Annual RV Service at Alliance in Wildwood, FL

All that was slated for the Smitanic at Alliance was a “routine” chassis greased & oil change. During this maintenance the mechanic found that tie rods were bad and needed replaced. Also a mysterious 'c' clamp also fell off. Alliance did not perform that type of repairs, so a place in Orlando was recommended as well as a Truck Repair center place right down the street. To avoid a trip to Orlando the latter would be the first choice. Upon examining the tie rods the mechanic at the new place agreed they needed replace and began the search for the replacement parts. One was in Tennessee and the other was … no where … and would need to be manufactured which could take up to 60 days. This was disappointing and would surely upset all plans to get westward. Including the fact that Theresa needed to be in Houston the first week of Dec for a business meeting.

Meanwhile back at Alliance on Friday after our Monday arrival, Kevin checked the dipstick to validate the oil change indeed did happen correctly. It was significantly over the full mark. Theresa did a bit of research on how bad that could be. Turns out it could cause a run-away diesel and some other less catastrophic events, none of which sounded appealing. On Saturday the mechanic validated that indeed some of the oil needed removed, but he could not do that until Monday. The Smitanic was now there for the weekend for sure.

On Monday, the excess oil was removed, while Kevin made arrangements with Angel(yes that is his name) from Josams in Orlando to get the tie rod parts and initiate a insurance claim to the extended warranty company. Normally when claims are involved the Service provider will need to get clearance from the Insurance Co prior to ordering any parts. To shorten this process Kevin gave a credit card # to Josams so parts could be ordered even prior to our arrival. On Monday afternoon, Kevin was guided into the repair bay so that the mechanics can validate parts and investigate the replacement of the mysterious 'c' clamp. As he moved the Smitanic over the open bay the RV was on platform that rocked it from side to side like an earthquake. Kevin held on until the motion stopped and was guided further into the bay.

All diagnosis were made and the mysterious 'c' clamp was assumed to be part of the ball joint. All parts were ordered and expected to arrive by Friday with an estimated repair to take place on the next Monday. Relief! The trip was no longer at risk!

Josams proceeded to process the insurance claim only to get the response that the policy was never activated... WHAT! Kevin had all the paperwork including policy number and proof of payment for 4 years! Upon calling the insurance dealer who sold the policy it was discovered that the paperwork in August was never submitted to the Insurance company! Oops! The dealer gave his assurance that the paperwork would be overnighted to the insurance co so the claim could be submitted by the following afternoon. Josams was nice enough to let the Smitanic dock behind their building until all the parts arrive and the repair was completed.

During the waiting day on Tuesday Kevin & Theresa were able to visit with Theresa's Aunt Jean and cousin. On Wed & Thursday they returned to visit with Kevin's mom and sister.

Finally on Friday all parts arrived and the repair was underway, ahead of schedule. Ousted from the RV, Kevin and Theresa took Zin for a walk only to find 'Heaven' (office building). Then returned and Angel said we were all done! A very blessed feeling.

With the Smitanic safe to drive again, the weekend would be spent at the Southern Oaks RV park near Summerfield, FL so Kevin and Theresa could spend just a little more time with Kevin's mom and sister and celebrate their 39^th anniversary!