I would say a combination of paper and GPS maps. (Not to forget about the freeways direction boards).On my personal choice I depend a lot on GPS maps. Though I misdirected sometime.
Having solar power is a good thing for everyone as it works in many better ways and at the same time you are helping in global warming and saving the other energy resource.
Actually, it is not your mistake as you hoped for the best, but it was unfortunate that you got the wrong piece. I have seen this often that dealer think they are doing any favor by providing the service, which they owe.
I am so sorry to see this and I feel very disappointed to know that she was emotionally attached to this truck as they have spent a lot of time together in this. I think it will need a lot of money to get it repaired.
I think this is the converter problem as and I have seen cases like this, but I do not want to give a clear-cut verdict here as it may be something else as well. I am pretty much sure you are facing issue with converter nothing else.