Shakedown trip had its moment. We got brand new tires put on our rig when we bought it as part of the deal... and wouldn't you know it. That's what caused our challenge on the trip.
We planned on staying at the campground Thursday night - Sunday Morning. By the time I got home Thursday night it was getting late and we still had some things to do. I didn't want to try and park this thing for the first time in the dark.
Kids were uber bummed, so we figure we would head out Thursday night and stay overnight at a Walmart since we had Birthday shopping to do anyway. That was fun and the kids enjoyed it.
Next morning we go to head out and I figure I'd lower the pressure in the tires from 112 to 95, since the rig floats all over the road and it is lightly loaded. When doing the front tires the valve on the tire stayed open and air came gushing out. I could not close the valve, so I screwed on the metal valve cap. I went to the other front tire to do the same and the same exact thing happened. I called a tire shop, told them what I was driving and asked if they could help. I get there and the parking lot is super tiny and they were not able to help.
After calling a dozen tire shops I found a shop 20 miles back toward the house that does earth moving, dump trucks and commercial truck tires. They said they could help, so we limped along to them (metal valve covers did a great job keeping the air in the tires). The nice gentleman replaced the valve core and went to check the pressure and had the same thing happen to him. His partner at the shop said, 'balance powder'.
I guess the tires have balance powder (I think it may be a liquid because I saw some liquidiy gooey brown stuff around the bead after picking up the rig). I guess this stuff can get behind the valve core and keep it open. So the guy told me about these pieces you screw on the valve stem to prevent this from happening.
When I asked for the bill, they told us no money required and sent us on our way. This whole ordeal took about 3 hours. I will always go to that tire shop for our rig and am glad they are close to our house. 22.5" wheels are a pain!
We finally got into the park 2 hours later. Backed in with the help of a park attendant the first time. Put down the self leveling jacks and the RV could not level itself. The ground was too soft, so I used some firewood and that did the trick (I need blocks next time, any suggestions).
It appears the electric element of the water heater is out. I need to check the fuse and element. And the Vacu Flush toilet is annoying, especially when the bowl runs dry. Guessing the seal probably needs to be replaced. Sometimes water stays in the bowl. Sometimes it doesn't.
Everything else worked out great. This week we worked like dogs getting the house ready to rent. Finally remodeled a bathroom that has been needed since we bought the place. Painted the ceiling. Now we just have some walls to paint, new roof to put on, new AC put in (maybe), get setup to work remote and we'll be on our way.
I think we're looking at a late April, early May departure.
