Stranded in Pagosa Springs - Page 2 - Montana Owners Club

JABURKHOLDER · 07-07-2023, 06:51 PM

DAMN !!

twindman · 07-07-2023, 07:04 PM

Latest update - Got a used motor from Nebraska somewhere. Paid $240 to ship it 2 day. Took 3 or 4 days and when it arrived, the crate it was in was crushed. The oil pan was bent, and several pieces attached were damaged. Fortunately they can take those parts from the old motor.

Bad news is this took extra time and not finished today (Friday). Good news - the mechanic and the owner are working tomorrow and say it will be done by afternoon. It takes 5 hours to put the cab back on and reattach everything.
So it this all happens, I will be able to continue Sunday, and not have to cancel more reservations!!!

Mikendebbie · 07-07-2023, 07:46 PM

That is good news! Thankyou for the update!

Cat320 · 07-08-2023, 07:02 AM

Our latest breakdown resulted in a 21 day delay. They ordered a part, took 10 days, arrived damaged, ordered another part, another 10 days...so after 21 days and $14k we motored on. Spent the 21 days touring the entire area. The $14k was parts and labor only....not CG costs or food.

twindman · 07-08-2023, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cat320

Our latest breakdown resulted in a 21 day delay. They ordered a part, took 10 days, arrived damaged, ordered another part, another 10 days...so after 21 days and $14k we motored on. Spent the 21 days touring the entire area. The $14k was parts and labor only....not CG costs or food.

Just curious - what part cost $14k?? A motor?

432bartman · 07-08-2023, 10:53 AM

So sorry to hear about the engine Tom & Gail. I hope the used motor comes with some kind of warranty. Just curious how many miles you had on the original one? Sound like our trip last year. Got stuck an extra 4 days at a campground due to the main hydraulic pump going out? Our friend's this week had their main cooling unit go out on their fridge, which was $3K. Sometimes I lay in bed and think, should I stay at a hotel and sell this thing.

twindman · 07-08-2023, 11:16 AM

I have calculated some of camping vs motel. I don't think much difference. Big advantage to camping is you are right out there in the 'wilderness' as opposed to middle of a town.
Motor has 12 mo. parts and labor. Guy said call him and they will work with sales place for okaying the labor somewhere else.

Camp-a-Palooza · 07-09-2023, 03:13 AM

Sorry to hear your plight. I don't want to critique and certainly don't want to get flamed, but I have a question for you. It appears to me in your signature that your towing rig is a bit small for the size of your model 5th wheel. Do I have that correct?

Cat320 · 07-09-2023, 07:19 AM

My problem was an emission system breakdown.

We did luck out and find a great CG in NM, 50 amp, all amenities, pull through, next to I 40 and a Loves for $22 a night or $20 a night weekly rate. This was April 2022. I just checked their web site, the rates are now $30 for 50 amp....still much cheaper than any hotel/motel, especially for 21 days.

https://www.barsrvpark.com

twindman · 07-09-2023, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camp-a-Palooza

Sorry to hear your plight. I don't want to critique and certainly don't want to get flamed, but I have a question for you. It appears to me in your signature that your towing rig is a bit small for the size of your model 5th wheel. Do I have that correct?

If this was aimed at me, then yes I am 400-500 lb over my truck weight rating. Each axle is ok. So that means it is transmission, engine, brakes or suspension. We know tranny, engine and brakes are the same for a 3500 as mine. So it is suspension. And years ago several people here that worked for Chevy said the only difference was an extra leaf spring on rear axle. Since my truck barely sags when I hook up the rig, I figure it is no big deal.
By the way, when I bought my 2500 I didn't even look at 3500 because I thought they would be $3000-5000 more. A year or so later I checked prices and the difference back then was only maybe around $1800. Had I know I would have bought a 3500.
OH, also I blame my decision on Keystone! LOL My rig was listed as 2000 lb pin weight in the brochures, and my previous unit had a 2400 lb pin weight so I thought I would be good. Current is actually 2500 lb pin wt.

rames14 · 07-09-2023, 10:04 AM

Best of luck, Tom. Hope you get back on track.

ChuckS · 07-09-2023, 12:15 PM

I've been following your plight since original post.. I just wondered if your Duramax had the CP4 fuel pump and if so that is most likely what happened...

This link has some info on the CP4 and what happens when it fails...

https://www.dieseltechmag.com/2019/0...0fuel%20system.

The above info may not have been the issue but its a good read.. I would have to ask the fellas what fuel pump is in the used engine being installed.

I pull with a 2007 GMC 2500, 34 foot Alpine with a low enough pin weight that I am not concerned.. the same year truck in 3500 series was looked at but I prefer mine.

Have towed to current 5th wheel for 10 seasons now with over 40K miles on the RV.. The engine in my Duramax is the LBZ, no smog, none of that regen crap. Stock truck from front to back except for the Airlift 5000s I had installed the day I bought the truck.. My engine has the CP3 pump

Best wishes for a speedy repair and safe journey after all of this repair work....

twindman · 07-09-2023, 03:55 PM

I have read about the CP4 problems. I don't think that was my problem. They had to move the old oil pan to the new(er) engine because it was damaged in transit. They found a bunch of brace pieces in the bottom when cleaning it. Said the only brass is in the bearings or something in the tie rods. So it just appeared to blow out the cylinder.

They thought it would be good to go my 10:30 or so today, but here it is 4 pm and no word. Can't figure out what could require more work at this point!

MARK A · 07-10-2023, 07:43 PM

I had to 3 day UPS $2700.00 worth of injectors to Anchorage for my buddies Dirtymax. It was pushing oil/fuel out the breather. GM told him "at least 3 weeks to get injectors and we'll give it a look in June. It's September and we don't get in any hurry this time of year" 😐 he handed them the injectors 3 days later and they installed over the next 2 days.
What a circle jerk.

twindman · 08-15-2023, 07:22 AM

More disaster updates. Left Pagosa and about 700 miles later the serpentine belt shredded. Young guy helped me get a new one and installed. He thought fan looked a little crooked which caused the belt to fray and shred. Well 30 miles later the new belt disappeared while on I90. PAid to get towed to nearby park because Good Same was going to take over 5.5 hours which would be 11 pm. Paid again to tow truck to repair place and rent a car for $150 a day. By the time we got from airport rental to his shop, he had already ordered a new fan assembly. But overnighting it from Denver to Bozeman, it somehow ended up in Memphis!!!!!!! The fan was so loose you could grab the blades and wiggle them about 1 1/2 inches!!!! So the fan apparently was going bad on the first belt and died on the 2nd one.
Other than a diesel smell when I start it, the engine is doing well.

So then about 600 miles later, we are heading into Rock Springs, Wy. Tire on trailer blows. Takes out 3 J panels, the 'plastic' fender, and 2 side trim pieces on the slides! I dismantled it so I could drive it home - skipping 8 more days at places we liked along the way. Oh, paid $130 for guy to come from Les Schwab and change tire, since road was narrow and wheel was on white line on side of road and of course it was the side with the bad tire. Bought a new tire (trailer version vs. my Michelins) and they put in 100 psi on my old rims which are 80 psi!!! I caught that right away. And strange part is TPMS gave a warning about 5 seconds AFTER it blew - so I think a tire delaminated or something.

I am not 2 days out from home and hoping I make it!!!

This has really been a disaster summer. Well, as far as traveling goes anyway - we are both still healthy (for old geezers), but may have some issues with nerves and ulcers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

P.S. Don't know if I mentioned above but canceled 3 weeks in Canada and a 9 day stay at fishing bridge which must be booked 1 year in advance!

Foldbak · 08-15-2023, 07:47 AM

So sorry to here that Tom. A lot of thought and perpetration went into what should have been a wonderful vacation. Sorry you missed that fishing trip. You know what they say, it could have been worse I guess...

BB_TX · 08-15-2023, 09:38 AM

WOW! When it rains, it pours. Hopefully you got all the troubles done in one batch and next trip will be trouble free. At least it seems you maintained a great attitude about it. Happy travels next time.

432bartman · 08-15-2023, 09:50 AM

Tom and Gail I feel horrible for you guys. I think out of all the MOC members here, you guys had the worst disaster for the year. I pray you guys make it home and recover from this expensive nightmare.

twindman · 08-16-2023, 04:53 PM

Well we are home! However in Scottsdale, 20 miles from home, another tire blows on the other side of the trailer! Only damage was a short j-fender and a short plastic fender.

I am going to call my dealer. Since 2 went at the same age and the same way, I don't think it is a road hazard. I think they may be 18 months old.
And I have used this brand tire for all 10 years I have had the trailer with no problems. I assume there was a bad batch of tires. I will see what Michelin will do for me - fingers crossed.

Foldbak · 08-16-2023, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twindman

Well we are home! However in Scottsdale, 20 miles from home, another tire blows on the other side of the trailer! Only damage was a short j-fender and a short plastic fender.

I am going to call my dealer. Since 2 went at the same age and the same way, I don't think it is a road hazard. I think they may be 18 months old.
And I have used this brand tire for all 10 years I have had the trailer with no problems. I assume there was a bad batch of tires. I will see what Michelin will do for me - fingers crossed.

I'm glad your home but OMG you had some bad luck. What kind of tires are they?

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