Rallies the way they used to be.

[Randy Dupree]

Bill Pape and i were talking about tallies in years past and he brought up the facts that years ago we almost always had a coach breakdown on the way to or from a rally.
When the problem coach made it to a rally we all umped in and fixed it.
Sometimes we had to go do a "road fix" and then limp the coach into the rally for a true repair.

Once we used a truck and a strap and several escort vehicles to tow a FC about 10 miles to the rally park and then we fixed it,it needed a little weld repair on a bracket,we found a shop to wed it and its still working fine.

One time we had a BMC break down in the rv parks driveway,right in front of the office.
The owner called me and i talked them into a "road fix" to get it moved to their site and then we got a part and fixed it right.

Slowly as the years went by the "fleet" got in better shape and these days we don't have many break downs like we used to have.

Bill and i both think its because with the help of the WOG and the members here read about the things that are a normal wear item and get them replaced.

One time John Finn broke down about 300 miles from my shop and needed tires and an air bag,he had a blowout that took out another tire and an airbag.
I had a set of tires here for another customer and a spare bag and Bill and Mark B loaded it all in my pickup and drove to the truckstop,delivered the parts and tires,made sure the bus got fixed and then drove back here to my shop.
A very late night for those guys,but all in a days work to help a friend in need.


Being a part of this group will sure open some doors for you,and thanks to you all for being a part of WOG.

[Fullerr]

WOG is amazing. The information we pull up to check specs and how to’s. A lot of the stuff I research and discover is due to someone’s mishap and then repair. It is inevitable that a breakdown may eventually happen, but hopefully I will be prepared with the tools, knowledge, and spares I have onboard. Also having a road service plan with Good Sam.

I certainly thank all those that have contributed past and present. Having an active FORUM like this is important for the continued service and maintenance of these great machines.

[Hellcat]

Sometime back I was thinking similar. How often do we see a I broke on the road thread? Does not seem often people are getting stranded on the road. WOG makes a difference for sure.

[Randy Dupree]

And one person here is priceless and we never give him enough credit,people call him and he gives them the fix,and they never call back and say "nice job John!" or even let him know he saved the day.
That man is John Wyatt,he knows where all the files are,he can read all the prints,he understands the way the engineers at BB thought.
John,thank you for what you do.

[jwmp]

Originally Posted by Randy Dupree

And one person here is priceless and we never give him enough credit,people call him and he gives them the fix,and they never call back and say "nice job John!" or even let him know he saved the day.
That man is John Wyatt,he knows where all the files are,he can read all the prints,he understands the way the engineers at BB thought.
John,thank you for what you do.

Yes, thank you John! Randy, I've lost count of how many times I've needed to call you for help. The WOG is great.

[Tallybird]

Yeah John W is awesome! Thanks John for all the forum work you do. It’s been a while since RATS 1.0. Didn’t John F create the broke down but here award??? Or did that originate in Myrtle Beach. I can’t remember. I do remember RATS 1.0 and Leroy blowing a hwh hydraulic line. Ugh me and Lara’s husband Bruce trying to get it tied off and his tires and axles cleaned. What a pain! Yes the forum has a ton more experienced wrenches from all generations and types of equipment. Clearly makes things much easier today than 20 years ago. Thank you to all the wrenches young and old for contributing to the forum.
And yes this is also the rally that Crit and Scottie spent all week replacing the hot water heater in Blissfulldaze and the infamous picture he took with Cliff’s “ equipment “ that is in his Crit’s bird thread! :-)
So Crit I posthumously award you the broke down but here award since we didn’t have one back then!

[isp2952]

I try to thank John often, but it is never enough! THANKS FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE AND ALL I KNOW THAT YOU WILL DO IN THE FUTURE JOHN!!!

[Bullardbill]

Being a preventive maintenance type of guy, i like to repair stuff before it breaks. The WOG is a great resource for deciding what i need to do next, i have read every post that Lee D. made during the 15 years he owned my coach. I know every problem he had and most of the stuff he replaced. Because of the WOG i did not have to buy a pig in a poke.

[Randy Dupree]

Originally Posted by Bullardbill

Being a preventive maintenance type of guy, i like to repair stuff before it breaks. The WOG is a great resource for deciding what i need to do next, i have read every post that Lee D. made during the 15 years he owned my coach. I know every problem he had and most of the stuff he replaced. Because of the WOG i did not have to buy a pig in a poke.

Lee was the guy that broke down in the driveway at M.B. rally ages ago.
the ground wire was loose on the fuel solenoid,i got the call,and told them how to use a papper clip to hold the solenoid engaged.
when i got there a day later we fixed the ground wire and Lee was good to go.

[Randy Dupree]

OK<so who does Randy call when hes in a jam?
Well,i have a list of folks.
Sometimes i just need to make sure i'm thinking right,normally that call goes to Nancy B.
Next of that list in Bill P.
For tech advice on the birds its (of course) John W.
If its for a trick of the trade its Johnboy at Coachcraft.

Funny,i don't think John W has ever called me for help! Ha!

Nancy B has taken over the job of chewing the bosses butt out if i am out of line,since John F passed.

John<have a great day,stay cool.