I suppose it was inevitable that we would have some sort of major problem along the way. When you are planning a 15,000 km trip, you know something is going to go haywire. We had the vehicle serviced in Calgary getting it ready for the trip, so we thought things were ready to go.
Nevertheless, the fancy Lithium-Ion battery that powers the trailer gave up the ghost. And, the air-conditioning in the Highlander gave out. Thankfully both easy fixes.
We bought a good enough battery from an O’Reilly Auto parts store and the guy who built our lithium battery said he would replace the battery (he just can’t get one to us in the US). YouTube provided a solution to the air-conditioning problem. Its quite easy to recharge.
Yesterday was different; our problem had the potential to be a bit more serious.
The Breakdown
We were merrily driving down the interstate, less than an hour from our destination, when another driver motioned for us to pull over. When we did, he pulled up in front of us letting us know that we had smoke coming from the back of the trailer; the bearings on the right-hand side had overheated and were almost, but not quite, on fire.
Fortunately, the bearings only overheated. However, they were totally damaged.
Had our good Samaritan not flagged us down, we could have potentially blown a tire, or even burned out the trailer.
Then the Fun Began
Once we had that under control and we were certain the bearings would cool on their own, the fun began.
Before leaving Calgary, we bought an AAA membership. Phyllis called the number and got the operator, however they couldn’t find us a tow truck and suggested leaving the trailer at the side of the road until the morning. We sure as hell weren’t going to leave our fully packed trailer on the side of the road. With Mr. Google’s help, we found a fellow running his own towing company who was willing to come and get us. Fortunately, he wasn’t very far away and, after some truck gymnastics, he got the trailer on his flatbed tow truck.
There is a Lance trailer dealer in Gainesville Fl, which is about 50 km from where we were stuck and they were able to get us in on an emergency basis. The service people were amazing. They stayed late to ensure we could get the trailer into the storage yard, and suggested a hotel and a restaurant.
Fortunately, they had the necessary parts and prioritized our service so that we were in and out within about 7 hours.
Lessons
- Although things could have been disastrous, we were very lucky.
- The kindness of strangers is amazing, we have definitely benefited from their compassion.
- Although you think you have done everything to prepare, expect the unexpected.
- We were very good at keeping calm and working through the problems. It would have been easy to say “Whoa is me”, but by staying focused, we were able to get everything resolved in a reasonable time.
- Always carry a phone and a credit card.
- And, make sure you have your trailer bearings serviced every two years or 16,000 km!
!!!!
Glad that the difficulties were easily managed.
Yes, we got off relatively easy, thankfully!
Well, exciting times on the highway for sure. However, from my perspective, pictures sitting on your lawn chairs on the beach don’t look too much different than you sitting on your lawn chairs at the side of the road Ha, ha.
I assume that you are now at or near Savannah and are now back on your normal tour of duty. I like Savannah, a great place to visit and provides a real flavor of “down south” living. An interesting historic restaurant you might consider is The Pirates House opened in 1753.
When I was young, I was a poor golfer. But after years of play and practice, I am no longer young.
Just up the road from Savannah (45min) is the upscale golf mecca of Hilton Head. If you’re planning to golf, I’d recommend playing at two courses in Palmetto Dunes – the George Fazio or the Robert Trent Jones. Another cool one is the Arthur Hills course in Palmetto Hall. I have also golfed at Jekyll Island south of Savannah. As you head north, I also have been at Wild Dunes on the Isle of Palm outside of Charleston. They are all great courses, with the George Fazio as my favorite. Hilton Head is great for walking on the beach and Nancy says there are public access areas. I don’t know where they are because I was golfing!
If you do go to Hilton Head, I recommend going to the Old Oyster House for dinner. Its a seafood restaurant that has been there for over 30 years. Get there early or reserve a table as it is a very popular restaurant.
A short drive out of Savannah is Tybee Island where I would expect that you could capture another photo of reading on the beach.
Savannah and Hilton Head bring back many happy memories. Hope it will be the same for you
Thank you for the great recommendations.
We are currently in Hilton Head and have been enjoying the southern culture. We have done a tour of the historical parts of Savannah and a day trip to Tybee Island with a stop at the civil war era Fort Pulasky. Pictures and a description with soon be posted.
I have been able to golf at the Old South Course and Hilton Head National, which is attached to our RV park. Like you, I am no longer young!
Fortunately, the pictures of sitting on the beach and sitting on the side of the road ended up in the same result, we relaxed a bit then moved on to the next thing.
So glad you are safe and ready to continue your journey.
Thank you Susan. The breakdown caused only a slight delay in our plans, but we are now back on track. I hope you are tucked safely away in Colorado and there isn’t as much snow as we keep hearing about in California and Utah.