What do you think of the tool lay out. If you didn't stay until the end of the video you definitely want to, there is something you might not want to miss. Thanks for watching. @AdeptApe on Venmo or AdeptApe@yahoo.com on PayPal for donations, thank you so much for supporting the channel! Amazon Affiliate Links to tools you may have seen in the video: Triangle Tool Box, Montezuma: amzn.to/3Iq5a49 Milwaukee Fluid Transfer Pump M18: amzn.to/3mJUeXA Fluke Multimeter, Premium 87: amzn.to/3E0qqLK Fuel Pressure Gauge, Compucheck 0-300 psi: amzn.to/3YeBldu Airlift Cooling System Vacuum Filling System: amzn.to/3D9AlPu Radiator Pressure Tester Kit: amzn.to/3QGBumn UV Professional Grade Light: amzn.to/3gzxPc0 Allstar Oil Pressure Priming Tank: amzn.to/3L5pASm

@Justme-jt1ef

28 күн бұрын

I bet the ticking is an exhaust manifold bolt broken

@mzee5533

28 күн бұрын

Yee you’ve the load-pro also! Those are the best leads when troubleshooting electrical issues

@TruckerChick

28 күн бұрын

Hopefully that ticking is just a broken manifold bolt....

@user-jv2ol1yq9w

28 күн бұрын

If you don’t have, get a gps, kill switch…

@HANKTHEDANKEST

28 күн бұрын

Josh, I bet you a beer that tick is just a bad manifold bolt. These engines (the 6s and the 8s both) LOVE to make stupid exhaust leaks that can sound a bit tappety. Most lifter ticks on these GM truck engines sound... different, idk. Very rhythmic or grindy, or both. I've gone down this rabbit hole before and yours sounds more like an exhaust leak to my ear, especially if the leak is going PBPBPBPPPTPTPPBPT on a piece of heat shielding, which would go even FURTHER towards confusing you into thinking it's a metal/metal noise... but do let us know.

I am 100% caterpillar but this man knows what he is doing I have followed him for a long time support him there are many good ones but my opinion this is the prince of cats

Oh my god! Why have I never thought to stack my 6pt and 12 pt sockets like that!! Whaaaaat? Genius

@AdeptApe

27 күн бұрын

Yes, simply genius 🙃,

All the mobile guys I know are money printers, best of luck to you and glad to see you struck out on your own!

@godsdozer

28 күн бұрын

Once the word gets out that you do quality work.......Yep.

Hey Josh as a retired mobile mechanic I recommend a awning over the side doors for those times you don't want the environment inside your van

Can’t go wrong with plenty of eyewash, tweezers, and tough bandaids.

@danlscan

23 күн бұрын

Always used the electrical tape band-aide. 🙂

As a diesel mechanic that has worked out of vans almost 30 years I suggest the shotgun shell, trip wire device . I use a knaack box inside as well. Luckily your in north idaho where the cranksters are few but get closer to Newport and they'll rob you blind!

That’s my memory of my Grandpa. Kindest, most noble man I’ll ever know. Cheers!🎉 to their lessons they taught us.

I was a bit surprised to see you didn't purchase something with a 3126/C7, but that would've pushed you a good bit older and I expect would've cost more and I'm sure a ton more miles on it (and definitely wouldn't get 20+ MPG). Hope it serves you well and looking forward to the continued videos as an independent mechanic.

Nice set up dude….you really need to tint out the rear windows, put bars on the windows and install pancake locks on the side and rear doors. With that many years of collecting tools, you don’t want them taken by thieves! Trust me, if you don’t lock it up, you are just asking for problems.

I have one of these--it's older, different engine/trans but mostly identical otherwise. They're neat, the parts interchange is 21 years and running so the used parts market is enormous. One bit of advice: the rain tray main drain loves to clog with leaves etc. and stop working. This lets water into the cab via the heater box, which will--in time--seep under the floor mat underlay and rot the floor pretty good. Give it a good hosing-out and ensure the drain functions correctly--there's a little magnetic flapper door-thing in the engine bay, and when it's working right it'll PUKE water down the upper rear of the P/S wheel housing, as intended. Hard to miss. Thanks for showing us around, and cheers for answering what the things on the windows are!

Add plexus glass and insulation to the dividing wall. Keep AC and heat up front and kill all the noise from the tools.

I was in a service van for many years, Not sure I would be brave enough to show the world what was in my work van. To many dishonest people arounrd that just want to steel your shit. now Im retired and all my shit is still my shit. cheers and good luck. love your channel

When I first saw that Montezuma toolbox I wasn't really sold on it. Seeing it a second time has started to change my thinking. Might have to look into one.

@AdeptApe

28 күн бұрын

They are pretty useful really. When I first saw them, I had the same thought, but it really gives you a lot of tool storage and since it doesn't have drawers pretty much everything is easy access.

Ahh the precious tech van. Filled with love, care and the conundrum of what tools are needed for the job. The answer is of course “All of them!” When you don’t have it you need it. Nice layout for your specific needs.

I went on my own in 2017. Service injection molding machines and industrial robotics. I had a blast setting up my truck. I constantly am refining it. Good luck with you business, my turned out to be very lucrative.

Man glad to see you on your own! I've got to get caught up on your videos since you left the dealer. Best of luck to you all the way from Mississippi!

@AdeptApe

28 күн бұрын

My parents live in Mississippi, what part are you in?

@jeriwollmann7366

28 күн бұрын

(Screaming Goat) what you are doing waaaayyyy out in Idaho? LMAO. 🤣🤣🤭🤭 ​@AdeptApe

@giggiddy

28 күн бұрын

​@@jeriwollmann7366You mean what are you doing?

Kicking it old school with a van instead of service body. I have to imagine the savings are insane going with a van compared to even just a 1 ton service truck.

Add a small 2k inverter generator (champion) and a portable a/c and drop cord.. 1) you got ac power when/if needed in the field..2) you got a cooling spot/zone on hot days In the van....keep a 5gal bucket/lid for when #2 hits in the field.....toss the bucket away

@snoopdogie187

27 күн бұрын

I think I heard the harbor frieght inverter generators are good also.

@thomasbarlow4223

22 күн бұрын

Bro I have a similar welding rig and have a 1200 watt solar system and lithium battery it's the greatest thing ever having free silent power

Thanks for all your videos, you have helped me out a bunch. I do the same thing in a ford van. One bit of advice from experience, security system for your van. I didn't and man that was hard to recover from.

wtf man. You're working out a van now? wait till you're living in a van down by the river! lol That setup SICK!bro! You're flexin'! love the setup! You're a legend! .. just like me. you are EPIQ.

The ticking noise sounds like it’s time for a C15 swap!

Welcome to the self made mobile mechanic gang brother. Do good work. Stand behind it. Don’t rip people off. Be honest. And you’ll have more work than you can ever do. I charge around 60-85 and hour depending on the level of work. Grind it out and be the worst boss you ever had and you’ll fly to the top.

@I_Died_2_Weeks_Ago

28 күн бұрын

I hope you're doing auto because a Diesel mobile mechanic should be charging double that.

@eliminator1978

27 күн бұрын

I do a little side work. I strive for 100 an hour. That’s half what Cat is getting for their field service. If it was a full time gig, it’d be even more.

Nice set up 👍. Check out the flex plate. They crack and make strange noises. You should be able to look through the inspection holes and see the cracks

Your job box workbench is exactly how my welding trailer is setup with plate and a vise on the top

I’d recommend an awning like an RV has over your side doors. Those vans are great. Parts interchange from 03 to current. I had a van just like that with a 4.8 and 4L80 in it. It had over 200k on it and the ac compressor locked up and burnt a bunch of stuff up. Insurance totaled it and the engine is in a mud truck with a turbo now lol. New van has a 6.6 gas with a 10 speed and it scoots.

This is a very nice setup! It a good idea to have the compressor for those just incase times. You’ve got it stocked well and still have room to work on something small inside out of the weather if needed

I won’t lie I jumped on the cordless bandwagon as most techs did. That decision is definitely one of my greatest regrets as a tech, all of my cordless tools have since went to my home box other then my cordless ratchets. Cordless is absolutely perfect for the mobile guy, but the batteries are way to much money and when you’re constantly replacing them every 2-3 months at over 150$ a pop it just didn’t seem financially feasible. I almost strictly use air tools now, 360 degree air fittings on everything. Airs free and the tools substantially outlast all cordless variants and they’re just cheaper and better in my opinion. That’s just my opinion, we run two twin screw compressors and our tank is 12 feet tall and 4 feet wide.

@AdeptApe

28 күн бұрын

Are tools definitely last longer and are cheaper in general when you count the battery cost, for a mobile setup it's a tough call due to the inconvenience though, what will win out in the end, hard to say.

@prevost8686

28 күн бұрын

I was hard headed and never ditched air power for the battery fad. I’m not saying cordless doesn’t have a place but me working inside my shop have no need or desire to constantly be buying batteries. A top quality air ratchet and impact gun will run trouble free for at least 20 years with noth more than decent oiling and retaining rings on the anvil. Obviously mobile techs and other situations are great uses for cordless tools.

@AnIdiotAboard_

28 күн бұрын

Air is not free, compressing air uses VAST amounts of energy..... And probably cost more to operate, than cordless, but there's less to go wrong. Apples and Oranges.

@SuperSecretSquirell

28 күн бұрын

I have both air and battery options in my box. Some days those really tight fasteners just won't budge with a battery tool, but spin right out with air. I started using battery-powered stuff a bit over 5 years ago and I have yet to replace a battery. Luckily, work will replace the battery for us, just gotta turn it in when you get a new one.

@operator8014

28 күн бұрын

They have 3 year warranties, what in the world are you doing to your batteries?

Good luck to you! I’m glad you got away from the stealership, they didn’t pay you enough anyway! Wish you were in North Carolina, I would give you all my vehicle maintenance.

Nice setup! Thanks for sharing!

Josh, I don’t know what your long-term plans are, but you may want to look into a high roof van a little easier to work out of. Get yourself an old ambulance. They work pretty good too.

@Ratkill9000

28 күн бұрын

Especially since a lot of those still have their inverters in place which means places for charging batteries.

Awesome Josh !

All the best of luck to you Josh!! I was self employed my entire life (grew up in family business and eventually went out on my own) and you are in for a ride.(ask me how I know...lol)!!! It is the best thing in the world at times, and the worst thing on the planet at times. You are obviously very good at what you do...and KZread only adds to your income stream..so I'm sure you are going to excel in your new path!!!

@AdeptApe

28 күн бұрын

Thanks Todd!

Great to see you growing I hope you continued success

Nice setup! You might consider carrying fire extinguisher, first aid kit and a spill kit

13:22 “it’s just a tool box folks” NO It’s AdeptApes Tool Box😤😫 CAT Diesel Tech OG. For real tho you are a significant creator in the diesel community in my opinion. I barely know anything but you are my introduction to diesel Technology

Josh i absolutely love your channel keep up the good work

I like all your videos . It helped alot in my job . Thx bro . From libya

I'd maybe modify the hinges on that JOBOX so it's fully locked in that raised position. I see that thing falling down at the worst times.

Love the set up man! That jobsite box workbench idea is gold.

Congratulations on your success man

I have a 2014 "LV3" , which is the same as LV1 , just with cylinder deactivation. I get 23.5 highway on a crew cab Silverado. Love the truck. 😊

You’re killing it 💯💯 much success on your journey

I never give thumbs up and I’m giving you one every time keep it up you inspire me.

Good stuff Josh

Very nice setup there dude 🎉

It took me years to get set up but it’s a good start

The 4.3 on the express is ready to give us a destruction of the week episode 😂

Nice set up mam. Congratulations on your new endeavor. I'm happy for you and good luck to you.

I've been working out of vans and trucks since about 1989. But I do mobile marine mechanics so when I get to the job, my stuff is packed in bags, buckets and boxes that get toted up and down scaffolding etc- you trade organization for capacity! Recommendations for you? A couple 10x10 tarps, lots of bungie cords and ratchet straps, you may need to make a shade or cover to work under when weather conditions dictate. And lots of five gallon buckets with lids you can snap on for catching fluids etc. In my tropical climate (Savannah GA) fans and blowers! Plus clean drop cloths when you work on "nice" stuff that you have to keep clean. I have to work around teak and varnish work all the time on high $ yachts, got to keep it neat.

Good luck with your new venture.

@AdeptApe, just so you know, the side doors can be unhooked from the limit straps and will fold back for more room.

@AdeptApe

28 күн бұрын

Are your serious! That is good to know, I'm going to go try that.

@vandall2518

28 күн бұрын

@@AdeptApe, open the door almost all the way, push the strap in sideways and it will release. And then just reverse the process to put it back on.

Looks great! When I was running mobile out of my pickup I removed the back seat and threw packout cases in the back, I did have a large air compressor for implement tires, 2 of the montezuma boxes like yours, a cart like your green one with out the wheels bolted down up against the headache rack and 2 Napa trailer toolboxes that I stacked together and welded for cased tools and kits.

Pretty great setup. Neat and organized. Nifty ideas. Sorry about the video spoiler. Ticking away. Love the screaming goat. Will be interesting to know what is going on. Cheers Josh. Happy weekend. 👊💪👍👊🔧🔩

Cool video

nothing better than a ACDelcocat filter!

Looks pretty good. You might want to consider setting up a battery charging station - a decent sized inverter, and a rack for the charging bases.

Thank you!!

Good looken setup and no worries about that ticking sound they run forever like that

I like the setup . Milwaukee makes a M12 right angle die grinder, that was what sealed the deal for battery tools for me.

Pretty nice set up. I did not see a laptop for diagnostics. Be good to see some repairs again. Thanks

Maybe more overhead lights. Looks great. Used to work out of my pickup, Had my roller around with winch to get in back of truck with ramps, worked well until retired. Good luck on your adventures, always fun to travel!

Those CAT angle wrenches are pretty cool! Ive never seen those before

I like that CAT split beam torque wrench, it looks like an older one

I love it and well done on the van setup !👍 I've handled my share calls out of the back of a 2004 Jeep Cherrokee with a few questions on what the issue was .

About time you made video

Man, I gotta say I like it. My van may have been (was) always overloaded. I repaired all makes and models of forklifts for about 7 years and the tools and rolling stock that had to be carried was horrific. All that and a large gas powered compressor on an early 90's Chevy 30. What a nice setup you have there. Hope the ticking is something minor. Good luck! Love the Montezuma!

I suspect the van might be nexts weeks “destruction of the week”.

TUB o Towels handwipes...im telling ya, they are the best

Hi Josh, long time subscriber here from Wales (UK). Great to see you set up to go on your own. Love the van set-up (21mpg, yikes in UK that would be pretty expensive to run given what we have to pay for fuel!). Looks awesome.

@thomasbarlow4223

22 күн бұрын

Try 10 mpg in my rig

Been watching you for the last couple years. I was super shocked when i seen you go on your own. You are actually my inspiration to start my channel. Hoping to be as educational as you are. Cant wait to see where you're headed, i know you'll kill it no matter what you do.

@AdeptApe

27 күн бұрын

I wish you luck on the channel. They are a lot of work and it's hard to find people IRL that have any experience with it. Very rewarding and sometimes a bummer when you put a lot of work into a video and nobody watches it.

@Fixed-ish

27 күн бұрын

@@AdeptApe yep, definitely figuring that out myself. Especially getting the real feedback part. Anyways, Keep at it fellow field tech, the van set-up will never be finished!

Have 2019 Chevy express average 20.1 mpg for 110000 miles. Watch the transmission, consider adding a cooler for it.

Every Chevy ever made ticks. Love your setup, I'm about to put a service bed on one of my f250s. I'm not sure what kind of diagnostic equipment you have but I highly recommend a Maximus 4.0 from Matco, best scanner I've ever used

Happy to see you run your own business definitely to talented and serious to work at a shop .. that compressor is definitely not airing up any commercial tire though

I wouldn’t worry too much about that ticking noise, I have a 5.3 with 268k on it that has been ticking for the last 50k miles. No metal ever on the drain plug magnet and none in the filter when I cut it open at each oil change. Turn up the radio and run it lol

Nice van after while need set up what is not working.i got one old one 3/4 tons chev van.don't forget install heavy springs in back yup,plus check insurance agent when you go off road just in case in case wreck or theft.look good.thanks video again.😊

Nice looking setup. I know later you wnd up getting a bigger setup as you grow your business

I think the one inch battery impact is the best tool I ever bought I haven’t found anything so far that it couldn’t loosen

Nice Brother very nice which the best.....

AA, Congrats on going self emp'd !!!!!! I love it !!!! I had better by now, 41 years of it!!! I done 1 year of factory, then I went out on my own. As anything it does have it's Pros and Cons!!! like working 1/2 days in the beginning (deciding which 12 to do), taking off anytime I want (with NO pay incoming). getting ALL the profit (and LOSS), discussing whos "fault" with the now 3 bosses (me, myself and I) etc., etc.. You'll do good as you have the knowledge and work ethics to achieve goals. DON'T sell yourself short and stand your ground on pricing. YES OTHERS can "do it" cheaper BUT obvious they came to you to have it done RIGHT!!!! I had to use that MANY years till I proved my craftsmanship stood on it's own. It's been a while as I've been very Blessed and busy BUT you've done one thing NO ONE else has done....I watch a full 17 minute video AND was happy the whole time knowing you took that step to entrepreneurship!!!! Again CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!

New or old, you will be working on your rig. I got a 2023 f550 last year, in the shop for some repairs under warranty. I couldn't work out of van with no crane, good for you and keep at it. It rough go for bit, intill you get used to it.

Hey Josh I like your European style setup. No to big truck instead something that works 👍

Definitely need a good first aid station with eyewash tourniquet Etc

12:54 Some strips of thick foam glued to the lid of that Montezuma would push the wrenches up against the sound deadening, practically immobilizing them.

Hi Josh, Phil here. Some suggestions from an old mechanic. I suggest you put in an electric fuel solenoid to kill the engine. Also, a micro brake to keep all wheels locked when parked. Air Tags etc. we used Tracker System for our FL service truck. Always knew when key when energized or vehicle moved. View location online. Down the road upgrading to a different vehicle.

Hey Josh! Nice set up! That ticking noise could be the belt tensioner. Rule it out first. Where is your charging station for all your battery operated tools? Did you set up your business as a sole proprietorship or an incorporation INC? I only ask because I recommend to all the guys that you set it up as an incorporation in the case someone is pissed at you for doing bad work they can’t come at you personally and sue your ass off. It protects you and your family from losing everything. You got to protect yourself in any business. Good luck with your new venture!!!

Recently I bought the same van. It's a 2014 with the 6cyl. I've been driving Fords for 31 years, I still have one and I just wanted something different. The Chevy wasn't my first choice, but it's spotless, not a speck of rust runs and drives great and the interiors is much nicer and more comfortable than the Econoline.

Josh nice set up I hope you do well working for yourself. May I recommend and 5000 watt inverter to run a charging station for your battery tools and DC heater for the back for winter time.

My best wishes to you

The dreaded ticking noise. Lol. I know the feeling my man, it never ends theres ALWAYS something. I just had to put a turbo on my service truck and it needs the rear Diff rebuilt asap. It never ends with the BS. 😆

@AdeptApe

27 күн бұрын

Well at least I'm not the only one.

I’d definitely recommend servicing the transmission diligently on those 4.3 express vans. I have seen lot’s of transmission failures on those specific vans.

Maybe some air bags to handle more weight one day.Looks nice ! 👍

9:04 I have that same ESI battery tester. 👍

Setup 110 volt inverter to charge tool batteries . Milwaukee has nice 18 volt powered water pump , will pull motor oil , diesel fuel , and antifreeze . Mount vise on draw bar , use in tow receiver and place another receiver on the gang box . You will be Happy at your business !

It's a chevy, they all have ticking noises 😂 My one grandpa was a road mechanic for Deere for many years but he had retired before i remember

sounds like you need to put a 5.3 truck block in it and be done with the v6. gm v6 are known to have issues

Good van and tool boxes. All malfunctions can repair by using crowbar and hammer🙂

Some proper LED-lights for both in the van and on the roof-rack for the fall & winter would be a nice addition.

I have the same Chevy express van. Best vehicles 400,000 miles . 2003 ,4.3vortec Carry all tools welder tows bobcat skid steer mini excavator trailer . GM longest made vehicle 1996 to now no changes to body . Gonna get that Montezuma box asap

@AdeptApe

28 күн бұрын

That is good to hear, this one has a little bit of a tick going on with it, 168,000 miles on it right now. I need to see what the heck is going on with it.

@MitzvosGolem1

28 күн бұрын

@@AdeptApe Not familiar with new 4.3. We used ATF in motors for a few hours then change oil cleans hyd lifter disc valve out .

And towbar for the caravan ....for camping on the job or camping along the way if u get side tracked