So,...after deciding to leave much later this year and months of patiently waiting for departure, we finally got on the road last Sunday morning headed for our first stop Southern Leisure RV in Chiefland FL. Wanted to top off the tank first, so filled up (fuel and DEF), and headed up the on ramp to the interstate. The coach wasn't responding and felt like it was derating, but no dash lights, so I headed for the shoulder of the ramp. I could tell the rear brakes were not releasing at that point for some reason, and I could hear air escaping/bypassing when I tried to move the parking brake knob. Of course this is Sunday afternoon, so I'm starting to have a bit of anxiety as to what to do. I found P&S Roadside Repair, a local company, that responded on the phone second ring and had a tech at our coach within 15 minutes he actually diagnosed the problem as an R14 valve in the brake system. he bypassed it which enabled us to roll and the brakes would work as normal, except it would purge a bit of air when on the brakes. At least we could get to our camp about 50 miles away. I was very couscous driving, but it really wasn't an issue. We changed campgrounds to be nearer to their shop to get it repaired, I found the correct part at the local Freightliner dealer, bought it and took the coach in this morning to get it installed. Showed up at their shop at 8am, and was out by 930! Can't say enough about their service!
With all that said, first, Southern Leisure. The management here was really great when we had to change our original plans. Gave us a full refund for unused time. Very nice campground just not a lot to do around the area except for the GREAT clam chowder at Tonys on Cedar Key.
The next stop 3 days later is at Champions Run in Ocala. Beautiful park, very friendly staff, nice pool!! Finished service and once again ready for the rest of the trip, hopefully. Heading out on Saturday.
