Motorhome Magazine Open Roads Forum: General RVing Issues: Our cross country follies.....(long) UPDATE


	Already a member? Login here. If not, Register Today! \| Help

Newest | Active | Popular | RVing FAQ

Forum Rules | Forum Help and Support | Contact

Open Roads Forum > General RVing Issues

Reply to Topic | Subscribe | Print Topic | Post New Topic |

dmatt

Ventura County, CA

Senior Member

Joined: 07/29/2003

View Profile

Offline

Posted: 08/06/08 12:34pm

Link | Quote | Print | Notify Moderator

Well, we've been home for a little over a week now and I finally have the time to write a little "story" about our trip. I'll number the incidents so we can keep a running count

I must first say that I now know why FedEx gets those packages there on time. I lost count of the number of their trucks pulling two trailers that passed me on the freeway and really movin along!!

We left CA around 8PM June 24th. My plan was to drive through the night for as long as I could, this way letting the kids sleep. Well, I did drive through the night, and on through the next day and into the late evening stopping only for gas and to get out of the rig for a short time. We finally stopped for the rest/sleepover in El Paso TX!!

The first "problem” (#1) on the trip hit (literally) before we got out of CA. A big rig passed us at a good rate of speed and as he quickly merged back in front of me his trailer went over onto the shoulder and kicked up a good sized rock, sending it into the middle of my windshield. One nice crack to remind me of the trip!!

Our first destination stop was Canyon Lake, TX-Riverside RV resort. True to the theme of our trip, when we got there, the rear storage door lock would not open. In the process of trying to free the lock, the key broke off inside the lock (#2). Took about an hour to get the piece out....good thing I brought the spare set.

My niece lives in Austin and she came down for the day. We rafted down the Guadalupe River with what seemed like the entire population of Texas!! Actually, it was a really fun day and we were sad that it had to end.

Later, we met up with some old friends that we haven't seen in years. After about 5 minutes, it was as if we saw each other every weekend. I was amazed to see all the kids, chatting and getting along as if they have been friends all their lives....when some of them weren't even born the last time we got together. It was very hard to say goodbye.

The next morning it was off to Florida. Unfortunately, we were limited in time and had to get there as soon as possible. We were scheduled to stop in Biloxi, MS but first.....we could not leave Louisianna without sampling a traditional Cajun dinner!!! My son and I even had alligator. We now all wish we had had more time to see that area. Maybe next time.

Having gone a couple of days without any problems I was starting to relax. However, somewhere around Tallahassee FL my son popped a bowl of chicken noodle soup in the microwave. (#3) When the timer dinged, he tried to get the bowl out....except the door WOULDN'T OPEN! No matter what we tried or how nicely we talked to it (that quickly changed as time went on!!) it wouldn't comply. So, resigned to the fact that the microwave has won this battle, on we went with a bowl of soup bouncing around inside the now thoroughly cursed at microwave.

Exhausted from our travels and now sick of the smell of chicken noodle soup, we arrive at my dad's house in Melbourne. I removed the now useless microwave from the rig, pried the door open and poured out the soup. To Four Winds credit, the customer service rep basically called me every day to find out where we were and where we would be staying in one place long enough for him to ship a replacement!!!

On to the Keys. Now, anyone who has traveled the two-lane highway out on the Keys knows that it can be either a pleasant, beautiful drive, OR a frustrating single lane parking lot. Holding true to our luck thus far, guess which version we encountered!!!

Having left early on the moring of the 4th, we headed south from Melbourne to the Keys. Just as we made our way up the bridge connecting the Keys to the mainland, traffic came to a complete halt. Somewhere up ahead, an impatient driver decided the holiday traffic was too slow and tried to pass on a double yellow line resulting in a head-on crash. We spend a little over 2 hours sitting in line as they turned cars around, landed the medical helicopter and then cleared the roadway.

However, after clearing all the cars ahead of us to land the helicopter, we were about 5th in line and it was clear sailing on to Long Key SP. This is the an absolutely beautiful place. We spend 4 days relaxing in the sun and surf of this majestic paradise. However, Murphy was by no means finished with us and problem #4 was lurking just moments away.

One evening just after sunset we were relaxing around the fire and looking at the stars. Now, as a precaution, I usually put the awning up at night, and when we are away from the site. Unfortunately, that evening I hadn't yet retracted it. You see, the boys and I spend the day off shore fishing. That evening we grilled up some of our catch, had a few colds ones (not the boys of course) and promised ourselves that some day we would move out here and never leave.

As we were picking up our dishes I noticed that the breeze had picked up some, but the sky was still full of stars. As I was depositing the dishes in the sink, I heard the distinct sound of rain on the roof, and then everyone scurrying to get inside. I stuck my head outside and immediately got hit with horizontal rain, as well as plates, etc. off the table!! Before I could react, there was a loud sound very much like that of a commuter train rolling through and in a instant, the awning disappeared up over the top of the motorhome

I ducked back itside shouting a few words of displeasure as I did.

Within 5 mins, things calmed down enough to venture out. A quick assessment of the damage revealed an awning ripped nearly off the MH, with one support pole missing. Venturing up on the roof, I easily followed the path of the departing pole by the trail of punctures left behind, including the awning over the opposite side slide and the slide itself!! It took a lot of effort by the wife (her hands are smaller and could work under the awning) to dry and duck tape the holes while I secured what was left of the awning to the MH. An hour later we were back sitting by the fire feeling like we'd just went 3 rounds with Mike Tyson.

So, with our tails between our legs and heads hung low, we departed the Keys the following morning. However, the "fun" was just beginning and we were not about to get off that easily. We were just pulling out of the park when we heard this loud “crash” behind us inside the MH. We turned to see the entire contents of the fridge spread out on the floor…..ALONG WITH THE DOOR!! That’s right, the refrigerator door snapped off on the bottom and fell to the floor. A closer inspection revealed the “quality’ construction of my Norcold fridge. The hinges are made of plastic, molded into the door, only HOLLOW, not solid throughout as you would expect. The best part....As I’m looking down at the mess I notice a label with an American flag and the inscription “Made with pride in America” You’ve got to be kidding!!! Next stop, a store to buy a cooler and ice for the food.

INTERMISSION

* This post was last edited 08/26/08 05:16pm by dmatt * View edit history

2007 Four Winds Dutchmen 29R-Ford E-450 V-10 towing a 2008 Toyota Matrix XR

2007 Toyota 4Runner(V-8) towing a 2006 Reinell 220LSE, 5.0L, 280hp GXI

Our camping photos

under the stars

Lyman

Colorado Springs, CO

Senior Member

Joined: 08/08/2005

View Profile

Offline

Posted: 08/06/08 12:57pm

Link | Quote | Print | Notify Moderator

Sounds like you've now been thoroughly (with a few exceptions) indoctrinated now. Had the refrigerator door problem myself, although it was the top hinge and mine is made by Dometic.

Be glad it was just a hinge, those doors are expensive! Did learn not to put heavy items in the door racks, and to keep heavy things from sliding around on the racks of the fridge, though.

Here's to your new-found knowledge of Murphy and his laws.....!

2000 Pace Arrow Vision, 36B, 2 slides, Ford V10 - Live in it full time
1976 Ford F250 Ranger XLT
2003 Indian Chief
Patriot Guard Rider

WTTCS

freedom , U.S.A.

Senior Member

Joined: 07/28/2003

View Profile

Posted: 08/06/08 01:00pm

Link | Quote | Print | Notify Moderator

Hmmm sounds like a normal adventure with the exception of the awnings. Hope you had a great time, sounds like you did.

1997 chev crew cab 454, 5 sp. 4.10
2000 Fleetwood Caribou 11.5

dmatt

Ventura County, CA

Senior Member

Joined: 07/29/2003

View Profile

Offline

Posted: 08/06/08 01:38pm

Link | Quote | Print | Notify Moderator

We now pick up the story with the battered dmatt family bravely retreating home to my dad's.......

Back in Melbourne and feeling more than a little kicked around, we proceeded to resuscitate our trip. My father and I devised a temporary fix for the refrigerator door that included screwing an “L” bracket to the door where the hinge once was and with that, we were back in business!!

One evening we were in MH during another one of Florida's "monsoons", and we noticed water running down the wall from behind the microwave! Great....a leak!!! (#6) By this time I've become "numb" to the onslaught of problems with this trip and I calmly headed out into the storm to inspect the roof while the wife attempted to divert our new indoor swimming pool. Up on the roof, I found a large amount of water quickly pooling around the a/c. GREAT. I climbed down and lowered one end of the MH to let it run off. Oh, and while attempting to dry off the wall, the wall paper wiped off in our hands.

Hoping to give Murphy the slip, we bid farewell to Florida and headed north to Jordan Lake SP, NC. This is a beautiful lake with numerous campgrounds. The one we stayed in had large sites with water and electric. Our original plan was to spend a day here with another long lost friend and her family. We spent the day at the lake renewing our friendship and letting the kids be, well, kids. Again, I was amazed how the kids seemed to be as if they had known each other all their lives.

The day having gone by way too fast, we said goodbye to our friends and decided that we needed another day of just relaxing and doing absolutely nothing.

It was then on Warrenton, VA to stay with my sister. We hooked the motorhome to the house and "camped' in the driveway. It was here that Four Winds caught up with us and delivered the new microwave to a local dealer. Having already removed the old one, I decided to drive it up to the dealer (about 25 miles away) and exchange it for the new one, rather than unhooking the motorhome. However, the dealer was upset that I didn't bring the rig and let him remove the microwave, guess he wanted to bill Four Winds for as much as possible.

Unfortunately, the bad luck that had attached itself to us on this trip, also extended to those around us. One evening we returned to my sister's from sightseeing and my son notice water in the basement!! Seems the water heater pressure valve failed and the place was flooded with hot water. (#7) We spent the next 3-4 hours in her new downstairs "sauna" removing carpet and vacuuming up water.

The next day it was time to prepare for the last leg off our trip. Even though we had access to a bathroom at my sisters, we managed to fill the tanks in the motorhome. I found that the local water treatment/waste facility will allow you to dump the tanks for $5. Now, I told my oldest that he had to learn how to do this...especially since he couldn't be bothered to walk into the house to go the entire time we where there. We pull in and the guy points to this large cement hole next to the driveway and we proceed to dump.

I show my son where to hook up the "stinky slinky" (my youngest loves that term) and he drops the other end in the hole. He opens the valve and BOOM.....THE HOSE BLOWS OFF THE CONNECTION. (#8) Apparently, he didn't secure it tight enough to the drain. Luckily I was right there and closed the valve...both of us escaping without getting covered in, well....you know!!! BUT I sure wish I had a camera with me when that thing went....I think my son covered about 10'in a single jump.

Next stop was Carter Caves, Kentucky. We had a couple days scheduled to explore this enormous state park. However, having not towed a car behind us, we had to walk everywhere. The first day we took our trusty campground map and hiked off to find the visitor's center in the 100 degree heat. After about an hour, we arrived soaked and thirsty. None of us wanted to leave the air conditioned center but there were caves to explore. Luckily, one cave is nearby and we did the approximately one hour guided tour.

When we finished it was late in the day and we were all hungry. We decided to take a chance and walk to the restaurant (it didn't look too far on the map!!) After what seemed to be the 6th "just over the next hill" we drag ourselves into the restaurant. We were ravished and ate for what seemed like hours. Actually, I think my oldest ate 3 whole fried chickens!!

Unfortunately, what goes down the hill had to go back up. Now tired, sore and overstuffed, we proceeded to limp up the hill. About halfway up a truck drives by and I jokingly raise my hand in a half wave. To our surprise, the guy pulls over and motions for us to get in. I had no idea the kids had that much energy in reserve as they dashed for the truck, hoping it wasn't a mirage. This wonderful gentleman drove us all the way back to our campsite (almost two miles)and refused to take anything in return. If you're out there reading this.....THANK YOU!!!! The next day we decided it was best to unhook the rig and drive to the remaining caves.

We made it all the way to Colorado without any further incidents...BUT, as we all know, all good things must come to an end. We camped at beautiful Mueller SP with a stunning view of Pike's Peak. One evening, the wife, then my son decided to take a shower (NO, not at the same time!!) My son didn’t bother to check the water level of the grey tank and soon thereafter he noticed that the water was backing up into the shower. I let out just enough grey water to lower the level, then unhooked the motorhome and headed to the dump station.

It was only after returning that we noticed the floor was SOFT around the door and refrigerator. YUP…the water leaked out of the shower and got under the floor (#9).

The rain that introduced itself to us in FL was by now following us and continued to “stop by” often while we were in CO. So, we departed Mueller and headed to our next stop.....Colorado River State Park. According to the brochure we got from the state visitor’s center, we were to continue west on I-70 getting off at exit 37 I believe. Our trusty GPS seemed to agree.

Somewhere along the way, we notice a sign at the exit for Colorado River State Park. However, being in the middle lane we couldn’t get over. Plus, it was the wrong exit according to the directions (and my GPS) so we continued on. We exited according to directions but never saw another sign.

Following my GPS we arrived at the Park around 9pm, only to find ourselves at a dead end road with the Park on the otherside of a construction lot. After backtracking and circling, we finally locate the entrance to Colorado River State Park. So,leading the band of now grumpy kids and an exhausted wife, I head into the park in search of a site for the night.

BUT WAIT…..it’s time for (#10). You see, notwithstanding what the brochure says, there is NO CAMPING AT THIS PARK. It is day use only and is now closed. After further review of the info we received, it seems there is more that one Colorado River SP and only the one we passed some 50 miles ago has camping. Now thoroughly frustrated and with no possibility of sleep, I said to heck with it (Yeah well that’s the censored version of what I said) and we headed off to Dead Horse SP Utah.

On the way, the kids were watching a huge lightning storm when the oldest says "dad, the side of the road is on fire." A lightning strike just off the highway ignited a large fire. We called “911” and hopefully they got it out quickly.

There are not a lot "services" on the freeway once you hit Utah. Having about half a tank of gas I chanced it and continue on to find our campground. We arrived sometime after mid-night only to find that the site that I reserved some 8 months prior had someone else set up in it. Knowing full well that I was in no condition to confront these squatters, we circled the campground looking for an site that does not have a large sign stating "RESERVED."

We hiked in the morning to avoid the full heat of the day. I left the a/c on when we left so that it would be cool for us when we got back. However, when we returned and opened the door, we noticed that it was not cool inside and the a/c was struggling to pump out warm air. After attempting to figure out the problem, I gave up and turned off the a/c. Awhile later I fired it back up and we were greeted with our own indoor hail storm. Seems the a/c completely froze up while running all morning and having melted once I turned it off, the ice started dislodging itself and blew into the MH. (#11). We went without a/c for about 3hrs in the Utah heat!

Now fully into our final week, the boys have reached well beyond their breaking point. The only word that my wife and I were able to make out when they do spoke was "HOME." We continued west into Nevada and headed for a place in the mountains called Cave Lake State Park. We arrive at the turn-off for the park around 8;30pm. The sign at the turnoff to the park says 7 miles. However, by now the wife is insisting on heading for a hotel in nearby Ely. Staying true to the theme of our trip I say “its only 7 miles, we’ll check it out and head back into town if we don’t like it....how bad can that be.” (You'd think by now I'd have learned to keep my mouth shut!!)

Well, it is only 7 miles to the ENTRANCE to the SP, but the campground seemed another 100 miles up hill from there! At the blazing speed of 20MPH we finally locate the turn off to the 1st campground. It is a gravel road but not too bad so we head on up only to find the campground is full. On the way back out we pull into the now closed ranger station, behind another family towing a trailer. We are looking at the park map as they pull away and discover that there is a “lakeview” campground further up the main road. I jump in behind him and we're off to secure what we hope is one of at least two remaining campsites. We both continue to drive a good distance until the pavement ends at another gravel road…..YEAH, WE'RE HERE!

WRONG, its #12. We proceed to follow the leader up the hill into the mountains on this gravel, bumpy, washboard road (ANYONE THINKING OF DIABLO PASS!!!) After about 20 mins, the guy in front of me stops and I pull along side. He too is looking for the campground and has had enough of this bouncing and rattling caused by the "road" (for lack of a better term). We've both given up looking for the campground and just want a safe place to turn around. Well, that’s about another 20 mins up hill!! We finally turn around and head back down the hill. By the time we reach the paved road we have rattled and shaken the poor MH well beyond the designers intent.

As we reach the bottom of the hill where the gravel road meets the pavement there is a very disturbing sight.......a sign welcoming us to Cave Lake SP. WHAT, When the HE!! did we LEAVE Cave lake SP????!!!!!!! There was no sign telling us we were leaving the park, we thought it was the next campground because the previous one was on a gravel road.

To top it off, there was another sign just to the left showing a turn off for "cave lake" but this sign was hidden in the bushes.

Now just who the HE!! is coming DOWN from the mountains on a washed out road that the State feels they need to inform that the SP and campground is there!!!! Wouldn't you think it would be much more useful to inform the campers coming in from the main highway where the campground is and that they are leaving the park heading into who knows what!!!

So, we again head back to the main road with our tail between our legs and limp on to Ely, but only after a thorough inspection of the outside of the MH. Hummm, no visible sign of problems from our “off road” adventures, guess my luck is changing (or we're simply to easy a prey and Murphy is bored from messing with us).

Later the wife informs me that while I was inspecting the outside, the family huddled together praying that I don't find anything wrong with the MH!! Relieved and having swallowed my pride, I inform them that everything is a go and we head off Ely to find a motel.

However, as we're driving along, my youngest attempts to convince the wife that she needs to go to the back of the motorhome and "see this." Unable to break through the blank trance gripping his mother, he shifts his attention to his older brother. It is only after he goes back and tells mom "Ahhh, you better take look at this" that I recognize that all too familiar knot in my stomach that has become the only consistent aspect of this trip.

I pull over and head to the back to find that the glass shower door has completely become dislodged from its track was banging around the shower. (Now I know where that unfamiliar banging sound was coming from as we decended the hill). (#13) After a feeble attempt to wedge it back on, we give up, lay in on the bed and head down the mountain to Ely in search of a hotel.

Now, there are a number of small 5-10 room motor lodges of unknown names in this little town (we would never even fit in their driveways), but we set our sights on the familiar Ramada Inn and it's accompanying casino. Upon checking in we find that, YUP....NO VACANCY!! In fact, we find this of all the other well known chains like Best Western, etc. We finally get lucky and find the last room available at the Bristlecone Inn. After dragging ourselves into the stuffy room, I start looking for the a/c. The wife finally locates the switch for a single wall mounted a/c in the main room. However, she and I are staying in the adjoining room of this "luxurious" 2 bedroom suite. After searching our room for an a/c unit to no avail, I proceed to the front desk before the office closes.

Back at the front desk, the kid with the purple hair informs me that there must be a switch in the room somewhere. HUH, a switch, if there is no a/c unit in that room, why would there be a switch? Now thoroughly defeated, I asked him if he had a fan and got this strange, very confused look out of him...Never mind, by now I could sleep in the tub if necessary.

The next morning we drag ourselves into the motorhome and I have now joined the kids in their one-word chorus.......HOME!!!!

So there you have it…..A very eventful 34 day trip across America. We made it home without further incident with our tails between our legs and a greater appreciation for the moms and dads who took their families on long trips in the back of the family station wagon!!!!!!!!

* This post was last edited 08/28/08 05:08pm by dmatt * View edit history

OzarkPreacher

S.W.Mo. God's Country

Senior Member

Joined: 02/23/2004

View Profile

Posted: 08/06/08 01:38pm

Link | Quote | Print | Notify Moderator

Quote:

INTERMISSION

Time for me to get a drink and some pop corn so I can settle in for part two.

Sounds like you are tyrying to wrap all the events possible into one trip. Sorry for all your trouble but so far sounds like you are holding it together.