Boycotting Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve and I have a long history together.  It appears that karma, Christmas Eve, and I have a long standing debt to be paid.  I was married once before, with an anniversary on....wait for it, Christmas Eve.  I had a rather eventful Christmas Eve two years ago that I don't care to ever repeat.  So with that bit of history, I am now boycotting Christmas Eve.

On this Christmas Eve, I was driving west along I-40  through Amarillo, TX trying to make good time and get back to Sacramento, CA on Christmas Day or perhaps the day after.  After refueling at a local Love's gas station, I checked the tire pressure on the boat trailer, checked the fluids, and all looked good. 3/4 of a mile down the road.....disaster!

At 55mph, the left wheel on the boat trailer came completely off.  The lug bolts were sheered (see photo on right).

I called my father and reported the bad news.  I then texted, called, and emailed the owner of the boat with photos to show him what had occurred and to find out how he wished to proceed.  After a little research and some help by the local state troopers, I was able to determine that towing of the trailer would be possible but quite expensive.


About an hour later, my dad was able to find a 24 hour trailer repair shop based out of Amarillo.  He had spoken to the owner, Jeff, and he would be right out to have a look.  We were all very relieved to learn that a tow would not be necessary, but I still was unsure how a repair could be done considering the missing lug bolts.


I was soon to learn more than I ever cared to know about trailers, marine trailers, and the proper way to outfit them.  It appears that this trailer was jimmy-rigged together with inappropriate parts:

• 3,500# axle w/a 5,000# boat
• agriculture bearings rated at 2000#
• low grade lights not designed for marine use

Jeff, from Hawkins Trailer & Equipment, informed me of these issues and agreed to speak to the owner to decide how he wished to proceed.  When presented with the evidence, and the owner was informed of his options:

• upgrade axle to a 5,000# one

• upgrade bearings and hub to marine grade
• install marine (waterproof) lights
• replace wheels and tires to sufficient weight rating

The owner opted to not do these things and have repairs done on the cheap.  After all, it was not him assuming risk while driving cross country.

I followed Jeff back to his shop to get the correct hub covers for the trailer and to settle up the bill.  The costs were more than the owner expected.  However, the repairs were more extensive than originally thought, and two trips were required because of the unusual configuration of the trailer. 

The owner then began to argue with Jeff about the costs....at length.   For the better part of 10 minutes, Jeff explained exactly why the costs were greater:  new tire and wheel were required (we thought we might be able to re-use the old ones), remanufacturing of old hub so it could be used again, and the two trips to the accident site. Keep in mind that this all occurred on Christmas Eve, when every other outfit was closed The argument continued until Jeff got to a point that he handed me my phone and said, "I'm not arguing any more."  I was able to talk some sense into the owner and he eventually agreed to pay.  Unfortunately, the damage to my impression of him was done.

I've now decided that my adventures with this very ill equipped trailer are complete.  I will help to find a suitable storage facility and deliver it there, but Amarillo is where our paths separate.

Moral: Treat the 'help' nicely, and pay a little extra to get things done properly.

Why 'Angie's List' Is A Good Idea

As mentioned in a previous post, I have found myself stranded in Raleigh, NC due to a blown motor.  I had found a mobile "mechanic" on Craigslist who had stated he could replace the 350 motor in my RV for a "reasonable" rate.

I agreed to have him do the work at a flat rate that would include installing a new 350 crate motor, servicing the transmission (new filter and fluids), and diagnose an electric issue I had with the rv.

Nov. 14

• New motor is ordered
• Front end of van is removed
• Disconnection of components

Nov.  19

• Motor is delivered
• Old motor is removed

Nov. 21

• Work begins late in the evening
• Water pump, valve covers, etc. attached
• Old exhaust manifold needs adjusting
• Oil filter adapter broken
• Parts ordered

Nov. 27

• "Mechanic" MIA for Thanksgiving holiday
• No progress made for days on end
• Motor is finally put into engine bay
• Some components are re-attached
• Oil lines have leak and need replacing

Nov. 30

• Oil lines fixed
• Battery is dead (left on ground)
• Radiator has leak (possibly damaged during removal)
• Order new radiator

Dec. 1

• New radiator installed
• Timing adjusted
• Engine starts!
• Engine won't idle, something's wrong
• "Mechanic" continues to adjust timing
• Looks over all vacuum lines
• They "seem" right

Delay after delay....

Dec. 15

• "Expert" backup mechanic called in w/30 years experience
• Engine starts.  No idle.
• Definitely a vacuum leak
• I found the leak.
• Carburetor installed incorrectly!
• Mounting gasket in backwards!

Everything sounds and runs much better with the carburetor mounted properly.  Now it's just a simple matter of putting the front end back on the van and taking care of a few miscellaneous ends.

I am confident that the "mechanic" is sufficiently embarassed by his very stupid mistake that he will make finishing the job a top priority.  Of course, we know what they say about those that 'assume'.

Dec. 18

I had been told that the van will be complete today.  I leave to attend a holiday party with some new found gracious friends.  I return at around 4 pm to find the "mechanic" installing a monstrous stereo system in his car, complete with 3000W amplifier and huge subwoofer.

I attempt to address my frustration with him about his clear unprofessionalism and his failure to keep his promise.  He immediately becomes very abusive and tells me (one again), "it'll be done tomorrow."  I respond, "I've heard that 3 times before.  I want to make sure that you get it done this time."  It escalated immediately from there with him threatening to not complete the job if I don't leave him alone to finish his stereo.

***Background***
It had become very apparent to me shortly after contracting this individual that he had a myriad of personal problems and bad habits.  He clearly drank too much, often starting with beer first thing in the morning.  I was awoke on many evenings/early mornings to him being abusive and yelling at his pregnant fiancée.  We had a few exchanges in which he was a bully and would not allow others to talk.  Needless to say, I approached him very gingerly whenever I spoke to him.
***

I write this post today and still have not seen the completion of the job.  My advice to anyone needing professional services or a mechanic is to sign up for, and review, a recommendations site like Angie's List.

Inspiration

I've been on a bit of an adventure over the last two years.  I've done it on the cheap, and quite honestly, on the generosity of others. (thank you)  It has been a fantastic journey and I have learned many things.  However, I need to find something more sustainable and an avenue for executing all of my ideas.  I've tapped into some pretty cool resources that have blazed the technomadic trail before me.  I'd like to think I'm original, but I'm not.  However, great success comes from climbing on the shoulders of those who have succeeded before you.

So I came across a great resource this morning.  

While perusing Amazon's books, I came across Computing Across America



I was inspired to buy his most recent book, Reaching Escape Velocity.

The reviews of the book lead me to believe it is well written, but also a great how-to guide for all those looking to take the path less traveled in a creative and sustainable way.

I look forward to reading it and implementing the ideas to establish a more sustainable, fulfilling lifestyle.




There is also a continuing work called the 'Nomadness Report' which highlights the progress (or regression as the case may be) of Steve's latest works.

You can get a copy here: