When we paid up front for our winter RV site in Florida I expected that our out-of-pocket expenses would be relatively low for several months.\u00a0 Well, we killed that thought last month when we booked our very expensive April cruise, justifiable as a “bucket list” item.\u00a0 Now I am facing a huge truck repair bill – probably around $2,500.<\/p>\n
Yes, I took the truck to another dealer, asking them to take a look at my “leaning tire.”\u00a0 The guy at the Goodyear shop had estimated that I needed about $800 in parts, so I was braced for a $1,200 to $1,500 estimate.\u00a0 But I was told by the GMC dealer that the problem was not limited to the right front tire; the left front tire was leaning as well.\u00a0 Also, the steering gear box was leaking and needed to be replaced.\u00a0 In short, I needed to pretty much replace the entire steering linkage. Estimated cost: $2,100. Plus tax. Plus, I suspect, about $100 for another alignment.<\/p>\n
I have to do it.\u00a0 Just as there was no good alternative to replacing the head gasket 18 months ago, there is no good alternative to making repairs to the steering now.\u00a0 We need a tow vehicle and a new one is over $60,000.\u00a0 Even a used one is probably $35,000.\u00a0 Trade-in for the truck in it’s current condition is probably less than $10,000.<\/p>\n
Gotta do it.<\/p>\n
And I need to find a summer job.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
When we paid up front for our winter RV site in Florida I expected that our out-of-pocket expenses would be relatively low for several months.\u00a0 Well, we killed that thought last month when we booked our very expensive April cruise, justifiable as a “bucket list” item.\u00a0 Now I am facing a huge truck repair bill … Continue reading