FREEDOM (RV name) fixed — but still on pins and needles (not Needles CA)

Monday – October 12

I had planned to delay the RV service till Thursday so I could use a garage recommended by two people at the KOA site and avoid the one I’d chosen due to their feedback.  I called the “good” garage and he said he’d love to help but they don’t do RVs anymore.  RVs don’t fit inside his garage and he said is mechanics weren’t inclined to work outside in the 100 degree heat.  Sure can’t blame them for that.

The owner recommended Mohave RV and they said to come right in.  I was able to drive Freedom to their shop about 20 miles away.  I was a bit concerned that the RV didn’t make the troubling noise on the drive there but the mechanic took no time to find the issue.  The pulley on the crank at the bottom of the front of the motor was broken.  I can’t imagine how I was able to drive it at all, he showed me a photo and there was a fan belt wrapped around the pulley.

The problem turned out to be finding a replacement pulley as this a “vintage” RV and they don’t make that part anymore.  He ended up having to  take the old part  and go to 2 different wrecking yards till he found a used part that would work.  He finished up right at 5:00 PM and the price was only $431.

I had already reserved a room at a nearby casino ($28 cheap) as we all expected it to take into the next day to finish the repair.  So I spent the night at the casino, got a good bath and had a great dinner.

Tuesday October 13

This morning I had a nice breakfast and drove to my KOA campground, loaded up my toad car and headed out.

The noise hasn’t recurred but I am on pins and needles with every little sound or odd behavior.  I’m hoping one of them is just the way my tow dolly behaves.  I’m sure I’ll settle down after a few more days of good driving.

This afternoon I’m in the Kingman AZ KOA and it is a really nice location with solid 4-5 Mbps internet access.  Really good because I’ve been increasing my cellphone data plan each month and the rate of $10/2MBs.

Tomorrow I’m driving up to the Grand Canyon west end and doing the Skywalk.  They don’t let you carry a camera out on it (claim is it is to protect the glass floor but I suspect it is more to make more money) but I’ll pay for at least one picture so I can scan and upload it.  Friday I’m taking the train from Williams AZ to the Grand Canyon National Park.

It feels so good to have all of you following me.  Thanks to all of you for your well wishes and prayers for safe travel.