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

Daniel97
Explorer
Nov 28, 2014
Next time you have ice on your windshield, get out a credit card and start scraping it off. I have done it several times.
Dale_Traveling
Explorer II
Nov 28, 2014
Sounds like you had your one now fix everything and get back on the road and more RVing. Should be trouble free for at least a year.
goufgators
Explorer
Nov 28, 2014
More from the OP: Among the list of less than desirable events occurring on that last trip is one I forgot to identify: Not long after the blown tire episode and while tooling down I-75 S. of Atlanta and dreaming of getting home...it started to rain. No problem, turn on windshield wipers. Problem? Yes! One of the windshield wipers refused to work. Can you guess which one? Bet you can!
doxiemom11
Explorer II
Nov 27, 2014
The windshield should be covered under your glass coverage of your auto policy. If under comprehensive coverage - yes, even stupid acts by owner covered as long as it wasn't done with the intention of causing damage.
goufgators
Explorer
Nov 27, 2014
krivanj wrote:
Since you live in Florida, windshield replacement is free with your insurance company. State law.

I know about that in case of rock hitting windshield or some other cause of crack. But, does it include 'stupid' act by owner? I'm going to call my insurance agent next week and find out.
Frosty_s_Mom
Explorer
Nov 27, 2014
oh we can go you better than that (refer to past posts), and thankfully have survived as well. now hoping we have the worst of it behind us and working out simple personalized comforts. we didn't have to abandon it at least, and adding that to our thanks today!
Executive45
Explorer III
Nov 27, 2014
I just hate trips like that...but you got it all out on ONE trip. The rest will be trouble free.

Next time yiu have ice on the winshield, use plain old vinegar in a spray bottle. Try it, it works!

Glad you're home safe. Enjoy the turkey dinner and be thankful for your loved ones....Dennis
bigwheelsturnin
Explorer
Nov 27, 2014
We had a blowout on I75 after Atlanta..on the mh..it slapped thru to the back inside tire..
91°..generator wouldn't crank..3 little dogs..Dw..toad not cranking for her to go take them to ac hotel.
Had to call a cab..take them..while I waited on road service.
WILDEBILL308
Explorer II
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

You like to live dangerously. I watched a guy do that. I told him I didn't think it was a good idea. I got cursed and told I didn't know what I was talking about. Well it was about 5 degrees out and his windshield cracked. I smiled and walked on.
The best way is to start the toad and use the defroster it will clear the windshield quickly and safely use the recirculate mode to get the fastest results.
Bill
xctraveler
Explorer
Nov 27, 2014
Love our Dometic Reefer that has wire from ignition that sets the door lock when the ignition is turned on!

It also turns off the gas operation for 15 minutes after engine shut down for fueling (although with diesel it hardly seems necessary).

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