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Tag: repairs

01 February 2015

Back to Yarnell

Weaver Mountains & Yarnell Hill SR89 Congress ArizonaDiagonal slash is the Yarnell Hill Road and I live at the top

I figured being only 2 1/2 hours from home I’d buzz back to Yarnell to pick up some things, be there a few days and return to the desert.  Not to be.

Broken faucet in sinkWelcome home to more repairs.  This time on my 5th-wheel home.  I was dreaming of a hot shower and instead discovered the kitchen faucet broken.  Although I’d drained the water lines, turned off the water to the RV, and put anti-freeze in the drains there must have been just enough water in the line to freeze and blow things apart.

Under the sink in 5th-wheelBecause it was Sunday I had to wait until the next day to buy yet another new faucet and put it in all by myself.  But only because I could see it.  Thank goodness there’s a cupboard door on the backside of the sink.

New kitchen faucet in 5th-wheelI really liked the old faucet better, but what’s a girl to do.

Large puddle outside 5th-wheel door Yarnell ArizonaMoved the groceries out of the camper only to discover the refrigerator/freezer in the 5th-wheel wasn’t cold.  So refrigerated groceries went back to the camper.  It’s like having a big house to walk further for the food which wouldn’t be so bad if it hadn’t been raining for several days.

Old 5th-wheel fridgeAfter talking to several people about the fridge, compressor still running but no cold, and searching online about repairs I decided it was cheaper to replace the unit as the repairs would probably cost the same if not more.  Now you have to remember this is not a RV propane/electric refrigerator, it’s a home model.  Price for the RV unit is about $1600 compared to $430, which is why the previous owners replaced it with a home model as it sat in one place all the time.  The old Magic Chef is 5 1/2 years old and out of warranty.  It’s a very specific, and small opening so the choices for replacement are limited.  Reviews were not great for the Magic Chef, or for Sears who carries Whirlpool and Kenmore.  Home Depot sells a Frigidaire that will fit plus they deliver, install and take the old one away for no extra charge.  But it won’t be here until Friday, Feb 2.  So I wait.

Inside of 5th-wheelIt’s not really terribly cold in Yarnell but has been raining a lot so I’ve only been motivated to go out as far as the camper/refrigerator.  Heck I thought about just staying in the camper in the driveway.  But I do love the space my 5th-wheel offers even though the truck camper proved to be quite comfortable staying in over a month.  That’s good, because after that refrigerator is delivered and known to be working, I’m hitting the road again.

Sunset Yarnell ArizonaIn the meantime, I’ll enjoy the sunsets over the Weaver Mountains through my Imax windows.

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RV life repairs 26 Comments
06 January 2015

Current state of repairs

Coyote Mt, Alcoholic Pass & Santa Rosa Mts Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Rockhouse Trail California10am, the sun brightens the desert to almost squinting, warmth, the door open, and my nearest neighbor pulled out.  Hope they enjoyed their brief visit as much as I.  Time to remove some layers.

Bucket catching water leak from camper The Slabs Niland CaliforniaBeing a ‘shake down’ for the new camper I expected that not everything would be turn key ready.  It’s a 1998 that was well cared for but old plastic cracks, batteries need replaced, and who knows what else.  It’s household maintenance.  You may remember almost two weeks ago, my second night out at The Slabs I had to drain the water tank because it was all running out the back drain-spigot.  I hate to waste water and filled every container possible.  Been jugging it ever since.

Tito's Borrego Springs CaliforniaSomebody recommended “Tito’s” for repairs in Borrego Springs only 15 minutes away.  I stopped to talk to Tito Christmas Eve and he ordered the new spigot.  He removed the broken kitchen faucet and I arranged for a new camper battery all to done the Friday after Christmas.  Unfortunately the part didn’t arrive by then and another holiday shortened the work week.  Finally the 5th all the stars/parts aligned and I added a needed oil change for the truck which came with free tire rotation.  Tito doesn’t have a website and may not need it as he’s lined-up busy.  If you’re in the area and need repairs I highly recommend his services and fair prices.

And now the water pump provides hot and cold running water through a new kitchen faucet with (knock on plastic gently) no leaks.  The new battery appears to charge under the sunshine and solar panel.  Well at least according to the meter reading 12.5 v/2amps which doesn’t seem like much to this non-electrical person.  I experimented by plugging the laptop and cell phone into the inverter got about two hours.  I really didn’t expect to get a mass amount of power from one solar panel and don’t know anymore about that.  12v lights and water pump work.  Most of the rest of my power needs come from the truck’s auxiliary battery.  If I boondocked in this unit all the time I’d invest in more solar efficiency.  For Now, it all works, and I’m a Happy Camper.

Sunset Santa Rosa Mts Anza-Borrego Desert State Park CaliforniaSo, what next?     Maybe visitors, George & Nancy who I’ve worked with on the North Rim and live in San Diego.  Almost time to stock up for another desert retreat.  I’m thinking Northwest of Yuma on desert that boondockers talk about off Ogliby Rd.  Of course, I could change my mind at any time.

Gaelyn & camper Anza-Borrego Desert SP Rockhouse Trl CASometimes it’s the littlest things in life that make me smile.  Thanks for the photo Lynda.

 

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Hi, I’m Gaelyn, the Geogypsy

I retired after 29 summer seasons as a Park Ranger, traveling solo for 40+ years. My passions include travel, connecting to nature, photography, and sharing stories.

I started exploring US National Parks in 1977 and 20 years later became a seasonal Park Ranger.  I’ve lived full-time in a RV for 30 years working summers and playing winters.  I’m still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow old, other than grow up.

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