Not If, but When

When we started our adventures in the RV, one of the first things we read was to not think “if we have problems on the road, but when.” We thought about that when we started our current adventure on Labor Day.

Captain set the departure time for 11:00 a.m.; we left pretty much on time (11:15 a.m.) About 10 miles down the road, Captain was heard to say “Oh, crap!” In the rear-view mirror he noticed the right side fender skirt was flapping; he forgot to put the nuts back on when he removed the tire covers. So, back home to see if he could find them in the driveway; he did!

In the 45,000 miles we have driven the past 5 years we have had only a few minor mechanical problems, mostly tire issues. Being the proactive, plan ahead kind of guy, Captain thought it was time we buy new tires; so we did. Driving along I-40 the tire pressure sensor began to beep, showing low pressure in the front left tire. We had new tires, so what could it be? Jumping to an obvious conclusion, it was likely a leaking valve stem. “Now why would they not check for leaking valves in the $1800 tire replacement? Ridiculous!” Nothing to do but take it to the tire store in Nashville and have it checked. Tuesday, our scheduled day of rest, Captain took the tire off (not a job for a weakling) and took it to the tire store. Guess what, the valve stem needed to be tightened. No charge!

When we got to the campground at Percy Priest Lake, we did our usual disconnect of Roger (our tow vehicle.) Captain observed that the Brake Buddy had lost all of its pressure; what that means is the thing that activates Roger’s brakes when the RV’s brakes are applied was useless. Most states require such a device in a towed vehicle. So, while Captain was in Nashville taking care of the tire, he went by Camping World and picked up a $970 replacement for the 16-year old Brake Buddy and spent Tuesday afternoon installing it. (We were also advised, RVing is not an inexpensive way to travel.)

ABN spent her day of rest peacefully sewing.

Note from ABN; now some of you that have known Captain for a number of years may be imagining that he was no doubt aggravated and frustrated and in a foul mood. Not so, he was in a very good mood; I think I even heard him whistling at one point. His comment was, “compost (actually he used a different word) happens. We have been fortunate our issues have been minor and easily fixable.” Let’s just call it “the miracle of retirement.”

Percy Priest Lake

Looking forward to seeing the fall colors in the Northeast, but first we will run over to visit our friends in God’s Country.