Jump to content


Photo
- - - - -

Black Rock Desert June 2009


  • Please log in to reply
55 replies to this topic

#21 DirtyDog

DirtyDog

    Captain Leisure

  • Site Team
  • 3,157 posts
  • LocationEugene, Oregon

Posted 11 June 2009 - 01:14 AM

Mine at Leadville:
Posted Image

Posted Image
  • 0

#22 DirtyDog

DirtyDog

    Captain Leisure

  • Site Team
  • 3,157 posts
  • LocationEugene, Oregon

Posted 11 June 2009 - 01:15 AM

More Leadville:
Posted Image

Posted Image
  • 0

#23 DirtyDog

DirtyDog

    Captain Leisure

  • Site Team
  • 3,157 posts
  • LocationEugene, Oregon

Posted 11 June 2009 - 01:16 AM

Aspen grove hidden in the canyon at Leadville (I would have stayed here if I had a chainsaw):
Posted Image

Craig's next adventure:
Posted Image
  • 0

#24 DirtyDog

DirtyDog

    Captain Leisure

  • Site Team
  • 3,157 posts
  • LocationEugene, Oregon

Posted 11 June 2009 - 01:35 AM

Heading home - approaching Cedarville I hit a cattle guard and instantly my tire pressure warning light goes on. I stopped and checked the pressure in the tire and find that one had lost about 15 pounds. I check again 10 min later and found I had lost another 3 pounds. OK, great I clearly and going flat so what to do? It was late in the day so I would prefer to be camped before changing the tire. I was just about 15 miles from the campground (West of Cedarville) that I had planned to stay in and I figured I could make it there, and deal with the problem at the end of the days driving. I made it to the campground but then another problem soon became evident.

However, before I finish that story, here is a photo I took while checking on the tire - approaching the Warner Mountains.

Posted Image

These mountains are bigger than I thought and I would like to explore them more in the future.

So back to the other thing. I had hastily made the decision to get wheels and tires before the trip and probably didn't do all the research I should have. Ultimately though I believe the problem I had was the fault of Americas Tire, which did not do it's job in providing with some basic information related to the wheels I bought. Ultimately however I also have to take 50% of the blame, because being prepared is the responsibility of the individual.

So - heres the deal. They put new nuts on my new wheels and my stock lug wrench didn't fit them. Can you imagine my level of absolute pissed-offness when I made this discovery? Do you think those butt weasels at Americas tire could have made the mental leap to realize if you change the type of nuts used, it might be beneficial to ask the customer if he has a wrench that fits them? ARRGGHHH!!!!

So here I am in the woods with no cell phone coverage and a flat tire. Diego was with me and it makes me nervous to leave him while I go look for a solution - who knows how long I'll be gone? Ultimately I decide that the next morning I will get on my running shoes and run six miles to Cedarville to make a phone call to Les Schwab in Alturas, hoping they can send someone out to help me. So did that, worked out fine. Ran two miles back up the hill to meet Les Schwab truck. Still sore.

Les Schwab dudes plan is to put the spare on the truck, then we drive down to the store for the flat fix. But surprise surprise we have another snafu. Seems that these satan nuts from hell are also not compatible with the Ford spare rim. OK Americas Tire, now you guys are selling tires, not fixing the Hubble Telescope. Is it such a mental leap to ascertain that if you change the wheels on a truck, use nuts not compatible with either wrench or spare, that you should TELL THE FRIGGEN CUSTOMER THAT THERES A COUPLE THINGS HE SHOULD KNOW!?!!?

Solution to this round of problems - use the wrong nuts, drive slow, and have the Les Schwab truck follow me incase the wheel falls off and I fly off the mountain and die a fiery death. Ultimately I made it and the problem was fixed. Les Schwab boys said that the wheels should have come with the adapter for the nuts and they gave me one free of charge.

So lesson learned. I usually buy my tires at Les Schwab, I strayed, and I paid the consequences.

But ultimately this is about learning and adapting and overcoming, and next time I will be very much more prepared for a tire problem.

Overall, great trip again, adventure always, and a pleasure to share it with my WTW friends. Until next time:
Posted Image
  • 0

#25 marc

marc

    Fire Proof

  • Members
  • 1,121 posts
  • LocationSouth Shores California

Posted 11 June 2009 - 02:02 AM

I must say, "Captain Leisure", you are definately living up to your new name. As always nice pics and write up.

marc

Edited by Marc, 11 June 2009 - 02:29 AM.

  • 0

2016 Sprinter Silver Gray 144 Std. Roof 4x4. 3.0 diesle, Cooper "Dicoverer" ST Maxx 255/85/16


#26 Alaskan Snowbirds

Alaskan Snowbirds

    Senior Member

  • Members
  • 263 posts
  • LocationJuneau, Alaska

Posted 11 June 2009 - 02:14 AM

Dog,

That was a fun read and great pics!!

Thank You,
'birds
  • 0
Duane & Susan 2007 Dodge 2500 4X4 Hemi - 2008 FWC Grandby

#27 Ted

Ted

    Magellan

  • Site Team
  • 2,781 posts
  • LocationEast of Sacramento

Posted 11 June 2009 - 02:19 AM

Had me rolling with laughter. Great report! Return trip prior to Colorado?


Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful trip...
  • 0

#28 pvstoy

pvstoy

    Senior Member

  • Members
  • 2,760 posts
  • LocationCarson City, NV

Posted 11 June 2009 - 05:07 AM

Thanks for the report on the Black Rock and the lead on the book.

You did not say what the cause of the leaky tire was?
  • 0

Patrick

2015 FWC Hawk Flatbed


#29 DirtyDog

DirtyDog

    Captain Leisure

  • Site Team
  • 3,157 posts
  • LocationEugene, Oregon

Posted 11 June 2009 - 05:53 AM

You did not say what the cause of the leaky tire was?


Inconclusive. I had thought I picked up a nail at Trego but there was nothing in there. Seems unlikely a cattle guard could do it but the air pressure sensor went off right when I hit it. Guys at Les Schwab said a sharp rock was likely.
  • 0

#30 kcowyo

kcowyo

    Senior Member

  • Members
  • 732 posts
  • LocationLander, Wyoming

Posted 11 June 2009 - 06:44 AM

Capt. Leisure? Baloney... Sounds like the Running Man to me. :D


You're putting some serious miles on that new outfit of yours. Another great adventure detailed with some choice photos. Takes a big man to accept publicly, the responsibility of the tire fiasco. Stuff happens, don't sweat it.

Nice camera work and great choice for a getaway. I appreciate the inside look at the Black Rock Desert. Love that shot of the campers together.


:thumb:

.
  • 0

The Four Wheel Camper Review Thread

Toyota T100/FWC Eagle

 





0 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users