Even at lower elevation, temperatures dropping caused me more than one desert dilemma beyond being cold.
My first desert dilemma was the seemingly abandoned and broken trailer near where I decided to camp causing me to wonder if I should even park there. I have camped in this area before. Two days later, after dark, some noisy truck towed it away. Sadly, they left trash behind, lots of it. I had considered doing a video of the trailer and mess. This, is one of the reasons public land management agencies use to close dispersed camping. If we can’t take care of the land, we’ll loose the right to visit.
Halloween caused no desert dilemma without trick or treaters, not even on the trail-cam. Good thing, as I had no candy. When I grew up, Halloween was mostly a community holiday, dressing up and joining local friends to beg from the neighbors. Community is different now with many not even knowing their neighbors. I don’t socialize with neighbors, if I can even see them often just due to distance. Maybe your community is closer knit. Much of my community is visited online, here on the blog, social media, and now YouTube who recently opened a Community option to my young channel. I’m still trying to figure out how it works, and think many others are also. My interpretation of the Geogypsy Community is a tribe of like minded people who enjoy communicating. I posted a video about it here, and put up a short poll here that got one response in 11 days. I guess my community isn’t very big, yet.
The Congress camp community has nearby human-dug waterholes for livestock so I figured that would bring in more than just cattle. I set the trail-cam pointed at said waterhole but other than cows, seems only quick moving birds or bats triggered it after dark. That felt like a desert dilemma as water usually draws wildlife.
Sunsets frequently cause the desert dilemma of which way to look because it’s 360°, especially at the end of an otherwise gray cloudy day.
And I do love clouds, but gray days mean less solar charging and that causes a desert dilemma because I live off-grid and rely on my camper battery to operate lights, start the fridge, and charge phone and laptop. A drive 20 minutes each way to Wickenburg helped charge the “house” battery. Yet after every stop in town I noticed the solar controller flashing “b01”, an error warning for very low or dead battery. My cheap battery tester indicated the one-year-old battery was good. Lights worked, fridge lit, and phone charged. Now what? I checked fuses and wiggled wires which solved the error, briefly. Loose wires are always a nightmare. Being I had an appointment for an oil change in two days at B&B Automotive just five miles from my Congress camp I figured to let them solve this desert dilemma.
And enjoyed another night of gorgeous sunset.
Except the next day was raining with awesome cloud shows and most of my desert dilemma was which way to look and point the camera.
While it rained I set the phone on tripod in the camper door with my drape over it to keep the rain out and Sierra in. I took some awesome time-lapse and shared a video here.
In between rain drops I was in and out of the camper all day taking photos.
Sunset was no slouch either.
Friday morning I got packed and ready to roll for that oil change. The shop called to say I could come in before my 11:30am appointment. Oh boy, stop at the dump on the way and get rid of a week’s worth of garbage for $1. But the truck wouldn’t start, as in dead batteries. No problem, I put the handy jumper on it and waited 30 minutes. Truck still wouldn’t start. Now that’s a desert dilemma. Called the shop and they eventually sent a mechanic out but his larger jumper still wouldn’t start the truck. Only five miles from the shop but I’d have to get a tow. My first thought was the old fashioned way of finding a BIG truck and pulling my unit with a chain, but now days that means the driveshaft would have to be dropped. It was just a thought.
Wild horses
Being the shop is closed on weekends I figured the tow could wait until Monday morning. I’d rather stay in my pretty camp than a parking lot over the weekend.
Started by calling a couple tow companies in the closest town of Wickenburg and several didn’t have a truck big enough to tow my truck with the camper on it. No way the camper would be coming off. It’s a pain to come off and on, plus I couldn’t abandon it on public land with Sierra inside. I finally called Good Sam Road Care Assistance. I’ve paid for this service almost 20 years and thankfully only used it about seven times. One tow pays for all. But they are a pain in ass to deal with. Last call years ago the lady I spoke to in Georgia didn’t even know what state the Grand Canyon is in. Duh! This lady in Illinois at least found me on maps but didn’t know what a “slide-in cabover truckcamper” is or what is boondocking/dispersed camping/off grid. I recommended she ask for better training from Good Sam and tried to educate her. I also gave her the name and number of the nearest tow company with a truck big enough that could find me. But no, Good Sam has their system, a rather screwed up system. She tried several tow companies out of the Phoenix area (two hours away) but when I followed up they couldn’t tow my truck with the camper on. But finally found one and I scheduled the tow for Monday morning, when I would get a text conformation. I have heard many horror stories from RVers about both Good Sam and AAA. They will get to you, eventually.
Painted Lady well camouflaged
With that done I had the whole weekend to just enjoy the sunny desert.
Except, the solar controller still indicated a dead house battery. Could there be a correlation? While driving the truck should help charge the house battery, but it shouldn’t deplete that battery. Oh well, everything was working so I falsely assumed it was the controller and not the battery.
I spent most of the weekend reading and outdoors soaking up the sun watching my world. Plus I ate a little extra ice cream just in case the fridge stopped lighting.
And I watched for the rise of the almost full moon over the Weaver Mountains.
By Sunday night I had no interior lights, dead laptop battery, and low phone battery. But I’d be OK because my tow would come Monday morning. Except for yet another desert dilemma. Morning text from Good Sam listed a tow company that couldn’t tow my truck. I lost my patience and vented on Face Book tagging Good Sam and within 30 minutes they responded and we were private messengering with much better service than the phone call. After several more tries they finally enlisted a company from the Phoenix area and it would be two more hours before they’d get to me. I talked the driver into my rather remote location, but only about one mile off SR89 pavement. Poor guy was way out of his element.
Sadly, my truck couldn’t be pulled onto the tipped tow truck bed without tearing off the back of the camper. I had thought that would be a problem. But before just putting the front wheels up only a bit instead the driver hooked up his mega jumper, and the truck started. Yea! He followed me the five miles to the repair shop where I had to buy two new truck batteries. And OUCH, have they gotten expensive! They also charged my house battery up to 85%. No time for an oil change and a reschedule would be two weeks out. Not happening.
With the fridge back on I went back to the same camp to watch the moon for a couple more nights. And maybe the lunar eclipse.
But that night I woke up feeling nauseous and lost dinner into a waste basket. Trust me, you don’t want to pray to a RV toilet. And maybe not eat ice cream right on top of lemon chicken. So no lunar eclipse and Tuesday was a down day. Except for a cloudy full moon rise.
Rained over night but not enough to flood, which can be a desert dilemma. Woke to an amazing sunrise followed by heavy clouds and more rain that was suppose to clear before noon. So I waited until around 10am to roll on to Quartzsite.
Did rain a bit in between bursts of sunshine causing me to pull over twice to photograph the rainbows.
Exit 19 off Interstate 10 to Quartzsite
Actually bought diesel for under $5/gal in Quartzsite.
This is not Gus
Went to Solar Bill, met the new owner Gus, and bought yet another battery, this time for the camper to solve that desert dilemma. Come to find out all the employees stayed on when the business sold. It’s a good outfit.
Old aerial of Shady Lane hanging in laundry room
Then went to Shady Lane RV Park for the night (320° video of camp site) to take care of other chores. Bonus, got to see Finius and Breezy on their last day at the park they just sold.
Because I solved the current desert dilemmas, I took off to an absolutely favorite BLM camp with views of mountains all around because it is not a dilemma to be in the desert. Enjoy that camp video here which almost catches me up to real time. Except for writing about the train ride which I’m still working on.
Camp Congress bumper collection
Please join the Geogypsy Community on YouTube for more real-time updates. Subscribe and get notifications.
Order Geogypsy 2023 Calendars while they’re still available.
Lead acid batteries are the least understood and maintained vehicle component. The operative word is ‘maintained’.
Often on a dual battery system typical of diesel engines, it is one of two fuses on the hot/positive lead/cable to the battery ‘isolater’ that fail, not the battery(s). Unscrupulous service people often replace the fuse and sell you two new batteries which should also be replaced in ‘like’ pairs. A blown fuse can result in one battery not being charged.
Note; Even if you needed new batteries, did the fuses get checked? You can go quite a while on one new battery while the other is out of service because it is not connected to the system due to a blown fuse and not being charged.
Many new cars also have a fuse between the battery and the electrical supply system and typically located at the input or fuse block terminal at the main fuse block. This fuse or fusible cube is not often recognizable and if located has to be examined carefully to see if the fuse is blown. Other procedures/electrical testing with a multimeter can be used determine if a main fuse/fusible link/cube fuse is no longer viable. And, no power available anywhere past the fuse block is a good indicator of a blown terminal fuse.
Deep discharges are very hard on batteries and can reduce battery service life substantially. Battery ‘maintainers’/trickle chargers greatly increase battery life. Unsealed wet cell batteries should be checked at least twice a year for fluid level. Batteries should be topped off with with distilled water for batteries not for your coffee pot. There is a difference as it is deionized not just demineralized.
With careful maintenance, I typically get 8-10 years of battery life. My nearly 30-year old Miata is just this summer on its third battery which includes the original battery.
Thanks for all that, mostly over my head, and why I pay someone to take care of it. This truck is certainly not new, 2005/06.
After “all that ” I went back to the issue of why the tow companies ‘jumper box’ didn’t start the vehicle. I should have assuming it was properly charged and in good condition. The possible reason it didn’t was the choice of battery to hook the cables to. If that batteries fuse was bad it would do nothing. The Power transmission would be cut off due to the line interruption by the bad fuse. The truck might crank, but only on the battery with a good fuse and it would not get any power from the jumper box through the bad connection.
Jumper cables normally should be attached to the main/starter battery(no.1) The one with the heavier cables and at the distribution terminal and a remote ground and not the battery posts.
Sometimes it is the second battery ‘starting assist’ circuitry in the Isolater that has failed combined with a deficient main/starter battery. It all depends on the dual battery circuitry which can vary.
Bottom line… Never assume it is the battery, especially when two are employed and check the viability of all related components. A fix(two new bats) may not be what you think it is or hoped for. Batteries may not be the issue or the only issue. Two new batteries may not be the long term fix.
Battery maintainers/trickle chargers are good investment and a quarter of the cost, or less, of one good battery and greatly increase battery life when effectively employed.
The truck didn’t even crank. Would you like to come take care of this for me please? I don’t speak the language beyond battery.
“The truck didn’t even crank.” Very suspicious. You may be running on one battery only.
I would check the Fuses between the batteries and the dual battery isolator. Better yet. Replace both of them.
I still don’t know what you’re talking about. I replaced both batteries.
A stunning set of photos great sunsets, the moon and rainbows and the Painted Lady. Glad you got the battery sorted out but it seems it was no simple job to get there.
Have a good week, take care, hugs from us both Diane and Nigel.
Thanks. Even with all the headaches, the views were breathtaking.
Boy can I empathize here with the tow truck dilemma. Winnona had her first one ever this past June. So glad you didn’t have to do it. You had to do new batteries, I had to do new tires lately. Whichever, it is costly. But you have a great attitude and the pictures here are fantastic as usual. The rainbows, moons and butterfly. You are definitely in beautiful spots.
Thanks. Breakdowns are never fun no matter what and with our older units, well… I haven’t driven enough miles to do tires lately, but it’s coming. Could have been worse.
Desert dilemmas. Sounds like could be a remake of The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly. Glad your worries are resolved. YAY at least for the power of Facebook to get some attention for your needs!! Beautiful desertscapes as always and a bonus with wild horses and Painted Lady.
LOL, didn’t think of the dilemmas that way. I will forever use FB to get attention from companies in the future. Thanks. Sure glad I was in a pretty place.
The cloud photos and rainbows and sunsets are spectacular as always. Enjoyed reading about the “dilemmas” in the midst of all those great photos. Batteries, tires, towing, all a reality in the RV life whether full-timing or just doing long trips, or even short ones. It was interesting reading about tires in someone else’s blog, with new rigs getting crappy tires and the need to swap out the tires after you buy a 2023 truck. Really??? and batteries?? geez. For us who knows what the overheating thing is, but Mo did a bunch of stuff and hoping the problem is solved. I must say I applaud your life in the desert, but at the moment am grateful for a warm house with a fire a furnace a fridge and no batteries to give out and this house will probably never have to be towed. Hugs to you, Gaelyn. Order coming after Dec 1 by the way. for the calendar.
Thanks. Glad I had pretty scenery to ease my frustration. All homes need maintenance and repairs, just a little more frequently when they bounce down the road. Times like this when I wish for a partner to take care of the headaches so I can just continue to take pretty pictures. And it’s cold here in the morning when I also wish for more heat. 40° inside and out in the morning is not my cup of tea. I’ve put you down for a calendar.
It would be nice to know more about how the economy works. I started to learn about the towing racket once, and it did help alleviate some of the frustration you felt.
Somebody who sounded like they knew what they were talking about, once started explaining to me that all these “affinity” groups who “have” a towing business really just outsource the work to some third party corporation that has no name recognition. Therefore you can’t really expect the dispatcher on the telephone to understand your type of camper or what dispersed camping is!
It wouldn’t have helped for your battery issues, but a lot of calls to the tow truck could be eliminated by keeping a spare key in a magnetic box in the right spot, or having a tow strap or jumper cables on board.
I do believe service businesses should provide GOOD service, but suppose that’s a pipe dream these days. I did just learn during this experience how there’s a third party, still should be able to recognize types of RVs by pictures. I have a spare key and a jumper but no longer carry tow chains. Breakdowns never happen at a good time and I knew it would be fixed eventually. Good luck on the road.
Getting stranded is a risk all us boondockers take. Glad you got it sorted out before your phone battery also failed. More great Arizona sky fotos.
In today’s world I try to boondock with signal, just in case.
Wow! Your photos are gorgeous! I had the 2 grandkids in Papa’s car, went out to drive them home one afternoon, and IT wouldn’t start! It’s a hybrid, 5 years old and turns out the car battery was dead! We DO have AAA, so they came out and installed a new one, but I had to remove car seats into my car, which got a new battery last Spring, and take the kiddos home! Phew! It’s never fun dealing with car issues.
What a pain. Never a good time for a breakdown.
Oh my goodness Gaelyn, you did have some trials and tribulations on your journey, how frustrating. Thank goodness you have some good contacts.Love all the photo’s here lovely skies and scenery. Take care and stay safe.
Thanks. Seems it’s always something whether it’s a house, RV, or truck.
You have some incredibly beautiful photos of clouds.
Thanks. I have a thing for clouds.
Glad you were not any further off a paved road. Possibly might have made it more difficult. Really too bad about the junk that old trailer left in Congress.
We use Coachnet and have been pleased with their service.
Was already concerned about being a little off pavement but thankfully nobody asked. The BLM by your old place has gotten to be a junkyard also. I hate that people will do that.
You know, you are very resilient. The problems you were having are a pain the butt but you overcame them.!! And kept taking great photos all along.
In the energy business they say “O-rings and Engineers ruined the oilfield.” Nowadays in life it is wiring and batteries that seem to be the weak link with all sorts of devices and equipment.
Bitching on social media works!! I’ve had great response from Wells Fargo, Schwab, and several utility companies when I get on twitter and bitch about them. Lots better service than on the phone.
Thanks. I can’t stop taking photos when the sky puts on such a marvelous show. Yes, wiring and batteries are the weak spot and manufacturers don’t care because we’ll just keep on replacing. I’ve never tagged a company on FB like that, but now I’ll know.
Oh my gosh – glad these dilemmas finally got solved, but it must have been stressful. Using social media to bitch and get some service must be the new way to solve problems! Like Alan says “you are very resilient”. Hope you have clear sailing (camping) now.
Thanks. But my problems were much quicker fixed than your ankle. Please take care and allow Bob to spoil you. Enjoy that snow from the inside.
Your photography is wonderful. Beautiful sunsets, clouds, rain storms.
Hate days when there are rig problems. I’m going through those myself. I hope to be in Q on Wednesday for a few weeks. I’ll look you up.. Hope to see you soon. Good luck.
Thanks. I know you’ve been struggling with the WL. I just want everything to work right and keep life simple. See you in Q.
You might of had “dilemmas” yet through it all you still took beautiful pictures. Enjoy your favorite BLM and its wonderful mountain views!
Thanks. It’s always something with a RV. I love to look at mountains.
I’m so sorry for the dilemmas! The learning and growth hard ways. The way it happens. I’ve had AAA tell me they don’t go on off/dirt roads. I inched Jeep down Mt Ord (I could see the highway all the time:) Huh, nice yours did. Don’t know if you do, but I have a heavy duty portable cell charger (pre-charged) in each vehicle. Potentially giving 10 extra days use. These photos are outta the park. I loved the blackbird straddling desert bush. And umpteen cloud colors! Thank you
Shit happens! I never mentioned I was off pavement. It was only about one mile of gravel. I do have a portable solar charger for the phone. Thanks, the clouds made the weekend stay awesome. Even with the Raven being a bit out of focus I love that shot.
Glad you were able to get it jump started instead of towed, but so frustrating that you had to go through all that nonsense when a good jump could have resolved it days before. Amazing photos, the skies are really giving you lots of variety. I especially like the lighted strip of hills under the dark skies!