Stranded In The Middle Of Nowhere - What now?

[@quixoticPrancer]

Unexplained battery reading fluxuations are often down to a bad battery or battery cell. Next time you're at 50% charge, try measuring the voltage across each battery to see if one is noticeably lower than the others. If so, then that battery may need to be replaced.

[@GK49245]

Well handled experience. Your break-down emotions are genuine and expected. Impressed there was no swearing. Your video, under these circumstances, has continuing excellent content, beautiful settings, pro editing, and a rich continuing vanlife theme. Of all the VanLife KZbin productions, yours remains in our top 3. If there is anything we can do to help you get your van repaired, please ask. Thanks for sharing another chapter in your chronicle. Great to have you back and feeling better. Stay safe.

[@karaleigh_eva]

On my first big van trip that I took last summer (also going to Canada) the van broke down in Omaha, right in the walmart parking lot. A couple funny turns of events later and I found out I had family living right there in the city. I met my mom's cousins for the first time ever and they showed me around a place that I was just going to leave in the rear view mirror. No matter how many times my rust bucket of a van has brought me to tears with stress, the feeling of freedom and adventure is worth every bit of it

[@offairhead]

3:52 I absolutely love elephants. They are such kind and gentle and intelligent and loving creatures. I would absolutely love to spend time at an elephant sanctuary!!

[@expressivepets1]

I'm impressed; I couldn't do it. Takes a lot of trust in yourself to get through whatever may come. I have to mention that I'm equally impressed that you draw from your own photos. Beautiful work.

[@WayneThePoet]

Hang in there Maddie. By next month all of these van issues will just be a distant distraction. And look what art can do, set aside the stress, turn an auto repair backlot into a place of warm memories, and open a library of new inspiration. Looking forward to your trip north, before it turns into a deep freeze. ✌🏼

[@belindaknowles7440]

I’m so impressed with how you deal with problems so gracefully. I am glad you show the ups and downs of van life. Young women are so brave now. I am 62 and wish I had realized I could take care of myself and go on adventures when I was younger. I have a lot more confidence in my abilities now and still plan to have some adventures, hopefully soon. Eliza is beautiful and your artwork is magnificent! ❤️😊

[@wendyd4121]

Maddie, I'm so sorry that you've had such a stressful week, but thank you for sharing it with us. I hope you can feel the support & encouragement we're all sending your way. I'm grateful that your van troubles happened within 15 miles of help. You've been in some very isolated areas, so at least you're in civilization for this situation. I read a quote recently that I love. "Everything works out in the end. If it hasn't worked out yet, then it's not the end." Hugs to you & Eliza❣

[@BigFireDave]

You may have a loose or corroded battery terminal that makes a better connection when you move the van around. Something to keep in mind.

[@BigFireDave]

Or the other end of the wire at the solar equipment or maybe the connections to the solar arrays on the roof.

[@SacredSecret]

Listening to the self narration at the introduction, drew me in even more eagerly to find out all that happened. So very clever and exciting. Hope things get brighter for you. Keep on persevering with your positivity.

[@bKgS94]

I agree with you about the introduction, intriguing and serene of Maddies voice. But she made the most of her time while stranded.

[@StephenOshea]

well at least you think positive . to have great freedom to travel is very sweet

[@jamesorendorff2731]

Maddie, just a thought.... have you ever considered doing what Lyss ..lost Renegades ..Amy and others have done?? Buy a nice little place somewhere, and use that for a home base... somewhere to come back to and recharge,, I've lived on the road for a long time, but it's always nice to come out of the cold and recharge....just a thought ....you could also have an art room for yourself Anyway ... love watching you!! Be safe, and take care of yourself 🙏

[@Molly1820]

Keep the faith Maddie! Your videos are always inspiring!

[@carolzizich7584]

Absolutely!!

[@northcoastoutdoorchannel]

Your painting turned our great, beautiful picture of the elephant. Never fun when your car fails. Even in tough times you seem positive, keep up the fantastic content!

[@mylifejourney74]

Maddie, I know how it feels. Ever since I bought my van 1.5yrs ago, its been repairs galore. And it is mentally draining. Those who don't live in a van don't realize as much how mentally straining it can be when you rely on your home to be operational. It touch, but you've got this. Keep up the good work...

[@richardterry9788]

Love your gentle narration, love your painting, love your cheeky smiles, love Canadians. I hope your van problems get sorted. xx

[@errgowego7649]

Hang in there! Maybe now things will get better moving forward…the bad stuff will be behind you! I’m so envious of your art talent…your amazing!

[@eringordonsf]

I love when you film your art process! 🎨

[@Salem.belkha]

Good to see you again safe and sound ❤❤ nd sorry to see ur tears😊❤

[@sarahyak_]

Omg Maddie I’m so sorry to hear this news 😢 hang in there, I’ll be thinking of you!

[@pamelataylor412]

Hang in there, Maddie. We love you and Eliza🥰

[@jotape1960]

Thank God you are here!!! I missed you!!! You're the best light and image to my eyes!!! God bless you all, forever!!!

[@paulroman8045]

Sorry you've been having a tough time lately, glad your maintaining the pursuit of positivity through it. The elephant artwork looks great! Looking forward to seeing more art.

[@gabrielleszafir]

Oh no I'm so sorry! You're so not alone - as you know, I make KZbin videos in a similar spirit as you about my life on the road and I've been there with car issues - the worst! Honestly something has been up this last week was one of the most intense weeks of road life I've ever had (almost got into a huge accident and we had an accident with one of our cats (shes okay). I also had to completely change my plans... So grateful you were somewhat close to a dealership!! Really hoping everything gets fixed this time and with lots of swiftness and grace! Sending my love and support 💛💛💛

[@bctoledot1]

Hang in there. I hope it works out with your van. It definitely sounds like you are ready to make a big Decision about your future. All the best! Enjoyed your video!

[@MillerTheOfficialGaming]

Youre never stranded if you have what you need ❤

[@D_R_Martin]

You are a very talented artist. Sorry you have had so many problems. I wish you safety and eventual return to your adventure. Best to you.

[@simmpleenough]

I related to you SO much when you were crying after dealing with yet another vehicle issue. Been there ❤

[@sandrapawula4109]

I love your watercolor painting! Hope everything works out with the van. Sorry it's been so stressful. I'm having plumbing problems in my house right now, so I know, shit happens and it can be hard when you're dealing with things on your own. Good luck!

[@frankmunoz7767]

We love you Maddie from Hawaii maui Lahaina is hurting

[@hailahafley-kluver2052]

Feeling for you Maui …

[@MsBerries25]

Maui is my heart. Praying for you all ❤ 🙏🏾😥

[@karensanders2120]

You drawings are beautiful. So sorry to hear about your problems. Praying all goes well with you and your van.

[@susandean8584]

Hope all went well with your van repairs. I absolutely love your beautiful elephant piece. You are so talented.

[@richardhanley3411]

Just don't let the bad things that happen change what you love to do. Anyway still great to see you on the road again. You and your pup have a great wonderful time and the very best of life to you both. Peace out

[@Cynthia-uf9ro]

Dear Maddie, sorry to see you so upset, but please remember that even people who are "settled" and are not doing the van life have very challenging times. I certainly do. I continue to love and admire your artwork,

[@Tishamouse]

Sending you love Maddie! It cant be easy to share those raw moments of exhaustion but we appreciate the realness of it all! Hang in there 💪 soon itll be just another story that made your adventures and memories so special and wild ❤ you are doing so great! So brave!

[@ChooseThePathYouTake]

I'm sooo sorry you are going through this. We know the feeling ohhh too well. We have had our Promaster issues this year too and did nothing but cry but you'll get through this and we're here for you! Also LOVE that beautiful painting...we both really wanna start getting back into art

[@rangappa6580]

Good to see you back all the best

[@cherylmckay9347]

Hang in there girl. I too am having vehicle issues that just seem to be never ending. Hugs to you

[@trulymagyar7169]

Sorry you are having a challenging time- but thank you for being so open and honest with your experience. We care about you! Fingers crossed for a good outcome!!❤

[@josiesanchez4407]

I am so sorry you are having such a hard time. Best of luck getting van fixed for your Canada trip!🙏

[@timmusician5060]

Your art is really nice! I hope your van repairs go smoothly.

[@leekorkmann3704]

So sorry Maddie. Pray all goes well for you on Wednesday

[@bluejake235]

So sorry to hear about your woes - but so pleased you are back on the road and looking forward to your Canadian travels. Loved that painting - will it become available as a print?? Hugs to the gorgeous Eliza as always!! Xx

[@750drums]

Good luck, Maddie !

[@TheMranargy99]

Nice to see how you handle the problems even it`s seems very emotional......i love your vlog

[@albertofernandez6814]

Awe...our hearts and prayers to you ..this is rough watching your ups and downs...words can only do so much for you .. enjoyed your wonderful video ..thank you for the calmness in you extreme....you are a great example on handling adversity!!

[@janisaschim2429]

I so needed this video! Your calm words helped me slow down and realize I could fix the problem I have with my van. I also have a pro master and my back door won’t open. I took a few deep breaths and you tubed how to fix it. I feel better… thanks. Your art is amazing, too!!!

[@godevarcooper9366]

Maddie please take courage it gonna get better i promise. God know exactly why you are going thru this. Thank the lord for saving your life - because you were not on the highway or some other dangerous place or / situation. Love you much. Love this vid❤

[@Tinysmaug]

sorry about the rough month maddie! i love your mindset, stay strong, and just think of this as a dose of... houselife and no change of outside for you!

[@davidshillito5174]

Great painting Maddie...i hope you get your van sorted. x Best wishes, David from England UK.

[@1954BigV]

The art piece is beautiful. You are so talented.

[@MatteaCarson]

We are currently in the same boat 😓 broken down and living at the mechanics shop currently! You're not alone 🤍

[@dinaheckman9033]

I am pulling for you Maddie. Get through the week by still taking care of yourself, mentally and physically, even in these circumstances. This too will pass and you'll be back in the game!

[@ronaldsnider8078]

Hi agree, a loose connection, frame ground.

[@manishamagar2471]

Life gets hard sometime😢 its just that we just have to deal with it. Sobb!! Sobb!!!😢 Stay strong and happy always Maddie❤

[@svtmob]

I sure hope you got your van fixed!!! I’m building out a shuttle bus right now and having hell lol… hopefully see you on the road soon!!! Love your art too!!!!

[@jtsrecordroom3963]

I'm from North Shore ! I know right where you were parked ! Funny that i stumbled on to your channel ! And of course I subscribed. What ! My wife, Son And I live in Chonburi Bang Saray Thailand ( part-time ) and travel up north to Chiang Mai on occasion to hang out with the Elephants ! 🙏

[@josephparis9736]

Please be safe Maddie. I will always worry about you as you continue your travels but as always I will send over my prayer warriors to watch over you and keep you safe. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏...JP

[@kirstenmc68]

Hang in there girl, you got this! 🙏🏻💪🏻

[@Poor_mans_engineering]

Disconnect the car battery over one night and then try to start. Sometimes that helps but best to check the fault codes and throttle also. You can later on buy a ELM327 or similar Bluetooth fault code reader and connect the car to your phone to have when you are on the roads.

[@2acres]

As always - it is great, entertaining content. Your talent for writing (narration) and painting is very impressive. Thanks for sharing it all.

[@Abdo_makhchan]

Welcome 🤗

[@simplybeingme]

I pray all is well with your van.

[@FatRace]

Thanks for sharing

[@davidlipski863]

Sorry to see you having problems with your van, since they started to fit dpf filters and sensors to diesels they are not so reliable. You can add a cleaner to the fuel to help and to stop them from sooting up. Here in the UK even Ford Transits have a lot of engine problems they used to be the go to van.

[@timrodatz1274]

Maddy if your still at the shop have then check your DPF filters diesel that's has to be cleaned every so often that will show you down to 35 mph it dies in a semi that I know from experience lol. But yeah I'd have them checked to be safe. Your videos are good, I like watching you paint they look great.

[@stepheneckerlsey]

Hello maddie. Good idea is turn your lights off. No need for them and will drain your battery if left on. Keep happy steve

[@dianemorel4225]

Sending hugs your way, Maddie.

[@NilDreams]

Good luck with your van repair! I love your videos. 🥰

[@SJ-zw4cw]

Oh Maddie, I'm so sorry for your van issues. I can only imagine how stressful it must be. You are handling things like a champ!!! PS. Your watercolor is fantastic. 🥰

[@ianhoughton3349]

Hey, sorry you are having more van problems. The painting was great and both you and Eliza are safe so just a few days to wait out. Take care and hope all goes well.

[@tomas5376]

So sorry about your van! Hopefully they quickly solve the problems and you can get on your way north!

[@andytoniadventures9399]

We have the same battery monitor; when your battery voltage raises to the "High V" setting it will automatically set your percentage to 100% (even if your battery isn't at 100%). We increased this so we don't hit the High voltage limit thus resetting the battery monitor percentage count. Hope this helps!

[@tammycruz8189]

Hey beautiful you have so much talent your paintings are so beautiful just like you just take one day at a time it all work out

[@glee105]

Painting is beautiful

[@ianfurqueron5850]

Tough one. Diesels can be a double-edge sword at times. You save money on fuel, but sometimes pay for it with maintenance and repairs. I say this with the experience owning three diesel vehicles. One worked out well (the one I bought new). The other two have been... trying... experiences. One issue with a Promaster diesel is they were not a big seller, so finding a dealer that actually has knowledge about them may be tricky. I put out some feelers in a diesel community I trust. Maybe I can find some decent information for you. The art looks great!!

[@weywood1486]

Hang in there Miss Maddie! Love your elephant painting - you have such a beautiful style. ❤❤

[@MOTrav]

Vehicle problems are definitely a pain! Some sunny weather would make the situation a little better. In the end I hope your van gets fixed at a reasonable cost. Hug your dog and roll forward. 😎

[@arghjayem]

10:54 Your two warning lights are connected. The first one, is an issue with the throttle body that comes up as the Electronic throttle control light. The throttle body is what controls the air and fuel mix in the car. It’s an electronic link between the throttle pedal and the carburettor which in older cars is simply a mechanical linkage. The warning means it’s not working correctly and not giving you the right fuel air mix. And then not having the right fuel air mix has lead to having issues with the diesel particulate filter (DPF). The DPF captures and stores soot from your exhaust in order to reduce emissions of the vehicle. It can normally be cleared by either active “regeneration” by the vehicles ECU injecting more fuel into the system to raise the temperature of the exhaust and so burn out more soot or passively by running the vehicle for a longer time at a higher speed which increases the exhaust temperature to burn off more soot without needing extra fuel. Ironically you limiting your speed to only 25mph or so wasn’t the ideal thing to do, really you wanted to be at a higher average speed say 40mph for a while as with your throttle body acting up it doesn’t seem to be adding extra fuel or enough fuel to actively clear the DPF.

[@Maddie.taylor]

Hmm! Thank you for this! The van wouldn’t let me accelerate anymore, it was in limp mode!

[@tomwall8403]

I enjoy watching you draw. My mother was an artist and it brings back happy memories. 😉

[@contrafax]

Wow, very well done video. I hope the problem is resolved soon.

[@htoddgriffin4787]

My company had a fleet of Ram Promasters and we got rid of them at a big loss because we just couldn't keep them out of the shop. They do have a pretty bad reputation and our experience really made us believers. Also, you can make a really good punch if you mix wine with vodka, half and half. Gives the wine kind of a kick!

[@craig1lengyel]

Deep Breaths!! Your a strong woman and have you dog for support!!!

[@kimmetcalfe6408]

❤Maddie you are so talented with your painting skills, loved it🫶 stay positive always. Great opportunities come out of the negatives. Be safe🦋✝️

[@Paul-pt8oo]

Hang in there Maddie the one thing I have noticed about life is it's not happy just giving me one problem it always seems to throw a lot at me like a storm but the storm will pass

[@nicolevanleeuwen5768]

You have you. And your dog. Be Just gratefull. The rest will be all right ❤

[@PeterKNoone]

I love the elephant! I got your other two prints framed for my wife....They look amazing.

[@beautifulindia3196]

Your videos are very good

[@dorothypaul4642]

You wondered if this video was entertaining? Are you kidding? I was riveted! I hope everything worked out for you, Maddie. Love to you and Eliza.

[@Franklewis64]

You draw so beautifully. How long have you been drawing. I wish I could do that. I love your videos and your adventures. I pray you have safe and healthy adventures and your van life full of blessings ❤❤

[@bernadette2099]

Vehicle trouble is not fun. Vehicle trouble being alone is hard. I don't think vehicles are meant to be used full-time. I full-timed for 10 years, and ran into a lot of issues. You have a good outlook on life. You will be fine. Hang in there.❤

[@sharlenelopez2234]

Love your videos ❤

[@holly_may]

With the batter I feel like it could be that when you move into the sun the battery isn’t actually at 100% but because it’s charging the solar is putting extra volts in which is increasing the amount of volts that the battery is reading. You probably already know this but the battery percentage display isn’t actually reading the “percentage” of the battery per say, it’s reading the voltage and then converting that into a percentage so it’s easier to understand. A good way to tell if this is the case us when you move back into the shade you might notice that it quite quickly looses that charge and drops back down to 80% ish. Tbh I don’t know that much about electrics, I’m just a fellow vanlifer. Didn’t actually do my electrical myself but my little brother is an apprentice electrician and I just watched 😂 good luck with everything. I love your videos they make me feel less lonely when I’m on the road by myself ❤️

[@TJK50014]

Always have roadside assistance. I added mine through the insurance. I think it was only a $5 add on.

[@doughnut1107]

With the glimpse of the solar controller I'd guess that the jump from 70 to 100% is because the battery voltage goes up when you are charging them. I saw that 9+ amps going into the batteries when you showed the controller. That gauge is probably only somewhat reliable when you are not using power in any way. Charging or discharging will cause the voltage to go up or down and will make the gauge provide an incorrect value.

[@W94urndks9urneos]

Yeah the meter going bad or the thing being metered is bad. So perhaps one of the batteries in your battery bank is going bad. You can have any auto parts store to test the battery’s to see if they are good, if they are all good then this probably the device telling you the voltage.

[@GrahamHeathcote]

On the battery. Assuming it’s Lithium, 13.0v is definitely not full. May be a calibration issue with your monitor, but should get up to 14.2v to be full and then normalise at around 13.4v.

[@windycity258]

Being 6’1”, I’m always impressed how effortlessly you seem to move your 5’10” frame around the cabin of your van.

[@dianehansen704]

Beautiful art! Hope you make it to Canada.

[@76Scutter]

Absolutely LOVE the thumbnail You are so beautiful Maddie😍

[@andreaflynn1621]

Make it adventure before the Canada adventure. Get an uber and take Eliza into town for some groceries or something, get out of that gravel lot. It will go by fast! :).Also, look at this as a gift from your higher power. Better to have engine troubles 15 minutes away from a dealership and have to wait 6 days for parts than being 6 days away from help, stranded in Canada with unpredictable weather and in a foreign place. I'm positive it's all going to work out for you! You have a ton of fans and we all love your story and your journey! We're here to support you in so many different ways! :)

[@kenkitsul8076]

You are fear mongering! It's nice in Canada with at least a month before it even snows in the HIGH country. If something was to happen to her vehicle people would pull over and help without thinking about it!! I grew up just outside of Vancouver and now live in the interior. Come visit, you'll like it. K