What we do on rainy days is lay down and chill. I never thought I would adjust to the rainy season and here I am 10 years later. Everywhere I’ve lived around the country has some drawback, but here in the PNW, I get to be close to what I love the most-beautiful big tall trees 🌲 and a gorgeous natural environment. It’s so worth it to deal with a few months of rain.
We love coffee, chai, teas, and brews here for a reason! Literally a coffee shop on every block here. 😂 Also, I'm pretty sure "Netflix & Chill" was coined in Oregon. 😅
Right on ! 👍Keeping your existing van is super smart. Saving money will give you wonderful peace of mind. I've been fulltime over 3 years and don't feel rushed at all to make changes to my van. I'm just making the emergency fund bigger. No worries about breakdowns any more. Enough funds for a brand new showroom van if my current funky van fails. You made the right choice 😉.
I second the "make the emergency fund bigger" goal. Don't blow your budget on the wrong things. It's not about impressing people it's about being smart and doing things correctly. - I posted a heartfelt comment for you that I hope you see. I want to see you safe, happy, and successful! 🖤
Made my day to hear you are planning on pampin Stevie! 😁 Astros/Safaris are being touted as the next Westfalia! as long as she isn't too rusty underneath its a good investment 👍 On a 2wd drive that already has a simple functional interior build, I would do as you say, all the maintenance and needed repairs, then tints, small lift/all terrain tires to get a good base and then pick away at the bumpers/lights/accessories/coating as you feel you need them, then finally interior changes/rebuild. One thing I've learned from my build is the interior is never truly done, you will always be tinkering with it as ideas come and go. With just a lift and tires you will be surprised at what Stevie can do, only other thing I would say is a must for semi serious off roading is a skid plate so you don't damage anything underneath while out romping. A new vehicle isn't always headache free, new fords are constantly in the dealership for recalls and issues that they don't have parts for, where as every parts store in north America has parts for Stevie. Might be cheaper on fuel but once you factor in insurance its probably a wash. So exciting! 😁staying tuned in for sure!
thank you for letting me know 🥹 sometimes (often for me) it feels like i am posting into the void. but comments like these keep me motivated to keep posting
Yes and I agree and would love to see more videos posted! Girl Power! You are an inspiration to all female subscribers! You inspire me to do more in life!
The "finding the right light" segment cracked me up :) Mt. Rainier was a pleasant surprise to me a few years ago. I thought, "Well, I gotta hit all the national parks. May as well." And I loved it. Try again in the Spring Alyssa! And I like "talky" videos. It makes me feel like I'm hanging out with a road buddy, and when I hit the road again, I'll be considering a new vehicle. And it HAS to fit in a single parking spot, etc. Wait, Whoa! Just heard the "making Stevie an off-roading monster" segment. That's so you! (But I'll most likely get a Ford Transit haha)
Happy Sunday Alyssa! You represent all female van lifers on the road! You are a true inspiration to all of us! You Rock! May you continue to enjoy your journey on the road!
I was full time in Montana, i was there for 2 years, My van is Sam, she's a 2000 Chevy Astro lifted 5 inches and red, basically your vans little sister, I went to California this past winter because it was really cold in Montana -27⁰, when the cold front hit the us I was staying on the beach in Long Beach but I decided to leave eventually cause it was really expensive out there, I was passing through Nevada or Arizona when you were out there, I wanted to meet up but I thought that was weird, when I made it back to Indiana my home califronia got hit with that crazy snow. Lots of good timing with the weather.
As a PNW person - we do everything we would do in the sun, in the rain and it is glorious! I'm not a fan of anything over 70 and when it is a nice misty rain, it is so perfect. Remember the saying, there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.
Right?! As soon as it hit upper 40's and sunshine, I was outside full-time in shorts and a t-shirt. Alyssa, in Oregon, ALWAYS HAVE A HOODIE WITH YOU, even in summer, even at the coast. Trust me. 😂
@@PollyHistor I know right? I lived in Hood River, White Salmon WA. Snowden, to be exact! 😀 Altitude of my ranch 2,340 ft. AGL. It seemed that I never took off my Hoodie. Hahahaaa....! Between 4-7 foot of snow each season and I loved every moment of it! I worked @ Kaiser Hospital in Portland in Orthopaedics. I refused the Covid-19 Jab and lost my career. beaches
Alyssa! I loved this, it was so natural, less edits, you re-arranging in your van is what I do in my Jeep all the time. Irie vibes, and that white top I bought for a gf last bday.. good taste, my gal
Transit Connects are some pretty cool vans however, they're being discontinued and the prices have gone crazy in the last few years. I had 2 Chevy Astros in my family growing up, both conversion vans, an 88 and a 96. I have also known many, many other people that have had them and there is a reason people love them. My family took a lot of road trips in both and let me tell you, they are ideal for traveling in. On the down side, on older vehicles, sometimes getting parts can be an issue because dedicated parts typically stop being supported after 10 years or so however, they are still using the 4.3L V6 in Chevy and GMC trucks today I believe. That certainly helps. You are awesome, Alyssa. It takes a special person to follow their dreams and travel around, giving up the normal trappings of a typical life for most of us. The fact that you had the courage to do what many of us wish we could do but are too afraid to is awesome. Take care, my friend. Everything happens for a reason and hopefully not getting the Transit Connect was a blessing in disguise.
So excited to see Stevie 2.0!! I'm starting van life in a couple weeks and you really inspire me, I always look forward to watching your videos. Hope you're having a good day!
Yay, Stevie gets a makeover! Suggestions you requested: Try to build light, the more you add the sooner you'll need a transmission. Tint your windows last because you might decide to delete some or change them out for smaller ones that open & made out of acrylic.
IMG, you are getting air conditioning back. That’s exciting news. You need a good A/C to chill, after all you are already hot enough. Only real recommendation I can make are insulation, ventilation, a/c and a diesel heater. Plenty of solar on the roof. Plans change sometimes. Nothing wrong with doing a 180° to get back on track. Keep rocking it.
Before you start updating take it to a mechanic and check the : Transmission/fluid, Front and rear differential fluid and for any rust. We put 12k into out 03 ram and the front diff just went out and its 5k after we paid 3k for the tranny rebuild. So we tapped out and just got a new truck. So we spent 7k for the truck then that wouldve been 17k on mx cost if we had done the diff so that wouldve equaled 24k of money in 2 years time.
I'm so excited to see the van updates! I lived in my car when I moved to washington, because it was such a pain looking for an apartment while I lived in Texas, plus find a job because apartments for some reason prefer you already have a job. So I got to washington, stored most of my life in storage, plus my passenger's seat so that I could turn that spot into a bed. That was fun but winter was coming, and I was realllly getting tired of peeing in a bottle in the middle of the night with only like 3 feet of headspace. I'm now living in the first place I could find. A house shared by like 13 other people where each bedroom is like a tiny personal apartment, sorta. But! I have a bathroom so at least there's that. ANYWAY, it's been so much fun moving things around, and searching for and buying things to store my stuff. Planning vertically has been a challenge because I don't really have that much space to expand on floorspace alone. Finding a place to keep my gigantic bike was probably the hardest. Hopefully you have as much fun as I have in turning your van into the perfect mobile living space. I aspire to be as free as you one day
I just said the same thing I live in my lil rv and I used to camp and grew up outside and I'm exactly the same way now fr I thought I was the only one who felt like this!!! You make me feel so so much better about my "RV/van life" situation!!! Your so great also btw I even researched the one where you smashed the lipstick bc I just had to smash something and I couldn't!!!
Just remember Bigger tires take more power to turn, plus can change your speedometer. The van will probably make a really cool off road machine though.
Another upgrade for your van besides the leaf springs and lift kit I would say 200w flexible solar panels from a company called renogy they are in Ontario California
GIRL. altitude sickness. MT Rainier is crazy high almost 15k ft above sea level. if you drove down and felt better after resting then thats what happened
Hi Alyssa. Look into getting an LSD, limited slip differential. It is the type of gearing for the rear axel. Can help with traction off road. Since your van is based off the S10, Blazer, Gimme, and so on... should be easy to get and it may bolt in without modification. Cannot wait to see the build.
Good thinking on the van! You will still come out ahead..the new stuff comes out of the factory with problems and its costly to get housing while the shop does repairs. And you have to pay full insurance, they only last 200,000 before the high costs begin, its smarter to keep what you have and fix it if anything goes wrong for sure....
I live in Western WA-Olympia. Originally from VA so I totally get it what you mean, I grew up in heat and humidity and barely noticed it then. But I’m soft now since moving to the PNW and I doubt I can ever live comfortably in another region bc the PNW has spoiled me with its climate. So glad you made it to Rainier! I’ve been there more than any place since I moved to WA 10 yrs ago. It’s my favorite. 😊 Happy Trails!
Tinting first!!!! I got Llumar ceramic tint this year and if you can find a good shop, it’s worth it. Kept me cool driving through Nevada in 110 degrees (long road trip, no van life… yet). Stay cool and excited to see Stevie’s next chapter!
I really think aging plays a roll into what we can tolerate with many things, I for one grew up in the south played outside all day ran, biked, skated and I'm a June baby but now at 44, I can't stand to be outside more than 30 minutes in anything above 80
Alyssa!! Love. Love seeing you...post as often as you want , always a treat to listen to you...Astrovan conversion...a fellow RUclipsr ,has converted his Astrovan aand is very knowledgeable on the Astro you may want to pick his brain on possibilities for your Astro ... Michael Zicopoulos is his RUclips channel ... Good luck on your travels ✌️
This video sure brought back good memories. I spent three summers in a row up there, back in 2014, 2015, and 2016, just hauling freight back and forth between Seattle and Portland, but I had to "high tail" it out-of-there, back to the warmth and sunshine by mid September. Enjoy it up there while you still can. Stay safe and quirky-funny, too. It's works well on camera. . . 😊
Sounds like you had altitude sickness. Try taking ginkgo biloba for a week before and ginger or pickle juice helps. Drink plenty of water the whole day before. Get out of Portland and go up the Columbia River Gorge. It's so beautiful and waterfalls are abundant.
About the ford transit connect mini van, you should look for it at dealer ships that is in stock, there are good deals on used but newer ones. Ford is actually moving towards a all electric mini van similar to ford transit connect , so save your money and invest on it when it comes to market
Oh, my gosh! I have an '87 Chevy Astro, red like yours. I've spent $15,500 on it since I got it in Aug '19. It's been at the shop for a year and a half. I just dropped it off today. Hopefully, it will be fixed today. I rented a Ford Transit U-Haul. You were thinking about getting a smaller one, but to be honest, those things suck up gas and have electrical problems. I rented a brand new Transit with only 72 miles on it. The back would start to spark and hour or two after the car was stopped and turned off. I'd love to show you pictures of what I did to the cargo area. In the van, I have a closet that I put together on the cheap. There has to be a point where I can fix my van and go on long trips like you. New engine, alternator, water pump, fuel pump, universal joint, tie rod, starter, brakes, Flow Master Exhaust, new American Racing Rims, ignition coil, tires, air blower, wind shield wipers, etc. Got it towed 8 times. Needs body work and paint still. Wish you luck with yours and hope to see you on the road! In Cali. Peace.
Beautiful scenery! Alyssa is so pretty! I'm sorry you weren't feeling well but glad you're feeling better now. Glad you listened to your body. That is a shame about your new van. That would piss me off, getting the confirmation e-mail and then learning the order was never placed. Wow. Not goiod. This girl always makes me feel happier - less stressed, when I watch her. Thumbs up.
Great vid. I could tell your starting to get into the Groove of this, just go around chasing the good weather, as for rebuilding Stevie awesome idea, can't wait to see that progress, but I think a shower is more important than a closet.🦅
I just invested in the Maxxair mini plus fan/vent, its stealthy, it brings cool air in, and sucks the hot air out, has a ring light, plus its only 10watts.
Looking forward to seeing Stevie's glow up! I'm a firm believer in things happening for a reason, this is the path you're supposed to be on for whatever reason, even if it's not what you were originally hoping for. Sorry your trip to Mount Rainier was a bust, but it's not going anywhere so you can always go back. That is definitely a destination of mine for my retirement RV life - it looks absolutely beautiful! Safe travels!
Alyssa, van life sucks because your not hanging out with me! You have a divine spirit inside you. That’s why your so energetic and beautiful. You just haven’t found the right people to be around. I know your cool. But you could be in a place that appreciates someone like yourself. Like where I live in Hawaii. You are too smart and to talented to live the lifestyle that you do. You should find someone who is well off and desires to be around a positive person like yourself. I hope you succeed at everything you do. And I already know you will, because your to frickin’ awesome. Stay safe and take care, Aloha. 😎🌴🌴🌴
Start with your mechanical issues first,then I recommend the window tint second just for better privacy. I would then do all my interior work and reason being because once you get it lifted if you already have the majority of your interior done it won't be a struggle getting in out as it would be being lifted. Then I would do the lift kit and bigger tires hope this helps you!
I moved to Washington 12 years ago from Vegas. The rains ok and winter is not that bad no more. It's sad but global warming changed this. It's hot here now. Love ur videos
I'm not gonna lie I'm excited you're keeping Stevie. I have a 1995 g20 and it definitely was scary to drive for the first couple months, and I really don't like driving in the wind still lol, but I've come to adore old vans and all their charm. I wouldn't have it any other way
Went to Mt. Rainer back in September for the first time, it was amazing. Hiked the skyline trail, saw reflection lake, and hand fed chipmunks. Washington is a cool place
Astro vans are great for off road… I’ve always wished I had one or another off road vehicle to explore Death Valley national park, especially a crazy drive I’ve heard about out to a Hot Springs in the middle of Saline Valley!
If you do not already have one, please get a carbon monoxide detector for inside your van. Your symptoms at Mt Rainer align with carbon monoxide poisoning. You cannot smell or see carbon monoxide and it builds up in a person’s body until a person goes to sleep and permanently doesn’t wake up. Very cool that the non-delivery of the new van is being seen as a plot twist and Stevie Ray Van is now going to be spruced up! 😊
How does that happen in a van? From her idling van or the exhaust? The symptoms are general and could possibly be linked to something else? Many things (sicknesses, etc.) mirror each other.
Hi Alyssa 👋🏽, don't feel bad about not getting your Ford Transit Connect, my customizer and I have been waiting over a year for ours. We have both called Ford headquarters in Michigan (we also got an email from Ford). They told me that they have my order, when my builder called, he got the same answer. So if you really want it just be patient. If you do decide that you want it, go to another dealer and order it, but this time make sure you have an invoice with everything you want and a set price. That is the one thing we both have. The first thing I would do to Stevie, is get the all weather/ terrain tires, then get it lifted. Safe journeys❤🎉
enjoyed the video and when you lift it and bigger tires there goes the gas milage so I would not do that I would just make sure all the hoses, belts and fluids were new. but hey that's just me good luck and be safe.
I think you can get a high top for Astro vans. You might check into it. Being able to stand up would be really nice. I’m sure the camper topper that you push up and has a sleeping loft is available.
I've always wanted to travel/settle in Oregon or Washington area. Love the scenery there. Sorry about Ford letting you down, have been in some situation of getting confirm emails and product not coming. Granted nothing as big as a vehicle purchase. Looking forward to stevies upgrades! 100% support. Get a winch on front! I would try to get solar mounted on top. But that might not be stealthy in most areas.
Watching your video talking about sitting in a parking lot on a cloudy rainy day, while I am literally sitting in my Honda Element in a parking lot on a cloudy rainy day. Safe travels my car life sister!
It doesn’t rain non stop in winter, some days the rain breaks for a bit and the sun will peak. The rain makes for beautiful spring and summer days. Having lived in Portland, Vancouver and Seattle I love it here. There are better park that are less touristy than Mt Rainier.
That’s really awesome news, Alyssa!!! Good things n thee way for super Steve girl 😀😀😀. Looking forward to the new beast next September… October…😍. Super hug! 🤗
I grew up in the. Pacific Northwest. If you want to lean in, buy a great raincoat and rain boots! Also the prettiest place you will ever go? The only rain Forrest in Northern America. It’s outside Port Angeles! Plus you can camp on the coast! If you liked the twilight series, you can also go visit all that? Or take a ferry ride into Canada and go to Victoria British Columbia.
I authentic so hard when you were in your van trying to find the right light. And when you were too hot and needed cool weather. But it was too cool. My mood is poor if I’m not at the right temperature.I get it. It’s part of getting older.😂 One of my favorite rv’s are Astro Tigers! That’s actually how I found out about your channel. I was looking up Tigers and came across you a while back. My friend had one for sell and I regret not buying it. It has everything that you listed, plus more. I’m like you and like to fit into regular spots. Maybe Stevie 2.0 could be a Tiger instead of the Connect that you ordered. Anything that you end up doing or getting will turn out great!
Been watching for a while. Really enjoying watching your journey! And I'm glad you're gonna pimp Stevie out! Love your setup. Looks super cozy. Thanks for introducing me to Mateo's channel as well. Best of luck!
I LOVE YOU 😘 Thank you so much for this vlog!!!!! It says so much of what I've been thinking ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ I love my Astro Van and I'm not sure if I could find something more suitable right now. Stevie is Gonna Be GORGEOUS tinted, lifted and guarded XOXO You'll need to rhino paint too😂
We Oregonians just do whatever we were gonna do whether it is rainy or not. Kind of have to. With the right gear, and some intestinal fortitude, you can learn how to enjoy yourself and soldier on.
Hey! Alyssa you really really made my day special with this video because I was not feeling well and I really love your videos so so much and I wish you have a amazing weekend💖💫🙂
If the heat is getting to ya now, upgrade that first with ceramic tint. It keeps more heat out than regular dark tint. Looking forward to seeing Stevies upgrades. Keep on keeping on.
I lived in southern Nevada for almost 20 years and moved to Cleveland, OH this past year. Fun fact - Cleveland, OH has more gray days than Seattle! I had no idea this was the case before moving here. It has taken me almost a year to adapt to the cloudy and rainy days but have finally adjusted. If I can do it, so can you!
I love old Vans!! I was taught to drive, first in a van!! Wish I had one, to go visit my Grandkids in AZ. They finally moved to states. Son retired from Marines. They were in Japan majority of his time. Only seen them about 5 times in person, when they were little ones.. They are now 20, 18 and 16 years old!!! I'd love to have a vehicle and money to go!! I envy you! But wish you well and safety Always. Marie
What we do on rainy days is lay down and chill. I never thought I would adjust to the rainy season and here I am 10 years later. Everywhere I’ve lived around the country has some drawback, but here in the PNW, I get to be close to what I love the most-beautiful big tall trees 🌲 and a gorgeous natural environment. It’s so worth it to deal with a few months of rain.
We love coffee, chai, teas, and brews here for a reason!
Literally a coffee shop on every block here. 😂
Also, I'm pretty sure "Netflix & Chill" was coined in Oregon. 😅
Right on ! 👍Keeping your existing van is super smart. Saving money will give you wonderful peace of mind.
I've been fulltime over 3 years and don't feel rushed at all to make changes to my van. I'm just making the emergency fund bigger. No worries about breakdowns any more. Enough funds for a brand new showroom van if my current funky van fails.
You made the right choice 😉.
I second the "make the emergency fund bigger" goal. Don't blow your budget on the wrong things. It's not about impressing people it's about being smart and doing things correctly. - I posted a heartfelt comment for you that I hope you see. I want to see you safe, happy, and successful! 🖤
Made my day to hear you are planning on pampin Stevie! 😁
Astros/Safaris are being touted as the next Westfalia! as long as she isn't too rusty underneath its a good investment 👍
On a 2wd drive that already has a simple functional interior build, I would do as you say, all the maintenance and needed repairs, then tints, small lift/all terrain tires to get a good base and then pick away at the bumpers/lights/accessories/coating as you feel you need them, then finally interior changes/rebuild.
One thing I've learned from my build is the interior is never truly done, you will always be tinkering with it as ideas come and go. With just a lift and tires you will be surprised at what Stevie can do, only other thing I would say is a must for semi serious off roading is a skid plate so you don't damage anything underneath while out romping.
A new vehicle isn't always headache free, new fords are constantly in the dealership for recalls and issues that they don't have parts for, where as every parts store in north America has parts for Stevie. Might be cheaper on fuel but once you factor in insurance its probably a wash.
So exciting! 😁staying tuned in for sure!
The two videos a month is really painful…. I miss your content!
thank you for letting me know 🥹 sometimes (often for me) it feels like i am posting into the void. but comments like these keep me motivated to keep posting
@AlyssaVanilla yes please more videos. At least 2 videos a week. OK ok am I being greedy
Me too! I would like to see more frequent videos too 😊
Yes and I agree and would love to see more videos posted! Girl Power! You are an inspiration to all female subscribers! You inspire me to do more in life!
Yesss 🤩
💓We Love steve too 💓
Kisses for you 2 Alyssa 💋
💟 👍🙏 🌼 🌻🏵
The "finding the right light" segment cracked me up :) Mt. Rainier was a pleasant surprise to me a few years ago. I thought, "Well, I gotta hit all the national parks. May as well." And I loved it. Try again in the Spring Alyssa! And I like "talky" videos. It makes me feel like I'm hanging out with a road buddy, and when I hit the road again, I'll be considering a new vehicle. And it HAS to fit in a single parking spot, etc. Wait, Whoa! Just heard the "making Stevie an off-roading monster" segment. That's so you! (But I'll most likely get a Ford Transit haha)
Happy Sunday Alyssa! You represent all female van lifers on the road! You are a true inspiration to all of us! You Rock! May you continue to enjoy your journey on the road!
Happy Sunday thank you for always being here Lavonne!
I was full time in Montana, i was there for 2 years,
My van is Sam, she's a 2000 Chevy Astro lifted 5 inches and red, basically your vans little sister, I went to California this past winter because it was really cold in Montana -27⁰, when the cold front hit the us I was staying on the beach in Long Beach but I decided to leave eventually cause it was really expensive out there,
I was passing through Nevada or Arizona when you were out there, I wanted to meet up but I thought that was weird, when I made it back to Indiana my home califronia got hit with that crazy snow. Lots of good timing with the weather.
Yes when things don't work out it's for a reason, it's always better to customize something brings better character. Great seeing you.
I'm more excited about seeing Stevie fixed all up, than I would be seeing a new one!! ❤ It!! 😊
Yaaay so glad to hear it!
As a PNW person - we do everything we would do in the sun, in the rain and it is glorious! I'm not a fan of anything over 70 and when it is a nice misty rain, it is so perfect. Remember the saying, there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.
I left the PNW and went to the sun. I love the sun and ocean and the tree's...
Right?! As soon as it hit upper 40's and sunshine, I was outside full-time in shorts and a t-shirt.
Alyssa, in Oregon, ALWAYS HAVE A HOODIE WITH YOU, even in summer, even at the coast. Trust me. 😂
@@PollyHistor I know right? I lived in Hood River, White Salmon WA. Snowden, to be exact! 😀
Altitude of my ranch 2,340 ft. AGL. It seemed that I never took off my Hoodie. Hahahaaa....!
Between 4-7 foot of snow each season and I loved every moment of it! I worked @ Kaiser Hospital in Portland in Orthopaedics. I refused the Covid-19 Jab and lost my career.
beaches
Rooting for You Girl!!.. I'll be Buying My Van in 3 Months!!.. Peace ✌️
Alyssa! I loved this, it was so natural, less edits, you re-arranging in your van is what I do in my Jeep all the time. Irie vibes, and that white top I bought for a gf last bday.. good taste, my gal
Transit Connects are some pretty cool vans however, they're being discontinued and the prices have gone crazy in the last few years. I had 2 Chevy Astros in my family growing up, both conversion vans, an 88 and a 96. I have also known many, many other people that have had them and there is a reason people love them. My family took a lot of road trips in both and let me tell you, they are ideal for traveling in.
On the down side, on older vehicles, sometimes getting parts can be an issue because dedicated parts typically stop being supported after 10 years or so however, they are still using the 4.3L V6 in Chevy and GMC trucks today I believe. That certainly helps.
You are awesome, Alyssa. It takes a special person to follow their dreams and travel around, giving up the normal trappings of a typical life for most of us. The fact that you had the courage to do what many of us wish we could do but are too afraid to is awesome.
Take care, my friend. Everything happens for a reason and hopefully not getting the Transit Connect was a blessing in disguise.
Mt. Rainier looked beautiful 😍
Sorry about your van 🚐 and I love your optimism about the situation and focusing on Stevie ❤
So excited to see Stevie 2.0!! I'm starting van life in a couple weeks and you really inspire me, I always look forward to watching your videos. Hope you're having a good day!
Safe travels
We love you too!! We miss you when you don’t post. Such a beautiful soul!! Good luck with all your endeavors, we’re with you all the way!❤
Yay, Stevie gets a makeover! Suggestions you requested: Try to build light, the more you add the sooner you'll need a transmission. Tint your windows last because you might decide to delete some or change them out for smaller ones that open & made out of acrylic.
IMG, you are getting air conditioning back. That’s exciting news. You need a good A/C to chill, after all you are already hot enough.
Only real recommendation I can make are insulation, ventilation, a/c and a diesel heater. Plenty of solar on the roof.
Plans change sometimes. Nothing wrong with doing a 180° to get back on track. Keep rocking it.
Go Hawks! Staying debt free is true freedom. Safe travels.
Before you start updating take it to a mechanic and check the : Transmission/fluid, Front and rear differential fluid and for any rust. We put 12k into out 03 ram and the front diff just went out and its 5k after we paid 3k for the tranny rebuild. So we tapped out and just got a new truck. So we spent 7k for the truck then that wouldve been 17k on mx cost if we had done the diff so that wouldve equaled 24k of money in 2 years time.
Seeing you always makes me smile!
I'm so excited to see the van updates! I lived in my car when I moved to washington, because it was such a pain looking for an apartment while I lived in Texas, plus find a job because apartments for some reason prefer you already have a job. So I got to washington, stored most of my life in storage, plus my passenger's seat so that I could turn that spot into a bed.
That was fun but winter was coming, and I was realllly getting tired of peeing in a bottle in the middle of the night with only like 3 feet of headspace. I'm now living in the first place I could find. A house shared by like 13 other people where each bedroom is like a tiny personal apartment, sorta. But! I have a bathroom so at least there's that.
ANYWAY, it's been so much fun moving things around, and searching for and buying things to store my stuff. Planning vertically has been a challenge because I don't really have that much space to expand on floorspace alone. Finding a place to keep my gigantic bike was probably the hardest.
Hopefully you have as much fun as I have in turning your van into the perfect mobile living space. I aspire to be as free as you one day
I just said the same thing I live in my lil rv and I used to camp and grew up outside and I'm exactly the same way now fr I thought I was the only one who felt like this!!! You make me feel so so much better about my "RV/van life" situation!!! Your so great also btw I even researched the one where you smashed the lipstick bc I just had to smash something and I couldn't!!!
Just remember Bigger tires take more power to turn, plus can change your speedometer. The van will probably make a really cool off road machine though.
Another upgrade for your van besides the leaf springs and lift kit I would say 200w flexible solar panels from a company called renogy they are in Ontario California
Absolutely love hearing you talking about your journey. I get to live vicariously through your adventures!
GIRL. altitude sickness. MT Rainier is crazy high almost 15k ft above sea level. if you drove down and felt better after resting then thats what happened
Well stay encouraged and I'm glad your feeling better. I enjoy your adventures and pray your van turns out how you want it to. Take Care!!!
Hi Alyssa. Look into getting an LSD, limited slip differential. It is the type of gearing for the rear axel. Can help with traction off road. Since your van is based off the S10, Blazer, Gimme, and so on... should be easy to get and it may bolt in without modification. Cannot wait to see the build.
Good thinking on the van! You will still come out ahead..the new stuff comes out of the factory with problems and its costly to get housing while the shop does repairs. And you have to pay full insurance, they only last 200,000 before the high costs begin, its smarter to keep what you have and fix it if anything goes wrong for sure....
I live in Western WA-Olympia. Originally from VA so I totally get it what you mean, I grew up in heat and humidity and barely noticed it then. But I’m soft now since moving to the PNW and I doubt I can ever live comfortably in another region bc the PNW has spoiled me with its climate. So glad you made it to Rainier! I’ve been there more than any place since I moved to WA 10 yrs ago. It’s my favorite. 😊 Happy Trails!
Tinting first!!!! I got Llumar ceramic tint this year and if you can find a good shop, it’s worth it. Kept me cool driving through Nevada in 110 degrees (long road trip, no van life… yet). Stay cool and excited to see Stevie’s next chapter!
I really think aging plays a roll into what we can tolerate with many things, I for one grew up in the south played outside all day ran, biked, skated and I'm a June baby but now at 44, I can't stand to be outside more than 30 minutes in anything above 80
Alyssa!! Love. Love seeing you...post as often as you want , always a treat to listen to you...Astrovan conversion...a fellow RUclipsr ,has converted his Astrovan aand is very knowledgeable on the Astro you may want to pick his brain on possibilities for your Astro ... Michael Zicopoulos is his RUclips channel ...
Good luck on your travels ✌️
This video sure brought back good memories. I spent three summers in a row up there, back in 2014, 2015, and 2016, just hauling freight back and forth between Seattle and Portland, but I had to "high tail" it out-of-there, back to the warmth and sunshine by mid September. Enjoy it up there while you still can.
Stay safe and quirky-funny, too. It's works well on camera. . . 😊
Sounds like you had altitude sickness. Try taking ginkgo biloba for a week before and ginger or pickle juice helps. Drink plenty of water the whole day before. Get out of Portland and go up the Columbia River Gorge. It's so beautiful and waterfalls are abundant.
I hate the heat, I like the cold..and the snow..
About the ford transit connect mini van, you should look for it at dealer ships that is in stock, there are good deals on used but newer ones. Ford is actually moving towards a all electric mini van similar to ford transit connect , so save your money and invest on it when it comes to market
Oh, my gosh! I have an '87 Chevy Astro, red like yours. I've spent $15,500 on it since I got it in Aug '19. It's been at the shop for a year and a half. I just dropped it off today. Hopefully, it will be fixed today. I rented a Ford Transit U-Haul. You were thinking about getting a smaller one, but to be honest, those things suck up gas and have electrical problems. I rented a brand new Transit with only 72 miles on it. The back would start to spark and hour or two after the car was stopped and turned off. I'd love to show you pictures of what I did to the cargo area. In the van, I have a closet that I put together on the cheap. There has to be a point where I can fix my van and go on long trips like you. New engine, alternator, water pump, fuel pump, universal joint, tie rod, starter, brakes, Flow Master Exhaust, new American Racing Rims, ignition coil, tires, air blower, wind shield wipers, etc. Got it towed 8 times. Needs body work and paint still. Wish you luck with yours and hope to see you on the road! In Cali. Peace.
Looking forward to seeing your new van . Have fun be careful
I love and miss this area of Washington State. Mt Rainer, the Cascades, all those pine trees, the weather 😀Everything!
Beautiful scenery! Alyssa is so pretty! I'm sorry you weren't feeling well but glad you're feeling better now. Glad you listened to your body. That is a shame about your new van. That would piss me off, getting the confirmation e-mail and then learning the order was never placed. Wow. Not goiod. This girl always makes me feel happier - less stressed, when I watch her. Thumbs up.
Yes, It is great to see you again!
Love your videos ❤️ love your aesthetic ❤️🥀✨☁️🪭💌🎴
Great vid. I could tell your starting to get into the Groove of this, just go around chasing the good weather, as for rebuilding Stevie awesome idea, can't wait to see that progress, but I think a shower is more important than a closet.🦅
I just invested in the Maxxair mini plus fan/vent, its stealthy, it brings cool air in, and sucks the hot air out, has a ring light, plus its only 10watts.
We need videos like at least three times a week!!!
Mechanical first. Then tent. Then inside closet etc stuff then outside stuff flood lights lift etc
How Exciting, gettin Stevie all mechanically sound! And then to pimp her out! What fun!
I struggle in the heat also. Anything over 75 without wind is too warm here in Cali. Can't wait to see what you do with your ride!
Looking forward to seeing Stevie's glow up! I'm a firm believer in things happening for a reason, this is the path you're supposed to be on for whatever reason, even if it's not what you were originally hoping for. Sorry your trip to Mount Rainier was a bust, but it's not going anywhere so you can always go back. That is definitely a destination of mine for my retirement RV life - it looks absolutely beautiful! Safe travels!
Alyssa, van life sucks because your not hanging out with me! You have a divine spirit inside you. That’s why your so energetic and beautiful. You just haven’t found the right people to be around. I know your cool. But you could be in a place that appreciates someone like yourself. Like where I live in Hawaii. You are too smart and to talented to live the lifestyle that you do. You should find someone who is well off and desires to be around a positive person like yourself. I hope you succeed at everything you do. And I already know you will, because your to frickin’ awesome.
Stay safe and take care, Aloha.
😎🌴🌴🌴
Great video. Excellent upgrade ideas. Looking forward to seeing the process. 🥰
#ditto
Start with your mechanical issues first,then I recommend the window tint second just for better privacy. I would then do all my interior work and reason being because once you get it lifted if you already have the majority of your interior done it won't be a struggle getting in out as it would be being lifted. Then I would do the lift kit and bigger tires hope this helps you!
I moved to Washington 12 years ago from Vegas. The rains ok and winter is not that bad no more. It's sad but global warming changed this. It's hot here now. Love ur videos
YOU GO GIRL!! LOL. A mindset change is sometimes a good thing. Good luck with your changes and enjoy your travels to better and better.
I'm not gonna lie I'm excited you're keeping Stevie. I have a 1995 g20 and it definitely was scary to drive for the first couple months, and I really don't like driving in the wind still lol, but I've come to adore old vans and all their charm. I wouldn't have it any other way
Went to Mt. Rainer back in September for the first time, it was amazing. Hiked the skyline trail, saw reflection lake, and hand fed chipmunks. Washington is a cool place
Astro vans are great for off road… I’ve always wished I had one or another off road vehicle to explore Death Valley national park, especially a crazy drive I’ve heard about out to a Hot Springs in the middle of Saline Valley!
If you do not already have one, please get a carbon monoxide detector for inside your van. Your symptoms at Mt Rainer align with carbon monoxide poisoning. You cannot smell or see carbon monoxide and it builds up in a person’s body until a person goes to sleep and permanently doesn’t wake up.
Very cool that the non-delivery of the new van is being seen as a plot twist and Stevie Ray Van is now going to be spruced up! 😊
How does that happen in a van? From her idling van or the exhaust?
The symptoms are general and could possibly be linked to something else? Many things (sicknesses, etc.) mirror each other.
Hi Alyssa 👋🏽, don't feel bad about not getting your Ford Transit Connect, my customizer and I have been waiting over a year for ours. We have both called Ford headquarters in Michigan (we also got an email from Ford). They told me that they have my order, when my builder called, he got the same answer. So if you really want it just be patient. If you do decide that you want it, go to another dealer and order it, but this time make sure you have an invoice with everything you want and a set price. That is the one thing we both have. The first thing I would do to Stevie, is get the all weather/ terrain tires, then get it lifted. Safe journeys❤🎉
Stoked to see the upgrades 🙌🏻
Can’t wait to see Stevie 2.0!!
Also that boba looked amazing
Alsoooo I’m probably gonna be somewhere near you next week!
Great vid ❤
CANT WAIT!!!
enjoyed the video and when you lift it and bigger tires there goes the gas milage so I would not do that I would just make sure all the hoses, belts and fluids were new. but hey that's just me good luck and be safe.
This is good to know thank you!
@@AlyssaVanilla your welcome
I think you can get a high top for Astro vans. You might check into it. Being able to stand up would be really nice. I’m sure the camper topper that you push up and has a sleeping loft is available.
I've always wanted to travel/settle in Oregon or Washington area. Love the scenery there.
Sorry about Ford letting you down, have been in some situation of getting confirm emails and product not coming. Granted nothing as big as a vehicle purchase.
Looking forward to stevies upgrades! 100% support.
Get a winch on front! I would try to get solar mounted on top. But that might not be stealthy in most areas.
interested to see how ur gonna redo stevie! i really appreciate how authentic you are. thanks for sharing ❤have a lovely day
I love how you stay positive even though things didn't turn out the way you wanted! You are wonderful!!❤️
Yayyy so excited to see Stevie’s makeover!!!
Watching your video talking about sitting in a parking lot on a cloudy rainy day, while I am literally sitting in my Honda Element in a parking lot on a cloudy rainy day. Safe travels my car life sister!
It doesn’t rain non stop in winter, some days the rain breaks for a bit and the sun will peak. The rain makes for beautiful spring and summer days. Having lived in Portland, Vancouver and Seattle I love it here.
There are better park that are less touristy than Mt Rainier.
Same here I grew up in Heat and Humility in NYC summers. I just got back not fun anymore. Give me San Franscico and Oakland CA summer weather always.
stay cool out there sis can’t wait for more of your content this fall 💛
A winch . There always great to have .
That’s really awesome news, Alyssa!!! Good things n thee way for super Steve girl 😀😀😀. Looking forward to the new beast next September… October…😍. Super hug! 🤗
I grew up in the. Pacific Northwest. If you want to lean in, buy a great raincoat and rain boots! Also the prettiest place you will ever go? The only rain Forrest in Northern America. It’s outside Port Angeles! Plus you can camp on the coast! If you liked the twilight series, you can also go visit all that? Or take a ferry ride into Canada and go to Victoria British Columbia.
I authentic so hard when you were in your van trying to find the right light. And when you were too hot and needed cool weather. But it was too cool. My mood is poor if I’m not at the right temperature.I get it. It’s part of getting older.😂
One of my favorite rv’s are Astro Tigers! That’s actually how I found out about your channel. I was looking up Tigers and came across you a while back. My friend had one for sell and I regret not buying it. It has everything that you listed, plus more. I’m like you and like to fit into regular spots. Maybe Stevie 2.0 could be a Tiger instead of the Connect that you ordered. Anything that you end up doing or getting will turn out great!
Keep doing what you’re doing! It’s nice to see you being yourself!
Your videos are my happy place! Can’t wait to see what you and Stevie do next!!
If you’re getting a grill made, have them add a wench to it so you can always save yourself if you get stuck beyond dig out. 👍🏼
just the video I needed after a crumby Sunday
Been watching for a while. Really enjoying watching your journey! And I'm glad you're gonna pimp Stevie out! Love your setup. Looks super cozy. Thanks for introducing me to Mateo's channel as well. Best of luck!
I LOVE YOU 😘
Thank you so much for this vlog!!!!!
It says so much of what I've been thinking ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I love my Astro Van and I'm not sure if I could find something more suitable right now.
Stevie is Gonna Be GORGEOUS tinted, lifted and guarded XOXO
You'll need to rhino paint too😂
We Oregonians just do whatever we were gonna do whether it is rainy or not. Kind of have to. With the right gear, and some intestinal fortitude, you can learn how to enjoy yourself and soldier on.
I live on Alki beach in Seattle. Highly recommend visiting!!
i've found my heat intolerance to get lower as i age, too!
I think your branding is fun! Leopard and red 👍🏽
Hey! Alyssa you really really made my day special with this video because I was not feeling well and I really love your videos so so much and I wish you have a amazing weekend💖💫🙂
Have a good week mansoor 😙
You are so funny! I look forward to seeing your van morph into what you want. It is such a cute van!
If the heat is getting to ya now, upgrade that first with ceramic tint. It keeps more heat out than regular dark tint. Looking forward to seeing Stevies upgrades. Keep on keeping on.
I love what you said at the end!…stay safe👍🏿😂
HeavyDSparks is the best at exterior modifications and DualEx is the best for interior modifications. They're both on RUclips. Stay sweet. Love ya!
Thank you for the recommendations! Miss your letters!!
I lived in southern Nevada for almost 20 years and moved to Cleveland, OH this past year. Fun fact - Cleveland, OH has more gray days than Seattle! I had no idea this was the case before moving here. It has taken me almost a year to adapt to the cloudy and rainy days but have finally adjusted. If I can do it, so can you!
Can't wait to see the new look of your van
I'm so happy you decided to keep Stevie and I look forward to the changes❤
I love old Vans!! I was taught to drive, first in a van!! Wish I had one, to go visit my Grandkids in AZ. They finally moved to states. Son retired from Marines. They were in Japan majority of his time. Only seen them about 5 times in person, when they were little ones.. They are now 20, 18 and 16 years old!!! I'd love to have a vehicle and money to go!! I envy you! But wish you well and safety Always. Marie
Life is a journey
OMG I’m so excited for you and Stevie! Can’t wait to see all that you get done.
Stay safe out there young lady ❤
Love the Eddie Vedder background track!
dude im so excited to see you upgrade ur van!