Camper items I had to replace this year.

[tlhdoc]

This year has started out with one thing after another going wrong with the PU.  I try and take care of things before there is a problem, but this year that isn't working.  I had the bearings and brakes done in February.  I like to get it done when the dealer isn't busy.  Then I decided to get new tires before our first trip of the year.  So 2 new Duro tires before Easter.  When we arrived at the campground for the first outing of the year I found that the front shepherds pole was bent.  I don't know how I did that.  It lasted for the trip, but I ordered a replacement when we got home.  Now back to the new tires.  On the second trip it was discovered that one of the tires was bad and the tread came off.  Duro did replace it with out any hassles and I had the new tire in time for the next camping trip.  I was very happy with their customer service.  On the second trip I also had a lift cable break.  When my RV Dealer, Rhone's Travel Trailers, Cogan Station PA, check on the problem they also found that my main cable was frayed.  The cable replacements were covered under my original owners life time warranty and Rhone's worked me into their full service schedule so that I would have the PU back for our 3rd. trip of the year.  So off to New York with the new cables, new tire, new shepherds crook and when we set up the rear bed, you guessed it another problem.  The bungee cord from the rear bed was caught in the bed rail and the end was shredded.  On the second trip I was in a rush to popdown, because it started to rain and I had no way to popup the trailer with the busted lift cable at home, so I guess that is when the bungee cord got shredded.  The shredded bungee cord is just a minor problem, although I don't know how much trouble I will have threading new bungee through the tenting.  At the campground I attached the bungee cord on most of the bed, but left the shredded end unattached.  I sure hope that this run of problems is over now and that the rest of the camping season goes with out a problem.

I want to add a spec thank you to MTNDAVE, Wynot, Andym86, Copcarguy, HersheyGirl and their families for their help in getting me through the weekend with the busted lift cable.  Without their help I wouldn't have been able to camp on that trip.  COTOC came to my rescue on that trip.

[brainpause]

Tracy, Sorry for all the problems you've had. It is frustrating, but it gives you an excuse to go camping! ("I'm stressed from all the breakage! Let's go camping!")

Depending on exactly how your canvas and bungee cords are done, might I suggest a coat hanger, bent at the tip so it won't puncture the canvas. Attach (with electrical/duct tape) one end of the new bungee cord, and pull through.

Another way to do this is to attach the tip of the new cord to the end of the old one, and pull it through. Maybe that will help.

Larry

[jstaddwtr]

Tracy,

You handle problems so well.  Must be all that Girl Scout Training!!!!!!!
Sorry to hear about all the issues that have come up....but at least it happened at the beginning of the year.  Hope to see you sometime this year!  Good Luck!

[DiW]

Tracy,
Let's hope the Memorial Day trip goes well (I won't say without a hitch).

I can't wait, since I've missed the last 2 trips. Right now I'm stranded home without a car (Courtney took it to Six Flags & the boys are at the Y) so I'm headed out to the popup to read. I'm telling anyone who asks that I'm going out there to organize and clean  .
Diane

[chasd60]

Tracy,
 
I think you had all of these problems because you "USE" your camper. There are many popups out there that are 20-30 years old and have less miles then you have. I guess the fact that you had them all in one camping season is the real problem.
 
The memories you have will outweigh the problems before you know it if they don't already.
 
Charlie

[copcarguy]

Tracy - no need to thank us - that's what we're here for!!  I just want to give you credit...  If my roof collapsed, and then I noticed my tire was shredded I think I would've set the PU on fire.  That would've been our campfire for the evening.  You reacted so calmly and still had a smile on for the rest of that trip.  I am just glad that no one was inside the PU when that roof went down!  I had NO idea how much they weighed and how much force they packed when coming down.  I promise I will never say "Tracy, that side isn't going up as fast as this side" again.  :eyecrazy:  I am glad that your PU was done in time for the North Lake trip.

Di - never say "without a hitch" because as we all know, having a hitch is an essential part of owning a PU.  A hitch that is also securely attached to your tow vehicle is another key aspect of PU ownership.  :p   BTW, we missed you the past two trips!

[OC Campers]

I know how you feel, my trailer is three years old and I've had to fix several pesky little things this year. The abs lid for my front storage lid broke right where the latch connects.A slide for my bed support broke, still waiting for a part to get that done. I noticed cracking in my front abs panels, I expect to use a fiberglass repair kit from the inside to try and patch that. If not I'll evenually be buying a front abs panel. The list goes on but I won't.
 
Bottom line is when you own an RV, even just a tent trailer you have to feed it!
 
Randy