Are we having fun yet??

As of this writing on 10/13, we have identified four separate issues since leaving, the last of which is a showstopper.

(If you have no interest in mechanical minutia, stop here! No judgment!)

The first two problems were identified as we were preparing to leave Covington. The back left tire had low pressure, which has been a recurrent problem. Also, we discovered during our pre-departure safety check (can you tell I’m married to a pilot?) that the motorhome’s rear lights were not working properly.

Long story short, the tire pressure issue was not related to the tire but rather a defective O-ring in the inflation valve extender. We can continue to nurse the rig along until we get a new extender. Fairly easy fix.

The rear light issue was related to prior work done at Happy Camper to repair body damage from backing into a boulder during our trip to Michigan. The workmen didn’t properly reconnect the wires leading to the lights. Super simple fix.

After addressing these issues, we went on to Jennings Ferry in Eutaw, Alabama. While we were there, a part of the toilet wasn’t working properly, resulting in minor flooding in the interior.  Captain Dave came up with a temporary fix that would work for the entire duration of our trip.

After a relatively relaxing 3-night stay, we discovered upon leaving that the left front leveling jack would not go up. We couldn’t safely drive the rig until the leveler could be secured. We stayed an additional 3 nights at Jennings Ferry. Ultimately, Captain Dave disabled the hydraulic system that operates the leveling jacks and front two slides. He jury-rigged the leveler to stay up, and we drove back to Picayune, where Happy Camper is located. If only the levelers had been disabled, we could have continued our trip. But not being able to use the front slides was the showstopper.

At the time of this writing (Oct. 13, ~2 pm), we are waiting to hear the verdict from Lonnie at Happy Camper. We really hope it's a quick fix so we can get back on the road. But we have had to face the possibility of having to return home, which is a real downer.

Stay tuned for updates….

Oct. 13, ~5pm.

Lonnie said several items were identified that could be causing the leveler problem, including a defective solenoid and a pinhole in the hydraulic fluid line.  He’s going to work on those two items.  If successful, we will be able to leave again tomorrow evening.  If not, he will have to replace the leveling jack itself, which could take up to two weeks. L