Today we went to Metro Park on the Colorado river across from downtown. It was really nice and had an off-leash park for Maverick. Later we went to Lockhart Texas, famous for BBQ. We decided to check out the Lockhart Texas State Park, we now have our Texas State Park year long pass after all. At the state park we hiked the Commanche loop. Its a small park and the trail area was deserted. Maverick had an amazing good time (off leash) and Donna and I really enjoyed the hike. Afterward we ate at Blacks BBQ. It was very good. The meat was delicious, but I didn’t care for the preparation of the beans. Donna really enjoyed the Pecan Pie Cobbler. We then walked the very picturesque Lockhart square. We noted that this weekend there is a car show planned so we will likely be back. On a side note: we took Texas State Highway 130 to Lockhart. We discovered it has the US highest speed limit at 85 MPH. Wow! No idea why here.
I am currently working to source a new steering gear box for the coach. Yes, this would normally be the responsibility of the repair shop. After reviewing the iRV2 internet forums the overwhelming recommendation is not to replace my steering box with an identical part but rather to “upgrade” to a better TRW unit. In order to get this shop to do this correctly I need to help get the correct parts and procedures. Ugh. A major truck supplier (Welller) the forums work with has confirmed the parts I need and hopefully tomorrow I can get them on their way. The way a “big truck” facility works is you get on the lot and wait your turn. In this case 4-5 days. Then they confirm what I already know, the steering box is bad. THEN they order parts and repair the coach when the parts arrive. I hope to acquire the retrofit parts in advance so when we get pulled in I already have the parts. Yes this is all a little dicey.