are you really ready for a breakdown?
So we had a breakdown this weekend that was not too serious (bolt fell out of a front brake caliper mount - bolt only available at dealer). Long story short due to where we were located we were able to get the 5er of the road, disconnect, tow the truck to a recommended local repair spot that held the doors open for us. They "found" a bolt (think they stole if from a truck on the lift until Monday) and get us back on the road...
BUT several questions from Coach-Net had me thinking what if???
- If you travel with more than 2 people, how would you get the rest of the people with you to a safe location? If you are in/near a town or city then you might be ok, but 45 miles on a remote highway? What would you do? I had to do this one time many years ago and let the DW leave with the baby and station wagon home, while I walked 3 miles with the other 3 little ones and waited at a Gas Station for an 1 1/2 hours for our rescue. So with 4 traveling this weekend, I was not even sure what I was going to do with the "other 2" if we needed to have the whole rig towed...
- When in a remote location, how do you decide where to tow the rig to? Use dealer as the primary, but what happens when none are around? If it was not for a local homeowner I was at a loss where to tow to. Actually I was thinking, ok tow me to Walmart and I will figure it out from there. But your thoughts?
What I figured out was we have had so few breakdowns (count on one hand) over the years of travel, I just never thought about these issues or had concerns. One time we were near an exit and could walk to a safe location, one time we were in a CG in Burlington and the starter when - walk to auto parts store. I need to figure out a better plan moving forward especially when one of the grandchildren is with us. For us the DW has to be in the tow truck as she can not walk real long distances and it honestly can be safer for her in most cases.
The rest of the breakdown experience I think I am prepared for - have the tools, extra supplies (belts, fluids, basics), and knowledge to make repairs.... But when it is beyond basic tools, hard to get parts, etc...
BUT several questions from Coach-Net had me thinking what if???
- If you travel with more than 2 people, how would you get the rest of the people with you to a safe location? If you are in/near a town or city then you might be ok, but 45 miles on a remote highway? What would you do? I had to do this one time many years ago and let the DW leave with the baby and station wagon home, while I walked 3 miles with the other 3 little ones and waited at a Gas Station for an 1 1/2 hours for our rescue. So with 4 traveling this weekend, I was not even sure what I was going to do with the "other 2" if we needed to have the whole rig towed...
- When in a remote location, how do you decide where to tow the rig to? Use dealer as the primary, but what happens when none are around? If it was not for a local homeowner I was at a loss where to tow to. Actually I was thinking, ok tow me to Walmart and I will figure it out from there. But your thoughts?
What I figured out was we have had so few breakdowns (count on one hand) over the years of travel, I just never thought about these issues or had concerns. One time we were near an exit and could walk to a safe location, one time we were in a CG in Burlington and the starter when - walk to auto parts store. I need to figure out a better plan moving forward especially when one of the grandchildren is with us. For us the DW has to be in the tow truck as she can not walk real long distances and it honestly can be safer for her in most cases.
The rest of the breakdown experience I think I am prepared for - have the tools, extra supplies (belts, fluids, basics), and knowledge to make repairs.... But when it is beyond basic tools, hard to get parts, etc...
