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I second contacting HOWA. Having your van stolen is the kind of situation they may be able.to help with, getting you set up in something.
 
maki2 said:
Do not forget that Bob Wells donated his van to HOWA and there is a raffle being held for it.

And if I win I'll be donating my old van to HOWA.
 
Everybody buy tickets to win Bob‘s van to support HOWA. I don’t mean to disappoint you but I’m going to win it. :) :) :) I said that about several other things that were raffled off here and of course I was wrong then too. It really is a great fundraiser for HOWA. I guess bragging rights to “I’m driving Bob Wells’s van” is worth thousands. Or hundreds of thousands. Don’t get discouraged, buy those tickets. I feel it’s a great way to support HOWA and maybe a slight chance of blessing myself. But I’m not gonna cry if I don’t win, the funds went to a great cause.
 
Hooray, I got my diesel stove/heater working. I think the cable from the stove to the controller had vibrated a bit on the road and backed off just enough that it was not getting power. No detent clip on it so I will set up a clamp to keep that cable end from backing out. I let the unit run for 15 minutes which is recommended to do once a month to keep the fuel pump diapram material lubricated and also to keep fuel in the line for faster startups.

The Chinese diesel heaters are also supposed to be run once a month for at least 10 to 20 minutes to prevent issues with them. However that does not appear to be common knowledge and that lack of basic, essential, maintenance is contributing to failures in the winter when owners have let them sit unused during the warm months. If you don't use it you could lose it.
 
HOWA only gives out entire vans once a year in the fall. They are typically used mini vans with a no build setup.

The information about the HOWA emergency repairs funding program is on their website.

Maybe someday if they get a piece of land with facilities on it they will do more entire vehicle giveaways. But that has not yet happened. For now all they can manage is giving away a couple of vehicles once a year.
 
Thanks for all the support, it means a lot!

Feeling better about life this afternoon, last night was awful, and this morning was not so great either.

Something will work out. I am getting lots of support from family too, including some financial offers. It's just that I planned to be in Quartzsite tonight, and - I'm not there!

Starting to grapple with everything I lost, and making a list for the insurance adjuster. But the fact is that, in the scheme of things, it won't amount to a large payout for me. While the thieves will get some money from the contents of my van, it will not be a big payout for them either. There was nothing really that expensive in there. It's just that I accumulated it over the space of about 4 years, as I had the money. Starting over again will be a giant pain, and more expensive, but I am telling myself that I will be more efficient this time. It's a good line anyway.

A couple hints for anyone that can use them -

I should have asked about the motel's security camera coverage. The first night I stayed there, I happened to park where there was coverage, and things were fine. The second night - not, and not. I am convinced that someone knows the details on this. The manager scoffed, but - I am convinced.

I should have put a higher priority on adding some kind of after-market lock to my van. When I expressed surprise that my old, somewhat battered van was taken, while the two big late-model expensive Euro-style vans also in the lot weren't bothered, she said that thieves prefer the older vehicles because they are easier to get into, and apparently speed is everything to these folks.
 
abnorm said:
JacqueG..........I'm pretty sure you've got a Re-builder available.........................

And a spot for re-building, if need be. I have space and tools...and I can take the scooter and go get sonic burgers for the work crew!


:D
 
Rebuilding is the easy part as far as labor goes. There are lots of willing as well as skilled hands around Quartzsite in the winter time.

But the issue with Quartzsite is lack of a good lumber yard and well stocked hardware store. Which means trips to Lake Havasu City, Parker, Yuma or Phoenix.
 
I don’t mind taking trips for that. I’m glad to be able to help in any way I can. Jacque did they get your phone?
 
Good morning everyone. Hope you all have some happy hours in your day. Making coffee and breakfast will be the first of my happy hours. Remember to enjoy the little ordinary task. They add a lot towards having a good day.

Looking forward to December and vsiting with friends new in Quartzsite. I am also looking foward to making new friends too, they are a big part of the road life adventures.
 
Hello everyone - I had a peaceful weekend and today I made another Booktube video about the 14 books I've read during the last three months. It will be online tomorrow. I like to schedule them to be posted in the early morning hours. Well, time to go read some more. Hope you are all well, and Jacqueg, you have been in my thoughts and prayers. I hope this disaster leads you to better living quarters. It wasn't too long ago that I also lost my home and everything in it. There have been some rough times but overall, lots of good things happened and it is nice to have so many new things to replace what was lost.
 
I just did all my holiday cards & letters, that was a good feeling. And I send out the good holiday vibes to anyone on here. :)
-crofter
 
Motovation I guess you are just prone to hanging out with the wrong crowd.
 
Motor, I just read a good thing about the difference between cats and dogs. You are your dogs best friend and you are your cats servant.
 
Nature lover, you need to quit reading fake news ^^^^
 
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