Help Needed - RV-Dreams Community Forum

bonnie and clyde · RV-Dreams Family Member

Help Needed

GENECOP · RV-Dreams Family Member

If the current Ford dealer you are at is competent you should just keep it there and get it done. I would put some pressure on them to get it serviced ASAP. If you know someone Personally in another dealer or Diesel shop, ask them to call the current dealer and discuss the situation, they will speak the same language and it might help. I would do some preliminary research on towing companies that could move your unit back north, I am sure someone would do it, I don't think it will be necessary, you should be fixed in a week or so.....Lastly, REMAIN CALM, it will all work out, and at the end of day, you will have a good story to tell.Good Luck, keep us posted.....

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

Plenty of RV hauling businesses. Do a google search or use www.uship.com. On uship you place an ad and then haulers bid your job. You may be able to get a great price.

Also, RV'ers are a very helpful bunch. You might try posting a note at the campground asking for someone to tow a 5th wheel due to an emergency. Give destination info, offer to pay for fuel both ways. Somebody may be sitting around the campground looking for something to do and be willing to help out.

I borrowed a friend's truck once when mine developed a problem.

bonnie and clyde · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks for the replies. I received the estimate yesterday for the preliminary work that needed to be done so they could go to the next step and continue checking other systems. I could sense that I could be in big trouble being out of state and needing my truck--after many conversations, I am having my diesel garage from home come and take my truck back--about 235 miles one way. They feel they can have the work done by next Friday, which will allow me to drive it back and get my 5th wheel before the campground closes. I am keeping my fingers crossed that it all works out as planned--then I need to decide what I am doing with the ford diesel with the 6.0 engine. It has been nothing but trouble.

Ckerr · RV-Dreams Family Member

The Ford dealership that did work on our 2006 F350 with the 6.0 engine told us they could replace it with the 7.3 engine. Of course they told us that after we did $8000+ of work on the 6.0. It might be worth checking into depending on the nature and cost of the expected repairs.

bonnie and clyde · RV-Dreams Family Member

That is good to know. Always looking for options. It is hard to know how committed to stay to a vehicle, or if it is better to jump ship and get another with a better track record. I am hoping they can repair it this coming week, because the park is closing and our 5th wheel must be out.

cherylbrv · RV-Dreams Family Member

Sorry to hear about your truck problems.... how awful! Dumb question - do you have a towing / roadside assistance membership? If so, what is the maximum area they would tow?

bonnie and clyde · RV-Dreams Family Member

I do have Good Sams Emergency Road Service and AAA. I was not towing the 5th Wheel at the time, so I called AAA to tow the truck, thinking that would be the best bet since I am out in the sticks. They towed it to the only Diesel repair I could find in the area(a Ford Dealership). After the initial tow, it is my cost if I have it towed anywhere else. Since I was not comfortable with what I was being told, I had it towed to my home mechanic(450 miles round trip @ 1.40 a mile. I talked to GSER and the only towing they will do for the 5th wheel is up to 10 miles to get it to a safe place, since it was not being towed when the truck stopped. I am hopeful my truck will be repaired, and I can bring it down and get my 5th wheel by next weekend.

TXRVr · RV-Dreams Family Member

The idea to ask someone in or around the campground to tow your RV is a good one. I did that a couple years ago where an individual had a breakdown on the interstate. At least you could get a tow to a campground that wasn't closing soon.

bonnie and clyde · RV-Dreams Family Member

Happy ending--We had our truck towed to home mechanic. Drove home Thursday, picked up truck--cost to repair, inspect, service, and tow was less than the initial estimate in Va. to start repairs. We ended up making 3 round trips instead of one(400 miles for round trip), but we arrived home today at 4pm(YEAH). This past week that we were stuck at the campground, ended up being a real blessing. We had a great time, met great people, saw interesting sites, and met up with a couple that was also at the RV-Dreams rally in Hershey. Life is good.

GENECOP · RV-Dreams Family Member

Glad to hear it all worked out in the end.....G

Waggin Tails · RV-Dreams Family Member

Ken and Bonnie, Glad to hear the good news. Life really is good.

Ckerr · RV-Dreams Family Member

Glad to hear repairs are accomplished and you made the best of the extra time in the campground. It seems a big part of this lifestyle is learning to roll with the punches...

janni · RV-Dreams Family Member

I didn't post before as I couldn't help with your initial problem. I do want to tell you I am glad it all turned out and you were able to find the "good" in this situation. Just like in life, it happens to everyone.(Those that say it doesn't are lying) It is how you deal with it. To see that it cost less in the end than you thought and that you were able to make some new friends is a plus! Good luck to you!