We took our annual winter get-away from Parker to Yuma the first week of December, 2019. It was cold and snowy when we loaded, about 20 to 30 deg. F and ice on the driveway. Not fun. I wanted to have water available for the trip which meant flushing anti-freeze out of the plumbing and charging the lines with water and filling the tank about one-third full. In the process of pressurizing the system, I was greeted with water flowing out from within and below the kitchen sink cabinet. I managed to get the pressure cut off with only a couple of quarts of water to mop up. The problem turned out to be with the 1/4" plastic water line from the water filter to the faucet that I had installed previously (Post 15). Apparently I did not push the line into the faucet fitting far enough to get a proper grip, and it chose that time to come out. Lucky catch, really, even if it was a bit of a mess and a hassle.
The trip to Yuma loaded with all the stuff we move between houses and towing the Smart car was uneventful. I did have to park and connect to electricity in six inches of snow at our first overnight stop in Las Vegas, NM. But we were warm and snug and slept well.
I put the Orion into the resort storage lot soon after arrival after draining all the liquids and adding fuel stabilizer, where it remained until we prepped it for return to Parker this May 4. I had hoped to make a couple of short trips in it this spring, but the Covid situation put the stop to our plans. I did take Phrynie (Orion's name) out for a couple of drives to circulate everything, and ran the generator at least once a month. One of the outings was to a Yuma shopping center to meet up with Terri from San Diego. She is a follower of this blog and was traveling through in her Orion.
We had an uneventful trip back home during the virus lockdowns. There was no problem getting gas. We only stopped for one meal which was takeout; otherwise, we made our meals in the RV. Our first night was spent at the Lordsburg, NM, rest area. The second was at the same Las Vegas, NM, campground we were at in December. Thankfully, no snow.
So, my second goof was a repeat of last year. I put Phrynie in storage and, yes, I forgot once more to shut off the furnace while leaving the propane and battery switches on. After a week, I went to check on her and did a readout of the battery charge history. Yes, basically drained to dead every night and charged back up by the solar during the day until it ran out of propane. I wonder if I will ever get this right? Another check list?
I got the propane tank filled up and brought Phrynie home to check the batteries. Other than the water level being low, they seem to be OK for now. I may have shortened their life though. I did clean up the battery compartment and remount them more securely.
The one issue that belongs to the Orion is some fading/discoloring on the right side of the rear cap. It's probably a sun issue. She sits in the open in storage so, other that getting a cover of some kind, not much I can do. I have waxed the coach yearly with a good quality ceramic sealant that is supposed to provide some UV protection. I can live with it, but kind of disappointing for only four years old.
