redagainPatti's WunderBlog

Last Updated: 9:52 PM GMT on February 25, 2013 — Last Comment: 11:31 PM GMT on April 01, 2013

	Broken down while on the road.

Posted by: redagainPatti, 10:18 AM GMT on September 09, 2012

Well I had no idea that my mom's RV would shut its engine down when it ran hot. The needle just touched the red! Then my mom could no longer turn the steering wheel and we were right in the middle of a turn to get off the road. There was a ditch ahead!
Mom was only able to cry out, "Oh, Oh!" seeing the trouble with the steering I jumped up to grab hold and helped her pull it back to the right side and away from the ditch ahead
When the RV stopped rolling, we were turned away from the ditch. However we were still blocking the entrance into the rest area. When the engine had cooled a bit, we were able to restart it and got into the rest area to one side, where it again, shut off. Only three truckers were blocked during this time. One of them got out of his rig and stayed with us for awhile as phone calls were made for help. The other two just got back on the road.
We got somebody to come out to look at it and was told there was a pulley that had come loosed from the crank shaft. The dude said he has never seen this before.
We were able to get a towed into a shop where we are now waiting for Monday morning to find out if this place can fix our problem.
Fun huh? But we are safe. Just now more than a bit worried what this is going to cost but we are safe. Just no longer on the road to Gold Beach, OR but cooling our heels in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Anyone lives near here? Maybe we might eat dinner together on Sunday?

Checking to find the cause of the overheating of our big machine.

Watching the service man checking to see what is the problem with the RV. He is adding water to the radiator.

Together both otherbug and Lowgirlscout are watching the process.

The guy could not fix it so we had to get a tow truck to be pulled into a shop. The first guy said there's a pulley that has come loose from the crankshaft

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1. shoreacres 1:02 PM GMT on September 09, 2012
Ah, shoot! If only you were in Montana - I know several people in Montana! I can't believe you had such troubles - but thank goodness you're safe. You know what you might try is doing a search in the WU photo galleries by Cheyenne, Wyoming. I'll bet you'd turn up some photographers in the area! But even if you don't, I'll bet you have some new friends before this is all over. I love traveling in the west, because people are friendly and helpful. Hope all is going well. Post us an update whenever you can. Member Since: October 4, 2004 Posts: 195 Comments: 14790

2. Proserpina 1:40 PM GMT on September 09, 2012
Patti, the problems are worse than I thought after reading your comment on my blog. Now I really am sorry! Do you have AAA? If you do, this is the time to ask them for help. Where are you staying? I assume there is a hotel nearby. I seem to think that there is a group who comes to the help of stranded travelers (they help out $ as well if needed). Many years ago I had a relative who was traveling from Upstate NY to MA (after visiting me) and got stuck on the road, needing work on the car. The garage wanted cash only! Anyways, I was able to send money via some agency or other (I no longer remember). If needed ask for help, most people are decent and helpful! Just watch out for the crazies, use your gut feelings well. Sending a big hug. Member Since: May 6, 2008 Posts: 152 Comments: 16720

3. palmettobug53 3:01 PM GMT on September 09, 2012
Argh... I'm terribly sorry to hear you and Mom are having vehicle problems. Hopefully, the repair shop can take care of the problem and that it doesn't require robbing the local bank to pay for it. (If I see something on the news about two women in cowboy hats, dusters, bandanas tied over their faces and waving 6 gun shooters in a Cheyenne bank, I'll know who it is!) That's always my big worry doing that drive up to Dad's by myself. I know it's a much shorter trip than what the two of you are doing but it is always in the back of my mind. Esp since I can't hear, which means I can't carry a cell phone. Shore's suggestion sounds like a good one. Check for photogs or bloggers by location and see if you can make contact. Still, as she says, folks out that way do tend to be friendly. Meanwhile, get out and take in the sights. Member Since: October 7, 2005 Posts: 206 Comments: 21440

4. palmettobug53 3:03 PM GMT on September 09, 2012
Saw your post about geocaching. I'm familiar with that but have never done it. It's been around for quite a while now. Sounds fun! Member Since: October 7, 2005 Posts: 206 Comments: 21440

5. redagainPatti 5:03 PM GMT on September 09, 2012
palmettobug53 "Bang Bang! How did you know ?" said my mom, Lowgirlscout. From me - redagain, "Geocaching has been around for 12 years now. I like it as it gets me out to walk/hike about which I need to be stronger heathwise. Proserpina Right now we are staying with and in the RV. The generator and batteries give us lights and heat. But if it gets locked up inside the shop when they start working on the engine, we have a tow car to find a hotel. Mom is with Good Sams and they took care of getting the RV last night into this lot at the freightliner place. Since the RV is only four years old, we are checking to see what might be covered. shoreacres Thanks for the the idea. Right now checking in with family and friends I have. Then catching up on email too. Got some photos up load but having problems loading to WU using iPhone and iPad. I keep thinking I will figure it out soon. Meanwhile, I am dropping links to my flickR account. Member Since: July 10, 2005 Posts: 116 Comments: 1453

6. palmettobug53 10:20 PM GMT on September 09, 2012
I'm hoping that OB does not get underfoot and in the way. Seems like she was hogging the camera. Member Since: October 7, 2005 Posts: 206 Comments: 21440

7. auburn 10:37 PM GMT on September 09, 2012
Hoping its an easy and cheap fix and you get back on the road soon! Member Since: August 27, 2006 Posts: 538 Comments: 46637

8. SVLover 12:05 AM GMT on September 10, 2012
Wow - that is a big rig. Sure hope it's an easy fix tomorrow, Patti. Fingers crossed! Member Since: October 29, 2006 Posts: 0 Comments: 3303

9. redagainPatti 1:58 AM GMT on September 10, 2012
Thank you your guys - auburn, and SVLover The shop told us today to be ready for them to move the RV into their shop at 8:00am Monday. That means we must be out of the rig, slide outs IN, and so I am packing a bag tonight to place in our little red tow car. My mom who is Lowgirlscout - wanted me to share to Proserpina - We have Good Sam and the AAA does not do RV -- they are just for cars. The tow guy was very happy to tow us cause he said Good Sam always paid up - never makes his company wait - unlike some other companies out there. Member Since: July 10, 2005 Posts: 116 Comments: 1453

10. shoreacres 2:54 AM GMT on September 10, 2012
Gosh, I'm glad to hear that the towing isn't going to be a problem. I've always heard about Good Sam but don't know anything about them. I'm glad you have them, and that they have a good reputation. I hope it all goes easily and you're back on the road quickly. All things considered, it sounds as though things are going pretty smoothly. Member Since: October 4, 2004 Posts: 195 Comments: 14790

11. janetlee 10:22 AM GMT on September 10, 2012
So sorry for the break down. We also have GS but luckly have never had to give them a call. Nice to know they are so good. Our #1 son is a geocacher. He got hooked while living in UK. He does not do it as much now that hes in TX, says a person could get shot out there. People take their private land serious! Hope you are back on the road soon..Happy trails Member Since: March 14, 2006 Posts: 46 Comments: 1403

12. StormDrain 11:44 AM GMT on September 10, 2012
Hi Patti, Sorry about your road trip troubles. I can think of worse places to have to hole up. Cheyenne's not bad, and geo-caching sounds like fun. Hope you are on the road soon. You'll probably get to your destination in time for the festivities. And don't forget, those Redwoods await you. :) Take care. Member Since: October 9, 2005 Posts: 13 Comments: 495

13. redagainPatti 7:08 PM GMT on September 10, 2012
Bad news... The earliest I can get there is late Sunday or more likely Monday.. if we roll out Wed... I am sorry.. but this is going to turn into me just camping alone with mom along the redwood trees.. and miss you all and the West Coast Meet Up .. Mom says we need four and half days just to Portland...I am trying hard not to cry... about to call the hotel to cancel my nights there.. I have photos of the bad parts that cause this breakdown... will post a blog later about this... Folks need to know that they might be driving out there with BAD metal on the pulleys of their engine. We are not the first to have this problem!! We could had been killed with what had happen.. and no recall has been yet made! Are they waiting for folks to be killed??? Folks need to know and have their engines checked!!!! I need all of you to repost the info I am going to give you later in this blog... I will add it to what I have here instead of creating a new one. Member Since: July 10, 2005 Posts: 116 Comments: 1453

14. SVLover 8:08 PM GMT on September 10, 2012
Such bad and sad news, Patti. I was sure hopping the fix would be an easier one so you could make it in plenty of time to the meetup. :( I hope you still ave a wonderful and memorable time at the Redwoods. You just can't have a bad time there. Lori Member Since: October 29, 2006 Posts: 0 Comments: 3303

15. Proserpina 9:30 PM GMT on September 10, 2012
So sorry Patti. But so glad that worse problems occurred! It is sad that you will not meet the photographers (I assume it's the WU photographers) but you will enjoy the Redwoods as you said. Good thing that you and your mom are very resourceful and independent, self reliant women! Member Since: May 6, 2008 Posts: 152 Comments: 16720

16. auburn 9:49 PM GMT on September 10, 2012
Ford had a problem with the Power stroke Diesel just as you had a few years ago..the pulley would lockup and break off.. Member Since: August 27, 2006 Posts: 538 Comments: 46637

17. Skyepony 10:04 PM GMT on September 10, 2012
Glad you guys are okay.. Hope you somehow pull off an early fix.. Member Since: August 10, 2005 Posts: 144 Comments: 29249

18. palmettobug53 2:41 AM GMT on September 11, 2012
I'm sorry that you and mom won't make the WU West Coast meet but I'm glad that your vehicle breakdown was just that and not something worse. I know you're disappointed but look at this as time you and mom can spend together, see new sights...an adventure. Just go with the flow and turn a bad thing into a good one. Perhaps you can make arrangements to meet with a couple of the West Coast WU photogs anyway. It might not be the big meet you were hoping for but it would still be fun. Member Since: October 7, 2005 Posts: 206 Comments: 21440

19. Ylee 7:58 AM GMT on September 11, 2012
Red, my best guess is that you have about 20 hours driving time between Cheyenne and Portland. I totally understand if you don't think you can safely drive more than five hours a day, but if you get the RV back early enough Wednesday, with a little extra driving each day you should be able to get there to at least say hi! Class A RV engine parts are supposed to be built heavy duty; there's no excuse for the pulley to fail like that. I wish you two the best of fortunes for the rest of your journey! Member Since: February 3, 2011 Posts: 65 Comments: 11298

20. Proserpina 3:39 PM GMT on September 11, 2012
How are things going this morning? I hope that you and mom are safe and ok. Will check ater to see how you are doing. Member Since: May 6, 2008 Posts: 152 Comments: 16720

21. redagainPatti 6:31 AM GMT on September 12, 2012
update.... we hope it is fix and we roll in morning by 10 ... The RV was turned back over to us around 8:30pm... not a good time to hit the road.. so we will moved westward during daylight on Wednesday. We are only doing about 340 per day.. and at 60 miles per hour... If anyone is still in the area.. maybe I might see you.. but can not make it in time. Member Since: July 10, 2005 Posts: 116 Comments: 1453

22. Proserpina 6:38 AM GMT on September 12, 2012
Have a safe rest of the trip (and trip back home). I hope you can go beyond the unfortunate events of the last few days, and have a good time for the rest of the trip. Sending fun vibes your way. Member Since: May 6, 2008 Posts: 152 Comments: 16720

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