You Never Know What's Round The Corner

Here's a post to explain why there's been a lack of posts.

As many of you know, three years ago we began planning and organising to begin a life on the road. There was tonnes of stuff we had to do ... buy and import a fifth wheel, find and purchase a suitable towing vehicle, save heaps, get the house ready i.e. store or sell furniture and find a tenant. We did all that and 6 months ago we waved goodbye to Nelson to begin this exciting new gypsy lifestyle.

We loved everything about living on the road. Exploring new places, meeting new people, walking tracks we'd read about, taking loads of photos, I loved the lack of housework and we adored our new found sense of freedom.

The rig and truck didn't miss a beat. Bernie had set everything up to make life a breeze. The washing machine in the shed on the truck meant we could do washing whenever and wherever we wanted. The extra tanks on the truck gave us ample water and when it was time to refill or dump we didn't have to move the rig as well. We could pump the water from the rig's tanks into the truck's tank and just use the truck. Life was sweet!

But then Paddy became unwell again. Really unwell. And out of the blue, our long-term tenant emailed to say she'd bought a house and would be moving out. Throw in a couple of personal circumstances that had sprung up at the same time and it seemed everything was indicating that we head back home.

We'd chatted about traveling back to Nelson over winter to find work (while still living in the rig). We had tickets to go to Warbirds over Wanaka at the end of March which we were really looking forward to so we thought we'd make our way to Nelson in April after Warbirds in Wanaka.

However, sometimes things don't go to plan - and by early February we found ourselves back in Nelson. So it was with mixed emotions that we moved back into our house. Although we were thrilled to be back with our family, there were other feelings in the mix ... we felt deflated, disappointed and quite unsettled. But time rolled on (as it does) and after several weeks, we were both working and life ticked along as before.

Meanwhile Paddy's health had deteriorated, which made us grateful to be back home near our local vet providing his treatment. Being in one place and on our own property made managing an unwell pet that little bit easier. 

Although we're both really keen to get back on the road again, it looks like it might be a couple of years away. We've had many discussions regarding the rig and although we love it, we've come to the realisation (ever so reluctantly) that it's not viable to have it sitting unused for a few years.

So last weekend we listed it on Trademe.  
Now some lucky person/couple will become the owner/s of an amazing unit that's had all its teething problems sorted and is basically only a few months old. 

It deserves to be out there exploring, traveling and being lived in! 

A Smooth Run ...

What a treat to go away for a few days and have everything run smoothly. We’ve waited for this moment for 18 months. And the three-day weekend (Queens Birthday) was one to remember.

The truck ran perfectly. So did the rig. The slide-outs didn’t miss a beat and the gas heater worked superbly. The awning proved to be an asset and although it rained we were dry and toasty warm.

It’s given us a much needed boost. 

Who Knew?

A few months ago we got a COF for the truck and rig. This month it was time to register the truck. Bernie went to register it and was told he couldn't because the truck didn't have a COF. He explained that it did and went and showed them the COF ticket. Only to be informed that it had been cancelled by The NZ Transport because Bernie didn't have a 'Transport Service' licence. 
Bernie explained the truck was solely used to tow a private fifth wheeler. That it had a permanent hitch on the back, making it impossible to transport anything else. Apparently that makes no difference. We were told because the truck was over a certain gross laden weight ( 6000kg) the driver needed a 'Transport Service' licence. So the COF had been cancelled until Bernie applies for one.

How annoying! Not only will it cost $449 to get this licence, but no-one told us. NZ Transport never contacted us to say they had canceled our COF. Grrrr.

Just goes to show ... you're never too old to learn something new!

The information below was copied and pasted from the NZ Transport Agency's website.

Who needs a transport service licence?

Whether you're an individual or a company, you must hold the appropriate transport service licence (TSL) if you're operating:

• a passenger service
• a goods service (a service that delivers or carries goods, whether or not for hire or reward, using a motor vehicle that has a gross laden weight of 6000kg or more, including one that is 'on hire' to carry goods)
• a vehicle recovery service
• a rental service.

Time for a COF

Before we entered the motorhome world we naively presumed passing a COF would be like getting a warrant. Boy, were we wrong.

Like everything else, since we’ve bought the truck and rig, it’s been a learning experience.

Six months ago we took the rig for a COF. We thought it would fly through because it was brand new. What could be faulty on a new rig? Luckily, it passed all tests - except one. The brakes! They failed the brakes?!?

So Bernie went for a drive around the block and applied the brakes heaps to warm them up. 

Then took it back for another test. It passed with flying colours.

Now, fast forward six months… and our COF is due again. We’ve hardly used the rig since the last COF but still we were slightly anxious that something trivial might fail it. And sometimes that something ‘trivial’ maybe something expensive!

The truck went first and passed. Although it was noted that the seat belt had a slight glitch that would need looking at. Bernie explained to the tester-guy, that it was a brand new seat belt. He advised us to spray some silicon on it.

Next up was the rig.

While we were sitting in the waiting room another customer remarked that it felt like being at the dentist – hoping nothing would need to be done!

Since we’ve had our fifth wheeler we’ve talked to numerous people who take their vehicles in for COFs. It seems some places have assessors who are over the top and so pedantic it’s bordering on ridiculous.

Yes- these six monthly tests are necessary for safety. However when you hear that some assessors fail vehicles for minor things, it does make you wonder if at times, it is getting too picky?

Fortunately the rig sailed through. What a relief.

All I can say is, I am pleased we passed!