Oops, this isn't right or how not to start out

[bluepinecones]

Sorry I cannot catch up on forum news right now but wanted to check in and say thank you to all the well wishers and great helpers in getting this far.

"Magic" is mine but we are off to a bit of a rocky start.

First, he sales person failed to put me on the delivery list for Tuesday so the shop didn't have everything ready or even have me scheduled for a walk thru and the finance office - lots of paper work even to I was paying, not financing didn't have all the paperwork in order. It was almost 7:00 PM by the time we got thru enough of that stuff for them to let me take possession in order to sleep in it overnight in their parking lot. Shop still had a couple of minor things to attend to first thing Wed. AM. Didn't get to do the hook up because their regular overnight parking was full; Nan and I had to go to overflow area where the electric and water connections were on inside of fence and we were parked on outside - shop guy came over and hooked both of us up.

Then we transferred all the stuff I'd brought plus what Nan gave me from her downsizing over to my rig. A single bed size air mattress was one of the things from Nan. Getting in and out of that corner bed with original thin mattress + the air mattress is more of a challenge than I expected and I'm sure a sight to behold if anyone was watching. Got some things put away but long way to go in that department.

Wed. morning when we got ready to drive back over to the shop, Magic would not start. My first thought was how could I possibly do something so wrong that would cause engine battery to run down. After a few attempts, Nan got it started using the emergency boost from house battery. What should have been only about an hour at shop turned into almost a full day. They could not find anything wrong so by 3:00 we left, but not without spending more $$ at Camping World store (Nan has a new bicycle, not sure what all I bought).

We stopped at a Wal-Mart a few miles up the road from dealer so I could get some groceries.
Then on to an RV park just north of Lakeland (only about 30 miles from dealer). Of course there was construction and heavy traffic most of the way and I almost creamed a guy in little red truck changing lanes. As we checked in at office, the sky was already black and could smell rain coming with wind. Nan pulled off to park. Magic would not start again. I'm instantly on phone with dealer and got shop foreman just as they were closing. He agreed to sent tech. up to the park. Meantime on about fifth try, Magic started so off we went to get me parked - light rain started by this time. Barely into site and pulling electrical cords when bottom fell out of the sky. We got soaked to the skin but had power and water to both rigs before ducking inside.

Rain let up by about 7:00 PM and Nan came over with a bottle of wine to calm my nerves. Service tech called, couldn't find us. Foreman had sent him to a park in Tampa, not Lakeland (parks have very similar names). He finally arrived about 8:00 pm. Of course, it started for him with no problem. Nonetheless he took cables loose and cleaned battery terminals even tho we both agreed they looked fine. Battery showing full charge. Could possibly be starter??? They don't work on them so if happens again I'm to take it to a Ford place. What a way to start my RVing adventure!

Still no regrets and am thinking it can only get better from here. However, we are out of wine so may need more help soon.

[AlmostThere]

So glad you have Nan's calming support, Sarah, but look at the knowledge you are acquiring about your rig amidst the chaos!
Funtimes ahead are awaiting. Keep the dream!

[VickieP]

Sarah, sorry you're having a nerve rattling go of it, but the good thing is that you now have your very first RV!!!! The rest of the stuff will work out and you've got good stories to tell and learning experiences to boot. I AM SO VERY EXCITED FOR YOU!!!!! Can't wait to see the pics!

P.S. Did you do an internet search for Liquor stores that deliver wine? Just sayin'.

[Sandersmr]

Just think - you are getting the problems out of the way now, so it should be smooth sailing from here on out!!!! (Of course if you are sailing there is a serious disconnect here since Magic is an RV )

[BarbaraRose]

Still no regrets and am thinking it can only get better from here. However, we are out of wine so may need more help soon.

It will get better and a little more wine can't hurt either!

[JudyJB]

Reminder to self: When you take delivery of a new motorhome, spend first week within 5 miles of dealership!!! Also, take along several bottles of wine, along with food and other essentials.

Hope things go better tomorrow.

[Bethers]

So glad Nan is there to help keep you calm. That said - they do need to take care of why it's not always starting. Good thing you have the emergency start on it - but can't imagine needing it the first day!

Now, pictures, please

[BarbaraRose]

Linda (bikerchik) had the same problem with hers when she first got it. She finally got it fixed when she got to AZ. I will check with her to see what it was that they fixed.

[BarbaraRose]

OK Sarah, this is the response I got from Linda:

It was a starter relay motor (solonoid). Ken found it with his multi meter. I took the numbers off of it and bought one at O'Reilly/Checker Auto Parts for $13 and it took Ken about 2 mins to install it! That was AFTER two different places misdiagnosed the problem!!! It would be nice if hers is that easy. If it starts sometimes, but not others, it's probably that. It will even check good on the meter, but if you keep touching it with the probes, it eventually will read 0.

[Echo]

Way to go Sarah, get all the bull-pucky out of the way and then on to the "FUN" adventures!!!

There will be no catching you once you get it figured out and your on the road to who knows where!!!

But to be on the safe calm side??? Maybe you should buy a 'case' of wine!

[Liz]

Yay Sarah! You are doing it! Stuff happens and you deal with it....no regrets....love that spirit! Glad you've got Nan for support and companionship too. (By the way ....she knows how to play Hand-and-Foot, if she hasn't already told you.

[sunshinecruiserTN]

Yes, whatever the others said. Let it happen now and get it out of the way. You sound in good spirits tonight, hope to see you tomorrow evening. Remember, it's all good.

[Redetotry]

So glad to see you post Sarah. I have been wondering how things were going, hopefully it will get better and all the problems solved. They did the same thing to me when I picked LC up with them not having her ready, it didn't take all that long though but still any wait when you are wanting to just get in and go is hard. I'm so glad Nan is there.

[Yakn1]

Sarah, so sorry to hear about the troubles with Magic and hope they get it resolved soon!Glad you are there with Nan and you don't have to deal with all of this alone.
There is a good lesson in this for me at least. Thankfully Birdie went with me on my search and pickup.
Hope you all get back on the road soon

Have lots of fun with your new baby!

[bertnspike]

Oh boy, sounds just like the 2 days that turned into 4 for me at Lazydays RV. I didn't really care either, in the end. Music was ALL MINE!

You had a real baptism by fire with that roadwork too, I'll bet. Every time I think of the first time I drove Music through Kissemmee and St. Cloud I feel very proud of myself, as I hope you do!

Everything will be great shortly, and you'll build up a great repertoire of stories just from this.

Congratulations & good travels.