Roadside Repairs: Must-Know Mechanic Skills For Van Lifers

Van life is an amazing way to explore the world and live on your own terms. But when something goes wrong with your van on the side of the road, it can be a real nightmare. That’s why it’s important to have some basic mechanic skills, so you can fix minor problems yourself and avoid getting stuck in the middle of nowhere.

Here are a few must-know mechanic skills for van lifers:

• How to change a tire: This is the most basic skill, but it’s one that everyone should know. Make sure you have a jack, a lug wrench, and a spare tire in your van.
• How to check your oil and coolant: It’s important to check your oil and coolant levels regularly, especially if you’re driving long distances. If your oil or coolant levels are low, it can damage your engine.
• How to jumpstart your van: If your van’s battery dies, you’ll need to jumpstart it. This is a relatively easy process, but it’s important to do it correctly to avoid damaging your van’s electrical system.
• How to change a fuel filter: A clogged fuel filter can cause your van to stall or run poorly. Changing your fuel filter is a relatively easy task, and it’s something you can do yourself.
• How to troubleshoot electrical problems: Electrical problems can be difficult to troubleshoot, but there are a few things you can do to narrow down the problem. First, check all of the fuses and relays. If a fuse is blown, replace it. If a relay is bad, you’ll need to replace it as well.

If you’re not comfortable doing any of these repairs yourself, you can always take your van to a mechanic. But having some basic mechanic skills will save you money in the long run and give you peace of mind knowing that you can fix minor problems yourself.

Tips from Doug

• Keep a basic toolkit in your van. This should include a jack, a lug wrench, a screwdriver set, a wrench set, and a pair of pliers.
• Learn how to use your tools. There are many online tutorials and videos that can teach you how to use basic mechanic tools.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re not sure how to fix something, ask another van lifer for help. There’s a great community of van lifers who are always willing to help each other out.

FAQ

What are some common roadside repairs that van lifers need to know?

Some common roadside repairs that van lifers need to know include changing a tire, checking your oil and coolant, jumpstarting your van, changing a fuel filter, and troubleshooting electrical problems.

What tools should I have in my van for roadside repairs?**

You should have a basic toolkit in your van for roadside repairs. This should include a jack, a lug wrench, a screwdriver set, a wrench set, and a pair of pliers.

How can I learn how to do basic mechanic repairs?**

There are many online tutorials and videos that can teach you how to do basic mechanic repairs. You can also learn from other van lifers who have experience with roadside repairs.

What should I do if I’m not comfortable doing roadside repairs myself?

If you’re not comfortable doing roadside repairs yourself, you can always take your van to a mechanic. However, having some basic mechanic skills will save you money in the long run and give you peace of mind knowing that you can fix minor problems yourself.

Having some basic mechanic skills is essential for van lifers. By learning how to do basic repairs, you can save money and avoid getting stuck in the middle of nowhere.