculous that your RV was just 2 months old, you do expect better than that. Thanks for watching.

[@Kelleena1on1]

So sweet you two are:-)

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you, you are sweet for saying that.

[@annearmstrong14]

Glad you enjoyed the fortress. Glad we didnt have to drive in that wind! We got back from the maritimes, moved back into class A, drove from SC to KY, land between the lakes and when we were ready to leave steps wouldn't go in. We had to tie them up. At next stop Max was able to get them goining again. Quit again. Hopefully now he has them completely repaired. It's always something with a RV. Gumby😊.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Sorry you had problems with your steps too, it is always something for sure. Hope you guys are doing well, we watched the Huddle video last night, and saw you a few times, it looked like it was a success. Hope to see you on the road soon.

[@sherriweber7105]

So glad you went in that hike and didn’t let the step being broken down let you stop what you wanted to do. And that water was nice seeing it splashing around in shore. Great views!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Having issues is not any fun, but the weather was playing a part on our moods too. But a nice sunny day can change your whole outlook on life.

[@sherriweber7105]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle I agree!

[@pattyk8594]

So nice that you are handy Owen to fix those steps!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Owen is a great handy man to have around.

[@michaelbecnel63]

RV issues on the road are a PIA, manufacturers need to up their QC........great job Owen. I like to browse museums but my wife likes to read everything. Happy Trails 🦮🦮 Looking forward to NF

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I guess it’s a given things are going to break on an RV, but it is still discouraging. I do wish the quality was better. thanks for watching.

[@christinaputney659]

Pssst Lynn, Owens talking behind your back 😳. Owen, that’s great that you were able to fix that. We had a van 🚐 that was way to high tech for our level of fixing stuff in a pinch. We took it in to get fixed and found another van more on our level. Ours was a step issue also and our van now has a running board. Can’t wait to see next weeks adventure.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I can’t believe Owen would talk behind my back like that 😀. I think simpler is better, less to break. I’d go for a running board too.

[@largemarge1603]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle We built our ExpeditionVehicle with: * zero plumbing * zero slide-out * minimal electric * zero holding tanks * zero wine-chillers and electric fireplace in the entertainment center. . The last time we owned a television set was sometime last century. We have zero-zero-zero interest in televisionprogramming. . The sun goes down, we go to bed. Our RequirementsStatement might be different from most RecreateVehicle users...

[@pamelamargroff5836]

Another fun video...beautiful there. Yes, wait a day the sun will shine again! Hello Mags!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Mags say WOOF! 🐶. And sometimes that nerve works it way free from being twisted with the rear-end nerve.

[@mikemanjo2458]

Man, Owen, anyone that can figure out the magnet moving up and down to close the steps has caused shavings to fall down and interfere with that mechanism has some serious mechanical know-how in my book! Pretty impressive skills to us! Y'all were so impressive to power thru those issues (steps, weather) with positivity and laughter. ❤❤ I agree with Lynn, that Fortress was cool. Thanks for bringing us along. Still looking forward to meeting y'all along the way some day.❤❤🙏🐾Jane

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Owen is really good at fixing things especially when we have access to Google. We would love to see you guys on the road. Thanks for watching.

[@mikemanjo2458]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle ♥️Thanks, Lynn.

[@AnitaNC]

Where do you go to dump the grey tank since you're doing mostly boondocking on this trip?

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Usually national parks. After asking they usually allow us to dump both and fill water with annual or lifetime passes. In a pinch you can use the cassette toilet to empty 5 gallons at a time.

[@dannywindsor5537]

I appreciate your stubbornness Owen 😂. BTW would you mind telling me what is the name brand of your shoes you’re wearing on October 8, episode? They look comfortable and cool .

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Owen wears 2 shoes so not sure which one. One is just simple Crocs that he is lazy in and also wears to drive long distances. The every day everything shoes are Brooks. The ones you saw on this video are HOKA hiking shoes that are waterproof.

[@sherriweber7105]

That was nice seeing the Fortress. I was going to ask how the hiking was. It looked big. Great video! Glad you got done what you needed to do before getting into the ferry to Newfoundland. Can’t wait to see the next adventure. See you both soon! Safe travels. Stay safe!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

The Fortress was so much more than I expected… it was beautiful and amazing at the same time. Very well maintained and truly a tourist attraction.

[@RoadsofLife]

Love Owen's statement at 5:00!! Too funny! Also loved Lynn's happy dance! Sorry to hear of all the EKKO problems. You said at 3:26 you said no way to power to batteries... what's up with that? Always amazed at your positive outlook even with really bad issues... I have a feeling I would not be so kind to EKKO or to Winnebago. And one last question... Captain Upchuck?!? PARTY ON dude! 😜 and be seeing you!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I owned a larger boat, a V-berth, that we would go out to sea fishing in. Never, ever got seasick. But our son and one of his friends caught a tuna and in reeling it in we got the line wrapped in the prop. So I sat on the motor in 4-foot seas and unwrapped the line. 10 minutes later I had my head over the rail "chumming". Then for the longest time I'd get seasick almost at least once each fishing trip... so the kiddos (and Lynn) started calling me "Captain Upchuck". BTW, my comments and @#$@#! about Winnebago and EKKO... some of those might get edited out. Power to the batteries is our 2nd alternator... if you listen to the whining when we're showing driving scenes you can hear that going bad and failing. (spoiler alert... it does in next week's episode). All I can say is you watched us for a long time while you were waiting for your quality van... I'm now jealous and know this... you did the right thing. And PARTY ON! Can't believe someone got that. (meeting the flag master at the harbor, who was Harley's dad, was a treat for us).

[@RoadsofLife]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle I follow all y'all because you make me happy in my darkest moments... not because of some of the issues you've had, but because of the amazing people you are (oh... and Maggie too!). In a similar vein, I understand the "upchuck" issues you now seem to experience. I've travelled by plane since a very young age, but now I seem to always be a nervous wreck when I fly, ever since my college years when I went to Europe by plane through one of the worst storms ever. Never got over it. Oh... I had to look up the flags (so I cheated!). Be seeing you!

[@judystreich7333]

When all else fails, I look it up on KZbin for a solution. That’s exactly the things I miss when my husband passed, his mechanic knowledge was remarkable. It’s those little things in life that make the difference. Your Canada trip was something, safe travels and happy tails. ❤️🐕🚗🇺🇸

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

You don't know how much a successful marriage is a true partnership until one is gone. But can you imagine what that felt like 50 years ago... times were so different then, both in culture and technology. We actually found the answer to the step issue through KZbin and the owners Facebook group. Canada is just an outdoor wonder for sure.

[@judystreich7333]

Funny you mention what things were or might of been like 50 years ago, I do remember then, I just had another birthday and turning 70 was a bitter pill, ugh....cause I still feel 50. A couple of days before my birthday would of been our 48th wedding anniversary. I celebrated by taking the pup dog Oreo, Janie the cat, loaded up the Jayco MH and went on a color tour/road trip to Copper Harbor, MI. Was a great week weather wise, and put 1060 miles on my rig. Life is getting better 🚗❤️🐕🇺🇸

[@annettemills2399]

We have a rule when traveling with our dog. If we have to leave the dog and get on another mode of transport to see the site, I can’t do it. I can’t enjoy my time if I can’t get back to my baby. Then you said there’s a path that you can take instead of the bus, so maybe….. You and a few other KZbinrs have convinced us to start planning a trip to that area! So beautiful!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

That is a good rule. We do the same thing. We knew we could walk back if we needed to. Thanks so much for watching.

[@suefletcher6688]

So many true statements in this video! Always one thing after another no matter what RV. Thanks for showing real life in an RV.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

You guys know as well as us that crap happens with every RV purchase and RV trip. It's how you deal with it and how you let it effect your attitude that makes the real difference. I will say that I am jealous of those who own from brands where quality and customer support is much more a priority than the brand we both have.

[@SueFletcher-k4r]

Yes! I often wonder how people with no mechanic skills do it. I could not live this lifestyle without Rocky's skills. Sometimes it is so frustrating. I love the "eye condition" comment. Ha! True!@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle

[@judyfeldman5066]

We took our 3 kids there years ago and promised that we would only stay 2 hours because they were not keen. However, we stayed 8 hours and had a blast. It was a great surprise.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We totally agree, it was a great surprise for all ages.

[@bertkelly7650]

Good job fixing your steps. I would take the motor off and just deploy manually. Lynn would have to exit by the pass door, pull them out and put them in when leaving. Thanks for your video!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks for always watching and commenting. It actually is not the motor that's failing all the time. It's the way it's installed and that magnet device that tells it it needs to open and close the door. It's also very complex for an RV that's meant to go bouncing down dirt roads.

[@jeancambra8036]

Love your bounce back and Lynn's happy dance. Way to go Owen.Glad you got home safe.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We do get down, but it’s amazing how a beautiful sunny day can change your outlook, plus look where we were… beautiful.

[@David-jo4gt]

I am on team Owen when it comes to museum tours and I also suffer from the eye condition he mentioned. I know you are looking at money spent verses quality got, all you can do is adapt and over come. Thank you for taking us along. We enjoy a cup of coffee with y'all on Sunday mornings. Happy tails and safe travels.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

That I condition can get you just about every day if you're not careful. Especially at our age. Hope it's a good Sunday for you.

[@BobMCISAAC]

Hi guys, it's Bobby from Louisbourg. Such a pleasure meeting the 3 of you, while you were here. Glad you enjoyed your time here in Cape Breton, always welcome back. Harley says hi! Hope you enjoyed the time in NFLD. You never know unless you go❤️

[@BobMCISAAC]

P.S. Party on. . Wish I got a chance to hear you sing, Owen! Next time ..

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It was so cool to meet you and Harley. Your story and how you're keeping your uncles legacy alive is inspiring. Hope we see you both again soon.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Party On indeed! Next time we're there you can spell out Van Trekking 😂

[@BobMCISAAC]

Next time VANTREKKING will be up in flags. In NC, you're either a Tar Heeler or with the Wolfpack, you could see a baby blue flag or red one. I love meeting new people on their travels, and seeing them experiencing other cultures and foods. You guys are perfect ambassadors for your State, and country. A pleasure to meet both of you. "Cap'n Upchuck" has been living the time of her life, you two are just there for the ride, 😂. God bless ❤️🦞🍁🇺🇲

[@BeckyLL]

Great to see you again! Been off social and traveling the last 3 weeks. All is well! ❤️🐾

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Hey kiddo! I woke up thinking about "if you build it" this morning. Hope you guys are doing well and staying warm and safe.

[@BeckyLL]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle We are great and have been too hot in Caribbean! ❤️🐾

[@BillSprague]

I’m so glad Owen was able to repair the step, so you trip wasn’t shortened. Good job, Owen! These RVs have gotten too complexed for their own good. I guess they give you a “gear garage,” so you can carry all of the tools you’ll need to keep rolling. Give Maggie a belly rub for me. I’ll see you next week!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I read your comment out loud to Owen and we both laughed out loud. I’m sure he’s going to use your garage analogy a lot.

[@sippingwithsmalls7952]

My motor worked but steps did not. The motor is same as a power window motor in a car. There are 3 little plastic pieces that can be replaced in the gear section. Mine were worn and slipping. Less than 10.00 for the new little plastic pieces. Just an idea.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

In our prep video for leaving for this trip I actually replaced our motor with one of the window motors. Turns out the motor for us is/was not the problem. That stupid magnet continues to be a culprit for us. Like my grandfather used to say when he would say I was made before they made things cheap... these RVs are now made after they started making things cheap and that sucks!

[@sippingwithsmalls7952]

I was writing comment while watching video. Glad you got it fixed.

[@wademorriss1624]

There’s a waiting list for that EKKO and I’m glad you guys are pointing out some problems that even a high end RV have If your not a little mechanically inclined you could be miserable

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Ghat is so true and Owen is not very mechanically inclined. But like he said he is very stubborn. 👍

[@galpalsal]

Omg you guys are human! Who knew? Glad the sun came out for you. That lighthouse area was beautiful and loved the golden music. Wow, Owen! Glad you fixed the step. Adorable happy dance, Lynn.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you ❤️. You would not believe how many times Lynn has laughed at that dance. 😂👍

[@plove523]

This is one of the things I don't have to worry about. . I use a portable step, I just fold it up and put it back in my cheap no frills rv. 😂

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

No frills is a HUGE advantage for sure. With our lift it was hard to get down even with a high stool.

[@Blackopsmechanic338]

I did a Google search for the step diagram and I found that there is all sorts of electrical issues with the RV. Did not find a diagram for your specific model. When you return home I would be making a visit to the dealer. Again, quality has gone out the window with all manufacturing. Peace

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks for looking for us.

[@svenhodaka9145]

We own a 1992, 23’ Winnebago Brave (class A). I was considering buying a new one because I occasionally have to fix minor items. (Actually, it’s more like just doing minor maintenance). Maybe, we should just keep our trusty old Winnebago and spend the money on travelling and enjoying the adventure. 🤔. Great troubleshooting Owen!

[@nancysavidge7611]

EKKO owner here, Love these vids. Is the summary that you did not need to take the motor off but only had to remove the magnet from the door and clean it out? Just planning for the inevitable!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I need to do a quick video on this but yes... here's what I would check for in the future when it stops working. If you open the door with and the step doesn't go out but the orange light under it goes on... it's probably the magnet. If you close the door and it doesn't make a sound like it's trying to go back in and the light is on... it's probably the magnet. If the light doesn't come on it's probably a fuse. If you hear the motor turning but it doesn't go in or out then it's probably the gears in the motor. Of all the problems and solutions the magnet cleaning is definitely the easiest and probably the most common.

[@geraldetzold]

I see that you were using your baby drone again as you were cleaning the solar panels. How is that working out for you?

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Works like a champ. So easy to throw up and get shots like that. Also, the drone shots of us walking around and of the harbor were from that drone too.

[@KU9L]

I call RV Motorized steps a "Scurvy Elephant" (Disturbing Element). Attempts by RV manufacturers to design them out of the RV is also problematic (E.G. Low road clearance(. Imagine if this was a spaceship & had to have 2-3 backups to also be working on all of them at the same time, oh my! Cheers, Davey

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Every time we deploy our Starlink, and think about all the technology that went into putting the satellites up while we're putting this on RV that has such lack of quality we think about what you said. Some of us actually Winnebago issue. But a lot of it comes down to Poor quality and all the third-party parts that they assemble these RVs with. All we can say is it really gets to be really frustrating.