Breakdown Information
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Forum Discussion
RV particulars:
Driveline (Engine, Transmission): Safari Kenya, Cummins B5.9, Allison 4 speed, Oshkosh chassis
Miles: ~20k
Year: 1992
Break Down Description: We lost the power steering on our 34-foot Safari as we turned north from east bound I-86 onto I-15 at Pocatello, Idaho, in September 2000. We continued north towards Idaho Falls while trying unsuccessfully to locate a shop that was open on Saturday afternoon. Then when I stopped on the shoulder (to ask for help from a helpless state trooper), the automatic parking brake locked up and we were down and out. The Good Sam operator then dispatched Hendrickson’s Pro-Tow from Idaho Falls.
Ron Hendrickson and his son James arrived promptly, dropped the drive shaft, and towed us to Lake City International Trucks, Inc. in Idaho Falls. Ron even gave us his home phone number and told us to call any time, even at 3 AM, if we needed anything! We found an electrical outlet and plugged in to keep the batteries charged and waited for Monday.
Monday morning, Jeff Schow of Lake City International checked out the problem and concluded that an RV service center would more familiar with the system. He called Eagle Rock RV Service Center, which dispatched a mechanic to free the parking brake and guide us to their shop. Meanwhile, Jeff had our drive shaft reinstalled. He would not charge us for this or for the electricity we used, but said we would just have to charge it up to their good will towards getting us on our way!
John Henry, the owner of Eagle Rock, and his wife and staff treated us well, allowed us to stay in the RV inside the shop, and tolerated our dogs while waiting for the parts to arrive. John even let us use his brand-new pickup to go shopping! By mid-day Wednesday we were on our way again. Cost was slightly over $1000.
Breaking down in a strange place is not a pleasant experience. However, the people we encountered were nothing but pleasant and helpful. If you have to break down, Idaho Falls is a good place to do it! Good Sam’s Emergency Road Service came through for us too.
Symptoms: Lost power steering and after stopping, power brakes locked up.
Effect: Initially very hard to steer, then unable to move.
Cause: Power take-off to hydraulic pump stripped on both ends.
Outcome: Required 2 components, one available in Pocatello, the other had to come from Reno. The parts supplier in Reno despite charging for expedited service, didn't manage to get the part to UPS, costing an extra day down-time. Have had no further problems with this, but wonder if it was under-designed!
Seems like breakdowns fall into the catagories of bad luck, someone's screw-up, or possible systemic problems with a make, model, component, or the like. Can't do much about luck. The screw-ups, whether by owner or "service" people, can help up all to learn how to avoid the same problem, but generally don't relate to a problem with the particular rig. The biggest benefit of this effort might be to identify the systemic problems, which seems to be the original intent. Might be worth sorting the tales of woe into such catagories to make it most useful.
Colton Meyer
Driveline (Engine, Transmission): Safari Kenya, Cummins B5.9, Allison 4 speed, Oshkosh chassis
Miles: ~20k
Year: 1992
Break Down Description: We lost the power steering on our 34-foot Safari as we turned north from east bound I-86 onto I-15 at Pocatello, Idaho, in September 2000. We continued north towards Idaho Falls while trying unsuccessfully to locate a shop that was open on Saturday afternoon. Then when I stopped on the shoulder (to ask for help from a helpless state trooper), the automatic parking brake locked up and we were down and out. The Good Sam operator then dispatched Hendrickson’s Pro-Tow from Idaho Falls.
Ron Hendrickson and his son James arrived promptly, dropped the drive shaft, and towed us to Lake City International Trucks, Inc. in Idaho Falls. Ron even gave us his home phone number and told us to call any time, even at 3 AM, if we needed anything! We found an electrical outlet and plugged in to keep the batteries charged and waited for Monday.
Monday morning, Jeff Schow of Lake City International checked out the problem and concluded that an RV service center would more familiar with the system. He called Eagle Rock RV Service Center, which dispatched a mechanic to free the parking brake and guide us to their shop. Meanwhile, Jeff had our drive shaft reinstalled. He would not charge us for this or for the electricity we used, but said we would just have to charge it up to their good will towards getting us on our way!
John Henry, the owner of Eagle Rock, and his wife and staff treated us well, allowed us to stay in the RV inside the shop, and tolerated our dogs while waiting for the parts to arrive. John even let us use his brand-new pickup to go shopping! By mid-day Wednesday we were on our way again. Cost was slightly over $1000.
Breaking down in a strange place is not a pleasant experience. However, the people we encountered were nothing but pleasant and helpful. If you have to break down, Idaho Falls is a good place to do it! Good Sam’s Emergency Road Service came through for us too.
Symptoms: Lost power steering and after stopping, power brakes locked up.
Effect: Initially very hard to steer, then unable to move.
Cause: Power take-off to hydraulic pump stripped on both ends.
Outcome: Required 2 components, one available in Pocatello, the other had to come from Reno. The parts supplier in Reno despite charging for expedited service, didn't manage to get the part to UPS, costing an extra day down-time. Have had no further problems with this, but wonder if it was under-designed!
Seems like breakdowns fall into the catagories of bad luck, someone's screw-up, or possible systemic problems with a make, model, component, or the like. Can't do much about luck. The screw-ups, whether by owner or "service" people, can help up all to learn how to avoid the same problem, but generally don't relate to a problem with the particular rig. The biggest benefit of this effort might be to identify the systemic problems, which seems to be the original intent. Might be worth sorting the tales of woe into such catagories to make it most useful.
Colton Meyer
