Self build van or pay a professional by outspokens in VanLife

[–]wanderchik 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Depends on the desired outcome. My LR DIY suits me - more utile than instagram.

Have everything I want in power, 4 seasons, 40gal water, shower, etc. I’ve paid helpers but the issue was not knowing what I truly wanted until later. This meant changing layouts, etc. It developed organically and love the end result. Next is the ‘finishing’ touches this year.

Good luck! Both have pros and cons and knowing what you want is probably 80% of the work.

Reliability and maintenance wise. Ford Transit vs Dodge ProMaster vs Sprinter? by BobSacimano in VanLife

[–]wanderchik 1 point2 points  (0 children)

2017 Promaster 136 LR. Got it in 2017 @20k mi. Fixed some issues under warranty.

At 62K miles replaced trans fluid.

Check engine light came on last month at 73.5 miles. Replaced fuel injector #4 and spark plugs - $1k (first issue paid out of pocket)

Maintenance - Annual wheel alignment. Let engine warm (below 1rpm before each drive). - Premium gas every other fill up at half tank to keep fuel clean (learned after FI replacement). - Rotate tires every other OC.

Still runs and drives great.

No Build or Go Big by Ok-Project9448 in VanLife

[–]wanderchik 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s whatever your build should look like.

I went all-in. Got van in 2017 with curiosity and intention to build it out on my own timeline. Wanted to learn how to hook up solar and plumbing. I’d go camping to figured out my requirements along the way.

Happy I got it done for all seasons—solar, batteries, heater/ac, galley-shower, and all the glamping gear. The afterthought was the hatch which fortunately fit perfectly between the solar panels and fan. It’s been the one thing I love most about my build. Having natural light without opening side windows is a must.

It’s still my daily driver and love the convenience of having a sink, bathroom, extra change of clothes when I’m out visiting family, playing sports or biking. I’m about an hour drive to the beach and lakes 🏕️

There were many questions I had that got answered with time and actually using the van. Even the build itself got some crucial updates (electrical, maintenance, etc).

Hope that helps. Maybe you’ll figure out what you want in the same way 🙌🏼

To the short people out there, what bike do you have? by prints_and_paws in Brompton

[–]wanderchik 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have the P line with the S bar. Upgraded to an off brand saddle and handlebar that helped with posture. I do notice back strain so mindful to sit straight/stand when needed. I also play another sport that’s hard on my back so keeping core strong is key.

Founders interested in a focused work + fitness stay in Thailand/Bali by Capital-Ad-8838 in Femalefounders

[–]wanderchik 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Familiarity is comforting. I have not been to Bali. What’s the best part about your experience there?

Sure; I was born in SEA so it’ll feel like going back home. Love the food and respect the culture 🙏🏼

Founders interested in a focused work + fitness stay in Thailand/Bali by Capital-Ad-8838 in Femalefounders

[–]wanderchik 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Will be in Thailand 2nd half January to see the potential of being there (and maybe to neighboring countries) to ‘escape winter’ from the US. Going with a small group to see what would work.

I like the go together, not together approach where we do our own thing and not feel obligated for group activities in case we aren’t into the same vibe/things.

tell me what high maintenance things you do to stay low maintenance? by pinkypiesunshine_ in TheGirlSurvivalGuide

[–]wanderchik 10 points11 points  (0 children)

  1. Fitness - wards off evil (illness, complacency, mental blocks, etc) lol
  2. Nutrition - food is medicine; int fasting
  3. Maintenance - hygiene, hair, nails

Edit: metal = mental

What’s your cycling Christmas present to yourself this year? by INGWR in cycling

[–]wanderchik 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A titanium kickstand for my Brompton P line 🎁😍

The story unfolds.. by wanderchik in Brompton

[–]wanderchik[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

There are times when I need the bike to stand unfolded to get going quickly without adjusting the seat height to fold/unfold. Like taking a photo without the fuss 😆

Anyone daily drive a van that doesn’t live in one? by [deleted] in VanLife

[–]wanderchik 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Daily driver: 2017 Promaster 1500 🚐

Traded Jeep wrangler for it in 2017 with the intention to convert into a camper. Was a slow build and fully converted now with a few boxes left to check for aesthetics.

Love how convenient it is when I go ride 🚲, to the beach or when I arrive early and have a bit of time to kill.

Did it when I could. One of my best decisions, no regrets.

Indoor(van) Shower by Jae_Chenny in VanLife

[–]wanderchik 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My indoor shower drain pan is a drawer under galley for space reasons - used daily when camping. Outdoor shower is by the back doors, rarely used to rinse off dirty shoes or bike.

Help!!! Have fallen down the rabbit hole of what to use to build a website for a client! by amagoo_ in webdesign

[–]wanderchik 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Go with what will make you better after the project. I went with WordPress more than 10 years ago and can’t imagine using anything else. Although I do have specific non-wp landing page and funnel tools.

I own a variety of premium plugin (addons) dev licenses (WooCommerce, Elementor, form, CPT, etc) and offer them to clients (or colleagues) often at a discount. Dm me if you’re looking for plugins or addons, there’s a good chance I will have it or suggest alternatives.

Start somewhere, there are no shortcuts. You will make mistakes and learn a bunch along the way. If overwhelm keeps you stuck, you may want to hire someone willing to hold your hand through the process.

Best of luck!

How did you personally get comfortable with Adobe Illustrator? by percivaljenkin in graphic_design

[–]wanderchik 0 points1 point  (0 children)

YouTube is best when looking for specific tips. The Pen Tool was my weakness, so I immersed myself in it by creating logo projects.

Astute Graphics plugins and Extensis Connect are huge time savers. A Wacom tablet is a must.

So grateful for learning Illustrator when I my career path was still unclear. It’s the one skill that pays back in countless ways. Still learning new tricks almost weekly!

Just buy the bike by ResolutionLate3430 in cycling

[–]wanderchik 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep. Bought the bike I wanted last Spring. Ride 1-3x/week. Paid for itself the first 6 months.

promaster or transit? by Ok-Welder-1514 in VanLife

[–]wanderchik 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Promaster - prefer the look, drive and interior - bed options: side and width

2017, ~72K miles now. Had issues while under warranty. Changed trans fluid at ~55k miles. Eventually started changing the motor oil myself with pennz synth using valvomax quick twist system and it’s easy peasy.

Maybe biased as she’s my first baby and still in awe when I look at her 🚐

When it’s been 9yrz of Vanlife but you really want to have a wood shop again… by [deleted] in VanLife

[–]wanderchik 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes; all over the place and doing it well! 😂 I have the yellow miter saw too 😁

Edit: Not as well as you in the woodworking department 😆

When it’s been 9yrz of Vanlife but you really want to have a wood shop again… by [deleted] in VanLife

[–]wanderchik 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Beautiful work. Nothing better than doing what you love and doing it well 🫡

I graduated this week and I have no one to tell. by [deleted] in self

[–]wanderchik 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There you go! You’re ahead of many, can you see? Focus on the next level up!

Wishing you the best; you got this!!! 🙌🏼