WAGON HOOOO! WESTWARD BOUND!

[LowTech]

Do you KNOW that you need a new gear box, or is it ust an adjustment that is needed?

 

[GotSmart]

190,000 miles on the box, as well as evidence of one semi serious front end incident.

The labor and pain to get to the unit to "adjust it?" I will just spend $125 for a new unit. It is worth it to me for future peace of mind. Seals and shafts wear out.

 

[GotSmart]

Getting ready to head out of Tacoma. Beautiful city, I would like to explore this next summer.

I had breakfast a couple days ago with Nelda and Jerry. Nice people!

I might be seeing everyone in RTR.

Today I am heading for the coast, and heading South before the big winter storms come in. Then some repairs in Oregon, and then on to the land of sunshine and warmth!

 

[Nelda]

John,
Good seeing you too! We will see you in less than a month at RTR.

 

[MikeRuth]

Getting ready to head out of Tacoma. Beautiful city, I would like to explore this next summer.

I had breakfast a couple days ago with Nelda and Jerry. Nice people!

I might be seeing everyone in RTR.

Today I am heading for the coast, and heading South before the big winter storms come in. Then some repairs in Oregon, and then on to the land of sunshine and warmth!

Had an old dodge like that myself at one time, Steering box was a problem with 1, slop and 2. the mount to the frame. When they do the replacement ask them to carefully check and make sure the frame mount is in good shape and if not reinforce it.

Take care

Mike R

 

[Bdog1]

Dodge produced a backing plate for the steering box, cheap too, if you can still find one. It addressed frame cracks under the box.

 

[GotSmart]

Had an old dodge like that myself at one time, Steering box was a problem with 1, slop and 2. the mount to the frame. When they do the replacement ask them to carefully check and make sure the frame mount is in good shape and if not reinforce it.

Take care

Mike R

Nice to know, especially since this has had some front end damage.

 

[GotSmart]

Time to update this thread.

I replaced the steering box at RTR. I found my tires were about 10 years old so I replaced the front two with a set of Goodyear Wranglers.

Then I went to get the front end aligned.~~~

I blew a head gasket. I was lucky that that was the only thing damaged.

The members of this forum donated enough to help me get the parts needed, and Mike VanBrown helped with his specialty tools. (I need to buy a torque wrench.) I was also shown a safe place to have the van towed to so I could work on it.

Everyone NEEDS a repair manual for their vehicle. Just by reading it you can diagnose problems yourself and save the $100 an hour that most places are getting now.

I have since added a Renogy 100 Watt panel and 30 amp controller to my system. Now all I need is ~~~ more books to read.

 

[LeeRevell]

Sounds like you had an adventure and came through okay.

 

[cyndi]

Thanks for updating us, John! Here's to smooth sailing from here on out and enjoy that free electricity!

 

[GotSmart]

This is all an adventure.

 

[JannaB]

Do you have your solar system up and running yet?
I also just bought a 100 watt system and waiting for it to arrive. Happy trails. JannaB

 

[GotSmart]

The system is up and running. I bought a Roadpro lunchbox oven. With watching movies all night and using the roadpro I have full batteries by noon! One more panel and I can buy a fridge.

 

[GotSmart]

:huh:

What to do~~~

I am starting to have circulation problems in my legs.  I have an old injury that is complicating my diabetes.  I need to move somewhere where it does not get too hot, has decent medical care, and trees!

Living in the desert in Ehrenberg is good, but I am thinking what it will be like in a month or so~~~

Any suggestions?  

It looks like I need to sit and save some money.  I need to get a trailer for my tools, and I have discovered rust in a place where it is not possible for me to repair it.  

I am unable to do a regular job, but still am able to build on my own terms.  (Breaks when my body tells me!) 

I will work this one out as I always do, but any input is welcome.

 

[cyndi]

Just off the top of my head, I would say up around Flagstaff. I know you'd have to move pretty regularly (25 miles,every two weeks.) If your using BLM land. Flagstaff has all the amenities of a large city. It's high altitude, so cooler. I know plenty of people who spend the summer in that area. Williams, Ashford aren't too far.

Have you gotten a senior pass for the National Parks and Forests? There are lots of Federal parks and forests up that way, too.

 

[akrvbob]

I'm north of Prescott right now and the weather is perfect! low 70s during the day and high 30s or low 40s at night. A little cool but it's fine with all of us. It's still too cold to be at Flagstaff, but in about a month it will be okay and we'll move there. 


You are welcome to join us here and then move to Flagstaff with us! From Ehrenberg to our camp is only 250 miles. You have other choices, but none are as close or will let you stay as long. Cottonwood/Sedona are cooler than Ehrenberg, but the Rangers are VERY strict and you'll have to move in 14 days. Plus in a month it will be unbearably hot again.

Here is the best route that is easiest on your vehicle

 

[GotSmart]

Thank you both for that information.

Family obligations have called,  and I need to head east. Once I get things straightened out in Missouri with the kids and my medical I will be back on the road.  This will give me a chance to build up my savings and perhaps locate a trailer for my tools.

Now that the solar is complete, I will be able to save a little. 

 

[GotSmart]

300 miles today. It is nice and cool in Flagstaff. I might just sit for a day or so!

 

[masterplumber]

Not sure if your route goes near Colorado Springs at all, but if so send me a PM and I have a place for you to park up if needed. Safe travels.

 

[GotSmart]

Not sure if your route goes near Colorado Springs at all, but if so send me a PM and I have a place for you to park up if needed. Safe travels.

After waking up with temps at 30, I an now in New Mexico and heading to Colorado.  I will be there tomorrow, and need a spot to stay until the 1st. Thanks, last time I was at the Loves for two weeks.