Our Vanlife Challenges and Community: Adventures with Knotten

Join me on a remarkable vanlife journey, filled with vanlife challenges and the unwavering support of the vanlife community. From the outset, Knotten and I embraced each moment, learning valuable lessons in resilience and adaptability. As we ventured south toward Lindesnes, a puzzling metal-on-metal noise greeted us, a quirk that seasoned vanlifers like us come to understand. Further down the road, a seemingly flat tire turned out to be a smoky brake drum – an unexpected issue no one anticipated. Together, we navigated these challenges, showcasing the power of determination and celebrating the beauty of the vanlife community.

Facing Vanlife Challenges: The Mystery Sound

From the very beginning, Knotten and I embarked on a journey filled with adventure and vanlife challenges. During a recent road trip with my girlfriend Kaddy and her trusty rig Fredda, we encountered a puzzling sound while heading south toward Lindesnes. It was a faint metal-on-metal noise that seemed to occur whenever I applied the brakes. As a seasoned vanlifer, I’ve come to embrace the quirks of vintage vehicles like Knotten. It’s these quirks that make older campervans so endearing, but they also represent the challenges we often face on the road.

Knotten being hoisted onto the bed of a salvage truck.
Knotten being hoisted onto the bed of the salvage truck
Knotten on the bed of the salvage truck
Knotten on the bed of the salvage truck.

When Problems Strike: Relying on the Vanlife Community

Our journey was going smoothly until another one of those inevitable vanlife challenges appeared. It felt like a flat tire, but upon inspection, all four tires seemed fine. However, smoke billowing from the left side brake drum revealed the true issue. It was a classic example of a #VanLifeProblem that can catch even experienced vanlifers off guard.

On the way to the hospital
On the way to the hospital. We were driving to get Knotten parked at the first repair shop.

With quick thinking and support from the local vanlife community, we managed to get Knotten to a nearby repair shop. However, due to Knotten’s age, they didn’t have the parts needed to fix the issue. This is where the vanlife community truly shines. Through a recommendation, I found hope at Lians Caravan & Fritid, where dedicated mechanics tracked down the elusive parts.

Accepting defeat
The face of someone who have accepted defeat. At the moment of taking this picture my hope was not high when it came to get Knotten back on the road again.
Knotten parked at the first repair shop.
Knotten parked at the first repair shop. Right then we didn't know what could be done. Also to really underline the problems, there were rain coming in.

Overcoming Roadblocks: A Celebration of Vanlife Community

While waiting for Knotten’s repair, Kaddy, our dogs, and I explored the beauty of Senja. This moment highlighted another strength of the vanlife community—making the most of the journey even in times of challenge. The team at Lians worked hard to ensure Knotten could get back on the road, a testament to the support and camaraderie within the vanlife world.

The lot at Lians Caravan & Fritid.
The lot at Lians Caravan & Fritid. In the background you can see Fredda parked.
Knotten waiting to get fixed
Knotten parked on the lot of Lians Caravan & Fritid. We were hoping that now that Lians could do magic, and they did.

Living the Vanlife Dream: Challenges and Triumphs

This, my friends, is what vanlife is all about – embracing vanlife challenges, facing problems head-on, and leaning on the support of the vanlife community. It’s a lifestyle that tests your resilience, adaptability, and love for adventure. Every twist and turn brings new stories, lessons, and memories.

So, dear followers, stay tuned as Knotten prepares to hit the road again. Our adventures continue, and we can’t wait to share them with you. Thank you for being a part of our vanlife community, and here’s to many more miles of unforgettable adventures with Knotten, Kaddy, our dogs Ludde and Peachy, and the open road.

Toffa and Knotten
Toffa and Knotten

Toffa Berg is a vanlifer and landscape photographer based in Norway. Travelling in a Laika X595R mobile home named Knotten, Toffa explores and documents the natural beauty of Norway, with a particular focus on woodlands, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, coastlines, and mountain landscapes. Avoiding cities, he seeks out quieter, less-populated areas to capture his imagery.

When not on the road, Toffa returns to Stavanger, his base for rest and preparation. Accompanied by his miniature schnauzer, Ludde, he shares his photography and experiences on the Toffa and Knotten website.

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