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12-18-2007, 09:34 AM
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#1
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3 Rivet Member
1979 Argosy Minuet 7.3 Metre
Wilmington
, Illinois
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 178
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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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12-18-2007, 09:42 AM
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#2
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Ready-to-Travel
2012 30' International
Walkerton
, Virginia
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,166
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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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12-18-2007, 09:52 AM
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#3
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We can tow it!
1996 28' Excella
Where the water tastes like wine
, Michigan
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,625
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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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12-18-2007, 09:54 AM
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#4
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Liberator
1972 Argosy 24
1989 34.5' Airstream 345
Heart of Dixie
, Alabama
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,659
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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.
__________________
Your opinion is valued, please not your opinion of someones else's opinion.
Click To See Me Wet
1989 Airstream 345 Liberator...
1972 Argosy 24'...
1954 Feathercraft Vagabond
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12-18-2007, 10:31 AM
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#5
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Always Airstreaming!
2005 22' Safari
1960 24' Tradewind
Anytown
, Connecticut
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,115
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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!
__________________
J. Rick Cipot
Sandi Gould
NEU New England Unit
Airstream Life Magazine
Proud Member of WBCCI
WBCCI #3411
AIR #17099
2009 Silverado 2500HD
2004 22' Safari
1960 24' Tradewind
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12-18-2007, 11:04 AM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2012 25' FB Eddie Bauer
Vintage Kin Owner
Virginia Beach
, Virginia
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,801
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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
__________________
Today is a gift, that's why they call it the present.
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12-18-2007, 11:50 AM
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#7
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Rivet Master
1991 34' Excella
1963 26' Overlander
1961 26' Overlander
Central
, Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,919
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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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12-18-2007, 12:20 PM
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#8
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Moderator
1968 17' Caravel
Battle Ground
, Washington
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,253
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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!
__________________
Stephanie
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12-18-2007, 12:30 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
West of Fort Worth
, Texas
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 6,699
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I hear whay you're sayin' Steph, but some memories I'd rather do without.
Dave
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12-18-2007, 12:34 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2002 27' Safari
Carmel-by-the-Sea
, California
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,388
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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!
Jeff
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12-18-2007, 01:04 PM
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#11
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Rivet Master
1971 25' Tradewind
1993 34' Excella
Currently Looking...
Estancia
, New Mexico
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,742
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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.
__________________
Sail on silver girl. Sail on by. Your time has come to shine.
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12-18-2007, 05:56 PM
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#12
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Site Team
2002 25' Safari
Dewey
, Arizona
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 15,615
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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...
__________________
Richard
Wally Byam Airstream Club 7513
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12-18-2007, 06:42 PM
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#13
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Rivet Master
1971 27' Overlander
Central
, Ohio
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,365
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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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12-18-2007, 07:02 PM
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#14
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Rivet Master
1969 31' Sovereign
Broken Arrow
, Oklahoma
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,455
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Sounds like when you were handed a lemon you made lemonaid.
Have a great trip.
Garry
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12-18-2007, 08:43 PM
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#15
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Rivet Master
1975 Argosy 24
Collierville
, Tennessee
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 727
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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.
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Lemons must have been falling out of every cupboard and hidy hole.
__________________
Different strokes for different folks!
I never learned from a man who agreed with me.
Heinlein
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12-18-2007, 09:02 PM
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#16
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Rivet Master
2005 25' Safari
Salem
, Oregon
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,369
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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.
__________________
Bob 2005 Safari 25-B
"Le Petit Chateau Argent" Small Silver Castle
2000 Navigator / 2014 F-150 Eco-Boost / Equal-i-zer / P-3
YAMAHA 2400 / AIR #12144
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12-18-2007, 10:56 PM
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#17
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3 Rivet Member
1983 30' Airstream 300
Plantersville
, Texas
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 238
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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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12-18-2007, 10:58 PM
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#18
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Rivet Master
1966 24' Tradewind
Placerville
, California
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,328
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I bet you top all stories told at Rally pot-luck tables.
__________________
Neil and Lynn Holman
FreshAir #12407
Avatar;
Kirk Creek, Big Sur, Ca. coast.
1966 Trade Wind
1971 Buick Centurion convertible
455 cid
1969 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight
455 cid
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12-18-2007, 11:08 PM
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#19
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Rivet Master
1960 22' Safari
in the wilderness
, The great Mojave Desert
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,077
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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.
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So very true.
__________________
I'd rather be boon docking in the desert.
WBCCI 3344 FCU
AIR# 13896
CA 4
Yes, we have courtesy parking for you. About an hour North of Los Angeles.
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12-18-2007, 11:10 PM
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#20
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Site Team
1964 26' Overlander
1964 19' Globetrotter
OlyPen
, Washington
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,930
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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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