Magnet18's 1983 310

[Magnet18]

Thanks guys!
All things considered this isn't a huge deal. If they can get it done quick we'll hang out in Fallon, and if it takes a couple weeks we'll get a bnb near Tahoe, won't cost much more than campgrounds cost anyway.

AAA *should* reimburse the $800 tow, and I'm not so blindly optimistic as to not have planned for something like this. Every time I see another RV on the side of the road, I wish them good luck know it's only a matter of time until it's my turn! Mostly I'm thankful it happened on a Saturday instead of a Sunday, as It'd be a mess trying to juggle work on a day I'm getting towed

[Magnet18]

Motorhome was safely towed to fallon

[dadstoy]

If it had to happen on this leg of the trip, good thing it happened where it did. Your trip north from Reno all the way up to about Eugene OR is mountain driving!
Wish you were closer to Reno for a better selection of shops to choose from. Not much there in Fallon except the Naval Air Station and Sand Mountain where we used to go 4-wheeling.

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by Magnet18

Motorhome was safely towed to fallon

Could have happened in a much worse place. Looks like you do have a few options for repair shops.

[Magnet18]

Originally Posted by dadstoy

If it had to happen on this leg of the trip, good thing it happened where it did. Your trip north from Reno all the way up to about Eugene OR is mountain driving!
Wish you were closer to Reno for a better selection of shops to choose from. Not much there in Fallon except the Naval Air Station and Sand Mountain where we used to go 4-wheeling.

Yep, could have been worse for sure! We drove past sand mountain on the way in, what a surreal looking place

I had it towed to what looks like the most reputable shop in town which also looked big enough to handle the airstream, christensen auto. Everywhere both here and Reno was closed so I was just guessing either way, but the doors are big enough and peeking in their windows they have a huge pit to pull in over so they should be able to handle it. Tow driver when he arrived told me he agreed they were my best bet short of towing the rest of the way to Reno and that they're a good shop, so that made me feel better.

If they can't handle it, guess I'll have it towed again to somewhere in Reno that can. Reno is less than 100 miles so what's a second AAA tow, At that rate I'll just use a third and get it all the way to your recommended shop in redding

[Magnet18]

Originally Posted by PeterH-350LE

Could have happened in a much worse place. Looks like you do have a few options for repair shops.

Yes, like another 100 miles east!

[cmadmaxman]

Sorry to hear about your trans going out Rob.
Hope the shop understands the difference between the 400 and 475!

Good luck with the shop.

Can you testify that Hwy 50 in Nevada is the loneliest road in the US?

Just to give you a little cheer, when I was about 11, 1965 or so, my Dad had made a schoolie from a 1948 GMC bus. As we went across 50 in the desert heat, we went trough a spare, and blew out two other tires on the rear. We pulled into Reno on Saturday night with 4 tires, Montgomery Wards was closed. Sunday department stores were closed, so had to wait until Monday morning. We camped out in the MW's parking lot. Wasn't all bad got to see my first Slot machine, and Dad took us to a drive in and watched the Sound of Music from the top of the buss! And this was with 7 of us kids with Mom and Dad!

Every trip an adventure, where ever it takes you!

[kidjedi]

Originally Posted by cmadmaxman

Just to give you a little cheer, when I was about 11, 1965 or so, my Dad had made a schoolie from a 1948 GMC bus. As we went across 50 in the desert heat, we went trough a spare, and blew out two other tires on the rear. We pulled into Reno on Saturday night with 4 tires, Montgomery Wards was closed. Sunday department stores were closed, so had to wait until Monday morning. We camped out in the MW's parking lot. Wasn't all bad got to see my first Slot machine, and Dad took us to a drive in and watched the Sound of Music from the top of the buss! And this was with 7 of us kids with Mom and Dad!

As an adult, I always worry that I might not be giving my kiddo the best experience, but then I hear stuff like this, think to myself "THAT SOUNDS AWESOME!" and realize I'm probably good.

[Magnet18]

Originally Posted by kidjedi

As an adult, I always worry that I might not be giving my kiddo the best experience, but then I hear stuff like this, think to myself "THAT SOUNDS AWESOME!" and realize I'm probably good.

It's always what you make of it, if the adult throws a temper tantrum the whole family will be miserable, if everybody keeps their cool it's just another adventure . And everything you're probably stressed about, cost of repairs etc, the kids are probably oblivious

[Magnet18]

Originally Posted by cmadmaxman

Can you testify that Hwy 50 in Nevada is the loneliest road in the US?

Just to give you a little cheer, when I was about 11, 1965 or so, my Dad had made a schoolie from a 1948 GMC bus. As we went across 50 in the desert heat, we went trough a spare, and blew out two other tires on the rear. We pulled into Reno on Saturday night with 4 tires, Montgomery Wards was closed. Sunday department stores were closed, so had to wait until Monday morning. We camped out in the MW's parking lot. Wasn't all bad got to see my first Slot machine, and Dad took us to a drive in and watched the Sound of Music from the top of the buss! And this was with 7 of us kids with Mom and Dad!

Every trip an adventure, where ever it takes you!

I can't say I've driven every single road in the lower 48, but I can certainly say this was the loneliest I've ever driven, and also one of the prettiest

And that adventure sounds like a blast. I love drive ins, there are still one or two around the fort wayne area.

[Magnet18]

Very annoyed right now, everybody should be aware that GM/Chevy service centers may turn us away due to the age of our rigs. I was just told by the GM Truck service center in Reno that they won't touch anything older than 2000. So far I've called 10 places and they're all saying it's too big, or it's too old, or it's 4 weeks before they can start looking at it.

[kidjedi]

Ugh. My advice: go into the local parts store, look for the oldest guy, offer to buy him beers, tell him your story, enjoy the path that takes you down (and meeting his mechanic buddies who will get you back on the road). ;-)

[dadstoy]

Rob, call High Desert Auto and Diesel Repair, LLC. 775-5752466. 405 S Center St. Fernley, NV. 89408.


It is 20 miles from Fallon. It is recommended by a customer of mine that lives in Reno and works for city maintenance in the bay area. He says to let him know if this shop can't help you and he will try to find another. So let me know!


Good Luck

[Magnet18]

Thanks Dean!!
I finally found a very well reviewed shop in Carson City where Junior in the front put me through to Senior in the back and Senior knew exactly what I was talking about, took a tape measure to double check that his RV lift is long enough, and he's calling his parts network for transmissions.

I already got the ball rolling with him. He should be able to get a TH475 built in 30 days and warranty it for 3 years, which is fine by me, and he's still digging to see if he can find one on the shelf. Or I can bring my own and waive any shop warranty. Works for me.

If for some reason this falls through, your guy in fernley is next on my list for sure!
Also, PMd you my phone number

[dadstoy]

That's awesome Rob. Sounds like you found the perfect shop!



The world is going to be hurting after all us old guys are gone and all that old knowledge disappears (not saying that I have any knowledge of course). I had a customer in Half Moon Bay (on Calif coast) that is a transmission shop. Two brothers own and run it. They have the knowledge and experience to rebuild any transmission ever made from old to brand new. The parts/transmissions alone in their inventory are fun to just look at. When they are gone, the knowledge that they have and we will loose is unthinkable. The young techs today simply want to plug in a diagnostic tool and think it will tell them whats wrong and which bolts to remove to R&R a part.


Once you get the MH over to Carson City and you are a bit relaxed and situated I have a couple of suggestions for you. The fun and beauty will take your minds off your transmission worries.


You should definitely take a drive up to Virginia City. Its an old mining town and now a tourist area. https://visitvirginiacitynv.com/ Visit the shops and bars. Have a drink and relax...tour an old mine! If you do go up there, let me know if you think the road into the town is MH doable. I would like to go there sometime in the MH.


You really can't come this far west without going to Lake Tahoe. You will never forgive yourself! From Carson City take Hwy 50 to the north east side of the lake. Either drive down to Stateline (border between Nev and Calif). The casinos are there. Lots to see. Find a BnB or hotel or rental close enough to the lake with a lake view. Definitely walk down to the lake and put your toes in ice cold mountain lake water. You can take a tram ride up the mountain to Heavenly Valley Ski area. We've done that in the summer. Probably still lots of snow up there...dress warmly. I just saw some awesome rates at the big casino hotels as well. Go up to the bar/restaurant at the top of Harvey's (its either that or Harrahs). The prime rib was awesome the last time we were there and you can sit at the bar and enjoy the lake views. Of course I really don't know what is operating or what the rules are with pandemic.


You can also head north off of Hwy 50 and go to the north side of the lake. Incline Village is up there...Olympics where held there 1960? Of course it is all new, beautiful and expensive, but what isn't expensive? Lots of restaurants around the north end and areas to walk down to the lake.


Another thing is you could drive to Stateline and then continue south and around the lake. Drive up the west side of the lake to the north shore. It is mountain driving around the west side, but awesome, awesome views of the lake.



Dean

[Magnet18]

Originally Posted by dadstoy

That's awesome Rob. Sounds like you found the perfect shop!



The world is going to be hurting after all us old guys are gone and all that old knowledge disappears (not saying that I have any knowledge of course). I had a customer in Half Moon Bay (on Calif coast) that is a transmission shop. Two brothers own and run it. They have the knowledge and experience to rebuild any transmission ever made from old to brand new. The parts/transmissions alone in their inventory are fun to just look at. When they are gone, the knowledge that they have and we will loose is unthinkable. The young techs today simply want to plug in a diagnostic tool and think it will tell them whats wrong and which bolts to remove to R&R a part.


Once you get the MH over to Carson City and you are a bit relaxed and situated I have a couple of suggestions for you. The fun and beauty will take your minds off your transmission worries.


You should definitely take a drive up to Virginia City. Its an old mining town and now a tourist area. https://visitvirginiacitynv.com/ Visit the shops and bars. Have a drink and relax...tour an old mine! If you do go up there, let me know if you think the road into the town is MH doable. I would like to go there sometime in the MH.


You really can't come this far west without going to Lake Tahoe. You will never forgive yourself! From Carson City take Hwy 50 to the north east side of the lake. Either drive down to Stateline (border between Nev and Calif). The casinos are there. Lots to see. Find a BnB or hotel or rental close enough to the lake with a lake view. Definitely walk down to the lake and put your toes in ice cold mountain lake water. You can take a tram ride up the mountain to Heavenly Valley Ski area. We've done that in the summer. Probably still lots of snow up there...dress warmly. I just saw some awesome rates at the big casino hotels as well. Go up to the bar/restaurant at the top of Harvey's (its either that or Harrahs). The prime rib was awesome the last time we were there and you can sit at the bar and enjoy the lake views. Of course I really don't know what is operating or what the rules are with pandemic.


You can also head north off of Hwy 50 and go to the north side of the lake. Incline Village is up there...Olympics where held there 1960? Of course it is all new, beautiful and expensive, but what isn't expensive? Lots of restaurants around the north end and areas to walk down to the lake.


Another thing is you could drive to Stateline and then continue south and around the lake. Drive up the west side of the lake to the north shore. It is mountain driving around the west side, but awesome, awesome views of the lake.



Dean

Thanks Dean!
We'll definitely take you up on some of those suggestions. Since we need somewhere to stay for about 2 weeks anyway before heading home, we grabbed an off season (still painfully expensive for 2 weeks but oh well) ski town rental in the northstar area, had the same thought about might as well see lake Tahoe! Plenty to explore for 2 weeks for sure!

[bobmiller1]

I’ve often said that if you have a major breakdown call a transport company if you don’t have one in your back pocket, rent a car and either go home or continue on your trip. Getting any kind of major repair work done on the road never turns out well, you’re better off doing it yourself. Having it towed 2 or 3 times also leads to unseen damage at your expense. In any event good luck and if you need a transport company let me know. Regards, Bob

[Smartstream]

It's a real bummer that your trans gave up especially where you are.

The guy who did the trans on my 280 put in numerous upgrade parts which are listed on his bill.



I showed the bill to an old timer at the local trans shop and after looking it over his only comment was, "This guy knows what he is doing." Remember this is behind an Isuzu diesel but I'm sure many of the items would be happy behind your 454. You might run it by whoever is building your trans just to get their opinion.

Just as another opinion take a look at your flex plate, having personally lost a couple of them what you describe sounds familiar.

Also the 2nd gear band only operates when you pull the lever down to 2. The trans will shift up and down normally as long as the the shift lever was in D or 1. I lost the 2nd gear band on an old Chevy pick-up and drove it like that for years, it did kind of suck in the hills while towing a heavy trailer.

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by bobmiller1

I’ve often said that if you have a major breakdown call a transport company if you don’t have one in your back pocket, rent a car and either go home or continue on your trip. Getting any kind of major repair work done on the road never turns out well, you’re better off doing it yourself. Having it towed 2 or 3 times also leads to unseen damage at your expense. In any event good luck and if you need a transport company let me know. Regards, Bob

Or get a Jasper and use their installer Network to get it installed. Jasper stood very much behind their product, when I had issues mostly because of their recommended installer. All the way to being willing to send out a replacement trans, in case I could not solve the issues I was dealing with.
You do not get the 100k miles/ 3 years warranty with a heavy vehicle like yours, but I think 1 year for sure.
I would not settle for a no warranty situation.

[Magnet18]

Thanks fellas, i suppose I had assumed flatbedding the airstream 2000 miles would be an arm and a leg above the cost of replacement out here, and this trans is nothing fancy, swapping it shouldn't be too hard. But doing it at home is an interesting option that would probably offset the cost a couple thousand. I'll definitely consider it tonight. My current hangup is less about finding a shop and more about how long does it take to get a transmission built.

And I'm certainly not going no warranty, it'll be at least 18 months!