Saturday, January 12, 2013

Things Were Going So Well

Quartzsite, AZ  High 44  Low 25

Things went really well yesterday. We got everything done and were on the road by 10:00. We sailed through Phoenix with nary a slow down. Usually the mess where the 202 joins I 10 is stop and go but not yesterday. We stopped at the rest area to “rest” and also grab a sandwich for lunch. Easy going the rest of the way to Q. Sun was shining, it was beautiful. Took Exit 19 and all of a sudden, our perfect day wasn’t so perfect anymore.

We felt the trailer jerk really hard and heard a horrible clunking noise. Not a good thing. Luckily they are building a new Chevron station right there and the entrance to the station has a nice pull off because the road isn’t finished. Jim got out to take a look. Discovered that the bolts had been sheared off the capture plate on our hitch. That was letting the trailer move around freely all over the place.

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Wish I knew how to put an arrow on a picture. Anyhow – that flat plate that’s hooked to the kingpin (supposed to be hooked) is what came loose.

Jim back the trailer into this spot which was safe from traffic. Had to get us unhitched and then figure out what he was going to do to fix things. And nothing goes smoothly.

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In the meantime, I sent a text to Jeri to let her know what was happening. She contacted Toni and Doug  who were already camped at Q and they came running to our rescue. Sure am glad they did. Between Jim and Doug they were able to get the old bolts out of the holes, retap the holes and put in new bolts. Took about three hours and lots of Doug’s muscles.

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Finally, hitch it up and get to the campsite. We were really tired by this time. Toni had fixed us a wonderful dinner of beef stew with dumplings followed by a chocolate lava cake with ice cream. And I’m still drooling. It was wonderful.

Nan and John arrived last night but we were so tired we told them we’d visit with them today. So nice that we get to make new friends.

Didn’t have any internet last night but was too tired to really care. We were in bed by 8:30.

Now let the fun begin.

30 comments:

  1. You were sure lucky you didn't drop the trailer, I think while I was in Quartzite, I would find a reliable welder, and have him run a line of weld along that plate, Don't know that I would trust the bolts alone if they have sheared off once. Call the Hitch Manufacturer and see what they have to say. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna....

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  2. Wow, that was scary for sure. Glad that you had such able friends close by who were able to get you up and running again. I think I would take Sam's advice about welding that plate on so it doesn't happen again. Have fun and stay warm!

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  3. Yes that must have been very scary. Glad you were able to get going again. Have fun in Q!

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  4. Good heavens! I think I'll go look at the plate on our 5er to see if I can tell if it's just bolted or bolted/welded. So glad you didn't drop the rig and that you are okay. Well, gee, now enjoy Q and all the great folks there! One of these days I'd like to experience Quartzite . . .

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  5. Ooops, well it turned out well in the end... And perhaps it worked like it was supposed to because you didn't loose the trailer... I'm sure the guys will talk it thru over the fire and more changes will be made...

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  6. Thank goodness you two got off the road and had a safe place to stay. That was so wonderful of Doug to help you, and Toni to have a delicious dinner for you.

    Please say hi to man for me. I feel like we've become very good friends just through our blogs.

    Sent from my iPhone

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  7. Oh, I am sorry to hear about your troubles on the road. So glad to hear that friends were able to come to your rescue!

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  8. It was really fortunate you could get off the road and into a safe place to check it out. Lucky also to have great friends to help. I've always said every silver lining has a cloud, and after your silver lining of getting through Phoenix so easily, you know something had to go awry.

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  9. Bill says "they didn't call me--I could have directed traffic". Tried calling you from the Desert Bar but couldn't get a signal.

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  10. Wow, that was close! Glad you caught it right away. It's not good when your trailer passes you on the highway! :cO

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  11. Sorry to hear about your problem with the capture plate. Before you have it welded check to see if you have the correct plate. Mine did the same thing, but mine was a generic plate, not the one specifically for my hitch. If it is welded then no one else can use it in an emergency. Just a thought! Have fun in Q.

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  12. Isn't it wonderful to have a circle of friends who we know will be there whenever and if ever we need them? Isn't that what this is really all about? Love ya, kid!

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  13. That sure sounds scary but it shows just how wonderful friends can be. Glad you made it to Q and are all set up. Now stay WARM!!

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  14. That was sure a scary experience. We are glad that things cot worked out. Doug is a treasure!

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  15. Wow...glad it all worked out well for you...great to have good friends willing and able to help!

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  16. Seeing the pictures helps me understand just what happened! Yuck....and to think, we were so close by at our original camping place.

    It was so good to sit and chat this morning. Looking forward to more times of fellowship.

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  17. So happy it didn't damage your trailer or truck. Good to have such handy men around isn't it?

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  18. glad you landed safely, finally!..thank goodness for Toni and Doug!

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  19. I'm so glad that the problem wasn't any worse than it was, and that you had good help so close by.

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  20. Super scary but glad you guys had the tools and minds to get it fixed!! Enjoy your time in Quartzsite!

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  21. Good thing that all worked out and no real damage done. Nice to have friends with the equipment that can help.

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  22. Oh my goodness.........you know, I was "toying" and mind you..."JUST TOYING" with the idea that I could hook on and go ....... but I could just imagine somehting like that happening to me......I just can't IMAGINE !!!!! I would GO CRAZY!!!!! Love you guys....Glad it all turned out okay!!Love, Carol

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  23. John and Cheryl HintsalaJanuary 13, 2013 at 9:58 AM

    Sandie, wow what a problem, glad everything worked out for the good. Could you please let me know where you guys are parked in Quartzsite? We will be in the Bluebird "Bird's Nest" in the usual place. Just down from the dump station on the left.

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  24. omg.. Sandie... I would have been a basketcase! well, no I wouldn't because that's why I don't want to tow anything! holy jeez!

    What wonderful friends you have!

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  25. butterbean carpenterJanuary 13, 2013 at 1:35 PM

    Howdy Sandie, Jim, Skitter& Scooter,

    Did the 'girls' kibitz the whole time?? Thank the Good Lord that you had pulled off the freeway!!! YIKES!!! That is one scary story, you bet!!!
    Hope all of the Q-days go well!!!

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  26. I guess it was still kind of lucky that you did not leave the RV along the road:)

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  27. So sorry you had this problem to deal with. At least it wasn't worse. Glad a friend came to your rescue. Aren't RVers just the best group of people? Hope the weather will cooperate and improve. Enjoy Q.

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Thanks for visiting today. I look forward to reading your comments. Have a beautiful day.