Our life on the highways and byways of America.
Thursday, February 25, 2016
FREEPORT, FL: Off the Beaten Path
This morning we got up early, said our farewells to the staff at Cummins Power South in Orlando, and got Little House's big wheels rolling toward the Florida panhandle. Our plan to do the trip in two days quickly changed to doing it in one since we just kept moving along with the traffic on I-75 and I-10. After a fuel and lunch stop, and about 8 hours on the road, we pulled into Live Oak Landing, a large RV and park model resort, on the Choctawhatchee River System near Freeport, FL between the Gulf beaches and I-10. The park is at the end of a residential road on the river and is in a lovely natural and quiet setting. We'll be here for a week, doing some work, but also just enjoying the laid back surroundings in a well-managed campground. The sites include a concrete pad, and free wi-fi and cable TV.
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
ORLANDO,FL: Home Sweet Home!!
We had a busy time along the Gulf coast of the Florida panhandle over the last 5 days, but we also did some exploring and met some interesting people. Yesterday, Hank checked with the Cummins Center in Orlando on the status of Little House's repairs and was told everything should be finished by the end of the day. This morning, we got confirmation that the repairs were finished, a long test drive showed no further problems, and Little House would be waiting for us whenever we could arrive. That was our cue to leave the beach a day early and hit the road. After 8 hours of driving, sometimes in very high winds, and 3 stops along the way, we arrived home about 7:15 P.M. Little House never looked so good!
Tomorrow, we'll settle up with the Cummins folks, and start the drive back to the Florida panhandle. We'll probably take two days to get there as our travels in the motor home are done at a slower pace.. Then we'll have almost a week to relax and do a little work before we head to central Alabama.
Last night, the severe weather that plagued much of the south yesterday, moved into the panhandle. Eastern parts of Pensacola had significant damage as did some areas north of us, but Miramar Beach escaped with just torrential rain and some high winds. This morning, all was quiet except for the continuing high winds.
Tomorrow, we'll settle up with the Cummins folks, and start the drive back to the Florida panhandle. We'll probably take two days to get there as our travels in the motor home are done at a slower pace.. Then we'll have almost a week to relax and do a little work before we head to central Alabama.
Last night, the severe weather that plagued much of the south yesterday, moved into the panhandle. Eastern parts of Pensacola had significant damage as did some areas north of us, but Miramar Beach escaped with just torrential rain and some high winds. This morning, all was quiet except for the continuing high winds.
Friday, February 19, 2016
MIRAMAR BEACH, FL: Little House Gets Left Behind!
It's been an interesting week, though sometime frustrating. Life on
the road can be that way with new adventures and also some setbacks, at
any turn on the map.
Tuesday, Feb. 17 - We had Little House ready for service at 7:30 A.M. Unfortunately, we were told no sewer clean out while in the work bay. A call to the septic company ended up with a cancellation since they couldn't get here before Thursday. After 2 weeks of "camping" at the Cummins Power South center in Orlando, they finished up our repair job and sent us on our way Tuesday at closing time. We took off for the Florida panhandle with the first stop scheduled to be only 20 miles west of Orlando, in a KOA in Apopka. On the way there a dash board idiot light showed "DPF Regen". The Diesel Particulate Filter is part of the emissions suppression system - the diesel equivalent of a catalytic converter but about 4 times the size. The alarm simply means that the DPF needs "regeneration" which occurs automatically. The process burns diesel fuel in the filter to burn the particulates out of the filter by and takes roughly 45 minutes. We got to the campground before it finished so we let the coach run for a while - but it never did finish. Checking documentation it indicated that it would resume automatically when we hit the road again.
Wednesday, Feb. 18 - We hit the road again late Wednesday morning to head to the panhandle for some previously scheduled business appointments, but after a few miles the alarm went to the second level which basically says you need to complete a regeneration within the next hour or so. Almost immediately we also got a yellow "Check Engine" idiot light. Checking documentation again Hank found that if you are not able to load the engine (we were on local roads) you should do a "stationary regeneration". He called the Cummins shop and they agreed that was what was needed - basically you park, set the brake, put the transmission in neutral, and the process starts automatically - indicated by an significant increase in engine RPM. But that didn't happen!
Time for a call to the main Cummins Support center which resulted in verification that it needed to go back to the shop - and they "suggested" that the shop did not do all that they should have when they replaced the turbo. They said it was safe to drive the short 15 miles back unless the reg "STOP ENGINE" idiot light came on - in which case we should pull off the road and shut down ASAP. And of course the engine also may go into a reduced power state (sometimes called "limp mode") where you can only muster about 5 mph. Luckily that never happened but there was a definite lack of power which felt like the turbo was not working again.
Back at the shop at about 2 P.M., we were told they could not possibly even look at it until Wednesday. After some "warm" discussion they agreed to bring someone in early (6:30) on Thursday to look at the problem.
Thursday, Feb. 19 - The technician arrived about 7 A.M. and hooked his test set up and read the codes - then returned to the building. About 8:00 we were told that the turbo actuator also needed to be replaced and the warranty company had already been called. We had heard from other sources that Cummins recommends (but warranty companies disagree) that if a turbo is replaced the actuator should be replaced at the same time because it is likely to fail in short order. The tech working on our coach had also told Hank this happens about 20% of the time so it was what he expected before even reading the codes. Due to our tight schedule, Hank called the warranty company to ask them to call me as soon as possible and let us know if it could be added to the work already done, and if an inspection would be required (which could easily add a days delay). He was informed that they can not call the customer to provide any information - they only report their decisions to the service department. He asked if they had any idea when that might be they said claims were reviewed in the order in which they were received. He asked again if they had any idea when that might be and was told it could take up to 24 hours to review a claim.
We have business requiring us to be in Navarre, FL early Saturday morning and have several other appointments along the Gulf Coast over the next few days. So we decided to leave Little House at Cummins and drive to Miramar Beach in the car . After about 7 hours on the road, we arrived at the Candlewood Suites, a very nice extended-stay hotel. This is the first time we have stayed in a motel for at least 5 years. (Thanks to the Sky Med Travel Club for getting us a great rate) We have a non-smoking studio suite with kitchen area so we're not exactly 'roughing it', but we certainly miss being in our home. It's hard to remember what to pack when you always have everything you need with you!
Friday, February 19 - Good news started our day! The warranty company agreed to pay for the claim minus our $200 deductible with no inspection required, and Cummins will have Little House ready to roll when we return there the middle of next week. So life continues to be good with a few changes in our plans.
Tuesday, Feb. 17 - We had Little House ready for service at 7:30 A.M. Unfortunately, we were told no sewer clean out while in the work bay. A call to the septic company ended up with a cancellation since they couldn't get here before Thursday. After 2 weeks of "camping" at the Cummins Power South center in Orlando, they finished up our repair job and sent us on our way Tuesday at closing time. We took off for the Florida panhandle with the first stop scheduled to be only 20 miles west of Orlando, in a KOA in Apopka. On the way there a dash board idiot light showed "DPF Regen". The Diesel Particulate Filter is part of the emissions suppression system - the diesel equivalent of a catalytic converter but about 4 times the size. The alarm simply means that the DPF needs "regeneration" which occurs automatically. The process burns diesel fuel in the filter to burn the particulates out of the filter by and takes roughly 45 minutes. We got to the campground before it finished so we let the coach run for a while - but it never did finish. Checking documentation it indicated that it would resume automatically when we hit the road again.
Wednesday, Feb. 18 - We hit the road again late Wednesday morning to head to the panhandle for some previously scheduled business appointments, but after a few miles the alarm went to the second level which basically says you need to complete a regeneration within the next hour or so. Almost immediately we also got a yellow "Check Engine" idiot light. Checking documentation again Hank found that if you are not able to load the engine (we were on local roads) you should do a "stationary regeneration". He called the Cummins shop and they agreed that was what was needed - basically you park, set the brake, put the transmission in neutral, and the process starts automatically - indicated by an significant increase in engine RPM. But that didn't happen!
Time for a call to the main Cummins Support center which resulted in verification that it needed to go back to the shop - and they "suggested" that the shop did not do all that they should have when they replaced the turbo. They said it was safe to drive the short 15 miles back unless the reg "STOP ENGINE" idiot light came on - in which case we should pull off the road and shut down ASAP. And of course the engine also may go into a reduced power state (sometimes called "limp mode") where you can only muster about 5 mph. Luckily that never happened but there was a definite lack of power which felt like the turbo was not working again.
Back at the shop at about 2 P.M., we were told they could not possibly even look at it until Wednesday. After some "warm" discussion they agreed to bring someone in early (6:30) on Thursday to look at the problem.
Thursday, Feb. 19 - The technician arrived about 7 A.M. and hooked his test set up and read the codes - then returned to the building. About 8:00 we were told that the turbo actuator also needed to be replaced and the warranty company had already been called. We had heard from other sources that Cummins recommends (but warranty companies disagree) that if a turbo is replaced the actuator should be replaced at the same time because it is likely to fail in short order. The tech working on our coach had also told Hank this happens about 20% of the time so it was what he expected before even reading the codes. Due to our tight schedule, Hank called the warranty company to ask them to call me as soon as possible and let us know if it could be added to the work already done, and if an inspection would be required (which could easily add a days delay). He was informed that they can not call the customer to provide any information - they only report their decisions to the service department. He asked if they had any idea when that might be they said claims were reviewed in the order in which they were received. He asked again if they had any idea when that might be and was told it could take up to 24 hours to review a claim.
We have business requiring us to be in Navarre, FL early Saturday morning and have several other appointments along the Gulf Coast over the next few days. So we decided to leave Little House at Cummins and drive to Miramar Beach in the car . After about 7 hours on the road, we arrived at the Candlewood Suites, a very nice extended-stay hotel. This is the first time we have stayed in a motel for at least 5 years. (Thanks to the Sky Med Travel Club for getting us a great rate) We have a non-smoking studio suite with kitchen area so we're not exactly 'roughing it', but we certainly miss being in our home. It's hard to remember what to pack when you always have everything you need with you!
Friday, February 19 - Good news started our day! The warranty company agreed to pay for the claim minus our $200 deductible with no inspection required, and Cummins will have Little House ready to roll when we return there the middle of next week. So life continues to be good with a few changes in our plans.
Monday, February 15, 2016
ORLANDO, FL: Hamfest, Friends and Repairs
Although we didn't get to camp at the Orlando Hamcation site at the Central Florida Fairgrounds from Feb. 10-15 , we drove there each day to spend time with our friends and make a few purchases. There were lots of hugs, handshakes and conversation while we enjoyed being outside in the beautiful Florida weather, although it was chilly at times and always windy. Our purchases included a new microphone for the ham radio in the RV, and a dongel to access D-Star usage via the internet. We also enjoyed dinners each night with our friends before returning to Little House for the night. Hamcation was also the site for a WBCCI Amateur Radio Club Rally. Individuals do not need to own Airstream RV's in order to be a member of this group.
We're still at Cummins Power South in Orlando. Last week, the extended service agreement company sent an inspector twice to verify what repairs we need. Today, the approval for repairs came through, probably about $4000 worth - so it's been a good day! We needed the repairs regardless, so we had to stay here, but no work could be started before the approval was given or else the work would not be covered. Cummins hopes to get the repairs finished by tomorrow night, and we can be on our way to Milton, FL our next stop.
We've been at this location since Feb. 3rd with electric and water hookups, but no sewer hookup. Since Little House is not road-ready, today Hank arranged for a septic disposal truck to come to us sometime tomorrow to empty our black and grey tanks.
We're still at Cummins Power South in Orlando. Last week, the extended service agreement company sent an inspector twice to verify what repairs we need. Today, the approval for repairs came through, probably about $4000 worth - so it's been a good day! We needed the repairs regardless, so we had to stay here, but no work could be started before the approval was given or else the work would not be covered. Cummins hopes to get the repairs finished by tomorrow night, and we can be on our way to Milton, FL our next stop.
We've been at this location since Feb. 3rd with electric and water hookups, but no sewer hookup. Since Little House is not road-ready, today Hank arranged for a septic disposal truck to come to us sometime tomorrow to empty our black and grey tanks.
Thursday, February 4, 2016
FOUNTAIN, FL THEN ON TO ORLANDO!
The time spent at St. Andrews State Park looking out over the Grand Lagoon was most enjoyable. We also spent time on Sky Med Business in the area and did some exploring of our surroundings. Our stay was over on Monday, Feb.1, and we drove about an hour north of Panama City Beach to Pine Lake RV Park in Fountain, FL. There's not much to talk about regarding Fountain, FL, other than it's a little community in the northern Florida panhandle. Our two-night stay at Pine Lake with full hookups gave us a chance to empty tanks, and catch up on laundry and computer work before moving on.
Wednesday morning, we left Pine Lake at 8:40 CST for the 325 mile drive to Orlando back in the eastern time zone. That's more miles than we normally tackle in one day, but we were headed to the Cummins Power South and wanted to get signed in for service early Thursday morning.
This repair facility handles issues on a variety of vehicles with Cummins diesel engines - motor homes, fire engines, buses, construction equipment and also service Onan generators. On a few occasions, we've had an intermittent problem with restricted power from the diesel engine.. On our last trip to the panhandle, after checking with the Cummins center in Ocala, we had another occurrence when we left Perry,FL, so we'll have that potential problem looked at while we're here. This Cummins location has 4 free RV parking spots with electrical and water hookups. There's a parking lot view of all types of vehicles through our front window, but we do have a nice lake behind us that is suppose to have lots of fish in it. Work is done on a first come basis, and they are overloaded with customers. We're due to check into the Florida Central Fairground in Orlando next Wednesday for a large ham radio event, but if our service doesn't get done in time, we may have to keep Little House here and do day trips to the fairgrounds which is only a short distance away.
Yesterday was Selene's birthday, and we had a great dinner at Olive Garden to finish out our long travel day. When we arrived here yesterday, it was 79, but with a front coming through this afternoon with heavy rain, the next week is predicted to be much cooler.
Wednesday morning, we left Pine Lake at 8:40 CST for the 325 mile drive to Orlando back in the eastern time zone. That's more miles than we normally tackle in one day, but we were headed to the Cummins Power South and wanted to get signed in for service early Thursday morning.
This repair facility handles issues on a variety of vehicles with Cummins diesel engines - motor homes, fire engines, buses, construction equipment and also service Onan generators. On a few occasions, we've had an intermittent problem with restricted power from the diesel engine.. On our last trip to the panhandle, after checking with the Cummins center in Ocala, we had another occurrence when we left Perry,FL, so we'll have that potential problem looked at while we're here. This Cummins location has 4 free RV parking spots with electrical and water hookups. There's a parking lot view of all types of vehicles through our front window, but we do have a nice lake behind us that is suppose to have lots of fish in it. Work is done on a first come basis, and they are overloaded with customers. We're due to check into the Florida Central Fairground in Orlando next Wednesday for a large ham radio event, but if our service doesn't get done in time, we may have to keep Little House here and do day trips to the fairgrounds which is only a short distance away.
Yesterday was Selene's birthday, and we had a great dinner at Olive Garden to finish out our long travel day. When we arrived here yesterday, it was 79, but with a front coming through this afternoon with heavy rain, the next week is predicted to be much cooler.
Saturday, January 30, 2016
PANAMA CITY BEACH: Time to Catch UP
Our last post was from Seffner, FL at LazyDays RV Resort as two rallies were over and a third was beginning. The Fleetwood Motor Home Association rally was a big success with over 400 people attending. There were the usual seminars, vendors, flea market, bingo, movie night and lots of hugs and handshakes as old friends reunited and new friends were met. Dinners included entrees of ham and turkey, chicken and fried fish, and prime rib and salmon. Entertainment nights featured karaoke, the original Impacs, and the Marlinaires (who also performed the week before). The Marlinaires were definitely the best group. This rally was special to us because we attended at no charge since we won a rally package last year. The last night, there was a 50/50 drawing with half going to charity, and the other half to 3 lucky winners. We were the 3rd prize winners and won $142!!
We left Lazydays on Sunday, January 24 after a continental breakfast and farewells, to make a 22 mile trip to Water's Edge Resort in Zephyrhills. This is a typical older, well-run snowbird park with close sites, many permanent structures and lots of activities for residents. We were there 2 nights so we could attend a Sky Med Appreciate Luncheon in Zephyrhills on Monday. Sky Med hosts many of these events all over the USA and Mexico for their members, guests and representatives. We were happy for the chance to meet the CEO, Will Kline, who started the company over 26 years ago and continues to keep the standards high for his business. The delicious lunch included salad, fried chicken and roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, pie and drinks and was catered by Golden Corral.
Tuesday, we started our trek back to the Florida panhandle, stopping first in Ocala at the Cummins Coach center to get a code reading, and then moving to the Walmart in Perry, FL for the night. Wednesday, we ended our trip by checking into St. Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach, FL. The park is located on a peninsula between the Grand Lagoon and the Gulf of Mexico. Our water-view paved site #17 looks out on the lagoon. This is another great FL state park campground with clean facilities in a natural setting and half-price rates for us as Florida senior citizens. We're in this area to do Sky Med work and will be here until Monday, Feb. 1.
We left Lazydays on Sunday, January 24 after a continental breakfast and farewells, to make a 22 mile trip to Water's Edge Resort in Zephyrhills. This is a typical older, well-run snowbird park with close sites, many permanent structures and lots of activities for residents. We were there 2 nights so we could attend a Sky Med Appreciate Luncheon in Zephyrhills on Monday. Sky Med hosts many of these events all over the USA and Mexico for their members, guests and representatives. We were happy for the chance to meet the CEO, Will Kline, who started the company over 26 years ago and continues to keep the standards high for his business. The delicious lunch included salad, fried chicken and roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, pie and drinks and was catered by Golden Corral.
Tuesday, we started our trek back to the Florida panhandle, stopping first in Ocala at the Cummins Coach center to get a code reading, and then moving to the Walmart in Perry, FL for the night. Wednesday, we ended our trip by checking into St. Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach, FL. The park is located on a peninsula between the Grand Lagoon and the Gulf of Mexico. Our water-view paved site #17 looks out on the lagoon. This is another great FL state park campground with clean facilities in a natural setting and half-price rates for us as Florida senior citizens. We're in this area to do Sky Med work and will be here until Monday, Feb. 1.
Sunday, January 17, 2016
SEFFNER, FL: ONE RALLY ENDS, ANOTHER STARTS
The American Coach Association regional rally is officially over. During the last 4 days, we've met up with old friends and made some new ones. With free breakfast and lunch furnished by LazyDays in the Front Porch Cafe, attendees were free to visit the Tampa RV Show or see the sights in the area during the day. The evening schedules were:
Wednesday: Social hour followed by a catered Seafood Boil dinner with shrimp, clams and mussels, salad and cheesecake. Entertainment was provided by Perfect Pitch.
Thursday: Social hour followed by a catered buffet with BBQ Chicken and Ribs, salad, side items and banana splits for dessert. Entertainment was provided by Kim and the Kadillacs
Saturday: Social time followed by a catered prime rib or talapia dinner including salad, sides, and layer cake for dessert. Entertainment was provided by the Marlinaires.
Beer, wine water and soft drinks were provided 6-8 P.M.
Friday we had an appointment at the Lazy Days Service Center to have a slow air leak in the airline to the front air tank checked out . A broken valve and fitting were replaced, and we spent the day in the nice lounge area waiting for the repair and paperwork to be finished.
This morning, there was a continental breakfast of fruit salad and various pastries available along with coffee, juice and milk as many were getting ready to hit the road.
Overnight, a band of severe storms moved through the area with high winds and heavy rain. Unfortunately, deadly tornadoes touched down south of us in the Sarasota area. Today, the Happy Wanderers chapter of the ACA starts a post-rally, so friendly visits, conversation and meals will continue for the next 3 days.
Wednesday: Social hour followed by a catered Seafood Boil dinner with shrimp, clams and mussels, salad and cheesecake. Entertainment was provided by Perfect Pitch.
Thursday: Social hour followed by a catered buffet with BBQ Chicken and Ribs, salad, side items and banana splits for dessert. Entertainment was provided by Kim and the Kadillacs
Saturday: Social time followed by a catered prime rib or talapia dinner including salad, sides, and layer cake for dessert. Entertainment was provided by the Marlinaires.
Beer, wine water and soft drinks were provided 6-8 P.M.
Friday we had an appointment at the Lazy Days Service Center to have a slow air leak in the airline to the front air tank checked out . A broken valve and fitting were replaced, and we spent the day in the nice lounge area waiting for the repair and paperwork to be finished.
This morning, there was a continental breakfast of fruit salad and various pastries available along with coffee, juice and milk as many were getting ready to hit the road.
Overnight, a band of severe storms moved through the area with high winds and heavy rain. Unfortunately, deadly tornadoes touched down south of us in the Sarasota area. Today, the Happy Wanderers chapter of the ACA starts a post-rally, so friendly visits, conversation and meals will continue for the next 3 days.
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