OMG. I finally did it, after years of planning. Called the boss, and said, I quit. Almost 20 years working in social services, and still making less than $2,000 take home a month (like everyone else in the field) Budget cuts, austerity, fiscal cliffs, and the ever popular "there are more important things than money, doesn't helping others make you feel good? You must be an angel in disguise, because I couldn't work with those people... " Well, that only works up to a point...
So, I have my online business rolling regularly into my Pay Pal account (made more than the day job the last 3 years) Got the back of the SUV packed with flea market goods, got the trailer tricked out with all the boondocking basics, and, I have a modest stock pile of food and money, to help tide me throught the transition.
Monday, gonna donate my little Saturn sedan to a ministry that works to stop child sex trafficking here in Sonoma county (um, nice place to visit, except for the Bohemian Grove. Yeah, it's real, lot's of cults and drugs here in California, and plenty of the mental patients I worked with are victims of this culture.)
Anyways, I plan on taking off Tuesday, up I-50 to Carson City, where I will become a proud resident of income tax free Nevada, and where the sales tax is 2-3% less than the Golden State! Any recommendations about the route, feel free to give advice! I gotta climb a BIG mountain, and come down the other side, so, if you have any hints about going down a 5% grade...
Oh, and send a few prayers my way, for my safe journey and solid income!
Loretta said
04:56 AM Apr 29, 2013
Congratulations and safe travels. We are headed up that way in the next month so perhaps we will run into one another. We will try and escape the heat of Phoenix.
Terry and Jo said
05:19 AM Apr 29, 2013
Good luck, Jane.
You can be certain that a lot of the folks here are pulling for you. While I can't speak to all the "mountain issues," once you top the summit and start down, slow down a bunch. When you have to use your brakes, brake hard so you slow down 15 to 20 miles per hour and let up and use the transmission to allow you to slow. Then when necessary, hit them again. The key is to NOT be on your brakes for quite a bit of time.
Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Terry
NWescapee said
06:15 AM Apr 29, 2013
Jane - happy to hear that you are taking the next step. Don't be afraid to pull over and let the rig rest, we had smoking brakes crossing the Sierras last Sept. Take it slow and be careful, most of all enjoy the next phase of your life!!!
Hina said
02:11 PM Apr 29, 2013
Thanks guys! Lorreta, I'll be at the Comstock RV park, it looks nice, and the monthly is $295. Pool, laundry, grass, picnic tables, propane.
Loretta said
02:13 PM Apr 29, 2013
Sounds good. When we are in that area we will be sure to look you up.
Lucky Mike said
02:28 PM Apr 29, 2013
Let the Adventure begin!!!!!!!!
wish I was out west Jane , I'd Stop by!!!......I'm locked in to the East coast and dont dare cross the Mississippi River ,But I know you will make it to New England or the eastern sides and we will meet!!
Congrats on begining your adventure!!
WestWardHo said
03:12 PM Apr 29, 2013
Finally! Sound like you really put a good plan in place! We also hope to see you on the road!
Sherry
Ckerr said
05:02 PM Apr 29, 2013
Congrats Jane! How exciting! If you find yourself in South Texas be sure to stop and say hi -- btw, rates are cheaper here in the summer and it can't be as hot as some other places... lol
PIEERE said
05:13 PM Apr 29, 2013
Jane: Enjoy and most of all have fun!! I remember the first time I pulled out back in 2000 with my own rig. I felt a little apprehensive for the first couple hours; everything around the next corner made me want to explore further. I am hopefully parked temporarily waiting on some health tests and results. The Good Lord willing will be back on the road around mid-October and heading a bit further south for the Winter. You have a good plan and may every success come your way!!! PIEERE
janni said
09:58 PM Apr 29, 2013
Hina I will never forget the day I quit. What a scary feeling up front but sheer joy and excitement underneath. Congratulations on your new adventure! I will be following your posts, wishing you the best, and saying a prayer. Enjoy each day.
cherylbrv said
11:29 PM Apr 29, 2013
Very exciting! Congratulations and happy & safe trails! I do hope we get to meet up some day, especially if I'm able to do the craft show/bazaar/street fair circuit (do temporary tattoos & face painting do well at flea markets? I would tend to doubt it)
Hina said
12:33 AM Apr 30, 2013
Janni, I won't forget the day I quit too... exit interview? Want to know what I think? How can we improve the program? OK, you got it....
Cheryl, temporary tattoos? I got some real ones...
Pierre, get well soon, and get back on the road!
Mike, are you paranoid about the Mississippi river? Maybe we can meet 1/2 way, on a steamboat.
I spent the day wrapping things up around here, and donating my lil' 2000 Saturn with 138,000 miles definitely has me leaving with at least one good memory! The teenage girls this ministry helps were so excited they all ran out to see, because one of them is going to get my car when they graduate! I spent years working with the mentally ill in a non profit, and mostly all I got in return for good deeds was narcissistic entitlement, but this morning, I got real, genuine gratitude and joy! The minister and everyone assured me I really made a difference, and were just so happy! Finally!
Cindy T said
01:15 AM Apr 30, 2013
BIG CONGRATS to you!!
Alie and Jims Carrilite said
02:54 AM Apr 30, 2013
Cool! Safe travels and stay safe!
Leee said
03:35 AM Apr 30, 2013
Jane.
Congratulation on such a great adventure you are taking. Leila
bjoyce said
09:19 AM Apr 30, 2013
Comstock is walking distance to Costco, which can be dangerous. We once stayed there to get our Costco-bought tires rotated for free. Of course we bought more at Costco, so it was not so "free". If I remember right it was a good campground.
Both US50 and I-80 have some good grades, so you will get some mountain driving experience getting there. Remember that Amazon is close by if you find you need to make some money next fall.
-- Edited by bjoyce on Tuesday 30th of April 2013 09:22:15 AM
phyllen said
02:56 PM Apr 30, 2013
Good for you!
Bob and Cheri said
03:13 PM Apr 30, 2013
Congratulations to you. DW and I retired just about a year ago, now we work when we want to and travel when we want to. Best year of our 43 years together.
May your endeavors live up to your expectations. Happy dance time.
Fergizmo said
03:16 PM Apr 30, 2013
Jane - We are happy to hear of your plans. Enjoy!! We are right behind you.
Jo And Craig said
04:26 PM Apr 30, 2013
You have worked so hard for this time in your life. CONGRATULATIONS and many safe, happy miles ahead! How exciting!! Wishing you all the very best!
CJSX2fromCT said
08:08 PM Apr 30, 2013
Jane CONGRATS!!!!!!!!! wish you the best in your new journey on life.... Safe travels.... Each day is a gift....
Hina said
02:05 AM May 1, 2013
Bad news... both tires on the drivers side of the trailer blew out on the freeway, it started fishtailing, and the SUV went over a retaining wall, and took some damage. The trailer is OK, just a few minor dings, and I am 100% A-OK, physically and emotionally. But I fear the insurance will declare the SUV totaled, so I am back where I started. Feel kinda dumb, but the highway patrol and tow truck drivers assured me I didn't do bad controlling an uncontrollable situation. I even checked all the tires before I left, it was a construction zone, so maybe there was something small and deadly sharp. I gotta see what the insurance declares, but I am already setting plans to pick up where I left off. I'll keep y'all posted.
NWescapee said
02:15 AM May 1, 2013
Jane - sorry to hear this. Hoping for a good outcome from the insurance company.
Mike and Myong said
05:03 AM May 1, 2013
Glad you're okay Jane! What a terrible way to start off, but at least you're alright. Lets hope the insurance company comes through for you!
WestWardHo said
05:15 AM May 1, 2013
Really, really sorry about your potentially terrifying and frustrating turn of events. We've been there so really feel for you.
Do keep us all posted.
Sherry
Lucky Mike said
07:30 AM May 1, 2013
Well that little fleetwood is a nice coach.....it would open up your options on boondocking and save on fee's because you can just pull over ...you can transfer your solar over.....you will have basement storage......Generator......Larger water storage and waste capacity and judging from your last posts an increase in gas milage!! not to mention it will handle alot better than towing a TT
for a Class A , Its the right size for fitting in alot of state/national/COE parks that have short lenth limits
if you are flea marketing , I use mine as my booth....just put the awning out , set up my tables and equipment and I'm ready!!!!
Tag a bike on the back or small scooter and you have simple transportation......add a tow bar and a small car or pick-up, I tow a small Ranger with a cap for added storage ......
But most of all look over all you want to do and weigh it out ,they each have there trade-offs......you will make the choice and do well!!!
Hope to see you out there..!!!!!
But remember I Dont cross the Mississipppi.......To much to do over here, I like the scenery Better, more markets,alot cooler in the summer........and most of all ...My Mom and my doctor said I cant cross that street!!!!
-- Edited by Lucky Mike on Wednesday 1st of May 2013 07:55:05 AM
Lucky Mike said
01:10 PM May 1, 2013
I am glad to hear you are ok and the trailer is ok........hopefully the insurance is fast and a repair or replacement is done quickly!!!!!
please keep us posted!!
Hina said
02:14 PM May 1, 2013
Looking at the SUV, looks like one of the back tires blew too, so that was 3 tires out all at once. But I must say, the Ford Excursion is a very safe vehicle, the air bags didn't even deploy, and I didn't get hurt.
This is crazy, but during all the fishtailing, the spice bottles flew out, and one is now wedged under the slideout! Stuck in there solid, haven't been able to pull it out! This AM, I'm clearing the junk out of the dinette, and let's see what happens if I try to put the slide out, or, I may wait for a professional. But for now, the slide is stuck in, so my living space is greatly reduced.
There is a cute little 1996 26' Fleetwood Fiesta Class A here, with only 14,000 miles. I'm thinking, with no tow vehicle, and the strong likelihood of the Excursion being totaled, I might trade the trailer and some cash for that. Might be safer and easier to drive in the long run too!
phyllen said
03:33 PM May 1, 2013
Wow! How well we know about blow outs. Have had several. Last time was two on the fiver within three hours. Did some damage. Really glad you are okay and can write about it.
It sounds like Mike is offering you some good advice.
janni said
04:30 PM May 1, 2013
So glad you are alright and moving on to plan B. You go girl!
PIEERE said
04:51 PM May 1, 2013
Jane: Sorry about the bad luck!!!! At least your safe and you still have a place to stay which is of primary importance. See if those tires have a safety recall as when I worked in the dealerships not all recalls got into the hands of the consumer. Consumer Reports would be a place to do research. Hope all goes well with the insurance. If I ever get back to the road again the old Cl-C is going to need new shoes (tires).
Loretta said
06:40 PM May 1, 2013
So sorry to hear about your misfortunes. Iam so glad to hear that you are OK. That is the most important. Things can be replaced. We are well versed in blow-outs. Seems like that is a rite of passage in this RV life. So many people on their maiden voyage seem to get them. We did and rode a few miles before we realized the pop we heard was coming from us. I was wondering why no one was flagging us to tell us that we had a blow-out. It was on the passenger side one of the dual tires in the back. Tht is when we realized our tires were 11 years old. Now, with all new tires, there is still no guarantee we won't have ablow-out but we can rest a little easier knowing that they will carry our weight and are safer.
MarkS said
10:02 PM May 1, 2013
Jane, Glad to hear you are fine. This is no way to start out. To add insult to injury, you're stuck in California. Kinda reminds me of the MASH episode where an injured Colonel was finally leaving the camp after putting up with the doctors shenanigans when the jeep he was riding in blew a tire. He yelled, "Keep going, keep going".
At least it happened before you started over the mountain. One time I went down the east side of Donner unable to build or maintain air pressure. It was working well enough to stop the truck so I went on into Reno and stopped at the Volvo dealer. He found that I had a big hole in the main line going from the air compressor to the rest of the system.
Just remember the speed limits are for cars, not trucks or RVs. Slow and steady, low gears, let the engine hold you back, drive your speed, not the speed of everyone else.
Hope they get you squared away quickly so you can finally get started on your dream.
Hina said
01:38 AM May 2, 2013
Well, the slideout on the trailer is fine, some minor dings that the insurance will cover.
Mike, you are exactly right, my plan exactly, and the Fleetwood Fiesta is a 2004, not a 1996. I've already got the deal worked out for it; I went to clear the stuff out of my truck, and my non-professional opinion is, totaled. So, they should give me a check for around $10,000. The dealer where I am parked says, they can take a $5,600 down payment on the Fiesta, the trade in on my trailer (which they are also doing the repairs for) and roll over some into the loan I have for the trailer. I should be able to get back on the road maybe in 2 weeks.
Mark, I was doing about 50-55, being a slow poke ol' lady, so I wasn't speeding. Like the tow truck drivers said, once that trailer started swinging, it started steering the truck, not the truck steering the trailer, and there was no stopping it. Being stuck in California for another month isn't so bad; the people here in Sonoma county are nice, the food is good, and the scenery fabulous, it's just the regulations and the taxes. Here is a link to where I have been hanging out here in NorCal. Nice place to visit:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHLCECJPP1w
Pieere: The insurance lady is all about "investigating" and she is very curious about the tires, and wants the adjusters to give them a good look. So, if there has been a recall, I'll bet State Farm will be all over it.
I have to send the insurance lady some pics of the accident, so perhaps I will throw my pride to the wind, and post them for you guys. It really was quite spectacular, backed traffic up for miles, for almost 2 hours, and the insurance lady even found some of the pictures people were snapping on the internet already! It all may work out for the best in the end, I think the lil' Class A might be an easier and more versatile rig in a lot of ways.
Lucky Mike said
01:43 AM May 2, 2013
As long as your safe.....life is good.....a couple weeks will give you time to rethink and plan forward....hopefully it will go fast and things will totally work in your favor....
keep us informed......thinking of you
Hina said
02:17 AM May 2, 2013
Here is a roadside video of the end result. The mighty Ford Excursion managed to climb the wall instead of crashing. Good truck, I came out without a scratch and no whiplash. http://youtu.be/C4jlk-I5k6M
PIEERE said
02:42 AM May 2, 2013
Wow; Are you fortunate; maybe a good thing that wall was there as you would have maybe done a complete jack-knife and flipped over. You must say your prayers alot. I believe the good Lord must have heard them. Ask to try out the class A and check everything close to make sure it's what you would be comfortable with. Set in it and picture in your mind where everything will go. I know you will as you have done your homework on RVS. Hopefully this will get you back on your plan. Maybe one day i'll get out of Tennesse and meet you along the dusty trails.
Hina said
03:41 PM May 2, 2013
Hey Pieere, as a matter of fact, I do say my prayers a lot... off the RV topic, and verging a little into forbidden territory, after 20 years of working with the mentally ill, I have become a believer that the "demonic" does exist, and have discovered that prayer actually does work to counter act it (and you don't necessarily need to ascribe to a certain religion) The patients I worked with were not happy I was leaving, and unfortunately, I was a favorite, and they may have actually sent some of their "voices" and "invisible friends" to stop me from leaving. So yeah, I knew the drill, and I was prepared and praying. So do I now sound like a crazy person?
The Class A deal is pretty well set, just waiting for the verdict from State Farm as to whether the truck was totaled (but I am sure it is). I like the Fiesta lay out, it doesn't have a slide, the dinnette is a little smaller, bedroom a different configuration, but I'll make it work. In some ways, it has more room, in others, less. The big question is, where to put my birds? Right now, I have the canary and finch's cage arranged so they can be at the window looking out all day, which they LOVE.
Get out of Tennessee for sure, and meet up with everyone!
Jack Mayer said
04:41 PM May 2, 2013
Jane, you were very lucky. Very.
Not to dwell on an unfortunate situation, but when you get your new one please put on tire monitors. They may not have helped....but they may have. They make it simple to check pressure - which is a key ingredient to not blowing a tire. Also.....get your rig weighed and make sure that you have tires of the right load capacity on it....do NOT ASSUME that the RV manufacturer put on anything but the cheapest tires that would "get by". I'm glad you are safe....
MarkS said
06:50 PM May 2, 2013
Jane, as always, Jack gives great advice. To tag onto that... In the commercial world if you blow out the sidewall of a tire, the warranty is void. The reason is: blowing out the sidewall is a strong indication that the tire was run under inflated. When under-inflated, the sidewall flexes much more, generating heat that leads to failure. If this was the case, it is highly likely that a tire monitoring system could have warned you, ultimately preventing the failure. My Smart came with tire monitoring and, although I cuss it for activating the warning system (DW griping that the tires are low) I must admit that I check the tires more often to prevent activation of said system. I will install one on my big truck and trailer before going on the road. I would prefer to have one that monitors both temp and pressure. Which brings me to my next point... get an infrared thermometer and use it to monitor the temperature of your tires and bearings. It has been said that bearing failure can be nearly eliminated by monitoring the temperature. Shoot them anytime you stop. If you notice the temps running a little high, it is an indication that something has changed and may need attention. Incidentally, bearings running at high temp can cause the wheel to heat up leading to tire failure. An ounce of identification will save a pound of repairs.
Where our units may sit for a month or more at a time I would think we probably ignore our running gear more than we should. In the commercial world, we inspect our vehicles frequently. It is a good practice for all of us with heavy RVs to inspect before taking off, (use a modified commercial checklist, maybe even include items specific to your unit like "check bicycle tie-downs") and then pull over and give it the once over after 30 minutes to an hour to make sure things are happy and safe. Check the temps of the bearings and tires, look for oil leaks, give the rig a good visual. Don't be OCD, just be safe.
bigboomer said
09:14 PM May 2, 2013
Hina,
So happy for you! May the wind always be in your face and your troubles behind you as you travel down the road on your new adventure! Wishing you all the best and happiness in your new lifestyle, you will not regret it!
Les
bigboomer said
09:20 PM May 2, 2013
Jane,
So sorry about your accident. I had only read your original post and did not see below until my comment came up (duh!). Hopefully everything will work out and you can get back to traveling soon. Glad to hear you are OK. We will keep raying that everything works out!
Les
Hina said
01:18 AM May 3, 2013
I will be more educated and aware of tires from now on. I did check them before I took off, they were all at 40, which seemed OK.
I'm working out a deal on the Fleetwood Fiesta, I'll start a new thread under Buying an RV, for a few ???.
Thanks Everyone!
WestWardHo said
06:08 PM May 3, 2013
Jane,
One of my sons was driving his fancy, loaded to the max truck when he was broadsided and was hit so hard it knocked the truck off its rear axel. My son was fine but his insurance company insisted the frame wasn't bent & would do $17,000 in repairs, it was an almost new $65,000 truck. He has a legal service that they subscribed to and called them. His insurance company was State Farm as it was the driver who caused the accident. State Farm was refusing to total his truck but he was politely persistent citing diminished value. Because of the accident the value he could sell it for even after repairs was way down.The attorney told him about "diminished value" which you are entitled to value before the accident. Not sure if this link as I am on iPad will work but hope you don't settle for less than you're entitled to.
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Friday 3rd of May 2013 06:45:22 PM
Hina said
03:47 PM May 4, 2013
Thanks for the info Sherry. My truck was 11 years old, so the value was not nearly as high, I paid $11,000 for it, and the Kelly Blue Book says $11,000 - $13,000. The transmission took a hit, and if that is wasted, that's probably at least $5-6,000, plus both running boards, rear side dent, and the hood and bumpers were askew, so the whole front body seemed slightly twisted, one flat tire ($500). I also have Prepaid Legal, so if State Farm won't be fair, I'll give a call. Just waiting anxiously.
SnowGypsy said
01:17 AM May 15, 2013
How exciting! You'll be in my thoughts and prayers. Life is too short but I guess you already know that!
OMG. I finally did it, after years of planning. Called the boss, and said, I quit.
Almost 20 years working in social services, and still making less than $2,000 take home a month (like everyone else in the field) Budget cuts, austerity, fiscal cliffs, and the ever popular "there are more important things than money, doesn't helping others make you feel good? You must be an angel in disguise, because I couldn't work with those people... " Well, that only works up to a point... 
So, I have my online business rolling regularly into my Pay Pal account (made more than the day job the last 3 years) Got the back of the SUV packed with flea market goods, got the trailer tricked out with all the boondocking basics, and, I have a modest stock pile of food and money, to help tide me throught the transition.
Monday, gonna donate my little Saturn sedan to a ministry that works to stop child sex trafficking here in Sonoma county (um, nice place to visit, except for the Bohemian Grove. Yeah, it's real, lot's of cults and drugs here in California, and plenty of the mental patients I worked with are victims of this culture.)
Anyways, I plan on taking off Tuesday, up I-50 to Carson City, where I will become a proud resident of income tax free Nevada, and where the sales tax is 2-3% less than the Golden State! Any recommendations about the route, feel free to give advice! I gotta climb a BIG mountain, and come down the other side, so, if you have any hints about going down a 5% grade...
Oh, and send a few prayers my way, for my safe journey and solid income!
Congratulations and safe travels. We are headed up that way in the next month so perhaps we will run into one another. We will try and escape the heat of Phoenix.
Good luck, Jane.
You can be certain that a lot of the folks here are pulling for you. While I can't speak to all the "mountain issues," once you top the summit and start down, slow down a bunch. When you have to use your brakes, brake hard so you slow down 15 to 20 miles per hour and let up and use the transmission to allow you to slow. Then when necessary, hit them again. The key is to NOT be on your brakes for quite a bit of time.
Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Terry
Sounds good. When we are in that area we will be sure to look you up.
wish I was out west Jane , I'd Stop by!!!......I'm locked in to the East coast and dont dare cross the Mississippi River ,But I know you will make it to New England or the eastern sides and we will meet!!
Congrats on begining your adventure!!
Sherry
I am hopefully parked temporarily waiting on some health tests and results. The Good Lord willing will be back on the road around mid-October and heading a bit further south for the Winter.
You have a good plan and may every success come your way!!! PIEERE
Janni, I won't forget the day I quit too... exit interview? Want to know what I think? How can we improve the program? OK, you got it....
Cheryl, temporary tattoos? I got some real ones...
Pierre, get well soon, and get back on the road!
Mike, are you paranoid about the Mississippi river?
Maybe we can meet 1/2 way, on a steamboat.
I spent the day wrapping things up around here, and donating my lil' 2000 Saturn with 138,000 miles definitely has me leaving with at least one good memory! The teenage girls this ministry helps were so excited they all ran out to see, because one of them is going to get my car when they graduate!
I spent years working with the mentally ill in a non profit, and mostly all I got in return for good deeds was narcissistic entitlement, but this morning, I got real, genuine gratitude and joy! The minister and everyone assured me I really made a difference, and were just so happy! Finally! 
BIG CONGRATS to you!!
Safe travels and stay safe!
Jane.
Congratulation on such a great adventure you are taking.
Leila
Comstock is walking distance to Costco, which can be dangerous. We once stayed there to get our Costco-bought tires rotated for free. Of course we bought more at Costco, so it was not so "free". If I remember right it was a good campground.
Both US50 and I-80 have some good grades, so you will get some mountain driving experience getting there. Remember that Amazon is close by if you find you need to make some money next fall.
-- Edited by bjoyce on Tuesday 30th of April 2013 09:22:15 AM
May your endeavors live up to your expectations. Happy dance time.
Do keep us all posted.
Sherry
Well that little fleetwood is a nice coach.....it would open up your options on boondocking and save on fee's because you can just pull over ...you can transfer your solar over.....you will have basement storage......Generator......Larger water storage and waste capacity and judging from your last posts an increase in gas milage!! not to mention it will handle alot better than towing a TT
for a Class A , Its the right size for fitting in alot of state/national/COE parks that have short lenth limits
if you are flea marketing , I use mine as my booth....just put the awning out , set up my tables and equipment and I'm ready!!!!
Tag a bike on the back or small scooter and you have simple transportation......add a tow bar and a small car or pick-up, I tow a small Ranger with a cap for added storage ......
But most of all look over all you want to do and weigh it out ,they each have there trade-offs......you will make the choice and do well!!!
Hope to see you out there..!!!!!
But remember I Dont cross the Mississipppi.......To much to do over here, I like the scenery Better, more markets,alot cooler in the summer........and most of all ...My Mom and my doctor said I cant cross that street!!!!
-- Edited by Lucky Mike on Wednesday 1st of May 2013 07:55:05 AM
please keep us posted!!
This is crazy, but during all the fishtailing, the spice bottles flew out, and one is now wedged under the slideout! Stuck in there solid, haven't been able to pull it out! This AM, I'm clearing the junk out of the dinette, and let's see what happens if I try to put the slide out, or, I may wait for a professional. But for now, the slide is stuck in, so my living space is greatly reduced.
There is a cute little 1996 26' Fleetwood Fiesta Class A here, with only 14,000 miles. I'm thinking, with no tow vehicle, and the strong likelihood of the Excursion being totaled, I might trade the trailer and some cash for that. Might be safer and easier to drive in the long run too!
It sounds like Mike is offering you some good advice.
If I ever get back to the road again the old Cl-C is going to need new shoes (tires).
So sorry to hear about your misfortunes. Iam so glad to hear that you are OK. That is the most important. Things can be replaced. We are well versed in blow-outs. Seems like that is a rite of passage in this RV life. So many people on their maiden voyage seem to get them. We did and rode a few miles before we realized the pop we heard was coming from us. I was wondering why no one was flagging us to tell us that we had a blow-out. It was on the passenger side one of the dual tires in the back. Tht is when we realized our tires were 11 years old. Now, with all new tires, there is still no guarantee we won't have ablow-out but we can rest a little easier knowing that they will carry our weight and are safer.
At least it happened before you started over the mountain. One time I went down the east side of Donner unable to build or maintain air pressure. It was working well enough to stop the truck so I went on into Reno and stopped at the Volvo dealer. He found that I had a big hole in the main line going from the air compressor to the rest of the system.
Just remember the speed limits are for cars, not trucks or RVs. Slow and steady, low gears, let the engine hold you back, drive your speed, not the speed of everyone else.
Hope they get you squared away quickly so you can finally get started on your dream.
Well, the slideout on the trailer is fine, some minor dings that the insurance will cover.
Mike, you are exactly right, my plan exactly, and the Fleetwood Fiesta is a 2004, not a 1996. I've already got the deal worked out for it; I went to clear the stuff out of my truck, and my non-professional opinion is, totaled. So, they should give me a check for around $10,000. The dealer where I am parked says, they can take a $5,600 down payment on the Fiesta, the trade in on my trailer (which they are also doing the repairs for) and roll over some into the loan I have for the trailer. I should be able to get back on the road maybe in 2 weeks.
Mark, I was doing about 50-55, being a slow poke ol' lady, so I wasn't speeding. Like the tow truck drivers said, once that trailer started swinging, it started steering the truck, not the truck steering the trailer, and there was no stopping it.
Being stuck in California for another month isn't so bad; the people here in Sonoma county are nice, the food is good, and the scenery fabulous, it's just the regulations and the taxes. Here is a link to where I have been hanging out here in NorCal. Nice place to visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHLCECJPP1w
Pieere: The insurance lady is all about "investigating" and she is very curious about the tires, and wants the adjusters to give them a good look. So, if there has been a recall, I'll bet State Farm will be all over it.
I have to send the insurance lady some pics of the accident, so perhaps I will throw my pride to the wind, and post them for you guys. It really was quite spectacular, backed traffic up for miles, for almost 2 hours, and the insurance lady even found some of the pictures people were snapping on the internet already! It all may work out for the best in the end, I think the lil' Class A might be an easier and more versatile rig in a lot of ways.
keep us informed......thinking of you
Here is a roadside video of the end result. The mighty Ford Excursion managed to climb the wall instead of crashing. Good truck, I came out without a scratch and no whiplash. http://youtu.be/C4jlk-I5k6M
Ask to try out the class A and check everything close to make sure it's what you would be comfortable with. Set in it and picture in your mind where everything will go. I know you will as you have done your homework on RVS. Hopefully this will get you back on your plan. Maybe one day i'll get out of Tennesse and meet you along the dusty trails.
Hey Pieere, as a matter of fact, I do say my prayers a lot... off the RV topic, and verging a little into forbidden territory, after 20 years of working with the mentally ill, I have become a believer that the "demonic" does exist, and have discovered that prayer actually does work to counter act it (and you don't necessarily need to ascribe to a certain religion) The patients I worked with were not happy I was leaving, and unfortunately, I was a favorite, and they may have actually sent some of their "voices" and "invisible friends" to stop me from leaving.
So yeah, I knew the drill, and I was prepared and praying. So do I now sound like a crazy person? 
The Class A deal is pretty well set, just waiting for the verdict from State Farm as to whether the truck was totaled (but I am sure it is). I like the Fiesta lay out, it doesn't have a slide, the dinnette is a little smaller, bedroom a different configuration, but I'll make it work. In some ways, it has more room, in others, less. The big question is, where to put my birds? Right now, I have the canary and finch's cage arranged so they can be at the window looking out all day, which they LOVE.
Get out of Tennessee for sure, and meet up with everyone!
Not to dwell on an unfortunate situation, but when you get your new one please put on tire monitors. They may not have helped....but they may have. They make it simple to check pressure - which is a key ingredient to not blowing a tire. Also.....get your rig weighed and make sure that you have tires of the right load capacity on it....do NOT ASSUME that the RV manufacturer put on anything but the cheapest tires that would "get by". I'm glad you are safe....
Where our units may sit for a month or more at a time I would think we probably ignore our running gear more than we should. In the commercial world, we inspect our vehicles frequently. It is a good practice for all of us with heavy RVs to inspect before taking off, (use a modified commercial checklist, maybe even include items specific to your unit like "check bicycle tie-downs") and then pull over and give it the once over after 30 minutes to an hour to make sure things are happy and safe. Check the temps of the bearings and tires, look for oil leaks, give the rig a good visual. Don't be OCD, just be safe.
Hina,
So happy for you! May the wind always be in your face and your troubles behind you as you travel down the road on your new adventure! Wishing you all the best and happiness in your new lifestyle, you will not regret it!
Les
Jane,
So sorry about your accident. I had only read your original post and did not see below until my comment came up (duh!). Hopefully everything will work out and you can get back to traveling soon. Glad to hear you are OK. We will keep raying that everything works out!
Les
I'm working out a deal on the Fleetwood Fiesta, I'll start a new thread under Buying an RV, for a few ???.
Thanks Everyone!
Jane,
One of my sons was driving his fancy, loaded to the max truck when he was broadsided and was hit so hard it knocked the truck off its rear axel. My son was fine but his insurance company insisted the frame wasn't bent & would do $17,000 in repairs, it was an almost new $65,000 truck. He has a legal service that they subscribed to and called them. His insurance company was State Farm as it was the driver who caused the accident. State Farm was refusing to total his truck but he was politely persistent citing diminished value. Because of the accident the value he could sell it for even after repairs was way down.The attorney told him about "diminished value" which you are entitled to value before the accident. Not sure if this link as I am on iPad will work but hope you don't settle for less than you're entitled to.
http://www.autoloss.com/Services/Online-Auto-Appraisals/Diminished-Value-The-biggest-secret-in-the-insurance-industry.html#.UYRNv8u9KK0
Good luck,
Sherry
Edit by moderator: Activated link. Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Friday 3rd of May 2013 06:45:22 PM