What to do?

[Jeffrey and Karin Cloutier]

We were delivered some bad news today.  Our beloved Bertha not only needs her transmission rebuilt but also needs new brakes.  She came to us for free but now it looks like we need to invest approximately $5,000 in order to get her up and running.  We are emotionally invested in Bertha but $5,000 on our salaries is a serious commitment.  We are both dreamers and love adventure so we are already leaning toward biting the bullet.  In reality we have five more years until all of our children are out of high school so those are some great memories we could make with them.  At that point, if we can get anything for her, it will go toward our next great adventure.

We would love to her your thoughts on the matter...What do you think?  Are we being stupid or should we continue to follow our dream?

[Erik Anderson]

I take it that the price that you are stating, is having 1 if not 2 repair shops do the work?. If the A727 Torqueflite Transmission (LoadFlite) is in need of a rebuild.  Which I Have not read any specifics as to what is was doing before it died. But I would think that you could find a newer used one with an Overdrive 4th Gear. For an affordable sum of money. And you must know someone who is a shade tree mechanic, who could put it in. The A727 is still in use today, An is used by Drag reacer, monster trucks, And The Dodge Ram Trucks.

Now the Brakes must have been working.? Did someone pull all four brake Drums to see what was going on?.  And yes they can cost a lot of LABOR COST. to have someone else do them. But most of the time with how RV's Sit for extended periods of time. Things just might need cleaning -up. Adjusted, and maybe a wheel cylinder, or (4).  I Was quoted $260.00 from NAPA Auto Parts Store for a Master cylinder for my 1970 D-24 just 2 months ago. I wound up paying $34.00 for a brand new one from Auto Zone. And Although I had to have a short 90 brake line made up to fit the front line thread size. ($19.50) I still save some mega bucks.  How many quotes did you get?, Over the phone?, or in person. The previous owner of mine had let it sit for 2 years.

[Russell E Johnson]

As Lakota said, ultimately only you can make the decision.  I will add this, keeping and repairing your current MH, TT, 5er, car, truck, etc. is always cheaper than getting a different one.  

[Lakota Wolf]

You need to follow your gut instinct. If it's not financially feasable at the time, don't bury yourself in over your head. RV'ing is for the enjoyment and memories. Restoring an ole rig is very rewarding, But a man needs to know his limitations. In this case, you need to sit down with the better half and have a good discussion of whats best. I'm sorry ole Bertha is down. Its a hard decision, but only you can make that call. Good luck..