Trapped in the Wyoming Mountains after a Snowstorm

In this video, I set out to explore the stunning Wyoming landscape, but a recent snowfall had other plans. I ended up breaking my axle bolts, leaving me stranded on the trail overnight! Fortunately, I managed to repair the van and make it out of this challenging situation.
Storage Gear:
campervancultu...
Refrigerator:
icecofreezer.c...
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Music: Epidemic Sound
My Van: 1985 Volkswagen Vanagon 2WD
#blizzard #wintervanlife #budgettravel #wintercamping #howto #minimalist #workhard #budgetvanlife

[@davidpotts1189]

I heartily admire your positive mental attitude to what would seem to be an unsurmountable problem in those conditions... well done that man!

[@Sebastianstonum]

I was just looking forward to dinner! Honestly the whole situation was very bad but the scenery was incredible and there’s no place I’d rather be

[@davidpotts1189]

@@Sebastianstonum You were totally right to come back to reassessing the situation after some food and rest. No traction boards though?

[@WeekendWanderersOverland]

EPIC trail fix!! Im a 30 year offroad veteran and to watch you think your way out of this situation I am so proud of you!!! thats how we do it Brother!! try and try and stay positive and eventually you get it done!! (also fellow diesel Vanner so EPIC Westy!!)

[@jonclassical2024]

The Bigfoot Family watching you was amazed at your efforts too!

[@S.JerseyJim]

Handled that like a champ! Live and learn as they say!

[@simplevandalism9426]

Bad Ass man! You are resilient!

[@maxabdovies5161]

Seeing people working through their problems in really hard situations,it’s simply exciting and inspiring.seeing someone like you who keeps a positive attitude and working in that condition makes me watch more of your videos and inspiring me to do more when tough situations comes up.thank you for sharing your experience thank you for giving me a reason to do more when things get tough in my life.

[@socal1878]

Dude was ready for anything out there. His parents must be proud.

[@robertstrohm2412]

Amazing attitude SS which is always the winner. Not much gets you down I’d say. Good video and thanks for sharing. Oh and you remind me of Simon, Foresty Forrest, in the stamina department, that is a compliment. 🍺

[@roadtrippinretirees7273]

Wow, this was an intense one and a good example of staying positive. Great that you know the VW so well and importance of carrying spare parts. Great video!!!

[@Sebastianstonum]

Glad you enjoyed it! Spare parts are crucial, I carry a lot mostly because I don’t like ordering parts then waiting for them to hopefully show up to my P.O. Box. If something breaks I’ll buy 2 replacements on some things for a backup on the cheaper parts

[@wrongsocks3015]

You are my new hero! What you did and your positive attitude should be passed to the humanity. Hat off, good man!

[@putinhynes3848]

Anything can happen even if you do things right. I like when things go wrong sometimes because it teaches you how to survive. Thank God he is ok.

[@andymathieson8698]

"Always pack a few beers" - love it!

[@bvanman]

Westy Owners are hardcore, well done!

[@Sebastianstonum]

I tell everyone that wants a westy that if you have to live it. If you don’t then it won’t be worth it at all

[@18wheeldieselmobile]

I don't know about the rest of ya but this one of the better videos I watched in awhile 😎👍👍👊

[@Sebastianstonum]

Suck kind words, thank you!🙏

[@lukepugh76]

Brooooo. Glad you made it out of that gnarly situation. Moments like that make me wonder if it’s worth it to just spring for a SYNCRO. Awesome videos man!

[@Sebastianstonum]

Syncros are EXTREMELY capable! Vanagons aren’t bad on these roads, with chains they can go far.

[@Raptor820]

Petfect meal there, everything you need and nothing you don't!

[@janolesen6045]

Inspiring to see you work thru a big problem.

[@grahames9228]

You are a very cool, calm and optimistic person. Well done.

[@Sebastianstonum]

Years of vanagon bs has prepared me for this zen moment haha!

[@idaharyatihassan7425]

You got two spare tyres, put them one on top of the other, put them under....even if the jack give way, the van will not crush you.

[@Sebastianstonum]

That would have been smart.. I did have 2 jack holding it for some rigidity but there was still a tisk

[@Sebastianstonum]

Risk

[@Smokeybeesnatural]

OOOFFFF!!! I was stressed just watching! It's good to be prepared! 👊👊👊👊

[@Sebastianstonum]

I had a few tricks up my sleeve that I’ve always wanted to test out. Nothing worked. Now I know!

[@chuckondelacy4606]

Enjoyed. Beer! Good man! Ooh rah get some!

[@kelly38889]

you're a good mechanic Sebastian, was worried about you getting stuck there and was thinking you might not get out, glad you were ok,

[@Sebastianstonum]

Woahhh I wouldn’t go as far as a “good mechanic”😂 I’ll get the job done e one way or another, in those situations my expertise will be somewhat helpful.

[@probablynotian]

I watch this as I’m about to walk out and put the cover on my Vanagon until the spring.

[@Sebastianstonum]

I do t blame you one bit! The worst part about winter is the sand and salt. They don’t use a whole lot of salt around here but it’s a sandblaster for sure!

[@Aircooledbliss]

Good you made it back out 😮‍💨🙏

[@NicoMurillo]

best lesson: always pack a few beers 😂 Bro your positivity through all that is crazy not a flinch of frustration 👌

[@Sebastianstonum]

I wanted to camp in snow so I got to camp in snow! What more could I ask for!😂

[@craigroosa9321]

Just had you show up in my watch list and what a great video ! Your thought process to get going was omg ! have to say I would have been screwed ! have also wanted a Westy and maybe but getting hard to find and pricey when you do ! Safe travels and subscribed !!!

[@Randall974]

Good job! You're around my old stomping grounds. Those handyman jacks can be a life saver, they're able to get you out of some deep holes. But they can also be a life ender. They can slip off a bumper, and if you're underneath the vehicle without any safety support you're toast. Also, when you 're lowering the jack they sometimes self-ratchet, allowing the handle to slam upward into the jack body, so make sure your thumbs are out of the way. (I found that out the hard way). I admire your self-sufficiency and innovation. 👍

[@Randall974]

@Sebastianstonum You can also use your handyman jack with a chain or towstrap to help pull yourself off a rock. Carefully.

[@Alva.T3]

Woah man ! That was such a tight squeeze getting that CV back on. It’s incredible how calm you stay in these situations. Keep rocking !

[@Sebastianstonum]

It’s a tight squeeze in level ground! The camera angle made it look somewhat spacious but it definitely wasn’t!

[@justmestephanie1269]

Life is boring without adventure 😊always be prepared to be broken down or stranded in a VW 😆. I have one too , so I know what your going through. Keep smiling and being positive!

[@lindsaymoore3534]

Good job!

[@DragnDon]

Absolutely wild ride in all sense of the word! Congrats!

[@rrtds9378]

Wow, that is a real adventure. It helps to be young and know what and how to fix something that breaks on the westy. If that’s me I’ll be in such big trouble, would need rescue party 😆Which I most likely would not venture out without telling someone where i’m planning to go.

[@uniwerksdesign]

Yeah man! Lessons were learned. Glad you figured it out! Cheers, Chris. 😊

[@Sebastianstonum]

Cheers Chris! There’s always something to learn in these situations!

[@daveblogs5019]

Hi From Ireland..very well done. On getting out of that fix. Very impressed 👍👍 happy travels

[@Globetrotter-1]

True grit! Above all... remember to pack some beers 🍻 😂 I enjoyed watching this one.😉

[@Sebastianstonum]

Glad you enjoyed it! It was a pain to film😂

[@canterburyfour]

Summer 2025 we need to spend some time together sorting out your van and tools.

[@traveladventurexplore]

Good stuff man! 🙌

[@HighCountryRambler]

Be thankful there wasn't the normal constant Wyoming wind building 3' drifts across the trail. I had over 3 feet this last storm, NO WIND so it was somewhat enjoyable here in the Black Forrest.

[@genetownsend8847]

NEVER get under a vehicle without some kind of jackstand or block or other back up to the bumper jack.

[@goldenopticsoutdoors]

I love it bro ! The meal reminds me of exactly what I’d be cooking too 🤣 great mindset we’d be bro for sure !

[@goldenopticsoutdoors]

Always always pack a few beers brother !🤘

[@WalksInCamera]

Well done for sorting that out on the trail!

[@rogerhector5885]

very optimistic to say the least.. l like it

[@panmandanpmd4456]

Cool video

[@highcountrystories]

One thing I learned while trucking is to really watch the satellite weather!! And plan ahead even if it's only a few hrs ahead! Which may not apply to this case... But just a thought!!

[@jusgibs]

I don’t think I’ve seen anyone with such a positive attitude. Me? I’d of been cussing up a storm. Well done.

[@RestoJoes]

Love the videos! I live in Northern Colorado and have the same 85 brown westy and have travelled all through that area. I always say "Never Surrender!"

[@Sebastianstonum]

Never surrender is right! They test us sometimes though!

[@RestoJoes]

@Sebastianstonum i stopped up top of Kenosha pass a few weeks ago for the night, woke up and wouldnt crank. Tried everything, and no crank. A syncro drove by, stopped and towed me to the top of the hill at the pull out, i coasted down and popped the clutch and my day changed back to good! Ended up being a combo of cold weather, altitude, and crusty vacuum lines which have since been replaced and running so much better now! They do test you for sure but its always worth the adventure!

[@user-dw4cv3xq5u]

Time for the conversion! Unstoppable capability to top off a great rig.

[@Sebastianstonum]

I would love to! I don’t want to fork up the money though😂

[@Paul-s4i]

Well done for remaining upbeat! What a scenario!!😅

[@Sebastianstonum]

Gotta stay positive!

[@smsjr36]

Love the video! Loctite is probably a good idea too.

[@GF-pc5bt]

Very impressed….very calm…. I need to save this vid to watch next time i am in a predicament….bravo !

[@Sebastianstonum]

Driving a Volkswagen, I've learned to expect the unexpected. On the days when everything runs smoothly, it's amazing! But when things go sideways, I can’t help but think, “Well, what else did I expect?”

[@myvanlife1]

You are amazing!!!

[@Sebastianstonum]

I just got lucky!

[@AntonioRodriguez-rl7nd]

I just subscribed!! I can’t wait to see what you get into next!!

[@Sebastianstonum]

Welcome to the community! The next adventure will be a little more controlled. Hopefully!

[@Randall974]

Getting into something is easy. It's getting out that's tricky!

[@triggerthesound767]

Amazing how you recovered from this situation. Just seems like a terrible idea going down a snow covered dirt road in a vehicle that is not designed to go off road.

[@Sebastianstonum]

Taking vanagons where they’re not supposed to go! Hey, there’s a Tesla car currently in deep space. The limits have been pushed!

[@erice.5844]

Nice troubleshooting skills.. vw bugs /// 60's owners videos seen then pull the engine! for a fix.... with a few others around... why they have travel clubs for the older models touring/ off-roading IE old Jeeps and Toyotas..FJ40.... others w tools male thing s happen like this, But very impressed, and thing I would have been not able in my twenties for such a fix! good video! Hopefully a sip of something strong you had for such an occasion in the snow especially! Cheers! Ric / MN

[@KenSaylor]

Pizza and beer. 👍👍

[@Sebastianstonum]

Ken! Thank you so much!!!

[@deansmith9232]

Where is your snow shovel for starters!😂

[@TIMWHY2]

What an awful sinking feeling from broken axle bolts, BTDT...just not in such a helpless Winter spot. I was surprised that my broken bolts spun right out with very little effort. Glad you were able to sort it out when the MacGyvering had failed.

[@Sebastianstonum]

Yeah without the tension on them they come right out! The grease on them helped out a little! I’m going to pull them back out and make sure there’s no grease though. I don’t want them to back out again haha

[@BlazingHot42]

That's was a great experience bro...

[@cigarprepper7179]

Livin the dream man 👍💪🏻

[@akseakayaker]

In life it’s always important to know and keep in mind the difference between an inconvenience and a disaster.

[@Sebastianstonum]

If this were to happen on the Dalton this time of year I’d call that a disaster! Sure this could have gone a lot worse but there were options at least. Limited options are still options!

[@akseakayaker]

@@Sebastianstonum while driving back to Alaska in December one year my vans engine completely failed on the Alaska Hwy in Yukon Territory. I was forced to go through a complete new engine installation. Three weeks of misery and frustration. But just like your failed CV hub bolts there was nothing to do but get to work deal with it. Lucky you happened to have the bolts in hard. I should get a set of these too just in case.

[@kesahuff3618]

Massive RESPECT✊

[@Southbaysunshine]

I admire your perseverance. You made an awesome video out of a shit situation.

[@pyronitro]

beer!

[@Sebastianstonum]

Thank you so much!! I will never make that mistake again. Backcountry camping without beer is a big no no

[@duaneulman9915]

Thank you 😊

[@cobraspottedwolf8791]

Keeping it real! Hello from Billings

[@Vic-dog]

Good work! Gave me claustrophobia watching you under the axle.

[@ericmed]

Awesome outcome

[@rrtds9378]

I saw your earlier video last year in Alaska. That was risky in those extreme cold conditions. But you did it again and came out from this. If this had happened in Alaska, probably would have been a real life and death situation. You probably need to bring an emergency communication system just in case.

[@Jognoid]

Here’s towards some more beers for the next time you might get stuck

[@Sebastianstonum]

Whaaaaat! Thank you so much!!! This is a lot of beer, I might not make it out next time with all this!😂

[@AZdirtdog]

As an experienced Sandrail guy that explores the unforgiving desert, at a minimum you should carry a spare stub axle, CV joint, bolts and wheel bearings. You might have unit bearing on that year but carrying spares saves alot of trouble

[@black_widow_overland]

Traction boards would’ve probably helped. Every time I watch a episode…. The more I want a vw van. Safe travels man

[@Sebastianstonum]

I have never used traction boards but from what I’ve seen they could be a really good addition to my van!

[@black_widow_overland]

@Sebastianstonum definitely would be helpful.

[@coldfrog6542]

First thing…. Get a shovel then a few wood blocks for jacking

[@edwardmartinez9835]

dude you are sooo lucky but that fact that you never gave up made all the difference. Never give in or give up, makes the difference between success and defeat. If you try and fail it is better than if you never tried at all.

[@Sebastianstonum]

Giving up would have been an option. A 10 mile bike ride to flag someone willing enough down to pull me back to civilization. Then aaa to a shop and pay them lots of money. That probably would have been just as adventurous!

[@Rooftopp_Korean]

You're a good man sir 🎉

[@tedfoureagles2778]

I dimly recall when I had that sort of equanimity. Good job!

[@Sebastianstonum]

My patience concerns me sometimes

[@tylyndahkharrod]

Yay! You got out..Beer would have been great.. I love a great IPA..it was beautiful but yet another challenge.

[@Sebastianstonum]

I’ll take an IPA after this one! I know everything happens for a reason so I was just going with the flow. I’m sure if I had a few drinks with me I’d probably still be out there right now hahaha

[@tylyndahkharrod]

lol.. if you ever come back to Alaska. My treat!

[@FloridaTrailOutfitters]

try the chipotle Cholula, also dope video dude. subbed

[@westernsoutherner1]

Nice fix man. Be careful up under there. Nothing like laying on a block of ice and busting your knuckles on cold steel....

[@Sebastianstonum]

Thanks for the nightmares!!

[@paulallen3031]

Fair play to you I've changed my Fair share of those drive shafts and they're a pain in the arse at the best of times let alone in that situation, I would have spat my dummy out after the 1st hour 😂

[@Sebastianstonum]

“I would have spat out my dummy” that’s the funniest thing I’ve heard in awhile😂😂 Cv’s, grease, gear oil. Those are my 3 least favorite things in life in that order!!

[@lunchlady2023]

Instead of having two tires in the back you should keep a predator engine back there to swap out with that gem when it breaks down.

[@josephpiskac2781]

Amazing you got rolling again. I would say do not drive into the snow covered mountains. Glad you are safe.

[@Sebastianstonum]

You know I’m going to anyway! Haha

[@aaronwright6418]

I am only willing to go about 150 yards from my house without a spare CV joint built and ready to go.

[@nunyabuziness8421]

Most important key lesson always have extra bolts😂

[@Sebastianstonum]

Or just make sure they are all snug!😂

[@wolfgangwolfataccepted4value]

snow chains and a wooden wedge to drive on to easy mount the snow chains. Do it with a bus or truck you will see it,s much easier.

[@Sebastianstonum]

Why have I never thought of this!!!

[@wolfgangwolfataccepted4value]

@@Sebastianstonum sorry but it,s only feasible if the bus has twin weels. You drive the bus on the inner weel on the wooden wedge. Then you have the outer weel free in the air to put the snow chains without the hustle to drive forward or backwards to secure the chains. But you can try it with your bus as well, use firewood to see if it,s easier to put the snow chains on.

[@denisstone6858]

Owe SHT I'm glad you're okay

[@Sebastianstonum]

It was a looong night!

[@pyronitro]

I'm glad you are prepared with extra CV bolts! you probably have extra CV axles too! Never forget the beer!!! please tell me which bolt you used that broke so i wouldnt bother using those in mine. if you do find ones that are durable please also mention those. Thanks!

[@Sebastianstonum]

Yeah I have spares for everything! I don’t believe it was the quality of bolts that was the issue. I’m assuming they loosened over time and with enough play some backed out all the way and the others took the brunt of the force when I popped the clutch. Luckily it was just bolts and not transaxle internals. I’d be out of options if it were that catastrophic

[@pyronitro]

@@Sebastianstonum Theres a good thread in Thesamba about CV lock washers and how effective or not they are depending on the bolt grade one is using. Quite an interesting read. the subj head is CV lock washers.

[@paulsthormes251]

Snow chains and you could ear down a little bit helps with Traction

[@Sebastianstonum]

Yes! It’s been awhile since I’ve been on snow like this and haven’t tested out all my options but next trek I’ll definitely be airing down

[@ingridlahaye8107]

coolest rig..! What is that?

[@rrtds9378]

That is an ‘85 VW Vanagon Westfalia. I believe 2WD. Not the sychro 4W

[@georgewaale9236]

buy a shovel 🤣

[@Sebastianstonum]

I definitely will be buying a shovel!!!!

[@dudeonyoutube]

How many of you thought he would end up as Chris McCandless 2.0?

[@orionoutdoorsandworkshop5617]

i always question, jeez if i go there might i get stranded for any reason?

[@Zeldar0088]

Do you have a tdi from boxeer? Your oil pan looks like his tdi swap.

[@joeyjo-jojr.shabadoo1150]

Valentina, not Cholula, that’s the only issue I’ve seen with this video. ;)

[@w.j.hammer5902]

Man any kind of recovery gear would have made that situation a lot less difficult. No way I would be out in the snow in a 2wd Vanagon without a hand winch at the very least. I would have also had my chains on before I ever went up that road. A More Power Puller, (I suggest one with the synthetic rope) a tree strap and a small assortment of soft shackles and extension straps would have tugged that thing right out of there to a place where it could have been worked on more easily. I would ditch one of the spare tires in favor of a box to toss your recovery gear in and you'll be all set. You don't have to spend big bucks on the straps and stuff. Some harbor freight, ebay or aliexpress stuff will do the trick. Heck, As long as you aren't using it too often even a Harbor Freight 2ton cable winch puller would have sorted you out. At $40 a pop you could even get two for backup. Also yes there is no way I would head out into anywhere like that without a few beers.

[@Sebastianstonum]

You're right, it definitely would have made things easier! I have a kinetic rope and soft shackles but not enough to help me in situations like this. If anything I could benefit from a good long tow strap in conjunction with the rope and tractor jack I could pull myself out. That would be the bare minimum though! Ideally yeah I would love a winch with all the expensive bits and bobs and I’ll be adding to my quiver before venturing deeper into the backcountry! These vanagons are “capable” to an extent. It was doing fine in the snow without chains since it was pretty level but any sort of incline or downhill I would not trust it without chains on

[@Sebastianstonum]

If it came down to it I could’ve made the trek to the main road and try to convince someone with a truck to pull me back to the road. But I had no beers to offer so that probably wouldn’t have gone so well!

[@vikingproducts]

what engine is in your van ...its a diesel but is it original or something better ? love your videos ...

[@marksherman9578]

If you have no chains ⛓️ I strongly believe that you can build an small fire 🔥 on each back tire's and let it melt

[@Randall974]

Good luck with that.

[@micheldereneville6046]

Hi Sebastian , I really like your aerial filming . what drone are your using to do that ?

[@garybalanesi610]

I have had a slight problem with snow over my lifetime. Never been Stuck where I couldn't get Out. I did have a winch with me. Straps for trees. Be prepared..Mother Nature can be brutal..

[@cowboy6591]

I have a diesel truck and one thing that will bite ya in the @$$ is the extremely high torque in the low RPM range, that breaks allot of things.