bee_46
Jarrettsville, Md
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Joined: 02/03/2005
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When we went in 2005 the only problem we had was a flat tire in Ohio on the way out. I can understand the need for the basic extra parts when with a caravan. As someone already mentioned, they have a schedule to keep and they will not wait for you. If you have the basic parts handy, you can repair and be on your way quickly. I believe they have folks along who will help with simple repairs. We had no other problems, but we were driving a brand new tow vehicle, so the hoses and belts were in excellent shape. When we go this year we will make sure the tires are new on both the TV and trailer, and check the hoses and belts on the TV which is now three years old.
We travel on our own so we have no schedule to keep.
Bobbie
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DianeinAZ
Arizona
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Joined: 07/09/2005
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Wow, that's great. .thanks so much for all the feedback. I was thinking there is no way I am putting in an oil filter, fuel filter, etc. but see your point in having them rather than wait for 'on order'. Guess my real quandry at this time is the spare tire. My RV is a 24' class C and comes with no spare and no jack. . .also no place to put a spare. . .yea, I know, buyer beware !!
Guess I will have to take my chances as to watching the caraven head out while I wait for spare tire to arrive by bus. . .I am not taking my toad with me but have previously bought a mounted spare for that as it came with the "donut" (what a waste those are).
Thanks again, I really do love this forum and all the great answers.
Diane
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Gale Hawkins
Murray, KY
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Joined: 07/22/2007
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Some put a mounted spare under the bed in such cases. There should be someone with an impact wrench and jack.
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snail
south west Florida
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Joined: 08/22/2003
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Put the spare on the roof. In 2005 we needed 3 spares. Luckly we had taken one. used the first in fort nelson, the second in Fairbanks area and 3rd on the way home in Alabama. Only started with one but replaced it each time. The tires were less than a year old when we left. Luckly, ours was a common size. Have talked to some who waited for 3 days.
Had to have the clutch replaced on our towed in Whitehorse. Spent a week waiting on parts. Yes, it happened on Thursday. Canadians have different holidays than we do in US. They had to order the part and the weekend was a holiday. Monday they were closed.
We will always carry spare filters, a spare tire, belts and hoses. Just too cheap not to and let our trip be ruined. We are retired and have the time but who wants to spend a week waiting on a part in who knows where. Just one tank of bad diesel or gas can really ruin your day (week).
good luck on whatever you decide.
DRIVE A 2001 NEWMAR DUTCH STAR WITH 330 HP CUMMINS AND TOW A RANGER 4X4. TRAVEL WITH SPOUSE AND PET TINKER BELL OUR CORGIE.
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Vaultman
Greenwood,La, USA
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Joined: 01/13/2004
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I carried a full spare( Not doughnut). Glad I did, had a flat in the middle of no where. Better safe that sorry.
Larry Richardson
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DianeinAZ
Arizona
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Joined: 07/09/2005
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OK, I'm convinced. Bought spare parts yesterday. Now have to figure out how to get mounted spare in/on camper. Water tank under the bed, no outside bins large enough. . . how to put on roof?
Perhaps I should move this question to Class C, Winnebagos. . .I can't be the first person with this problem.
Thanks again !!! Diane
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aksnowman
Eagle River Alaska
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Joined: 01/28/2006
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Check for after market bumper bolt on tire holders. I have seem these mounted on front or back. A big hint on the tires is keep the pressure right. My wife's car had a flat a while ago and she drove on it. The tire appeared good but when we pulled it off the rim the sidewalls had detireiated. The same can happen with low tire pressure. A quick check of the tires by hand works IF you don't have a gage or need to be quick, feel for hot tires; the low presure creates friction that becomes heat. I have found a tire low before by identifying the odd hot tire.
AK Snowman
Eagle River AK
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flylipsdaddy
Michigan
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Joined: 03/25/2008
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Everytime we stop for fuel, I get out and put my hand on the tires to feel the temp,only takes a second.If one is hotter,usually means its a little low,also a walk around at every stop usually catches anything thats about to fall off.A good way to stretch your legs too!! also,if its full on air,it might be a bearing or brake draggin and you can catch it before you get out in the boonies.I hate workin on the side of the road.Spare parts?? Aint spare if ya gotta use em anyway.Take em along.
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aksnowman
Eagle River Alaska
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Joined: 01/28/2006
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Great point about the bearings, I have adjusted bearings on the road before because the hubs were warm. Would not recommend this to just everyone, I had just repacked the bearings and knew I could back them off. Older bearings, with failing roller pins of ball bearings will heat up too, sometimes they can weld themselves to the axle. In the past I have installed greasable hubs on my trailers and keep a grease gun with me just to give a squirt occasionally. Only time I left it behind was passing thru Canada and NYC (LOL).
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