Did you ever have one of those trips where 'everything' seemed to go wrong? Well, DW and I just experienced one and hopefully 'last'. First day out: One of the hydraulic lifters started pouring oil...no more use of levelers on trip. Thankfully, however, all stops had reasonably level sites (a rarity). Day two: While going around a particularly sharp curve...ref. door came open dumping most everything out including a gallon of milk that burst when it hit the floor spewing milk everywhere including DOWN the heating ductwork. Day three: Front TV quit working on a Saturday when college football (one of my vices) was on. Had to watch on the smaller TV in the bedroom. Day four: Very cold night with the toad's windshield covered with ice and we had to use the car that day. Did not have an ice scraper (we're Floridians) nor even a spatula in the kitchen. Found a metal tool in my tool box that seemed to work pretty good. But. later in the day realized I had seriously scratched the entire windshield. Day five: Tried to open the 'little door' on the front of the MH to check oil and water and the dad gummed thing refused to open. Day six: Plumbing leak developed under the sink. Cooking pot to catch the drip saved the day. Day five: while enroute on I-75 heading south (trying to get home alive) and not far north of downtown Atlanta, a rear tire blew out. However, no damage and was able to quickly pull over and off the road. Also, kudos to Coach-Net for having a new tire on site within 30 minutes. We did get home "alive" and now, on Thanksgiving...we have even more to be 'thankful for'. Happy Thanksgiving to you all!! / Larry

At least you had a back up TV set, they came with a replacement tire before some drunk driver smashed your RV to nothing, and you are home safe!Probably next time you will let the engine idle on the toad, and give it time for the defroster to work and melt the ice. Also a portable heater on a extension cord will defrost all that ice in a hour or less. You can do that while getting ready to go. Check with a glass company. Sometimes they can give a great deal if you are paying cash, and they do not have to deal with a insurance adjuster. They might also be able to polish it. Good luck,Fred.

Every trip out in an RV is a learning experience, good or bad. We learn from each one and apply that knowledge to future trips. At least it was an adventure. Thanks for sharing and Happy Thanksgiving!

Golden_HVAC wrote:At least you had a back up TV set, they came with a replacement tire before some drunk driver smashed your RV to nothing, and you are home safe!Probably next time you will let the engine idle on the toad, and give it time for the defroster to work and melt the ice. Also a portable heater on a extension cord will defrost all that ice in a hour or less. You can do that while getting ready to go. Check with a glass company. Sometimes they can give a great deal if you are paying cash, and they do not have to deal with a insurance adjuster. They might also be able to polish it. Good luck,Good suggestions...Thanks! / LarryFred.

Wow, sounds like a trip that would make you question motorhome ownership! Glad you made it home safe.Here's a tip, from someone that has frost on the windshield from September to MayIf you are in a hurry and can't wait for the defrosters to work - get a bucket (cooking pot) of COLD water and throw it on the windshield. Within seconds your windshield wipers will be able to clear the glass. Don't use hot water as it might crack the glass!Safe Travels

Wrong Lane wrote:Wow, sounds like a trip that would make you question motorhome ownership! Glad you made it home safe.Here's a tip, from someone that has frost on the windshield from September to MayIf you are in a hurry and can't wait for the defrosters to work - get a bucket (cooking pot) of COLD water and throw it on the windshield. Within seconds your windshield wipers will be able to clear the glass. Don't use hot water as it might crack the glass!Safe TravelsYep! Was seriously considering getting out of MH ownership all the way home (assuming I made it home :). But, not long after arriving home regained my sanity (some would disagree) and realized that if I sold it...I'd just be in the market for a new one. So, will keep it and hope and pray that that trip this trip was an aberration.

Could have been worse but truly Thankful!... | Good Sam Community

18 Replies

krivanj
Explorer
Nov 27, 2014
Since you live in Florida, windshield replacement is free with your insurance company. State law.
rr2254545
Explorer
Nov 27, 2014
Dumped the milk out of my refrigerator first time out, was cleaning it up months later - was in places I could not imagine

Bungee cord now holds the doors shut when traveling
Coyote74
Explorer
Nov 27, 2014
Best use of a credit or fuel card,
for a toad in a pinch! clearing the windshield doesn't cost anything!
goufgators
Explorer
Nov 27, 2014
Wrong Lane wrote:
Wow, sounds like a trip that would make you question motorhome ownership! Glad you made it home safe.

Here's a tip, from someone that has frost on the windshield from September to May

If you are in a hurry and can't wait for the defrosters to work - get a bucket (cooking pot) of COLD water and throw it on the windshield. Within seconds your windshield wipers will be able to clear the glass. Don't use hot water as it might crack the glass!

Safe Travels

Yep! Was seriously considering getting out of MH ownership all the way home (assuming I made it home :). But, not long after arriving home regained my sanity (some would disagree) and realized that if I sold it...I'd just be in the market for a new one. So, will keep it and hope and pray that that trip this trip was an aberration.
Wrong_Lane
Explorer
Nov 27, 2014
Wow, sounds like a trip that would make you question motorhome ownership! Glad you made it home safe.

Here's a tip, from someone that has frost on the windshield from September to May

If you are in a hurry and can't wait for the defrosters to work - get a bucket (cooking pot) of COLD water and throw it on the windshield. Within seconds your windshield wipers will be able to clear the glass. Don't use hot water as it might crack the glass!

Safe Travels
goufgators
Explorer
Nov 27, 2014
Golden_HVAC wrote:
At least you had a back up TV set, they came with a replacement tire before some drunk driver smashed your RV to nothing, and you are home safe!

Probably next time you will let the engine idle on the toad, and give it time for the defroster to work and melt the ice. Also a portable heater on a extension cord will defrost all that ice in a hour or less. You can do that while getting ready to go.

Check with a glass company. Sometimes they can give a great deal if you are paying cash, and they do not have to deal with a insurance adjuster. They might also be able to polish it.

Good luck,

Good suggestions...Thanks! / Larry

Fred.
mikebreeze
Explorer
Nov 27, 2014
Every trip out in an RV is a learning experience, good or bad. We learn from each one and apply that knowledge to future trips. At least it was an adventure. Thanks for sharing and Happy Thanksgiving!
Golden_HVAC
Explorer
Nov 27, 2014
At least you had a back up TV set, they came with a replacement tire before some drunk driver smashed your RV to nothing, and you are home safe!

Probably next time you will let the engine idle on the toad, and give it time for the defroster to work and melt the ice. Also a portable heater on a extension cord will defrost all that ice in a hour or less. You can do that while getting ready to go.

Check with a glass company. Sometimes they can give a great deal if you are paying cash, and they do not have to deal with a insurance adjuster. They might also be able to polish it.

Good luck,

Fred.

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Could have been worse but truly Thankful!...

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