Truman Lake Adventure

[HandyDan]

We just got back from 10 days at the lake.  The old Holday Rambler motorhome just about let me down   It started out on a low note, the refrigerator refused to cooperate.  I ordered a new circuit board but it didn't arrive until the day we left.  The electrical outlets in the bedroom, bathroom, and outside decided to go dead.  Nothing I did in the breaker box fixed it.  Upon giving it a test drive to the gas station, I found the brake pedal going all the way to the floor.  This was not good, but I filled the empty chamber in the master with brake fluid and off we went.  Made it to the lake and had a great time visiting with family and friends.  We worked around the defunct refrigerator with three small Walmart units.  Two we already had and bought the third as a backup.  Using extension cords got us past the dead electrical outlets, and the brakes held out for the trip.  However, before we left the lake I checked the master cylinder and it was empty again.  This somewhat worried me, but I filled it up again and headed out.  But, wouldn't you know it, five miles from the campsite the radiator blew up and I had coolant all over everything.  I got to use my Good Sam Roadside Assistance, AGAIN.  I got towed to the same repair facility I was towed to last year.  The odd thing is everything was working fine just two months ago when I started prepping for the trip. Just shows how much things can go wrong when things just sit.  But just because things don't work as expected doesn't have to spoil your trip.  Just adapt.

[legomybago]

Amen brother. Sitting RV's lay awake at night and think how to screw you.  W%

[HandyDan]

Five months have passed since I left the Holiday Rambler at the mechanic's.  He finally called and said it was all ready to run after installing a new radiator, fan belts, water pump, electric radiator fan, transmission cooler, oil cooler, master brake cylinder,bled the brakes, changed the oil, and did a state inspection.  I paid him more than the motorhome is worth, but I drove it home and it hummed perfectly.  The brakes are better than they have ever been and the temp gauge never even got to the half way point.  It still vibrates at 65mph and I suppose it always will.  I still suspect the tires are not round.  I tried everything else to fix it.  Below 65 and it runs great.  I still have to do the replacement of the rubber "springs" on the Mor/Ryde suspension.  It's nice to have it home.  Now I can get it cleaned up, fix the refrigerator that I didn't have time to fix before we went to the lake, and find why the electrical outlets in the rear don't work.  Old motorhomes are a joy to keep one busy (and broke).


Okay, can you see me now?

[LJ-TJ]

 :)rotflmao :)rotflmao You really didn't think you were going to be the exception to the rule did you. Welcome aboard. Now you can really join the rest of us. Problem is every time you take her out it's soooo much fun. She really is a sweet looking rig.

[Rickf1985]

I am not sure I would be expecting a lot from a place called "Fast Frankies"!  :)rotflmao :)rotflmao :)rotflmao :)rotflmao Especially with an old mower backed against the pole and the pole wiring just hanging out in the breeze. How long has the RV on the other side of the service truck been there? I just took a better look after seeing he also rents U-Hauls and the service truck.................... It ain't a service truck. It is a U-Haul the someone decided to deroof under a low bridge! Now it is a "open cargo vehicle" for sale. W% W% W% :)rotflmao :)rotflmao :)rotflmao :)rotflmao :)rotflmao

[M & J]

I'm not seeing any pictures.

[joanfenn]

Maybe if you spent more we could see the pictures W%

[M & J]

Who me?

[ClydesdaleKevin]

Glad you got it back from the shop, Dan!  Now you have an excuse to take a nice long vacation trip to Elkhart, Indiana, and let Mor-Ryde replace those shear springs for you.  That way, while its there, they can inspect all the other rubber bushings in the system and replace them at the same time if necessary.  And northern Indiana is beautiful. 

Kev

[joanfenn]

gee that is a nice looking rig.

[HandyDan]

The trip to Indiana has crossed my mind.  There was a time when I would have taken that job on, but time has a way of making me realize I can't do everything.  I just got some bad news about my 45 year old son with cancer.  He had surgery today but the surgeon basically said there was nothing they could do.  I'm really bummed out.  No trips in the future.

[joanfenn]

Gosh Dan, so sorry to hear that.  Will keep you both in our prayers and thoughts.  Be strong sir.

[LJ-TJ]

WOW! My boy just turned 42. WOW! I'm sure you know how we feel. Sorry mate.

[khantroll]

I'm sorry Dan. I have been in a similar situation. As we say in the south, I am pulling for you.

[legomybago]

I hate hearing that....F*ck cancer. Sending healing thoughts to you.

[HandyDan]

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.  Rick has been my rock.  We talk everyday and I really lean on him for help.  He is an aircraft mechanic specializing in aerobatic aircraft like Pitts, CAPs, Sukois, Great Lakes, Wacos, and Travel Airs.  I have been crying my eyes out since the surgeon told me the situation.  He has cancer cells in his liver and lungs.  The operation was to remove a cancerous section of his colon, which he did, but he said there was nothing that could be done other than Chemo for the rest of the cancer cells.  It said it was only a matter of months before it overcame him.  I'm sorry for hijacking this thread and I don't wish to continue the conversation.  I've just lost all interest in doing anything.   Dan

[LJ-TJ]

You didn't hijack the thread. We're out here if we can help.

[Froggy1936]

Hi Dan So sorry to hear this news, They told me the same thing when they found my wifes cancer during an operation for a Tumor. But with the Chemo etc. she was pronounced cancer free 1 1/2 yrs later,  Only to fall to a infection, after a routine exploratory operation. Where they said the cancer had returned ! Best Wishes  Its in Gods hands !  Frank

[Rickf1985]

Not trying to be an a**hole but he asked not to continue the conversation. I suggest we honor his request. He knows how we feel.