Time Wounds All Heels

It's been nearly two months since The Beast came to live with us. Rebecca has insisted we rename The Beast "Campy," which rhymes with Grampy, which is what she calls me. When Rebecca speaks we listen, so "Campy" it is.

In the intervening weeks since my last post we tried searching out an RV dealership in northern Mississippi, but couldn't find it -- although NOW I know where it is. We also discovered that an RV dealership we had visited some time back has closed. We did find an RV dealership in southwest Memphis; there we saw a new 24 ft. Class C which we really liked. And, lastly, we found a quick-lube place that Campy would fit into, and so all the fluids have been checked and/or changed. The manager said Campy was in pretty good (read excellent) shape for a 1978 RV. And he didn't even see inside. I also found a repair manual for the chassis/cab. We'll be taking it along with us, along with a kit of tools and the parts the seller gave us.

Discovered why the cab a/c isn't working -- no belt. So I guess we'll get that checked out and taken care of in the near future. Of course the system will have to be changed over to the new coolant -- bleah -- but that's the law.

I've also decided Campy needs a larger fuel tank. The current one is 20 gallons, which is good for less than 200 miles. Not that I want to drive longer at a stretch (heaven forbid), but I'd like to be able to be a little more selective about where I get gas.

Also, in the several short trips we've taken in and around Memphis, I've found that Campy isn't nearly as bestial to drive as my initial impression. The seats aren't that bad after all; the driving position (high above the road) is excellent; and I've found how to get my right foot properly placed on the accelerator so that I don't lock up with cramps. The brake pedal is still too high. The after-market radio actually works, but I haven't figured out how to set the clock.

Still want to get the propane system checked before we fill up and try out the furnace and stove.

A 110v generator is definitely in the plans.