Colorado Trippin’
This leaving on our Colorado trip has NOT gone well! We knew we could get a later start because we planned a shorter day. We didn’t plan on the slide getting persnickety again.
Did I say persnickety? I meant STUBBORN. It refuses to work. Period! We had it halfway extended to more conveniently load the fridge. When we went to get ready to leave, it refused to go in all the way. Then it refused to go out. It will only extend and return about 1 inch.
The words apply. Not a picture of our camper.
Jayco Melbourne Prestige RV towing Jeep Cherokee
What are our options?
1. Don’t go—
a. Unthinkable! We’ve looked forward to this trip to watch Leah play in a soccer tournament for a couple months.
b. We’re hauling Leah’s family’s laundry soap, fabric softener, and sunscreen because their family is flying. We know the Denver area or my sister Evelyn, who lives there has none of these items. They will be doomed without us.
2. See if the RV Dealership is available to answer any questions
a. Impossible! I left a message; but no one has called back.
b. What are the chances they could identify and fix the problem within the next hour or so? Like I said, impossible!
c. Roy & Sandy-Quit shaking your heads and rolling your eyes.
d. Andy & Kayla: Rember my quote/motto when you have a camper, “It’s always something.” Expect it and enjoy it! Or let me write a story about it. 😊
3. Find the number for the Jayco Factory Customer Service Department in Indiana
a. They’ve been very helpful in the past.
b. Followed the telephone recording prompts and reached a “real” person.
c. Might be this.
d. Might be that.
e. Helpful customer rep directed Scott to the slide electronics panel located near the floor in a narrow space because the slide is not extended.
i. Isn’t it ironic that the emergency slide panel is located where you can’t get at when the slide is in and when access needed in an emergency….unless you’re a leprechaun.
ii. Can you see well enough to see what button to push? Barely!
iii. How many times does it flash red? Okay, how many times does it flash green?
iv. Sounds like a short in the wiring. We know from previous experience the wiring runs behind the bathroom sink cabinet through the wall and out somewhere.
f. Today’s driving time is quickly evaporating. So is “someone’s” patience.
g. What to do? What to do?
4. Leave for Colorado today—What does that mean?
a. Gets our RV out of our driveway where we’re only allowed by our Homeowners Association to park for a very short period of time.
b. No operational slide unless a bump in the road shakes something loose and it starts working again. Could we be so lucky? Fingers crossed!
c. Slide not working means:
i. The fridge door only opens part way. That’s ok. It’s enough to slide my skinny arm in and drag out our grub. The mini wine bottles are perfect.
ii. More importantly, we will not have our usual sleeping arrangements. Our Queen size murphy bed will not come down from the wall without the slide extended.
1. Good news is that our “kitchen” table lays down to make a bed.
a. This “bed” is the widest.’
b. Which ones of us needs wide?
2. Good news is that that we can remove the back cushions on the couch for a narrow twin size sleeper.
a. This “bed” in longer.
b. Which one of us needs longer?
3. Betting is now open on Who will sleep Where. Come on….Have some fun. I’ll send our address to collect your wagers. We’ll probably need to raise some repair $. Don’t ya love my sense of humor? At least I do and that’s all that matters.
5. Not in the mood to bet on the sleeping arrangements. Then try this one. Who thinks there will be another travel related story on this 11-day trip? Hint: It seems to be when I’m most prolific. Don’t be shy with your comments. On your mark, get set, go!
It’ll be a trip you’ll never forget! Let it go, let it go, and enjoy your trip! You can make the best of it with great memories! Been there once too!
Don’t let it rain on your parade- loving your jokes to bring happiness to all in the end.
Kathy – Thank you for your comments which give me joy to read. Writing my stories about our adventures is my way of documenting the memories. It gives us something to think, recall, and talk about. I’m happy you are now part of our Colorado Trippin. Hope you’ll stay tuned for Part 2. It’s inevitable, don’t you think? 🙂
Sylvia, reading this you reminded me of why we should NOT buy a class C or B to travel back and forth to FL. And trips like you are trying to take now. We always said instead of it’s always something, it’s all part of the adventure! I do sometimes miss having one for the good memories I have but oh, the bad memories are still there! Good Luck!
Marilyn – Thank you for wishing us luck. Sometimes that’s all it takes. We agree that our experiences are always adventures and part of the journey. If you can’t stand the possibilities and uncertainties, it’s not a good way to go. We feel the benefits outweigh the challenges. Besides, it gives me something to write about! The slide difficulties have nothing to do with it being a Class C or B motorhome. Slide problems and virtually everything else that can grow wrong are inherent to owning an RV and happens unpredictably on all classes. It’s part of owning a vehicle with so many electronics and moving parts. It’s virtually impossible to avoid. Oh, for the love of having our own bed ETC. An RV enhances the adventure of another day on the road to somewhere. Hope you’ll stay tuned for Part 2. Wishing you a great day, too!
Not the way to start a long trip. Glad you can still drive. hopefully the travel will shake things up to work. Glad to see you can still kid about it. Cheer loud for Leah. Take care and good luck
Thank you, Judy. Our adventure continues and will warrant Part 2 if I muster up the time and energy. We certainly will cheer loudly for Leah. Keep your fingers crossed that the predicted rain stays away and comes back a different day.
Omg! I can’t wait to hear the next step of your saga. You are a great writer and I am eagerly awaiting the rest of the conumdrum. Good luck to you. Take care.
Hi Bonnie-Glad to see your comments. By the time we get through Part 1, I question whether I’ll have energy to write Part 2. There is more and it’s evolving. Geesh.
Kevin Burke on July 20, 2024 (Added with his permission) “It’s always something!” You know “Murphy’s Law”? Murphy was an optimist!
Can’t wait for installment #2, return trip. lol! You do have a great sense of adventure. Tell Scott to get the wooden spoon!
Sandi – Oh yes, the wooden spoon came out, along with an assortment of other interesting things and language. Can you send us a “life preserver” of some sort?