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Hello, and Welcome to the June Newsletter. I hope you like RV product reviews. Plus I have a bittersweet announcement.
Thanks, everyone for subscribing to and reading my monthly newsletters. If you're new or missed any editions, you can always catch up by visiting the Archive Page.
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What's New With Us
June's weather here on central Vancouver Island BC has been a real mixed bag. We've had heat up into the low 90's and chilly days that didn't get out of the 50's. Lots of rain, cloud and a fair amount of wind. Folks in these parts tend to call the month "Junuary." Looking forward to July when summer really begins.
Anne has been getting out on her boat when the weather cooperates. When it doesn't, she enjoys snapping pictures of the estuaries abundant wildlife. The eagle nest is active again this year with a growing eaglet. It is just beginning to test out its wings with little flaps and hopping. :) Other estuary regulars include Blue Herons, Black Tail Deer, Canada Geese, Assorted Ducks and little Mink.
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I've been super busy with my latest RV product reviews. They had piled up on me as we were doing so much traveling. Now that we are stationary I have time to go through all my newest goodies and put them to the test for you. See the recent posts and videos below.
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So Long to Big Blue :(
Another thing that has taken up a good portion of our time is researching a new truck. Unfortunately our old 1994 Ford F350 we affectionally call Big Blue is in rough shape. I'm afraid his days with us are numbered. In the last year or two, he has suffered numerous parts failures and breakdowns. They seem to be accelerating as the truck approaches 25 years old.
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Recently the engine began to have a severe knocking sound and multiple oil leaks. I took it to my local auto repair shop, and they diagnosed major internal damage. They showed me the engine had excessive blowby causing high crankcase pressures. Guesses were a cracked piston or damaged piston rings.
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The choice was to rebuild or replace the engine. It was the straw that broke the camels back for me. Time for a new truck. It's a bittersweet decision. One that Anne and I agonized over. Tough to let our old friend go but looking forward to the big boost in power, towing capacity and safety. Plus the off-road capability a 4x4 vehicle will bring.
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A few days ago we placed a factory order for a brand new Ram 3500 6.7L Cummins Crew Cab 4x4 diesel truck. Features include the AISIN heavy duty transmission, 930 ft.lbs of torque, fifth wheel prep package, fifth wheel hitch, park sense and backup camera, electronic switch on the fly four wheel drive, brake controller, spray on bed liner, 220 amp alternator, 8-foot long box.
We went heavy on the features that help us tow and light on the trim package and bells and whistles. New truck prices can quickly get out of hand.
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The factory order delivery usually takes three months. We'll limp around with Blue until that time then we'll sell him off to a new owner. Judging by the comment section on the RIP Big Blue video there are lots of folks that will be interested in giving the old Ford new life. There is much love for these old classics. I'm sure we will find a good home.
For us, though, we need a reliable tow vehicle for our extended adventures on the road and look forward to enjoying next snowbird season with the new Ram. BTW, its paint color is called Blue Streak Pearl and will be Big Blue Two!
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Image of the Month
Alaskan Cruise Ship sails by our Vancouver Island RV Park
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