Lucy and I decided that of all the RV’s we have owned in the past, a Roadtrek would be best for our future travel plans. Fully self-contained, good gas mileage and easy to drive and park. With that thought in mind I began my search… In the past I have had excellent results both buying and selling on EBay. This time was a little different. I bought a “Pig in a poke” and some problems ensued…

I bought the Roadtrek “Sight unseen”. The few photos on the ad looked okay. The seller said she didn’t know much about the RV. She had taken it as payment on some land. I flew from Fort Myers to Kentucky to take delivery. She had dropped off the RV at the airport so we never met. I got the key from the parking attendant and stepped aboard.

It looked good inside, but nothing worked. Generator would not turn over, no water flow from the on-board 12 volt pump, Fedders air-conditioner was in pieces and none of the interior lights would come on. No pump meant no toilet flushing. I started the engine to begin my 1200 mile trip back to Florida and it ran smooth. Smooth but VERY loud (more on the LOUD later). Ready to pull out of the airport I switched the dash-air to “MAX” and waited for the ice-cold air to begin cooling my body and the rest of the interior. You guessed it – NO COLD AIR. Oh well… The stereo sounded great, the power windows went right down and off I went. Still happy, but somewhat disappointed…

I had gotten a late start, was driving an unknown vehicle, so I  planned a short first day. I pulled into a “JIffy Lube” and had an oil change and lube. While I was there I had all tire pressure checked; rear 80 psi Front 55 psi. The wiper blades were shot, so I had them replaced as well. (As it turned out, that was a great decision) Off I went in search of a convenient campground for my first overnight stop. There were very few (none) on my route until I finally approached a motel with RV spaces next door. I rented a shady spot (no air-conditioning) plugged in my power cord and got ready to enjoy my first night in “Voyageur”. There was a nice restaurant just across the street so I splurged on a nice meal. I was wide awake from nervous energy, first-night jitters and an unfamiliar bed. Oh yes… I also missed my Lucy. I finally fell asleep lulled by the sound of the diesel trucks roaring by on the Interstate…

Up with the chickens I resumed my trip. Quick stop for some hot coffee and I prepared to enjoy the winding, narrow, undulating roads, that took me on the back roads leading to Cumberland Falls State Park – Gorgeous! I stopped in the park and enjoyed a very relaxing hour long hike along the Cumberland River. The falls were spectacular… Turned out my “peaceful”, meandering ride was about to come a little less “peaceful”…

CLANK, BANG, RRRRRROAR!

What the heck happened? I looked in my rear-view mirror, as I began slowing down and saw bits and pieces of my exhaust system, skidding and sparking, as it slid down the pavement behind me, spewing dust particles everywhere… (Never buy a pig in a poke) Well, guess that explains why she sounded a little loud, when I first started her up. A quick search on my Android phone and my GPS brought me to a nearby muffler shop. Turned ot the had an open bay and the took me right in for repairs. Brand new everything and the total was $374.00 and only an hour lost… The mechanic even welded a new bracket on my broken generator exhaust and was kind enough to show me exactly what he meant when he said “She’s rusted all to HELL under here!. You got BIG problems!” Turns out……. he was exactly right…

My propane system has been totally compromised by rust (Never buy a pig in a poke). The replacement system; storage tank, brackets, regulator, valve, hoses and fittings, will cost me around six hundred dollars.

“While yer down here, take a look at this…”  (Never buy a pig in a poke) He said “No wonder yer genny won’t crank, she’s rusted all to HELL!” Sound familiar? Looks like another grand for a new gennerator too… And…. I a STILL happy I bought this Roadtrek…

I finally resumed my trip still hot, windows open but a whole lot quieter. As I drove along I did a lot of thinking and planning about how I would complete (and pay for) each of the many repairs. I drove until I was just too tired to continue and after a light dinner in a truck stop diner, shut her down in the parking lot and spent a fitful night. I wanted to be home and back with my Lucy. As I said my evening prayers I prayed, “Please Lord no more surprises. Just get me home safe.” I kept remembering what my mom used to say “Cheer up. It could be worse.” Turned out she was right…

I cheered up- it got WORSE…

Continued in part-two “It’s gonna cost how much!!!”

Cheers, Spokesman Dave