.

.
Borrego Springs, CA

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

UFF-DAH!

uff-dah:
Interjection signifying exhaustion, weariness, resignation, overwhelm, sorrow, or frustration, generally used by those of Scandinavian (particularly Norwegian descent).
Having lived 13+ years in Minnesota, and being of Swedish decent, I have often used this word/phrase.  As in “Uff-dah! I might be in this parking lot another week?!?”  Please, say it isn’t so!  Well, they couldn’t say it wasn’t so, and here are the reasons.
IMG_3482Yesterday, the computer program to analyze the rig’s systems arrived, and the president of the company installed it on their laptop and came into the rig to set it up for use on reading the Adventurer’s innards.  That’s my tech, Ken, in the background.
IMG_3483
It hooks into the rig somewhere under the steering wheel.  It took some tinkering, but they got it working, and the fault warnings began showing up.  To shorten the story a bit, they got different readings today than they got late yesterday which resulted in a call to the manufacturer’s tech department.  It was then determined that the motherboard computer in the rig is toast, and needs to be replaced.  Okay, let’s order the new board. 
In steps the extended warranty company.  They apparently don’t understand everything the tech, Ken, is telling them, so they have decided to send out their own inspector to see if the replacement is required.   (Uff-dah!)  That inspector will be here within 24 hours; meaning by late tomorrow afternoon.  Assuming they agree, the part will take 3-4 days to get here unless I would like to pay for overnight shipping fees.          (Uff-dah!)  Well, I’ve asked where the part is coming from.  If not too far away, I’ll compare the cost of me driving there to get it to the overnight shipping fee.  (I’ve had experience with those overnight fees last year)
Next, Ken and I discussed the fact that I have not dumped the holding tanks in 17 days, and pretty soon it’s going to be mandatory.  (Uff-dah!)  It has also been raining for three days straight, so I essentially haven’t left the rig.  So, the plan is for Ken to move the rig with a forklift tomorrow to the spot I can dump.   We have been playing that one by ear, since we all hoped I would be on the road by now.  Ah yes, the many      uff-dahs of fulltiming.  Confused smile
Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later,  Judy

42 comments:

  1. Can't they call a "honey truck" to come and empty the tanks for you, rather than use the forklift?
    Sorry you have to stay there so long, it's a good thing you have a car with you. If it was me in that situation, I would have to rent a car so I wouldn't go stir crazy staying in one spot.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Uff Dah!! indeed. What a pain in the patooty. Those guys are going to be your best buds before this is all over. Better bake them some chocolate chip cookies or cinnamon rolls or something. And keep plenty for yourself to keep you mellow.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Uff Dah!! indeed. What a pain in the patooty. Those guys are going to be your best buds before this is all over. Better bake them some chocolate chip cookies or cinnamon rolls or something. And keep plenty for yourself to keep you mellow.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Uff Dah!! indeed. What a pain in the patooty. Those guys are going to be your best buds before this is all over. Better bake them some chocolate chip cookies or cinnamon rolls or something. And keep plenty for yourself to keep you mellow.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Uff Dah is putting it mildly! You must have learned great patience from all those years of teaching.

    Using a fork lift to move a motor home...I hope you get some pictures of that one!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm thinkin' that is a polite way of saying what the youth of today mean when they say WTF... Which is what I would have been saying a long time ago! Along with OMG... You are such a great sport with them my friend!!!

    And I think the idea of a honey wagon is a great one! Or even check into a septic tank cleaner... We have that at our regular Cathouse... We are actually at an RV backlot ourselves for a few items and I've seen them moving RVs around with a forklift, but not motorhomes... I'd be hesitant about that, were it me...

    I'd say have a glass of wine... but, the tanks...

    ReplyDelete
  7. Ya, why don't they call a sanitation truck. When we stayed at our home park a truck came around and pumped us out.

    I'd be very very upset at this point and thinking of trading!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm sorry to hear this, Judy. Uff-dah is right!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Uff Dah!! indeed. What a pain in the patooty. Those guys are going to be your best buds before this is all over. Better bake them some chocolate chip cookies or cinnamon rolls or something. And keep plenty for yourself to keep you mellow.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Uff Dah!! indeed. What a pain in the patooty. Those guys are going to be your best buds before this is all over. Better bake them some chocolate chip cookies or cinnamon rolls or something. And keep plenty for yourself to keep you mellow.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Uff Dah!! indeed. What a pain in the patooty. Those guys are going to be your best buds before this is all over. Better bake them some chocolate chip cookies or cinnamon rolls or something. And keep plenty for yourself to keep you mellow.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Uff Dah!! indeed. What a pain in the patooty. Those guys are going to be your best buds before this is all over. Better bake them some chocolate chip cookies or cinnamon rolls or something. And keep plenty for yourself to keep you mellow.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I knew it, A computer board has got you down all this time, just think if it was 60's or 70's technology straight air brakes. They worked just fine for years and years, but No, we have to computerize everything,wait till they hook a computer up to the toilet paper dispenser, it's coming I swear.Glad to hear they are getting closer to ending your agony. Hope your on the road soon. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Since the "Quiltin' LibraryLady' has already left 7 Uff Dah's, I guess it would be rather repetitious if I said it again.

    Insurance companies? Don't you just love them? They just hate the thought of paying out a claim that customers have already paid for.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Well, nuts! I wonder, too, about a "honey wagon" coming to you instead of forklifting your rig to the dump station. Perhaps worth asking? At least you are AT the service place and they seem to be making an effort to get things done for you! Hang in there!

    ReplyDelete
  16. NO UFF DA...WHAT THE HELL???? KEEP ON BITCHIN'....YOU ARE SOOOOOOO RIGHT TO DEMAND BETTER SERVICE!!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Isn't there a thing called a blue boy? I guess your warranty company isn't into putting you into a hotel room for the duration.

    Patience.

    ReplyDelete
  18. i JUST CHANGED MY MIND...PAY THE OVERNIGHT SHIPPING AND GET THE HELL OUTA THERE! THEN BY A BIG BOTTLE OF MERLOT AND DRINK IT....THE FIRST NIGHT ON THE ROAD!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I would be having a conversation with my insurance company. The myriad electrical problems that you experienced this summer are very likely the cause of your "fried" mother board. One of the best things we have invested in is a device that checks and monitors the power coming in from the post in a campground. Low voltage is even more damaging than spikes, and a few hundred dollars will protect your coach. I agree with others that a mobile "honey wagon" is a lot easier than trying to move your coach with a fork lift. That is just asking for more damage!! Best of luck to you!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Uff-dah... I love it! Think I'll start using that term now for all my daily frustrations rather than the more common 4-letter varieties.

    Well, even though it's no fun right now, these experiences always make the best campfire stories later on. I had a 3-week "adventure" out West a few summers ago where the tranny on my new tow vehicle blew out twice stranding us in 2 different towns for a few weeks. Finally were told to rent a car to drive home and a truck would tow my camper back for me. All was fine with that plan until the transport trucking company called to tell me the trucker had gotten into an accident and totaled my camper! We arrived back home in the rental car safe and sound (fortunately with our most-valuable possessions with us), and had quite a story to tell about how we spent our summer vacation!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I guess it's a good thing I quit RVing before this type of thing happerned to me. I'd be raising some kind of hell by now I'm afraid.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I guess I am more or less speechless :( It seems that there is a lack of talent involved here:((

    ReplyDelete
  23. Uff Dah...OMG and whatever other words could express the situation you have been experiencing. I am so sorry to hear of the struggles you are going through! Hang in there as this too shall pass!!
    Our thoughts are with you and now with Ken to get it going!!

    ReplyDelete
  24. A simple Uff Dah doesn't do this situation justice. According to our Norwegian friends, this is definitely an Uff Dah Fyda! moment.

    We're so inspired by your patience and grace! Hang in there!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Can't say anything that hasn't already been said. Hang in there, it will get better. It's still too hot in Texas, anyway!

    ReplyDelete
  26. The thought of moving your rig with a forklift make be burst into a giggle! I know, I know, it's not funny for you.

    Hang in there, and keep smilin'! Uff-dah!

    ReplyDelete
  27. What a revolting development this has turned out to be. I still think a blue boy would be the best solution. The thought of a forklift moving my RV around just kind of makes my stomach hurt. We're still hanging in there with you.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I agree -- either a blue boy or a honey wagon -- much better than forklift...you don't need anything else to worry about!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I'd be biting my fingernails if somebody came close to my RV with a forklift. There has to be a better way to do the job. Any idea why they don't use a honey wagon or a blue boy? That should be a lot easier than the forklift treatment!

    ReplyDelete
  30. You poor thing, how long is this going to go on? I just can't believe the things you've been going through. I agree with the above comments, there must be a honey wagon they can use. I hope everything is resolved soon and you can get on your way. :)

    ReplyDelete
  31. What the heck?..you are a better woman than me..I would have lost my patience a long time ago..that, and made a run to liquour store!!

    ReplyDelete
  32. A Honey Wagon is the way to go. We had one come way out into the desert near Quartzsite one time so you should be able to get one where you are pretty easy. The thought of moving a Motor Home with a Fork Lift is very scary to say the least. I agree with Sam.....why do we have to computerize EVERYTHING. Newer is not always better!!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Your capacity for patience in inspiring ... I'm not sure I'd have any left by now.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I'm sooo sorry for your breakdown. You make things here seem easy. We only had no electricity, water or flushes from 5A to 8:30 A yesterday.

    I went to Winnie for breakfast and then hauled a load of stuff I'll ship to CA to Galveston to await my next arrival in mid October. Hopefully you'll make it down here by Oct 14 for the Volunteer Banquet and I'll get to see you before I'm all the way gone.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Are you sure they know what they are doing and can actually safely move a motor home with a fork lift?

    I'd be extremely nervous about that. There are a lot of things underneath that could be screwed up.

    IF the warranty covers this repair they probably will pay for the honey wagon or blue boy service.

    Hang in there. Hopefully it will soon be over.

    ReplyDelete
  36. I think I would be saying more than Uff Dah. I would be in their face, foaming at the mouth. They would want me to get out of there. Stay strong.
    Chris

    ReplyDelete
  37. You said this on September 20, 2011:
    "I’m kind of hoping it’s the mother board (my name) since they have a brand new one right here. If it’s the brake one, it will have to ordered, and I’ll sit and wait since there’s nothing else I can do."

    I suggested at that time that IF they had a new mother board they should install it and IF the problem went away you were back on the road. If it did not fix it then order a brake board.

    Now it is eight days later, they finally get the diagnostic software, they maybe(?) have determined that it is the mother board BUT they have to order it. What happened to the BRAND NEW ONE RIGHT HERE?

    What is the name of this place again? I would also like to know what your tech (Ken) is all smiles about in the picture of he and his boss with the laptop? I can not see anything about this situation or the way they have handled it so far that merits big smiles.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Well as my Dad says quite often "Fy faen"! Which is a bit dirtier than saying Uffda. :)~ Uffda works well for so many things though! I use it A LOT myself.

    Sorry to hear about the computer problems, I hope they get worked out soon. Going 17 days without dumping, not sure how you are able to go that long! Our gray tank is full after 3 days!

    Safe Travels,

    Erik

    ReplyDelete
  39. About now I'd be seriously considering dumping in their parking lot. Let them see what its like to be the recipient of a load of s**t for a change.

    Oh my! I never talk like that. Apparently I'm very upset on your behalf.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Judy you have the patience of Job. Hope you get back on the road soon. Looking forward to your post down near the Gulf.

    ReplyDelete
  41. From this Norwegian gal another Uff Dah Fyda! Hope you get the tanks dumped and a solution to the issues.

    ReplyDelete
  42. I had enough Uff Dahs yesterday when I tried to post a comment four times and it vanished each time.

    Here goes...

    I said maybe you could overnight the warranty inspector. ;c)

    ReplyDelete