Everyone has been so supportive for the past year that we've been full timing and even a few have commented on how they admire my strength and resilience and positive attitude.
But I have to confess that I'm getting very close to reaching my breaking point and calling it quits. It just seems like there has been one problem after another after another and we just can't seem to catch a break. Not to mention that the nest egg we started out (which is supposed to last at least another 4 years until we can retire) is almost depleted from all the repairs we've had to make.
After another round of major repairs (starting in May to have the bedroom slide rebuilt, to finishing replacing the gray tank today: you can read all the woes on my blog in my signature), today is yet another grand to have the steering column in the truck removed and rebuilt to figure out why the horn is stuck. Then, to top off the day, we found a leak under the frig. We were able to temporarily divert the dripping water outside the rig, but I think the frig/freezer is just on it's last legs. I've been watching the temperature of the freezer continue to rise all night (so the water is probably from the freezer defrosting?) Need to get a mobile tech in tomorrow.
Never in our lives, in our S&B, have we ever had so many repairs to make in such a short period of time. This is supposed to be a great full timing rig, too but so far it's been nothing but problems.
Mitch and I found ourselves tonight talking about an exit plan. We really love the lifestyle of being able to go where and when we want, but lately we haven't been able to go very far due to being where Mitch's job takes him; I can't get off the campground without a vehicle; or we're stuck with repairs.
Please help me to find the light again, or convince me to get off the road. I'm just at my breaking point tonight.
Sushidog said
08:58 PM Aug 20, 2015
Sorry to hear about your sad string of luck. But there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Remember that repairs to a S&B though they may not be as frequent can be much more expensive. When I had my S&B the AC went out. It turned out to be a small hole in the condenser coil, but because it was an old Ac unit, using an old type of refrigerant the whole thing had to be replaced - to the tune of over $3,500. How many Ac units could you but on your DRV for that? Compare the cost to replace your RV roof to a S&B roof - 3-5 times the amount. Speaking of plumbing repairs, I has a pipe break under the slab of my S&B. They quoted me $7,500 minimum for the repair. It rains on everyone, regardless of where you are, but the rains always come to an end and a rainbow appears. Anything can break at any time regardless of your lifestyle. But just think, if you get discouraged and quit now, having spent a wad, you will have succeeded in making your rig perfect for the next FTer who will probably enjoy years of trouble free service out of it.
Your fridge is probably something minor, but it sounds like you have a residential type fridge, which can just as easily need repairs in a S&B.
There are many folks who have found creative ways to stretch their budgets while on the road. If stuck in one place for a while, the mountains of western NC are one of the best places to be "stuck" in. I lived in Waynesville, NC for several years and I loved it there. I remember the cost of food to be pretty low there, and electrical costs minimal too. It could be a lot worse. If you have cabin fever, consider alternate transportation. A used economy car can usually be had, used and sold without too much investment or depreciation. If you like to ride a bicycle or scooter, that is another option for temporary mobility. Just try to think outside the box, and don't focus on the trees so much that you don't enjoy the forest. Hakuna Matata www.bing.com/videos/search
Chip
2riker2go said
05:48 AM Aug 21, 2015
I'm sorry to hear that you are continuing to have issues that have to be fixed with your rig. I can sure appreciate how disheartening and discouraging that must be. We had a period of time last fall where one thing after another went (water heater, water pump, control board on the furnace) and we were feeling pretty down by the last one. And those were pretty minor compared to yours. I wouldn't try to tell you which way or the other to go though, only you can really decide that for yourselves. For me, I think economics would be the deciding factor. If your nest egg is almost gone, are you making enough money to handle those things that come along, or to build your nest egg back up? Even if the big repairs are complete, seems like there's always this little thing or that to be repaired etc. I think if we were in your situation, we would come up with a point/line/dollar amount at which we would go to Plan B, exit strategy, whatever you call it. Although we love the fulltiming lifestyle, I am too practical to just keep at it no matter what. Financially it has to be doable.
manycats said
06:34 AM Aug 21, 2015
You certainly have gone through a lot of rough times. As Sushidog said, compare it to S&B expenses which can also hit you hard. Our AC at the S&B went out, our electric bill was $500 a month and it would have cost a fortune to re-insulate the house, had to replace most of the flooring, the roof leaked, etc., etc. To make it worse the value of the property dropped like a stone and the mortgage could not be refinanced because we owed more than what the place was worth. The recession hit us so hard we were on a paycheck to paycheck basis and hardly surviving.
We are now in our 5er in NC and completing the work on our mini-house, our cost of living is almost half of what it was in Georgia and we're much happier. We know you're a careful planner and those unexpected expenses hit you hard but the lifestyle is worth it. No rig is perfect but once the repairs are done you'll be able to enjoy it again. We're all sending you our best wishes and positive thoughts.
BiggarView said
08:05 AM Aug 21, 2015
Cheryl, I can certainly hear the angst in your comments. On a deep psychic level you are torn between a dream and disillusion. It will require you to make decisions that go against the fabric of the vision you had going in. In all things in life there are cathartic moments and then you move on the next level. We've all heard the cliche's "if it doesn't kill you...","a journey of thousand miles begins..." etc. Only you know your limits, your comfort zone and your aspirations. Only you can make the changes to accomplish... or protect your needs/desires.
I'd offer this tidbit... Don't automatically continue to pursue a dream just because you have invested a lot of money into it. I liken this to a pearl of wisdom I once read,...
...assume you scrimped and saved for years to buy all expense paid tickets for a trip to your dream exotic vacation spot. Once booked and without cancellation insurance, your day comes and a devastating hurricane is forecast to directly hit your destination two days after you arrive. Do you go? There's a 10% chance that it will miss. Do you still go? What about 20% chance? What if the tickets were given to you as a gift? Would you still go? How much you invest emotionally in a dream can impair your judgement... Clint Eastwood's line in Magum Force seems apropos... "a man's got to know his limitations". Again... don't let your emotional investment get in the way of better judgement.
Chip's point about S&B repairs is valid. You just never know when the S%$t is going to hit the fan. It seems, for you, that time is now.
We can certainly empathize, last year Cindi & I had major car repairs(in the thousands), the pitbull assault and attending vet and medical bills which we didn't even know if there would be a recovery from, a catastrophic refrigerator failure, and extended family emergencies all of which seriously depleted our reserves, a couple years before that we had two basement floods back to back after heavy rains and power failures which cost us a pretty penny. But we restructured many things and are on the road back. If it doesn't kill you... oh yeah I said that already. But that is us. Perhaps you have not considered other options to allow to to continue on this path.
We would be dismayed to hear that you had reached the end of this adventure for you, but you must do what is right for you and you alone. No matter what you decide, it will be the right decision... no regrets. Regret is toxic to the soul. Nobody needs that, certainly not you.
Good luck.
FWIW, Brian
-- Edited by biggaRView on Friday 21st of August 2015 08:47:46 AM
NWescapee said
08:28 AM Aug 21, 2015
Cheryl, I have to agree that you've had a long run of repairs and fully understand your concern regarding running out of your nest egg.
While we've not had nearly the number of repairs, I can certainly understand the frustration.
In April when our truck died and needed an engine replacement we had a conversation about what we would have done had it not been covered by warranty as that expense would have taken a significant chunk of our savings. Our thought is that if either the truck or RV appeared to be a "lemon" after numerous repairs or other issues, we'd probably figure out a way to trade in the unit and see how we would keep going down the road. We've considered that we could very well need to find a short term rental or something to enable this, we just know we're not ready to stay in one place, although we could very well see ourselves spending the majority of the year in 2 locations. We've had several conversations that our "exit plan" may very well be a park model in AZ and our 5th wheel parked year round in the Pacific NW with a small travel rig, but we're hoping that exit plan is several years down the road.
PIEERE said
08:48 AM Aug 21, 2015
CherylB; A way to cheat the horn on the Truck. Unplug the wires from the actual horn under the hood. In the owner guide book it will usually show the fuse panel and what the fuses control; if it is just the horn; pull the fuse and save until your finances get better. If Mitch or a friend is mechanically inclined; install an aftermarket air horn.
I hope the fridge is an easy fix and just maybe a door seal is letting to much outside air in.
And I realize your frustrations as i have had to replace the kitchen roof power vent; house batteries; converter; hot water heater and bought 2 portable air conditioners after the roof unit went bad; plus a number of other smaller things since May 0f 2013 when I bought it. I am facing resealing of the rubber roof; then installing a new AC, and a new seal in the toilet or replacing it; and repairing the floor surface under it. God forbid that I don't have to move it right away as the tires are bad and the axles needs servicing and my Ranger truck can't haul it.
Well the roof isn't leaking yet and I am doing my best to maintain my health. When the going gets rough; sometimes I need to just take a day or so and relax and regroup. Then take one problem at a time and see what I need to do to resolve it! Best to you both and take it one one minute; hour or day at a time! PIEERE.
cherylbrv said
10:17 AM Aug 21, 2015
Thank you all for your words of wisdom; you have all given me the light I need. I think I just needed to be reminded that I'm not alone and, as Brian says, $%& happens and you just have to deal. Plus this rig is 8 years old so many things are bound to start breaking down now. Hopefully it'll all be good as new and when all these rounds of repairs are over, it'll be a while before we have to worry again.
Fortunately, both Mitch and I are employed. Not enough to rebuild the nest egg yet, but at least enough to pay the bills and put gas in the truck. Yes, we have a lot emotionally invested and are trying to be cautious not to let that get in the way of sound judgement. And our emotions tell us we don't want to live in a static apartment somewhere quite yet.
Pieere - regarding the horn, Mitch doesn't want to go the airhorn route. He already paid for the parts, so it is what it is.
Regarding the frig - for some reason, the leak seemed to have stopped and the temps went back down. However, there was a layer of ice in the back of the freezer about 1/2" thick. I'm hoping the problem was bad or no air flow due to the ice. I defrosted, so we'll keep an eye and see what happens. At least if the frig needs to be replaced, that's covered by the warranty.
I noticed some water dripping under my flourescent light in the bedroom. I suspect it's under where the a/c is, so that probably needs a good cleaning as well.
The previous owner allegedly took immaculate care of this rig and truck combo, but I'm beginning to think differently. I suspect nothing in the way of maintenance was done which is why all these little problems are popping up.
Still aware that we don't know what we don't know, and this journey is all about learning. I just wish it wasn't so expensive and time consuming!
And, no, I'm not quitting quite yet. Gonna continue to take deep breaths and reach out to this fine family every time I start to get discouraged. You've all been there so you know and understand.
Love you all!!
Barbaraok said
10:25 AM Aug 21, 2015
Cheryl,
One sentence in your post "This is supposed to be a great full timing rig, too but so far it's been nothing but problems." is sort of indicative of an assumption that isn't necessarily true, especially when dealing with a used rig. Any rig, just like any house, can have all sorts of problems. We used to talked about making sure we didn't get a Monday car coming off the assembly line when we lived in Michigan. Same can happen with any new rig - somebody not paying attention to detail and problems will show up latter on. And when talking about a used rig - - one never really knows how well it was treated, nor what problems weren't disclosed.
If you never had problems with a S&B then you were truly lucky. We had hot water heat lines break underneath a slab on one level of our house in Michigan - had to have the whole system for the level rerouted to the tune of several thousand dollars. Had the boiler for the hot water heating system rupture on a Friday night in January! Only saving grace was our daughter was dating a plumbers son and we got it fixed on the weekend for costs only - hate to think what it would have cost otherwise. There was always something that needed fixing, was costing money.
The big difference is that we were able to still go about our normal lives, didn't have to sit in a repair facility waiting for it to get fixed. And the first couple of times we had to spend significant time getting a problem solved, it really did bother me - like being stranded in Rawlins, WY, for a week. I had visions of being stuck there through the winter! But of course the parts finally came in and it was fixed and we were on our way. After that, I did a blog page (as well as an article for the Escapees magazine) on How To Survive Repairs.
The question that you have to ask is what would you be doing in a S&B right now and would you be happy doing it? Is it maybe that Mitch's job has become much more demanding that what you originally thought it would be, meaning that you don't have time as a couple that you thought you would have? You're comment about being stuck in the RV park seems to hint at that. Maybe it is as simple as picking up an older used car to use until you can retire so that you can get out and do things? Or maybe it is time to sell the RV and rent a place for the 4 years until you retire and then tire it again. That requires running some numbers on a spreadsheet to see which option would be the best for you. There is nothing to say that you can't do that, and come back out in a few years when you are really able to enjoy what the fulltiming lifestyle is all about.
Barb
cherylbrv said
10:34 AM Aug 21, 2015
Barbara - I didn't mean to suggest that we never had repairs in the s&b - we sure did; including having been through Hurricane Sandy. They just didn't happen one after the other after the other.
I've considered buying another car to get around, but we don't want to convoy. I've considered a scooter or moped, but until we have a chance to get weighed (I'm afraid that if we're not already overweight, we may be close to capacity), I'm not sure the trailer can handle the added weight of a carrier and a scooter. I actually have a solution in mind (urb-e -- you can google it), but it was a prototype on a kickstarter campaign over a year ago and it's still in production! It's an electric scooter that weighs about 25 lbs, collapses into practically nothing and can be wheeled like luggage when not ridden and taken easily on a bus or train. Can be stored in the basement or the backseat of the truck. I can't wait until it comes off the assembly line! A regular bike wouldn't work well for me as I have arthritis in my hips and knees and can't ride for any length of time. I've explored a folding electric bike, but that, too, is problematic for storage.
I just need to learn PATIENCE!!! This too shall pass and it's all part of the journey.
DreamerBob said
10:50 AM Aug 21, 2015
Way to go Cheyrl & Mitch - don't give up on your dream! Its taken a LOT of personal courage to get as far as you've gotten and it will pay off! You've made excellent choices in your truck & RV - both are high quality & once you're through this patch of bad luck (very bad!), it's bound to improve. I have a Ford too with the troublesome 6.0L engine so I can empathize - I've had several expen$ive repairs too. Repairs and maintenance costs are just a part of RV life but there's so many other costs that you don't have like lawnmowers, property taxes, and a hundred others. But best of all is the quality of this lifestyle - to go where you want when you want if you want - all with only a day's planning. Don't like your neighbors - move on...want to see Mount Rainier - go....want a warmer/cooler climate - go to it, want to spend time with family - park near them... want to get away from family - take a trip! If you've got wanderlust in your blood, dealing with all these pain in the #!* mechanical problems is worth it. Your luck WILL improve!
Someday said
06:10 PM Aug 21, 2015
Cheryl and Mitch, as anxious FT'rs ourselves still in the "waiting room" so to speak, we have avidly watched your posts and visited your blog on occasion from before you hit the road and were anxiously awaiting completing on the SnB and so on. For sure with all the repairs and things you've had done it's enough to more than try the patience of a saint.
We were fortunate last Sunday to have a wonderful 8 years, Canadian full-timing couple kindly come and visit with us and share their passion about FTing - I share this with you as they commented they were on their second Fifth Wheel, to which I responded "oh is it a DRV, they seem so popular for FTers". They both smiled and looked at each other with somewhat raised eyebrows and said "No our current one is an Escalade and we are thrilled with it, but our first was an Elite and we had nothing but problem after problem after problem with it falling apart and poor quality basically". If I recall correctly they even commented how they like to buy new, so assume both these were brand new units. They also shared they had a 450 with the DRV that needed one thing after another done to it, and now love their 350 and Escalade set up.
Whilst it doesn't help your current situation, for some folks they find comfort in knowing they are far from alone with having compounding problems at times. Also is it maybe a "rogue" unit you have and would it make you both feel somewhat better looking at the prospect of replacing it now before ploughing any more monies into it.
For us when we bought our MH in 2003 brand new I was devastated as every single trip the engine died in the hot weather and we ended up towed backwards to repair facilities to be continually told it was a filter or this or that and we'd supposedly put in dirty fuel and, and, and. After each and every "fix" still same problems, until a basic FORD garage at Milk River AB then said casually from our description "I think it might be your fuel pump" - we insisted just inside warranty it be replaced after limping to South Dakota overnight and voila, no problems since in that regards. As a brand new unit our AC kept conking out, and we had it in and out for weeks at a time at the dealership to get resolved to no avail, the same with the awning wind sensor, the living room large slide not coming in and as for paying a professional to winterize it including the ice maker fridge and washer/dryer etc with leaks every single spring we started it back up = the list goes on.
Bottom line what helped us over the past several years was the kindness and patience with our lack of knowledge on knowing what to do when we posted in the Escapees Forum. Many folks in there gave us untold guidance on what to do/check out, and now we don't make a move without putting a question out in there when we have something needing upgrading, repairing or replacing. We now wherever possible google, ask and try to fix whatever we can within reason ourselves. We are not hands on type folks in the slightest, so it took some dedication on our part to just "get on and do it ourselves". We resolved the A/C problem in Miami July heat and humidity with some very terse words between husband and wife here by following a google search on a panel behind a panel with a small switch you might find hard to reach = no problem ever since. We have done our own winterising for the past 8 years+ and never had a leak any spring on start up and it costs us $10 or less in antifreeze instead of our last bill 8 years ago of $150+. Now we make sure when we bring the slides in the door and/or window/both are open to avoid an air trap and that the slide side is up a little to ensure it's not fighting against gravity so to speak.
Our Nevercold fridge died last year, we put in questions in the forum on whether to replace, put an amish unit on, and now we have a slightly smaller brand new residential but better storage capacity fridge/freezer in it's place that saved us over $3000 on a new RV fridge plus install and removal of the old unit which we then applied to the solar system and new battery banks install and whilst at it upgraded the old TV to a new energy efficient flat screen = THANK YOU ESCAPEE Folks, you have no idea how so very grateful folks like me truly are.
Some things, and others mileage may vary, but we have learnt with some very very frustrating loss of precious vacation time in the initial few years and some financially hard lessons as RV owners, is we can't trust most of the service depts to perform or resolve our issues satisfactorily; whatever they say is the problem and time fix you can triple at minimum on both cost and time most often; the most helpful, kindest genuinely wanting to assist folks we've found are other RVers on the net and in our travels; take a deep breath and as much as you might not want to learn or try to resolve problems with your rigs yourself, do try at least to find a fix, as you may save yourself a small fortune as well as a lot of ongoing heartache.
We really do feel for you Cheryl on an emotional standpoint and for sure you shouldn't carry on if it risks jeopardizing your futures, we just now had our rig in and needed a second opinion for something that should have taken a day and took over two and half weeks to get it back. Then when we get it back there's a crack under the bedroom slide out, and now the engine is apparently whining, so do we now have an air pump issue or some other ancillary pump issue. Sheesh, where does it all end - just this week = $1783 paid for alignment/leafs and $3150 tires (again!). We are strong advocates of BarbOK's advise of 10% put in a repair/renewal fund and topping it up every month without fail = thank heavens for that advise we say! If you can't replenish your nest egg, can you maybe pretend you are earning $50/$100 a week less at least and direct that immediately into that account to at least start a little replacement? As always your monies, your choices and only you can decide what's best for you, but maybe some of the posts in this thread gives some additional food for thought for you both.
As a last thought, can you and Mitch sit down and do a pros and cons list with "Compromise", "Concerns" "Danger Dollars" and "Emotional How Will It Make Us Feel" notes. Maybe do if for a) keeping the current rig set up b) trading in for a different set up c) Siting yourselves semi long term in an RV park d) Coming off the Road totally for now until you are maybe in a more comfortable financial and time availability position to head out again or stay SnB based.
Even if you've already made the decision to carry on for now as you are, it certainly wouldn't hurt to do this exercise, just in case you need to reference it in the near future, when maybe at that time emotions could be running rather elevated and overly biased!
SD.
marianne57 said
07:01 PM Aug 21, 2015
Cheryl......we certainly can't speak wisdom from being full-time yet, but we can say that your experiences over the past year.....although you may have wished otherwise are great lessons to those of us waiting to go. We understand and see very clearly that there will be times when things just go wrong for whatever reason, and more often then we might wish! The best part is though, that while you are struggling through some things, you have been an inspiration to those of us getting ready. Your great attitude and pick yourself up by the boot straps are worth something for sure! My brother has a saying that I like....."you don't ever make mistakes.....just changes". Don't ever look back on this even if you choose to go back to S&B's and say you shouldn't have done it........it will never be a mistake....it might just signal a change at some point....but the experience was important for many people......please believe that! Hang in there, and our prayers for your decisions in days ahead!
gjmiller138 said
07:16 PM Aug 21, 2015
Im really sorry to hear your struggles. I just bought a used 1989 American Cobra and also just put a for sale sign on it. After hearing all the problems people have had Im staying home. I really wish you both the best of luck no matter what your decision may be. Sincerely, Only camping local
TRAILERKING said
08:48 PM Aug 21, 2015
It doesn't matter whether buy used or "Brand New"...............An RV will require constant and tedious maintenance. They aren't a "Get Out Of Jail Free card". A lot of people are under the assumption if sell the stick/brick house and go RVing will be MONEY ahead. A lot of it depends on what one can tolerate and just how much a person can repair and maintain on their own. Having to always call and pay someone to fix......... That will get old real fast.
One thing you mentioned Cheryl, about water leaking from a light, near an A/C. The weap/drain holes are likely blocked in the base of the A/C unit. Have to get up on the roof and check it out. May be easier to check over by removing the cover of the A/C.
I had it happen to mine once. It's a Coleman unit. It had small slits in the base that needed to be cleaned out. Now all is good.
jrzygrl64 said
08:05 AM Aug 22, 2015
So sorry to hear of your continued troubles. While we have not had to deal with repairs to the rig (thankfully) - the year before we sold the S&B - we had nothing but issues. Some of them were more maintenance (needing to put a roof), some was just dumb bad luck - having to take out a HUGE tree, having to replace the washer (repair would have been 2/3 the cost of a new one), having to replace the water heater (whatever was wrong was not repairable), and on and on until almost the day of closing. It was crazy. I was so furious about all that money that was supposed to be part of our nest egg for the road, but I HAD to move on b/c there was no way to enjoy anything about life while holding onto that anger. So, being way more than 4 years from "retirement age" we will workamp more/sooner than we had originally thought, and we are both ok with that. It is good that you are both employed - you have that going for you.
I know you have an 8 year old rig - but I know someone who has had a TON of problems with a brand new rig - and they will be going back to the factory AGAIN for more repairs. They've stayed in a hotel 4 weeks already this summer and will need at least 2 more before repairs are hopefully completed - and correctly this time. Their last visit created almost more problems than it solved.
So - you are not alone - not even close!
Sounds like you have decided to keep moving forward in this lifestyle. You guys are way over-due for a break - I hope it comes quickly.
Judy L said
10:32 PM Aug 22, 2015
Cheryl, I'm glad to see that you've decided to hang in for a while longer. When I saw your blog the other day saying that the tank was finally going to be replaced I thought how great that was and that you were finally going to see some smooth sailing for a while. I'm sorry that more issues have cropped up since then but I can't help but think that you're going to get past this spell and you'll be able to relax and enjoy for a while. I'm thinking of you and check your blog often. Take care.
gilljr said
11:48 AM Aug 23, 2015
Cheryl & Mitch, so glad to hear you are continuing. Didn't you buy a warranty when you got your Suites ? We had Refrigerator issues also this year and warranty covered new cooling unit, but we installed a residential instead, all paid by warranty. Even if you bought privately as I recall, you can still purchase warranty. Better luck and GOD Bless.
cherylbrv said
11:53 AM Aug 23, 2015
Yes, we do have an extended warranty. Hopefully it will cover whatever's wrong with the freezer.
I'm so close to the quitting point.
Everyone has been so supportive for the past year that we've been full timing and even a few have commented on how they admire my strength and resilience and positive attitude.
But I have to confess that I'm getting very close to reaching my breaking point and calling it quits. It just seems like there has been one problem after another after another and we just can't seem to catch a break. Not to mention that the nest egg we started out (which is supposed to last at least another 4 years until we can retire) is almost depleted from all the repairs we've had to make.
After another round of major repairs (starting in May to have the bedroom slide rebuilt, to finishing replacing the gray tank today: you can read all the woes on my blog in my signature), today is yet another grand to have the steering column in the truck removed and rebuilt to figure out why the horn is stuck. Then, to top off the day, we found a leak under the frig. We were able to temporarily divert the dripping water outside the rig, but I think the frig/freezer is just on it's last legs. I've been watching the temperature of the freezer continue to rise all night (so the water is probably from the freezer defrosting?) Need to get a mobile tech in tomorrow.
Never in our lives, in our S&B, have we ever had so many repairs to make in such a short period of time. This is supposed to be a great full timing rig, too but so far it's been nothing but problems.
Mitch and I found ourselves tonight talking about an exit plan. We really love the lifestyle of being able to go where and when we want, but lately we haven't been able to go very far due to being where Mitch's job takes him; I can't get off the campground without a vehicle; or we're stuck with repairs.
Please help me to find the light again, or convince me to get off the road. I'm just at my breaking point tonight.
Your fridge is probably something minor, but it sounds like you have a residential type fridge, which can just as easily need repairs in a S&B.
There are many folks who have found creative ways to stretch their budgets while on the road. If stuck in one place for a while, the mountains of western NC are one of the best places to be "stuck" in. I lived in Waynesville, NC for several years and I loved it there. I remember the cost of food to be pretty low there, and electrical costs minimal too. It could be a lot worse. If you have cabin fever, consider alternate transportation. A used economy car can usually be had, used and sold without too much investment or depreciation. If you like to ride a bicycle or scooter, that is another option for temporary mobility. Just try to think outside the box, and don't focus on the trees so much that you don't enjoy the forest. Hakuna Matata www.bing.com/videos/search
Chip
We are now in our 5er in NC and completing the work on our mini-house, our cost of living is almost half of what it was in Georgia and we're much happier. We know you're a careful planner and those unexpected expenses hit you hard but the lifestyle is worth it. No rig is perfect but once the repairs are done you'll be able to enjoy it again. We're all sending you our best wishes and positive thoughts.
Cheryl, I can certainly hear the angst in your comments. On a deep psychic level you are torn between a dream and disillusion. It will require you to make decisions that go against the fabric of the vision you had going in. In all things in life there are cathartic moments and then you move on the next level. We've all heard the cliche's "if it doesn't kill you...","a journey of thousand miles begins..." etc. Only you know your limits, your comfort zone and your aspirations. Only you can make the changes to accomplish... or protect your needs/desires.
I'd offer this tidbit... Don't automatically continue to pursue a dream just because you have invested a lot of money into it. I liken this to a pearl of wisdom I once read,...
...assume you scrimped and saved for years to buy all expense paid tickets for a trip to your dream exotic vacation spot. Once booked and without cancellation insurance, your day comes and a devastating hurricane is forecast to directly hit your destination two days after you arrive. Do you go? There's a 10% chance that it will miss. Do you still go? What about 20% chance? What if the tickets were given to you as a gift? Would you still go? How much you invest emotionally in a dream can impair your judgement... Clint Eastwood's line in Magum Force seems apropos... "a man's got to know his limitations". Again... don't let your emotional investment get in the way of better judgement.
Chip's point about S&B repairs is valid. You just never know when the S%$t is going to hit the fan. It seems, for you, that time is now.
We can certainly empathize, last year Cindi & I had major car repairs(in the thousands), the pitbull assault and attending vet and medical bills which we didn't even know if there would be a recovery from, a catastrophic refrigerator failure, and extended family emergencies all of which seriously depleted our reserves, a couple years before that we had two basement floods back to back after heavy rains and power failures which cost us a pretty penny. But we restructured many things and are on the road back. If it doesn't kill you... oh yeah I said that already. But that is us. Perhaps you have not considered other options to allow to to continue on this path.
We would be dismayed to hear that you had reached the end of this adventure for you, but you must do what is right for you and you alone. No matter what you decide, it will be the right decision... no regrets. Regret is toxic to the soul. Nobody needs that, certainly not you.
Good luck.
FWIW, Brian
-- Edited by biggaRView on Friday 21st of August 2015 08:47:46 AM
While we've not had nearly the number of repairs, I can certainly understand the frustration.
In April when our truck died and needed an engine replacement we had a conversation about what we would have done had it not been covered by warranty as that expense would have taken a significant chunk of our savings. Our thought is that if either the truck or RV appeared to be a "lemon" after numerous repairs or other issues, we'd probably figure out a way to trade in the unit and see how we would keep going down the road. We've considered that we could very well need to find a short term rental or something to enable this, we just know we're not ready to stay in one place, although we could very well see ourselves spending the majority of the year in 2 locations. We've had several conversations that our "exit plan" may very well be a park model in AZ and our 5th wheel parked year round in the Pacific NW with a small travel rig, but we're hoping that exit plan is several years down the road.
I hope the fridge is an easy fix and just maybe a door seal is letting to much outside air in.
And I realize your frustrations as i have had to replace the kitchen roof power vent; house batteries; converter; hot water heater and bought 2 portable air conditioners after the roof unit went bad; plus a number of other smaller things since May 0f 2013 when I bought it. I am facing resealing of the rubber roof; then installing a new AC, and a new seal in the toilet or replacing it; and repairing the floor surface under it. God forbid that I don't have to move it right away as the tires are bad and the axles needs servicing and my Ranger truck can't haul it.
Well the roof isn't leaking yet and I am doing my best to maintain my health. When the going gets rough; sometimes I need to just take a day or so and relax and regroup. Then take one problem at a time and see what I need to do to resolve it! Best to you both and take it one one minute; hour or day at a time! PIEERE.
Fortunately, both Mitch and I are employed. Not enough to rebuild the nest egg yet, but at least enough to pay the bills and put gas in the truck. Yes, we have a lot emotionally invested and are trying to be cautious not to let that get in the way of sound judgement. And our emotions tell us we don't want to live in a static apartment somewhere quite yet.
Pieere - regarding the horn, Mitch doesn't want to go the airhorn route. He already paid for the parts, so it is what it is.
Regarding the frig - for some reason, the leak seemed to have stopped and the temps went back down. However, there was a layer of ice in the back of the freezer about 1/2" thick. I'm hoping the problem was bad or no air flow due to the ice. I defrosted, so we'll keep an eye and see what happens. At least if the frig needs to be replaced, that's covered by the warranty.
I noticed some water dripping under my flourescent light in the bedroom. I suspect it's under where the a/c is, so that probably needs a good cleaning as well.
The previous owner allegedly took immaculate care of this rig and truck combo, but I'm beginning to think differently. I suspect nothing in the way of maintenance was done which is why all these little problems are popping up.
Still aware that we don't know what we don't know, and this journey is all about learning. I just wish it wasn't so expensive and time consuming!
And, no, I'm not quitting quite yet. Gonna continue to take deep breaths and reach out to this fine family every time I start to get discouraged. You've all been there so you know and understand.
Love you all!!
Cheryl,
One sentence in your post "This is supposed to be a great full timing rig, too but so far it's been nothing but problems." is sort of indicative of an assumption that isn't necessarily true, especially when dealing with a used rig. Any rig, just like any house, can have all sorts of problems. We used to talked about making sure we didn't get a Monday car coming off the assembly line when we lived in Michigan. Same can happen with any new rig - somebody not paying attention to detail and problems will show up latter on. And when talking about a used rig - - one never really knows how well it was treated, nor what problems weren't disclosed.
If you never had problems with a S&B then you were truly lucky. We had hot water heat lines break underneath a slab on one level of our house in Michigan - had to have the whole system for the level rerouted to the tune of several thousand dollars. Had the boiler for the hot water heating system rupture on a Friday night in January! Only saving grace was our daughter was dating a plumbers son and we got it fixed on the weekend for costs only - hate to think what it would have cost otherwise. There was always something that needed fixing, was costing money.
The big difference is that we were able to still go about our normal lives, didn't have to sit in a repair facility waiting for it to get fixed. And the first couple of times we had to spend significant time getting a problem solved, it really did bother me - like being stranded in Rawlins, WY, for a week. I had visions of being stuck there through the winter! But of course the parts finally came in and it was fixed and we were on our way. After that, I did a blog page (as well as an article for the Escapees magazine) on How To Survive Repairs.
The question that you have to ask is what would you be doing in a S&B right now and would you be happy doing it? Is it maybe that Mitch's job has become much more demanding that what you originally thought it would be, meaning that you don't have time as a couple that you thought you would have? You're comment about being stuck in the RV park seems to hint at that. Maybe it is as simple as picking up an older used car to use until you can retire so that you can get out and do things? Or maybe it is time to sell the RV and rent a place for the 4 years until you retire and then tire it again. That requires running some numbers on a spreadsheet to see which option would be the best for you. There is nothing to say that you can't do that, and come back out in a few years when you are really able to enjoy what the fulltiming lifestyle is all about.
Barb
I've considered buying another car to get around, but we don't want to convoy. I've considered a scooter or moped, but until we have a chance to get weighed (I'm afraid that if we're not already overweight, we may be close to capacity), I'm not sure the trailer can handle the added weight of a carrier and a scooter. I actually have a solution in mind (urb-e -- you can google it), but it was a prototype on a kickstarter campaign over a year ago and it's still in production! It's an electric scooter that weighs about 25 lbs, collapses into practically nothing and can be wheeled like luggage when not ridden and taken easily on a bus or train. Can be stored in the basement or the backseat of the truck. I can't wait until it comes off the assembly line! A regular bike wouldn't work well for me as I have arthritis in my hips and knees and can't ride for any length of time. I've explored a folding electric bike, but that, too, is problematic for storage.
I just need to learn PATIENCE!!! This too shall pass and it's all part of the journey.
Way to go Cheyrl & Mitch - don't give up on your dream! Its taken a LOT of personal courage to get as far as you've gotten and it will pay off! You've made excellent choices in your truck & RV - both are high quality & once you're through this patch of bad luck (very bad!), it's bound to improve. I have a Ford too with the troublesome 6.0L engine so I can empathize - I've had several expen$ive repairs too. Repairs and maintenance costs are just a part of RV life but there's so many other costs that you don't have like lawnmowers, property taxes, and a hundred others. But best of all is the quality of this lifestyle - to go where you want when you want if you want - all with only a day's planning. Don't like your neighbors - move on...want to see Mount Rainier - go....want a warmer/cooler climate - go to it, want to spend time with family - park near them... want to get away from family - take a trip! If you've got wanderlust in your blood, dealing with all these pain in the #!* mechanical problems is worth it. Your luck WILL improve!
We were fortunate last Sunday to have a wonderful 8 years, Canadian full-timing couple kindly come and visit with us and share their passion about FTing - I share this with you as they commented they were on their second Fifth Wheel, to which I responded "oh is it a DRV, they seem so popular for FTers". They both smiled and looked at each other with somewhat raised eyebrows and said "No our current one is an Escalade and we are thrilled with it, but our first was an Elite and we had nothing but problem after problem after problem with it falling apart and poor quality basically". If I recall correctly they even commented how they like to buy new, so assume both these were brand new units. They also shared they had a 450 with the DRV that needed one thing after another done to it, and now love their 350 and Escalade set up.
Whilst it doesn't help your current situation, for some folks they find comfort in knowing they are far from alone with having compounding problems at times. Also is it maybe a "rogue" unit you have and would it make you both feel somewhat better looking at the prospect of replacing it now before ploughing any more monies into it.
For us when we bought our MH in 2003 brand new I was devastated as every single trip the engine died in the hot weather and we ended up towed backwards to repair facilities to be continually told it was a filter or this or that and we'd supposedly put in dirty fuel and, and, and. After each and every "fix" still same problems, until a basic FORD garage at Milk River AB then said casually from our description "I think it might be your fuel pump" - we insisted just inside warranty it be replaced after limping to South Dakota overnight and voila, no problems since in that regards. As a brand new unit our AC kept conking out, and we had it in and out for weeks at a time at the dealership to get resolved to no avail, the same with the awning wind sensor, the living room large slide not coming in and as for paying a professional to winterize it including the ice maker fridge and washer/dryer etc with leaks every single spring we started it back up = the list goes on.
Bottom line what helped us over the past several years was the kindness and patience with our lack of knowledge on knowing what to do when we posted in the Escapees Forum. Many folks in there gave us untold guidance on what to do/check out, and now we don't make a move without putting a question out in there when we have something needing upgrading, repairing or replacing. We now wherever possible google, ask and try to fix whatever we can within reason ourselves. We are not hands on type folks in the slightest, so it took some dedication on our part to just "get on and do it ourselves". We resolved the A/C problem in Miami July heat and humidity with some very terse words between husband and wife here by following a google search on a panel behind a panel with a small switch you might find hard to reach = no problem ever since. We have done our own winterising for the past 8 years+ and never had a leak any spring on start up and it costs us $10 or less in antifreeze instead of our last bill 8 years ago of $150+. Now we make sure when we bring the slides in the door and/or window/both are open to avoid an air trap and that the slide side is up a little to ensure it's not fighting against gravity so to speak.
Our Nevercold fridge died last year, we put in questions in the forum on whether to replace, put an amish unit on, and now we have a slightly smaller brand new residential but better storage capacity fridge/freezer in it's place that saved us over $3000 on a new RV fridge plus install and removal of the old unit which we then applied to the solar system and new battery banks install and whilst at it upgraded the old TV to a new energy efficient flat screen = THANK YOU ESCAPEE Folks, you have no idea how so very grateful folks like me truly are.
Some things, and others mileage may vary, but we have learnt with some very very frustrating loss of precious vacation time in the initial few years and some financially hard lessons as RV owners, is we can't trust most of the service depts to perform or resolve our issues satisfactorily; whatever they say is the problem and time fix you can triple at minimum on both cost and time most often; the most helpful, kindest genuinely wanting to assist folks we've found are other RVers on the net and in our travels; take a deep breath and as much as you might not want to learn or try to resolve problems with your rigs yourself, do try at least to find a fix, as you may save yourself a small fortune as well as a lot of ongoing heartache.
We really do feel for you Cheryl on an emotional standpoint and for sure you shouldn't carry on if it risks jeopardizing your futures, we just now had our rig in and needed a second opinion for something that should have taken a day and took over two and half weeks to get it back. Then when we get it back there's a crack under the bedroom slide out, and now the engine is apparently whining, so do we now have an air pump issue or some other ancillary pump issue. Sheesh, where does it all end - just this week = $1783 paid for alignment/leafs and $3150 tires (again!). We are strong advocates of BarbOK's advise of 10% put in a repair/renewal fund and topping it up every month without fail = thank heavens for that advise we say! If you can't replenish your nest egg, can you maybe pretend you are earning $50/$100 a week less at least and direct that immediately into that account to at least start a little replacement? As always your monies, your choices and only you can decide what's best for you, but maybe some of the posts in this thread gives some additional food for thought for you both.
As a last thought, can you and Mitch sit down and do a pros and cons list with "Compromise", "Concerns" "Danger Dollars" and "Emotional How Will It Make Us Feel" notes. Maybe do if for a) keeping the current rig set up b) trading in for a different set up c) Siting yourselves semi long term in an RV park d) Coming off the Road totally for now until you are maybe in a more comfortable financial and time availability position to head out again or stay SnB based.
Even if you've already made the decision to carry on for now as you are, it certainly wouldn't hurt to do this exercise, just in case you need to reference it in the near future, when maybe at that time emotions could be running rather elevated and overly biased!
SD.
Cheryl......we certainly can't speak wisdom from being full-time yet, but we can say that your experiences over the past year.....although you may have wished otherwise are great lessons to those of us waiting to go. We understand and see very clearly that there will be times when things just go wrong for whatever reason, and more often then we might wish! The best part is though, that while you are struggling through some things, you have been an inspiration to those of us getting ready. Your great attitude and pick yourself up by the boot straps are worth something for sure! My brother has a saying that I like....."you don't ever make mistakes.....just changes". Don't ever look back on this even if you choose to go back to S&B's and say you shouldn't have done it........it will never be a mistake....it might just signal a change at some point....but the experience was important for many people......please believe that! Hang in there, and our prayers for your decisions in days ahead!
One thing you mentioned Cheryl, about water leaking from a light, near an A/C. The weap/drain holes are likely blocked in the base of the A/C unit. Have to get up on the roof and check it out. May be easier to check over by removing the cover of the A/C.
I had it happen to mine once. It's a Coleman unit. It had small slits in the base that needed to be cleaned out. Now all is good.
I know you have an 8 year old rig - but I know someone who has had a TON of problems with a brand new rig - and they will be going back to the factory AGAIN for more repairs. They've stayed in a hotel 4 weeks already this summer and will need at least 2 more before repairs are hopefully completed - and correctly this time. Their last visit created almost more problems than it solved.
So - you are not alone - not even close!
Sounds like you have decided to keep moving forward in this lifestyle. You guys are way over-due for a break - I hope it comes quickly.
Cheryl, I'm glad to see that you've decided to hang in for a while longer. When I saw your blog the other day saying that the tank was finally going to be replaced I thought how great that was and that you were finally going to see some smooth sailing for a while. I'm sorry that more issues have cropped up since then but I can't help but think that you're going to get past this spell and you'll be able to relax and enjoy for a while. I'm thinking of you and check your blog often. Take care.