Repairs - what do full-timers do?
We are not full-timers, but I like to dream about the possibilities of long-term rv'ing once retirement comes around (it's still 20+ years out - but it's never too early to dream!). This morning's dr...
Forum Discussion
I've always done as many repairs on my truck as I am capable of doing well. Long ago, I rebuilt the carburetor on my VW Thing (what a TOAD one of those would make!!!) on the shoulder of I-40 near Williams, AZ. I was moving to Texas to take a job as a newspaper photographer and the car just died. Did the usual tests, determined the problem was fuel. Worn out needle valve sticking shut. Thankful for my remote-starter switch.
I had remembered to buy a carburetor-rebuild kit before leaving San Francisco (hometown). Cop came along and shot his spot on my engine (air-cooled, type 1, 1600cc, Gene-Berg header for you gearheads) because it was getting dark and my only light source was a gas-powered Coleman Lantern. Four hours later, I was renting a room in Flagstaff for the night. Cop let me use the sheriff's substation's shower, as I smelled like i was ready to light myself up. Had all my clothes, so I just put on sweats for the remainder of that day. Slept on the floor of the Motel 6, bed had bugs.
But it's important to learn as much as you can about your rig, and learn to be comfortable with any discomfort you might have while working on things. I have done a lot of reading and for example, I could already wire up the controller, inverter and batteries for the house. I could change the water pump (and in fact, a shurflo will go in the day I get it home). New parts is new parts and water pump for the house is important. Will immediately replace the water heater with a tankless one. Of course I've done a s-ton of work on our vehicles over the years. The airplane, too.
In my flying days, I helped stranded flyers. If I'm around and you need a hand or a tool, hit me up. I'm still a do-it-your-selfer. I have had situations I could not deal with myself because I didn't have the tools, facilities or experience to do a project well. Good to know your limitations. Also good to challenge your limitations.
I had remembered to buy a carburetor-rebuild kit before leaving San Francisco (hometown). Cop came along and shot his spot on my engine (air-cooled, type 1, 1600cc, Gene-Berg header for you gearheads) because it was getting dark and my only light source was a gas-powered Coleman Lantern. Four hours later, I was renting a room in Flagstaff for the night. Cop let me use the sheriff's substation's shower, as I smelled like i was ready to light myself up. Had all my clothes, so I just put on sweats for the remainder of that day. Slept on the floor of the Motel 6, bed had bugs.
But it's important to learn as much as you can about your rig, and learn to be comfortable with any discomfort you might have while working on things. I have done a lot of reading and for example, I could already wire up the controller, inverter and batteries for the house. I could change the water pump (and in fact, a shurflo will go in the day I get it home). New parts is new parts and water pump for the house is important. Will immediately replace the water heater with a tankless one. Of course I've done a s-ton of work on our vehicles over the years. The airplane, too.
In my flying days, I helped stranded flyers. If I'm around and you need a hand or a tool, hit me up. I'm still a do-it-your-selfer. I have had situations I could not deal with myself because I didn't have the tools, facilities or experience to do a project well. Good to know your limitations. Also good to challenge your limitations.
