Testing, Testing

Before we embark on our weeks-long journey west, one imperative is a thorough check out of our new-to-us motor home. After we purchased it last September, by the time we took delivery, registered with the DMV, and de-bugged it, cold weather set in and we had to winterize to ensure we did not freeze up our plumbing and fixtures.

The 2012 Thor Daybreak (formally manufactured by Damon) is almost 30 feet in length, 101 inches wide, and 12' 7" tall. It has two slides, one for the living/dining area and one for the bedroom. The galley is huge with lots of counter space, a three-burner stove with oven, microwave and small refrigerator. The previous owners included a portable ice maker which allegedly makes ice in 8 minutes. Stay turned for a report.

The engine has slightly more than 8,000 miles on it - so practically new. It's a Ford chassis with the Triton V-10 gas guzzler engine.

Here is a photo of us with our Daybreak. Our dog Ge goes everywhere with us:

Our first few weeks with the new rig were spent ridding the "house" of thousands of stink bugs. We don't know where they came from, or why there were there - they just were. We tried using a commercial fumigator which killed off a whole bunch of 'em; but they kept coming. We eventually called in Greenstar Pest Control who did a preliminary treatment last fall and a thorough dousing of the rig the other day. We'll see how effective that is in keeping the critters at bay when the temperature rises in a few weeks.

While we tested most of the appliances at the time of purchase, there is nothing like putting them to use at a campground. Our first shake-down trip starts Monday at Bull Run Regional Park.