Time To Head West!!

lewster · 05-21-2008, 06:04 PM

Well, it's that time of year again......for the annual trek to Oregon and other points West.

This Spring's trip will be a little more interesting with a couple of installs on member's Airstreams along the way (things like solar panels and charging systems, quiet water pumps, LED inerior lighting, accent rope lighting), just to name a few.

I'm about a week behind schedule due to the unexpected failure of the harmonic balancer in my Sprinter. Not only did the balancer fail, but it took out the forward edge of the crank with it, requiring that the engine be pulled and the crank, main bearings, seals, balancer, and probably a few other parts be replaced as well. All this at 105,000 miles.........and yup.........you guessed it!!!!!!!!!!!! the engine warranty is up at 100K

Providence did shine on my parade though for a couple of reasons:

1: the failure happened BEFORE I went on the road and I was able to get the van into the local dealer with almost no effort and ........

2: Chrysler Corp is picking up the repair tab due to a prior balancer repair while still under warranty!!!!!

Just a small inconvenience in time spent, considering the possible dire straights I would have been in if the failure happened while towing the CCD in the middle of ...........say.............New Mexico or Idaho!!!!!

Anyway, I'll try to keep you folks updated with a trip itinerary and of course........photos, photos........photos! I still have a bunch of packing to do and also have to finish installing the 200 watt solar charging system for the van.......complete with 2000 watt sine wave inverter and 2 Lifeline GPL-6CT 300 amp/hour monster golf cart batteries. Also, I have to get used to using my new Macbook Pro (I finally ditched Bill Gates!!!!) and the new USB Air Card for wireless internet.

I'll also post some shots of the system when completed.

This year's trip takes me on a leisurely route along the Gulf, up to Zavalla, TX for the first install at the Airstream Harbor there, then on to Searcy, AK for a little visit with Airstream of AK. Next, on to ABQ for a little more work and some mountain biking and huevos rancheros, then to Colorado for another install and a little business meeting at a vendor I represent (Aqua-Hot Heating Systems.

After that, I'll probably go back thru the 4 Corners area, up to Moab for a little mountain biking and moto riding with a final shot to Oregon with an ETA sometime in the 3rd week of June.

So stay tuned for this year's advenure log...............

TIMEMACHINE · 05-21-2008, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lewster

Well, it's that time of year again......for the annual trek to Oregon and other points West.

Also, I have to get used to using my new Macbook Pro (I finally ditched Bill Gates!!!!) and the new USB Air Card for wireless internet.

So stay tuned for this year's advenure log...............

Hey Lew,

Travel safe....super glad to hear your Sprinter is getting a transplant on Chrysler's tab. But most important, welcome to Mac World.

time

BeBop · 05-21-2008, 07:39 PM

Gosh!

Free repairs and a new Mac?

What could be better!

lewster · 05-21-2008, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TIMEMACHINE

Hey Lew,

Travel safe....super glad to hear your Sprinter is getting a transplant on Chrysler's tab. But most important, welcome to Mac World.

time

thanks........thanks...........and..........thanks ! (Macs RULE!!!!!)

HiHoAgRV · 05-21-2008, 08:11 PM

Ha! We beat you. Today was brutal with 30+ mph tail winds and severe thunderstorms in central CO.

Good luck on your transit

lewster · 05-21-2008, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HiHoAgRV

Ha! We beat you. Today was brutal with 30+ mph tail winds and severe thunderstorms in central CO.

Good luck on your transit

Tail winds??????? ...............I LOVE tail winds!!! Mileage goes way up in a tail wind

And thanks!

**moosetags** · 05-21-2008, 08:26 PM

Have a safe journey, and best of luck with the Mac.

Brian

HiHoAgRV · 05-21-2008, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lewster

Tail winds??????? ...............I LOVE tail winds!!! Mileage goes way up in a tail wind

And thanks!

The MPG-O-Lie-Meter shows 19.5 right now after a Santa Fe to Mid Colorado leg. The winds were BRUTAL but very helpful with $4.59/gallon

**azflycaster** · 05-21-2008, 08:39 PM

Lew - Enjoy your travels to the great NW. Be safe!

We will catch up with you later this year at the Fiesta.

catson4 · 05-21-2008, 10:29 PM

Have a SAFE trip and enjoy the fun on the road.

The Hood River area is always nice and warm in the summer. And close to the Descutes river for a little trout fishin'..

bobkelly · 05-21-2008, 10:51 PM

Lew---Always great to hear what's going on. Good mix of fun and some work. We'll look for you this summer in the Columbia River Gourge on our way back to the Oregon coast from Montana. Best regards.