How to Gauge Your Mechanical Ability

Saturday, Dec 26th, 2016

Any normal Saturday you can find a mechanic or too today. But since it was Christmas Eve, no one was working! Luckily, Parts stores were working and can run diagnostics to see what the problem is. They helped Tony determine it was the Coolant Temperature Sensor, and sold him the part. Now to replace it! His mechanic friend sent him a picture and told him it was fairly easy to do, so Tony decided to tackle it.

And, to someone with a little more experience in automotive workings, it might have been a 30 minute fix. We hummed and hawed over things mainly because we didn't know what to expect. We knew done coolant would come out, but how much? The instructions found by googling said to drain some fluid beforehand, which was a complicated process. Instead, we opted to prepare for a leak and make the switch quickly.

Removing and replacing the sensor turners our not too hard to do, but the torque wrench failed to stop us from over-torquing the threads and snapping the part in two! So off to the auto parts store I went this time to get another part. Second time went better and soon Tony had it back together and good to go. So it takes at least 3 trips to the auto store (one for diagnostic, one for parts you don't have after decided to do it yourself, one to replace parts you broke) to work on a vehicle!!

We loaded up and hit the road much later than planned, about 2:15, but still with time to make it to our planned destination, Amarillo. We drove half of it in the dark if Christmas Eve, but that was ok. Tomorrow was going to be a very windy day and not good for traveling. I'm reminded of Mary and Joseph and their adventures that day/evening before the baby Jesus was born!

We had absolutely no issues with the coolant sensor on our trip to Amarillo, and arrived about 8:30pm. -- then got settled in for the cold weather coming.

Back to Cisco and Wacky Gauge!

Friday  Dec 23rd, 2016

Today we packed up and hit the road back to Cisco, mainly to unload some more things at the warehouse and drop off my car.

As we were headed down the road about 30 minutes, we got into some slow traffic. (I following Tony in the car),Tony called and  mentioned that the engine coolant temperature light had come on and gave a warning,and the gauge was acting squirrely,  so we pulled off to see what it was.

We managed to find a community park where we could pull over and check things out. There was no evidence of a problem with the engine or coolant, and the error and wacky gauge antics had disappeared. We decided to keep going.

We had other issues, and made it back safe and sound, set up again in our home park.

After we set up we decided to run to Eastland for dinner and to get the mail. Again, the gauge acted strange and flashed a warning. Now we were concerned! We did some research and found out it could be a sensor problem, so Tony decided to get it looked at in the morning. Hopefully an easy fix.

Pre-Christmas Christmas And Dish on Top

Thursday, Dec 22, 2016

Earlier in the week, it was cold, windy and un-fun for trailer projects, so Tony and his dad went to the Casino in Durant. No big winnings this time, but they had a good time. Then they got to rescue Tony's mom from the dealership, where she had to be towed when their other car broke down. At least they got to spend time together!

Tony also ran up to our storage units and get our skiwear and check on things. He also did our Christmas shopping and get things ready for our PreChristmas Christmas with the Dorsey's and Lindsey's, in the rally hall at the RV park.

Our Little Christmas Tree  (Tony enjoying hot chocolate)

Wednesday and Thursday, weather was good enough to conquer the Satellite dish! Tony had help getting the dish on the roof of the slide, but other than that he did it all himself. The Big Country is prewired for the Satrllite, which makes it much easier. It's locating the wires in the ceiling and securing everything, then hooking it all up properly. He said it still took a million trips up and down the ladder, but he got it done. ;)

Thursday was my last day at the Dallas job, so I had loaded all my stuff the night before and that morning. I got to the park about 6:15pm.

We had a great get together with Tony's family and my folks, with good food, and a gift exchange. At 9, we wrapped up and all headed our separate ways. Tomorrow, we start our journey to the slopes!

Outrunning a cold front

Saturday-Sunday, Dec 18-19, 2016

Friday, I left work a little early so I could get to Cisco and we could start packing the rig for travel. We had originally booked to arrive on Sunday at Bluebonnet Ridge RV Resort in Terrell, but because of the cold front they was coming, we decided to head out a day sooner. Luckily, the park had room for us. We had some chores to do to narrow down some of our stuff for travel, and take some of it to the mini warehouse, as well as pick up a few things from there as well. We also took our extra propane tank, because we will need it for our colder trip weather!

This was also the first trip with a few items Santa brought early. We have a new Furrion Rear View camera on the back of the rig. Our Big Country came pre-wired for this, so it was simply plug and play. We did however decide to upgrade the antenna to a stronger one that an HOC forum member had recommended. Tony said it worked great! He could easily see what was in his blind spot on the passenger side before changing lanes!  Whohoo!

Camera with upgraded antenna

View inside the truck

A few other upgrades include a King digital antenna, keyless slam baggage doors and a Winegard Satellite for the roof. We've been getting these items the pat few weeks so he has high hopes for this Christmas break to get some things done.

We got going about 1:15, and made good time through DFW. -- but we didn't beat the front. It was already 56 and dropping, with a bitter wind blowing! We got set up as quick as possible.

Sunday was cold and somewhat drizzly, so we mostly stayed put.Tony got our propane tanks filled, and ran some errands. I headed back to the apt for work.

Thankful for all families!

Thursday, Nov. 22nd-Saturday, Nov. 24th

Thanksgiving, we met our family at  Luby's cafeteria. Last year we had trouble getting into the restaurant and waited over an hour to get through the line. This year we decided to be there at 10:30 AM, and they opened at 11.  At 10:45 they started letting us in. We had a great meal and visiting with our family. After lunch we headed back to the rig, took an afternoon nap, and then settled in to watch the Cowboys play. They are on a win streak!! It's great to watch good pro football again.

Friday,  I worked some, and Tony ran some errands and checked on our storage buildings. We got our Christmas plans worked out with the park. For dinner, we met my folks at El Chico in Rockwall.

Saturday, we packed up and headed back to Cisco. I followed in the car. It sure seems to take longer when you're only going 60-65, vs 70-75!

We got set up with our heated hose and insulated the faucet, and settled in somewhat. Tony had picked up Pops Chicken in Terrell on Friday, so we had leftovers.

Saturday, we found out Heartland friends, David and Donna would be passing through our neck of the woods, so we agreed to meet them for lunch at Shannon's Burger Barn on Sunday. We had a real nice time visiting. David retired earlier this year, they sold their house and have been traveling all over the US, including parts of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Wyoming, Oregon, California, Nevada, Colorado and back to Texas.

After our lunch we parted ways and then I had to head back to work in Dallas.

Trip to visit and Upgrades

Sunday, November 20th, 2016

I've been working in Dallas for a customer, so Sunday I was back home to help Tony pack up the Mammoth to head to visit family.

We pulled out about 1:20pm, and I followed in the SUV. The trip was uneventful, thank goodness. We each listened to an exciting Dallas Cowboys football game on the radio.

We got to the park about 4:30, and got set up. Originally, we had planned to depart on Thursday because we anticipated the Cisco Loboes would advance in the football playoffs another week and we would be heading to a game Friday. Well, unfortunately, the Loboes were defeated, and now our Friday was free to stay longer. We talked to the park about extending our stay,  but we couldn't at the moment due to another guest that was having rig problems and could not move on yet. Hopefully, that would change, and they would let us know if it did.

Set up at Bluebonnet Ridge RV Resort, Terrell, TX

After setting up, I had to get back to the place I've been staying so I could get some work done for my freelance customers, so I left (it's about a 45 min drive away from the RV park.)

Monday, Nov. 21st to Wednesday Nov. 23, 2016

These days I was working, so Tony was left to his own devices. 

We bought a Toilet from another Heartlander in Oregon, about a month ago. Why, you ask? Who would buy a used toilet??? Well, it wasn't actually USED. PJ had bought it and tried to install it, only to find out he could not because the flange on the floor was too close to the wall for the new toilet to fit. He tried to sell it for a few months, with no takers. He even hauled it from Oregon to Las Vegas, NV for the Heartland Owners Club Rally, but had no takers. He dropped the price from $225 down to $200, then $175, then $150, to $100... So I decided to take him up on it. Even with shipping, I would definitely come out ahead. However, our trusty Heartland family came through... Nancy and Dave were returning from the rally, and they had room to fit it in. So it came with them back to Texas. Nancy and Dave stopped off in Cisco and dropped it off. We just have not had time to install it yet. 

But why change out a 10-month-old toilet? Well, if you recall, we switched out our toilet on the ElkRidge in July before we sold it in January. This is the same toilet. The Dometic 320, which is a more residential style and shape. Our original toilet in this rig was a Thetford, and they are known for developing leaks or sticking valves that can cause floods. Plus, the plastic seat was already starting to mis-shape . We considered pulling our  Dometic 320 from the ElkRidge and swapping it when we traded, but decided to wait and see if we liked the standard one. We did not!

We brought the toilet along with us from Cisco (we had been storing it in our  storage building), and Tony set out to find parts needed to connect the water line. We wanted to do a flexible hose, since the location of the original toilet connection was different from this one. He went to Home Depot and the local plumbing supply, and thought he had what he needed. However, once dry-fitting the pieces, he felt the connections were not secure. So he opted to reuse the connection from the previous, and use some Sharkbite elbows to reposition the connection. We also added a cut-off valve, for a "just in case" scenario.

Tuesday, Tony spent the day with his dad, so no toilet work this day!

Wednesday, the toilet install was completed.

It fits perfectly! See how close it is to the wall? PJ, who sold us the toilet, was not able to fit the toilet there because the floor flange was too close to the wall in his Bighorn.

A Heartland Camp-Out

Wednesday, September 28th

Since Tony did not have a football game this week, we planned to have a Heartland "Camp-Out" for our Heartland family. A Camp-out is far less "scheduled" than a rally, with no set events.

Since many of the "usual suspects" would be on their way to the National Rally in Las Vegas, we did not expect a large turnout. I reserved 5 extra sites at Lake Brownwood State Park.

We had 3 other couples plan to attend, plus one that had to back out a week before due to health issues.

We originally planned for arrival on Thursday, but realized all the others would likely get there before us. So we instead planned to get there on Wednesday, after school. One other couple also decided to arrive on Wednesday.

We decided since Tony would have to drive back and forth for two days, we'd also take my car, so I would not be stranded there.

Luckily, the workload today was not too bad, and I had the rig ready to go when Tony got home. We got on the road about 5PM, and got to the park about 5:45.

Tony towing the BC Mammoth

Tony  towing the BC Mammoth

Ted and Dee were already there, but they were out and about when we arrived. They got back about the time we were almost finished setting up outside.

We visited a bit, then decided to eat and visit tomorrow, since we were all tired from the drive.

Thursday,  September 29th

Today, Tony headed off to work at dark-thirty, and I got up about 7:30 and got dressed and set out our wooden sign and the Heartland banner. 

Then I visited briefly with Ted, and then went to work (in our rig.) Luckily the park  had good AT&T 4GLTE coverage. There was a  Park provided free wifi available, but I could not get it to work with my secure router, so I just used my own device.

I worked until about noon, ate lunch, and went out and visited a bit more. About 1:30, Jeff and Lisa arrived, and so we welcomed them and let them get set up. Back to work I went.

About 3:30, Malcolm and Val arrived, so again, I went out to say hi and let them get settled, then back to work.

Tony got home about 5:30, and we ate, then went out to visit with folks. We all gathered around Ted & Dee's where they had a fire going. There was a gorgeous sunset, and we took a few pics from Jeff & Lisa's site.  It was really nice!

Panorama from the backside of Jeff & Lisa's site

Sunset

enjoying the warmth of the fire (it was a little chilly!)

visiting around the glow of the campfire

One thing we noticed out here at Lake Brownwood State Park was how bright the stars were! Malcolm took this long exposure pic, and shared with us.

Friday, September 30th

Today Tony again left to go to work, and between my own work I visited with folks throughout the day, off and on. 

The weather was perfect for this Camp-out! Highs in the 80s, and lows in the 60s.

Most folks took time to explore the area and/or run errands, go fishing, go hiking, etc.

pics of the attendees 

My view while I work

Cats getting to look out the screen door, thanks to the wonderful weather!

Friday night, we agreed to get together to cook out and have a potluck. Everyone brought something to grill or eat -- we had plenty of food including monster cookie dip, cake balls, burgers and hot dogs, dips, chips and potato salad, just to name a few. We had  a good meal, and hung out visiting until about 8pm.

Having a great meal with great Heartlanders!

(Ted took these two pics, I borrowed them.)

Not a great pic, but everyone was sitting under Ted's canopy, lighted with rope lights.

Saturday, October 1st

Today, we got up and got moving, started visiting with folks about 10. We planned to gather at 11:15 to head in to the town of  Brownwood, to eat at Underwood's BBQ/Cafeteria. Started in the 30s, this restaurant is a family run business that feels like stepping back in time. It is cafeteria style, with all the veggies and cobbler and rolls you can eat! YUM! I always get full and never go back for seconds. 

Caravan to the restaurant in Brownwood -- our SUV, 2 Duallies and a motorcycle.

Everyone seemed to enjoy it and we had a great time visiting some more.

After lunch, we all went our own way to explore or go back to the park. Tony and I ran some errands, then went back to the park. 

I did some work, Tony took a nap. We went out and did some more visiting, and decided to take our group picture while there was still daylight. Thanks to Malcolm and his camera, tripod and timer!

We all decided to do their own dinner. No one was really overly hungry after the large lunch!

We had a knock at the door a little after we had finished eating, and it was Malcolm and Valerie with a jump drive holding the pics Malcolm had taken. We sat and talked for a while so I could copy the images over,  then we decided to look around to see if anyone else was outside. 

Ted had a fire going, but we found them on Jeff & Lisa's back deck visiting. We all joined them, each couple telling more Heartland and travel stories. About 9, we all decided to head home. We all have to pack up and get going  tomorrow.

Sunday, October 2nd

Today, we got going fairly quickly since we knew folks would be leaving and wanted to say our last good-byes.

About 9:30, we went out to visit with folks that were packing up and we made sure to visit with all of them before they hit the road throughout the morning. We were the last to pack up, as we didn't have as far to go. We ate lunch, then We ran up to the Park office and renew our Texas Parks Pass, since it expired in September, and it was now October. (They could not renew it before it expired!)

Eileen at Lake Brownwood State Park, Brownwood, TX

A view of our Torklift Glowstep Revolution steps, which were a big hit with folks that came to see our rig.

We hit the road about 1:30, and made it back about 2:30. We had no issues getting back into our exact position and setting up.Before extending the slides,   we put our new tire covers on the tires and also the valve extension on the spare, so we can check the air in it easier.

By the time for the Cowboy game started at 3:35, we were set to watch!

All in all, a great trip to visit our Heartland family, and spend time relaxing at Lake Brownwood State Park.