Windshield Repair Along The Alaska Highway
Dear Editor:
As we were driving on the Alaska Highway this summer, a rock went through a window of our towed car. We were in British Columbia, between Muncho Lake and Tetsa River. I discovered the absence of the window while getting fuel at Tetsa River Lodge. The folks at the lodge gave us a large plastic bag to cover the cavity, which was a great help. We traveled on toward Fort St. John, British Columbia, where we found Peace Glass Ltd. A prearrival call enabled them to have replacement glass available.
We arrived at their facility when they opened, and by midafternoon were on our way. Not only did we have a new window in the car, but a small windshield water leak had been cured as well.
I recommend Peace Glass Ltd. (10267 W. Bypass Road, Fort St. John, BC V1J 1V2; 250-787-8888, www.peaceglass.ca) for fair, prompt, and knowledgeable service. All broken glass was removed, the windshield was cleaned, and they have a clean, comfortable waiting lounge.
Bob & Sue Hicks, F253518
Plano, Texas
Much Money Saved
Dear Editor:
I just want to let you know that I am more than pleased with the FMCA Michelin Advantage program. I saved over $168 per tire for a total of over $1,000 for the six tires. That savings is over and above the quote I received from a camping supply chain for the exact same tires. I highly recommend this program and will gladly share my experience with anyone who needs new tires. SUCH A DEAL.
Joe Morse, F386602
Cerritos, California
Emergency Repairs In Oregon
Dear Editor:
This summer, my wife and I were heading for the Northwest Area Rally in Albany, Oregon, at the Albany Fairgrounds. About 16 miles south of Albany, the engine check light went on, indicating that the RV had an overheat condition.
After pulling off of Interstate 5, I found that the cooling fan had failed. When I called McKay Truck (6225 Old Salem Road, Albany, OR 97321; 800-800-4130, 541-928-3331; www.mckaytruckandrv.com), they had us bring our 2004 Safari Panther into their shop. The hydraulic pump had failed, and this pump is no longer stocked by Monaco nor available in the United States. We were told it could be obtained from Europe in six months.
Joey Mesa, the service manager, spent many hours on the phone, calling around the country looking for a solution. Joey found a supplier in the eastern U.S. who could provide a rebuilt gear assembly. Since it took some time to receive the gear assembly, McKay was able to reassemble the hydraulic unit, and our coach was again on the road.
I must commend Joey and the mechanics, Tom and Bill, for their attention to detail and for curing what almost amounted to a total disaster. We were still able to attend the rally during the day, driving over there and back in our towed car. And thanks to McKay, we now have a drivable RV. I highly recommend McKay for not only emergency repairs but for total coach service.
Art Gray, F223762
Florence, Oregon
Service And Southern Hospitality
Dear Editor:
I am writing to compliment the prompt and fine repair service we received in May from Johnny’s RV in Theodore, Alabama (5688 Highway 90, Theodore, AL 36582; 251-653-1049; www.johnnysrv.com). While traveling just east of Mobile, Alabama, on Interstate 10, we noticed a problem with the dash air-conditioning. I pulled into a rest stop, looked things over, and decided we needed to find an RV repair shop.
I went online and came up with Johnny’s RV. Within 30 minutes, the problem was diagnosed as a defective vacuum pump on our air conditioner’s duct system. We stayed in the lot overnight while waiting for the repair part to arrive the next morning. They let us use 50-amp, full-service hookups.
The next morning, the new part was promptly installed and we were on our way with good dash A/C.
We have been RVing since 2005, and Johnny’s RV is the best shop we have ever used. They were a good example of excellent emergency service and of Southern hospitality. Thanks to the Johnny’s RV repair personnel. God bless you all.
Earl & S. Karen Bennett, F364900
North Fort Myers, Florida
Air Brake Surprise
Dear Editor:
We just completed a trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and back to our home in Texas. On our second day on the road, the coach developed a leak in the air brakes, which reduced air pressure while running to slightly under 100 pounds. The leak got worse to the point that the brakes would quickly lock, whether I was stopped or not, and the RV went into “Shift Inhibit.” To reset, I had to turn off the engine, restart, and let pressure build up before I could drive again.
Our emergency road service told me that they would cover the service call, but I would be responsible for the labor and parts required. I braced myself for outlandish charges, but I had no other option. To my surprise, a young man showed up, diagnosed the problem, and told me the right rear brakes had a leak. He removed the leaking line and went to town to get a replacement. After about 30 minutes, he reappeared and put in a new line. When finished, he said I really should also change the second line, since the two lines were rubbing and there was some wear. I asked if we should do that immediately, and he said that it could be done on our return trip. I offered to prepay the other hose, but he said he would buy it, and I could pay him after installation.
I asked him “How much do I owe you?” His answer just floored me; he charged me only $25 for the hose and $60 for the labor.
I stopped on the way back to Texas on a Sunday. I called him, and he came out to the truck stop where we were, installed the second new hose, and only charged me $25 for the hose and $45 for labor. He explained that he had already been paid for the original service call and did not want to charge me full cost.
It is rare to find an honest, hardworking man who is interested in helping folks instead of gouging them.
If you are traveling in the vicinity of mile marker 130 along Interstate 40 and break down on the road, you will be fortunate to be in his area. He is David Reed, Reed Truck and Trailer Repair, 17280 Birdsong Road, Holladay, TN 38341; (731) 441-4308.
Raul & Julia Villaronga, F371353
Killeen, Texas
Doggie Duty
Dear Editor:
I have noticed a problem that seems to be getting worse as the years pass. My wife and I have traveled extensively since 2004. We have a Maltese dog that has never been off her leash when traveling. We clean up after her by carrying bags with us.
The amount of dog waste we see at parks now that is not cleaned up by pet owners is a disgrace. I do not know how park management can police this, other than making sure when pet owners check in that they have the right tools for the job.
How do we get campers to care enough again to respect campgrounds and keep them clean and beautiful?
John Reutter, F413275
Kissimmee, Florida
Repair Recommendation
Dear Editor:
After experiencing many failures of DC electricity, AC electricity, or both in our 2006 Holiday Rambler Neptune, a Type A motorhome by Monaco, I visited Tiara RV Sales and Service in Elkhart, Indiana. The service manager, Scott, said he had eight years of experience with Monaco and his partner had 18 years of experience with Monaco, and he thought he could solve our problem.
He suggested we go to breakfast while he prepared a cost and time estimate. When we returned, he had corrected the issue. The wire to the solenoid had failed. He replaced that wire, charged us one hour labor, and sent us on our way.
I would like to recommend Scott at Tiara RV (3260 Cassopolis St., Elkhart, IN 46514; 866-880-3093; www.tiararvsales.com) for his excellent service.
Andrew Misovec, F386490
Marathon, Florida
Leak Fixed, Low Bill
Dear Editor:
After doing family research at the Russellville, Alabama, archives last March, we returned to our Winnebago Tour motorhome at Heritage Acres Campground in Tuscumbia, Alabama, to find water pouring out of every outside storage compartment. After I finally shut off the water, I found that a pipe behind the water pump had split, and the pump had been going full blast. I could see that the problem was beyond my expertise.
I called Jerry Hamm at Jerry’s Mobile RV Repair. After I described my problem, he offered to come by our location to take a look, but I decided to take our RV to his shop. Jerry personally diagnosed the problem and first attempted to replace the broken pipe with material and connections he had on hand. When he saw that he needed different kinds of fittings, he got in his truck and went looking for what he needed. After about an hour, Jerry returned with a handful of connections and fittings he had purchased at a plumbing supply store.
Within another 30 minutes or so, Jerry fixed the pipe and reassembled the pump attachments. The work was excellent and much better than the original setup. Judging from the water staining and condition of the original pipe, it may have been leaking from the time it left the factory.
I figured that I would be burning up my credit card, considering the amount of time required to fix this. But I got the bill and almost fainted: less than $100! After I caught my breath, I told Jerry I would have had to pay three or four hundred dollars at any shop in Houston, Texas, where we live. And I felt I owed him more money for all his trouble. He laughed and refused to increase his bill.
I was blessed in my adversity to have met a generous and skilled RV repair person named Jerry Hamm. He has a nice shop and office. Please pass on my sincere recommendation for Jerry’s Mobile RV Repair, 202 Gann Blvd., Tuscumbia, AL 35674; (256) 383-0074; www.jerrysmobilerv.com. And tell him Jerry DeFoor sent you.
Jerry DeFoor, F412911
Jersey Village, Texas
Camper’s Corral Cares
Dear Editor:
My wife and I left on a month-long trip on July 19 from Southern California to a lake in Northern California. We stopped for the night in Santa Nella along Interstate 5. When my wife went to pop out the bedroom slideout, it did not move. But the motor was spinning.
The next morning we were back on the road. Just past Sacramento, I noticed that the slideout looked to be about ½-inch ajar. I called a friend in Redding, and he told me about an RV repair shop in Red Bluff called Camper’s Corral. He made an appointment for me. As I turned right while driving toward the facility, the slideout came all the way out. I drove slowly the remaining 3/4-mile to Camper’s Corral.
The manager came out and asked me (with a laugh) why I was driving with my bedroom slideout open! Jeff, the technician, came out immediately and solved the problem: a broken drive bolt on the motor. He installed the new bolt and the problem was solved.
The bill was $37. They charged us only for the bolt and 20 minutes of labor. We were blown away. This repair facility is honest and has integrity and fair pricing. We would recommend Camper’s Corral (635 Antelope Blvd., Red Bluff, CA 96080; 530-527-7779) to any RVer living in the area or driving I-5.
Pete & Robin Merandi, F364004
Corona, California