It’s Not All Wine And Roses

After a great visit with family in the Destin, FL area we headed out for our trip west to Vegas. We made a very similar trip last spring at about the same time frame. Our first trip of the year turns into a great opportunity to shake down the rig and to get back into our RV routines.

Story Back Fill

A little back story here, I had a gut feeling that we would need the spare tire on this trip. Prior to leaving TN, I decided to check the tire pressure of the spear. It was down almost 15 pounds, yikes. After dropping it down and filling it will air, I felt good about my premonition. Remembering that this tire had been plugged for a nail puncture, I was hoping that I would not need to use it.  Now back to my story.

The rain had finally subsided and we had a bit of sunshine for our trek to Cajun Palms RV resort near Lafayette, LA. As we approached Mobile, AL I was a bit apprehensive about the tunnel that was ahead. It always seems tight to me, as it turns out that would be the least of our problems.

You Have A Flat

After exiting the tunnel in Downtown Mobile an SUV came up beside us and the occupants were yelling and pointing at us. Ginny finally figured out what they were shouting, YOU HAVE A FLAT! We were now looking for a place to pull the rig safely off the side of the road. We were near exit 24 on I-10, so I eased Boris and Natasha off the side of the road.

Neither Ginny nor I had felt any difference in the handling of the truck or RV so I was expecting to see a flat tire at the most. When I got to the tire, my jaw dropped. The tread had totally de-laminated from the tire. The fender was bent up, wheel well jammed between what was left of the rear tire and front. Upon further inspection, the wiring for the Lippert rear jack had been torn from the motor housing.

Good Sams Disaster

Shocked, to say the least, I was happy that this didn’t turn into something bigger. I immediately got on the phot to Good Sams Roadside Assistance and reported our situation. They were quick to dispatch a repair truck. Oh but wait a minute, I get a text to call the service to find out when they would arrive. I see that the name of the company is a Locksmith or something and that seems a bit odd. I call and give them my info and type of rig etc, they tell me they will get back to me to be sure they can do the job. I never get a callback, so I call them back.

The person on the other end informs me that cannot change a tire on a fifth wheel. To say I am pissed at GoodSams is an understatement. I try to remain cool as I call back in them and indicate what just transpired. It takes about a half-hour to straighten the entire situation out only to find out it will be 2 hours before anyone would show up.

Pilot Turck Repair

I decided to see if there is any chance we can move the rig up the exit and park it somewhere a bit safer. I take the 1/2 walk and see there is an abandoned gas station we could easily park the rig. I head back and we move gingerly down the road and into the parking lot. The wait begins and I remember that I left the safety reflector 1/2 mile up the exit. Needless to say, I got my steps in this day.

As I was headed back the Pilot Truck Repair folks passed me. It had been about 20 mins since I talked to Good Sams so I wasn’t sure this was for us. Much to my surprise, he pulls in next to the rig and we are in business.

He quickly changes the tire out but mentioned to me that it might be a good idea to get a better tire on. He gives me a couple of suggestions, I thank him and now we are in search of a tire. The suggestion where a Walmart and an unnamed tire store a few miles down the road.

We find Walmart, but they have no tires that would work for us. A gentleman at the counter says you should try Fausak Tire a few miles away. I call, they have the tire but close in a few hours.

Fausak Tire To The Rescue

I arrive at Fausak and they immediately work us in. The challenge, back the rig into the garage area to change the tire out. After a bit of maneuvering I get the rig in and we are off to races. These folks are Pros, they know how to jack the rig up and get me in and out in a snap.

We are back on the road after our 4 to 5-hour adventure, less on leveling jack but still standing upright 🙂