Realities of living in a van (when nothing goes as planned)

[@robertmock7509]

Every time I see your father in the vids you definitely have your father's sense of humor. Love it.

[@konnectionswithkc4750]

She really does! She has his entire personality... it's so cute

[@bobfilter14]

I need that Well hello as my ring tone!

[@MusicLuv80]

wasn't this van a rent?

[@annabrown4974]

My favorite quote of this video:"Nature doesn't have an ego". Love it! Be safe Nikki and give Camper a hug for me!

[@pgomez1684]

My favorite quote too! So true...

[@11herbsandspices]

That quote gave me chills and I teared up. Definitely felt that in my core.

[@lichin11]

Does this couple have a YT channel? 17 years is amazing and worth sharing with the world!

[@pierrelaporte7907]

Hi Nikki, it was so much fun meeting you and your Dad and of course, Camper. Thank you so much for including us in the video. Hope everything got straightened with the heater. See you next summer at the Yoga Camp. Kathy and Pierre Paul

[@NikkiDelventhal]

OMG!!! HIIIIII FRIENDS! It was soooo fun meeting you two, such lovely souls! Hope to see you both at Yoga Camp if we can make it!!!

[@DanDelventhal]

❤ Great to see you Kathy and Pierre Paul!

[@klbriceno1]

I truly love how supportive your family is ❤

[@gmivisualsjason3729]

Watching this makes me wish my father was still alive..... Lovely to see you two together

[@marilynvillegas4698]

I’m so glad your dad was with you. Support from someone who cares for you is important

[@mistyfrick8355]

Oh my goodness. How camper was all snuggled in 🥰😍. I absolutely love the relationship you have with your parents and your whole family ❤❤

[@jenniferhibner-spencer2314]

The love you show to Camper is amazing. He knows that you are his person and that he can trust and count on you. You are an angel in disguise. ❤

[@carolhoover3409]

Thank you!!! You are so inspiring ❤️ i just adopted two of Campers cousins that were thrown out of a car in the phx desert. Now they have their forever home

[@mjmj5038]

Thank you ❤️ SO much. I hope you two have a long wonderful life together. Please name the dog Phoenix or whatever. Greetings from ST Thomas Ontario Canada!!

[@Itsjrob_]

“Nature doesn’t have any ego “ I love that ! So true

[@cherylcarlson3315]

So glad your dad is with you, super stressful times are so hard to be alone through. Sucks when you get to be the parent without support dealing with stressful, scary stuff, remember to be there for him no matter in the future.

[@whollymary7406]

You are defiantly a people person and this makes me happy cause I’m more of an introvert but I’m learning

[@reneebarnes2050]

Your Dad is a gem. ❤

[@cggnow]

As a home owner who just experienced their second sewer backup in two weeks I have to say, there is disaster everywhere. It's not just van life ;-)

[@NikkiDelventhal]

Ain’t that the truth!!!! Everyone hits some bad luck and have to replace a part sometimes! 😂 Hope it was fixed up after the second back up! YIKES!!!

[@wh8085]

Shucks , hate when that happens ! Do you have little ones , flushing leggos and tennis balls ? Been there ! Hope sailing gets smoother soon !

[@danielasuncion9991]

Backwater valve. You need one. 😎✨

[@JasonCarney.]

@@NikkiDelventhal Nikki, I hope you hit Sedona while you're in Arizona. If you go, you have to have a beer at Oak Creek Brewery and Grill, an award winning microbrewery. They also get amazing live bands. Also, if you are still in Phoenix, Postino Arcadia is highly recommended, a cool hangout and place for coffee, excellent food and an award winning pastry chef. Pita Jungle has healthful, delicious food.

[@JasonCarney.]

I think your Van is Haunted 👻😂

[@Beer20001]

Aside from the broken/ failed battery in the beginning, awesome video Nikki... your parents are an added value and great to see them comfortable with living w you in a van.

[@NikkiDelventhal]

Thank you! Haha it was a day of bad luck but it is amazing when you get to turn it into a family adventure! Luckily roadside assistance was super fast to replace the bad battery and once we get the right heater part we will be smooth sailing! These guys make such an amazing van so other than the bad parts it’s hard to complain!!! 🥳😜🙏🏼

[@RangerRon75]

@@NikkiDelventhal So what year is the van? to call the battery old or bad.. And the heater issue? for the cost and supposed quality of that Mercedes you should have had NO problems. I'm glad your dad was with you on this trip. And once you get your converted vehicle. I hope it is stress free for at least 3 yrs!

[@wh8085]

@@NikkiDelventhal . . . . one of those Buddy heaters might be a good back up ? Good luck getting the heater fixed . . . . Burrrr ! 8 )

[@christinescott5002]

I love your relationship with your family, especially your mom and dad. Our loved ones are everything.

[@christopherharris6005]

Awesome video as always Nikki and Camper. Everyone needs a Camper in their lives.

[@azncs11]

cherish every moment you have with camper. my mulitipoo just passed after 7 great years, and i wish i held her close a little more when i had the chance.

[@jameswack1823]

Videos with you and your Dad are always a wonderful experience. Quite the adventures! 💓 You're the same age as our daughter Lena.

[@artistsmeetfilm6491]

Nikki you always make me happy with your little adventures and Camper is quite the little celeb. I lost my pets, had trouble replacing them as I raised them from babies and now I have adopted neighborhood deer Gimpy and Bucky...

[@samkurz]

How great to be on a trip with your Dad.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

It would be nice.

[@MarcillaSmith]

How great to be in a Prius.

[@lovesophia19]

I can see where you got your fun and positive personality! Your dad is such an amazing person

[@lauragosnell2481]

Your family at the end is everything!!! I miss my dad so much!!

[@briancclevenger]

Nikki you have the most amazing family. They support what you do with your life, the come and travel with you and Camper looks like he hit the jackpot every time they're around. Hope the van problems all get resolved and you can get back to enjoying your days without delays. Take care and be safe.

[@sammic974]

I adore your dad, Nikki, he's a blast! 😍 I can so see where you got your "can do" spirit from 😊 Hope your heater keeps working til the work on your proper van is all done xx

[@twinklestarlight8326]

I love those dad bear hugs. I feel the warmth, strength and comfort. Yall are awesome!

[@jaradcolefield]

As much as i Love my 2019 sprinter 4x4, i Have had a nightmare of a time with dealing with Mercedes service and the vehicles endless electrical ghosts. This is my second sprinter and it seems the must have seriously cut costs with their engineering department on this one

[@CindyLynne]

Enjoy every moment with your Dad! Love Camper!

[@Banagal]

Good to know there are vehicle repair services with battery and solar skills. You have such a wonderful family. Thanks for sharing them and all the fun with us. Hugs to you and Camper 🐾🐾👣

[@deniseapple1946]

Great to see you with your Dad and extended family!!! It was good you weren’t in freezing temperatures with a heat issue. Hope it didn’t take long for you to get it working.🙏😊

[@LuShanna]

Nikki your family is AMAZING! Your dad is obviously a star in his own right but Ron had me cracking up as well. Everyone gels so well together and I can tell you all are very close. Sending love to you and all your family!❤

[@joylockwood]

I just love your family. They're the only family I've ever seen taking turns going with a van dweller

[@shelleywalker6225]

CAMPER IS A STAR!! 💙🐾🐾💙 It's always nice to watch videos with your family. Great video.

[@joysun5016]

I just love all that down home family loving ❤ what a warm and fuzzy episode 👏😁🙏

[@212caboose]

That's definitely a consideration you'll want to touch base on with the van builders: There's a big switch that will switch between how you charge your house batteries, and allows you to link them to the starter battery. I'm actually surprised that Overland Van Project didn't install one in their van... Maybe on your build, take a look at diesel heaters? They're less expensive a easier to work on. Plus they take up less room. Just a thought.

[@chrisss73841]

I'd say diesel heaters are easy to work on but you will be doing it frequently. Normally you just gotta take the face off with a phillips screwdriver and clean the soot from the sensors. You can carry a spare injector, spare igniter, spare temp sensor, and spare flame sensor. When they fail the computer basically tells you what to replace.

[@maryh3438]

Those diesel heaters are wonderful.. Not to plug another channel, but Chad Derosa, who isn't bad to look at (LOL) on Living the Van Life has a Sprinter + a Westfalia VW (gas) van and he has diesel heaters in both of them. He went to the Arctic Ocean in the winter with his Sprinter. Nicki, he lives in WA!. Wear your new pants and go see him!! LOL!

[@NikkiDelventhal]

In this case the test showed it’s just a bad battery so it had nothing to do with the builders. These guys know their 💩. :-)

[@NikkiDelventhal]

@@maryh3438 hahaha! I connected with Chad and gonna try to meet with Him when he gets back in our matching vans and go on an adventure (maybe learn some new off road skills) haha!

[@richardelder256]

@@NikkiDelventhal I spent 20 years building and designing cruising sailboats from the most basic $400k ones to $40 million dollar ego expressions. Even the most bargain basement versions have at least two separate battery banks with a simple rotary switch to allow you to draw from on battery or the other (or both) Not surprising that a mere 70k van build should lack such a basic feature. Your guys may know their s$$it but they don't know their electricity.

[@ClairenParkerontheRoad]

I felt encouraged watching this knowing that I'm not the only one who experiences issues on the road but I'm still sorry you had to go through it! I feel like from watching videos I'm learning more about vehicles.

[@NikkiDelventhal]

It was just a little quick stint of some bad luck and a bad part! Haha bad days and good days, so happy it can feel relatable tho cause at times you feel like it’s just you 😜🫶🏼😅

[@andreaewert7204]

Loving you, Camper and your Dad's adventures!

[@Put-God-first-2024]

I like your videos. Your freedom and open mind impresses me. You do you and live your life wide open. Just please keep being smart and stay safe. I know your parents love getting to see you. Stay safe. Keep the content coming

[@josegonzalescedillo2399]

I love your dad he is such cool guy I feel like I know him great family you got nice 👪 🐕🌞👍

[@tsunamioflove]

Your Dads personality is a blessing to have around, I would think. Stay safe and have fun.

[@kathleenj1158]

This was really great to get to see your dad on a trip with you. I love his funny, easy-going personality. Your mom is amazing, too. ☺️❤️

[@kathleenj1158]

Nikki, you're always so kind, friendly, & gracious with new people. Your parents sure did a great job raising you. 😁

[@NikkiDelventhal]

🥰🥰 thank you! I am SO LUCKY to have them! BIG HUGS!

[@kathleenj1158]

@@NikkiDelventhalyou're very welcome! Bigger hugs back! 😄🙋‍♀️🙏

[@Jenny_420]

You and your dad makes my heart happy 🥰

[@Becca-vk9mq]

Awwww this made me miss my dad. ❤️❤️❤️❤️ You are so blessed to have wonderful parents. 🥰 Maybe they will want to adopt me! 😂😂😂 lol. Thanks for sharing your video!

[@derrick333]

Your dad is the best. Love it. Definitely see where much of your personality comes from. 🙂

[@seaweeddave]

Your videos are so inspiring. Hope your heater gets fixed asap!!

[@_always_on_vacationronmors9736]

Hi Nikki, I just started following your KZbin channel and Instagram. We started our fulltime journey in a campervan van & loved life on the road so much we sold our home & our van, bought an rv and been traveling fulltime since 2019. Love your channel. Travel safe my friend and enjoy the ride. 🤙🌞

[@BenjySparky]

Nikki, Dad and Camper y'all rock! Dad seems like a cool cat. Glad you got your battery fixed but sad you didn't get that issue fixed at the end! Love the channel and content! Peace

[@asifkhattak2344]

Hi Nikki like you my brother had problem with his Prius car but after it's diagnosis and fixed in Islamabad and it's running now. While today Friday afternoon I had an accident on bike and got wounds on my left leg but thanks God got survived.

[@briangreen9677]

Nikki, sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug. EVERY vehicle will have problems if you wait around long enough. The key thing to do is keep everything in perspective. This isn't even your van, so you'll have all the gremlins to work out in your own rig too. It's just a part of the shakedown procedure. Keeping your sense of humor, and in your particular case, having a plethora of content that's directly van-life related delivered to you whether you like it or not, is just footage you don't even have to work hard for. That said, I hope your van treats you far better than this loaner has. The best part of the video was you meeting people who watched your channel. I've never once saw someone I watched on KZbin out in the wild. Statistically it has to be possible, but out here in rural Missouri, it's just not all that likely. Take care of yourself and keep your chin up. The next fiasco awaits. It's all in how you react to it that makes all the difference. We're all rooting for you!

[@crazychris7417]

Sedona Arizona is one of my favorite towns to visit when visiting. If you haven’t gone it’s a must go!

[@chiefenumclaw7960]

You might ask your mechanic about re-charging the battery OUTSIDE of the vehicle next time. Also, depending on how long the battery was dead, this can often times fry one of your modules. Good luck!

[@markorcutt7544]

Use your jackery it will work next time

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

Battery isolator.

[@charisma-hornum-fries]

I have an external charger. It's a lifesaver in freezing cold weather.

[@phabulouss1]

Your dad is precious! You have a lot of his grit. Yeah, baby! 🙌🏽

[@DanDelventhal]

I so enjoy your videos young lady! : )

[@steveh5335]

Mr. Delventhal, You have a really lovely daughter & a great family. But I'm sure you already knew that. Thank you.

[@d.g.n9392]

Thanks for bringing us along🙋‍♂️🐈🐈

[@alanijarrett3395]

I absolutely love the relationship you and your dad have. I lost my dad in 2013, and I miss him tremendously. We used to do small adventures frequently. Treasure your time with him

[@chriss172]

Ha love the kitchen knife for the carrots but I always laughed / liked watching your way of cutting them. Safe travels and thanks again for bringing all of us along on your adventures

[@jonnie3112]

Van problems here is a reflection on German engineering Mercedes Benz. I’m glad you’re bringing your Dad along for the ride. 😊 $250 is a lot for food. You must have a good storage ability.

[@rainsofhealing]

Whole Foods is nicknamed Whole Paycheck for a reason 😆

[@Hunter-ym2kk]

fills my heart to see you and your dad hug.. thanks..

[@PatriceMaldague]

I agree with Pierre Paul and Kathy, nature is never disappointing 🌱. And there are only a few things on earth that share this quality: true friends, a good companion pet 🐶, a brand new AGM starter battery ⚡, a pair of pants with a printed bear 🐻 and Nikki's Delventhal vids 👸🏻❤

[@NikkiDelventhal]

HECK YES! =) HUGS!!!!!!

[@sammic974]

awesome!

[@recoveryoutdoors3009]

I especially love the authentic "plop" sound when the food hit the bowl @3:20 .

[@johnbunkle3280]

Dan is just the funniest guy, the reflection in the bedroom mirror and saying hey nice jaw line! I actually laughed so hard I cried. Thank you Dan I needed a cheer up. Nicki I bet growing up was one laugh after another.

[@marcamusprime9513]

So much money for so many problems. I'm glad you have this channel.

[@optimisticcosmic]

When it comes to hi-tech devices and automotives failing I always think of Jeff Goldblum "They were so preoccupied with whether they could they forgot to ask whether they should" 🦖

[@lisavanginder9693]

Your Dad is so fun!!! Sorry you’re having so many issues with the new ride. I would be 😭 my eyes out in frustration. You have a good attitude and I so admire that. Praying for all good outcomes very soon!

[@RedPillTubes]

You seem like a wholesome woman Nikki, I wish you well in life.

[@luckywarriorakabonnies.1855]

Nikki your dad was just so much fun in this video. I also agree with the others, the quote from the couple you met was great. "Nature doesn't have an ego" what a beautiful freeing statement and outlook. Sending vibes of Blessings and Love for your continued adventures on your journey.

[@seviregis7441]

Papa Delventhal is so cute, funny man, very youthful spirit. Hope the place who loaned you the van are covering $$$ all those repairs...

[@NikkiDelventhal]

Luckily it was a Mercedes bad battery so it seems everything is under warrantee and with free road side assistance - and the heater, that was also just bad luck of a bad part and should be under warrantee!😅😅 AKA A TON OF BAD LUCK IN ONE DAY haha thank you he’s the best

[@seviregis7441]

If it had to happen, I’m glad you were covered and your dad was with you to help. Only the best for you, dear Nikki, and Camper, of course.

[@hbee921]

Sending prayers that your van gets fixed soon. ❤🌞🌟

[@shannonking6328]

I have read some bad things about Sprinter mechanical reliability. Van lifers in remote areas could end up with huge tow bills because there are fewer mechanics who can work on them. It's fortunate the heater issue happened in a warm climate. Even if this was ultimately not a Mercedes issue, I think there was a problem with it when she 1st moved into it as well. On another note, so nice to see your dad there with you. He has such an engaging personality.

[@viviennepastor3188]

Love your videos. I particularly love your relationship with your dad. I never had a dad so I imagine that my father might have been like yours in another life. All your family are lovely and Camper is a star. My border collie, Dexter would love him.

[@Sailor-Dave]

Kinda makes you wish you were living in a bulletproof Prius again. The more complicated they are, the more things there are to break.

[@orderdad]

"Nature doesn't have any ego." Great quote.

[@mygotiger]

I just realized, something we don't deserve but we need, a Dad Delventhal Vlog. I bet it will be amazing!

[@florindadeguzman3625]

I love all your videos from the very start,you are greatful,generous,and sweet,you deserved everything Nikki,stay safe as always,more blessings to come your way🙏💕

[@warrend114]

the company that built your van needs to install a contactor that kills the connection to the car battery when the key is off.

[@Texasishot105]

I have a disconnect in my 1999 ambulance build, but I'm wondering how interrupting the computer system in a new vehicle would effect things. 🤔

[@sergeantmasson3669]

Warren D, this van is a loaner rental, while her new van is being converted.

[@warrend114]

@@Texasishot105 you install the contactor between the aux equipment and the battery, don’t change anything between the car batt and starter or car specific equipment

[@warrend114]

@@sergeantmasson3669 she needs to make sure her build has the contactor installed

[@pmgdeleon4659]

Your fortunate to have great mom and dad, Nikkie

[@brianburkett7243]

Reasons I bought a Transit

[@BillySBC]

Exactly, those Sprinter vans are "Dodge" in name only, every single part is Mercedes, and you know what that means... FAILURE.

[@jmason61]

When I was new to the car camping life about 10 years ago I happened to roll into Quartzite during the spring show time & it's AWESOME! Tons of cool people & stuff & like the best weather in the whole USA in February....PS if you like some space you can camp real cheap waaay out in the back

[@suspicious_white_van]

Every time I think about upgrading the van, I decide that constant simplicity outweighs occasional luxury.

[@NikkiDelventhal]

I hear that! Tho I think there’s so many pros and cons & like today some real bad luck! Haha but it’s ok! Each rig I’ve had has had its little bugs, I had to fix the heat and brakes in my FWC, had to fix a ton in my prius, the tires on both van craft and Truevan rentals, and now a heat system part replace needed here, just the name of the game on the road I guess! I’m interested in doing a comparison after a few more months in my van after I get it! 🥳🥳🥳

[@danettecadzow9837]

I had the samething happen in my C class when I was living in it and during a bloody cold PA winter. I learned to carry a ceramic heater with me. I needed two I had a 30 fter, but you could probably get away with one. I had two dogs and two cats with me so I got the ones that shut off if tipped, I think they all do that now. Good luck in getting it repaired. I gotta say I'm jealous of the heat in the floor. That would have been fab.

[@philipsplinter1214]

The newer Mercedes and BMWs are notoriously unreliable. When you went with the Mercedes I was cringing

[@dr.faramovagharnia4129]

Hi Nikki, I love Camper very much. I think he is so nice and loyal to you. Take a good care of him, please. Stay safe.

[@kurtbrisch5776]

Your groceries wouldn't be so much if you didn't always shop at wholefoods or as I call it, Whole-paycheck.

[@charlottehammond8975]

dude. flagstaff. so much forest camping, easy access to the city, all the major showering gym options. my dog and i were there for 3 weeks last year in our pimped out mail truck and after 3 years on the road, it was one of our fave places. also, pacifica, ca, if you ever get there. amazing.

[@name.terrie]

Soon all the bugs will be worked out. Happy trails and safe travels!

[@dianewalker9154]

I see that badassery runs throughout the family tree. Totally awesome!

[@dquanissavage6287]

Nikki Delventhal You Are Truly An Amazing Spirit!!🙌🙏❤️

[@focusfocus123]

Always anxiously wait for your next vlog and its so pleasurable to see father and daughter love for each other. You are such a lively person full of happiness and joy and a real example for young generation. Keep it up your good work

[@geekahertz]

Enjoyed the video. I've got a Webasto gasoline heater in my Ford Transit van and even it is always throwing error codes. If I drive and change elevation I have to go through at least a few cycles of it erroring out and me restarting it before it finally adjusts. Once I'm parked and level it will run all night. I'm sorry you've had so many issues lately! Its frustrating when you're constantly running into vehicle issues and with a camper van the complexity is far greater so more things can go wrong. Its good to be involved in the build process for troubleshooting / repairing when things inevitably break out in the middle of nowhere. I guess all that is to say, pretty much all these heaters are temperamental and require a bit of love & patience. Certainly not 100% set and forget. Good luck out there! I'm boondocked just outside the Phoenix area. I always get stoked when i see you're in the same region I'm in haha :)

[@markderyckere9725]

Drat!...Binge watched all your videos too quickly and now I'm stuck waiting every week to see what's going on with Nikki & Camper. Love your videos and everything about you Nikki. Can't wait to see what you have in store for us in your next one!

[@MM_in_Havasu]

We stay away from Quartzsite because of the huge accumulation of snowbirds in their RV's. Place is packed to the gills until around April 15th when it starts to warm up here. We have a similar issue here in Lake Havasu where I live, then boat people from April-October. Thanks for a cool video, Nikki! Be safe in your travels!

[@deastover898]

I remember last year you did a video of quartzite and it is so funny I just found the paper I wrote it on couple weeks ago. I am sorry you had so many problems with the van. I pray your new one doesn't go through that though it will prepare you now for anything and that experience is priceless. Love you guys and safe travels ❣️

[@rbailey225]

Born and raised in the Coachella Valley......love that you love our home!

[@ksokie63]

Hey Nikki , Camper and Family 👋, Thanks for sharing Nikki 👍, it's always fun waiting on repairs . Have a great weekend .

[@davidpedder9048]

Nikki is such a joy the to watch. ( All-around ) beautiful person. I enjoy her and Campers adventures. Safe travels.

[@jt-rex6972]

"Love you too, favorite cousin. Sarah's gonna be pissed I said that." LOL!

[@richardc488]

I am so sorry for your troubles, I will keep you in my prayers

[@meredithheath5272]

Haaaa! Love your humourous Dad - "Captain Compost"!!!!

[@todddewell6314]

Another excellent video Nikki!! Thank-you so much!!

[@deborahpensarosa9289]

Its so sweet to see u enjoying time with your dad. Those r the best times!!🤗