VANLIFE DAY 1:transmission exploded, stranded at 10,000 ft, Hitchhiking with a stranger. Is it over?

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[@ethantravels]

Hey guys! Feel free to check out my OF! Find me at EthanTravels :)

[@chrisf6037]

Oh i need a roommate ha. But yea md is pretty close to me. I wish you had hit me up so I could see your new rig and show you around nc and do the beach ha.

[@clemsonbloke]

You didn't keep your other RV/Camper/Truck that you used to have? This one looks different.

[@clemsonbloke]

BTW, were you in scouts? I am Eagle Scout is why I asked. Best!

[@robertnovoa341]

Is there a free online security by any chance😮? I'm student on a budget

[@noahark3810]

jesus loves you

[@larrytalbott700]

That shot of the night sky through the trees is truly artistic! Kudos, Ethan!

[@hithere1590]

Yes Kudos. 🙄

[@markbailey162]

Ethan, I am so amazed by how you roll with the punches. You turn lemons into lemonade. I don’t know how to say it better. You are amazing!!!!

[@Gryphonisle]

As a local coffee house puts it: When life hands you lemons, make orange juice and let everybody wonder how you did it.

[@donaldfinch1411]

The despair in your voice when everything upended in your shower made me tear up, not gonna lie.

[@jeremiahallyn4603]

It's like America welcomed you back with some bad luck. That sucks Ethan. But at least you found some really nice people that helped you out. Stay safe on your travels 🫶🙂

[@_John_Tyree_]

🤣🤣🤣16:50 The "new" camper looks really cozy! 👌 ❤

[@nshvlcat]

You are undoubtedly the most resilient & even tempered person I have ever seen. I am so glad you are back in the US.

[@brandonj7440]

I really admire you’re attitude to adapting and overcoming. Most people your age nowadays would quit and call mommy the first time something didn’t go right

[@douglasjensen8986]

You never cease to amaze me how you are so adaptive and resourceful, and gracefully handle so many trials and tribulations. Great video!

[@alynam82]

He said "like you're gonna stick it in 'your A' " 😄😄 That got a laugh out loud from me Glad you made it thru!

[@billspooks]

I always love to see Ethan Lusby traveling. You are my Hero, Ethan.

[@ultimatefoodgeek]

Poor guy! I was in Ouray and Montrose with some RV KZbin buddies when you were stuck. We could have at least taken you guys for some hiking adventures to pass the time! Sorry our pads didn't cross. Happy trails from a fellow KZbinr!

[@roymartinez4862]

I'm glad your not traveling alone

[@mikephalen3162]

I lived in Silverton for a year. US 550 is the most avalanche-prone stretch of highway in the continental U.S. We were snowbound for a week once in 1991. To do any serious grocery shopping, I had to drive south to Durango (50 miles) or north to Montrose (60 miles). There were dangerous passes in either direction. At one point between Silverton and Durango, you could see the remains of an RV a hundred feet below the road. I bet that RV is still there. Believe it or not, my vehicle was a 1980 Datsun 510. I had to drive this lightweight car in all kinds of conditions. Best of luck to you.

[@craigadams4143]

I would have opted for the laundry mat. When you were at the park I thought of Millie and missed her being with you.😢

[@malcolmschenot6352]

I love your honest and unvarnished take on whatever you're doing and wherever you are. I've been watching van life videos for years and this video is one of the most representative of what people have to deal with off-camera. I like watching van life videos; I have zero desire to do it myself. Good luck Ethan, and remember it's you and your take on things that make you interesting.

[@davehnh]

So nice to watch you out on the road and living a normal life. Unfortunate for you breaking down. Also was missing seeing you shirtless and wow you gave us a 1 second treat of you gorgeous body. Keep it up

[@wolfguardian8312]

at 12:45 min into the vid....that experience you had made me cry....put such a feeling of pity through me that touched my soul

[@richardjohnston1672]

Glad you are back in the USA! Stay safe!

[@kaimauracher6758]

the best thing is that you are not alone wherever you are 😊 but I fully understand that this is not the way you're journey was planned

[@thecarolvanpod]

Holy 💩Ethan! When things go wrong they go very wrong. Ugh. I feel you! So anxiety-provoking. And the expense! I'm always surprised how in my worst moments of van life, there have been enough good people extending small kindnesses to keep me moving forward to the solution. As well as the "silver linings". It really is good fortune that you weren't far from a town. And the shop allowed you to live in the truck and use their utilities. Two weeks. Damn! I was on my way to the San Juan mountains in Colorado last year and broke down in Buena Vista. It's not quite comparable as I only lost two days waiting for the repairs. But I was grateful for the help I received and the lucky coincidence of being very close to a garage that could take care of the minivan. It's fun to see you back in the states. That Million Dollar Highway between Ouray and Silverton is insane, right? I sure hope you had the opportunity to spend time in the area once the repairs were done. It's gorgeous there. And hey, I was in that very same park in Montrose watching people practice surfing in the river! Can't wait for your next video.Your sense of humor makes me laugh so hard. You did a great job documenting your experience. And that starry night sky - what a view!

[@delllall4563]

Ethan you are just an amazing awesome young man. Whatever adversity you face ,you deal with it with confidence. Lots of love x

[@tselliot9762]

Of course you packed a bag with a couple outfits! Represent Ethan! I know this turns out ok so I'm glad you're well.

[@rickhager7978]

Glad you're back in America. This country is so beautiful. I love your rig. I have a 2000 Ford Excursion with 7.3 liter diesel. The good news it's got 458,000 miles. The bad news, is I'm on transmission # 3.

[@WarrenGregson]

Ford is found on road dead or fix or repair daily lol

[@ericgen1231]

James, you are so inspiring with your constant resilience and positivity in the face of so many obstacles. I'm sure you have done your fair share of crying behind the scenes and that is understandable. You say you want to show us beautiful places but, wherever you go, you're IT! Oh, and I'm glad that your cuddle bear didn't get soaked in urine! I'm looking forward to your next adventure wherever and whatever that may be! P.S. I miss Millie, but I picture her there with you in spirit as your Guardian Angel. 👼🐕☺

[@darbat]

Who's James?

[@krisdabaliguy6850]

I’ve had to get my van towed before and it’s never fun. Always help others when you can and it’s safe. It makes my day when I can spend even my free time helping someone with their bad day. A little help from a stranger can save some people’s life’s and future. God Bless and I’m glad people helped you with your truck

[@counsellour]

Now that you are restarting the van life, this might be a good time for those of us who missed the beginnings of your journeys if you ever told the story of who you were just before all of this started and how you came to choose this life of adventure?

[@RonaldCorrao]

Welcome back to the states, Ethan. We missed you.

[@trellaine201]

Omg I always think your alone. I would be freaked out alone in the middle of nowhere. Glad someone is with you!

[@nigelbond4056]

Awww Ethan, that’s such bad luck. But the interior of your van looks amazing, a real home from home. As always, your video is brilliant, funny and informative. Sending you positive vibes and best wishes ❤️

[@PeterRiopel]

Ethan, the kitchen item that you thought was strainer is actually a steamer. Put it in a pot, add water, put in your pieces of vegetable, put the lid on and put it on your stove. You are doing a fabulous job.

[@timr6603]

Glad things worked out for you! Glad you're back in the U.S.

[@JJ-in3bc]

Loved how much fun you had, with simply making a rope swing. Yes, the simple things can be wonderful and amusing! Your joy and giggles brightened my day and inspired me to adventure & be zany. Thank you Ethan!

[@619Bob]

Hi Ethan! I'm looking forward to living almost exactly like you! I just sold my house in USA, TO retire in Cambodia 🇰🇭. And will live and tour in the USA in a campervan!👍I'm guessing I will probably have to look forward to the same experiences👍👌 I'm encouraged by your persistentance! Thank you for bringing us with you on your journey! 🙏

[@mattg8369]

I just discovered your channel this evening, and you are truly inspiring. laid back, fun-loving, and have a 'eh, I'll figure it out' attitude. Keep up the great posts!

[@Lylo-mj8ek]

Just glad your still with us.. Much Love and Respect ❤️

[@justkelly6992]

I used to hitch hike all over the West starting at age 11. I logged thousands of miles and never met a serial killer. I did have one problem once but bailed at a stop sign. Other than that I had a great time and met a load of truly great people. Sometimes the scuffiest can be the kindest and the best dressed the most dangerous. You buy your ticket, you take your chances. Love your videos.

[@WayneThomas-d7m]

❤ Hi Ethan really enjoyed the Video. You certainly kept your cool in spite of all the adversity and went with the flow. Well done. Safe Happy travels to you both👍❤️

[@ColeMayes]

Oh my! 😱 This looks exactly what I think would happen to me if I had to return to living in the states after my life here in Thailand the past 20 years. 🥺 My heart goes out to you, Ethan. 🤗

[@mattytj2002]

Glad you are back up and running. Have fun in beautiful Utah!

[@wehojm7320]

Sorry about the tough start to this journey however you were able to solve the problems and "roll with it" and keep a positive outlook. Safe travels and good luck. Above all be safe.

[@kevkev5935]

That cliff drop shot is terrifying. Hopefully you get your rig fixed soon.

[@michaelpriest]

So glad you're back on the road Ethan, always loved your camping adventures.

[@tonystone1016]

Ethan you're pulling a lot of weight when you're going uphill it outs a lot of stress on the engine and transmission. Every couple of hours pull off and let the truck cool down at least a half hour longer if your engine guage is going out of the normal range. Good luck.

[@GaryGarlic]

I missed these kinds of videos of Ethan traveling in a van. Come to Cali Ethan and explore Yosemite!

[@BrazilSuperfruit]

OMG Ethan, I was on that same highway - Hwy 550 (million dollar highway) in January and I pulled my jeep over on the shoulder to take a photo of the snowcapped mountains. The jeep started tipping over to the right. Found out there is no shoulder and they don't put guardrails so the plows can push snow over the edge. My jeep was teetering over the edge of the cliff. Jumped out of the jeep, waited for 10 minutes for another vehicle. A kid in a pickup from Durango stopped, hooked up a cable, and pulled me back up on the highway. Tipped him $40 and was on my way to Silverton. I love your travel videos - you are awesome 😃

[@Daniel-xd1ig]

An angel helped you. Has happened to me a coupla times. A lot of people are SOBs but a lot are angels.

[@Jeremiah7-ox2nj]

Yay! 😀 The kind of content that I've missed. Ethan's at his best sharing his adventures while living on the road. Will he be getting a canine replacement? So miss Millie too. ❤

[@gerardguida7727]

I give you alot of credit.... I would of packed up...got on a plane.....and went 9-5..😅😊

[@paulballard304]

The added camper weight and wind resistance is taxing the transmission, even with a new trans it would be best to add an additional after market heavy duty trans fluid cooler to give peace of mind in your travels.

[@bjolley8686]

Well. Not the most desirable way to get back to Van Life. I love that you are able to see the good and beautiful all around you whatever the circumstances. It’s just fun to travel with you in your camera. I’m not getting the least bit claustrophobic 😂🎉

[@hollishill-wu9nu]

That tree looked so scary Ethan. I guess big heavy things like that are so scary because if it fell while you're under it wouldn't be pleasant.

[@Skotte1963]

I think it’s fantastic that you’re young and resourceful enough to do all these travels! The life you’ve living, is the life I wish I could have had! Please take good care of yourself & enjoy your life! Hugs & kisses!

[@skyliner7333]

You poor thing, I wanna give you a big hug for all your troubles. I'm really glad to see you traveling in the US again.

[@tommyreid8094]

i spent today out and about sorting business problems in Glasgow, i came home, put you tube on, clicked this on the feed and tbh it was great to see someone else had problems to sort, and in good style too. well cool video pal

[@rsd_mtnbiker6422]

Lord Lusby! LOOK EVERYBODY😃😃😃😃 Gotta hand it to you, you really know how to get yourself into deep 💩 💩. Really looking forward to your van life vids again. Stay safe and be happy! Your loyal Lusbian🙏🏻

[@laurencebrooks7699]

You might want to consider installing a transmission cooler, especially for mountains.

[@erichertzen3251]

I also blew out a transmission in my Honda Element going up a steep incline. I was able to limp back to California to have it replaced.

[@jamesmardeusz5899]

Its so nice all the peeps that watch and love you. Whats not to love. You have a lot of knowledge as to how life works, why fear stuff as 80% of it never happens and if something goes wrong you get it that the universe will take care of you. I traveled at your age throught europe for two years, I was a time when few spoke english, No ATM's all money from each country was differant. Great times, crazy times but every thing worked out. You remind me of you ha! I love to help people with so many things or ways only learning now and I hate to say it is if it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, its usually a duck. My thought that I could make a differance with those who have been incarcerated usually dont value all I shared with them. being a good person means you dont always need to say yes. Well thats another story. Keep on keeping on. Im happy I found you! now all i need to do is get caught up with all you have don. Love you bro!

[@JerryDechant]

I used to live in and around Colorado Springs, Colorado. Colorado is a beautiful state with grand majestic mountainous views, friendly people (at least they were friendly to me.) There are many scenic places to visit there with quite a lot of diversity. Since you posted this video a month ago, you probably aren't there anymore, so I won't make suggestions, unless you intend to return to Colorado to check it out further. Have fun :)

[@Granulus]

on a long camping trip I take my UVC lamp and hang my clothes up on a line letting the lamp zap the bacteria and germs out . as long as I don't get dirt on the cloths saves a lot of time and the whole wash time.

[@Bunkysworkshop]

If you ever come to the eastern shore ( Ocean city Md ) your truck camper is welcomed here. We have full hookups.

[@knm5405]

In Utah.. great. 👍 Brice, Zion, Lake Powell, so many beautiful places. Sorry about your transmission. Hugz~

[@petersburg8920]

Love that you are back in van life!! Look forward to the year!

[@EricBrushaber-x9p]

I give you credit for your ability to conquer every issue

[@thomasgriffith2953]

I'm kinda stunned and amazed at your adventurous spirit. What a crazy but awesome life you lead! 💪🤗👍❣️

[@andrewjackson8421]

Come down to Florida this winter, after Hurricane Season. Lots of wildlife, beautiful beaches, and we are supposed to have a warm winter down here thanks to El Niño.

[@edwelty]

Welcome to Colorado but bummer on the transmission. Hugs from Denver. Be safe. If I was closer I would come rescue you

[@TheRemyRomano]

Be sure to visit the Hot Springs around Ouray . One of them is at a hotel in town and it is spectacular.

[@seancoleman2276]

My Jeep broke on the dirt road between Telluride and Ouray. Colorado West Jeeps helped me out of bind in August. Unfortunately, my jeep is still out in Grand Junction.

[@mvcaroline]

Hey, Ethan. Trust me, vans/campers are way cheaper tha boats. 😅 Anytime youd like to go cruising on a boat, you're welcome to come aboard Caroline with us. Luv watching your travels and experiences.

[@gblakev]

I hope you will tell us more about your truck. I'm thinking of getting a truck with a camper. One of the first books that I remember reading was "Travels With Charlie" about an author's travels around the States in a truck camper like yours. It was written by John Steinbeck (yes, that John Steinbeck).

[@andyacedo1947]

sorry you broke down, but looks like you found a way to make the most of a bad situation. when your black tank overflowed I wanted to give you a hug. you're so resourceful too washing shirts in the park and making a swing with rope and sticks. you'd be a lot of fun to hang out with

[@4hubby971]

The new van (new to me) is terrific. That night sky shot was breathtaking.

[@SteveChambers]

I just had a day where everything seemed to go wrong. Feel a lot better about it now.

[@S2minute]

Netflix?!? You poor child

[@OLDS98]

Ethan I am glad that you overcame your challenges and are back on the trail. You found help alopng the way and people who helped you get to your destination. You kept the right attitude in the most challenging circumstances. I think that was good. You get in your truck and travel. Thank you for sharing.

[@someguy9778]

You really lucked out with the mechanic. That's amazing they are letting you stay on the property. Excited you're back in the US.

[@gclsarnia]

Check engine oil every time you put fuel in it. Low engine oil is a major cause of problems!

[@dinoinphx]

Welcome back to the states, sorry about your truck. That sucks but I can't wait to see more.

[@jimmygarcia9860]

Wow the stars at night look so beautiful 😍 that you took video of. Thanks for that

[@kekwayblaze3176]

Have safe travels Ethan! Feel bad that your van broke down. But hopefully that is the last time you have troubles with your van.

[@kevinburford1645]

I am really happy that you are traveling in the United States and that you are in a truck and camper. I used to have the same setup what was nice was you can take the camper off and still use the truck. I would set the camper on pallets or something like that and I had a twelve volt hookup so it was easy to hookup and not have to put the camper back on the truck. Then I can do what I wanted and when I got ready to leave loaded up the camper in a way I would go.

[@bigbaddave1095]

OMG I spent a couple weeks down in Ouray, Silverton, Durango, Telluride... SO gorgeeous!!! Hopefully you took advantage of that Jeep and drove the Imogene pass while you were there. It's just outstanding. And, like so many of the other commenters, I'm SO impressed with how you roll with the punches. I know it's not easy and that setbacks like that are disheartening and I'm sure off-camera you may have a different reaction than on-camera, but your video is totally inspiring. LOVE your content!

[@MattGoing52]

Ethan I just started to watch your U-Tube channel. My lady friend and I live around the area you broke down. We would have taken you in until you got your truck fixed. Take care of yourself.

[@Mark-in-Texas]

Utah gets cold too, so you may want to check weather reports. When I was around 19 years old, I helped a friend move to Salt Lake City, Utah. We loaded up his stuff in the back of my truck and drove there. It was the most brutal cold I've ever experienced in my life. My engine temperature stayed cold, and I couldn't get any heat in my pickup. I wish you safe travels and may your pickup have no further problems.

[@RaymundoX]

Do prevent rolling, turn your wheels all the way left or right, whatever is against the slope.

[@akuto17]

That was a long journey from Maryland to Colorado. Stay safe on your travels.

[@marksellinger3736]

Glad you are back to this as I enjoy seeing the USA with you. Imma have to get a vid from your OF to pay for the transmission. IF you come thru vegas....say hi!

[@justkenny6474]

The inside of the camper is really nice and has some space considering its in a truck bed.

[@Bprf286]

Wow that must have been a scary experience, glad everything worked out well. Looking forward to seeing what you do next.

[@davew5383]

I just watched this as a suggested video, it looks like your Van Life is starting out pretty rough, it was great to see you being able to stay positive in your situation and turning the unfortunate lemons that life was giving you, into lemonade🍋👍🙂 It was interesting to see you washing your clothes in the river, I haven't done that before, I hope that it worked alright for you, at least to get you through the two weeks that you were stuck there. I enjoyed your swing, it looked like it was lots of fun and it looked like it worked very well. Just a suggestion for you, as a truck driver I have been around the country many times, if you travel around on Interstate 40 and Interstate 10, you will not have any steep grades to deal with, also staying South of Interstate 40 during the winter months, should keep you much warmer and enjoying your Van Life much better, just a suggestion. Best Wishes to You and Happy Trails🤠

[@jamesoldman3021]

Missed a few videos apparently. I thought you had bought a Class C motorhome and now you are in a pickup camper. Look at the bright side your transmission should last you for a few years. You may want to install a few more gauges. One I would add immediately is a transmission temperature gauge. Then you can consider a few others like exhaust temp. When it comes time to replacing your pickup look at the other two options. Young friend of mine in the towing business says the make you have is his best business for tow jobs. For some reasons the mountains don't like them. If you decide to make that trip to Alaska drop a note and can suggest some great side tours while travelling through B.C. Thanks for the excellent video's you have posted over the years.

[@allenraysmith6885]

You are such a cute guy! Very intelligent and funny!❤❤❤❤

[@cdmcl3]

troubled to learn that you could not rent a car, and wondering about recourse--better ins, for example, and/or AAA membership, for example? unsettling it seems, to discover such a surprising handicap, so maybe you can remedy the situation, etc. it is amazing to notice the many troubles you face every day that have just about cancelled whatever you still want to do with the camper, etc.. but like you, i hope your good attitude and goodwill will prevail soon enuff.

[@donaldbates277]

I applaud your spirit.

[@robertfontenotmorris733]

Thank you Ethan for years of hard work for the passion of traveling. But I want you to take precaution for the traveling to Alaska there are thumb size mosquitoes make sure you take spray.

[@wernerdanler2742]

I'm glad you got going again but I'm a bit skeptical about those shops. The type of motor has nothing to do with the transmission, whether gas or diesel. Not really. I drove cross country to San Diego in 1980 in a Buick Rivera, pulling a trailer. In the mountains, it blew the fluid out of the transmission. I had fluid with me and went down the mountain and had a transmission shop put new seals in it and then Went on to SD. I rather don't think you needed a new transmission. I wonder if that is a new one or maybe a used or possibly rebuilt one. Oh well. Just stay safe out there. 😊😊😊

[@Joeyjoey53]

Missed your van travels happy to see you back traveling even with the expensive delays. Hope all goes well and looking forward to more content

[@chrismattes4845]

Come check out The Ozarks (Springfield & Branson, Missouri area)

[@clivemountain1165]

Sorry you had such bad luck- you're very resilient- hope your luck is going to change!

[@rustystauffacher1927]

Your very brave hitch hikeing in today's world thank god you got a ride with a good person good luck to you in your journey lot off stuff in Wisconsin to see .