So You Want To Be an RVer?

Things were about to get really interesting.  As we were about to leave the RV dealer's lot we discovered, much to our dismay, that neither the speedometer nor the odometer were working.  Back to the Service Manager's office we went, fearful that our vacation was about to be delayed even more.  Obviously, with less than 24 hours to go before we would be on the road to North Carolina, the last thing we anticipated was having to deal with a malfunctioning speedometer and odometer.  Fortunately, after probing and tinkering under the dash and in the battery compartment, the Service Manager was able to restore life to our gauges.  We went merrily on our way, with visions of spring camping dancing in our heads.

Thinking the worst was behind us, we departed Sunday morning for parts south.  The first day of our trip was uneventful.  All went smoothly as we arrived at a lovely resort in southern Virginia.  Knowing that you will be sleeping in your own bed, surrounded by some of nature's finest beauty, is one of the greatest pluses to the RV lifestyle.  On this night, our backyard was a thousand acres of forests, lakes, and rolling pastures that included a 6,200 yard PGA golf course, an equestrian center, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a hot tub, sauna, exercise room, and restaurant.  We arose the next morning refreshed.  It was a beautiful day.  The sun was shining, a light breeze was blowing, and the temperature was heading for the mid seventies.  What better way to spend a vacation than to travel by motorhome in such splendid conditions?

All went well as we headed into North Carolina.  With less than 200 miles to go, we were all beginning to get excited about reaching our destination.  Less than an hour later, our excitement turned to dismay.  As we passed through Durham, North Carolina, "ol' Wheel Estate"  began to sputter and cough.  As we limped to a red light, our rig felt as if it was ready to die a sudden, agonizing death.

When the light turned green, it was all we could do to struggle through the intersection.  Every attempt to accelerate was met with abject, whimpering refusal.  We eased the motorhome to the side of the street and shut it down.  Suddenly, there we sat, 500 miles from home in an RV that would not "go."  Repeated attempts to resume forward progress were unsuccessful.  It was time for "Plan B."

For the very first time, we were about to use our Good Sam Club Emergency Road Service (ERS).  At a cost of $99 a year, the Good Sam Club provides a number of valuable emergency road services, including free towing in the event of a breakdown.  We have been purchasing ERS for most of the nine years we've been Good Sam Club members.  It was about to come in very handy.  Using the 800 number provided, we made the cell phone call and explained our predicament.  The ERS operator explained the procedure, took our membership information, and told us she would call us back as soon as she arranged for us to be towed to the nearest qualified repair facility.

Within minutes she called to tell us a Ford truck repair facility was available in Durham and a tow truck was on its way.  Our wait began.  Fortunately, if one must be stranded on the side of the road 500 miles from home, a motorhome is the perfect place to do it.  Everything we needed was right there – food, drink, rest room facilities, comfortable furniture, and room to stretch out.  Such creature comforts go a long way toward relieving the anxiety associated with not knowing what might be wrong with your rig and what it might take to get it fixed so far from home.

Next Page - The Tow Vehicle Arrives