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15650street · 10-13-2015, 03:28 PM

Updates to earlier post re: failed Cab AC in 2016 Bay Star Sport 2705. Turned out the AC failure caused the eventual breakdown on I40 76 miles east of Amarillo TX. There was a catastrophic failure of the AC pump clutch. Eventually the belt let lose and the power steering fluid was blown out all over. At 70/MPH the steering wheel froze up and I lost all power.

We were very lucky in so many ways. Day before I was driving through very steep and winding roads most of thevafternoon in Mtns of Arkansas. Very scary to think about no steering on hairpin turns and steep grades.

Fortunately I was able to steer the RV to the side of an off ramp for exit instead of directly along side the interstate. We had to wait about 3.5 hours for a tow truck able to handle an RV. While the review on line was negative for Cierra Towing our experience was excellent. Driver was friendly, reassuring and knew what he was doing. Drove right to the Ford dealer while we followed in our toad. Took great care with the unit.

Ford dealer was also great, although did not exactly give us good info initially. They should have directed us to call Ford roadside assistance first instead of tow company. If Ford chassis is still under warranty call their 800 number first. We eventuàlly found towing Co and they were great but we had to pay the invoice which was substantial and submit docs to Ford when we get home. If you call Ford first they will arrange everything and pay for the tow as a IRV2 member indicated in response to my earlier post.

Arrived too late last night to have tech look at the unit. First thing this a.m. they diagnosed the problem and ordered parts. Belt will not arrive til tomorrow so we will be spending our second night in the parking lot of the dealer. They just told us they plan to start at 6:30 tomorrow working on the AC. So lucky to be stuck at such a great dealer with competent and professional techs.

Things could have gone so much worse for us in this situation we simply have to count our blessings and learn from our mistakes.

Amarillo is a nice town and we have met many friendly people while held over. Their downtown area is clean and being cultivated. Lots of interesting restaurants to sample and any store you could desire.

Hopefully parts will arrive tomorrow and we can get underway again. Only about 1,500 miles on this Bay Star so pretty shocked at such an early failure. Hopefully Ford will go back to supplier of this part and investigate it further.

Lynn in MI
2016 Bay Star Sport 2705
Ford Escape Std Trans All wheels down toad

the trainguy · 10-13-2015, 03:46 PM

Sorry to hear of your troubles.
Glad to hear of a quick resolution though!
Like you said ,things could have been much worse.

Bob

PDR John · 10-13-2015, 04:54 PM

Glad to read things are looking up.

dennis45 · 10-13-2015, 05:09 PM

Call up The Big Texan for a Limo pick to the restaurant. Enough food in one meal for two days.

spinn · 10-13-2015, 06:41 PM

Good time to visit Palo Duro canyon as well!

osok · 10-14-2015, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spinn

Good time to visit Palo Duro canyon as well!

X2

We visited Palo Duro Canyon State Park last week and it's beautiful. If you can spare the time it is well worth it. They have campgrounds with and without hookups.

I do not recommend Big Texan, but as you have already discovered Amarillo has many good dining options.

Hope Ford gets you back on the road soon.

LCDRAKAllen · 10-14-2015, 04:11 PM

Wow Lynn,
Glad your safe, I'll have to go back and read the original post(s). It is reassuring to know that there are resources. Nothing like a warranty, huh? Please continue to update us. Is there anything that could have been done preventatively?

Best to you All