4 Season Vanlife Update, Minimalism, Rust and Things to come!
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- Опубликовано: 15 сен 2024
- Big Update! Its been 10 months of solid van dwelling, I've embraced minimalism and its really shaping my goals and dreams for the future.
I've repaired and mitigated a significant amount of rust on the van so I am hopeful it will be a vital tool for many years to come in my plans.
As a heads up there is a dedicated product review video coming, but have no worries as I am under no obligation. I will be giving my honest opinion on the item, big thanks to everyone!
Thanks for checking out the channel and consider joining while we turn a 2005 AWD Chevy Astro family minivan into a capable 4x4 adventure rig, and a comfortable living space, to get closer to nature and deeper in the woods! 🏞
Second round of #vanlife here, I got my feet wet in a '01 Pontiac Montana in 2015 and here I am back in 2022 building out my second van!
I predict van/rv dwelling and nomadic living is going to be a large part of the future and I'm here for it.
Expect mostly van and adventuring content, but occasionally other topics and interests and always open to requests!
Contact: alwaysgoodinthewoods@gmail.com
tags : condensation moisture maxxfan diesel heater boon docking closed gate free use ioverlander public land boon docking crown land ontario northern north central cottage country
Disclaimer:
This video is for entertainment purposes only and contains edited and modified content and as such is not a depiction of reality or any historical happenings. Due to factors beyond the control of Always Good In The Woods, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. Always Good In The Woods assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Always Good In The Woods recommends safe practices when working with any tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Always Good In The Woods, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result.
I like your philosophy on life, death, and minimalism.
Regarding heat in the summer, I put a gutter roof rack on top of the van and laid down a piece of 3/4 plywood painted white covering the whole roof. I attached 2 large solar panels on the front part and have the back as a deck for sitting.
Even in temps above 80F it still gets warm inside.
I then bought an Arcturus reflective blanket on Amazon large enough to cover the roof and windows. I use heavy magnets to hold it down. That did the trick! Keeps the van very cool.
Thanks, I am still early in the journey but have made extreme progress from where I was 😅
That is a good setup! I will look into the Arcturus, I have been meaning to get something quality to make a diy awning with. Nice to be able to make your own shade and then keep the panels in the sun soaking up the juice 🌞
I was hoping the solar on the roof would help out more, the metal underneath them is much cooler than in direct sun but the windows seem to play a big part as well, luckily the seasons change quick around here.😁
Appreciate the comment!
Minimal living is easier than I thought it would be. And learning how to fix my vehicle has been huge. It is a fun way of living without all the financial burdens of living what is no longer attainable.
Thats it! I forgot to say once in the van, you realize how little you truly need.. it is eye opening!
I have stuff packed away in the van I haven't even touched in 10 months😅..which tells me I still have a few levels to go in this minimalism journey.
That is awesome that you are tackling repairs yourself! tons of info and helpful folks online, I can honestly say without youtube and the make/model specific forums, this van would be in the junkyard right now 😬
@@alwaysgoodinthewoods absolutely. YT vids have been a life saver on fixing my car. I just replaced my alternator or cleaned my throttle body amongst other repairs. It is challenging but definitely builds confidence.
would be nice to get an official tour, love the rig man!
Thanks! I keep thinking I will do a full tour once its "done" but I keep working on it 😅
Appreciate the comment!
Letting go of all the small random little things is so nice. As you said, sure it’s nice to look back on but it’s easier to take a picture of that letter/yearbook/etc. in your phone and recycle/trash the stuff.
Exactly, digital pictures weigh nothing and take 0 room!
I do it now for paper clutter, if someone hands me a piece of paper I take a pic and hand it back to them 😂
The trinkets and knick nacks have served their purpose to you long ago and now it is just taking up physical and mental space. It truly is freeing, a hidden benefit of the van is there is only room for useful stuff that brings you joy, all the baggage and non sense simply does not fit.
Thanks for the comment! Happy trails!
Nice, Vans-the new canadian real estate market... your vans looking good, I really like that kinda smokey blue, you got all your lug nuts? maybe two different types, if you need some amazon has sets cheap. S10 springs with factory shackles in the rear and 3" pucks up front will give clearance for 30" or 245/75/16 tires with no cutting in the back and minimal in the front and no rubbing, you can get a longer brake line that drops down to the rear axle off rock auto listed in the blazer parts they have many different lengths for the blazers. Keep on keepin on
Yep, you nailed it, I like the term "wheel estate" 😆 I feel like a king in my astro when I see people in cars and trucks.
Good eye on the lugs, there is 3 closed end and 3 open per wheel 😅 the previous owner had light up lug covers that threaded onto the exposed studs.. He was doing some questionable things to this van that's for sure but his intentions were good 👍
I agree on the paint it's my favorite color for the astro, which is a bummer on the wrong match, but we will see what the future holds. I would love to get the whole van rhino lined or some type of coating.
Appreciate the tips that is pretty well the rough plan except the wheels on it now are 17" and I would like to keep them, even though it's a terrible size for all terrains.
Already went with 2" blocks in the front I am hoping I can squeeze a 30" in the front with the lower offset of the aftermarket wheels + lots of cutting/hammering then my only limiting factor should be the subframe when turning 🤞
Then hopefully get away with either aftermarket rear shackles or swap in s10 springs once I see how bad the rake is front to rear.
Good call on the blazer parts it's awesone how much stuff crosses over even the older stuff, the poly sub frame mounts are listed for the old 80s blazer/c10 chassis, good ole GM 😊
Thanks for the comment! Happy trails!
@@alwaysgoodinthewoods lol never heard that "wheel estate" I like it. Ya I really like the wheels you have I would think 245/70/17 would be a good size, just a little bigger than than a 245/75/16 but should fit ok, you can squeeze that little extra you need from the 2" blocks with the torsion bars most likely.
I believe the factory rear shackles have bushings in them where the adjustable don't so there may be a little more road noise transferred to the body. I put in new s10 springs and couldn't be happier they worked great and ride great, they were about five hundred locally, I think I got right at 4 inches lifted with them.
The parts interchangeability with gm is great its almost like lego lol.
What a great chat! Agree with everything you talked about - downsizing hits the heart. On the other side of the coin though, the memory of what you got rid of sticks with you - if that makes sense lol
I'm changing my grand caravan interior design a bit. Have a black lab and a little pug mix. Present design is fine but after a second winter, I know I can do better.
Good roads to you and c'mon back down to the eastern side of Ontario anytime. 👍
Thanks Jaycee 😁
It definitely does.. there is growth in letting go, helps to make it clear what is truly important and best use of energy and time. Experiences, relationships, family (furry🐶and not) health and peace are what really matters.
Good luck on the design change! I was thinking I may have to tweak my van to be more dog friendly with more floor space, and not so narrow. You give me hope that I can make a bigger dog happen in an astro Hope you and the pups are enjoying the summer 😎🌞
Cool setup!
Thanks! Its nothing fancy but thanks to youtube it turned out better than expected 😁
Appreciate the comment!
Nice channel
Thanks, appreciate the comment!
Great Video! Looking forward to the next one.
@morebeer2410 Appreciate it! and thanks for the comment! Workin on one now 😁 Cheers 🍻
Just discovered your channel tonight (RUclips suggested). Watching your past videos and looking forward to your upcoming content. You said you lived near Ottawa, where ? I’m in Orleans. Anyways take care and stay safe.
Appreciate the comment and welcome! Very nice! That is a nice area and a lot closer to the city than I was, I grew up just south of Ottawa, Kemptville - North Augusta, have family all over there down to the St. Lawrence and some in upstate NY.
Really appreciate the kind words, lots of different videos coming out soon, hopefully be a little something for everyone! Thanks for watching and the comment, take care!
Great stuff man.. 🤘 My wife and I recently bought an 05' Astro and are looking forward to some adventures in it.. How big is the lift kit on your Astro ?
Always going to be hard to purchase what you need when you don't have a job
It's hard even with a job 😅
With hyperinflation and stagnant wages, folks with good jobs are struggling.
I have been gainfully employed since age 15 and the only debt I ever had was student loans that are long paid off.
Thanks for the comment!
What lift kit you put on? new sub. by the way
Thanks! + Welcome👋
I bought everything separately, the lift pucks are generic 2"x 3" plastic blocks, found the best price on amazon, but they are all over places like eBay and such.
Then, for hardware, I went to a local fastener shop and bought bolts 2" longer than stock.
The body mounts are poly prothane brand for an 80s chev pick up, not typically needed for the lift, but my stock mounts were shot and all twisted up so no better time to replace.
The rear as it sits is some unidentified replacement rear leaf springs, with 4 leafs over the stock 3 pack. Installed by a previous owner at some point.
I'm undecided how to lift the back or not. I may just put tires on and see how much cutting I can get away with.
With these vans the lift(ground clearance) is all dictated by tires(slight torsion bar adjustment for the front) but tires are the major thing that lifts the rear differential and the front subframe components.
Once you max out on tire size (wheel well space or gearing) more suspension and body lift just puts more strain on everything, makes the van less stable, and hurts mpg...
In the research phase for your van? Appreciate the sub and comment! I may make a video bringing everyone up to speed on all this as there is a lot to consider..