Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, October 14, 15 and 16, 2018 (Duncan RV Repairs, Elkhart, Indiana)

When we pulled into Duncan RV Repair yesterday, we noticed a rail yard across the street but didn't think much of it. Yeah, we'll have train noise...nothing unusual...but we had no idea how much noise. You see, it's not just a rail yard, but a huge transfer station! So we didn't get much sleep last night with the constant squealing of metal on metal...and banging as the rail cars connect.

We were up early and so happy to have 50 amp power so we can run both electric heaters. As we had our coffee, we managed to get a blog update done and published. It was a rather momentous day...we hit the 500,000 page views mark today! What started as a journal of our travels meant for family, friends...and ourselves...has taken on a life of it's own! Thanks for tagging along everyone!

Although chilly out, the sun was shining, so we got out for a walk down to the main road (across from the clanging trains!) and back...then around the building at Duncan RV.

Back home in the warmth of the trailer, I did a little budget updating (ugh!) while Steve got out pen and paper to make a list of things he wants Duncan RV to look at...most everything is contained in emails with them, but there are a couple of new things he has added.

About 12:20 we headed out to meet Mark and Patty at the Evil Czech Brewery and Public House in Mishawaka, about 10 miles away. Unfortunately we didn't realize that they were only serving Sunday Brunch, no regular menu...and at a cost of $17.95, Steve and I thought it was a tad bit expensive. However, it was okay...but a really different concept...everything was already dished out onto small plates and you picked a variety of whatever you wanted to try.

We had a fabulous time catching up with Mark and Patty...by the way, we met them at our first RV-Dreams Rally back in September, 2012 in Oregon. We last saw them when they came to visit us when we were workamping at Tunkwa Lake. After about 2 1/2 hours chatting, we said our goodbyes...so wonderful connecting with you!
Monday morning we were up and walking over to Duncan RV Repair's office at 8:00. We checked in and then waited for our tech, Bill, who wanted to take our fifth-wheel into a bay before doing a walk around.

Not knowing exactly what the prodigal was, we hadn't packed up, so we quickly went back and had the trailer ready in half an hour. Bill came and towed it with the fork lift to the sani-dump...Steve emptied that tanks then Bill took it into one of the service bays.

We waited in the customer waiting room (a very nice area with a couple of tables and chairs plus a couple of big couches) until Vinny, the general manager, came to get us to do the walk around with Bill. We were impressed with the level of detail they went through...to ensure we were all on the same page.

Steve with our tech Bill...

We wouldn't be able to stay in the trailer while the work is being done, so one of the staff, Maddy, found a hotel that gave us a discount...the Baymont Inn, $69.99/night. So we quickly packed a suitcase, expecting to be out of the trailer for 2 to 3 nights.

It was after noon by this time and we had just returned to the truck, when a pickup pulled in beside us...it was Jim and Brenda! They were in Quartzsite last winter while we were there and they were part of many of our gatherings, including quad rides. They're also Jim and Barb's neighbours in South Dakota. We knew they were going to be in the area, getting work done on their rig too but weren't sure if they were still here. We chatted for a bit and then they asked if we had had lunch...well, no, we hadn't...so we all got in their truck and headed to an Amish restaurant, Das Dutchman Essenhaus.

We had a fabulous meal, enjoying great company! What timing! So good seeing you both again! Good luck in your winter work gig!
Tuesday morning it was cold and frosty...32F/0C! After the free continental breakfast in the hotel lobby, we headed off to Dan's Hitch to have our Hensley fifth-wheel hitch checked as it's starting to make some creaking and cracking noises. We ended up leaving the hitch head there for them to work on it.

After lunch at Applebee's, we headed to Keystone for the Montana factory tour. Here are a couple of pictures along the way...

Everyone met at the Keystone Customer Service building...
...and then we followed the guide in our own vehicles to the Montana factory.
The underbelly and insulation has been installed...
Freshwater tanks...
Wiring and hydraulic lines...
Our tour guide (unfortunately, we can't remember his name). One piece flooring but not marine grade...
Flooring...
One piece shower...
Furnace, sink and some interior walls...
Stacks of pre-cut sidewalls...

Slide rooms...


Beautiful interior...
 Furniture storage...

The tour was much longer than we were expecting...it was just after 4:00 by the time we finished. It was very interesting seeing how they are built.

Steve had forgotten to give Bill at Duncan RV the seal material for the slides, so we raced there in hope of getting there before they closed. We made it, left the material and also ask if it would be okay to offload the boat from the truck since we are taking it in for a service tomorrow. So we left the boat in the back field and headed back to the hotel.

There happens to be a Buffalo Wild Wings Restaurant just across the parking lot...now, how convenient is that! So that's where we went for dinner...beer and wings for dinner, a good healthy, nutritional meal! We have found a new favourite spot!





2 comments:

  1. Very cool that you were able to meet up with Jim and Brenda! We too were amazed by the number of trains in that area, it seem like you heard train whistles all night long!

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    1. It was great timing! So glad we were able to connect!

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