Second Breakdown

Within a hundred miles the engine resumed the coughing and sputtering. The territory was completely foreign to me so I had absolutely no idea where to start looking for a repair shop. It's difficult enough to find a reliable mechanic in your own home town. But to find a reliable RV mechanic as you drive down the highway definitely requires a miracle.

Two days later, I finally made it to Las Cruces, New Mexico and at about 9 PM on a Friday stopped to gas up. The engine died- dead- as I left the gas station and pulled back onto the street. I coasted over to the curb and after several futile attempts to start the engine, I called road service.

The wrecker arrived and the driver said that my insurance covered towing anywhere in town but that he recommended going to the RV Repair Shop just 2 blocks down the street!  He pointed to a lighted sign and said that they even had electric and water hookups I could use for the night. I agreed and he towed.

When the repair shop office opened on Saturday, I was told they couldn't do any work until Tuesday since this was a long Labor Day weekend. The manager said I could continue using their electric and water hook-ups, or go to the RV Park adjacent to the shop.(I had not even noticed it on the way in) 

Late Tuesday afternoon, after a new fuel pump, filter, etc, was installed by professionals, I was on my way again. The engine was purring like a kitten and finally I was able to keep up with the traffic.

Third Breakdown

On Wednesday, some 70 miles north of Tucson, Arizona, around midnight, a gut-wrenching squeal came from the engine compartment.

Negative thoughts filled my head- a main engine bearing burned out, no, maybe it's just a water pump, and then my headlights begin going dim and I knew it was the alternator. How in the world would I find an alternator out here in the middle of nowhere?

The only visible light for miles was an all night gas station sign down the road so I headed that way. I exited the freeway and pulled the squealing monster behind the station and went to sleep.