Living on the road for nearly a year has been the adventure of a lifetime, but I’ve finally had the first big incident in the van.
Support my mission, storytelling through travel, and free astronomy outreach with a tip on Venmo or PayPal. And follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube.
Mark your calendars! Jupiter & Venus will be side-by-side in the western sky on JUNE 8TH – 10TH. Find me back in San Diego for three nights only as clouds allow.
It was bound to happen eventually.
Follow my road trip live and read my daily journal entries on Wanderlog.
I’m writing this from a hotel room in Astoria, Oregon. The marina outside my room is full of boats, a sea lion, pigeons, and seagulls. A bit to the right is the long and narrow Astoria-Megler Bridge spanning the Columbia River into Washington State.
All in all, not the worst place you can have car problems.
On Wednesday morning, I left my camping spot just north of Pacific City, grabbed coffee in Hebo, and drove north, bound for Vancouver, Washington to spend the next two days with a friend. When I woke up and began my drive, all was normal–no clinks, clanks, or clunks to speak of.
I stopped off at the Wreck of the Peter Iredale, walked the beach for a bit, then hopped back in the car–still no worrying noises.
Then I reached Astoria, grabbed a coffee from Sleeper Coffee, got some fudge and truffles, watched the sea lions arguing for top spot on the planks under the boardwalk, then headed back to my van.
And that’s when the squealing started, and a small vibration to boot.
Turn it off and on again. Squealing is still there.
So I called around, found a shop, and started driving. Carefully. I got to the shop, the guy came out and popped my hood, then told me to turn on the van–and as soon as I did, the AC compressor’s front friction plate popped right off.
Perfect timing, huh?
The nearest Ford dealership was four miles away, and after being assured the van would make it, I got it there, dropped it off, and they took me to a hotel.
A brief call this morning revealed the AC compressor itself was compromised (the van is OLD, this was to be expected eventually). How it relates to the ABS/TC system going out seems to be more of an electrical issue caused by the AC compressor failing.
If you follow me on Instagram, you know that this week has been not…not wonderful for van issues.
- Flat tire that shredded outside Crater Lake
- ABS system failure (zeroing out odometer, weird braking under 5mph)
- Sliding door hinge popped off the bracket
- Now the AC compressor
But I as I mentioned above, for living on the road for nearly a year (in 5 days!) this being the first major issue I’ve experienced is quite amazing, what with all the off roading, remote spots, and long distances I’ve driven. By itself, I’ve put 30,000 miles on the van since July 2025.
It was bound to happen. It’s not the worst thing that could have happened by any means, but it’s stalled my trip by a day, and with an astronomy event on Saturday night, I need to chop out my Mount Hood plans Friday.
These things happen! It’s whatever, honestly. Yes, it cost me 50% of my savings. I’m aiming to get a new, larger van at the end of the year, so while this is a setback, I’ll work to recoup the cost and take things a bit slow over the summer to make up for this setback.
Cross your fingers I get back on the road tomorrow afternoon or Saturday morning!
This world is beautiful.
Alex
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Purchase my photography prints
Support my mission, travel, and outreach with a tip on Venmo or PayPal.
Leave a Reply