New Brakes for Ladybug!

New Brakes for Ladybug! Yikes!!! Our brakes failed almost completely. As I told you in my last post, our brakes began failing as we were only about 10-15 miles from our RV park in Castaic CA.

It was very scary. Fortunately there was just enough of the brakes left for Steve to stop our behemoth of a rig with our Jeep in tow. We inched along to the park, stopping far from any other vehicle. And that took all of Steve’s strength, pushing the brake pedal all the way to the floor. It took us about an hour to go that short distance. But with the help of many prayers to G-d to get us to our destination, we made it unscathed.

That was just last Sunday. On Monday we were scheduled to spend the day with our dear friends, Jan and Preston. So before we headed to their home we had to make all of the arrangements to get our rig to a repair shop, as well as finding a shop that could install new brakes in a timely manner.

Steve contacted the local Camping World first. They couldn’t help us because all of their mechanics were out sick with Covid! Next he checked out a big truck repair shop, but they couldn’t get to our job for weeks. Plus Steve just didn’t get a good vibe there. Then he called Always on Time RV and Truck Repair in Saugus CA. They not only said they could do the brake job right away, but they were confident that they could get the parts we needed.

So the next step was to arrange for a tow. Thank goodness we purchased a roadside assistance policy from FMCA (Family Motor Coach Association)!!! Our policy covered towing our big rig as well as food and lodging up to $300 per day. When you live in your RV you need someplace to stay during repairs. This is something you don’t always think about when you set out on a full time journey.

We have had repairs done before, but we were always able to have a Mobile Mechanic come to us. There was no way that the brakes could be done at the RV park. So we were so happy to find a mechanic that could do the job quickly.

We watched with bated breath as the fabulous tow truck driver, Troy from Roy’s Towing. very carefully hooked up Ladybug. Steve and I had already secured everything inside, even taking extra precautions because we knew that she would be traveling at an angle while being towed. Still it was an awful feeling seeing our home being towed away.

When we arrived at Always on Time Troy informed us that there was no charge to us. That was what we expected. But what we didn’t expect was just how expensive the towing would have been without our FMCA Roadside Assistance protection. Seventeen hundred dollars, to be exact. Gulp.

Since Ladybug didn’t get to the shop until early afternoon, we kind of expected that we’d need to stay in a hotel at least one night. Knowing that we packed a small suitcase with necessities. But I was still concerned about getting parts in a timely manner. I have heard nightmare stories from fellow full timers who have been waiting months for parts due to the supply chain ordeal.

We were so lucky. The parts were all in stock. The brakes were completely shot and we were told that we were lucky to be alive because they could have failed completely at any second. They were the original brakes and had 65K miles on them. The only glitch, which was minor, was that the supplier had sent two right rear calipers instead of a right and left. But that was quickly rectified and only meant a second night in a hotel, which was no big deal.

By Thursday afternoon I was able to follow Steve back to the RV park. When we got there, and at the very same second, we both said “It’s sure good to be home!!!” It was an ordeal for sure. But we realize and appreciate just how lucky we were. We were safe and sound; found a careful tow truck driver; a great, honest and reliable mechanic; and spent wonderful quality time with friends who have become family. We miss you already Jan and Pres!