The bus build prepared me for this (at least a little?) // Bus Life Washington

This week in Washington, I had to deal with some problems with the bus on the fly. Luckily the bus build prepared me well for bus life
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[@1tballen]

Keep them both ! You never know when you might need one !

[@thebaddman]

Spare!!!!

[@richardbonfiglio1765]

Install the new one. Maybe some day you'll be able to rescue someone in need with the other.

[@kenhoward3512]

Those patience and problem solving skills will be valuable for the rest of your life - like, another 60+ years?! And it's all because of Birbie! That bus + small motorcycle are the ultimate combo for traveling.

[@WayneStLouis-cy4ln]

About your stand-up board... you may very well be better served by using a kayak paddle when sitting down, like a sit-on-top kayak. You can always just tuck the stand up paddle under the bungees to keep it handy.

[@TimTamSlammm]

THOSE LAKE SHOTS ARE SO SO SO COOL!!! Your cinematography is constantly improving and I love it.

[@chrisedmonson9471]

It abso-bloody-lutely never hurts to have a back up spare when traveling. Both sailboat and motorhome have taught me that repeatedly. Glad you are you and learning as you go. Enjoy every minute.

[@JustAskingAndCurios]

It's called Self-Confidence that you gained in the process.

[@dandavis5611]

When you are out in the boondocks it is a lifesaver to have a spare!

[@baddog340]

Keep the nice controller and have the chinese one for backup. Be safe.

[@lenfarneth]

Keep the Victron (especially if it has bluetooth) Better yet run one panel through the china junk, and the other 2 through the Victron. That will keep you from going completely dead in the future.

[@alanhat5252]

Multiple charging circuits is an excellent idea, the whole array runs at the level of the weakest cell so if you get a leaf drop on one panel it takes the whole array down, having a 2nd array doubles the chances of a good charge.

[@SergeBrocteur]

It is not the first time I love your music choices. You have a real talent ! And your story telling is good.

[@FearlessFred848]

You have come so far . I remember you getting frustrated and giving up on the bus for days. LOL

[@0HARE]

You’re really getting it done! I’m loving your whole “Can Do!” attitude. The lake sequences from the last campsite were especially delightful. Rock On

[@davep6977]

small cooking tip. Mix seasoning pack with water, then add solution to meat. It prevents "blobby" area's. I pour my water into the seasoning pack because there always seems be some some left and I want it all LOL

[@arnoldsnodgrass2953]

Keep the Victron stuff, it’s good gear and is expandable with their other units, plus you can see what it’s up to via Bluetooth on your phone (depending on the controller)

[@funkymcmonkey187]

100% My next equipment for my travel trailer will likely be Victron, not too happy with Renogy

[@shaunwilkinson7720]

Agree put victron in my trailer. So efficient and Bluetooth is great. You can also expand it to read status of the battery.

[@grays5112]

I never thought I'd follow a young girl motovlogging from a BUS, but I really enjoy your videos, and that's from a 66 year old who's way old enough to be your grandpa, I adventure on Motorcycles, so it is something different to watch your videos, and they are great, good luck on your trip to Canada 🙂, and keep the Victron, always good to have a good reliable spare 👍

[@steve318k]

Tie a balloon to the camera !! Blow it up when you get there , pop it when you're done. minimal space taken !!

[@tbusch63]

I am with a few people on here. Use the one you have hooked up now ( The Good one ) And save the cheapo for an emergency replacement until you get another "Good one"!

[@timerickson7056]

ZEN AND THE ART OF MOTORCYCLE MECHANICS don't know your story but much respect. Your doing what I'm strongly considering

[@dobs7464]

Loading your bike is going to be alot easier & safer. Your rock'n it on this trip, safe travels Emma.

[@k.d.mccarty7194]

Keep the new controller, use China controller for a backup. 👍😀

[@beefpares]

"One is none, two is one" 👍

[@adamscott5622]

Keep the the better charge controller hooked up and the crappy one for a backup. Always good to have a contingency plan.

[@goodstuff]

tree branches might of pulled that wire, glad you fixed it though. keep goin!

[@danharris5173]

Emma! Awesome! So glad you enjoyed our neck of the woods and the lake. Very nice shots of the lake and I know why you had such a great time on your Monkey ride down the hill to town. By the way, you are now responsible for putting a bee in my bonnet about getting a Monkey! Good luck with your bus build and continuing adventures. P.S., keep the better charge controller, you won't regret it!

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

get one 😊

[@stevenhartley7659]

Those lake shots were glorious! Simple is better. Lifejacket...brillant

[@3rubberboats]

Keep the new charge controller. Have a grand day.

[@no_worries_van]

Keep them both!

[@valeriefrench9405]

Get a little Coleman stove for your picnic table to cook outside

[@dpmiller1000]

My advice would be to keep both. It sounds like It would be good to have a backup. It might be better to switch back to the old one though. Save the new one for a backup.

[@hotmalm]

Keep the victron. You won’t regret it👍

[@john081277]

Keep the nice one and use the old one as a back up! One less problem later! Thank you for sharing… fun times 👏🏼🫡

[@jasonbuker76]

lake footage was magical... I grew up in Washington State. I don't know if it's climate change but I rarely saw good weather days for more than a few a year... 😂

[@BigFireDave]

Paper plates and bowls work ok, and if you are like me and enjoy a nice campfire in the evening make pretty decent fire starters instead of using water to wash.

[@TALAfan11]

Don't get rid of the better system...its gonna get cold soon and you'll need something more reliable in play for the best results

[@briangreen9677]

Another great video! I smiled at your contemplation of "redundant" footage of the lake, and have to admit that some may see that as the case, while others will appreciate the views for being something they've never seen. It's safe to conclude that there are those who will not be satisfied, while others will be elated. I've heard it said that there are two wolves. One of light and happiness, the other of darkness and despair. Which wolf wins? The answer - whichever one you feed. The internet thing is always a tricky one, but I've found that most towns have a library and those libraries have WiFi and will let you charge as well. I can understand why lots of people go to Starbucks because they can satisfy their caffeine cravings simultaneously, but if that's not a factor, the town library is always a good fallback in my opinion. I also agree with Arnold about keeping the Victron charge controller. You're better off keeping it. As someone who lives fulltime in a 33' travel trailer with a solar install, quality components will always make life easier in the long run. Fantastic video. It's great to see people who can tackle problems rather than let those problems overwhelm them. You're doing great!

[@WSLPIG]

Keep the Victron. Always strive to make your set up better and more reliable. Plus like you said, you were lucky to be where you could get one this time next time you may not be.

[@keithburkett9448]

Keep both of the chargers you never know what may happen too one and if something does happen you have a spare and don't feel bad about leaving the beautiful places you have been too you can always go back to them in time. Great Video Emma 👍

[@BigFireDave]

They use to have a float you can attach to the gopro on one of the strap mounts that will keep it at the surface if it goes overboard.

[@chipthompson3957]

Use the nice controller, and keep the cheap one as a backup.

[@lindasmith5633]

I am so proud of u. I just wish i had someone in my family to take the time to find a job let a lone make their own home on wheels.

[@michaelcooke3112]

You can plug your Jackery directly to the solar panels to charge it. It has a built-in charge controller.

[@TinasCrazyLife]

I love our Washington lakes

[@zalleywaalley8227]

Keep the Victron. and eventually temperature entire system to Victron. IMO Victron is the best of the best. Way beyond Renogy.

[@karenriggle5435]

If you're going south for the winter there's a lot of the hot springs that people go swimming in when it's cold and they say they're pretty awesome down in Arizona and stuff

[@jamisoncottages7333]

Yes, keep it!

[@r8edrv4fun65]

Keep the victory in place. Keep the cheap one as a tester.

[@TheJoshrug]

Absolutely no wind on the water! That's cool

[@KincaidBlackwood]

The lake shots are pretty amazing. Can't have too much of that, especially as you move beyond bus-build videos (which would be more straightforward to shoot and edit) into a broader bus-life format. It's a nice way to break up talking-head or motorcycle footage.

[@stoneysauce]

peanut butter + crushed/diced garlic sandwiches = best

[@craigtoups5786]

watching your personal growth and insight is great. you go girl.

[@timphillips8966]

Listen up!... A friendly suggestion to kick your taco salad up a notch... buy some canned stew meat, rinse off the gravy in a colander, then add the stew meat to your browned hamburger & seasonings, but shred the stew meat as you add it (it'll shred easily by hand or fork). Adds a different texture & flavor profile to that taco salad. And believe it or not Newman's salsa is VERY good. I prefer the one with peach in it, but suit yourself with whatever style you like. Carry on...

[@zaftra]

good to see you getting command of driving the bus and bike, remember the first vids.

[@somanyveggies]

Just love your channel. I'll never be a grandma but feel like I could be a substitute grandma for you!

[@AdamHinckley]

keep the new one, you never know when you need the new one when the crap one breaks

[@briandsauntr4692]

I wonder what the lake and mountains will look like in 10000 years from now .

[@janebrommet7942]

Omg Emma!! That is the first place to look...always check the wires... Keep the new one. Hoi already payd... Good for you that it is solved💪

[@cravinsunshineNW]

Incredible shots, glad your enjoying our beautiful state of Washington 🌻

[@BillySBC]

It's a beautiful lake, which in several months will be frozen a foot thick with ice and snow and rain... and it is at this time we will find Birbie exploring Southern California, Arizona, and/or New Mexico. Beautiful lake in the meantime though.

[@mikemullay5622]

For sure keep the Victron. Those are nice units. Keep the cheap crappy one just as a spare.

[@lenfarneth]

Looking at your roof shot it appears you are running all 3 panels in parallel. If your 525 watt array (in parallel) produces more than 30 amps in that configuration, it could possibly overload your 100/30 Victron as it is only rated at 30 amps. also you are getting a lot of loss through your thin wires. Your Charge controller can handle 100 volts (the 100 in 100/30) You might consider wiring them in series instead. This will produce higher voltage and fewer amps. This will protect you charge controller as well as the wires that look like they are failing prematurely. Also I think you will find that in series with those wires you will be charging up much quicker. I found all this out the hard way on my cargo trailer build.

[@alanhat5252]

Splitting one panel out & putting it through the old charge controller adds to the reliability too.

[@alanhat5252]

Victrons seem to run with the input Voltage high which will bring the current down around 15 to 20 Amps max but it will limit output to 30 Amps so it can't deliver 525 Watts into 12 Volts, it will easily deliver it into 24 Volts though.

[@SteveSacramento]

Keep the nice charge controller!!! Keep the cheap one as a last resort backup.

[@Clipbrd]

You've come a long way, girl !! Knowledge and confidence gained..

[@vrusimov]

Don't even THINK about returning that thing! Murphy's Law alone demands that you keep it.

[@mrolfe8341]

Great shots of the lake!

[@fvsmith]

That lake is so beautiful! Glad you didn’t cut anything out!

[@Beartrap70]

Keep them both 🙂 And since it's all in good shape now, Keep on exploring ✨ having fun seeing new things and area's all around 🌟😊

[@normak63]

I was the person parked right next to you in the giant carpark!! JUST KIDDING 🤣🤣🤣 love your videos ♥️

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

omg 😅

[@normak63]

@@EmmaBuildsBirbie im sorry.. I just couldn't help myself. I hope I didn't scare you...too much ♥️

[@MelissaMalzahn]

Keep them both. Maybe put the old one back on a d keep the new one for later. Have fun safe travels.

[@jeffchildress8525]

Very Nice watching where you go and been great show :)

[@Tanks-Link]

Keep the vitron installed and keep the other one for a back up or maybe sell it along the way to somebody. And by the way start trimming your bus a little bit when you’re sitting at the parks doing nothing you got this.

[@Snipedog1978]

That spot in Washington was amazing, can u post to were it is located so we could check it out. Also I think that it would be a great watch to have you watch one of the first videos that you made and see how you react to it comparing how you were when you first started to now

[@davidlundy5007]

All I can say here is ----wow .

[@jeffcoler3104]

When you put fuel in Birdie, it reminded me that if you go to chain truck stops you can get a loyalty card and earn points and get free showers along with some other perks. Just a thought for you.

[@deadfeather9013]

Hello new to the channel, Washington state resident, and I’m really liking the channel. Western Washington! Have fun… Lots to do if you love nature. Humankind, be both. Be well.

[@bobflinn7529]

I admire your 'spunk' and independence! Do you have a multimeter? Testing the voltage going into the controller would have shown the problem was on the roof. A multimeter and/or a test light are always tools I use troubleshooting electrical issues, RV, bus, car, etc.

[@lennieseaman]

What a paradise...we love it!...

[@yannmonnier4291]

Traveling all in style

[@doofhund3526]

I'd keep the better one connected and have the cheap one as a spare. Good troubleshooting lesson.. check and recheck. Glad it's not getting you down.

[@realamerican6101]

Life is and always perfect but your spot in the mount what the lake is. And I hope you have good luck on getting your winch to work right for you. And something about electrical and issues and you should always make sure your connections are good and with no corrosion.

[@D_R_Martin]

So instead of drone shots, you have floatie shots. Nice! Love the beauty of Washington, but I guess I am biased since I live here full time. Enjoy!

[@UBUProductions]

Keep the good one!

[@terryhodder4829]

Ah! I know nothing about the charge controller but yeah for Canada!! Hope you're having a great visit in my beautiful country!

[@trevorcozens1677]

I would keep the good one hooked up and keep the cheap one as a spare. I bought a good one when I set up my solar system, I was lucky that I could stick everything through my works account and get the bosses discount, which made things quite affordable.

[@SurenCao]

Good choice on upgrading charge controller it should be better overall and can add additional components from Victron later on as funds allow.

[@Tazz1947]

keep both controllers, one for back up.

[@53221carvel]

The wires hanging down in the drivers compartment would drive me nuts.

[@IAM...1111...]

65.5+ years n not once have I ever thought of dicing up fruit. Thank You Emma for teaching me a new snack. I'd suggest you keep the dollar store (wink wink) charge controller as a spare. Hopefully you have a compartment for such items. From paint to play has been an enjoyable experience watching you grow (n you're teaching me patience too). Enjoy Your Journey ...

[@vaasnaad]

I'm big on white noise. I love when someone fires up a generator or a semi pulls in nearby. It drowns out all the other little audio queues that life has to offer and I sleep really soundly.

[@jayu724]

Emma!,..You make me Smile!..😊🙃🙂

[@chrisgentry7195]

I love this girls can do attitude.

[@robinhoward9113]

safe travels, keep the new one

[@michaelohara5482]

Keep the Victron installed and the Chinese one as a spare

[@jophillips1201]

Great video! Lake views were so beautiful😍

[@ty767]

Def keep the Victron. Save the the other as a spare. The panels will last 20+ yrs, the batteries won't just conk instantaneously, wiring can be repaired, but charge controllers... you never know. I'd also have spare fuses for everything, except always troubleshoot why the fuse blew. There could be an intermittent short circuit somewhere, or you're pulling too much power through one set of wires. Thanks for hipping me to Staffan Carlen... very timely.

[@martinboyce7712]

Glad you got your problem solved. I assume you're coming up across the border into British Columbia, I live here and you will find the scenery just as fantastic as Washington. Welcome to the Great White North as we jokingly refer to it.

[@bradpatrick5987]

Hey, love your taste in music for your vids. You are very accomplished making your videos and editing them. Very well done!

[@stevengregory8686]

I see you love the water, the lake really looks great. Have a great time in great state of Canada.

[@patriciaharkin1571]

Awesome views, relaxing scenery and more character building. You look and sound amazing, bus life is good for you Emma. Love your videos.

[@brunselltorp]

hey Emma. i would keep the cheap controller as a backup. i always say "better to have than wish i had." i really enjoy your videos, they feel real, not as hysterically arm flailing(is that a word?) and superficial as most content on youtube nowadays. i hope you keep going as you are. your filming and your person is really nice to watch and i look forward to your videos. i wish you all the best and may the force be with you! =)

[@h.h.legacydiesel6724]

That spot on the lake was perfection ...great video..thanks for sharing it with us...so glad you stuck with it and were patient with yourself and the process and found the wire disconnect on the roof👏👏👏👏👏👏Bravo🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦👋Also so glad you are heading to our beautiful country....which provinces will you visit? 😊 Canada is a huge country of gorgeous sights to see and boondocking hopefully will get you some great locations to explore 😀 😊 Have a blast ❣