When Turbo Trouble Strikes: A Roadside Adventure

If you've been camping for a while, you understand that taking your trailer or RV on the road is like enduring a mini earthquake on wheels. Everything shakes, and everything rattles. Recently, during a trip from Burlington to Lyman, Colorado, I experienced just how true this can be when unexpected turbo trouble turned an ordinary day into a bumpy adventure.

The Rocky Road to Colorado Springs

Like any other day, my journey started from Burlington, Colorado, with my sights set on Colorado Springs. After covering 100 miles and making a quick stop for gas, I checked out the rig and hit the road again, knowing I was only 47 miles away from my destination. Little did I know that the rough and bumpy road on Interstate 70 had something unexpected in store for me.

Turbo Troubles

As I cruised along the highway, enjoying the scenic views, I suddenly heard a loud pop and felt a loss of power. Strangely, no dashboard lights indicated a problem, but my instinct told me something was amiss. Curiosity got the better of me, and I began exploring the various menu options on my display. It was then that I noticed the turbo boost indicator showing a big fat zero. That's when I knew there was definitely something wrong with the turbo.

Taking caution, I slowly reduced my speed and pulled the rig over to the side of the road. Unfortunately, the shoulder was narrow, leaving me half on the road and half off. With the vehicle safely parked, I got out and went to investigate under the hood. Drawing upon past experiences with my Ford F350 pickup truck, I had a hunch about what might be causing the issue. And sure enough, when I opened the engine compartment, I saw that the hose connecting to the turbo intake had come loose due to a failed clamp. It was a problem I had encountered before.

A DIY Repair Attempt

I decided to take matters into my own hands and try to reattach the hose. However, with the engine still hot from hours of driving, the task proved challenging. After several minutes of finagling and burning myself in the process, I managed to reconnect the hose. Sadly, I realized I had nothing to secure it in place without a proper clamp. Mental note: buy a spare clamp for future emergencies.

Given my lack of a clamp, I reluctantly reached out to roadside assistance and my third-party warranty provider for help. Despite not experiencing a blowout, having a functional battery, and no lockout situation, they offered no assistance beyond arranging a tow truck. Frustrated, I turned to the internet for solutions and stumbled upon Interstate Diesel Repair in Limon, Colorado.

I called up Mark at Interstate Diesel Repair and explained my predicament, even sending him a picture of the failed part. Although their mobile technician wasn't immediately available, Mark assured me that help was on the way. Within an hour, Keith, the mobile tech, arrived at the scene. He swiftly installed the much-needed clamp, and in just 15 minutes, my rig was roadworthy once again.

A Recommendation and Reflection

While the unexpected delay and setbacks threw a wrench in my plans, I managed to reach Colorado Springs on time and enjoy the stunning sights the city had to offer. I can't help but think about Murphy's Law during situations like these—anything that can go wrong will go wrong. However, the exceptional service provided by Mark and Keith from Interstate Diesel Repair left a lasting impression on me. Their professionalism and efficiency deserve high praise.

This experience served as a reminder that every road trip comes with its ups and downs, and sometimes those downs involve unexpected mechanical issues. From the turbo trouble and my impromptu DIY repair attempts to the search for roadside assistance and the eventual timely help from Interstate Diesel Repair, it was a rollercoaster ride. Through it all, my determination and the invaluable assistance I received ensured a safe arrival at my destination. This journey taught me to expect the unexpected and appreciate the unsung heroes who come to our aid when the road gets rough.

Until next time, keep spinning the wheel of adventure!