BROOKVILLE, OHIO: Decatur Repair Report

This is a list of what the work that we had done on Little House at the REV service center in Decatur, IN.

The jack pump motor was intermittent.  The original motor was NLA (no longer available) so a complete A new pump motor assembly was installed which also required modification to some of the mountings..

The patio awning failed to retract while at the service center and was misdiagnosed as a failed control board.  A new control board was ordered and installed with no results.  Further diagnosis found a break in the wire at the entry point.  The wire was repaired and the original control board was re-installed.

Washer/ dryer combo unit was not drying.  The unit was removed and taken to an appliance repair shop where the unit could be disassembled enough to find a lint clog inside the machine.  The blockage was removed and the unit was re-installed in the coach.

Dash A/C was not working due to a compressor failure.  The compressor was replaced, system cleaned out and new filter installed, system recharged, new belt installed.

Roof front marker light lenses were found to be cracked from age and leaking and were replaced which solved (we hope) an occasional water leak.

Black tank level monitor was not working.  A new control board was installed.

TV reception erratic and the cabling was checked. No problem found.

The "city water" connection had previously been replaced with "available parts" which were restricting the water flow into the coach. The parts were replaced with original manufacturer parts.

A dash air vent cover was reinstalled.

Occasional warning beep from dash was checked on by looking for error codes from the engine.  No fault code was found.

Toilet bowl was not holding water.  The seal was replaced.

All of these repairs required diagnostics, some replacement parts, fluids and testing.  The labor hours alone totaled over 17 hours at the going shop rate of $120 per hour.  The total bill was $4557.57. Expensive?  Yes, but that's just part of the RV experience.  The extended service agreement covered $3532.70, and our balance was $1024.87.  Once again, we were very pleased with Portfolio, our warranty company, and the contract we purchased through Wholesale Warranties.

Can these type of repairs be done by handy RV owners?  Absolutely, and many do just that, provided they have the proper tools, space to work,  the knowledge to understand the problems, and the necessary physical agility and strength required.  Obviously, that can be less expensive. In our case, we're very happy to let others find the solutions and do the work while we have an extended service agreement to at least lesson the final cost.

We remember what RV friends told us at the first gathering we attended.  "Always keep a notepad handy, because there will always be something that needs attention."  Anytime you move an RV, it's exposed to bumps, vibrations, dirt, road debris, wind and weather. Then you can add the normal wear and tear of normal occupancy. Little House is moved often and lived in. Our notepads are always nearby.

BROOKVILLE, OHIO: It's Been Quite A Week!

Yesterday was the end of what had been some stressful days, not because of having to go through repairs, but because we were anxious to get back on track with our scheduled travels after being in Decatur for almost two weeks.  There were highs and lows all week.

We found out on Monday that our service claim had been approved by the warranty company.  A local appliance tech came to check out the combo dryer issue.  After seeing the tight quarters in the area where the appliance is, and not being able to easily take the machine apart without inconveniencing us, he suggested the machine be removed and taken to his shop where it could be easily taken apart. (The RV combo washer/dryers are typically in a cabinet without easy access to the back or top without being removed from the cabinet).  On Tuesday, 3 REV techs removed the unit from Little House, (not an easy task getting it out the door)  loaded it into our car, and we took it to the appliance shop.  Hank continued conversations with our service advisor stressing the fact that we needed to get back on the road ASAP.  Luckily, the needed parts had been ordered last week, and most were on site. We got word on Wednesday afternoon to have Little House ready for moving by 6 A.M. on Thursday morning. The dryer was ready for pickup (the problem was lint plug in a hard-to-access place) so we picked up the unit. After Little House was in the work bay on Thursday, the unit was removed from our car.. The advisor was hopeful they could get us out of there by quitting time on Thursday if everything fell into place. 

The REV repair facility is in a very large building so many motor homes are being worked on at one time.  There is a separate building for body and paint work.  Clients can visit their rigs at anytime and talk with the techs doing the work (safety glasses and ID's required).  During the day on Thursday, after we did some more touring through some more of the beautiful Amish farm area, Hank checked on how the work was progressing several times.  The reports were mostly good, but there were a couple of glitches.  The needed A/C system belt had not arrived and the new awning control panel didn't fix our problem.  However, they did find another belt locally and the problem with the awning turned out to be a broken wire.  Then the new A/C compressor wasn't working but that turned out to be a blown fuse.  So our expectations were going up and down all day as new problems surfaced and then solutions were found.  Finally, we got word that all was finished, Little House was being released from the building, and the paperwork would be finished by about 4:30 P.M.
While we waited for the final settlement, Hank dumped the tanks and checked out some of the repairs.  At 5:00 P.M. we started hooking up the car and got ready to get out of town!  Finally!! 

Overall, we're very pleased with the REV center and the way things are handled.  We just happened to pick a time when there was only one advisor handling both chassis and coach write ups, the person handling the parts orders was new and not too fast at her job, and the place is extremely busy. All of this slowed down results. The personnel were friendly and seemed to be taking their jobs seriously.  We will definitely use them again when we can be in the area.  We hope by the time we have to return, the new addition to the building will be completed and the campground renovations will be in place providing for a more comfortable stay.

We had a relaxing two -hour drive to Brookville through the Ohio farmland on quiet highways, and arrived at the the Dayton KOA about 7:15 P.M. We were supposed to be there Wednesday night, but we were delighted to get there only one day late.  We said a few quick hellos to nearby friends, took some nice long showers, ate a late dinner, and happily fell into bed about 11:30.  

BROOKVILLE, OH: We're Not in Decatur Anymore!

Our day started at 5:15 A.M., and Little House was taken to the work bay about 6:30 A.M..  All repairs were completed and we left the REV Visitor Center at 5:15 P.M., arriving in Brookville about 2 hours later.  It's been a long day and details will have to wait until tomorrow, but at least we're back on our travel schedule. Our current location is the Tall Timbers Campground,  (Dayton KOA) northwest of Dayton, OH, and we'll be here until Monday.  Good night!!

DECATUR, IN; Slow Progress

Repairs move slowly when you  have an extended service agreement.  First the repair facility has to diagnose the problems, come up with the the probable solution including all of the needed parts and prices as well as an estimate of labor time involved. That information is given to the warranty company, who decides what to approve and whether to send an inspector.  In our case, we have a long list with some high-cost repairs, and the expected inspection was ordered.  If you have any work done before all of these steps are taken, there will be no coverage of repairs. You have to play the game, but our past experience has shown it is well worth  it to play by their rules. Most agreements say the inspector will be on site within 3 business days.

Yesterday, an appliance tech came by to look at the dryer problem.  He needs to get the appliance to his shop, tear it apart and attempt to find out why it's no longer drying.  We hope that will happen tomorrow.

Today the warranty inspector showed up with the service writer to go over the list and see the problems firsthand.  He'll then report back to the warranty company and we hope to get the final approval quickly.  While we wait, any needed parts will be ordered  and expedited so the repairs can start at the appropriate time.

RV-related extended service agreements are either loved or ignored by RV owners.  We purchase ours through Wholesale Warranties. They will match  your needs and desired deductible to the best company that fits those criteria. Our past claims have produced good results.

Tonight's weather is rain and cooler temperatures, with dryer and even cooler days expected over the weekend.

DECATUR, IN: Days Start Early Here

We were both up by 5 A.M. yesterday morning and we had Little House ready to roll by 5:45 A.M.  After checking in at the service center office, we met with two techs and a service writer to submit our long list of needed service. Many items should be covered under our extended service agreement, but that also lengthens the process of getting the work done since the claim has to be submitted and will probably necessitate an inspection.  Several probable leaks were found, and those have already been fixed since leaks are not covered.  The techs discovered a few problems we didn't now about, and they will be added to our list. The biggest item is repairing the dash A/C with a new compressor , followed by a  the installation of  a new jack motor assembly.  We planned to be here until May 18 so there may be  time to get everything done IF the inspector comes soon and parts arrive promptly..

We've been pleased with the REV procedures so far. We have access to the coach and techs at all times provided we have our safety glasses on along with our identification badges.  The service bay areas are much cleaner than other places we've been.  A lounge is provided with soft couches and recliners for 15 people, the usual TV, free WiFi and coffee.  The facility will be even better when the renovations to the property are completed in the fall.

The weather yesterday was very cool (50's) and rainy, with more of the same predicted for the next couple of days.

DECATUR, IN: Time Off For Repairs

This morning we left Goshen, IN about 11:30 A.M. for the 2 hour drive to Decatur, IN. We're settled into the parking area next to the REV (Fleetwood) Service Facility.  The parking lot is gravel with 40 electric hookups - nothing fancy, but free to customers.  There is a dump station and potable water available on the property.  This 'campground' was due to be partially closed as they do renovations, but luckily that hasn't happened yet so there were still many spots available when we arrived.

  Our work will start on Monday around 6 A.M. (that's right...6 A.M.!!) as they start the diagnostics on our list of  problems. Then the service agreement company will probably send an inspector before any work can be done.  We might be here for a week to 10 business days.  In the meantime, we have a free spot to hang out where we can watch the traffic go by on Hwy. 27, and enjoy our RV life.

GOSHEN, IN: Goshen Highlights

Last Thursday evening, we had dinner with Herb & Lois.  We met them through ham radio and they are also full-time RVers. Back in 2011 when we were starting to think about changing our lifestyle, we happened to be at the same campground and spent time together as they shared their experiences with us.  They're in the process of changing coaches and happened to be nearby. We had a nice dinner at Tony's Grill in Goshen and enjoyed their company once again.

One of the reasons we came to the Ramblin' Pushers Maintenance Session was to see another Sky Med couple in action.  Stan and Mary are not only reps, but Stan is the Central Region Vice-President and  one of the top reps in the company. Unfortunately, in 2013 Stan and Mary experienced firsthand the necessity of needing emergency transportation, but the good news is they were also Sky Med members and didn't have to pay the $25,000 bill . (see their story here:   http://blog.skymed.com/survivor-story-stan-mary-schwenke-west-virginia/  )  We've been able to spend some quality time with them, including a nice dinner at The Ponderosa Steakhouse.  There's no better way to learn than to see the best in action.

Last night, there was an ice cream social for all attendees and we had been told not to miss it.  We had our choice of 16 different flavors along with almost any topping you could imagine, and there were also bakery cookies.  The organizers wanted everybody to have seconds and also take some back to their RV's.  They had another session today with the leftovers.

Today, was the first beautiful weather day since we arrived a week ago.  We left the confines of the campground and spent several hours driving around the surrounding area where many Amish and Mennonite families live on large farms..  Sharing the roads with horse-drawn buggies of various sizes, watching the farmers till the fields with their 4 or 6 or 8 horse teams, riding so close to the many pastures filled with cows and horses that we could have reached out and touched them, all added to the feeling of serenity as we observed a slower pace of life that also involves a lot of hard work.  We took a break at the 5 and 20 Country Kitchen for lunch and enjoyed good food, good service and reasonable prices.

The Ramblin' Pushers event officially ends tomorrow night.  We're staying here until Friday and then we'll be going to Decatur, IN., about 2 hours southeast of here.