Vehicle woes

People keep asking what we did this summer. We did some fun things, like going to Tally lake and to Utah, but a lot of our time at home was tied up with 'things." I read a book once that described assets (like vehicles, boats, homes, etc) as liabilities, because they consume time and money and require maintenance, storage, etc., etc. This summer I gained a greater appreciation for this concept. 

The How to Get to Utah Dilemma...The new truck

I'm sure many people who attended our family reunions encountered logistical difficulties trying to camp far from home. In our case, we also have a son with disabilities whom we needed to accommodate. Our best option was to take our trailer. However, our truck was not up to the job of pulling our family to Utah. Not only was it old, 1995 model, and too small...it only has a mini seat in the back, but also, the air conditioning didn't work. We decided to start looking for a new truck.

In the end we bought a White 2006 Ford f-150 4x4 Quad Cab truck. It is in good shape, is very roomy, has a roll top on the back and had low km. I think we went into Lethbridge 5 times shopping for trucks by the time we had this one home.

The trailer upgrades....

We invited Rob's dad to come out and help "pack the wheels" of the trailer (whatever that is). He and Rob got talking and it came to our attention that our trailer should have brakes that work in conjunction with the truck's brakes. While the trailer did initially have this system, at least one of the brakes was broken and the truck needed the corresponding part installed. So we hauled the trailer into Lethbridge. As it turned out, not only were all 4 brakes broken, all the wiring also had to be redone. Total bill, $1300. Total time in the shop, 1 1/2 weeks. 

The Car

We took the truck and trailer into the shop to fix the brakes while Rob's parents had Austin and Preston with them camping. We also took the car to Lethbridge so we could get home. We went to the driving range and rode on go-karts. Then, as we were driving home, the car started to lose power and completely died right on Mayor Magrath Drive (the main road) in Lethbridge. Rob was at the wheel so Alyssa and I got out and pushed the car to the nearest place to get off which happened to be right in front of A & W. The picture below is of us eating A & W while waiting for a ride to our friend and bishop's National Car Rental shop where they fixed the car (the next day) and lent us a rental car to get home. The next day Rob had to drive into Lethbridge again to return the rental and get the car back. $600 for a new alternator and battery.

The truck makes a noise...

On the way home from Utah, the truck started making a noise like a loud clicking. When we got home we took it in to the same shop where our car was fixed. (We bought the truck from National). After a day of waiting around Lethbridge they figured out that we had a crack in the manifold and since the manifold was in a very awkward place, it would require 8 hrs labor. So, we had to take it in again the next day to get fixed and pick it up the following day. I am so grateful that National paid for the repair because the price tag was $1000.

The car makes a noise, again...

Shortly after being fixed our car started making a noise again. (It tended to squeal as it got going, but it was getting worse). We took it in to the Magrath shop and luckily he tightened the belts for only $50.

The van takes on an odor...

On the day before our trip to Utah, there was a big funeral in our ward. I helped all afternoon, and came home feeling the pressure of a million things to do. Not until we got home 11 days later, did I realize that I left a bag of sliced watermelon on the seat of the van. It had leaked and rotted and the van absolutely reeked. Since then I have spent several hours cleaning and still haven't completely gotten rid of the smell, which now is still coming from the area under the floor where the ramp is stored. 

The boat hits a rock....

As I reported earlier, our boats windshield is shattered. I still don't know how it will get fixed. Since the glass is curved, no one local can fix it. 

The house needs a new mortgage...

Our mortgage was up for renewal this summer so we got to go to lots of appointments with banks and lawyers and mortgage brokers to get that organized.

So, how did we spend our summer? Now you know.