Vanlife Projects in BC - Begins with taking these DOWN and OUT

Finally getting to a vanlife project I have been talking about for a while. Now that I am out in BC it will be much easier to do - but before I can get to that I gotta get these down because it's January and we need to move on!
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Matthew Allen
Unit # 112
440, 10816 Macleod Trail S.E.
Calgary, AB Canada
T2J 5N8
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My name is Matthew and I live in a van. I lost my job due to "cut backs" from the pandemic of 2020 and decided to seriously restructure my life. I am also a single dad who needed to find a solution that would allow me to remain in my daughter's life and plan for her future. After tons of research into #vanlife, I knew it was for me.
From March 2021 until October 2021 I spent my days building out my Chevrolet Express 2500, which came to be known as "Lucky" and as of October 18, 2021 I have been living in Lucky full time.
The build was done with almost no experience on my end and I used the one incredible tool I had at my disposal - the internet - to learn what I needed to build Lucky into a very comfortable tiny home.
I have always had a bit of a passion for being in front of the camera and really enjoy capturing the world around us. This really played into how I was feeling after almost a year of working from home when I "commuted" from the bedroom to the couch. I was starting to feel extremely unhealthy, unmotivated and despondent. I HATED that, and that's not a word I like to throw around. This new lifestyle gives me opportunities I just didn't have before and I am so excited to be able to share it all with you.
I truly believe we all have the capabilities to turn our lives around, should we choose to do so - and if I can inspire you to shoot for something better then I have done a decent job and that will keep me going.
There is more to life than the consume, consume, spend, spend lifestyle I feel we have all been conditioned to follow and I just want to do the best I can for myself first and foremost. Our time is limited and I do not want to waste another second on a lifestyle that doesn't bring me joy!
Be Happy, Be Creative, Be Yourself and BE POSITIVE!

[@JayneW911]

Undecorating Tip…….Remove the BATTERIES from your lights so they don’t corrode during the year 😃👍🏻

[@ovangal3852]

I was just going to comment about the batteries. But you bet me to it.

[@celestecatcurren1089]

Ditto😅

[@JayneW911]

@@ovangal3852 😂👍🏻🙋🏼‍♀️🚐🌴

[@NomadicDee]

I enjoy watching you fix things around your house’. The small towns you show in your videos are so charming.❤

[@tracyk-79]

I just love watching you taking care of things in your tiny little home Matthew. Very inspiring and informative with a bit of levity.👍

[@VaguelyMeandering]

Most excellent video Matthew. When you opened the door looking for Sheba I was calling her. WHAT? Yes, I know. 🤦 I also said "Enjoy your meat puck" to Penny. AND I congratulated you on using the ladder. Could you hear me?

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

YIKES!😳 ...I see 'THEN' that your back in the 'guts' of that little guy. I'm not 100% familiar with what your doing, but it's STILL very intriguing & interesting to me😊. I do LUV your having the baby monitor in your shots ... PROOF that your definitely a responsible Dad!🙌👨👧🧡. ALWAYS a nice visit with you, PRETTY Penny & your family ... continue to take care, stay safe & be bless'd!👍🤗💖😇

[@margueritemitchell1829]

The reality, hard to reno your van when youre living in it Hello from Beautiful British Columbia Canada 🇨🇦

[@JessicaFerri-um4hf]

Nice places, the mountains and trees. Best wishes Matt and fam.

[@rollinsteady4949]

Thanks for the experience of being on your poop bucket. I knew I was extra comfy this video for a reason! 😅

[@robertstanley563]

Hi Matt! Happy New Years! I’m a Diesel Engine Engineer IRL, based on what I’m seeing your heater do makes me suspect either a faulty glow plug or severe voltage/amperage drop to the glow plug. I’d check the manufacturer’s specifications and use a Fluke meter to measure the DC volts and Amps at the glow plug connector as well as directly at the glow plug by back probing the hot wire. If you’re getting readings that are below the specifications then I’d inspect the wires going from the power source to the glow plug and look for damage, or intermittent breaks in the wire. Anyways, I hope you get your heater sorted out and you get to enjoy your visit with your family!

[@Camaro-Sean]

You'll be popular on van life channels.

[@kerrymcclaren3082]

Been waiting DAYS for this 😅😅

[@PixieTayls]

😅.. but that sound of a can opening, such music to a cats ears 🐾 🐈 ~❤

[@Lee-mmg]

It's getting cold around here and snow in Kansas and Texas panhandle. Goodness. I am glad y'all have time with your folks.

[@donnamacleod2947]

Hi Matthew and Penny! Keep smiling!

[@rockysmumakagma]

I wonder when you remembered to take your gaming console ornament down from the front window 😆 Anyways, great video, thanks for taking us along on your little excursions, it’s always fun to see other little towns in BC 😊 I mean we’ll never get up that way! I hope you’re keeping warm with the crazy temps that are happening right now! Extra warm hugs to you and Penny ❤🐈

[@rachadventuresinliv]

That's what I was going to comment on and the batteries lol hey Matthew aren't you so lucky to have a full house of people who can help you out not to forget things lol the life of a vlogger 😂 Much love 🤗 🤗

[@TechPeasant404]

A tiskit a taskit a MF broken gasket.

[@virginia_in_the_rearview]

Matthew, thanks for the diesel heater tutorials. I know I'll be referencing them at some point. 😊

[@allatonce3143]

If the exhaust pipe gets restricted by ice from condensation then when you take the heater apart it is going to be dirty inside ! Why is this you ask ? Answer : If exhaust is plugged not much air can enter the heater so the air/ fuel mixture changes causing inefficient burn and the byproduct is black soot inside heater . There is nothing wrong with your sensors or your glow plug and they are working as thy are supposed to . All you need to do is get yourself one of those blue propane torches plumbers use to solder copper pipe together and warm that muffler up and free the ice obstruction or find somewhere warmer than Alberta for van living ! Let me tell ya a story fellow Canuck ! Back in Jan 2019 I was travelling across Saskatchewan one cold moonlit night in my Honda Accord which I had removed the back seat and put a 4 inch thick foam twin size mattress in the back all the way to the taillights so I would sleep more comfortably on my quest to go to BC , buy a van and start van life . I had coverings for all windows made from foam board from Dollar*ama , a propane cooking stove on a piece of plywood wedged between the dash and passenger seat , a cooler etc. Very comfortable I must say with stereo, ac , carbon monoxide detectors x 2 , smoke detectors , heat and all ! I lived in the car for 2 months while looking for a van . So yes , I started van life in a car. Now back to the story . I had just heard the weather saying it was -51 with wind chill and I decided to pull into a rest area for zzzzs . I left the engine running since the Honda would happily idle all night for $10 . The next thing I remember was waking up feeling real dizzy and drunk . I managed to get a door open and get out . I leaned my forehead against the roof and after a few minutes in a t shirt of the -51 fresh air my brain returned . I then noticed my perfect running Honda wasn't idling so good ! I walked to the back and noticed my usually 2 inch hole in the exhaust pipe had got closed up by ice except for a 1/4 inch hole . I got a screw driver and hammer from toolbox and chipped the pipe clear and it idled perfect again . What happened you ask ? Well , the exhaust fumes had backed up through the aftermarket flex pipe and entered the passenger compartment . Just so happens this cat got one less life ! I really like carbon monoxide detectors . The muffler is the real ice trap , so much surface area to cool fast and make quick ice . Try running without it . Tell your friends if this works but I think propane torch is good .Also , if the heater could be mounted close to the side of vehicle with the shortest possible exhaust pipe ( less area to freeze ) would help . After a few months living in car l found an old 1978 Chevy Van style fiberglass body high top motorhome . I'm very mechanically inclined and still living in it in Ontario . Its only got 50 kmiles on it and I tow the Honda wherever I go like you and Jeep . Sorry about a previous comment I made saying " I think I'm going to go crazy if I hear another diesel heater story " . Hope this helps . ROCKON

[@davidmahan4160]

Diesel exhaust gas recirculation spray would be excellent in cleaning your Diesel heater. Great for cleaning the atomizer screen and the combustion chamber. It removes carbon build-up and makes it like new.

[@edithtrowbridge1775]

By next year I should have more xmas decorations .I do have lighted stuff for windows but all the extra decorations fit into a cool whip container. These are things I have collected over the years I've have traveled. I used a blue Lei instead of a garland. I used creosote branches for greenery this year. Maybe next year I will be somewhere where I can get something different than desert greenery. You inspired me to get something more like greenery.

[@regmountain2224]

Planters Seasoned & Dry Roasted = Cheap On Amazon...

[@jackieluckyangel5610]

Weather’s changed a bit since you filmed this hasn’t it? 🤷🏼‍♀️ Glad you’re safely hunkered down again 🥰💞😘🏴‍☠️🍀

[@bigbadjohn2543]

I was cringing when you were pushing that new screen in place. Wood dowel comes to mind. The round wire brushes, check the plumbing section of your bigger stores like Home Depot or local hardware. If you have a parts place that sells refrigeration stuff. There might be a wire brush that fits perfect.

[@OutbackOntario]

i use a big course thread bolt, screw it into the screen and pull it out

[@garynewton2016]

bet u r glad u did the diesel heater-a bit nippy out there. Keep on Cooglin

[@genieabbi2531]

Hey Matthew 👋 you really could start a diesel heater tutorial i would think. Thanks for the video, was missing 'quality content'. Stay warm in Calgary, its really getting cold up here. Hi Penny ❤

[@naomidonovan-perry2667]

Good evening Matthew and Penny.

[@allatonce3143]

The reason there is much soot in chamber is because it hasn't run enough to soot up before it froze up . Get a propane torch !

[@regmountain2224]

Use Reverse = Then It Won't Twist Up In The Threads & Try 2 Screw It's Self In...

[@johnrdanna]

Always good to see you an your daughter an Familyan the kitty . Good to see what your up to hope your disel heater runs well. Always something to do on your home on Wheels. Have fun an enjoy time spent with family. Keep smiling. 🙃🐾🐾👍

[@allatonce3143]

The sensor is working perfectly and shuts the heater down if it doesn't reach a certain operating temp in a certain period of time . Just like it was designed to do ! My typing certainly has gotten better trying to help you !

[@laurastewart2418]

Well we had warmer weather( midwest usa) but i think the party is over i heard in the teens(Fahrenheit) a week from now....🥶

[@christinamann3640]

Yes up here too (I live in his city). We’re expecting -40 on Thursday night. This is where Celsius and Fahrenheit meet. And gang up on us. And kick our 🍑🍑🍑🍑

[@laurastewart2418]

@@christinamann3640 lol 😆

[@janetnegrillo5413]

Hey Matthew, you seem like your old self again happy to see those smiles❤

[@VanlifePLUS]

Thank you Janet!

[@victoriaheatherly5877]

Mathew that was fun😀

[@Yvonneb_]

So pleased you got your Dads nuts lol. Great video xx

[@valeriaproductions]

The oil pan gasket on my truck has to be replaced. Joy is not a factor on this...I also have to replace the timing chain and I just had the coolant system replaced. It never ends, but my truck is my home, so repairs get done. I am really grateful that everything else is working.

[@jamesglasbergen7506]

Use the high temperature gasket maker that has copper.

[@GypsyJvan]

This is why i went to a propane heater..i had enough of those chinese diesel heaters..thanks..

[@jamelcampbell4984]

When you buy itemized screens, look at all, some come with a removal tool. 2 different types.

[@ricebike]

11:00 yeah the camera or lighting shows green for some viewers, including me when i saw your previous videos but i remember you had to say it was the harder walled white fuel tube and thanks for reminding us 😅

[@alanshaffer6724]

Hi Matthew

[@VanlifePLUS]

Hi Alan

[@anthonyg9787]

Heater.... plusnut or rivnut might be a way to go 😊😊😊

[@pamelahipple589]

Hi! Matt live those candy canes

[@chucktheperson1063]

I've read Espar brand glow plug will fit the Chinese diesel heaters. More money but probably better quality. Do your homework as Espar glow plug may not fit all. Cheers!😁

[@alvinmousseau1100]

Awesome video

[@amydavis955]

Happy new year. I hope you have a great new year.❤❤❤

[@patlodge8420]

Hi Matthew and penny xx

[@andreathompson280]

❤

[@sraza6801]

Happy new year brother may you have many many more happy and prosperous years ahead with all of your loved ones around you. 💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@Pammellam]

Boy, Matthew dear, that was a ripen ride into the “city”! You are a diesel heater pro!

[@deandigiacomo2010]

👍👍

[@ladycats3810]

When you will be having some time and a big area to use. You should completely empty Lucky and show us what you can pack into the van!!!

[@spyinthesky7778]

Auto supply place might have it

[@JaneEMcLernon]

And no snow to speak of! How weird is that?

[@christinamann3640]

Weird, but soon to be rectified

[@KerriJean]

❤🎉❤🎉❤🎉❤🎉

[@ladycats3810]

I listen but mechanical scripts for me are so confusing but you still make it fun!!

[@jonathanroberts3927]

Just a thought, have you ever sprayed carb cleaner through your fuel line where the atomizer sits, maybe a gunk build up there...? Just a thought?

[@kevendargy6506]

u should buy a gaz one and put a pickup line direct in ur fuel tank.

[@darcyallen3912]

I hope that plastic container is contained out of sight in the basement! 😂

[@billboyer7735]

Christmas decorations are just like gravity, what goes up must come down, big house or tiny house on wheels. Is this Boxing Day vanlife style?

[@capaddler]

🍀💚🍀👍🏼

[@pepperwatson7784]

I think you may have a problem with your computer in your heater

[@OneUGLYbstrd]

Cap or 2 of SeaFoam or Diesel 911 might help clean it out some? Look into it maybe....

[@dianasonger2546]

🐈🐈‍⬛🐅🐆

[@kerrymcclaren3082]

Or gin 😂😅😅😂😅😂

[@ShinyNickelBlades]

Be careful, you might accidentally categorize your channel as a diesel heater repair channel. 🤣 That's all you're allowed to do now.

[@Off-grid-n-trucking]

Sounds like it over fueling at the start . Could be bleeding in fuel while not in use

[@canadiannat8960]

🍀🌼🍀🌼🍀

[@vancelasalle3380]

Here’s a question, has anybody checked the controller to see if it is sending the proper start up commands for the heater? ie: when to start the fan, when it starts heating the glow plug and when to start the fuel pump? It may be the controller is starting the pump too soon the first time around?

[@Threeonetwo188]

This is the second time you went after Silicone... another vid , you had to wait cause places that had it wass closed...for a sec thought i was watching that vidie... dont know if that is a good deal repeating content.

[@VanlifePLUS]

No one else seemed to mind 🤷‍♂️ plus it was for two different applications and presented in different ways. This is the story of my vanlife - and life can be mundane that’s for sure. It’s the entertainment we bring to our lives that keeps it fresh and interesting. I don’t suggest you watch my van build videos 😂 lots of repeated stuff in there

[@chrisanderson7844]

Only solution to your problem is to continually run that thing in full power to prevent build up

[@williamandujar3222]

Change glow plug

[@Dooms1972]

For the love of God save up and buy a Planar heater. You will not regret it.

[@VanlifePLUS]

Woooooooooooosh 🫡

[@regbillings4955]

📋

[@z4u68]

Starting to get bored with ur content...

[@VanlifePLUS]

Not very constructive so I will say thank you for the support and it’s a good thing there is lots of content out there 🤷‍♂️

[@z4u68]

@VanlifePLUS i have said positive things...and this negative thing is positive to if it pushes you to think harder to get new ideals to find yourself attracting a bigger audience, one time if i can tell you a story my very nice car broke down three blocks from my house So behind me came this big ugly tow truck it had a very soft ribber bumper the guy gets out and said i will push you home for a said price so i paid him. A few later i found myself in front of my house where i wanted to be... so sometirmes ugly thi gs can push someone to a very nice place to be . But if you dont need to get to 200k views, i will only say nice things, and keep in mind i gave you your push for free, even if it be with ugly words. Enjoy the rest of Your day, Mr matt