My 8 Scariest Moments in RV Life & Van Life | Travel Vlog

My 8 Scariest Moments in RV Life & Van Life | Travel Vlog - Living in my van and RV for the last 3.5 years has been amazing; however, there have been some super scary moments that left me rattled and shaken. These are my top scariest moments of van life and RV life as I've traveled all over the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. I've been asked if van life is scary, especially as a solo female traveler. Most of the time van life is really great, but there have been some challenges that have proven to be scary and left me fearful; however, I truly believe in moving forward and facing your fears head-on by actually doing the thing that scares you.
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★ My Story
Hi, I'm Amber and in May 2017 I started full time RV living. I started this nomadic journey after selling my house and all my belongings to pursue this crazy dream of traveling full time in an RV and creating incredible memories.
After 1 year of traveling, I sold my 26 foot Winnebago Class C RV for a more nimble Class B van on a Promaster 2500 chassis. Now in my 4th year of RVing in my camper van, I'm still loving this RV lifestyle and being a digital nomad. I almost always boondock in nature and really enjoy that off grid living.
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#VanLife #RVLife #ScariestMoments

[@AmberJBaldwin]

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[@azxp]

One time I was boondocking by myself off of Carefree HWY in Arizona one night. It was dark, and I had been ATV'n all day. I was super tired, and just resting next to a fire. I mean it was so quiet except for the crackling of the fire every once in a while, then all of a sudden I heard this scream sound. It sounded like it was just on the other side of my camper. It sounded so close. Then I heard like really loud honking noises, and quickly I figured out it was a herd of wild donkeys, then across from the other side I heard another pack of donkeys reply. I was right in between them, and I couldn't see any of them. After a few minutes I calmed down, and it was one of the coolest things I have ever witnessed out boondocking, but for a second i was legitimately scared.

[@AmberJBaldwin]

azxp 🙏🙏🙏🙏😊😊😊 That is so cool..well after you figured out what it was. lol

[@stevemoore3951]

I lived really close to this area and used to see donkeys out there pretty often. Kind of sad to see them laying on the side of the road after being hit by cars. Supposedly they are left over from the Spanish miners. Wild horses out that way also.

[@mylibertyvan5650]

Yikes, I’ve only had a few scary moments in the 9 months I’ve been on the road. Ditto on getting scared 😱 over weird noises, getting stuck in gravel and driving scary mountain roads. I too drove around Lake Tahoe, but there are much scarier roads in the Pacific Northwest. But what about wind? No one should be driving on the road in winds over 35 miles per hour and if your in a van or RV you shouldn’t drive in winds over 20 to 25 miles an hour. Usually, higher wind gusts are possible. I was suppose to leave an area on one day and drive The Columbia River Gorge but thank goodness I checked the app Highway Weather and found out that 60 mile a hour winds were forecasted. The next day when I did leave, I found out that there were 100 mile a hour winds that took down 🌲 trees. Please warn newbies about wind. Waiting a day or two can save your life. Right now I am waiting for winds in NM to settle down and tomorrow will be much better. 🙏 thanks!

[@designdoctor247]

This is very helpful and something i would not have thought of

[@GingerBug838]

Thank you for this very helpful information!

[@lilminick5005]

@@designdoctor247 w

[@MikkosCassadine]

"On the other side of fear, is your greatest reward." I LOVE this. I also love your honesty. Thumbs up! And I loved the bloopers!

[@jessicastreet2922]

On the other side of fear is your greatest reward. I love this!!!

[@AmberJBaldwin]

Yes! Thank you! Glad it resonates with you.

[@waschell1]

Good grief woman...your guardian angel sure is watching over you! Putting people in your path when you need them for sure...:)

[@carolwest6095]

I relate to you so much. Had a stressful child and teenage hood. My stress reactions have been a constant challenge. Although the battle with stress is more internal, I've breathed, trusted my gut and do self talk. I've had lots of success. I know that RV life will be a good fit for me because I do have a curious and adventurous spirit. Your past trauma does not define who you are.

[@AmberJBaldwin]

Thanks for sharing!! It's a good life and I hope you can get out and do it. It's nice being in nature and seeking calm, serene places.

[@carolwest6095]

Yep have always loved camping and music campouts

[@shawneeb3771]

It's always nice when someone is honest about van life. There are times when things happen and you get scared and have to deal with all sorts of things. But, you get through it and you learn. Thanks for sharing, safe travels.

[@AmberJBaldwin]

Shawnee B yes exactly! Thanks so much for watching.

[@wonderlust1035]

This is something I talk about all the time..... (hehehe) "FIRES" in a mobile home or RV can spread in seconds!! After college, right after the Civil War, I stayed temporarily w/a buddy in his mobile home. A grease fire in the kitchen damn near took out the whole trailer in seconds, if it was not for a lg fire extinguisher which we all know... we point at the base of a fire, not the top of a fire. When I get my RV, I will have 3 extinguishers: 1 in the cab, 1 in the kitchen and 1 within arms length in the bedroom. Everyone needs to understand ....RVs are a tinder box, even with smoke detectors, thus respect what "can" happen and stay safe. GREAT video Amber !!!

[@julianachandler2975]

Wow, you handled the creepy guy at Walmart correctly. Definitely sketchy. Also, I agree with not trying to reason with an unreasonable person like that horrible sheriff. I wonder how much tourism is lost because of him.

[@AmberJBaldwin]

I for one won’t be back anytime soon so there’s one.

[@danleonard3600]

Wow that Walmart creeper story was scary. If it means anything I don’t believe him either. Good choice to just leave.

[@AmberJBaldwin]

Dan Leonard Me either! Total creeper. Thank you for watching and commenting! 🙏😊

[@Lilliancooks]

Awwwww...the momma cows calling for their calf’s was so heart wrenching...such good mommas! I guess I am weird too because I would definitely talk to the cows. And your dog Lily is such a cutie! Amazing that she tries to say “I love you”😀👍

[@prestondeanes4390]

Mother Nature is the best teacher - - - she tests first and teaches after.

[@krismaki757]

I haven't even gotten a van yet, but it is my dream to be a nomad for at least a year. My biggest fears about boondocking alone, is having someone try to get in or trying to steal/damage something, someone wanting to cause me harm, or the most likely is something happening to my back (which is why I'm disabled), and not being able to move or call for help, or breaking down and not being able to get help.

[@marydreiman7715]

Life begins at the end of your comfort zone!

[@tarac5137]

Seems like getting stuck is more a when type scenario, I think about every channel I watch has gotten stuck at some point. You made it through, and now you are wiser and stronger. ⭐️

[@AmberJBaldwin]

Tara Charney 😀 I think I just got more wise. Scott actually got stuck in his van in Baja Mexico. Not sure if you saw that video, but his front end was on the ground. eekkk

[@RedBaronlives]

I have found and you I am sure you have found that courage is not the absence of fear, courage is working with fear and controlling same. You got big balls! thank you for sharing

[@karenoster8291]

Thank You for being so "Real", open & honest! Love your Adventures! ~Safe Journeys! 👋

[@jaylenmemisi2384]

I want to do van life so mutch! You inspire me. I am really afraid. I have 2 small children. I don't want something like this to happen, with them witnessing all of it and ruining their adventure and free spirit. Enjoy your freedom and live to the fullest!

[@laurakramer396]

My family drove from home down thru the south over to CA and up to OR on Hwy 101 (?) And the hwy with no guard rails had my Mom so freaked out and petrified that she road most of the hwy down on the floor of the passenger side while my Dad drove!

[@lovlimeg]

Thanks for sharing... this us really helpful. ❤❤❤

[@ms.m7995]

You have courage in the face of adversity, and continue to find joy in the adventure. You can't live life better than that!

[@AmberJBaldwin]

Ms. M I totally agree. Thanks for watching and commenting! I so appreciate it and you! 🙏😊

[@luciac.419]

I truly appreciated this video! Thank you

[@EatSleepRVRepeat]

The park is a beautiful statement of love and humanity. The readers are awesome. They look great on you. Lou & Angie

[@VanJoplin]

Great info. I'm learning so much from you Amber. Glad I finally started your course. I'm looking forward to it!

[@AmberJBaldwin]

Val Edwards Me too! Thank you for watching and commenting and WELCOME TO NOMAD MENTORSHIP BOOTCAMP! So glad to have you in there and can't wait to get to know you more in our video calls.🙏😊

[@paulyjunior9130]

Those were some great stories, I can totally relate to more than one! Thanks for sharing Amber, & Nice work!! 🙂

[@AmberJBaldwin]

Pauly Junior 😀 lol...yup we all have them don't we. How are you? Where are you?

[@phyllisrogers6620]

The Natchez Trace near Okolona, MS. By myself in a state campground/deer camp surrounded by thick woods that doesn't get used much. The camp sites sat on the old trace, really cool, picked up lots of vibes. Got woke up in the middle of the night by howls, like warbling moans trying to break through from another dimension settling down and picking back up again for at least an hour. Loud, terrifying, close by in the woods, sat in the tent wide awake the rest of the night. Common sense tells me it was some sort of feral beagle dog but I don't know, I felt spirits and I'm not that way.

[@SheDreamsOfFreedom5]

There is some sort of spirit activity going on,on the Natchez Trace. I'm a Christian but not too long ago,I believed in ghosts. My husband and I traveled along the Trace years ago. We stopped at this little stop that had some sort of attraction. It was a little crick in the woods. On the opposite side of the crick was this large cave mouth. Within a few minutes of being there, I felt this strange creepy feeling like there was something in the area (demonic entity) that didn't want us there. So we left.

[@ddcornell1019]

Thank you for sharing your stories. For us who are planning to be full timers RVING

[@andrewperna2745]

Thanks for being courageous. It is wonderful to see what is available in life when we embrace life with courage. Keep going there is a lot more instore for you..

[@AmberJBaldwin]

Thank you so much!

[@DiHandley]

Just a quick correction for future reference regarding the fire. When a wire “shorts out” it is actually carrying more current than it can hand. The spark as such in this instance does not cause the fire, it’s actually the wire heating up like an electric radiator along its entire length! As was evidenced buy the melted insulation. This can then cause a real fire if not disconnected quickly. It’s good practice to have a kill switch located at the battery that can disconnect power from everything if needed in a hurry. You might need one for the batteries in the back of the van too. It’s not expensive and easy to install. Happy days!

[@debz8340]

Thank you for sharing your stories.

[@travelingwithjoe216]

Great video. It’s good to show while you may run into frightening situations, there’s usually a way out and a lesson to be learned.

[@AmberJBaldwin]

Traveling With Joe 😀 Truly! Glad to see you Joe!

[@janethall7163]

I just started following you in the last two weeks. I am fascinated with all your knowledge and experiences. I am seriously looking at a van camper and I am trying to gather as much information as I can to face my own fears. Thank you for your insight.

[@skepticalmechanic]

Love your story telling... thanks for sharing... you have a lot of courage!

[@AmberJBaldwin]

Thanks for watching!

[@EatSleepRVRepeat]

Great insights especially for newbies. Lou & Angie

[@jenniferdeleon8954]

Thank you for the video! Very helpful information.

[@AmberJBaldwin]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ritatharp5238]

Hi Amber! Thank you for sharing.

[@Banagal]

Good morning Amber! Great true scary adventures and beautiful scenery video. It’s nice to learn from your experiences. Thank you for sharing? You look very 😊 happy.

[@AmberJBaldwin]

Ramona DeLaney Thank you so much for your kind comments. I am pretty happy despite some of the bad news lately. I'm still grieving for my cousin - I miss her.

[@Livingmydreammm]

Catching up on your last two videos♥️♥️. So nice!!! ❤️❤️

[@annhulvey7626]

Your KZbin adventure is so impressive. Your nomad story is not only very well done, but you are such a humble person. Keep up the good work and may you always follow your dreams.

[@donpfister6089]

Oh my what a fun video. Not making light of your situations. It was just fun to see you laugh, smile and having been there myself in the past. Grin It is such a pleasure to watch and listen to you. Best wishes.

[@imjustanasshlesometimes3488]

I'm from Minnesota. The times I've been stuck on the side of the road, someone has always stopped at helped. It really does renew my faith in humanity. Minnesota nice 💗

[@MOVIMKR7]

I lost my short bus to fire. , I parked walked away as I turned away I saw glow as I looked back my short bus is on fire, I lost everything . Glad your ok. Great video

[@AmberJBaldwin]

Oh no. That’s awful and I’m so sorry to hear this. Did you ever find out what caused it? Did you rebuild a different RV?

[@ann66pearson4]

These issues you've had are exactly what makes me scared to RV solo. I'm not a mechanic or particularly handy at DIY. I have been researching a lot about vans and traveling alone. I'm shocked at how many solo campers are out there. So I've learned a lot of tips, and tricks and taken a lot of advice and opinions from lots of people. I've got to figure this out. Time is flying by and I'm no spring chicken. I love your videos and seeing/hearing about your experiences. Thanks so much.

[@johnru1]

Well done, lots of lessons for new RV travelers.

[@AmberJBaldwin]

johnru1 I totally agree. Thanks for watching and commenting! I so appreciate it and you! 🙏😊

[@sharonanspach2734]

definitely scary moments.. would have freaked me out too.. glad you were able to work through everything

[@AmberJBaldwin]

Sharon Anspach Thanks so much! ☺️

[@sharyneyman3806]

Really like your videos. You don’t talk to fast and are very clear. Interesting subject. Haven’t had anything happen yet. But get frustrated with having to always go to my manual to figure out how to operate things. I only use it 2 months a year off and on for 2 weeks at a time because I live in Hawaii. In Sept. I couldn’t get the water heater to work so took it to a RV repair shop and found out I had 2 switches for it. One outside and one in. Duh.

[@marydonaldson6139]

Great video and so so important to know. I just wish it didn’t have to happen to you Amber. Thank you for sharing.🙌💞

[@AmberJBaldwin]

Mary Donaldson You're welcome and thanks so much for watching!

[@marydonaldson6139]

Story Chasing 💞

[@zena1976]

My most scariest time as a new RV owner is driving along I-40 and the signs about what to do in case of high winds ( never imagined I needed instructions on what to do). Later that day, the wind came across the land and it shoved me so hard, I nearly went into the other lane. I My hands hurt while driving from gripping the steering wheel and I hate wind.

[@AmberJBaldwin]

Zena I’ve seen those signs too. Crazy!!!! In your rig wind against a class c makes you a sail now. It’s awful and nail biting. Thankfully nobody was in that other lane you flew into. Ugh!!!

[@leejoycechung2162]

I started binge watching from the beginning and saw the first two scariest moments. Yup it’s c19 and being retired I can watch 24/7. LOL. Hey, you look great...must be vanlife has done wonders for you. Take care.

[@AmberJBaldwin]

Lee Joyce Chung Thanks so much! ☺️ That's very sweet and you have a long ways to go with binging. hehe Enjoy!

[@aaronmcintosh2903]

Wow, beauty and courage.

[@lorettalaws8801]

Hello Amber i have just found your channel a few months back and i am just truly amazed by your lifestyle i would so love to go out exploring by myself and see all this beauty the USA has to offer maybe one day if i keep dreaming about it please be safe in all your travels

[@designdoctor247]

🙏ing for both of us. I too want to travel to see God's beautiful world. May He pave the way!

[@michaelpenwarden4365]

Thank you. I enjoy listening to your stories. Maybe I’ll tell you mine some day. Keep up the good life. May the stars be in your face and the wind on your back. Stay safe from Blighty.

[@AmberJBaldwin]

Michael Penwarden Thanks so much! ☺️

[@mateocafe45]

Great channel! You remind me of an Amber that I used to work with at a hospital years ago in Orange County, CA.

[@barrywatler7482]

Always look forward to your videos I have worked and travelled in the remotest parts of Australia too many stories to tell from being broken down on the roadside for two days to be bogged on clay pans in 6x6 Mack trucks to having one of our dogs stolen which was not returned never seen again all this whilst involved in Seismic Exploration. Stay safe on your journey cheers from Australia 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@AmberJBaldwin]

Barry Watler You're welcome and thanks so much for watching! Wow yeah I'm sure you have some crazy stories...and OMG your poor dog. That's the worst. I'm so sorry to hear that. People can be so cruel.

[@timmyjones1921]

Amber I got scared when I seen the road you was driving on with no guard rail / rails , so true we cain't just run from our fears or we all would be running most of our lives . Ty for the Video.

[@gereshomeE]

Hello Amber! ☺ I'm a man and I've watched this video, several times, and I still nod and smile with agreement with you!! Well done! ☺

[@davidsager4023]

Have fun and take care and take it easy and enjoy it

[@AmberJBaldwin]

Thank you, I will

[@ManWander]

first time i heard coyotes i was like "what the heck is that?!" - until you have heard them you cannot understand why people freak out their first time

[@AmberJBaldwin]

jMon Thanks so much! ☺️ It's so true!!! It's a very distinctive sound.

[@stevemoore3951]

That is a very unnerving sound. The first time I heard it was inside the house in Arizona shortly after moving there. They were so loud I heard it over the television. Definitely a “ Call Of The Wild”. 🤯

[@AmyStone]

I’m loving your videos. Thank you for making them. What do you keep on the back - is that a bike?

[@AmberJBaldwin]

Amy Stone Thanks so much! ☺️ Yes it's a Rad Mini ebike. I love it!

[@pjdemario1328]

I can relate to #2! I drove that road around Tahoe several years ago. The lack of guard rails freaked me out 😬

[@AmberJBaldwin]

Phyllis DeMario Me too! Glad I'm not the only one. lol Thank you for watching and commenting! 🙏😊

[@lizzieg.7316]

Great video Amber! I'm only 3 months in to part time RV'ing and have experienced both the late night "knock" from a ranger that was super irate - completely irrational and sinking in the sand! Funny b/c I'd watched your video when you got stuck in sand and as my friend and I pulled into this dispersed campground I was telling her we should not go far in for that reason. I parked next to the host and that spot sank under the weight of my van - ugh! Part of the experience and good lessons learned (now carry MaxTrax and a tow rope with me). I'm also thinking of some sort of motion sensor light and video for that outside b/c, as you mention, when it's dark out you can't see who is knocking or lurking out there.

[@AmberJBaldwin]

Liz GERONIME Thanks so much! ☺️ Oh good grief that's horrible! Oh yes Max Traxx are a must! Where was this at?

[@lizzieg.7316]

@@AmberJBaldwin Derrick Road dispersed camping in Suislaw National Forest-it was a legit site just next to camp host! Sadly when they dragged her out (she was literally a beached whale) it trashed the UHG so hopefully that can be fixed. I need the e guard!!

[@trebledog]

I took the road down the mountain. "On one side was the mountain; on the other side was the air. I missed the mountain, I was in the air," in a song by Bob Dylan. Of all the things you mentioned, the park ranger is the only truly scary thing. That guy in the parking lot, I think you called it correctly, creep and up to no good, people who dont mean harm will never peep into a van because we all just dont know who is in there and if they have a gun and will use it, so anyone willing to take the route of walking around and peeing into your windows is someone risking being caught cause they are up to something, from breaking and entering to kidnapping to worse.

[@0230Raveena]

I'm watching this and I know exactly what you meant about driving around lake Tahoe. I drove around the lake while my husband went there for a work conference. It was winter and just so extremely beautiful but no guard rails, one wrong move and I would be plunging into the lake. I didn't wear my seatbelt just in case I had to do something crazy and jump out. I remember the fear but I also remember the immense beauty of it. It was like being in a winter wonderland, inside of a snow globe.

[@franklinpayero8382]

There are always angels out there when u need it the most.

[@comedianfaheemarts3799]

About to start my RV adventure 😊😊- wish me luck

[@trashcan2088]

OK lol the bloopers was just killing me LMAO.

[@roxyraber8931]

Great info, Hair looks good.

[@AmberJBaldwin]

Roxane Raber Thanks so much! ☺️ I'm trying out hair extensions! lol

[@jmos96]

Your bootcamp is a great idea!

[@rebekahritchie9012]

I’ve watched a lot of these stories on you tube and one thing I’ve learnt is to not stay in a Walmart carpark!

[@AmyLee-oe1jr]

I grew up here in Mn & what they say about Minnesota Nice IS TRUE! So glad 2 people stopped to help! I Love Mn but it’s about to get Real Cold as Winter is on its way!

[@ms.h8730]

This is what I wanna see. I always see good stuff. But this is what I be thinking about if I decide.

[@lisauntethered8059]

Scary moment - heading towards an 8’ tunnel when I’m 11’!! I had to hook a serious Uturn - few scratches but I made it. Lesson - I always use my RV gps. The walking stick is a good idea!

[@AmberJBaldwin]

Lisa Untethered Oh yikes that is scary!!!!!

[@DenaInWyo]

I can SO relate to your driving experience around Tahoe. I have an incredibly irrational fear of driving in situations like that, and on the interstate in adverse weather. It's crazy because in my early 20s, I was fearless of it. I blame it on being tormented by not one, but two husbands who were angry at me for being fearful when they were driving and did things to scare me. Long story. I'm an outpatient nurse now and have to do some interstate driving here in WY and it's been really good for me, so I know that practice helps. Honestly, it's one of my biggest concerns for my hopeful retirement plan. Down south in the winter and up here in WY for the summer is the plan and hopefully that helps. I managed to drive myself from Casper to Bellingham WA, then to Fargo ND and I powered through, so I KNOW I can do it, just gotta learn to drive the bigger vehicle.

[@DenaInWyo]

Also, my first camping trip with my then 14 year old son and I, just us, and a squirrel set off my car alarm. We had just got into the tent and were both convinced it must be a murderer and left, camping gear still pitched. We were only about 20 miles from home. Came back the next morning to find from the ranger that the squirrel was the likely culprit and the reason the back of my jeep was open was not because of a burglar but because I'd opened it myself with my key fob. So, I can relate to your coyotes too ;) ....our camping gear was all still there the next day.

[@DenaInWyo]

Sorry to keep on posting but I'm watching and then thinking of something: THANK you for the non-insta gram reality, because my retirement plan is a non instagram reality. Truly appreciate your video.

[@AmberJBaldwin]

DenaInWyo 😊 You did it and that's what matters. You pushed through so you can absolutely do it again and agian.

[@reyscottm9]

Your first story about the rowdy teenagers and I knew right away you were dealing with coyotes. I experienced the same thing 2 years ago at Cedar Hill State Park, in Texas. At first I thought I was hearing a bunch of teenagers acting crazy and once I realized that it was definitely not teenagers I became painfully aware of how thin the walls of my tent were. Definitely scary.

[@AmberJBaldwin]

Rey Scott 😀 lol...."thin walls" of your tent. Um yes those are thin. lol I wasn't expecting that which is why I'm lol'ing.

[@reyscottm9]

Ha. It's okay. It's very funny. Now.

[@annjohnson543]

The no guard rail thing freaked me out just watching!!!! Yikes.

[@luckydubefan808]

You did good with that officer Amber. Glad you you got rid of him, I would have panicked too esp for my dog. Glad your friends were there.

[@AmberJBaldwin]

Josephine KELIIPIO Me too! Thank you for watching and commenting! 🙏😊

[@CellasChariot]

Yep, all of those moments would have freaked me out...good for you for working thru the fear! So worth it! Thanks for sharing Amber!

[@AmberJBaldwin]

Michelle Cella Schleis 😀lol yeah weird times for sure, but I still love this life. Glad you enjoyed it Michelle.

[@peterkim1999]

That Balmar issue happened to me also on my Sprinter, I had to replace the regulator.

[@AmberJBaldwin]

Peter Kim 😀 Oh no. Was there a fire?

[@user-yp7im1su9s]

You were cracking me up with the bloopers. Yes number 8 would have been scary. Trying to get someone to understand and they just don’t get it is frustrating. They don’t understand so they want to abuse their authority. To bad. One of mine the few times i was in target parking lot was a man walking around rv trying to peak in. I stayed silent and he eventually left. He was a taxi driver at 2 a.m. parked behind me . Hindsight remove “for sale “ signs from window before dark. Lol

[@gustavochavez3579]

All I have to say is what a beautiful voice!!

[@SheDreamsOfFreedom5]

Hi...I love your channel. I was listening to you talking about Lake Tahoe and the guardrails or lack of them. So I was thinking that maybe before you go somewhere, you look at the area on Google Earth. Hopefully you'll have a current version. Sometimes Google Earth will show you something a little older. But it'll give you some idea of how the area looks from the sky.

[@ovmn]

Your hair is getting long :) looking beautiful.

[@AmberJBaldwin]

Olga Marcondes Thanks so much! ☺️ lol...I'm playing with extensions. It blended well huh?

[@jeffreyjones9595]

Ditto

[@juskai808]

Yeah I’m loving it 👍🏼

[@lolalee7071]

Yes, agreed! 👌👌👌

[@huckleberrychris]

Amber! The Cambulance man from NY had that same experience south of Flagstaff

[@philiptarnaski1667]

Hi Amber , we just removed the rear spare tire from our Hymer Aktiv and that fixed , cleared the fault we were getting from the bumper sensors ect. But that is were we found the wire harness for the trailer lights was melted, due to the muffler tail pipe end is 3” inches from wires and the tire hitch ect! Now we are going to have a muffler shop extend the pipe away from that area. Just wanted to let the other Hymer owners about it, maybe someone like us have never looked under that area Thanks and safe travels. 👍

[@AmberJBaldwin]

Philip Tarnaski 😀 What year is your Hymer? There was a recall for the muffler several years ago for issues like this. Glad you got it fixed though.

[@philiptarnaski1667]

My Hymer is a 2018, Dodge 2500, 2017 year.

[@maitildamcintyre9344]

Amber more great stuff for us to learn. I tried to join your KZbin community and from both my phone and IPad I wasn’t able to. Maybe a computer is required. Instead I set up a recurring monthly PayPal. The deposits are from my real name and not my KZbin moniker. I really love all that you share and create. The bloopers were fun to watch and demonstrate how much work goes into creating your content. I appreciate your channel very much. Happy and safe travels 🚐🐶❤️

[@AmberJBaldwin]

maitilda mcintyre 😀 Oh you're so sweet! Thank you so much. What's the first name on the PayPal tip you gave? You should be able to join the KZbin community from your phone. I'm not sure what happened. Was there an error? I'm so thrilled you're loving the content and topics enough to support my channel! Your gift is so appreciated! ❤️🙏

[@mistieseverydaylife4705]

@@AmberJBaldwin I’m unable to join from my phone as well I even tried my tablet the button just isn’t there I guess we need computer access I use a iPhone idk if that is the cause or not maybe we should contact you tube to find out the reason.

[@laronis]

This is the video I have waited 4 years to see. I wanted to know possible difficulties with RVing, but no one seems to want to show the problems. I watched 4 years of Nomadic Fanatic hoping to see possible problems that I might have encountered with van life. His channel had the title: “urban camping”. But except for the Eureka CA video, everything is rosy, wonderful, and beautiful. I know after 4 years of RV living there has to be a LOT more that happened, but he refuses to say. I stopped watching his channel because all he does is quirky videos now. Thx for this video!

[@johntaheri]

You did the right think

[@sandyallen1488]

So interesting. You’re a great story teller. Wish you could remember what you were going to say.

[@katalinavoung3090]

Lol!!! First thought was teenagers … anyone would thought it was ghosts.

[@davepalmetto]

Were you been have seen you awile have fun and take care and take it easy and enjoy it

[@AmberJBaldwin]

Still here and been posting. Lol.

[@Purpleroses]

I Use To Park Right Up Front Of A 24 Hour Walmart. I Always Left The Front Open SO IF Anyone Looked In They'd See The Alarm Button Blinking. Now, I Share Some Things I've Learned. I'd Never Go Down A Long Lonely Road Or In The Woods Alone. Get Bear Spray, Shock Device, Down Load A VOICE Changer. A Woman Can Make Her VOICE Sound Like A Man. Also, Download A Dog's Growl And Bark. GET A Real Bright flask Light With A Strobe To Temporarily Blind The Person. Also A Hard Hat, and A Work Vest And A Work Pad To Lay On The Dashboard. They Will Think You Are In Construction. Get Solar Lights Or Have Lights And Surveillance Installed All Around The Van. One Man Was In The Woods SO HE Put Solar Lights On Outside Of The Van To Keep Animals Away. A Good Place To Park Is In A Large Hotel Parking Lot. Be Safe

[@thaisguedes4067]

I'm not into van life yet but one thing for sure will scary me a lot on the beginnig is solo camping in the middle of nowhere or at walmart or other parking lot. For sure once i get used to it I'll be more relax but I know it won't be easy right away

[@lakesuperiorgirl17]

Minnesota nice

[@sbrose3776]

Everybody struggles with something. Some people think their struggles are more worthy and so they criticize

[@peteherrera1502]

drive in the center of the road if no other traffic is coming when you have no guard rail on either side. Also think about what you are going to do before doing it rather than just reacting to the situation without thinking.

[@Purpleroses]

Some States Are Making It ILLEGAL To Park In A City. MANY States Hate Van Lifers Because They Are Not Getting Taxes Don't Ever Say Living In Your Van But Traveling For However Long You Need To Be There. Blessings Upon You

[@bgdelphi-sleuth6297]

@storychasing hope you have a couple dogs, bats, heaters, cams... Be safe.

[@heatherhillman7280]

Scariest moment as a traveler...the "wall of deer". I was traveling through upstate NY this past November. Just outside of Buffalo, about 5am...still dark....very little traffic, I came upon a mass with eyes. As soon as my brain processed what I was looking at, which was a herd (yes, a herd) of deer crossing the Thru-way, I slammed on the brakes. I have a pretty heavy minivan, so I was literally standing on the brakes, braced for impact, while I saw the biggest 3 deer just look at me and finish crossing the road. Unfortunately, there was about 10 juveniles teeming back and forth in a confused mass, trying to figure out how to get away. Some crossed, some went back the other way, but as I was grinding to a halt, there was one little deer, barely tall enough to see over my hood that was just off my left bumper. I thought for sure I was going to hit it. Somehow, miraculously, the van stopped and it trotted off to join it's friends unharmed. That scared the crap out of me. I don't think I could have shaken it off if I had hit that fawn.

[@sandrap3047]

I remembered every situation you were describing except for creepy Walmart guy. Guess I’ve been following you for a while. lol You did the right thing with the forest ranger. He probably would’ve arrested you if you asked for his name & badge #. Has he never heard of vanlifers? Where has he been? Your hair is getting so long! Looks beautiful Amber!

[@AmberJBaldwin]

Sandra P 😀 You have been watching for a long time!! Thank you so much for continuing to be interested and still watching! Hope you're doing well.

[@sandrap3047]

Story Chasing it’s my pleasure! Love watching your & sweet Lily’s travels!