Dusting off the cobwebs

[Rich Thomas]

Well, five days of dry weather to soak up the winter snow and then two more days of rain, wow thought I'd never get the Palace out of the garage and tinker. First thing out of the box, dead chassis battery; couldn't figure that one out because I've been starting it up and letting it run periodically all winter, then I noticed the passenger door was left open enough that the cab light was on; a sigh of relief there. I charged up both batteries and plan on a full go through over this coming week. May even hit a local park this weekend to quail the erg to hit the open road. I can't wait to do a real trip but just to much going on to do that. What are you doing to your campers to prepare for the coming season.       

[Russell E Johnson]

Well right now we are cleaning up after our Feb. excursion to AZ.  And when that is done we will begin the loading process for our trip to OR and MT the end of May.

[Rich Thomas]

I really envy you guys and all of you that can travel this great country. I'm more of a part time part timer. This year is really up in the air for me;This is the first year of motor homing and more of a test of my disability to see if I'm able to do this successfully. I'll probably do two to three weekenders and then maybe a week with my boys if the week ends work out. I'm a big race fan and want to hit at least three Mid Ohio Race's this year.  Vintage cars & Vintage Motorcycle Days for sure and the Indy 200 if those work out. Mid Ohio Race Car Course is about a three hour drive for me and I just love it there but I've never camped at the track.At any rate I want the palace to be top notch before those events and for the fact I can't do much about it if it has an event on the road. It's in great shape but like anything mechanical something can always reach out and bite you in the arse when you least expect it.  

[Russell E Johnson]

Something going wrong is always a possibility.  On our trip to MT last year we had 4 breakdowns.  And this was after we had a mechanic go through it from bumper to bumper.  This year our trip to AZ was completely without mishap.  So one never knows what is going to happen.  But then that is just part of the lifestyle, hoping for the best and taking what comes along.  We are also disabled so while I can still do some things, most of the work has to be done for us, which makes this lifestyle more expensive.  And this Southwind is very hard to do anything with the engine.  Belts, hoses, starter, plugs, etc. all seem to be approached from underneath the MH.  I cannot even see the distributor from the doghouse.  So even doing a simple tuneup requires contortions that are beyond my physical capabilities.