This Made Me Wanna Quit Van Life. The Worst Ending In 6 Years

My name is Chrome i have been living in y cargo van for 6 years now. I started this lifestyle BROKE and IN DEBT and after 11 months of living the van life i cleared my debt and started to put my life back together and build for a better future. I have turned my original van into a badass camper van that is lifted with all the toys. Over the years i went from being broke and stealth camping in the city and sleeping at walmarts... to now, living fulltime in a jacked up van and driving deep off-grid into the backcountry and living life in the dirt. WOW LIFE HAS CHANGED.
I now have a shop space to keep me busy through the winters here on Canada's westcoast. Went from Van Life to VAN LIFE + SHOP LIFE !!!!!! Come join this crazy van life journey of mine. HIT SUBSCRIBE, trust me its gonna be a WILD RIDE.
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[@ChristineC.-bd2qr]

Chrome please stay at the shop or rent an Airbnb for Cruzie's sake until your A/C is fixed. Put his safety and well-being first, we all care for the little guy.

[@kelliephoenix]

💯🐾❤️

[@christinamerritt9669]

Yea it's too much heat on your dog

[@ianhumphry1]

When its dark outside, or in a dark shop, put a very bright light under the van and look for the light coming in to find your opening

[@rosemarie20]

Excellent!

[@louis-huang]

This is an absolute genius idea!

[@jasonborn867]

I was thinking put his van on the lift, shut off all shop lights, dark out the van windows then turn on a bright light inside the van. Next check underneath for any light coming through holes or gaps. Might consider doing the check after dark so outdoor lighting doesn't affect the experiment.

[@Pjbuck55]

What is this music please? So peaceful.

[@WonkyWheeledCart]

Put a fairly damp, not wet, folded towel in your freezer. When frozen, you can use in emergency to wrap around Cruzie for a quick cool-off.

[@LDPink60]

A vet once told me that dogs cool off through their feet so cold water or ice on their feet cools them the fastest.

[@briansullivan961]

@@LDPink60 my German Shepherd gets extremely hot and amazing like you said she just cools her feet off and she’s ready to go

[@MyWhittierTV]

Took way too long to get Cruze cooled off. Damn shame

[@Come_fly_with_tee]

Please if your van a/c is broken in the summer, get a hotel/ air bnb for Cruz sake. It felt horrible watching him suffer like that just for ‘content’ ..

[@melindalemmon2149]

It didnt happen for content

[@Come_fly_with_tee]

When I said ‘ just for content’ I was referring to him chasing scenery that he technically wasn’t supposed to be at,, meanwhile his dog almost died.

[@kimpeasester]

Im so jealous of that beautiful clean water. I could stay there for 3 seasons

[@user-zk5dj8bz9k]

I was freaking out when Cruise was breathing like that! Poor pup!

[@moethereseller]

Hes a bulldog they are all like that

[@MsSoozy]

Any brachycephalic dog suffers in the heat. I use a cold wet /damp towel on the seat and it helps, even better if they have been in a freezer. Water on his tummy. Also alcohol on the feet will cool off just don’t let him lick. Beautiful places and that water spot was gorgeous.

[@mickraybam6012]

Seriously a nice tent would make a great occasional escape from the hot van…

[@Bonniefufu61]

Get back to the shop cruise is your main priority

[@kindig5]

Just repair, deep clean, and keep on going! You had worse, replaced engine for one, not sick in hospital, you have started a dream of a business. So you keep on going and deep clean get air fixed and get back into the bush!

[@lindaturner5868]

Go get a hotel room or back go your ac building. Cool safe & dust free & showers

[@twinkiscpost5717]

Poor Cruzie… as an asthmatic… I can see Cruzie’s desperation in his face. I can’t be outside when it’s hot or without a/c. 😥

[@mariewilson221]

When it's hot like that keep Cruz at the shop

[@this-is-slammin-549]

Should get Cruz a vest with some freezer packs in it.

[@user-sc6ze1bz7b]

😭

[@Mike.T402]

I’ve told him about numerous different things to keep him cool. He acts like he doesn’t give af every single time

[@lindasteller]

@@Mike.T402 Aw, come on. He loves that dog. He's doing the best he can, and you're not telling him anything he doesn't know already.

[@Mike.T402]

@@lindasteller doing the best he can is bringing him out into that high of heat when he knows he doesn’t have AC? Doing the best he can is him not getting anything for Cruze to keep him cool while outside? Yeah, okay.

[@Mike.T402]

@@lindasteller so if he “already knows” and still refuses to get anything to make sure Cruze is cold that says even more about him not giving af. Only cares when Cruze is about to die from heat exhaustion. If he cared he would take the right steps to prevent it from getting to that point.

[@hsoderberg6505]

After reading the comments about Cruzie I decided I couldn't bear to watch this!

[@stevecunningham936]

If you know it's going to be 90 degrees and you don't have air conditioning why would you go out with your dog?

[@user-sn8sw2vi8z]

🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@dandial3733]

I get it. We were traveling from FL heading to Newfoundland. First, rock broke our windshield. Then electrical issues with the van. Then family health issues in Ohio caused us to turn around. Then electrical issues returned. Literally 2 weeks to the day after we replaced the windshield, the new windshield took a rock and cracked about 12 or 14 inches. All we could say is WTF? Glad you and Cruise are ok.

[@patrickh8602]

Bulldogs really dont do well in the heat, stay close to the shop in hot weather if you dont have a/c in the van.

[@peggyparker8182]

Cruz needs to be in the shop for the rest of summer! I feel soo bad for Cruz!😢

[@jphanks]

Every year I show Chrome different vanlife air-conditioning systems and he always finds an excuse not to put one in. *shrug*

[@ChristineC.-bd2qr]

He could be at the shop or rent an Airbnb until his air conditioner is fix. It's not like he's struggling financially he should put the pup's safety first.

[@tmgee13]

Gottta get that content tho.

[@detphemale]

All you had to do was go back to the shop or get a pet friendly room for Cruzie. He didn't have to suffer.

[@DaquanHodge]

Bro if you see this message ! You are a rockstar ! We live and we learn ! And to hear and read some of these comments just breaks my heart ! You’re an awesome person with an awesome life and you happen to turn on a camera and share it with total strangers ! We appreciate you bro, and we have your back !

[@davidsqvbcn]

99.9999% of the time, Chrome, yeah, hang in there 💪🏻. Better days are coming!!

[@everleen56]

Wow that was a tough day. You shared an honest day that had mistakes, regrets. But to attack as some have, Chrome was beating himself up already. It's not easy living in a van in summer heat. I hope the air conditioning is soon sorted, and I hope Cruzy is ok.. certainly a cool pad will help. Take care of both of you, keep cool :)

[@wiki189]

Well said. The comment section was not the kindest today. He made a mistake and clearly regretted it. I'm sure he has learned. Take good care of our Cruzie, Chrome ❤

[@MissyQ12345]

@@wiki189 We all make mistakes. I know I have done with my pets. Nobody is perfect. Mean comments don’t help. Chrome feels bad enough already. I can identify with him.

[@andringa3]

Dude, I can smell the dust from here, dang! I hope you find where it’s coming from soon. I’m glad Cruz recovered, he looked pretty miserable.

[@user-qs4yi9lb3i]

Pouring water on their back will not help. He needs a shallow pool. Cool abdomen and paws first. Cooling pads with fans. Put a first aid kit together for him. Buy some chemical cooling packs. Get some Gatorade and some 20 cc long tip syringes to force feed him fluids if needed. I travel with 9 dogs in the summer. I have pup fans for each crate. Cooling crate pads and coats. Solar shades and reflectic blankets to hang on the side of the truck when we stop..put ice cubes in water buckets. Traveling in summer with dogs is totally doable with pre planning. If my ac goes out i stop, find shade and set up camp to regroup

[@kboegel]

💯

[@bigtom4709]

"The worst ending in 6 years" I was genuinely concerned. I thought you had an accident or got arrested or Cruzie had to go to the Emergency Vet. It was some dust and a hot dog (no pun intended). Glad Cruzie is gonna be OK and I hope you figure out the dust. Just seems like I was "baited" into "clicking" though.

[@bigtom4709]

... and I watch ALL of your videos.

[@instructorlacc2910]

You know better than to let Cruz get overheated. I remember an old video with Disco when he was overheated cuz you were in a traffic jam. No excuses Chrome 😢.

[@emmellj7133]

If you have space left in the fridge/freezer, put some damp towels in it. Ready to use. Or buy a cooling pad/ bed/ vest to Cruz⛄, please! Wow all that dust!! Thank you for sharing your miserable😩, sweaty🥵 day. VV

[@denisehager4969]

Poor cruz. Would have been better to not travel with no a/c than put cruz through that. Not worth risking his life

[@freshfaceyogaboutique682]

They have cooling vests that would help Cruz. Also chill out mat/pillow u could put on the seat to help cool things down. They are gel and cheap. I bought some for my dog to lay on

[@pavelusa3423]

Exactly what I was thinking..my friend's dog died in a hot car..water important

[@BillWalker3rd]

@@freshfaceyogaboutique682While the vest for my dog cost $50 USD at one of the largest chains, it works great, although my boy isn’t in love with the thing, he is always much relieved. I have not gotten the gel mat because they seem unmanageable in a van. Sleeping on a source of water is the answer, even with A/C available.

[@rfastkats924]

@@freshfaceyogaboutique682 I'm pretty sure the last time this happened some one sent him or he bought a cooling mat. But with all going on I could see how it would slip his mind.

[@freshfaceyogaboutique682]

Totally understand as my friend reminded me of the mat. I also purchased a sm industrial fan, battery operated that I leave with the dog.

[@aboutdawntoday]

Wow that was pretty miserable, kudos to you for still filming. Van life is 99.9% awesome but when that 0.01% comes along it sucks like a back hole!

[@Musicescape17]

The heat makes any awful situation worse. It’s hard to be without A/C. Glad you two found a place to chill. ✌🏼✌🏼

[@aidiaa]

Brooo, sorry for this shitty day. I could hear the stress in your voice when cruzy was having a hard time. Also never leave again without the a.c working. I’m sure the audience can understand. Plus I like the shop stuff!

[@user-rb8cs3jo8p]

I’ve been in this heat for three weeks,I was over heated everyday,it’s been hot 🥵 I couldn’t escape the sun,it’s brutal.I had to go to a local library.exhausted everyday,sick,with chronic ear infections,I finally traded my vehicle with no ac,straight across for a small car,but the ac is very well worth it,I didn’t think somedays I was going to make it,I sure hope your ac gets fixed up soon! It’s straight miserable out there bro,got to hide away from the sun and heat! Hopefully you’re days will get better,and Cruzie hopeful get to feeling better soon! This heat feels like a different type,than the dumpster fire summers were all used 😂

[@204carguy]

Damn. Bulldogs look like they suffer their whole life. They definitely should have stopped breeding these long ago

[@raymondray8672]

Yes, man has ‘created’ several breeds with problems.Look at the ‘American Bully’, I don’t think they existed before 1989 or so.

[@jphanks]

The breeding of the snout is out of control. If you look at lines from Europe they are breeding longer noses

[@rangovanlife]

At least modify they breathing system

[@204carguy]

@@rangovanlife yep it’s the nose. They ain’t meant to be tucked in like that.

[@julien2912]

@@rangovanlife How do you do that!?

[@sgarrita2561]

You ended up in a beautiful spot …when it’s too hot, staying still is often the best choice…sorry about the rough day 😢

[@pigpen01]

Just a suggestion. At night turn on your interior lights in your rig. Close all the doors and cover up your windows. Then crawl underneath your rig and see if you see any light passing through the floor doghouse or doors

[@STONE69_]

The best ideas come from the comment sections lol

[@patsmith1228]

Sorry Chrome. Just glad you and Cruzie Bear are okay. Hope y'all are staying at the shop where it's nice and cool. Hugs and prayers are going out to you from Georgia. ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@magicalmary2706]

My heart goes out to you, Chrome. So glad that Cruz is okay. ❤

[@sunshinecindy570]

Chrome, I think someone doesn't want you to take your summer vacation this year! Sending lots of hugs & prayers to you & Cruz! 🙏

[@mickraybam6012]

Many new portable air conditioning systems are now available…. Some are battery powered for off grid….you’d always have a backup to the van ac…

[@anthonys.5909]

My Boxer is very sensitive to heat as well. She's a very active dog, but in the summer, it gets really hot in Montreal between June-August. It becomes an obstacle because she needs at least an hour and a half of exercise a day, but these heat waves make it almost impossible for her. So we have no choice and don't want to take the risk so we don't go out.

[@asmradventureasmr]

Have you thought of getting a pool & put a canopy over the pool to block the sun for your dog to get some exercise 😊?

[@DebiBrady]

I'm a northern too at heart...I'll take the cold over the heat every day of the week! So glad your Cruzie Bear was okay, with your title, you had me worried up to the end. This too shall pass!

[@jtalsei7171]

Bro, as a longtime subscriber and customer of your merchandise, I have to ask you why you got to do EVERYTHING you’ve doing so quickly, you want to open your new business, travel to the Yukon, do this, do that..slow down and take a few deep breath’s and prioritize what is most important..JMHO but that Yukon trip could be placed on the back burner until next year, you got that ambo sitting doing nothing when you could be planning on building that out with Loren..get your business stuff sorted out with the building and parking lot squared away and stick around the new shop to accept all the new VAN TOYS equipment you’ll be receiving..I need to tell you this also, use COMMON SENSE Brother..the bush will ALWAYS be there for you, but JMHO your new company needs to be your ONLY priority right now, and I’m telling you all this as if we were sitting around a camp fire having a few beers 🍺 🍺🍺 and I’m also sending you MUCH LOVE & RESPECT Bro and I’ll ALWAYS watch your videos & patronize your business 💯% 👍👍👍☮️

[@erinmorrison6199]

Love how clear the water is

[@trevorpat-lifeontherun]

Really worried about Cruise back there for a while Chrome. You too man. Get back to the shop pronto.

[@deebee.14]

Just to let you know. Over heated dogs fare better keeping the undercarriage and feet wet, not the back. Wetting the back does jack s… when it comes to life or death to a Dog. If anything of happened to you ie you keeled over from the heat exhaustion, our Cruzie would sure to of died in that heat, and so could you. Man, you sure got slatted in this video. No one wants to see anything bad happen to you or Cruz, We care for you both. So glad all was okay in the end ❤

[@frrstagain5905]

Thanks for publishing the reality check.

[@marynaylor2203]

I was so stressed out for your pup, I had to fast forward. I'm happy it ended well. Geeez

[@GavinDavies-tc6yn]

My Mum has a long-haired Dachund. When the warm weather comes the dog gets shaved! The hair is so thick that in winter the dog just sits in the garden at below freezing happy as can be.

[@rangovanlife]

True, when the heat is there, every dog suffer. Dogs with breathing problems will obviously have a harder time. Out there you can face unexpected exposure in the heat. Luckily there is always water around! Stay safe you two 😊

[@KimberlyCraig60]

I’m so glad Cruz recovered from that horrible experience, I could see the exhaustion in his eyes. ❤

[@joyfulable]

Appreciate you love yr travel videos so tuned in x I travelled with my little poodle in aussy for 12 years the heat got to me in the end but …. I came home to Nz now left the road it’s long story but misssss it so much Used to book into camp ground and have air con and power in hotter times x 🥰

[@kuraqueen6593]

Aw maybe you could do a bit of car camping to just take the edge off being static in a sticks and bricks. Maybe a night here and there when the weather is better.

[@lindasteller]

Aw man, I feel ya. We're on our third day over 39C here. One more to go. I'm so done.

[@christinamann3640]

😱🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵where is that?

[@geekahertz]

During the hot summer i tend to camp and stay only at high elevation spots--Only coming down into town for supplies. I know thats probably not a thing you can do given the shop and all the responsibilities you have, but it makes summer still enjoyable.

[@nancysweigart4123]

My pug had heat problems. It's hard in the summer. Poor Cruz 😢

[@valeriaproductions]

I have a HUGE black dog - i bought an ac unit for her

[@LaNette1]

Hey chrome that was a fun video that sucks that you got to wait almost another week before you get your air fixed. Hopefully you guys can stay cool and you are right about the locals that one lady did not sound very happy or friendly when she told you you needed to turn around so be careful out there. Stay cool and be safe🇺🇸♥️🫶🙏😎👍🐾🏔️🚐🇨🇦.

[@TheHelium999]

I love that you just stay positive! Thanks for your share!

[@davidkost418]

Hang in there - stop and look at the beauty around you. Tomorrow is another day. Hopefully a better one.

[@luguy8347]

I can see why you had such a bad day. The heat in Alberta today is 35, so it must of been much worse there. Yup, it was a bad day. In the dirty thirties in the dust bowl, the dust literally drove ppl crazy. It would come back day after day.

[@dawndecesare2177]

Glad Cruz is ok. The heat is no joke.

[@donkey76]

Even if your ac is dead even putting the fan on will create positive air pressure to keep dust out. And if the air is blowing warm due to weather put a damp towel I front of the vent and it will act like a swamp cooler and lower the temp.

[@joannr3799]

Wish I was there to help you cleanup your van Chrome. Hope you head back to the shop. Stay cool 😎

[@user-qh8zk3zq9x]

It's all right Chrome I've been having a hard 2 months myself getting acclimated to Van life I've been stuck in Kentucky trying to make it to South Carolina and it's been one thing after another trying to get the solar panels updated and then brake failure I had to get my brakes worked on. $710😬 thankfully I had help. but you know what we're a rare breed and we don't give up. Van life forever

[@michellemcintosh8761]

😢 poor old Cruz , don't worry brother it will be ok when you get the aircon sorted out. Keep cool and thanks for sharing. 🇦🇺😎

[@lisamejia917]

I believe everything happens for a reason, even when it sucks. Better to of found out about the "leak" while you have access to your shop than to of started your summer travels and have no way to find what was wrong. Stay strong (again) we're all rooting for you and Cruzie.

[@martyhawkins9607]

Hello again, great to see you 2! Looking Healthy, beautiful Canada❤

[@kevinaldridge4878]

Chin up Bro !! Time to head to the shop and tear it down and clean it up and fix the holes and get back out there ..... 🍻

[@jphanks]

That was painful to watch. At what point do you turn off the camera for the sake of rushing your dog to safety

[@debramickley2295]

Oh no that amount of dust is crazy !!! I hope you find the problem Chrome 🙏. Thank Q for sharing some beautiful areas 🤗

[@Feefifum]

That surely was a day sent to test you! Poor Cruzie 😥 Should think about getting him a vest/harness that you can wet and that cools him through evaporation and a cooling mat.

[@rainsofhealing]

Mentioned the cooling mat on Livestream and it was a no-go (don’t think Cruzie liked it.) A cooling VEST though would work! 👍

[@user-uk6yz1my8h]

It's high 30s plus 40s here. Vests don't cut it in these temps.

[@MarkoneHD]

You’re correct about the AC positive pressure theory. I spend a ton of time off road in the Nevada desert. Run your heater in the cool position with the AC off. PS one tiny hole or a bad piece of weather stripping will cause a ton of dust to come in.

[@firehawkcolorado5150]

I love the way you take care of Cruzie during those hot days…

[@J3nn1f3r.r0s3_]

Yes, totally agree. Van life is a drag during the summer.

[@PattisArtInnaVan]

Awe Chrome what a horrible day for you guys😢. I am so sorry for both of you❤

[@jarrethoney2905]

Another awesome video Chrome I love how you prioritize Cruz From one dog lover to another, you’re the best

[@Mike.T402]

He didn’t prioritize Cruze. He knew it was going to be that hot out and knew he doesn’t have AC, and still went out in it. Completely irresponsible.

[@zooropa84]

Yo Chrome, I understand how tough that is. I was Farm-sitting during this heat wave and lost a pet Roo🐓named Beau. He was a great bird with a great temperament. I also brought Dino 🐰the farm bunny to my place to be in the AC. Dino did great...but lost Beau. Damn I wish I could save them all. Heat is no joke to our animal companions! Do what the expert Veterinarians suggest to keep them cool! You'll have peace of mind and your loved ones will be more comfortable. Wish you the best!

[@iscariotproject]

if only you owned a company that can repair vans with a lift and tools and a big indoor space to do it...its a great opportunity to learn welding...find the hole and weld it

[@missycitty9478]

Poor dog!! As much as i love animals, this is one breed that should no longer be continued. They have way too many health issues and breathing issues. Its not fair to them. 😢😢

[@Rosedara]

I started watching this video and then saw the comments, I can’t handle seeing any animals uncomfortable so I’m gonna have to skip this one. I hope whatever the issue was gets fixed!

[@travis6240]

You knowingly went out with no AC and knowing the dog would suffer. Way to go.

[@DaliwolfBacon]

Today sucked...but tomorrow is a new day! It will get better! :)

[@Unbound_Destiny]

Murphys law Chrome, if it can go wrong it usually does at the worst time. keep you head high and youll find the hole letting the dirt in. use a smoke generator or something equielent and have your celing fan pulling the air out of the van so you can see exactly where its coming in from. our rigs are always a work in progress, if it isnt one thing its usually 15 others lol.

[@jeanbrown2757]

Glad both you and cruz are okay. Ah cruzzie, glad you got close to water. Your van accumulated alot of dirt hope you find where its coming from. Enjoy your videos even when you have rough days.

[@benhoose]

26:16 geez bro. What a trip. I feel for ya. That makes me wanna travel out to ya and help shake all the dust of and wipe stuff down

[@Amanda_n_Liam]

When i traveled in my van with my dog i put a window ac in the back window. Ran it with a generator. Sometimes we got to do things we don't want to do to make it comfortable for our pets.

[@putrescentcadaver]

I hope you get that AC fixed soon. Poor Cruze!

[@pampeake3275]

Home maintenance. We all have to do it. 🥺 Glad Cruz is ok. He sounded horrible the way he was breathing. So glad you got him cooled down. I have 2 large dogs. A pyrenes/burnese/ rough collie mix and a purebred Anatolian Shepherd. Because of their coats, they do not tolerate the heat well at all. Not as sensitive to heat as Cruz is though. If it's too hot/cold for me, it's too hot/cold for my dogs.

[@benhoose]

7:12 and hey Chrome I've found that the best way to cut the sleeves off shirts is to cut the stitch at the seam.

[@jeanjones7770]

He's a man...that's all your gonna get.

[@chelseycopithorne4141]

I read somewhere else that one should keep lemon juice available for bulldogs as it helps clear mucus/drool when they are having trouble breathing in the heat.

[@kbee1735]

Chrome I gotta congrat you for venturing out into those dusty logging roads!! It is stinking hot all week in our area and I just sun out back then rest in the air conditioning!! Just love seeing your adventures in my part of paradise… pats to Cruzie 😍🇨🇦

[@TrinitysChoice]

Crack your refrigerator, place clip on fan in front of it and flip the switch. It can save you in a pinch.

[@christinamann3640]

You are getting record highs out there! Take care of yourself and the little guy! Much love and respect!

[@jleuty591]

"Tie you up" 😂 Dude just set it down on the little stump and cruise gave up and laid out 😂😂

[@dawnwilliamson1523]

Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing this experience. It is all a learning experience and you sharing this just might prevent someone in the future from the same experience. My heart goes out to you. So scary. Love to you both!

[@DanGtube32]

A day like this is would of been the one I got a hotel and just gave up till tomorrow when it was time to clean it all out

[@asaprocky8195]

Keep the faith. This problem will soon be solved, and the whole thing will become a center of laughter in the future when you recount van life with others.

[@daanm183]

Cruzie is a trooper! I agree not a hot person. I prefer spring fall winter! This dust can make Cruzie over heat and for breathing! Glad you cut the trip short!

[@micheleredtfeldt678]

Why did you have your windows up in the van? You had no A/C. Should have opened them some so the air could circulate and bring the temp down a little bit.