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Old 12-18-2007, 09:34 AM   #1
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Camping Psychic Needed

A little history:

We haven't lost our passion for camping despite a history of bad luck.

Since I was a child, my happy family memories often include a breakdown in the desert, waiting for parts, paying ourtrageous amounts of cash for a tow, and the list continues for 37 years......

Last summer included a day lost to some sort of fluke involving the ignition, a broken gas gage that lead to running out of gas, shortly followed by burnt out fuel pump, and catastrophic engine failure. "Wow, trade that thing in," you're thinking? These were 3 different vehicles. And while I'm on the subject of breaking down, isn't there some sort of law preventing tow companies from charging $280 for a tow down the street?

A huge portion of the summer was wasted waiting for news on if they had found an affordable rebuilt engine for our truck. Months went by and we were afraid our summer would be without camping. Then we discovered people were willing to loan us their vehicles.....we broke them, too.

We finally gave up, sold the truck with no engine, and invested in a 1991 Oldsmobile Custom cruiser. After all, our logic was, even our nice new vehicles left us stranded: roadside, with 2 little kids, waiting for rescue. And, more logic, if the Custom cruiser requires repair, it's still going to be cheaper than a car payment and insurance on a new tow vehicle. (THat is unless the Custom Cruiser breaks down every month for the next year....)

So we're ready to embark on our new adventure: Disneyworld. It's a long drive. Lately, I've been having nightmares about breaking down. Is it that I'm just Gun Shy? Or is this some sort of psychic premonition?

PLease, fellow Airstreamers, gaze into your shiny aluminum ball and tell me the future...... Do you see us broken down, roadside? Do you see Catastrophic Engine failure? Please, share with us your predictions.
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Old 12-18-2007, 09:42 AM   #2
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Hot, this would be a great beginning for a humorous story, but I fear you are serious.

My sympathies in advance.

Pat
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Old 12-18-2007, 09:52 AM   #3
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Smile The power of positive thinking and a good mechanic check up before you go!

I hope that your trip is fun and safe! I am so sorry to hear about vehicle problems and being stranded. Good wishes coming your way!!



I predict no matter what happens on your trip with your great sense of humor and adaptability you and yours will find something to smile and laugh about and that's one thing your kids will remember when they are older is how much fun you all had whether it rained, the car broke down, or whatever... Best wishes!!
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Old 12-18-2007, 09:54 AM   #4
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I saw that movie too.

You would be a prime canidate for insurance.

If the future involves more brake downs, and I know mine does.
Try to use the time, or at least look back at it as part of the adventure.
Put someone on lemonaid duty while your figuiring out what to do.
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Old 12-18-2007, 10:31 AM   #5
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I see a safe and wonderful journey ahead providing all normal precautions are taken care of prior to departure. Have lots of fun and enjoy!
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Old 12-18-2007, 11:04 AM   #6
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I've been lucky

AND I change my oil religiously, AND I check my tire pressure at the start of every trip. Beyond that I think it's mostly Karma. I'll send you a little bit of mine and wish you "happy trails".

Oh, yes - get the Good Sam policy. Great insurance DOES seem to function as a preventative as well as a cure. (But don't tell them about your 37 year history.) You'll get your money back!

Paula
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Old 12-18-2007, 11:50 AM   #7
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Good Luck Box

This thread reminds me of an editorial I read years ago regarding how some boaters constantly have problems and some always weather the storm without a scratch, it also applies to Airstreams. I can't find a trace of the story so I'll recap.

The story goes that every Airstream has a Good Luck Box. The owners may not be aware of it, and none know it's location, but it's there. The sad thing about this Box is there is no way of knowing how much Luck is in there. The Airstream, in times of need, will pull Good Luck from the box and use it. A flat tire may be delayed until your exiting the freeway right in front of a tire store. The awning my flop in the wind just enough to wake you up and retract it just prior to the big wind gust.

When the Box is empty, stuff just happens.

How does one go about keeping the Luck Box from running dry? The Box is refilled by small acts, checking tire pressures, recaulking a window, packing wheel bearings, or even just opening all of the compartments and peering in. Almost any act will add some Luck to the Box. Some Luck has shorter life span and some Luck Boxes are different sizes so one must constantly work to refill the box.

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Old 12-18-2007, 12:20 PM   #8
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Gosh, my trips have all been uneventful, and they just meld together in our memory - Did that happen this year, or last? Can't remember, they all seem alike! But your trips are all memorable, and storys you'll be telling for years. And years from now you'll sit around with the kids and they'll say, remember the time we broke down in teh middle of nowhere and had to wait for a tow truck (at least, I distinctly remember the time my dad's pickup blew a tire and he had to roll the tire a couple miles to get it refilled and then roll it back!)

So relax and enjoy the ride, you're making memories one way or the other!

Good luck on your next trip!
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Old 12-18-2007, 12:30 PM   #9
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I hear whay you're sayin' Steph, but some memories I'd rather do without.
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Old 12-18-2007, 12:34 PM   #10
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I'd suggest a few shorter trips prior to get you feet wet again and workout any potential issues. Maybe you can find a fellow airstreamer in you area that would caravan with you to Disneyworld, that way you will have good Karma with you the entire trip!
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Old 12-18-2007, 01:04 PM   #11
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I have just communed with the infinite and am passing on the following message on. Get you a photo of Wally Byam to set up next to a campfire with offerings of beer, marshmallows and hot dogs. Chant Waaa Leee, Waaa Leee, Waaa Leee and/or sing Om Om on the Range. Now eat the marshmallows and hot dogs and drink the beer. Might not ward off evil but at least your stomach is full.
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Old 12-18-2007, 05:56 PM   #12
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I recommend that you take a look at getting Good Sam Emergency RV Road Service: Fifth (5th) Wheel Towing, Emergency Breakdown Service & Roadside Service Providers or one of the other services that offer road side assistance. It costs a lot less then the tow you paid for and it will give you piece of mind.

I have had the service for a couple of years and have never used it. It's like, it never rains when you have an umbrela...
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Old 12-18-2007, 06:42 PM   #13
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Consulted with the master:

- the answer is "it was a blast"

- the question (stored in a jar on Funk & Wagnalls porch) is:

"how was your trip to Disney..?"


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Old 12-18-2007, 07:02 PM   #14
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Sounds like when you were handed a lemon you made lemonaid.

Have a great trip.

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Old 12-18-2007, 08:43 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by klattu
I saw that movie too.

You would be a prime canidate for insurance.

If the future involves more brake downs, and I know mine does.
Try to use the time, or at least look back at it as part of the adventure.
Put someone on lemonaid duty while your figuiring out what to do.
Lemons must have been falling out of every cupboard and hidy hole.
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Old 12-18-2007, 09:02 PM   #16
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Break that curse.

Hi, if you think bad things are going to happen, they will. Change your thoughts. Find someone in need of help, your helping of them, will break the bad spell. Have a wonderful trip. See you on the road.
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Old 12-18-2007, 10:56 PM   #17
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Dont leave home without

A cell phone and Good Sam Emergency Road Service are 2 things I will never be on the road without. As the others suggested do your maintence and pack your tools. The cell phone and ins. make for peace of mind that help will come to the rescue when and where needed.

Have a great trip..

Kay
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Old 12-18-2007, 10:58 PM   #18
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I bet you top all stories told at Rally pot-luck tables.
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Old 12-18-2007, 11:08 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS
Hi, if you think bad things are going to happen, they will. Change your thoughts. Find someone in need of help, your helping of them, will break the bad spell. Have a wonderful trip. See you on the road.
So very true.
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Old 12-18-2007, 11:10 PM   #20
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My shiny orb works better when gold coins are in close proximity. But.... I recommend that you save the coins (just in case )
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