While standing there in awe, a truck with some migrant farm workers (from Brazil) pulls up to say they had left their buddy back a quarter mile to recover the tire & wheel. Of course, the wheel was destroyed, but we managed to save the tire.
So, the entire wheel sheared all eight 1/2inch lug bolts, and departed rearward, ripping and crushing the fender well/skirt on that side. Most surprising is that we never heard, felt or saw anything!Luckily, it happened in a town that had a large tire shop across the road, and a NAPA parts store nearby. So, since everything closes at 2PM on Saturday, we rush frantically to get new bolts, nuts, new seal etc.
The parking lot repair went smoothly, and in about 2 hours we have the new wheel on, and were back on the road.
We decide to camp in a Wal-Mart tonight here in Williston, and discover another problem, when trying to get the slide out. The thick aluminum fender has been crushed around the slideout mechanism, and jammed it.
Out with the aviation metal shears, and wack the thing off! So, another trailer projects awaits when we reach a good landing spot...
4 comments:
And you thought you were done with home repairs when you hit the road!
OK,glad no one was hurt and Sam is certainly handy, but WHO carries aviation sheers? LOL!
Wow, what a scare that would have been!
Thank goodness it wasn't worse.
Mike
on the road in New Mexico heading for home in Arkansas
Haw Creek Out 'n About
What an adventure! It's finding that you can get through this sort of stuff and keep on rolling and experiencing that this lifestyle is all about!
Hi there, by the way. I'm Cherie and we have a mutual friend in common - John Schexnaydre - who pointed me your way.
My partner Chris and I have also been on the road since mid-2007 full time in a small solar powered travel trailer. We're not retired tho.. we're in our mid-30s and work as we go.
Pleasure to meet you!
- Cherie Ve Ard / www.technomadia.com
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