Testing the Suspension Upgrades in Anza Borrego

[@camperab]

Thank you for all your 2024 videos. I very much appreciate the work you put in filming, editing, ...... Have a wonderful November and December season at home. I am looking forward to your 2025 travels AND videos.

[@TrishBenedict]

I haven't been watching for a few months. About the time you were picking up your new van, we were crashing our little Solis Pocket in Oregon. Not totaled, but it's going to be months till it's repaired, so we left it up there for the dealership that's repairing it to sell on consignment for us… And last week- mid December - we bought a new van! Just a teeny bit bigger than the Pocket - and already so much more comfortable and versatile. It's a Winnebago Solis 59P - National Park model. A very cool thing is pull out Overlander boxes in the back to double the storage and make things so much more accessible. It's a year old, the previous owner passed away and his wife sold it. He'd done some upgrades - including a step up to the driver's seat. Winnebago seems to think that Solis owners don't need those! Well, we're 79 and 84 - we need a step! So we bought it over the phone, flew down to Las Vegas, picked it up and drove it back to the Bay Area a few days ago. We'll have it moved into enough to drive it up to Mendocino County for Christmas with the kids and in-laws. They have a farm and we sleep surrounded by sheep and horses and chickens. Anyway, I was thinking the other day about you and that your new van should be about ready to be picked up and I thought I'd see where that was at. I'll have to catch up on your videos after the holidays Enjoy your spiffy new van! It looks like a thing of beauty - and practicality!

[@FromShetoMe]

Wow. That's my worst nightmare. So glad you bounced right back and into a new rig.

[@yvonne6530]

Hello my lovely YT adventures 🥰 What an awesome episode, when I saw you guys take off for the mountains & saw the sandy road, I said to myself, hope they have Matt's recovery on speed dial (jk) 😁 ...your rig handled the road beautifully. Deb, your stories are the best. I will definitely be looking into the book & family you mentioned. There is always something to learn about humanity and people like this pretty interesting. I stumbled onto your channel a few months ago and all I can say is, I am so grateful for your willingness to share your amazing adventures, your family, and allow us to ride along with you both. Thank you so much 🙏 Although, there are many more vlogs I haven't seen, 2024 has been amazing!! I want to wish you & John, and your beautiful family, a joyous holiday cheer! 💗 💗 Continued blessings, Yvonne🥰

[@FromShetoMe]

@@yvonne6530 It’s a long fall from that pedestal. A step stool is more my style but thanks for the confidence inspiring compliment.

[@lorraineanderson149]

WOW! You are brave driving to the washout portion of the road! STAY HIGH RIGHT! STAY HIGH LEFT! Nice directions from Debbie. Welcome to the open roads!!

[@GEORGEEEJ]

Very nice time lapse. In fact some of the best I’ve seen.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thank you. It was a bit of a learning curve, but I'm getting the hang of it.

[@JanetFolkerts]

The first thing I thought of when showing the family on the mountain and their once filled oil barrels..they would have been healthier drinking water from pottery made from the rocks and clay. That woman must have loved that man a whole lot ! You new van was put through the perfect test. Love the views, THANK YOU for sharing.

[@lolasaxby1399]

Hope you have a wonderful “vacation” from video creation and get lots done on the home front. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us.

[@panchamama]

Enjoy your respite..you've earned it!

[@deniseseurin3735]

Love all your videos and Yes Laurie and Denise will see you and John next Sunday at the beach 😊

[@juanitasellshouses]

We traded our cassette toilet for a Trelino. Wow! A game changer! The cassette was so heavy with the flush water that, at our age, we found emptying very difficult. We used hampster shavings for the solids. But we are now going to try used, dry coffee grounds. Hope they work, as they would otherwise go in the trash. We, too, have a bench on top of our toilet, and one of us sits there for dinner. Doesn't bother us at all. Thanks for sharing!

[@FromShetoMe]

I thought about coffee grounds as well. Let me know how it works for you.

[@barbaradowney4207]

Great story about Marshall South...can't even imagine living up there for 17 years, I'm too spoiled and soft...will miss your videos but good for you taking time off to accomplish your to-do list! You two crazy kids take care and we'll see you in the new year.

[@noniemcd]

I do understand that you’ve been doing these videos for many years. I know you need a break, but we certainly enjoy tuning in to see your trips, modifications, and creations. Have a great holiday season and a wonderful new year.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks. People like you keep me motivated to continue.

[@markbenson1948]

Thanks for sharing your experiences with us:)) John 5:24

[@rodneysmith2360]

Oh and thanks for the tour

[@maitildamcintyre9344]

have a nice break friend m KZbin and best of luck on all your projects. I really enjoy your channel and look forward to your return. Happy holidays to you and John.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thank you! You too!

[@LKahn-g5h]

I will miss my six year Sunday morning ritual of “breakfast with Debbie & John” but I appreciate how labor intensive these weekly videos are to produce. I believe I’ll use this pause to put all your recommend/used camp sites on my where-to-stay spreadsheet. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Holiday season.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks you!

[@angpb6176]

Love the van and the options it opens up for you. Wish we could make the meet-up and see it and you in person. Enjoy your break & holidays and thanks always for the awesome videos!

[@PScott51]

Van looks great! We appreciate all the information. We look forward to “traveling with you.” Enjoy your holiday break! Ride on!

[@mikemanjo2458]

I'd say you gave the new van a real test in the desert! I love that puzzle and your beautiful table!!! Thanks for bringing us along. This was awesome! I hope y'all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas! Enjoy time with the family and I hope you get all your list complete! Much love from SC! See you next year🦃🎄❄️❤🙏Jane

[@loreenobyrne5113]

Great video - they all are! Thanks for sharing. We camped behind the same big rock in 2017 after doing the short hike up the hill. Look forward to more adventures in 2025.

[@judyimmel6194]

Hopefully it won't be raining on Sunday. I look forward to meeting you on Sunday. I really like the turtle puzzle.

[@FromShetoMe]

@@judyimmel6194 I think we just might miss the storm.

[@vickief.dreamin]

Quordle. I love those puzzles. Good choice. Lovely trip. The Starlapse is so calming and beautiful. I am happy the new van is working out well for you.

[@justride52]

Totally enjoy your content and the editing has come so far over the years. AB is one of our faves as well but a long drive from Eugene. Happy holidays and we look forward to what you are going to share with us when you find the time.

[@chipbrown433]

We'll miss you, and good luck with the holiday projects. And I have to say that was a rather strange flex, you lucky girl.

[@timsmith7625]

Enjoyed the update on the new van. Length is a definite concern and hopefully it won’t create any problems on harder surfaces. Love the turtle puzzle and the Timelapse star shots! Have a good time getting those projects done.

[@p-dub22]

Glad the shakedown trip went well. The new van is ready for future adventures.

[@pattyk8594]

Great video thanks. Have a nice break! :o)

[@bettyjorodgers8552]

Thank you for sharing. Enjoy your videos.

[@judyfeldman5066]

We will be at your meet up in spirit. Have a great time getting your jobs done.

[@panchamama]

Lovin' the star trails!

[@Sandy410NJ]

Great video, love the new van! Looking forward to your adventures in the New Year 😁. I'm a recently retired Gyn...have an idea about " weird plumbing issues" and the use of the toilet. I would guess the issues are due to "gravity" as we get older.😬. What if you remove the porcelain part and place a cloth insert or portion that could drape down in its place. This would support and protect the " weird plumbing ". Replace the porcelain part when done. So basically a hammock for the " cranberries "😉🙉🙈 Sandy

[@FromShetoMe]

I wondered why John was laughing this morning until he read me your great idea. I like it and of course, he will use the toilet if he absolutely needs to. He calls it, "declaring an emergency."

[@always.wondering.wandering]

Well it looks like the new rig is a winner, nice job navigating the sand and ruts. I did something this week that you have done twice, I had to put in a new water pump, mine went out last week. It's a bear to get to, it's under the coach/bed to the left of the water tank, deep in there. Love the finished puzzel, really cool! Good luck with all your home projects and enjoy the holiday season, take care you two.

[@FromShetoMe]

Must be a thing about water pumps. Even George gave us a spare when we left New Jersey. But good for you!

[@sadielaurentiwhitley3762]

Such a joy to always see your videos. Thank you for all your videos filled with so many wonderful stories and helpful tips on the PW Ascent. You have helped me understand my PW buildout and upgrades. I am very grateful to you. I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season and happy new year. Cheers!

[@FromShetoMe]

You are so welcome!

[@clarkleakins879]

Thanks for the information about the van components, and bicycle specifics. Certainly enjoy your progress and accomplishments around the homestead. Hope this new vehicle has you excited to explore new places, not necessarily offroading, just new places. Suggest Independent Lake north of Truckee after the snow melts, probably July. CHEERS!

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks for the tip. We will probably be doing a lot more exploring in the west next summer.

[@clarkleakins879]

@FromShetoMe ah, "Independence" lake (spelling error). Some of the road may require your 4x4 due to conditions/vehicle weight. The departure across one creek (and up a hill) get out and examine. Your lift is higher than my econoline hitch (not 4x4 or lifted) which just touched. You will probably be okay. Sometimes deep ruts from 4x4, just navigate on the high ground accordingly. Maybe by that time we will connect and i can assist guide.

[@philiptarnaski1667]

Hi to you all. One item that you might want to carry with you is a set of MaxTrax they can come in handy if you get stuck. Our first trip on the beach at Fort Fisher NC. We got stuck in about 18in deep sand almost made it through on out 2022 Winnebago Revel but now we have the MaxTrax 👍 Safe Travels.

[@FromShetoMe]

We have talked about it and may do that. We do laugh when Matt at "Matt's Offroad Recovery" says that if Max Trax get you out, you weren't really stuck.

[@davekise2419]

We’ll miss you! See you in the new year.

[@SueFletcher-k4r]

Have a great time off! We will be miss seeing you at the meet-up. We stayed home this fall to care for my elderly parents. We will look forward to your videos next year and camping with you when our paths cross in the future.

[@FromShetoMe]

I was thinking about you guys this morning while watching Berm Peak on a trail in Colorado. We need to meet up there!!! John is enjoying his bike class but yesterday put his chain on upside down. Don't tell him I told you.

[@SueFletcher-k4r]

@@FromShetoMe Funny! Yes, would love to meet up in Colorado.

[@dporper6390]

We love your new rig! omg. Meeting up sounds like fun! Unfortunately, we'll be in Georgia for Thanksgiving. Too far from California! Take care! David and Luanne (currently in Portugal)

[@FromShetoMe]

Would love to visit that region some day.

[@kensoutham6828]

I’m with John on the loo - not a plumbing issue but I’d rather try to find outdoor facilities for number 2 😂 I like your table - our Lagune is ok but going to be a reno item to get something more stable for face to face (don’t want to spill the wine or coffee with a inadvertent bump!). Your new van looks very nice. ❤️ Another possible accessory suggestion that we really like with our Transit is the Ford numeric keypad (around $100) we added ours to the sliding door to open and lock the doors when hiking or biking when we don’t want to carry the keys.

[@FromShetoMe]

I like the idea of a numeric keypad. Thanks.

[@lisaf-d1616]

Thank you for all your great videos this year. We love the Anza Borrego area and were just chatting about a winter trip early next year to that area. I was excited to see your review of the Vitrigo refrigerator as there haven’t been many other YTers using that brand and model. Do you know the power consumption? Enjoy your time off and your holidays. Until next time…

[@FromShetoMe]

I scoured the internet looking for videos from others who had one and it was pretty thin pickings. The listed power draw is 3.78 amps which is similar to the Isotherm we had in our other van.

[@jmichaelmalone]

We so enjoy and appreciate your content. Enjoy the holidays. ❤

[@FromShetoMe]

Thank you! You too!

[@TrekkingwithDebandMike]

Awesome channel. 😊

[@Kennedy-s3q]

Love your channel! When will you post a video of a complete walk thru of your new van? Can’t wait to see everything!!

[@FromShetoMe]

George did a tour that is supposed to be posted on New Jersey Outdoor Adventure this month. As soon as it does I will let folks know.

[@kxrv6629]

Greeting from Salem, OR, and Happy Holidays 🦃🎄🥂 We’re sick of the rain and heading back to California for our Turkey-free Thanksgiving. Glad to see your initial trial with the new van in Anza-Borrego. My geology field camps were there in college. I look forward to seeing where you go there in the future. Have a happy and productive time off

[@FromShetoMe]

I think you may be bringing the rain with you.

[@barrysoutthere]

Looks like the van is performing well !

[@rodneysmith2360]

Amen on the rear end comment!

[@BobWadeGuitar]

My stomping grounds! You can climb Whale Peak from the Pictograph Trail for a nice overnight in a Pinyon Pine forest.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks for the tip.

[@SBell-x8k]

As with the other members of your audience, your outstanding content will be sorely missed over the next two months…. But the need for other chores and a breather is totally understandable. Looking forward to seeing y’all in 2025!

[@FromShetoMe]

Thank you. Probably loser to 6 weeks now.

[@janowens4406]

Love the Laguna area, lots of boondocking places up there too, just up there last weekend, love Borrego and Blair too, how road all the way around, looked pretty beat up, could you pull a small trailer back around there now?

[@FromShetoMe]

I’d say no on the trailer.

[@NelloCambelli]

Next time in Julian visit the Wolf Sanctuary. Also, County Line is an excellent camp area - lots of flat ground and places to explore using your new capabilities. Sorry, guys do not have weird plumbing issues - my neighbor, a retired SAIC engineer invented an attachment for men to excuse them from putting down the lid on a normal toilet.

[@NelloCambelli]

Come to Sam Houston National Forest to learn how to drive sandy, muddy and rutted former logging roads. You will be happy to learn driving skills from the experience.

[@FromShetoMe]

LOL, I'm screenshotting both of your comments for future reference. Would love to know more about this special attachment...or maybe I don't.

[@lesleeallen5965]

Great videos! Have you considered adding a starlink mini?

[@FromShetoMe]

No. We don’t feel the need.

[@lauracrowley6948]

Enjoy the holidays and getting that list tackled. Wish I lived closer and could join you at your meet up!

[@FromShetoMe]

Me too! Hope we don’t get rained out.

[@TechnoPowerMarketingSanDiego]

Deb, looking forward to seeing you and Jon tomorrow. We’re coming up from San Diego any thoughts and what kind of food we should bring?

[@FromShetoMe]

Awesome. I was wondering the same thing. I think just easy finger foods/snacks and whatever you like to drink. People never eat as much as you think they might.

[@TechnoPowerMarketingSanDiego]

@@FromShetoMe Thanks for the suggestion. We look forward to seeing you and John tomorrow.

[@TechnoPowerMarketingSanDiego]

we just arrived from San Diego. We’re actually at the far northwest Inn in the parking lot by the Jack-in-the-Box. Not sure if we went too far. We should zip around and see what parking there is by Sea legs.

[@1958zed]

You mentioned not having cell phone service in ABDSP (been there many times from my home in San Diego). Do you have an emergency satellite communicator like a Garmin In-Reach Mini 2? You would be able to send a text message to someone with your location if you get stuck. It would be a good bit of insurance to have on your many backcountry hikes and bike rides, too. It also has an S.O.S. button that you can press to send search and rescue teams to your location if you're injured and can't get out on your own. There's a subscription fee to use the service, but with Garmin, I'm pretty sure you could select a subscription plan that you can turn on and off for when you're in the field or back at home. (It may be in one-month increments, though, if I recall correctly.) Just an idea if you don't already have something like that.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks. We do have an in Reach but quit the subscription when Apple added the ability to send a text via satellite. So we never really feel like we can't get help. However, we would reserve it for a real emergency rather than an automotive issue where it usually is just a matter of time before someone will drive by.

[@jeep4dirt]

I'm curious as to how u intend to find roads/trails that u can be reasonably certain your new van can traverse without getting stuck or incurring damage. There are many resources for owners of true off-road vehicles (e.g., Jeeps and Broncos) to learn about roads/trails in advance and I imagine there are at least some similar resources for short wheelbase sprinters. However, I would not be surprised to learn of a dearth of such resources for a Transit van given that few of them are modified like yours.

[@FromShetoMe]

Yes, it is hard to know and in some cases we will just have to find out on our own. One way we have used in the past is to use our bikes to check out a route. In some cases you can get information from reading comments about a dispersed camping area. And we have even reached out to other KZbinrs (Venture 4WD) to ask about a specific road. When on public land, then we can contact USFS or BLM office for information. Bottom line is no easy way that I know of.

[@jeep4dirt]

@@FromShetoMe A few thoughts in reply: (1) FS and BLM employees, assuming u can find someone to contact and who is knowledgable will not be helpful in any event bc they r risk adverse and once u say RV they will say "don't do it"; (2) we had a 22 PW Plateau which AO uplifted with a RIP kit, AT tires and a compressor and we soon learned that it was not at all off-road worthy. Of course, your van is 4WD which makes a huge difference but your achilles heal is low clearance which was not our problem. We got stuck across the street from Peg Leg at ABSP and it cost about $300 to get winched out; (3) skid plates (and a rear locker) are helpful wrt to rocks but not sand and the skid plates slightly lower ground clearance; (4) someone in another comment mentioned Maxtraxx recovery boards which we have and r high quality and r gr8 for recovery from sand but I'm not sure they will support the weight of your RV and u will find them a pain to store; (5) off-road conditions can change quickly particularly if it rains. If u can safely traverse only 98% of a trail that is often not good enuf; (6) make sure u know where the recovery points r on your van in case u get stuck and need recovery; (6) ultimately to alleviate our insecurity about taking our Plateau off-road we purchased a Jeep Rubicon and then highly modified it to make it extremely capable off-road. We soon discovered we love to off-road and to challenge ourselves by taking risks and getting out of our comfort zone. We r in our 70s and understand what we do is not for everyone. Our channel which I cannot link here shows what we do. U can search for Jeep 4 Dirt and u will find it; (7) if I can be of any further help (making the conceit that I have helped at all) let me know. BTW we found the South homestead absolutely mesmerizing and probably spent 2 hours there just soaking it in.

[@FromShetoMe]

​@@jeep4dirt I guess our experience has been slightly different. We usually stop at one of the visitor centers in the area that may be manned by employees or volunteers and for us they seem to be forthcoming with information. You've probably heard Matt at Matt's Off Road Recovery say that if MaxTrax get you out, you aren't really stuck. The only thing we may consider adding to our van is a wench. But for now we are good and may do what you did, rent a Jeep to explore further afield. Thanks and I will check out your channel.

[@FromShetoMe]

You could make that a feature of your channel; rate the trails for the various vehicles. I'm curious, have you given up on the van or do you use it as a base camp? Do you drive two vehicles or tow the jeep?

[@jeep4dirt]

@@FromShetoMe last year we purchased a PW 2024 XLTS which is gr8 other than PW stubborn refusal to include a Bluetooth module in the Spyder panel. We use the XLTS as a base camp and then off-road in the jeep or drive the jeep to a trailhead and hike. We will be at ABSP the week after thanksgiving and likely will stay at Peg Leg. We drive separately but together and communicate through GMRS radios. Fran loves driving the XLTS and I loving driving the Rubicon. Although I have heard of Matt’s I have never watched his channel. If his point is that recovery boards r not ever helpful I would submit that his opinion is shared by no one else knowledgeable about recovery. The minivan in your video stuck in Blair Valley likely could have been recovered by using recovery boards. Although sometimes a winch is necessary, recovery boards are safer to use.

[@rosatraveller3874]

👍🏻💪🏻

[@penelopegreenland3537]

We are planning a trip from Washington to Maine. Do you have any suggestions on state/camping passes in each state? We tent or sleep in our truck.

[@FromShetoMe]

Most state passes don't really add value if you are just driving through. The exception may be Texas but I doubt you are taking the southern route. Typically out of state residents are charged more. South Dakota is one that may be helpful but only if you plan to spend any length of time there. Occasionally I will check out the costs for a particular state but overall you are better off looking for BLM and USFS campgrounds (in the west), or Army Corps campgrounds in the east/midwest. What we have found is an absolute bargain are some of the small town campgrounds that provide small campgrounds and are often free or nearly free. And sometimes these small towns have reasonably priced campgrounds at Fairgrounds. I find the All Stays App to be extremely helpful for finding a variety of spots; it is rare that a campground isn't listed in their app. Of course, if you are over 62, then nothing beats the US Interagency pass for seniors.

[@dakat1726]

Thank you for wonderfully inspiring videos, now I want to try Anza Borrego- may be able to join the meet-up; we're in Irvine. Current plans include Julian late Nov at a Harvest Host

[@FromShetoMe]

I've done quite a few videos on Anza Borrego and seem to discover new stuff every time we visit. Hope to see you at the meet up.

[@wornoutwrench8128]

2024 content was so good, can't wait for 2025. See you in the new year.

[@Beeceebeach]

I’m curious about who will work on your van when little things go wrong? Will Beach Cities RV still be useful?

[@FromShetoMe]

Yes, they told me they would. But we have found other places that can work on vans such as Rogue van company in San Diego.

[@lifeofriley8160]

We did the Tim and Shannon composting potty.....we have a 24/7 fan venting out. Works like a dream. Can you add a fan?😊

[@FromShetoMe]

I suppose we could add a fan but there doesn't seem to be any need for it. There is an exhaust fan just above that area though.

[@billc6283]

Sorry, I’m not seeing a link to that sprayer you used in this video. We think it looks pretty handy! Would you please call that out?

[@FromShetoMe]

Sorry about that: www.amazon.com/dp/B0948WBX9L?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzfromshet-20&creativeASIN=B0948WBX9L&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.MZPF9YWCIT1V&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin&th=1

[@janicer9879]

When are you going to do a new van tour??

[@FromShetoMe]

George recorded a tour that will be posted on New Jersey Outdoor Adventure soon. But I don’t have a date.

[@charliekroeger337]

I am curious about your experience with an onboard A/C. Do you see this as essential? Over the years, do you find yourself using it frequently?

[@FromShetoMe]

We do think it is essential but it must be quiet. The one we had previously was so loud we couldn’t use it except for short periods.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Funny story… well not so funny actually. Lynn purchased one of those wooden puzzles like yours… it took her days… weeks… to complete it. It was on our dining room table. The funny but not so funny part is… she went to town for groceries for a family meal. I had the smoker going and my “chore” was to move the completed puzzle to her desk… can you see where this is going? Well, being a dumb husband I picked the completed puzzle up by what I thought was a hard backing surface… but no… just flimsy. Entire puzzle fell to the floor. I hated to tell her and I thought she’d be mad… she just said I bet I can do it faster next time. 3 months later she still hasn’t started again. I’m thinking dirt roads and puzzles might not go together. BTW, enjoy your break… we have completely and thoroughly enjoyed ours. Much love from NC.

[@hbjtf]

She bought two more!!!

[@FromShetoMe]

I know what you need to get Lynn for Christmas...a puzzle keeper. That way you can roll it up after each session. I'm thinking of making one that will fit our new van table because I'm addicted. And I think I said the same thing after I had to put away that turtle, it will be easier the next time. Great story, can't wait to see you guys on the road again.

[@BobKeefe]

Our 2020 Transit van has five traction settings, one of which should help in sandy, rutted soil. Do you use them?

[@FromShetoMe]

We forgot they were there. Next time we’ll give them a try.

[@jackietan555]

@@FromShetoMeWe use Tow Haul on our 2023 Transit trail most of the time. On the dirt road through Valley of the Gods earlier this month, we used Mud and Ruts mode. That was great at low speeds. We did have a couple of tail end drags through 3 or 4 washes. (We are also extended .) I’m going to check out the skid plates and springs at Agile. Thanks for all the info!

[@FromShetoMe]

@@jackietan555 We've been on that road so it's good to hear you made it through with your TT. Do you ever air down?

[@SpikeRess]

Forgive me but I would be interested in knowing about what appears to be a painting reflected in the mirror behind you at the end of this video. Thank you.

[@FromShetoMe]

LOL, it’s a giant backdrop I use to separate the garage space. Super cheap. They are made for studio photographers.

[@SpikeRess]

@FromShetoMe That's interesting, and I had you pegged as a major art collector! LOL 😎 🎨

[@FromShetoMe]

@@SpikeRess The only art I collect is what my sister and niece send me because they are both quite talented.

[@aspenguy]

What are the black levels you use under your tires when you’re parked? We have the yellow Camco blocks but they are constantly breaking.

[@FromShetoMe]

They are squares of horse mat that we cut up. They are quite heavy but they don't break.

[@donnanderson42]

Can you explain why the fan in the refrigerator?

[@FromShetoMe]

Items at the back were freezing and the temps at different levels were quite different.

[@metaxaanabeer]

So the cold doesn't "layer" and get held back by a shelf full of stuff. It evens out the temp across all the space.

[@FromShetoMe]

@@metaxaanabeer I leave an opening on each shelf above and below where the fan sits.

[@metaxaanabeer]

@@FromShetoMe I would expect nothing less than stellar fridge management from you! Have a good break.

[@jackietan555]

We use a fan in our Vitrifrigo fridge too ( though different model). We zip tied a plastic tube to the shelf above the fan so we don’t block the air flow heading up.

[@metaxaanabeer]

I use hamster bedding, alder or aspen, not cedar or pine, in place of your coconut coir. I'll second your no odour comments and just add that both our local non improved campsite attendants and the drivers of the vac trucks that clean out the vault toilets tell me that putting the bedding and contents into a vault toilet is no problem. I find that even if we are totally dry camping we pass a spot with a vault toilet on our way out, so no human waste into the regular garbage...if at all possible.

[@FromShetoMe]

Good to know. Thanks.

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

skid plates are for rocks, not so much sand.

[@FromShetoMe]

For sure but it is still nice to know they are down there.

[@pierrearmand6590]

Why did decide to go with Ford instead of sprinter van?

[@FromShetoMe]

Several reasons. MB is harder to have repaired in remote areas and more expensive, DEF is constantly having to be replenished, and diesel is more expensive where we live (generally speaking).

[@garygus5966]

See you in 2025!!

[@tedbellWRV]

I know many users love their "composting" toilets, such as the Wynns. However, the concern I’ve heard about the “RV” style composting toilets, (regardless of brand), is that none of them have the “residence” time to truly compost. In other words, you are disposing what is essentially still human waste - which may not be considered acceptable for “normal” waste disposal.

[@FromShetoMe]

It is a misnomer to call them composting. I’m told the contents can be disposed of in vault toilets (minus the bags of course).