I called Coach-Net a little after 6:00 this morning. Soon they called back and told me Experts Towing would be here within 45 minutes. It was sooner than that.
This time Ron was in a black flatbed truck. We unhitched our truck from the fifth wheel, and he gently winched the truck into the road with me steering. Once we were in the road and straight, he lowered the flatbed and winched the truck up.
We were on the road with Linda following in the Jeep when the Coach-Net automated call came in. I pressed '2' indicating service was in progress.
During our 30-mile drive, I asked Ron lots of questions about RVs and the mountains. He said they tow about five RVs a week off the southern Bighorns. I asked if there were more trucks/trailers or motorhomes. He said it was about 50/50. I asked if it was more engine problems or brake problems. He said "Engines. If it's brake problems, I'm usually picking them up in pieces."
And, for the record, U.S. 16 through the southern Bighorns is "easier" than the two routes through the northern Bighorns, U.S. 14 and U.S. 14A. Lots of RVs go over all three routes, but they can be tough on engines, transmissions, and brakes.
We arrived at Fremont Motors' Ford dealership in Sheridan. We were basically a "drop-in", but they thought they could squeeze us into today's schedule. Whew.
Ron left, and I went to the service manager and asked "Just so I'm prepared, if it's worst case scenario, how much are we looking at?" He said $23,000 - $24,000. Well, it was less than Ron's off-the-cuff estimate from yesterday.
Linda & I went to breakfast. We went from being quiet to laughing to almost crying to being angry about $2 toast to just about everywhere in between. :)
Back in the dealership's customer lounge, we plugged in our laptops and waited. Eventually, the service manager came in. I could tell the news wasn't good.
Yep. A new engine would be needed and the total cost would be about $18,500. Well, the number was getting lower, but it was still a really big number. He could get the engine in this week and have the work done by the weekend.
We asked him to let us think about it. We talked and made some phone calls to get advice and to see if we could get anywhere with Ford corporate. We were out of our five-year warranty, but we only have 64,000 miles on the truck.
We've heard lots of horror stories about the engine in our truck, a 6.0-liter Powerstroke Diesel. There are class action lawsuits over that engine. But we really hadn't had any trouble until now.
Was our issue the same or related to the other problems with the 6.0? Well, according to the technician, the engine was running too fast (too high RPMs) and the pistons were moving up and down faster than the valves were closing. So the pistons were slamming into the valves. I have no idea what any of that means, but I'm sure some of our readers understand.
They said they had never seen that with that engine. Perhaps it was a fluke. Or it could have been that the RPMs were just too high for the lower gear we were in coming down the mountain. I asked "So my choices are ride my brakes and risk them going out (and my life), or gear down like I'm supposed to and risk blowing the engine?" Shrugs.
We decided not to make any hasty decisions. We told them we would sleep on it. So we left in the Jeep and went back to the KOA in Buffalo.
All that we decided was that we would have the fifth wheel towed to Gillette in the morning so we could fulfill our obligation. We had done the math, and towing the rig there was cheaper than staying in a hotel or staying at the KOA and commuting the 70 miles.
Ultimately, we have a very big decision to make. It's mostly a financial decision, but it's also emotional and there is a huge risk of making a mistake. Whatever that decision is, others will think it was the wrong move, but we're the ones that have to live with it. In the end, it will all work out and, like always, we'll go with our gut, stay positive, and move on. :)
WOW - sorry to hear about the engine. Good luck with your decision.
Posted by: Bill | Monday, July 16, 2012 at 11:53 PM
Oh, that is something no one wants to have happen. So sorry to hear about the engine, but glad you're safe.
Susan & Bob
Posted by: Susan | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 02:28 AM
Bummer, Howard and Linda.....tough decision for anyone. Staying positive is a good plan. Remember when you first told everyone your plans about selling everything and pulling your house around the country? They thought you were crazy, but it was the right decision for you. Same for us. When we started this adventure just over a year ago, we didn't know that altitude changes and heights would be an issue for us. And, we discovered that pulling 18,000 pounds across country is somewhat nerve-wracking. So, we recently decided to come off the road for awhile. So, here we are in the high desert of California in July, and we can love it or hate it.....so we choose to love it. And, maybe spending the money for a "membership" during a bad economic downturn was the wrong decision, but it was ours and we will make the best of it. This wasn't what we had in mind when we started this adventure, but it became a new chapter in our book of life's wild and crazy ride. We still plan to continue living in our RV because we love the simplicity and the people that share this lifestyle.
My point is, anyone that chooses this lifestyle is likely flexible, and can easily adapt to change. Otherwise, we would still be sitting in our cubes and paying the mortgages.
None of us know for sure what we would do in your situation. Whatever you decide will be right for you. And, this will be another chapter in your wild and crazy ride!
Posted by: Deborah Gardner (and Phil) | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 02:51 AM
Sorry to hear about the truck troubles. I am sure you will make the best decision for you in the end. Enjoy the rally anyway.
Vicky and Ira
Posted by: Vicky and Ira | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 03:10 AM
We have no doubt you two will figure this out and make the right choice for you. Most problems are only as big as how you choose to react to them. As long as you two are OK, everything else can be worked out:o)))
Posted by: Nancy and Bill | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 05:37 AM
Sorry to hear about your truck. Appreciate your candor and I know you'll make the right decision. Good luck.
Posted by: Randy Warner | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 06:31 AM
Hope your sleep wasn't too restless. I'm sure the decision you make will be the right one for you. Don't listen to anybody but your own gut on this :)
Posted by: Laurie & George | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 07:04 AM
I am so sorry to hear about this major problem.
I know you will do your due diligence, and hopefully find some help.
We have a diesel motor home and this makes me cringe. Good luck with your decision.
Posted by: Karen Lueck | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 07:28 AM
Yikes! Was hoping for better news for you guys. I think this is probably one of the worst nightmares for any full time RVer and could be a financial ruin for some. Luckily there are options out there for you guys. Good luck on your decision and remember that tomorrow will be a better day!
Phil & Rudee
Posted by: Phil and Rudee Rubeck | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 07:48 AM
What kind of warrantee do you get with this new engine? That would be one thing to consider when deciding whether to fix this truck or replace it with a used one.
-- jc
Posted by: J.C. Webber III | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 07:52 AM
Hi H&L,
What unfortunate news! So sorry that you've had this expensive problem! We used to have a Ford with that same engine & it was nothing but trouble. The engine never completely blew up, but we did have to be towed numerous times. We finally had enough & got an F350 that did not have the 6.0 engine. Whatever you decide, I hope that it is all resolved quickly & smoothly.
Posted by: Cindy T | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 08:17 AM
Oh, Howard and Linda--we feel your pain!! We too have a 6.0 liter Ford. Ours has 140,000 miles on it and Mike just pulled the engine and replaced the injectors--an $8000 repair bill if we had had it done in a dealership. The injectors cost us $1200 and we are now driving the truck again but are still a little leery of it. But what do you do--you pay $45,000 for a truck and it should last a long, long time!!! Let us know if we can give you any help with dealerships elsewhere--we've always used Laurel Ford in Laurel, MT about a 150 miles from where you are now in Buffalo.
Posted by: Janna | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 08:27 AM
Sorry about the Engine issue. Just guessing but sounds as if the Engine over rev, as stated to many RPM. What every the case, its tough losing engine with only 64,000 miles.. Good Luck with your decision....
Posted by: Lindy N. Hester | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 08:57 AM
Aw Jeez. That is some of the worst news. Sure am sorry to hear it. Like others have said, your positive attitude will make this a LOT easier to handle.
I've heard a bunch of great things about a Jasper engine. We put a Jasper trans in our motor home last year and it is running great.
Have you talked to Jack Meyer? Perhaps you two are being guided in his direction. I'm sure you know he has a HDT for sale.
Good Luck - I hope you still get a chance to come to Yellowstone.
-- Kevin & Robin
Posted by: Kevin & Robin | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 09:09 AM
so so sorry to here of this major problem...this is the last thing any Rver wants to ever experience..and of course as luck would have it the warranty is 'up'...good luck with your decision I'm sure you will make the right one for you..we also live by the adage "it is what it is"...just sad for you that it is 'this'...good luck
Posted by: Elaine and Rick | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 09:51 AM
Because of the huge change in our lives, I have not been as faithful at keeping up with blogs I follow. I am so sorry to hear about this big UH OH in your lives. But I know you two will handle it as you have everything else life has thrown at you. No one but you is walking in your shoes so what they think about your decision is irrelevant. You two will do the right thing for you! I'm hoping for the very best outcome possible.
Posted by: Sherry | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 10:07 AM
So sorry to hear of your truck problems. If it was me, and I was as dependent as you are on a sound truck, I would trade it in on a new truck. Ford can replace the engine at cost and then resale it on their lot. To me, and I would guess Linda, peace of mind is worth the price. Looking forward to hearing about your decision process and your eventual decision.
Gene in Ohio
Posted by: Gene | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 10:40 AM
I have a 1997 f350 that I bought new, 15 years ago. It has 150,000 on the ticker. (7.3 powerstroke). Please look on ebay because there was a 2003 f350 with 23,000 miles for 14k. Good luck guys. Contact me if you like, I was a used car dealer for 35 years.
Posted by: michael ultra | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 10:41 AM
Howard:
I have a 2005 F350 with the 6.0. I tow lighter loads than you. How many RPM's were you turning as you were coming down the mountain? I don't like the way that mine downshifts under braking. I like the lower gear, but I think it goes down one too many gears and overrevs the engine. I want to make sure I am not overreving mine.
I wish you the best luck and hopefully Ford will take care of you.
Shawn
Posted by: Shawn H | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 10:41 AM
We have a 2006 Ford 350 with the 6.0 engine. Makes me a little nervous. Would it be better to get a used one. Course they wouldn't give you anything for the old one. Sorry to hear this.
Posted by: Ron Standiford | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 10:49 AM
I like your strategies in your truck troubles. I know I would be better off following your good thinking and staying positive. It is what it is and what is the worst case situation. I would usually waste time by having a meltdown but maybe next time I can remember how you and Linda handled this situation.
Good luck and best wishes on a healthy solution to your setback.
Thanks for sharing your travels with us.
Posted by: Rick | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 10:59 AM
We wish you the best! Hopefully the rally will be a welcome reprieve. Lots of options!
Posted by: Beth Wylie | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 11:11 AM
The name of your book could be "I only Cuss When I am Towed"!! Prayers are with you.
Posted by: Pam Hensley | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 12:00 PM
There is a lesson to be learned by all of us when things like this happen. Wishing you good luck.
Posted by: David Webber | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 12:10 PM
I think a exhaust brake would solve the problem of over reving or burning the brakes
Posted by: Roy Dameron | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 12:23 PM
Howard, Most of us have been following you and Linda, learning about the fulltime RV lifestyle. The process and decisions you make have a huge impact on many of us. We are watching you process, we are watching as you struggle. Many have made choices based on your choices, we've been encouraged by your successes and we been disappointed by your failures. And we will watch your example as you examine and make choices in this one more test along the road of the fulltime lifestyle.
Posted by: K&J | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 12:47 PM
Even with the tough situation you guys are in, your willingness to open up and write about it for others to read and learn from is very commendable.
Thank You and Good Luck!
Posted by: CGC | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 01:17 PM
I'd be looking at a remanufactured engine rather than a new one, if that's what Ford quoted you on. And I'd check prices from more than just Ford.
I'd also check out another place to have the engine swapped out.
And when whatever you do is over with, don't ever again get within a 100 rpm of the max rpm of whatever engine you have. :)
Gary
Posted by: Gary | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 02:17 PM
I'm all in with the previously posted encouragement!
If you decide to get a "new" truck, you might want to think about RAM with the Cummins Turbo Diesel. Probably your Trailer weights are within the range of late model 3500 duallys
That's what my due diligence research in 2007 concluded was the best tow vehicle for me...You've experienced the reason I never even looked at Ford - way too many VERY bad Engine experiences posted online.
Of course the ideal Pickup would have Ford Interior/luxory, Chevy Allison Transmission, and Dodge Cummins TD engine.
I went for the best engine as the most expensive and important longevity component.
And the online "Turbodiesel Register" is the most helpfull online Club and Forum exclusively for Dodge Ram. One of my sons is a diesel mechanic and drive Fords, but respects my Dodge Ram.
Posted by: chas | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 02:18 PM
That's a really lousy break; but as you said we've seen plenty of internet postings about issues with the 6.0 engine. Supposedly the 6.7 that is in our 2012 F450 is improved but it's still a pretty new engine so long term one never knows. Strange that you downshifted as you should have and it blew…knowing you I guess you were nowhere near the max RPM when it happened…so this is likely just the bad design biting you in the rear. Still though…it is what is is and stuff like that just goes along with the lifestyle; but it's lousy when it happens.
Posted by: Neil Laubenthal | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 03:26 PM
Over the years have found some of the best life's decisions have been the ones that were forced on us, aka job lose, home flooded, ect. hope that this some day will work out like that for you. Stay positive, it will work out, stay positive. See you down the road.
Posted by: Kathy Donley | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 04:06 PM
I haven't been keeping up with blogs very well (busy writing my novel). So sorry to hear this. We've had our share of repairs lately and I worry about a huge bill like yours. Hoping you can find the best solution for you guys.
Posted by: Donna B. McNicol [@dbmcnicol] | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 04:28 PM
Sorry to hear about this and I hope it gets solved soon. Certainly a few notches above "sheesh".
Posted by: Bruce | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 05:25 PM
Sorry to hear about your truck. We've been following ya'll since we saw you in Miss. at Buccaneer State Park. Hope it all works out for you. Thanks for all the info, we have used some of it in our travels.
Good Luck
Posted by: Dave | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 06:23 PM
It is very unlikely the engine over-revved as the computer will automatically up-shift the transmission at red line in order to save the engine. Sounds like total B.S. from the Ford mechanic. The tow-haul function works most effectively at 3,000 RPM and up. More likely you had an injector stick open, hydraulic lock a cylinder, and things went downhill quickly. It is a common problem with the 6.0L. But you won't know for sure until someone takes it apart.
It doesn't matter which brand you have, the new diesels are too sophisticated and too expensive to repair to *NOT* have a warranty in place.
Do your self a favor, if you buy another truck, do *NOT* buy a 6.0L Ford. There are just too many failures with that engine. I had three engine failures before Ford replaced it with the newer 6.4L truck.
Posted by: Carl Youngren | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 07:15 PM
Carl nailed it exactly.Those were my thoughts also.I know you will make the correct decision.
Posted by: George( Racerguy) | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 09:50 PM
I know it's a hard pill to swallow but get rid of that lemon. It will never be the same with a new engine. The process of installing a new engine seldom works out. Especially when you are pulling such a load.
Good luck. So sorry you are having this trouble.
Don
Posted by: Don and Deb | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 10:33 PM
Even though you bought your vehicle from Ford if they are not going to help because of the time running out on the warranty then take it to an independent but reputable shop. They will probably do it for less than half.
It's about time.
Posted by: Rick and Kathy Rousseau | Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 10:52 PM
Howard & Linda,
Sorry to hear about the truck. I would feel foolish offering you advice because I know you and Linda will make the absolute best decision for ya'll. Your experience is causing me to at least think about an extended warranty for our 09 (15K miles)Dodge 3500 dually. Its 100K/36 mo warranty is ending soon and I just received a solicitation from Dodge to extend it.
Jim & Judy Maddox
now extended time RVers
Posted by: Jim | Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at 02:32 PM
Have you read Bumfuzzle?
Posted by: wheeler | Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at 04:24 PM