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How To Find The Right Van For Van Life Our Journey In Phoenix
How to find the right van for van life! Recently, Faustino and I found ourselves on an exciting yet challenging mission in Phoenix—getting our van. We were filled with anticipation but quickly realized the road to van life isn’t as smooth as we had hoped. Here’s our story and some valuable lessons we learned along the way.
Departure from New Orleans
Our journey began in New Orleans at 4:30 AM. The urgency of the morning was palpable as we barely made it onto the plane. The flight to Phoenix wasn’t bad, but the first things we noticed upon arrival were the scorching heat and the unfamiliar terrain.
First Day in Phoenix
Once we landed, our first stop was Enterprise to pick up our rental car. Excited and hungry, we decided to have breakfast at Volvo Vena. We chose a dish called Pawtucket West: two pancakes, a waffle, two eggs, and the meat of our choice. It was the fuel we needed for the long day ahead as we prepared to visit the Ryder dealership.
First Van Inspection
Driving our first potential van was exciting, although slightly nerve-wracking. Faustino was behind the wheel, and while the van drove well, we needed to ensure everything checked out mechanically. Our first setback hit when we couldn’t get the van inspected due to availability issues at local garages.
Determined not to be defeated…
Second Day in Phoenix
Undeterred, we made another attempt to get the van inspected the next day. While driving, we noticed an unusual sound and quickly realized a speed regulation chip might be causing the wheel to shake at high speeds. This had to be addressed, along with other minor issues, before we went further.
Mechanic’s Report
Our first inspection unearthed more problems than we anticipated. The steering lines were compromised, the rack and pinion were leaking, and the transmission pan had a significant leak. Worst of all, we discovered two large cracks in the frame, forcing us to walk away from the first van.
Second Van Inspection
Determined not to be defeated, we decided to check out another vehicle—a 2500 instead of a 3500. This time, it was taken to Kingston’s Apprentice Garage. The inspection team, John and Sam, identified some issues but nothing that couldn’t be fixed: power steering pump and transmission gasket.
Dealing with Disappointment
By now, we were emotionally drained. The challenges made us question if van life was meant for us. However, we pushed forward, drawing strength from each other and reflecting on the nature of perseverance.
New Day, New Hope
With a refreshed mindset, we returned to the dealership to look at a third vehicle. Positivity was our guide. Each setback was a stepping stone leading us to our perfect van. We were ready to meet the new challenges head-on.
Third Van Inspection
Our third potential van was taken to Marzucci Imports for a thorough inspection. The wait at Marzucci was much more bearable with excellent coffee in their comfortable waiting area. The inspection revealed some minor issues, but nothing that couldn’t be fixed quickly.
Final Day in Phoenix
After what felt like an eternity, we finally signed the paperwork at the Ryder dealership. The completion of this step filled us with unparalleled joy. Temporary tags were issued, and we took the van back to the mechanic for its final repairs, expecting to be road-ready in a few hours.
Customer Service Experience
Throughout this journey, the importance of excellent customer service came to the forefront. The respect and empathy extended by both the dealership and the mechanics made a world of difference. Their exceptional service underscored the significance of having a reliable support network.
Summary of Challenges and Successes
This journey had its highs and lows. From pre-dawn flights to relentless inspections and emotional roller coasters, we encountered it all. Yet, the final success was sweet, reminding us that perseverance and a positive outlook can turn dreams into reality.
Lessons Learned
The most significant lesson we learned is the importance of thorough vehicle inspections before purchase. These inspections not only save money but help avoid future headaches. Perseverance and maintaining a positive mindset are vital ingredients for any success.
How To Find The Right Van For Van Life: Our Journey in Phoenix
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