It goes to show that once you decided to take a hand in seeing that your job was finished, was in my way of thinking the beginning of creating some of your own luck.
Perhaps that is why many of us IRV 2, people tend to do some of our own work. In doing so we have to know something about our rigs. Their present condition, what is needed next etc. Then often we network with friends and friendly associates, like those on this site, gather information, ideas, and form an idea what needs to be done next.
Often we learn of a good place to get work done, or advised how to do a specific project ourselves. I personally like doing as much for my self as I can. Therefore I especially enjoy learning through others experience, although I am sorry you had the experience you did.
I wounder though if we all can learn that it is good to inspect our own unit and have an idea of the maint needs coming up. Where I used to work we did something called preventative maint. This involved doing cleaning, lubing, inspection and adjustment. For me this provides the chance to see where repairs are needed. I'm sure all of us when driving can notice when things don't seem quite right and know to look or have our rig checked. As mentioned earlier, also to ask our fellow perhaps more experienced IRV-2 member.
Such is what I believe has happened here on this SITE, great work everybody!:
Loren