WEsailvideo

Van Life Tested Us… But We Never Gave Up! | Episode 293

12 March 2025 · 28 min · 16K views · New Zealand

What this video covers

A Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van experienced a no-start condition while travelling in New Zealand, leaving the owners stranded in a remote forest.8:40 After a local dealership quoted $2,000 for a potential ignition switch replacement, the owners used Starlink to consult an online forum.9:52 A mechanic identified the likely culprit as a faulty fuel pump relay.11:26 By swapping the existing relays—specifically rotating the starter relay with the wiper relay—the owners successfully started the engine.12:24 They subsequently purchased replacement relays for 48 New Zealand dollars, avoiding the expensive dealership repair.16:52 The troubleshooting process required accessing a complex fuse and relay panel located behind the dashboard.10:25 The owners noted that their experience living on a 44-foot catamaran helped them adapt to the confined space and mechanical troubleshooting required for van life.27:03

Watch on YouTube

More from WEsail

We Had to Abort the Passage | Sailing Fiji's Reef-Strewn WatersSept 2026France to Fiji in 24 Hours | Back to Boat LifeAug 2026We Flew Halfway Around the World to Surprise My Family | Fiji to FranceAug 202613 Knots, Big Seas & Dolphins at Sunset | Sailing Back to Fiji's MainlandAug 2026

From WEsail — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.

Report an issue