Ryannis
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- Jun 20, 2014
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Yep, add that to my list of adventures.
Was 7 hours in to my long trip with zero problems when I died at a stoplight. Was able to limp my rig across the intersection and totally block the side drive to a quaint inn at Fredricksburg, TX. (they were nice enough to seat me at the back and give me a big glass of wine on the house, wasn't there long enough to sample their Bulgarian cuisine, dratz) Called in to GoodSam, was advised they could send someone out for towing, but questioned about coolant levels. I was in Hill Country going over way too many hills in 100 degree temps, so we agreed to let it cool and see what it does before getting towed in. (coolant level in the reservoir was good to go, no leaking or smoking anywhere). Temp on the gages never went over half between cold and hot, I always watch that.
Engine cooled at started and drove, so assumed that's what it be and decided to just baby it and go really slow and take more breaks. I did that all through San Antonio (we won't mention the 2 near wrecks) and got pulled over at a gas station to check on things, put it into park and it died again. Argh. :s Was not even using the dash A/C and keeping an eye religiously on the temp gauge. Waited again. It was starting to cool off as the sun was going down, and was still a few hours from my destination, so off I went again.
Thirty minutes later I caught a whiff of something, and my nose is very sensitive to engine smells, so the next exit I pulled off into yet another gas station. Could see smoke this time, got out, walked around, noticed a long line of fluid trailing me, then under the motor a huge red puddle still dripping. Crap.
So, tried calling GoodSam back, after going through their automated system and holds, and got hung up on, twice! Hmm... :huh:
Then tried AAA. Let me tell you, them guys were on the ball!! Had a tow truck there in an hour and half to tow me, no charge, to the service place they assumed could fix me up. Got to sleep in the parking lot at said place, slept like a rock. Next morning, went in and was told they couldn't fix me. After calling about 5 different places found a Ford dealership that could fix me. Called AAA again with what was going on and they set me up again, along with securing a car rental. So, a second tow, no charge as both tow's were within their 100 mile range.
And so for the rest of my trip my rig was about 3 hours from where my destination was, was zipping around in a little rental, had to find hotels for the 5 nights I was without my 'home'. And then the big repair bill for a new transmission.
And before it is asked, yes I just got the thing 2 weeks ago. As it was used, it was bought 'As Is'. It drove about 15 hours perfectly before any issues arose. The dying I was told was due to the transmission locking up. Just one of those things, fix it and go on. I might add, if you are going to be broke down, in and RV is the way to go! haha. Other than they kinda take your home when it's being worked on. Oh well, sh*t happens, right?
Guess I could moan and whine about things, but actually it all turned out pretty good. Had plenty of time to get there, got pulled over to safe places so wasn't in any danger, had the $$ to fix it, got to see my good friend and go to the reunion, and felt good knowing had someone to call to help when it's needed.
Anyways, wanted to give a huge thumbs up to AAA.. they didn't let me down.
Was 7 hours in to my long trip with zero problems when I died at a stoplight. Was able to limp my rig across the intersection and totally block the side drive to a quaint inn at Fredricksburg, TX. (they were nice enough to seat me at the back and give me a big glass of wine on the house, wasn't there long enough to sample their Bulgarian cuisine, dratz) Called in to GoodSam, was advised they could send someone out for towing, but questioned about coolant levels. I was in Hill Country going over way too many hills in 100 degree temps, so we agreed to let it cool and see what it does before getting towed in. (coolant level in the reservoir was good to go, no leaking or smoking anywhere). Temp on the gages never went over half between cold and hot, I always watch that.
Engine cooled at started and drove, so assumed that's what it be and decided to just baby it and go really slow and take more breaks. I did that all through San Antonio (we won't mention the 2 near wrecks) and got pulled over at a gas station to check on things, put it into park and it died again. Argh. :s Was not even using the dash A/C and keeping an eye religiously on the temp gauge. Waited again. It was starting to cool off as the sun was going down, and was still a few hours from my destination, so off I went again.
Thirty minutes later I caught a whiff of something, and my nose is very sensitive to engine smells, so the next exit I pulled off into yet another gas station. Could see smoke this time, got out, walked around, noticed a long line of fluid trailing me, then under the motor a huge red puddle still dripping. Crap.
So, tried calling GoodSam back, after going through their automated system and holds, and got hung up on, twice! Hmm... :huh:
Then tried AAA. Let me tell you, them guys were on the ball!! Had a tow truck there in an hour and half to tow me, no charge, to the service place they assumed could fix me up. Got to sleep in the parking lot at said place, slept like a rock. Next morning, went in and was told they couldn't fix me. After calling about 5 different places found a Ford dealership that could fix me. Called AAA again with what was going on and they set me up again, along with securing a car rental. So, a second tow, no charge as both tow's were within their 100 mile range.
And so for the rest of my trip my rig was about 3 hours from where my destination was, was zipping around in a little rental, had to find hotels for the 5 nights I was without my 'home'. And then the big repair bill for a new transmission.
And before it is asked, yes I just got the thing 2 weeks ago. As it was used, it was bought 'As Is'. It drove about 15 hours perfectly before any issues arose. The dying I was told was due to the transmission locking up. Just one of those things, fix it and go on. I might add, if you are going to be broke down, in and RV is the way to go! haha. Other than they kinda take your home when it's being worked on. Oh well, sh*t happens, right?
Guess I could moan and whine about things, but actually it all turned out pretty good. Had plenty of time to get there, got pulled over to safe places so wasn't in any danger, had the $$ to fix it, got to see my good friend and go to the reunion, and felt good knowing had someone to call to help when it's needed.
Anyways, wanted to give a huge thumbs up to AAA.. they didn't let me down.
