Stresses of full-time RV life - Parma, ID

We move into a new state today (Who-daho? - Parma, IDAHO!!!) and our first stop is to have the van checked out. It's been warm this summer but even so, the van is running hotter than normal and TJ suspects an issue with the cooling system. We'd rather get ahead of a problem than have it leave us stranded on the side of the road, so we find a diesel mechanic with a good reputation to check it out for us. The stresses of life, things breaking and having to spend unexpected money has us a bit down but we'll get past it, we always do.
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Old Fort Boise RV Park
East Stockton Rd.
Parma, ID 83660
208-722-5138
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[@lylestavast7652]

I loved one piece of Al Simpson's comments at GHWB funeral - so much balance in it... “You would have wanted him on your side. He never lost his sense of humor. *Humor is the universal solvent against the abrasive elements of life.* He never hated anyone. He knew what his mother and my mother always knew. *Hatred corrodes the container it’s carried in.*” Positive, and pessimism can replace 2 of those words and still be pretty good advice...

[@214steveg]

Sometimes life throws curveballs.....but wow, look at the life yall live!!! You are the living the dreams of many.

[@CampingTherapy]

The good thing is that you caught it ahead of time before breaking down on the road.

[@joanchriswilly1136]

We very much enjoy your no/low drama videos ... you inspire us!

[@JustOneAdventure]

Hi this is Jeff and Nema, we met you at the Painted Hills. Good call TJ before further damage was done. Feel free to get in touch with us next time and maybe I can help you out. Thanks for talking with us about KZbin. We went ahead and started our own channel, Just One Adventure. Hope to see you down the road again.

[@lloyddorsey3744]

your health and relationship are most important. Car and RV repairs are just the ongoing price you pay for a wonderful lifestyle. If money runs short, pause, work, save, repair, and travel on. Support each other.

[@GaryNichols50]

Thanks for being real with us. As a solo full timer retiree who is not independently wealthy, a major breakdown is my biggest fear.

[@duckiegirl58]

That was an excellent quote from Hellen Keller. My favorite is from Anais Nin.. We don't see things how They are, we see things as We are. Thank you for the authenticity. It's easy to romanticise your lifestyle when ours is a routine, or a rut. But the grass isn't always greener..

[@JosephBrown83805]

I like watching your travels exactly because you provide one of the most honest experiences (in my opinion) of living a traveling lifestyle. Sorry you chose such a hot time to visit the Southwest part of Idaho. We live at the top of Idaho near Canada, still hot in early August, not so hot here though.

[@donc5786]

Another detour embraced. Glad TJ realized there was an issue and had it fixed before there was a failure. Seems like full time RVers are regularly spending money on repairs. I don't think RVs and tow vehicles were designed for full time use. Best of lick.

[@mtnbiker1096]

Parma is just a hop skip and a jump away from my home base. Beautiful things to see and do.

[@ConsidertheWonders]

Great job catching the problem early. Speaks to the level of care you have for the van and being able to "sense" when something doesn't feel right.

[@TheBayoutransplant]

I just stumbled across your channel and have subscribed because! I grew up on a small farm on the oregon/Idaho border just out of parma. I grandfathers both had farms and orchards between Parma and the Snake River. Brought back some fond memories of my early years. I have watched several of your videos that allowed me to revisit many of the areas that were a part of my growing up years. Baker, John Day, Half-Way, Snake River Canyon, small communities all over that area. It is great to ride along with you. I now live in the deep south and very much miss that beautiful, rustic, isolated part of our country.

[@mikerobbins5049]

TJ seems to be on top of things as well he should be with a 20yr old tow vehicle. But, even with brand new vehicles, things go wrong some times. Safe travels you 2..... oh, excuse me.... you 4. Dont want to forget the beautiful dogs.

[@10207ret]

You two are my favorite RV people on KZbin. I enjoy your videos because you are real people who always give your channel the best you have to offer. Stress is not a good thing, and we all have it time to time. What is important is how you deal with it. Just talking about it is good therapy. Just remember, things happen, but there is always some better times down the road. Your title, Embracing Detours, is a great attitude to have. Thanks for taking us along on your journey. It helps us live the good life too.

[@AlliChuckAdventures]

We love that y’all are so positive! One of the reasons we fell in love with your channel and happy to call you guys friends! We try and do the same. Sometimes Alli will see a first edit of a video I’ve put together and make me take any real negative things out. LOL. I know some channels out there feed on negative and complaining type subjects and I’m sure they gain tons of views and subs but we wanna stay as positive as possible, too much of the other stuff in the world these days! Bad things happen it’s how we choose to deal with them for sure!!! Nikki says HELLO! She was watching Madly rolling around lol.

[@ClintNelson1]

When you fix your own vehicles you do a lot by feel!! Hence driving by the seat of your pants!! :) Also some of the mountains in Idaho are every bit as tough as Colorado, try the long pull out of Moscow Idaho. LOL

[@camrodger5381]

No matter how many curve balls life throws at you, you still have the love of each other and the love of your dogs. And 2020 has sure thrown us a lot of really crappy curve balls. I had a relative who used to say, “When it comes to vehicles, you either throw parts or payments at them.” Your tow vehicle is so unique and special that you could never buy a new one like the one you have. So your only choice is regular maintenance and necessary repairs. As Canadians we really miss our US travels, and the friendship of our American neighbours. I will be so happy to have 2020 over, and get back to as close to normal as is possible. As always, thank you for such great videos. We look forward to every one of them.

[@stephanieberger8826]

Just watched this video. I've recently started following you guys and I LOVE you guys. I think you all are probably the most REAL couple on you tube that's living the RV lifestyle. I love how you all always have the best of adventures and I love your positive spirit. Keep doing watch you guy do and don't change for anyone!! BTW...if you guys are ever in Northeast AR...look us up. We would love to host you all and show you some of the sites. We're very small town but you guys seem to enjoy that.

[@bryanstaton167]

Stumbled across your videos and want to say we really enjoy them. You share such beautiful scenery, it’s like we are sharing the trip with you. Thanks for the way you guys do your videos.

[@garyag45]

We drive a 2005 Ram 3500 dually with 315,000 miles towing a 36’ Everest. One has to stay on top of maintenance, and up keep, still much less than a newer truck. Not as quick up the hills as the new trucks but I can pull any hill in the west. Keep up the good work and have FUN.

[@bobhewlett3633]

Look forward to each of your videos. Appreciate your candor. Travel safe!

[@lacyhouse1]

I'm glad you share your stresses. It's good to be real about what it's like out on the road so people know it's not all roses and sunshine. All though it really is much of the time!

[@ronmcdaniel1583]

Bree you are having me tear up! TJ, I also was halfway right and wrong. My pick was the water pump. Had a 96 f350. Clutch fan was good but had to R&R the water pump. LOL a week before a journey from L.V. to Boise! Old memories. THANKS SAFE TRAVELS

[@bobr7867]

Life happens, doesn’t it? Sorry for the unexpected expense and the stress that goes with it. But you guys bring great joy to those who sub to your channel - and those “joy deposits” also add up in your account 😉 Thanks for sharing - looking forward to your next stop!

[@LivinginOurNow]

The honesty and openness are great! It’s really easy to look at everyone’s vlogs and feel like you must be doing something wrong because of the lack of apparent sunshine and rainbows 😊

[@davidspenneberg8769]

We have a 20 year old 7.3 also that we use to pull our 5ver around, we are not full time barely weekend enders, but like you I still wonder about it Everytime we go out. Take care, keep up the great videos!!! Safe travels!!

[@lindaseligman664]

The thing I enjoy and appreciate the most about you two is that you keep life real. Enjoy your journey!

[@dashcamchronicles7956]

Saw you guys today on I-75 in Tampa. Nice rig!

[@mikebrady7303]

Good catch TJ! I am more of a ignore as long as I possibly person. Which also makes me the guy broken down on the side of the road:-) The unexpected expenses are always stressful. Glad you all got ahead of the problem and didn't end up costing even more. Tow trucks are expensive too. I like seeing you all with sweatshirts and long sleeves in the morning. I'm a hot weather person for sure but right now that doesn't sound too bad. We will be up that way in a week or so.

[@jillom6648]

Good to tune in and trust your intuition. Wonderful that you caught it before it became something worse or left you stranded. Well done you 🖐👊🏻😌

[@rccer4070]

Many people dont realize that the radiator needs to be blowd out with air , specialy when your pulling somthing , you be surprice the difrence .

[@knappdaddy]

I love that you keep it real and be honest !! Glad you got it repaired before it was an emergency , safe travels!!

[@dalewatkins9889]

Thanks for 'the talk' Bre...yes, breakdowns can all be stressful to us all, so most of us have been there, and understand your meaning here. Of course that's on top of the virus situation, finding fuel stations you can fit into, filling/dumping tanks, getting propane, and detours and road closures. Love your authenticity, and honesty, as we all breathe the same air, and many of us have the same dreams. Stay safe, be free!

[@jmikewilliams3331]

Welcome to Idaho, we live down the road in Nampa, ID. Idaho is a great place to live if you ever decide to put down roots. Keep up the positive attitude, we're all are sending positive thoughts your way and appreciate you including us in your journey. Great areas to explore in Idaho, Hells Canyon is one you will enjoy. It only gets better the farther north you go. Southern Idaho is agricultural with beautiful canyons, rivers and reservoirs. North Idaho provides beautiful rivers, lakes and mountains... Enjoy the Journey!

[@dallaswillard3155]

Thanks for sharing. Yes need to know that there are problems on the road and will take time and money to fix. Good to know - Glad you have partner that is able to fix alot of the problems you guys face on the road. Love your video's . Like the honesty also.

[@joycemoses2411]

Thankful that you found the vehicle's problem before it got worse. Thank you for sharing with us!

[@kevinsrvtipsandtrips4361]

When life throws you lemons you make lemonade. Enjoy your videos thanks for sharing.

[@SuiteTravels]

Happy to see it wasn't anything REALLY wrong! Keep on truckin'.

[@wellsonwheels457]

Ups and downs happen all through life. Love that you are real. It’s not all rainbows and roses 🌹! 2020 has been crazy for us. Almost lost my hubby to a gallbladder surgery gone wrong. 4 surgeries and 8 months later he’s finally starting slowly back to work and I just got diagnosed with breast cancer last week. Not to mention covid and scary political climates. Is this year over yet! 😂 😢 seriously! I am going to be ok and things will get better. Love watching you guys travel! I hope you are coming to Colorado. So smoky here now though 😔.

[@johnhernandez5206]

I'm glad you caught the repair before it got worse and could have cost a lot more. You guys are awesome!!! I really enjoy your videos. You guys are real people. Stay safe and positive.

[@dougperkins130]

Hang in friends. Life has a way of beating us all down sometimes. I really enjoy watching your videos and very thankful for tour positive attitude. I have been in law enforcement for thirty four years. Let’s just say every day is stressful now. But watching you guys helps making it to my next AS adventure. I can’t wait to start traveling cross country. But I don’t believe I’m cut out for full time RV life.

[@tommycancan7186]

I know it's a cliche but if u got your health you've got everything. That might not help now but better the van need repairs than one if you guys. Thanks for being real Love your vids!

[@jimandellenmeadows6244]

"Little moments that add up to an outstanding lifetime"

[@leooosterhof241]

Thank you for being real.

[@djr5526]

When you all were 1st headed to the shop and Tj was talking about the van, and kept talking, Bree the anxiety on your face waiting.... Priceless.😁

[@diamondhead203]

New subscriber and already love the channel. You guys seem really great and enjoy the video. Guys, embrace the hard times for this will make the easy times so much sweeter. Stress is a test in our lives and on the other side is victory:).

[@EmbracingDetours]

Thank you for the kind word and for following along. 🙂

[@vicO1323]

18th. Head for the hills, it's a lot cooler. Unexpected expenses really put a damper on things, but you seem to handle it very well. See you next time.

[@LoadedUpandTraveling]

Your voice is so soothing and I love the commentary at the end of your videos.

[@paulrodrigues9603]

That was well said Bree. Hey you had to fix the van but it's better than if it broke down on the road. Happy travels!

[@FF7824]

Very well done. All the best to you guys.

[@stevesetzer4308]

Welcome back to Idaho, you were pretty close to us, we live just outside of Caldwell. Definitely understand the "challenges" that Rv's and tow vehicles can have. Just put a new head on my tow vehicle that I was not expecting, however just did a big trip to Montana and Flathead lake that was awesome. So all is good, now we are headed to Winchester Bay Oregon to cool down a bit and enjoy the beach with the fur babies. As you said find the humor, and try and keep a positive attitude, and a beer won't hurt either.

[@amydvornick6847]

TJ, Always follow your gut!!! You did a great job by choosing Brie and hitting the road!!!👏😎🇺🇸❤️

[@forreststinnett4123]

Good luck guys and safe travels.

[@ohhomeontheroad]

Thanks for keeping it real guys! That’s why we all love following your journey.

[@patconant641]

I meet TJ in the black hills at a rest stop Parma is 10 miles from my house. over in Oregon have a safe trip.

[@julieh3327]

Sorry you have to spend more money on repairs on the van. Love your positive attitudes. So glad that you were somewhere that the van could be fixed. Safe travels as usual!

[@discoveringlockenest8420]

It ain’t all rainbows and unicorns! But how we appreciate seeing “real life RV’ers” issues to get the full picture! Thank you guys for your work. 🤙

[@mikesayakin]

So enjoy your journeys and detours. Oddly enough while watching this week's video, I too received similar info on our truck. Really appreciated the words of optimism you shared. Kept me positive when I got my info as well as relatives to life. THANKS!!! Safe travels from a Florida fan!

[@josephcusick1111]

Thank you for sharing your wos

[@alelwin]

Great content.!! I appreciate you guys keeping it real but that's life and we are all going through our own personal difficult challenges at times. Stay safe, stay authentic and you will always be followed, admired, and loved. Keep up being your best by just being that amazing you. Thanks for sharing your adventures with all of us while living your best lives together. I love it guys .!!

[@cliffwhitaker2855]

Thanks for the video, and you are so right we never know what is coming our way, and being positive is the best way to handle it. we love watching you guys you are so real..

[@damainbeauchamp8837]

Hope you guys are doing ok. We missed you this week. We really appreciate your content.

[@rvtravelstayplay8154]

I live in Meridian Idaho... Wish I would have known you were so close... My wife and I watch your channel ... Hope you enjoyed your stay in Idaho... !

[@rhondagriffith9585]

Enjoy watching y’all and your honesty! Hope you are safe and doing well!

[@davidknaebe5123]

May God bless you guys and look over you as you travel throughout life. Good luck with that van!!

[@randlayman2668]

I think you both handle your issues of life very well!! Stay the course!!

[@ijblessjourney]

Love your outlook at life! Pray that your detours keep taking you to special places together! May God continue to bless you both and of course the dogs.

[@MidLifeJourney]

Great video! Thanks for sharing reality! We worried about things financially this year too but we are getting through it with 2 jobs in West Yellowstone. We tend not to film stressful moments as well even though we should so people know what we have to deal with in this lifestyle. It's all worth it though!

[@shanehays4296]

Got to take care of the vehicle that you drive. Since you live on the road matinence is very important. Nice to meet you two. Good luck and safe travels

[@lilyannafrench8435]

WOW, that was the cleanest auto repair facility I've ever seen!

[@aprilbevis6109]

Sometimes life is tough but you just have to stay positive..with this covid 19 its been rough for everyone..I'm tired of staying home I'm ready to go camping..I've not seen my daughter since the first of the year as she lives 3 hours away...just keep your chin up and enjoy your time traveling..💜

[@gerardhoward3084]

Always enjoy your videos.... Love the Brittany ... I guess because I’ve had one for 50 years ...actually I’ve had 5 over that span of time. Gob Bless y’all...

[@denz5085]

Good job at getting the van checked ahead of time. We just came from our vacation going through Colorado Rockies and it was a torture for my Econoline E250 also pulling our travel trailer.

[@pamwormser8184]

I can’t believe you didn’t back in. 😊

[@lynnmazalewski2766]

Bri what Hellen Keller said was beautiful put by u thank u

[@billcummins9579]

well better to get it fixed than to break down that's for sure... good catch on the fan TJ !

[@StevenPendleton]

Being someone who still does most my own mechanical work even at 64, I’m surprised you didn’t just replace the fan clutch yourself. To go in and pay the outrageous labor somewhere just makes me go crazy. Your water pump will slowly start leaking when that day comes. But the only thing would be vans are very hard to work on sometimes. But remember you can buy stuff your self and replace for what the labor alone is. Running warm can only be fan clutch, hoses or radiator. Thermostat usually just goes to straight overheating.

[@kimmiller9344]

Just a great video, very real. Things happened. Great job

[@1tpmg]

Another great video.

[@bronco797]

I thought you might have got lucky and the radiator fins were clogged with dirt and bugs restricting air flow. We see that in the commercial truck world. Good spray out helps a lot

[@geneblast]

Thank you.

[@roydeangibson7422]

Hey Glad to hear from you guys again . If it was EASY, everybody be doin it. God Bless, love your vids. Safe travels

[@charlesb4267]

It was on my mind since last weeks video as to what mechanical issue reared itself as its just the way it is with anything mechanical, it doesn't last forever. Also towing produces far more strain on a vehicle and so more maintenance and repairs are inevitable. As to the cooling system I wonder if the aftermarket makes a rad that has more cooling capacity ( if one will fit in a van ) and depends what the current rad is made out of as copper rads build up with crap over time internally and get weak and have to be re-cored or replaced and if nothing else blown or washed externally to get dirt and bug buildups out from between fins. Also an often over looked item is the air conditioning condenser as they take a beating with bugs and road debris and plug up so bad with bugs but also get mechanically mangled on the front side to the point where it just has to be thrown and a new one installed as its just like putting a winter front on a vehicle with the way I've seen some condensers get so plugged/damaged and even corroded if its been driven in a harsh climate. But that fan clutch assuming that is the only factor at the moment, if that doesn't work properly its going to overheat or at least run hotter indeed and also far better to have a water pump replaced before it lets go and strand a person or with any of these items causing fatal engine damage if not caught in time. Oh and that Idaho sign joke you made Bri, any time I've been through that state I can't help but talk to myself as I drive into the state saying the state name questioning if I am "Idaho" ... course I am male but oh well ( I don't think that would have gone over well if I would have had a g/f with and driven through that state LOL ).

[@tomaustin4526]

Another awesome video guys 👍😊❤️ always look forward to seeing your next video and hearing y’all’s comments about life. 🐾🌎🌲🏔🍄🐿 thanks for sharing and safe travels

[@brucefilbert5758]

I enjoy your videos. Especially after meeting you guys in person in little rock. I would love to see a newer video of what all TJ carriers as far as tools and stuff goes. Maybe some things have changed in your travels

[@mikecolesvids]

Good job showing the not so much fun part of life on the road, we appreciate that transparency. Good luck with the van, we have the same worries with our modern van. But more cause so few MB dealers. Really just part of it. Did ya see they demolished The Swamp restaurant last week? Not sure what their replacing it with but sad to see. 😢

[@rtoadontheroad]

I saw you guys in Parma Idaho....I work in Parma

[@jayforkner2692]

Long haul trucker here . Would love to pick up onions in Parma. The shipper was nice and even enjoyed the train. Do rember that nice little park the town has. Surprised they didn't comment on the park. Also love the dogs. Loved how the dog made Bri laugh and then knew things were ok.

[@yellowdeer7163]

Thank you for keeping it real. Funny how right now I have a feeling my truck seems to have an issue with staying cool too. I've noticed the fan clutch whirring thinking that's normal because it's been very hot and yes I ran the heater so it wouldn't overheat while idling. I think I'll have it checked too. But first I'll use Google pants to see if that is normal or not. Stay safe and thanks for your great videos.

[@vincehollingsworth8214]

Last trip two truck repairs and one trail axle bearing, Idaho Falls just keep sucking us back in

[@concretejungle77]

I'm looking at a 7.3 van now hope I can get into it

[@bigmike5402]

Just found your channel and I’m diggin it ! Wife and I are retiring by E.O.Y and will be traveling by van. Got some great ideas ! Keepum coming)) by the way , just subscribed 💯

[@robinrapport8728]

I just moved into my new travel trailer and the 4th day of boon dockingIIILarimer Sheriff Department.

[@jebutah9705]

Oh wow did I feel your pain! Unexpected costs are always stressful. Now, what can I do to help?

[@sandratessem9980]

Great video

[@rtoadontheroad]

I should have stopped and say hi and to check on you guys

[@larrybrackley3249]

Welcome to Idaho again ... I live in Boise and was wondering where it was you stayed while in Parma? I used to spend alot of time in Parma during Pheasant season years ago. Come back soon!!

[@richardhoward3462]

Looks like no one else has asked this question, so i will. I wonder how long you plan on living this lifestyle? If prolonged, surely you know you will have to replace the tow vehicle at some point and have budgeted for it, right? I mean, a 20 year old vehicle (even the venerable 7.3 power stroke) isn't going to last forever. Maybe get ahead of the inevitable costly breakdown and find something newer sooner? My two cents. Keeping it real.

[@tsav6952]

Hang in there! Life has its ups and downs. Maybe take a break for a week and try and relax. A vacation from your endless vacation.

[@Jay_Hall]

My best to you, all will be well. :)