Spark Plugs are IMPORTANT!

Recently, I learned the importance of spark plugs for a smooth ride. I had already changed the fuel filter and fuel pump, because the RV was losing power and the engine was shutting down. Since I am not a big mechanical guy, I hadn’t thought to check the spark plugs. When the engine shut down again, we pulled to the side of the road to let it cool down and I laid down in the back of the RV to take a rest. Suddenly, it occurred to me that I need to check the spark plug, and OMG they sure needed to be replaced.

The next Auto parts store was 30 miles away in Grants New Mexico. When the RV cooled down, we headed there, but on the way the RV broke down AGAIN. So we decided to look for the closest campground to spend a night and get the spark plugs next day. We arrived at the campground with just enough time to jump in the pool and eat a yummy dinner.

The next day I woke up early - at what I thought was 7 o’clock. Unfortunately, my watch was still on Georgia time, so I walked all the way (about 6 miles) to Napa Auto Parts only to find out that they wouldn’t open for the next 2 hours. While I waited, I wandered around a few other stores, got some coffee and enjoyed quiet time away from the kids. Once they opened, I got the parts needed (8 spark plugs for almost 20 dollars) and walked back - another 6miles. I finally arrived and had just enough time before checking out of the campground to change each individual plug.

You can see from the picture that one broke while I was changing them. It snapped easily, so I was glad that I was changing the spark plugs before hitting the road. Anyway, I learned my lesson, and also learned that spark plugs are easy to replace. Anyone can do it! Now the RV is running REALLY GOOD!!!!

An “Adventurous” Day

Today was one of those days that you just have to laugh at.  We woke up at a campground in Amarillo, TX.  Started out relatively simple – laundry, dishes and shower.  Packing up to start out for New Mexico, with our goal destination begin Gallup, NM.  The mister called a repairman to come out and take a look at the refrigerator that still wasn’t working.  Repair guy came a bit later than expected, but was a great guy, told us exactly what had to be done, for only $125.  Unfortunately he didn’t have the part, but he knew a guy that should.  Ok, cool, let’s go get it.

Directions to get to this guy turned out to be kinda tricky, went past it, but that’s okay, we found a Walmart and picked up some sandwich stuff because by now it was getting close to lunchtime and the natives were getting restless.  Also finally got that hose to dump the black tank (I’ll let the mister write a post about that nasty job later!)  Two more wrong turns later and we finally found the guy, but he didn’t have the part either, but he also knew a guy who should have it.  Luckily, the second guy’s place was easier to find and so we picked it up for a whopping $300.

Okay, got the part, the mister decided to put it in when we arrived at our destination, which we now revised to be Albuquerque, NM, since we were getting such a late start.  Head down the road and are barely into New Mexico when the engine starts giving us trouble – not pushing enough power, then slowing until the battery stopped.  Did this twice, the mister got it going again both times.  But the second time we called AAA before it got going again.  Luckily for AAA was still on the way, because a third incidence was soon on it’s way.

Now mind you, we were in the middle of two towns – one 15 miles back, the other 35 miles forward, there were no mechanics to call.  We did however see a gas station and thought – “Hey, they might be able to give us a jump before AAA arrives.”  So, we head off the highway – insert incident # 3.  However, we made it to the gas station, unfortunately there wasn’t really a gas station left – the building had burned down, it was just a pile of metal and rubble.  Oh well, let’s sit here to wait for AAA – oh and it’s getting close to dinner time, so why not cook something?  (This is why I LOVE having a motorhome, I have my whole kitchen with me wherever I go!)

So, the boys’ bikes were pulled down and they set to riding.  Grandma pulled out her lawn chair and sat outside with them, while I started making red beans and rice.  AAA showed up – of course the mister already had the engine turning over again by this point.  The AAA guy checked the battery – yep, it was fine.  He said that his suspicion was a fuel pump or a fuel filter, but that he thought we should be able to make it to Santa Rosa, no problem.  Unfortunately, while the AAA guy was there, the 3 year old decided to poop in his pants and the 6 year old fell on his bike and scraped up his knee – one of those classic mom wants to pull her hair out moments.

  After the AAA guy left, the mister set out to change the control board and yeah!!!  the fridge works!  Another couple pulled into the gas station thinking it was actually a gas station, and the sweet guy looked at it with the mister.  He suggested we check the air filter, so mister (who had just cleaned his hands) dug in there and sure enough – the air filter was full and filthy!  He also saw a hose that wasn’t connected right, so he fixed it.  While he was in there, he saw that there was a belt that looked rough and would probably need replacing soon. 

However, he figured his quick fixes would get it us to the next town at least, so as soon as we were done eating, we set off.  Wow!  It ran so much better, like nothing had ever happened!  So we were excited and ready to push on to Albuquerque or even Gallup.  The kiddos got tired, and I got them ready and settled in to bed, than sat down to chill with my husband, since my laptop battery was dead and I couldn’t do any work.  Suddenly, we heard a rattling sound under my seat – uh oh!  Pulled over at the next exit into a gas station to find that the kinda rough belt was now really rough – undrivable rough.  Time to call the mechanic!  The mister put in the call and he’ll be out in the morning.  For now, we are headed to bed in the parking lot, staying safe, somewhere between Santa Rosa and Albuquerque – chilling on Route 66.

Everyone is safe and sound in their own beds.  Luckily, we built in two extra days to our trip, just in case.  But, man what a day!!