Over the years I lost interest in riding and slowly unsubscribed from the many MTB channels I followed.. except yours. I stayed more for the personality rather than the content (which is great too). I'm thankful for this kind of 'extra' content, other than the riding videos. It is truly inspiring to watch the path you took and still on. Looking forward to see what is coming next. Thanks.

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

I appreciate that very much. I enjoy telling all kinds of stories and having everyone come along for the ride!

@Adam6224x

5 ай бұрын

Yeah, similar. (I still ride a lot, I even met Brian on the trails few months ago, but just like this kind of content more)

41 is still young. I'm 56 and still shredding and doing epic all dayers on the bike. You still have many years of biking and YouTubing ahead of you. Keep it up because we're all looking forward to more of your videos.

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

Love to hear that!! Keep on trucking!

@HankBizzle

4 ай бұрын

I'm 43 and still think I'm 20, age is nothing but a number, genuinely. My fastest riding buddy is nearing his 60's now and still faster than any of us 😅

Engine replacement on your dime at 75k miles is a pretty big negative IMO. I was considering a van for a while but I have decided instead to go with a truck and add an overlanding style camper on it which will allow sleeping space as well as internal bike storage. The real issue with vans for me is the overinflated value they have at this point on the used market. I am seeing 200k E250 vans with the 5.4 Triton (yuck) going for 10k+ with utility racks still in them. I think vanlife in general killed vanlife as a reality for most people.

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

Pretty big negative is an understatement 😫. I am very intrigued by the overlanding setups!

@PuffinPass

5 ай бұрын

@@bkxc Worth looking at as I think it allows more flexibility of both vehicle options as well as where you can actually travel to. I am in the process of getting the money together for a Radica Moonlander but GoFastCampers is a good option if you have the coin to spare and a truck they build for.

@davisjl1979

5 ай бұрын

Im looking at midsize truck and the Tune M1 topper. The lightweight camper market has lots of options now!

@bwadsworth87

5 ай бұрын

@@bkxc project M pop up topper and many like it let's your truck be a truck while keeping all your gear safe

@bernardlouis4629

5 ай бұрын

Chrysler and reliability ....... Had one and it drove real nice but nothing but trouble.@@bkxc

Driving a Promaster like a grandma is key! The transmission just can't take a lot of hard shifting. Our 2017 Promaster has ZERO problems in 85k miles. It's a game changer for mountain biking in so many new, beautiful places!!

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

That’s great to hear!

@reidcrosby6241

4 ай бұрын

Some can be 100k and be on second engine and third tranny.

@MDounBally-pt8gz

Ай бұрын

Agreed with you, I don’t think these cars are made for mountain climbing with heavy loads on them, they are a work van for inner cities, dust you have to drive nice with it.

Update: Credit where credit is due - those who followed my Wayfarer Vans saga. Happy to say, they stood behind their work and made things right. Thank you Wayfarer Vans and Mitch, for ultimately doing the right thing. Kudos to small companies like this, who take responsibility for their products.

@bkxc

4 ай бұрын

Glad it worked out for ya

Find a reputable independent repair shop and stop going to the dealer. You'll save lots of money and get better quality work.

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

Amen to that. The stupid thing is I bought the damn “platinum” oil change package when I bought the vehicle. But that doesn’t mean I can’t just get the free oil change and then go to a shop for service. Sarah recently went to a new place and they gave a really cool detailed report with photos and she was so impressed with every part of the experience.

@danielmiller1302

5 ай бұрын

promasters have European nuts, bolts, etc...many mechanics won't work on them, some that do, you wished they hadn't, few, very few can. mechanical shops also if not dealer, take forever to get parts, so down time sucks

@eighty6gt

5 ай бұрын

​@@danielmiller1302what

@daniellipscomb4309

5 ай бұрын

Yep dealer should only be used for warranty work. There is a reason they are called the stealership!

@nickcoulter973

5 ай бұрын

​@@danielmiller1302What?! If your mechanic can't work on something with "European nuts/bolts", you need a new mechanic. Every vehicle I can think of uses internationally sourced components and metric nuts/bolts. Sae went out with the Clinton administration.

Nice to hear your uncle Dennis still inspires you! Mine (who passed away a year or so ago) still inspires me too. It's as much the attitude you pick up when you remember them! And indeed, just do something, it will lead to many positives. Don't delay over all the choices we have, just make one and get going. Will learn a lot and have adventures.

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

Most definitely!! Get out there and live.

I too have a 2019 Promaster with 65K miles, which I fully built out myself (my COVID project). I am soooo happy to have made the decision to get the van. My wife and I (and our dog until he passed) have traveled all over the west mountain biking, skiing, hiking, and enjoying the great outdoors. The DIY buildout was challenging at times, but nothing I think most people with some construction/renovation skills can't handle. And the beauty of building it yourself is that you know about every system and component in the van - no mysteries. Thanks for all the MTB stoke as well as the Promaster stoke (when you're not getting towed) Brian. I have thoroughly enjoyed your channel and perhaps we'll swing over to your little paradise and say hello sometime!

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

That’s just too cool! Glad that thing has brought you so much joy over the past few years!!

Awesome to see how far you’ve come and where your van has taken you. I’ve been watching your channel since you were riding that Santa Cruz waaaay back, before you bought your first van, before you collaborated with Seth and STS, before you went to Japan, and rode around the world. You were just another guy posting mountain biking videos on youtube. It inspired me and motivated me to get into cycling myself. Cheers man! Another great vid.

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

Love to hear that so much!! Thanks for the kind words

I don't ever really plan on buying a ram promaster, but I watched this video just to see what issues you've had and whatnot. Glad I stuck around, the last minute made it worth it ;)

Glad I watched to the end! The Ram annoying chime now remedied with your solution! After building a van years ago I agree with many of your observations. Never needed a bathroom or shower, a power station is now so much simpler (on my new build) and I never installed a sink. Just a jug and a bin. Worked great!

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

You’re doing it right!!

Thanks for the review and happy new year!

Vehicle prices are crazy. I remember being a teenager in the 90's and Lamborghini's were around $125,000. A fully furnished van costing something similar in 2023 is mind blowing.

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

Hahaha yes!!

@Scroll_Lock

4 ай бұрын

Calculate inflation, from 1993 that would now be $263,583.04. The thing that irritates me more is that you can't even get a house for that now. The Covid van life boom caused the price hike mostly. The Winnebago Revel used be be sold for around $130,000 and then suddenly it went to $212,000 almost a year later.

Cool to know you met your wife through this adventure! Great story!

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

Thanks so much!

Great video, appreciate the candid discussion of your experience!

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

brian is a huge inspiration to me. i was still new to MTB when i started to watching his videos in early covid, since then ive ridden tons of cool spots including sedona, santa cruz, whistler, big bear, and the sierras. im 10/50 into my 50 state shred!

@bkxc

4 ай бұрын

That is just too cool!!

Inspiring Brian. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I'm retiring in about 3 years so I'm thinking about doing this. All the best to you, Sarah and your family in 2024!

@bkxc

4 ай бұрын

Thanks so much!

Thanks for the update BK. Every time I talk myself out of buying a fancy new van I'm so grateful for my old Ford Econoline. I've got to give it a bit of a refresh and hang on to it for a while - no payment and so functional. But someday I'll get that upgrade...

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

That is fantastic, glad you're SQUEEZING every mile out of your van!

I’m going overseas next year, taking a year out from the daily drag of work. But I’m already thinking about what I’ll do when I return home, and something like a van was something I was considering. So this is a handy eye opener and I’m rethinking. Keep up the good work Brian.

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

Very cool Jon!! Hope it all works out.

Brian, you have influenced my life in such a positive way. Keep up the good work in the new year!

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

That is awesome to hear, thanks for sharing with me!

I loved my 2016 Dodge 1500 Promaster work van. The six cylinder FWD was really nice. Although the van had ISSUES and was quirky. My company tried to deliver TWO new vans and I refused. But accepted a brand new Chevrolet van in 2021 and retired Jan 2, 2022.

The van was a smart call. Always love having a home base in my travels. I run a truck and camper setup which works well for hauling my kayak trailer.

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

Yeah, I’m really, really glad! I didn’t even talk about how it totally enabled me to do the entire Everstoke project. I’d be camping in a damn tent week after week and that would not have been fun.

The absolute best video I've seen about Van life. Honest and well presented. Great job!

@bkxc

4 ай бұрын

Wow, thanks so much!

This is a terrific video. 2019 was the year I got the OVRLND pop-up camper for my Nissan Frontier. I also benefitted during COVID and enjoyed hundreds of days, camping through the lower 48 states. I am 70 years old and enjoying every minute. I can relate to just about everything in this video. Nice job, conveying your thoughts and ideas.

I haven't rode in years, college got in the way and I've outgrown my bike, but I remember watching every single one of your videos after school back in 2019-2020. I must say watching you and seeing how the van has held up was very nostalgic

@bkxc

4 ай бұрын

That's too cool! Glad I could bring back some great memories!

Fellow promaster owner here (4 years, 55K) and occasional MTB'r and have watched some of your videos over the years and took some of your advice (for van stuff & Bentonville trails) Thanks for doing what ya do!

@bkxc

4 ай бұрын

Love to hear that! thanks

You have been a positive and very different inspiration since I first started to watch "vanlife" (2019??) to learn and immerse into panel vans. This video follows the same positive, enriching pattern. So much to learn about so many of all those little big things. All very positive. Thank you.

@bkxc

4 ай бұрын

Awesome, love hearing that!!

Great review/reflection on van life! Thanks for sharing your journey!!!

@bkxc

4 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

I CANNOT believe this engine required a rebuilt at only 75K miles. That is wild to me. RAM is the worst for that. So sorry you had to deal with that. If and when I get a large cargo van, I'll probably go with the Ford Transit. But you know, I really wish Toyota would break into this market. Then we'd have a cargo van we could trust would last. Some people import 25 year old Toyota Hiace Vans into the states, but they come with their own pros and cons too. Anyway, best of luck!

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

Yep, I’d love for a bulletproof Toyota van!!

@AdventureOtaku

5 ай бұрын

Yeah, unless it is under warranty there is no reason to go to a dealer. And this isnt the first time I have heard about an engine rebuild on a way too young pro master.

@robvanduren761

4 ай бұрын

Does having a Toyota badge on the front of your van make it more reliable ? . I brought a Chinese LDV [Maxxus] Deliver 9 van and its been fault free for 3 years. Legacy auto makers are for people who live in the past centuries

@alexballew

4 ай бұрын

@@robvanduren761 Yes, having a Toyota badge in general gives me more faith that it will be more reliable. Not just because of an emblem, but because of my car ownership history and experience with Toyota compared to other makers. Prime example: a RAM engine failing after 75K miles. That would never happen with Toyota unless you did zero upkeep.

@niq872

4 ай бұрын

@@robvanduren7613 years? that's the bare minimum

Great video. I'm contemplating building a van and your tips are spot on. Thank you

Came here for a van build and Brian's character explanations of his gear. Got some well worded philosophy on life. Well done.

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Love your content, Brian. Great stuff always. Happy new year

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

Thanks so much!!

Some really good tips and info. I appreciate you posting it!

@bkxc

4 ай бұрын

Thanks!

Love your channel - its just so honest and real

Love your channel....super job on reflection and story telling. Have a wonderful 2024 Brian.

Needed this video. Was at so many dealers looking at vans but was starting to get cold feet. Thanks for the nudge!

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

Nice! Glad to hear it.

@Bubba24-ne4zp

5 ай бұрын

Don't buy a Dodge/Chrysler

Just happened to randomly catch this video come across my screen. It was of interest to me as we just recently purchased a 2023 Travato on a 3500 Ram Promaster chassis. They fixed most of the issues you mentioned plus I do all of my own maintenance. This is my fourth RV in 30 years and I plan to keep this for a long time. I was curious to see how others feel about the van after 100 K miles. So far so good.

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

Awesome, that’s great to hear you’re so dedicated to the RV life! Hope it all works out for you.

I replaced the headlights on my 2019 with and LED conversion kit. Worked great!

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

Fantastic! I honestly hadn’t looked into it for a couple years, I should have done better research on that point.

@18cjosh

5 ай бұрын

That’s the one I used! I upgraded the fogs as well and it’s a different vehicle at night. We lived in ours for a year with my wife and now 7 year old traveling North America and mountain biking. I hated and refused night driving until we made the changes.

The philosophical aspect, yes! Enjoyed hearing about the van experience intertwined with the MTB / lifestyle piece.

Just did my first test ride on my new Ibis RIpley XT, it was awesome. Decided on an Ibis years ago after watching your channel, much appreciated, thanks.

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

Love to hear it!

The worse thing that can happen is end up on parent's couch for a couple years. Thank you Brian for that motivational talk :D

@bkxc

4 ай бұрын

Hahaha

I just discovered you thru a a Wayfayer link. Shocked at the cost increases on vans since 2020. Very informative video! I’m going to continue to car camp for a while. Looking forward to your future videos to remind me to live intentionally!!

@bkxc

2 ай бұрын

Glad to hear that, thanks!

We bought a used 2019, 2500 Promaster that had already been built-out at Wayfarer. The build was similar to yours. My wife and I drove cross-country and back from Maine over 7-months. We covered 14,000 miles and 40-states-all during Covid. Some of the best adventure-time we've ever shared together. I agree completely with your idea to add a rear window over the bed area. Also, getting a good lithium battery for your accessories. I'm thinking of doing it again. I might go with the 1500, and size-down a tiny bit, and go with the newer Wayfarer builds which look even better than before. There's nothing quite as great as having your independence out on the highway.

@bkxc

4 ай бұрын

That is awesome, love hearing you got some great adventure out of your van!!

Hey Brian, honestly I don't like your biking videos so much. But this kind of content I really love. Especially when you become philosophical. And man, the time flyes! I remember you purchasing the van just a "few months ago"...

I definitely need to start living life more to the fullest and get on some of those adventures like your uncle did. Great message bro!

@bkxc

4 ай бұрын

Thanks so much Jared!

Nice vid Brian. Happy new year!

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

Thanks so much John!

I still remember the episode when you met Sarah! I've watched your channel for years, and hope to for many more.

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

Love to hear that!!

Hey happy new year Brian to you and Sarah! Guess what just want to say I appreciate you so much and ur awesome content…you are the best remember number 1 haha!!!!

@bkxc

4 ай бұрын

Thanks for that, I appreciate ya!

Thanks for the seat belt extender idea. I am going to get one!

@oldrichkucina8282

Ай бұрын

Or you can just disable the sound with OBD diagnostics (like Multiecuscan, etc)...

Great video B !!! Lol .. I still remeber when you weren't even sure about quiting your day job to do Yourube Damn, You came a long way dude in a pretty short time. Thanks for letting us all come along. This shit has been incredible !!! 💯👍

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

Thanks for being along for the ride the whole time!

Thanks you so much for this video. You are singing my song! In 2018 I bought a Promaster strictly because I heard about Wayfarer. My van was bought new, but on a special for around 27K. Then, the Wayfarer conversion was a bit over 8K. I was reluctant to spend that much (who knew how much both would cost in the future). I also drove to Colorado and had the kit installed in the morning as I toured Garden of the Gods using Ian's minivan (mini truck) to get there. I have really liked the conversion, which is solid, but had the same complaint about the sink. I never used it as I had campers before and never wanted to deal with grey water. I also use a spray bottle (vinegar) for dishes, and use wipes, and sponge baths for me when I can't access a shower. No one has complained. You can't keep pretty clean using non-traditional methods. Every year I manage to find something to upgrade. Two years ago I upgraded the sound system with a Kenwood head unit and speakers. Like you, I'm not blown away with the sound, but I like the higher quality camera view (I had to replace the rear camera with a better one), Airplay, and the unit also gave me onboard GPS when I'm out of cellular range. This last summer my friend and I took out the kitchen (I gave it away to another Wayfarer) and built a new one that completely removed the sink and added a drawer for an induction burner and a cabinet for a small microwave. I agree completely with the idea of going with a power station (solar generator). I started with a Yeti 1250-which worked for the basics. I now have a Pecron E3000 which gives me 3KW (naturally, I have a lot of solar, etc). It is powerful enough for me to use the induction hotplate, the microwave, and even a small electric pressure cooker. Naturally, one at a time with careful monitoring of the sun (for the panels) and the time used on the appliance. For instance, I use the microwave for 4-6 minutes at a time. I sort of have a window regret. I put one on the side slide, which is a must when backing out. Sometimes I wish I put one on the driver's side too. Not a huge deal. I do have rain guards and can open my front windows. That seems to work OK for ventilation. Everything you said about the positives of owning the van are so true. There is nothing like being exhausted and having the option of pulling into a rest stop and sleep (for hours or overnight). When I drive somewhere I always have what I need with me. The weather changed and getting cold? No problem, I have a coat in the van. I'm starving and the only restaurant that I can find looks like it is in need of a health inspection? I have a whole kitchen right in the back! Etc. Would I spend 50K for a new van and 20K for a build-out? Hmm, that would be tough for me, but that is just me. Again, thank you for your very nice video.

@bkxc

4 ай бұрын

Great to hear about your journey and how you changed things up along the way!

Best MTB channel out there. Thanks for all the great content Brian!

@bkxc

4 ай бұрын

Thanks so much!

What a great video this was. Thanks for the inspiration, I am going to get a van!

@bkxc

5 күн бұрын

Love to hear it!

17,000 dollars is almost the same as a new mountain bike? I serious hope no one is spending that much on a mountain bike

@h82fail

4 ай бұрын

The price of two new mountain bikes.

Great Video packed with good practical tips and philosophical nuggets !!!

@bkxc

4 ай бұрын

Hahaha, thanks

It’s been quite a journey watching all your van videos and all the places it has taken you. I can’t believe that the 50 state shred happened a few years ago. Time just keeps doing it’s thing. I love watching your videos Bryan, keep up the good work!

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

Time absolutely flies!!

Amazing video , really love the ending.

I'll watch video soon. Hope you had a good Christmas and have a happy new year

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

Thanks so much!

Love the rawness of this video

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

Thanks Shelby!

I love this story line! Get out and experience the world! Thanks for reinforcing the message Brian! I hope to ride with you sometime up in Annadel in Sonoma County or better yet, find you in the middle of Montanta on a great trail! who knows!

@bkxc

4 ай бұрын

Plenty of great trails out there!!

When shopping for my van, I excluded Promasters and Transits from my search. Chevy Express or Ford E-Series for solid reliability.

To say you got in at the right time is an understatement. Great price for the van and build....happy trails to you.

@bkxc

4 ай бұрын

Big time!

Loved the video and loved the philosophy, it was great advice 👌🏼

I have a 2017 159 2500, with 187,xxx miles on it. I do most of my own maintenance on it and haven't had anything that wasn't self inflicted. I hit a deer and had to replace some stuff on the front. I also damaged my brakes by hitting a deep snowbank in Wyoming. One thing I've noticed recently is that I just started getting that engine tick sound. So I'm hoping to get that fixed before it becomes an issue. The headlights are ass. I have had them both go out on me in the middle of the night during a blizzard. Swapping them out during that is awful. I'm not sure if it makes a difference but I drive with tow/haul engaged at all times. I also drive like a grandma. Slow to brake, slow to accelerate

Merry Xmas and happy new year🥳 hoping you have a super fun 2024

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

Thanks Emily, glad to see you in the comments!

Thanks Man, you're going to be my new uncle Dennis. Superb video by the way.

I dont know if you have room, but we have the Dometic CFX fridge/freezer thing - it's amazing. We weren't sure we would want a freezer compartment, but it has been so useful. There are so many wonderful frozen options for quick meals on longer trips, and we can prep frozen meals ahead.

@bkxc

4 ай бұрын

I believe it! Having a big ole fridge would be really nice.

great recap video!!! very informative thank you!!👍👊

@bkxc

4 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

I LOVE this video! I've been wanting to hit the road and explore now that my kids are grown, but I've struggled with feeling like I shouldn't....that I'm being a little crazy. Well, I bought a shorty bus, had it built out and then sold it an never went anywhere with it. I've now bought a Ford Transit Medium roof 130 wheel base and I'm doing a "minor" buildout in it. I'm definitely going to try this one out and if I like it, I'll go full time and see the U.S.! Thank you for commenting on the "plug n play" with the self contained power packs. I actually got a Jackery 1500 and that's what I'm going to use with solar panels that I'll have to set out for now to recharge. Eventually I'll get a couple panels for the roof. Thanks for the "push" to just try it! I'm IN!! 🙂

@bkxc

4 ай бұрын

That's awesome!! Enjoy it!

Such a huge fan of yours. Feels like you’re a long lost friend. Wishing you all the best in 2024. Much love from Long Island NY.

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for that Joe!!

I agree with not having the shower and bathroom space inside the van. Cool vid! Happy trails

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

It worked pretty dang good for me so far!

I'm 54 and enjoy your videos. Keep 'em coming!

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

Love to hear it!

Mine has 520k miles . Engine was replaced at 420k. Original transmission is still good knock on wood. It runs perfect. Drives like new No lie. Headlights do suck. I replaced the clearance lights because the originals will leak after awhile . Upgraded the factory Brembo brakes too drilled and slotted, Its a 2500 with the factory big brakes Which are awesome.

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

That’s some pretty good mileage!! Hope this one goes another 500,000!

i'm more or less going with a 'run what you brung' approach to road trips but a lot of your suggestions/regrets are helpful regardless - nice vid :)

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

Thanks!

Ive been living in a 2023 ProMaster for 7 months now. Insulated only with copious fabric and tapestries. Had a bunk/parking heater installed in it.

@bkxc

2 ай бұрын

Nice!

That was awesome, thank you. Unfortunately, we found black mold in our used 2014 Sprinter. I had no choice but to gut it and start over. The bank still wants it’s monthly payment on a $80K loan. Even though our van is always under construction (a hot mess), we take trips everywhere. Yes! I love it! Happy New Year and God bless.

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

Wow!! That’s brutal. Makes you realize how much you have to make sure the van gets aired out and can dry out.

7yrs into following BKXC, have done numerous mtb trips inspired by your wanderings (and musings), dont really follow any other mtb channels anymore other than STS and Seth occasionally…loved this video, love what you do and why you do it, love that you found love and you keep on aspiring and inspiring….keep the wheels turning (and the water droplets off the GoPro ha! )

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

Hahaha, doing my best to keep the water off the GoPro! Thanks so much for those kind words, dude!

@rekamniar

5 ай бұрын

I bet a lot more guys only follow the The MTB Trinity: Seth, BKXC and STS

💯 Happy New Year my brother!

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

Thanks Jim! Long time no see!

Stop by Oregon this summer. You know where to find me. Cheers!

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

Long time no see!! It’s always a possibility!

Amen Brian! Great video and message. Life is short!

@bkxc

4 ай бұрын

Thanks so much Scott!

I've been taking a year (or so) off from mountain biking for various reasons but aim to get back into again this year. My Winnebago Revel that I bought to take to me all 48 states, a bit like you, has been languishing for the last year. I felt bad for it; almost considered selling it, but it is all paid off and there are many years of adventure to go. Always planned to have the van for 10 years (that was my goal - travel all 50 states in my 50s - I'll be 54 this year so still technically got 6 years to cover the remaining 33 states) so I can't actually imagine living without it. The freedom the van gives is hard to deny. What you stated about taking a rest anywhere, having everything with you and just being able to park up and cook some food can't be beat. When I think about going back to a car and renting a place to stay - that probably would've been cheaper - but its not as empowering, So I keep it.

@bkxc

4 ай бұрын

Love hearing the story and love even more that you're getting out there!

56 and planning more extended weekend road trips for 2024! Took a learn to jump clinic in Nov and looking forward to re-visiting some trails where all I've done is roll the features. Also hit some trails I've skipped since I would have just been rolling everything and not worth the drive just for that imho.

@bkxc

4 ай бұрын

That is just great!!

What an awesome testimony with your wife congratulations ❤

Been loving my Promaster. Started my build towards the end of 2017. And yeah, nobody knows exactly what they want in campervan. We all learn and grow each road trip. I wish my bed was higher so I could put bikes inside but my rack works great. I wish my Kuat swing arm swung out to the driver's side. I've upgraded my solar/electric system a few times and continue to swap components as they get cheaper and better. But the best part is I have a rolling apartment. I can throw a few things in the van, put my bikes on the rack and take of to go ride for a few days or a few weeks. Next up is Starlink so working on the road will be much better.

@bkxc

4 ай бұрын

Yes, I absolutely love having EVERYTHING with me. Just doesn't matter where I am when I'm on the road, I've got it all!

@netposerx

4 ай бұрын

@@bkxc Yup, takes so much stress out of getting to the trail head. You know you just drive to the trail head and everything you need is with you.

That soliloquy at the end 🔥

I'm finally out of collage and I can finally can start saving up that last bit for a van. My goal is to have it by the end of the year and slowly work on it next year, ill likely take it on a some week long camping trips here and there until its good enough. just like you said with your loss, I lost my dad and he had a lot of regrets because he everyone was telling him how to live. i do not want to make that mistake and i know if i dont do this ill regret it for the rest of my life.

That's awesome! Sounds like the van was a great life investment. =) Thanks for sharing! We're in a very long process of building out our van, since it's a family hauler first, and will eventually become a super cruiser with some RV upgrades.

@bkxc

4 ай бұрын

Yeah, it is a very big time commitment, but you'll be happy when you start rolling!

I hear you on the cost issue. I used to rent hotels alot and just drive. The problem I had was bed bugs. So, I have a truck camper. For me, it is totally worth it. I don't like tents and sleeping bags either. The best thing about my rig is the bathroom.

@bkxc

2 ай бұрын

Ahh, bed bugs are a nightmare!

Sink stink can be helped with some plumbing. Some pipes and a plumbing vent(P trap and air admittance valve). It's like a $50-100 to DIY and a $500-$1000 to hire someone else to do it. It won't help with cleaning stinky tanks, but it will keep the stinky air inside the tank.

That was great, Brian...

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

Thanks T!

Awesome video! 👌

Thank you for the video. You made my boring work lunch great 👍

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

Fantastic! Love to hear it

Great video, full of thoughts and incites for on the road. Q: If you don't have shower, toilet, large frig, and stove, why not use a Toyota Tundra with a slide-in camper? The Toyota V-8 engines are dependable. Loved your thoughts at the end of video, since retirement I've bicycle toured across the U.S. twice, the EU once, rode half of the GDMBR at 68. Another Divide attempt this summer 2024 at 70. Get out there folks, even if stuff hurts and you're slow. Happy trails!

@bkxc

4 ай бұрын

The slide in camper is a pretty cool idea! I don't think I would be able to fit my bikes inside, though.

Happy New Year

I like your style, Bravo!

Live life to the fullest!

@bkxc

3 ай бұрын

Love that!

You’ve had some awesome adventures! Can’t wait to see what’s next. Hopefully we can get together and ride again 👍

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

I hope so too, dude!!

Thank you for your update on your ram promaster camper van. I like the wayfarer vans a lot! Did you have any issues with your wool insulation regarding moisture oder mold? I know this is a hot topic in the van life community.

@bkxc

4 ай бұрын

Nope, I had no problem with the wool insulation. I almost NEVER have any condensation build up when I sleep in the van. In the mornings my windows are never fogged up. I think it's because the van leaks like crazy, which has it's benefits I suppose!

Good review.

You deserve the happiness you experience as a result of all the happiness you have inspired for hundreds of thousands of people. Your courage is only exceeded by your great big heart and balls. : )

@bkxc

5 ай бұрын

Thanks a million for that Steve, I appreciate it very much!