Hope you enjoy our alerts video about our breakdown and epic recovery back to Mule Vans in Barnsley, be good to hear what you think of the video by leaving us a comment! See you all soon on the next video! Rob & Archie

Hope things get fixed soon for you, what a nightmare! Look after yourself & Archie x

@PackTheVanAndGo

9 ай бұрын

We both hope you’re well and safe? X

@annabelleallen7282

9 ай бұрын

I'm ok thanks Mr G x

Best of luck getting it fixed mate. If you need help fitting the shaft when you get one give me a shout and I'll see if I can come and help.

@PackTheVanAndGo

9 ай бұрын

Thank you for all your help mate, it was a pleasure to have met you and chatted on the journey…

Should be a simple fix and not too expensive, I had an overnight stay in my car because of the RAC not being honest about how long I would wait. Sometimes the service is just not good enough, but glad you both got back safely!

@PackTheVanAndGo

9 ай бұрын

Yeah the service is shocking, just great full I was in my van and safe… hope you’re well mate?

That was a bit of a saga. AA here in NZ offer a special AA membership to cover motorhomes, its about another 20-25GBP a year. We had that initially, but now get free Motorhome recovery through our specialist Campervan insurance here, which cost the same as the previous 'van' insurance, but also covers all the self build fit out and kit we carry too. Looks like having one of these options is worthwhile seeing your troubles getting recovered. We've just had trouble trying to find somewhere with a hoist that can take a LWB High roof Sprinter to replace the master cylinder and 2 brake pipes..... Ironically we are in the biggest city and there are thousands of campervans and motorhomes here in NZ, especially here on the South Island as its a tourist mecca - think Yorkshire Dales/Scotland/Lake District on steroids. Hope you get the van sorted.

@PackTheVanAndGo

9 ай бұрын

Hey, tomorrow is the day the van gets sorted hopefully and we can be back on the road again soon! Yeah we definitely need something like you have in the UK, but we are so far behind the rest of the world it seems on just the basics!

@linz_in_NZ

8 ай бұрын

@@PackTheVanAndGo Is the AA as bad? Always remember horror stories of RAC doing a Relay of vehicles to get people home. You were so close at Birch too, only a few more junctions to the M1 or over the top from Manchester isn't far at all. AA took me from near J24 of M62 to Manchester Airport where I worked when I broke down - no issues - did my shift then took the voucher to the car hire place and drove home.

@PackTheVanAndGo

8 ай бұрын

@@linz_in_NZ I've heard better things about the AA than the RAC, so have decided to terminate my RAC and moving over to the AA for now! Hope youre well?

@linz_in_NZ

8 ай бұрын

@@PackTheVanAndGo Good plan. They were called RAC Relay originally, guess that still applies 😁 All OK here, still waiting for the campervan to be fixed... rust around the windscreen turned out to be much worse than they thought when they took the screen out... Had to slum it in an ensuite unit at the campsite over the weekend - missed Sprintie the campervan, he's so handy trackside at the motor racing we go to. New paint job looks good on the van.

Arh bro what a nightmare , glad you back ok, hope Archie was ok, not great for you both keep having to call the RAC, but you got back in the end, respect to you bro. Speak soon ❤

@PackTheVanAndGo

9 ай бұрын

We are all good bro. We miss you bro ❤️

All part of the adventure Rob sadly when we use our vehicles continually they start to wear out, 108k on the Beemer now & its had a central bearing, drive shaft & second set of brake disks all round but still going strong. Was at the mercy of the good old UK recovery this year on the little dirt bike, funny enough all i needed was a tyre at Lands End but was surprised when to said that its don to me to tell them where I wanted to be recovered to, was sure they used to suggest places especially when your out of area. Very unimpressed over all by the company although outstanding service from the guy on the ground. Glad your back & best of luck with repairs Bro

@PackTheVanAndGo

9 ай бұрын

All part of the vanlife experience hey mate, got to get used to days like this as it will happen again someday I am sure!

Least it’s an easy fix . Get them shafts done . I’d also do your lower bearings as well just to be sure there not an exspencive fix . Vans break its metal and bolts . We had a few things go and we managed to fix them and we ain’t clever . Also swerve the RAC man there shocking get green flag . Trust me we been shafted by the rac and had no issues with Greenflag

@PackTheVanAndGo

9 ай бұрын

Thanks mate, yeah looking into getting possibly both sides done in the next few weeks with the garage that fitted the lift kit, they know what they are doing! And joined Green Flag also, gonna get rid of the RAC after this episode and the horror stories I've heard about them! Hope you guys are well?

Unfortunately that usually happens when you lift the van, the bigger angle shortens the life of the driveshaft. I would take the opportunity and change both driveshafts, the other side will be next.

@PackTheVanAndGo

9 ай бұрын

Yeah that’s been on my mind, it’s something I’m thinking about for sure! Rob

@ollydogtravels9465

9 ай бұрын

Rhodes van said do not put the sumo sping assist onto the front suspension and the height of the lift will make a difference, I have the same lift kit and iam not 100% confidence in it, might take the front lift out when i fot the b6 shocks

@PackTheVanAndGo

9 ай бұрын

@@ollydogtravels9465 do you have the mule Lift Kit?

I won't be joining the RAC lol. Look forward to your next vlog mate. Safe travels.

@PackTheVanAndGo

9 ай бұрын

Thanks buddy, yeah stay away from RAC, but then again they are all probably the same 👍

Back in 05 my dad had a Discovery tdi that cracked it's head in France, managed to limp onto the ferry at Calais and made it across. Near instantly dumped all the coolant getting off the ferry and we were 'recoverable', as we were on UK soil now. Felt sorry for the recovery driver, he definitely didn't expect to be driving from Dover to Burnley with a caravan too. Think it took around 9 hours plus breaks in the end.

@PackTheVanAndGo

9 ай бұрын

Wow, that’s sounds like an epic recovery for sure 👍

@chriseldridge6721

9 ай бұрын

@@PackTheVanAndGo it was! Just spotted on one of the groups I'm on that it took them 39 hours to get recovered by the RAC the other week!

You must have been knackered Rob. Glad you had the recovery.

@PackTheVanAndGo

9 ай бұрын

Yeah was tired and still feel a little jaded, Archie was quite stressed also bless him

I’d say change them both. What I’m most surprised Is that they didn’t wriggle out of the recovery by saying your “ modified” van isn’t covered.

@PackTheVanAndGo

9 ай бұрын

I might change them both, we shall see mate

For an organisation whose primary objective is, supposedly, to help stranded motorists, they're f*****g useless at it! I've had to call them out twice in the past couple of years. First time I waited about 7 hours for them not to turn up and eventually send a third party mechanic. Second time, a couple of weeks ago, it was 21 hours!!! Like you say, you're lucky you had the van! I was sat in the car in a right dodgy car park! Anyway, rant over. I hope you get it fixed soon!

@PackTheVanAndGo

9 ай бұрын

Yeah the UK system of recovering vehicles is pretty lame to be honest!

Wow it took almost 24 h for the recovery 😵‍💫😮 what a journey! But great to meet new people, who has the same mind of living these days. All the best for you ❤ XoXo

@PackTheVanAndGo

9 ай бұрын

Yeah almost 24 hours, right pain in the ass! But recovers and now time to get the van back on the road! We miss you guys xx

Good job you had the van to kip in and as you said a safe area - sounds like a bit of a nightmare with the RAC processes and closing the jobs. Pleased you got back eventually. Can’t believe it took almost 24 hours. Hope you manage to get it fixed without too much hassle and cost. All the best, David & Rachel 👍

@PackTheVanAndGo

9 ай бұрын

Parts all orders mate should hopefully have it fixed next week! Hopefully back on the road son ! Hope you guys are well?

So pleased you finally got back ……I had a similar breakdown in a van with the AA . Cancelled the job , had to restart it again . Not great mr . ……Now at leased you can crack on with jobs on the van . On a side note , do mule offer any upgrades for Renault traffic vans ? I have a mk 2 ….camper , love it . But there does not seem to be a lot of options for them . ( tyre racks , suspension , ect. ) .

@PackTheVanAndGo

9 ай бұрын

Yeah looking forward to getting on with the jobs now! We don’t do anything for those vans I’m afraid mate, just not a big enough market for it!

Hope your sorted soon mate

@PackTheVanAndGo

9 ай бұрын

It will get sorted soon mate, nothing serious so all good mate, hope you guys are well?

@stuanddawnstravels

9 ай бұрын

@@PackTheVanAndGo we are in Italy 🇮🇹 Dolomites at the moment all good

As you say, it's all part of using a vehicle - just a heck of a lot more inconvenient when it's your home. Another bonus is that it's just a driveshaft issue and not a blown engine, that'd be a nightmare !!! But imagine the thumbnail and headline opportunities!!! ;)

@PackTheVanAndGo

9 ай бұрын

Yeah can you imagine is had blown the engine, which could happen but hopefully won’t!

Sadly all part of the lifestyle mate. At least your one of the few who post both sides of it. Always keeping it real. On a side note, could the problem be anything to do with the new upgrades. As in the drive shafts are not strong enough. Bloody good job you are in a campervan, make food, drink. Take Care Rob. Big Hugs to Archie and Your Good Self 🙏

@PackTheVanAndGo

9 ай бұрын

Hi mate, it’s nothing to do with the upgrades, it was just wear and tear, the wobble has been there for some time and I thought it was the balancing of the new wheels 🤷🏼‍♂️

What a nightmare mate. Hope you get it sorted out soon..

@PackTheVanAndGo

9 ай бұрын

Thanks mate, hopefully back in the road again soon!

😢

@PackTheVanAndGo

9 ай бұрын

Shit happens hey mate!

@outdoorjunky1

9 ай бұрын

@@PackTheVanAndGo as you said mate, Part of the van life, You’ll have it sorted soon 👍 Get Kev on it 😂

@PackTheVanAndGo

9 ай бұрын

@@outdoorjunky1 parts are almost ordered and mechanics all booked mate, hopefully sorted soon 👍

@outdoorjunky1

9 ай бұрын

@@PackTheVanAndGo Good man 👍

You sometimes wonder if vanlife is cheaper than a home or flat, when things start breaking in the least convenient places. I had many problems with my van but i was lucky to be able to get home. The repairs weren't cheap though and vans tend to break down more often than cars. Just for the hell of it Rob, if you have a spare moment, check out the prices of flats and homes to rent and you will be shocked at just how expensive it is now. Vanlife is cheaper but for how long with charges for entering cities and the dreaded pay per mile the government has planned 😮

@PackTheVanAndGo

9 ай бұрын

Totally think vanlife is far cheaper than house life for sure! And I’m far happier living in my van than a house anyway!

Like you said these things happen but the recovery was a piss take was it not at least it's back and hopefully not a big job to fix 🤙🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

@PackTheVanAndGo

9 ай бұрын

It’s only a 2 hour job, parts almost ordered and be back on the road soon mate!

Go RAC…. 👀

@PackTheVanAndGo

9 ай бұрын

Yeah exactly mate! How are you?

Just wondering…. Are you going to fit a winch? Could handy in winter or mud etc.

@PackTheVanAndGo

9 ай бұрын

We have bought a winch mount and plan to produce them at Mule, so maybe one day get myself a finch fitted to the front of the van!

After how many miles did this happen?

@PackTheVanAndGo

5 ай бұрын

Probably around 45000 miles

Can i ask how many Miles has your Van done? I have a 2018 Peugeot Boxer and wondering if mine are due to go anytime soon.

@PackTheVanAndGo

9 ай бұрын

Just over 60,000 miles mate

@carlspencer9

9 ай бұрын

@@PackTheVanAndGo Cheers mate, mines at 85,000… oh sh1t

The new lift would have pushed that old shaft to death. New one wont last as long with the more extreme angle from the suspension lift. Pros and cons, tradeoffs with modifications is just reality.

@PackTheVanAndGo

9 ай бұрын

Still happy with all the modifications and lift kit..

@KevIsOffGrid

9 ай бұрын

@@PackTheVanAndGo oh for sure, more wild camping options are unlocked. But worrh keeping an eye on now with that extra angle. Maybe swap both sides for new as other side probably also close.

@PackTheVanAndGo

9 ай бұрын

@@KevIsOffGrid yeah definitely going to keep an eye out on the angle.. the work van here has the same as me and has had no issues.. and all the other van that have been lifted have had no issues, so that what leans me to just wear and tear on that drive shaft

@KevIsOffGrid

9 ай бұрын

@PackTheVanAndGo generally, across every independent front suspension 4x4s the angle just wears faster and is weaker. The off road guys try and also drop the diff too. But also suffer from the wider range of movement. It's just a known side effect , physics, not anything on brand or quality.

Rac are shite disgraceful how they have treated you . I have only got a car but cancelled them too expensive and gone with green flag 😮 say hello to Archie. Regards Cliff and family and Ted the cocker spaniel

@PackTheVanAndGo

9 ай бұрын

Hey guys, it’s a sign of the times that they treat people this way! But at least we got back in the end! Archie says hi 🐾🐾

What a pain in the proverbial for you, Rob. If it's any consolation the AA were worse when I had to call them to our van in 2022. 🫣

@PackTheVanAndGo

9 ай бұрын

Hey, I think all the services are the same, just really poor systems and as always, they just want your money! Hope you’re well?

@clearprop

9 ай бұрын

@@PackTheVanAndGo Very true - my call was closed during the process, too. And a third party was bring engaged right from the off, even before any mention of recovery. Pretty useless really. In the end I managed to fix it myself as there was a Euro Car Parts not far away. I wrote a letter and got a £70 cheque by way of compensation! Yes all good, thanks. Hope to catch you at an event of some kind before too long. Take care and give Archie a scratch for me. 👍

What an ordeal. Better not break down in the UK. Here in Germany we have an equivalent to the RAC called ADAC. Used them more than once - they're quick, courteous and I have nothing but praise for them. How much of a distance did you get transported in that 24 hour time frame? Stay safe. 🚐☁🍀

@PackTheVanAndGo

9 ай бұрын

Yeah Europe is so much bette than the UK for everything to be honest! We are so far behind in this country 🤷🏼‍♂️

@gonefilming2020

9 ай бұрын

@@PackTheVanAndGo Well, not quite everything. I did drive up to the Lake District in May of this year to meet up with Sam Anderson and the Crafty Blinders gang and they were the frindliest and most easy going people I have met in the van community. Same goes for you and everyone else from the isles I have met online or otherwise. 🤗 Travelling on UK roads, most people are laid back and patient. Germans are generally very easily ruffled, uptight and judgemental. Just visit a german campsite. Especially noticable, when you just return from the UK. Perhaps it all has to do with the fact, that I am Canadian... 😁 We'll be up again next year for sure!