Day 1: Off to a Rocky Start






 

Day one got us off a little before 9. We were a little concerned after hurricane Idalia came ashore the day before. While we didn't have any damage in our area, we weren't sure what we'd find as we headed north to our first stop at Lake Altoona in Georgia. As we got close to the state line we did see some downed trees and when we stopped for fuel the Loves had just gotten power back. It took us about 30 minutes to get fuel due to the Florida National Guard and the out of state line crews tying up the pumps. But given all the help they provide and how quickly they got the power back up after the store, we didn't mind.

About 30 miles from our first stop we got a Check Engine light on with a Low-DEF warning. For those that don't know, since 2010 diesel engines are required to run an additive called Diesel Engine Fluid (DEF) in order to reduce air pollution as mandated by the EPA. With many engines if you run out of DEF, the engine goes into 'limp' mode which limits the power of the engine and the speed you can run to about 5 MPH.  Yep, the oh shit factor went way up. 

I checked the tank when we got in and like the dash indicator it showed 3/4 full and it had a red warning light on it. We talked about it and decided to add new DEF when we filled up the next morning. Then if the warning didn't clear we'd call an RV mechanic and get it resolved. This morning when we got up, I started the engine to pull the slides in and raise the levelers. As we were buttoning everything up I opened up the compartment to show Jodi where the DEF tank was. Only this time, it didn't have the red light on it. When we got back in the check engine light was off and the warning light was off. We went ahead and added more DEF when we filled up and so far, today the issue hasn't come back.

The campground was ok. It backed-up to a finger on the lake and the interstate. We were able to get some sleep, but it was loud.

Oh, Jodi decided we were going to add some 'bling' to the bus. As you can see, she's been christened the "Pink Piggie Traveller". Fitting, isn't it? 😀



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