Rust-Proofing & Water Leak Discovery | Ep 14

[@Rob89139]

Elisa, you asked if today's video content is of interest because it's not a "van life" video. Simple answer is absolutely. We just love hearing what you're up to and I'm pretty sure I speak for the majority when I say it's your personality that keeps us coming back the travel and van stuff is just a bonus. Looking forward to your next video........

[@Jammer411]

Rob you're only saying that because she is beautiful. If this were a male KZbinr, I'm sure you'd say this video was boring?

[@Rob89139]

Is you're life that sad that you find it necessary to make such vile accusations of someone you know nothing about? If so, you're the epitome of what's wrong with social media. As for me, I admire this girls work especially her personality which is what I commented on. Perhaps your projection on me is simply a projection of yourself and maybe viewing her video library through a different lens might help improve your short comings. Just a suggestion you do you @@Jammer411

[@yvonnebrown8791]

@@Jammer411actually….it’s kind of nice to see where someone ‘lives’ as they begin their van life build. Also getting to see the ins and outs of creating their van….it may help others with their decisions on starting a van conversion to see what to expect if they made the jump. Since you found the video ‘boring’ will you continue watching?

[@KrazyHandz3]

Vanlife or Home life..I'm just here☺️to see the Beautiful❤ Elisa living her Truth...May God protect you🙏🏽and your Family at all Times 🕊️

[@robpeabo509]

Elisa, your viewers will watch whatever you post because you have interesting things to share with us. It does not have to e about van life all the time. Todays video and the last one gave us mote of an insight as to who you are, and that is a good thing too 👍.

[@bobamos3628]

Good to see that you are doing the work yourself and attempting to do the job correctly. Might I make a suggestion... ? Those "D" rings that you removed. Some of those bolts are sealing the van floor from water intrusion from under the vehicle. The best way to determine if there are now openings to the underside is to crawl under and look for the holes and see if you can see light through them. If they are not visible pour a little water into the hole and watch for it to drain out under the van. What I would just do is take the bolts from the "D" rings and apply a little of the sealant you purchased to the threads and reinsert the bolts tightly. Now you will know that water will not be coming in from under the van. I am a retired Chrysler tech that worked on many van conversions over the years that had water leak issues from hold downs being removed. Keep up the good work.

[@soloelisa]

Thank you! Yes, I'm going to have to seal those holes.. can see through them

[@keithramsay3340]

@@soloelisa just put the bolts back in they are flat heads you'll not even know they're there

[@elizzbethjiminez4817]

You're learning how to do a build to your van and saving money . How fun. We get to watch so we can do also. Especially for women. Thank you ❤

[@ScratchNowWithJeremy]

Your energy is very cathartic. It's like therapy watching your video. 😀😀😀

[@AlanCapalbo]

Take me please. Looks like fun , your handy too. What a catch ❤!

[@the1andonly]

You have a great way of sharing your life-life and van-life. Your videos are most enjoyable. I'm looking forward to the next one.

[@GeorgesCanadianVentures]

Big time do-it-yourself stuff Bravo! You bring a sense of calm and contentment to me while listening to your voice. Your detailed videography is excellent Elisa 👊 🇨🇦

[@diffusesden5455]

One thing I would say, is you will never get rid of all the problems with your build, there will always be a "new thing" or "something" else that pops up. But the best part of it, is your experience and confidence in building, fixing, repairing, adjusting will continue to grow. You are doing fantastic and it reminds me much of my build, I read and watched videos for ideas for months, before doing much of any of the build work.

[@beepseatsfindingfoodtreasu8756]

The one you're going to learn as you proceed. It's not "van life" it's just life. Only with your own ambitions. Do what you love and take people along your journey. As long as you stay as genuine as you are. Which is obvious that won't change. You will just add more to your videos and bring more people to watch them. Hint, wet down the sides inside the pot, and then try pulling it out. It's root bound. If that fails, you might as well sacrifice your pot for your plant. 2 3rds larger than the one you have it in is a good size for a while. Really enjoying these videos. You have a different style, and it's refreshing. Please continue to make these your own.

[@yvonnebrown8791]

Good suggestions on the repotting effort…..I had a plant that needed to be repotted and I left it for much longer than I should have. The pot she bought isn’t large enough to repot her plant….I tried your idea of the water but since mine was root bound for so long the ceramic pot crumbled on me as I tried to remove the plant. I eventually had to cut back some of the roots (leaving the tap root in tact) to get the plant out. The new pot was much larger, added new potting soil and fertilizer and the plant is doing awesome!

[@rickchollett]

Van content or daily life content: I enjoy seeing your videos. I've got Dodge Grand Caravan and I haven't built anything. Everything I use is removable so I can lift the seats up for passengers. It'd be an honor to meet you someday and have tea or coffee.

[@p.k.5332]

Lots of love💕💕💕 Elisa. Just watching you, hearing your voice makes my day. Hope your Van turns out great... 🚐🚐🚐

[@petertarantelli]

The sun in sunny Florida is amazing this time of year! I’m preparing to move South in January, I’ve lived in Upstate NY most of my life and I’m tired of the cold, cold winters. Keep on making videos, van-life or other wise…you’ve got a viewer.

[@richardterry9788]

Enjoyed very much. I think all you do do with interesting narrative is great to watch xx

[@kovie9162]

I've never owned, worked on or lived in a van, but I do have a decent amount of car maintenance, restoration and repair experience that I think would be of use to you or anyone else in such situations. First, if you're going to do some or all of your maintenance and repair, you should invest in a proper cordless impact tool, either an impact driver or wrench. The latter have a lot more torque or power and even the lower-end ones can remove most vehicle fasteners including lug nuts. I own both and use them all the time, along with an electric ratchet as used in this video. But if you only intend to do light repairs and maintenance then an impact driver with a socket adapter is probably the best all-around power tool to have. My preference is for Milwaukee's M12 line of tools, with the M12 "Stubby" impact wrench being probably my most useful tool. I have the 3/8" anvil version, with accepts 3/8" sockets which are less expensive and smaller and thus fit better in tight spaces. There are very few fasteners on our cars that it can't remove. But other maker's impact tools are fine as well, such as DeWalt, Makita and Ryobi. Second, to reattach weatherstripping that's come off, it's better to use weatherstripping adhesive, which is tacky and keeps it on. Silicone RTV isn't as adhesive and is best used to fill in gaps. It's good to have both on hand. Finally, to properly treat or protect against rust, there's a whole process for doing it right, that I've picked up on the hard way, through experience. First, you have to remove as much existing rust as is possible, using a combination of mechanical and chemical methods, e.g. scraping, wire or abrasive wheel mounted on a drill or driver (I use a die grinder which is much much faster but most people don't really need one), sandpaper, etc., and various rust removal chemical such as Evaporust or phosphoric acid-based solvents. Once that's done, you have to first clean the area with a strong non-solvent soap-based cleaner such as Simple Green or Super Clean (my favorite), rinse it off and let it dry, apply a phosphoric acid-based pre-treatment (ideally with zinc), leave it on for 10-20 minutes, rinse it off and let it dry again, then paint with an effective rust-preventing paint such as Rustoleum or better yet POR-15 (which is pretty nasty to work with so it's not essential, especially on body or interior surfaces as it's more of an underbody paint). You can apply primer first but it's not essential if you pretreated it properly. Two coats should be enough and always overspray or paint a bit. Overall, it's good to have a basic tool kit on hand consisting of some power tools, manual ratchet, socket set(s), wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, pry bars, hammers, and so on. No need to get it all at once, just add to it as the need arises. Any auto store, Home Depot, Harbor Freight and of course Amazon should have what you need. Sears used to be my go-to place for tools but, alas, they're basically gone. Good luck!

[@NigelM18]

For your car port, all you need to do is build up the bottom. I did that by putting 3 layers of 2x6 boards down, then the frame on top of them. You can build it up many ways.

[@davidmussack4529]

There are a lot of people building vans , Skoolie’s and other campers. Your, uh inexperience with the job and the tools is what I tune in for. Like, what is the task at hand, what is your plan? When you encounter an issue, how do you solve it? Like, going from spray paint to brushing it on. Those are this things that intrigue me about these types of builds. Thanks for the video, and I hope your plant will be ok.

[@stevewright6290]

We've missed you.. You might end up being a big reason why I jump in a van one of these days and travel the country.

[@jasongallo969]

Your videos are good and i like you share the good information, I know you already decided on an ac unit but may i suggest.looking into a 110 window unit and placing it in lower part of the back door and that will not interfere with parking under the new carport.

[@honghk3785]

I just enjoy listening to every word of your conversation. You have an amazing personality and your passion for self modification works on the van is inspiring. Your project really inspires me to watch and follow your tube series. Every success to your van conversion.

[@bobknutson4040]

Elisa. I recently "stumbled" on to your channel and have quickly became a fan. I'm a Minnesota guy transplanted to Hernando Beach a number of years ago. I've traveled extensively earlier in life and share your inquisitive philosophy regarding seeing what's around the next corner. Keep it up!!

[@StephenBishopNOMAD]

Both, vanlife and homelife is great. And longer videos 😅✌️🚐🚐💯🤟👍🌴

[@robertstanley563]

Hey, great job on getting the van! The cargo door seals were a notorious issue for the Ram vans. You can adjust the latches using a Torx bit and a little bit of determination! 😅 also, I think you did a great job addressing the potential rust by painting the interior. I recommend applying a spray on thermal barrier as well as a spray on sound deadener to eliminate any rattles and road noises., once you do that I’d insulate the floor and build a floor system before you layout the floor plan. Anyways, I m excited for you and look forward to watching your journey!

[@liverpoolrichie5305]

Love your character and charm.....keep the videos coming! Besitos!

[@BobVan]

Not adding windows before I added insulation and the interior walls is a big regret I have. Also AC would be nice as well. Good on you for doing that stuff. Especially smart on you for using that personal protective equipment (PPE).

[@oscarm.rodriguez2262]

I have seen your camping adventures and they are very fascinating and Very enjoyable.

[@vangoodwin7335]

Good Afternoon Miss Elisa, It's windy Saturday and I had to take a break from cementing my last concrete blocks for this foundation and you were a very pleasant reason to stay in the camper. Your mention of the shower has me wondering where you will mount your gray water tank and fresh water tank? cutting holes in the floor for plumbing should be done before you set your floor framing. Years ago I drove reefers OTR, after dropping Tyson beef at a port in Washington I went south to Oregon. It was late winter and my load home was from a nursery for trees and shrubs. After that I understood as I made my first drop in Montana why big box stores and nurseries local charge so much for their plants especially potted ones. My semi had a studio sleeper (14" wider than the single bed) so I got used to small house living. Even today I question why I installed a Full sixed bed in this camper, I'm alone, don't roll around much so I don't need such big bed. I'll be rebuilding the camper's bed frame to fit a single. I say that should you consider a custom smaller bed. Uniform sizes in our day and age dictate how we fit things but as long as you are building the van out yourself, Maybe a smaller bed and frame to increase floor space. Just an idea? With Respect, You are in my prayers Hoka Hey

[@terrybrown9206]

I really do like St Augustine Fla,I had a nice mini vacation there 8 years ago

[@pipitberjuang7834]

Hi elisa, i just discovered u and i subscribed your channel after i watched all your past videos and i like your thoughts, mood, styles and your like and dislike. Your little adventure in Florida is fun. The weather is about the same from where i come. I am from kuala lumpur Malaysia 🇲🇾🇲🇾🇲🇾. I hope by now your mangoes has already ripen. 😅. Waiting eagerly for next adventure. Oh yes..eagerly to see your new mobile home too❤❤.

[@richardgarcia3788]

It's coming along great!!!!! Congratulations Great job!!!! can't wait to see the finished project!!!!!!

[@DS..69]

New subscriber here. I, like most who have subscribed i think like a new persons take on living out of ones vehicle. Maybe a little envy too. To just stop working your main job, and having littke adventures without having to clock in to work. It's just appealing to alot of people. One thing about your vids though. Not a big deal, but maybe you can give us a outro. Is that even a word lol, just to let us know the vid is ending. A little cya later ya know. Your channel, your choice obviously. Looking forward to seeing your van completed. Ciao

[@JaimeCapella1]

I love your content. Since I found you I love watching your videos. Thank you!

[@210musicman06]

Great video. We're getting to know you better. Stay blessed!

[@popspops3795]

You are very inspiring, and I appreciate your entrepreneurial vision. Thank you for sharing your time and experiences. Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay happy. Pops

[@steveocal1]

There are very efficient 12 volt DC air conditioners available. A battery to operate it that is separate from the van battery can be charged by the van’s alternator-or with solar panels on the roof.

[@TimmyCramer]

You must come out west! You would love Sedona and San Diego!! Always stay fit, feminine, and friendly! Timmy C Arizona

[@kevinjohnson4418]

I've got addicted to your video I always set my laptop to alert when you post a video

[@pepeo954]

Me gustan estos tipo de video de viajes , es lo soñado el salir y ser libre y la aventura de lo nuevo , un día acá y al días siguiente en otro lugar . Que gran aventura Lo mejor estamos observando y aprendiendo de tu Proyecto , felicidades por el gran paso que diste

[@craftingadvantures]

I had someone else build out my promaster for me. The thought of doing it myself was overwhelming. I am cheering for you! I am very interested to see how the window installations go!! Glad I found you. ❤

[@soloelisa]

Just saw your van tour and subscribed! Hope you make more videos :) Are you happy with your build? anything you'd change? Have you used your AC unit yet?

[@craftingadvantures]

@@soloelisa I just picked it up on 9/10/23. I haven't had a lot of opportunity to use my AC yet. Make sure you have enough batteries. I got as much as would fit in the space I wanted to allow which is 810ah of heated Battleborn lithium. I winterized it last week bc I am in WI, and I don't want to travel this winter with my old dog. It's too hard on her. One thing I'd change would be to make emptying the freshwater easier, as well as making the main power switch easier to reach. All of these things are behind walls that I need to remove. Thank you for subscribing. :) A friend made the one video I have posted. I need to learn how to make videos myself.

[@rayleo529]

There are good 12 volt AC options. Small spaces are perfect for them.

[@cwqrpportable]

I've been following your channel for a couple months and just gave you another thumbs up and subscribed today. I find your videos very relaxing to watch, no matter the subject. You're beautiful!

[@KP11520]

Hello young lady....When you removed the D-Rings, did the removal of the screws leave holes that go all the way through the metal and will allow water and other unwanted things to seep up? If so, you might want to get low profile screws that don't stick up high and get in the way of whatever you use on the floor. Get screws (stainless steel?) that will slightly come out the bottom and use anti seize compound on the threads. Like I said the last video, Remember to ONLY use Butyl to seal your windows, vents and AC unit and NOT silicone. Should have used 3M Black Super Weatherstrip adhesive to reattach where it was loose. IMO, the most reliable. Most roof AC units will extend above your new car port ceiling bar. Maybe you can pour a concrete footing that extends above ground 6" to 8" like a roadside curb, LEVEL, to give you the extra clearance needed, with plate bolts embedded in the concrete, to secure the car port Base from breaking loose. (Since you do have hurricanes there). AND....We need more cameos with Miss Bunny. Adorable! She's the real reason I came back!

[@carlosd6172]

You are very beautiful & knowledgeable ❤ looking at your videos is inspiring me to either buy a van or a tiny home

[@christophermartinez2918]

Safety First, God Bless you and your family from:Nebraska

[@Blcjholl]

Please do be safe

[@timothycreamer8610]

I don't mind watching you mess with your plants✅

[@christopherdopp8307]

Elisa, Have you thought of naming him "Conejo" since you both will be hopping all over yonder?

[@nachocabrera134]

Hi Elisa , to remove those bolts on the D-rings first loosen up manually a turn o two then use the cordless wrench so not to strip bolt or torx tool. We bought a new 2023 ProMaster Tellaro 20L-TL for under $100K to avoid the hassle and time building one . Already travel over 6 states in 4 months and loving it . Buena suerte y Happy Trails

[@gary4983]

Your videos are charming--please don't change anything.

[@jwwwhitehouse]

so peaceful watching, though I can feel her frustration

[@michaelpayne1737]

Someday I'll have my own van so it's fun to see someone like yourself prep the van for the building process. Love your positive vibe and your accent 😊 Keep up the good work

[@peterasacker5948]

you are one cute kid....looking forward to the next installment of your van upgrade

[@Diman7Mio]

I wish you good luck with your van building project!

[@ABD4VIDS]

Great call on the AC!! Why be hotter than needed! Also if you are going to try your hand at bonsai, try a small pine tree! You should be able to find a little one growing wild (probably in your mom’s yard) they are very pliable!

[@Golfreak]

Always looking forward to a new video from you. Yours is a unique situation. Successful career, successful TYer that branching out to a new hobby. Good job in deciding an air unit. You probably won't do it but a 24v system is better than 12v. It's just more efficient and you can use thinner wires.

[@joea1746]

Such a pretty and charming woman. I'm sure she will do an excellent job getting her van customize to her desire. 👍

[@sweetdefenderlife]

Love your videos. It's very real, humble and quite funny. I appreciate the effort into making these videos. It's not easy. Thank you for makng my day :)

[@e.9370]

You can post any content, love it. I'll be watching u 🤗

[@blackviper02]

You're a very interesting woman. I can't wait to see the final product (van). I have a motor home that I travel in very often. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

[@tonyflores2512]

Great video regardless if it has van content. The plant roots need to grow and spread. I probably would have taken a rubber mallet to the pot to break it loose. Amazing ambition 😀with the plant goals. Let’s get rich together .🙌🏽

[@keithcox255]

I look forward seeing you convert your van. Don't be shy,if you hit your thumb with a hammer let it out.✌️

[@mikedr1549]

Well - your channel has the word EXPLORE in it - and you do things like explore the garden center (love the Hibiscus!) and explore Home Depot and explore making tea etc etc. So it's all good content!!

[@GenXplorer0321]

Hi, so far I am enjoying your channel ..keep up the great work . Richard

[@MrGovindsah]

Loved ❤❤❤watching your videos..make them slightly longer...Great content👌...I enjoy following you along your journey...Keep it up👍.

[@MISTERPAKEY]

Great job and getting the van ready👍...but am not a fan of Ram trucks and vans!...I'll go for Toyota Sienna awd family van and make it a simple set up for a better mileage!

[@Clint_the_Audio-Photo_Guy]

I need to repot my Bonsai's too. They have such little soil, they need to be repotted more often.

[@onlyjesussaves840]

Thinking if you're gonna keep the blue plant pot maybe put the plant w/ it's pot inside of it, if you're not going to transplant it. The blue pot is prettier then the one it's currently in.

[@richarddutton5019]

I am really missing your videos. Can’t wait til you start posting again! You are the best to me!

[@lb9007]

Beautiful video. Yes when I saw you in chanclas working with tools, I thought you needed protective clothes 🥰

[@rogermorris-zd4dp]

BE SURE to soak all of your door gaskets ( rubber) with silicone spray and only wipe off the excess. It will help to keep them pliable and create a descent seal against water and dust. just my 2 cents, keep up the great work, it never ends.😍 I love your content, by the way.

[@w.hishmeh]

I’d say putting in air conditioning was a wise choice. I’ve tried sleeping in my Toyota Highlander and it’s almost always either too hot or too cold or too humid not to mention the condensation which can be damaging over time. Love seeing your progress and always look forward to your next video. Hope to see you on the road sometime. I think I mentioned previously that we were in the upper peninsula of Michigan at the same time. Who knows if that could ever happen again. Keep putting out great content.

[@charliepeach2367]

I think you made the right decision to add AC. Even if you don’t want to use it often. Having it available is important. Recently my RV AC failed and before I could get it replaced I was using fans in high temperature areas. It wasn’t fun. Also with pets you shouldn’t leave them alone without providing adequate temperature controls.

[@_Merica_USA]

Another Great Video 👍 Great content, keep up the great work!

[@JosephPuplava]

With the racket, there is a switch to lock the racket before you power it. First, slide the switch to lock (will not damage the racket) to losen the nut first. Then, unlock the switch to use the power racket to losen the nut.

[@BNM0826]

Great video... on the leak, probably the door seal. Suerte! DTB

[@yyzz1959]

Hola Hermosa, lastima que no seamos vecinos porque podria haberte ayudado con esa maceta nueva para tu planta. Cuida te : )

[@TimHart-ew7ec]

It's nice to see progress on your van, save the D rings, you may find a use for them further in the build( I'm sure you already know this). Good call on the AC unit, easier to fit one now in the beginning of the build, than realizing later. Research parts and components before making any commitments or purchases, especially with bigger ( more expensive) components. It may be better to spend more on something that can be repaired and serviced as to something that is a complete replacement, as someone below pointed out already. See if there are RV or van conversion shops in Miami and buy components from them .Establishing local contacts can be invaluable in the planning and build out phase of your journey . Looking forward to the windows and fans install videos! And as always Go Canes!

[@dand9244]

good job adapting to input from people about an a/c

[@Mv3Trader]

Came for the van life. Stayed for the life. ✨💎🙏🏾

[@johnnyrambles]

Most issues with leaks from the back doors can be fixed by adjusting the hinges and the strikers to get them to fit tighter. VERY common issue on the Promaster!

[@utubewillyman]

I think you could put some cinder blocks under each side of your carport to make it taller. Just make sure it's anchored well.

[@richardyribia7583]

My gosh Elisa must we wait a whole month for another video? Just kidding. Good to see you.

[@jdlane5136]

May I suggest using Automotive or Boat grade sealers. They will last a lot longer. I am think about building a van in the next few years and doing my research now. Looking forward to seeing how your build goes.

[@silveradokid88]

Great show!!

[@courtney6183]

If you clean up that gasket really good. Like new. The you should be able to lightly massage that lower door corner with a rubber mallet bend it back to normal. Someone probably ran a big cord out the van at that corner and bent the door out a little. Do it gradually and keep checking and see if it makes a difference.

[@icxcnika9399]

When transplanting from pot to pot or pot to garden, allow the plant soil to dry out a bit, the soil mix will shrink and pull away from the pot edges.

[@vleldaddio210]

Loved your " Maybe I Just Don't Know What I'm Doing 😂⁉️

[@faraci5617]

Pretty good headroom in that van👍🏼

[@edilservelazquezrodriguez]

Saludos Elisa muy bien, saludos desde Montgomery Alabama. ❤

[@LisaRobertson-j9x]

Raining!! I would of set up camp in the van and snuggled in my blankets right away

[@Lester-te3vb]

Hold the plant upside down to get the plant out of the pot. Grab the plant by the stalk close to the soil and turn upside down and tap the bottom of the pot. Should come right out of the pot. I’ve done this several times and the plant will come out. Might have to shake the pot a little but tapping the bottom should work.

[@mitchconliffe3932]

Your content is so real and beautiful. How do you support your van life?

[@s1879278]

I quite like the home-life life content :]

[@edp8218]

Just a thought but when you’re using a spray can and it’s windy, you should cover those windows you’re going to get overspray on them

[@snickelporp]

It’s about time for another video! :)

[@seansanders789]

For future reference you were getting runs with spray paint most likely from spraying to close or not moving the can quick enough.

[@황토해농장]

밴 만드는 과정 너무 좋습니다 멋진 밴만드시고 좋은 일만 많이 있으세요😊❤

[@tomassanesson902]

Awesome and good luck🤙🤙🤙❤❤❤

[@denewoodthorpe5872]

Nice job good luck🇬🇧

[@tommyamaya4254]

Your good any content with you in it is all good