This has been a disappointing Pumpkin year. Starting with generator issues, then the LP tank, Russ's surgery, new pups, and my bum shoulder. We just weren't able to get off the ground. But, the generator is fixed, we have a new propane tank, Russ's surgery went great, but there is still the new pups. We haven't settled on just how they are going to travel. Ditto always rode on a pillow between Joyce and the door. That won't work now, with two dogs. We're hoping we can train them to each take a back seat, but I fear that will take some doing. So, until we get them ready to ride and get them both leash trained, any long distance trip is unlikely. We might make it up to Stephen's in St. Joseph. He has a well fenced back yard and Izzy to keep the pups occupied. Or, we might make it to Dustin's in Chesterfield, but it would be a hassle since Hannah doesn't have a fence. Maybe we could get some quickie fence posts and a roll of chicken wire and make them a temporary pen. But, if we have to go through that much trouble, Dusty would owe us a steak or something. In the meantime, Pumpkin is having to play second fiddle.
I've not been totally stagnant with Pumpkin. A couple of weeks ago, Joyce heard a beeping sound coming from Pumpkin (she had to hear it because I can't hear squat). It turned out being the LP leak detector. It is designed to sound an alarm if it detects propane (or dog farts, etc.). The sensor has a lifetime of about 5 years. Ours was original equipment and we bought Pumpkin a little over six years ago. So, the beeping was the alarm telling us it was about to die. I ordered a new one and installed it easily, so that's done. Then just a couple of days ago, Joyce heard a beeping again. Assuming the new LP detector was either bad or we actually had an LP leak, I went out to see what I could do. It would beep about every 30 seconds. I could hear it easily. However, when you can only hear in one ear, determining just where a sound is coming from is quite difficult. I looked down at the LP detector (they are located close to the floor because LP is heavier than air). It has an LED that lights up green if it is good, blinks red if not good, and is extinguished if off. It was glowing solid green. I still wasn't sure and could not tell if the beep was coming from the LP detector. I slowly got down on my knees so I could place my good ear close to the alarm. It still sounded somewhat distant. Groaning, I got back to my feet and listened. "Beep". I still couldn't tell where it was coming from. Then I looked up and there it was, the smoke alarm. Of course, the battery was, no doubt bad by now. I popped it open and...no battery at all in it. It had a place for a 9v battery, but none there. I wondered if this alarm was hard-wired to the 12 volt coach battery. To see what was going on, I took the ceiling mounted smoke alarm down, but there were no connecting wires...and the beep continued. Obviously, it wasn't coming from this smoke alarm. It was then I recalled having to remove the battery shortly after we bought Pumpkin because Joyce would set it off every time she cooked something. But, as I said, the beep goes on. I moved toward the rear of the coach and it did seem to get a little louder. That was when I noticed the red light flashing on the CO (carbon monoxide) detector, also mounted to the ceiling. I popped it loose and tested the battery. It tested a little low (with no load), so I'm assuming it was a weak battery. I should receive a new battery...oh, today! I haven't checked the mail yet.
Begrudgingly, I winterized Pumpkin a couple of days ago. It is obvious we aren't going to need water in the tank any time soon. It's still ready to roll except we can't use the toilet which is pretty much a show stopper for both Joyce and me. Well, not entirely, just less convenient. But, Pumpkin is ready for winter. I am not, however.
The money pit thrives. Oh, not just yet, but all the batteries (3 of them) are 6 years old and could go any time now. The engine start battery will cost around $150-$200. It's in a totally inaccessible area under the driver's side floor so it ready needs to be a totally maintenance-free battery. It has an AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) which is good, but expensive. Then there's the two batteries that power the coach. They are also in inaccessible areas (one behind each rear wheel well underneath) and they are even more expensive AGM batteries. Money, money, money. But, that's all it is. Just money. Maybe I can nurse them along one more year.
