FIVE STAR RV Service Review: Russel's RV and Auto Service, Kingman, AZ

Russel's RV and Auto Service
4065 North Bank Street
Kingman, AZ 86401
(928) 692-1717
RusselsAuto@Frontiernet.net

This is a company that knows the value of customer service!

I found Russel's through a local newspaper review of their services. Originally, I had taken my Ford Ranger in for basic maintenance, after purchasing it. I was impressed with their ethics and customer service, then. That hasn't changed.

I, totally, admit to being somewhat anal and high maintenance when it comes to my vehicles' care. You know the type: completely lacking in knowledge, lots of questions and too many opinions. The staff at Russel's were patient and smiled throughout all our dealings, both on the phone and in person.

Because this was a used purchase the techs/mechanics went over everything.

Services/repairs included:

Complete post purchase inspection (chassis and coach, inside and out)
Basic maintenance
generator repair
some modifications
tire repair and extended valve installation


As a woman, I am very aware of the possibility that I could be an easy target. The service adviser, John, listened to what I had to say. If he had a question he called to make sure I was on board with his ideas and estimate. He let me know if something needed to be taken care of right away, or if it could wait and gave me estimates for future modifications.

The whole experience was pleasant and stress-free. Everyone, from Sue in the office, to the mechanics and techs were friendly, personable and professional. It was easy to see they were grateful that I chose to support their business

As a side note, they have a comfortable and clean waiting area with snacks and coffee!

John called the following week to make sure I was happy with their service and all systems were go!

Thanks to everyone at Russel's, for the great service they provide.


I hope those of you using RV service repairs will take the time to offer a review of services at RV Service Reviews. Just this morning, I logged on to a forum and someone was looking for a service provider in a very rural area. i was able to provide her with a contact in the area who had recieved excellent reviews.


Blogger issues reared it's ugly head, again this week! Currently, blogger tells me I am not following anyone's blogs and there are no blogs in my google reader. That's on top of the fact that I can't post or comment on your blogs. I am reading along when I find a link to your blog via comments, etc.  Watch for RVly Ever After moving to another blogging service in the near future!

Rubber Tramp Rendezvous 2012, January 10 -24

Last year's Rubber Tramp Rendezvous was so much fun I can't wait to get back there, in January. There's lots to the gathering besides the fun, that was just the icing on the cake. I met so many awesome people that are living my dream; and more awesome people in the planning mode, like myself. These great people were all so willing to share their knowledge, wisdom and experience.

The area in which we camped, at the base of Dome Mountain, was beautiful

We were far from the maddening crowds, yet only minutes away from Quartzsite. The site had easy access to head west to Blythe and Parker, for shopping, if you didn't want to deal with the crowds in town.

The sunrises

and sunsets

were breathtaking, although my camera and skills don't do them justice.

There were activities to interest everyone


Aficionados of Single Malt Scotch attended an educational experience in which they were able to taste both expensive brand names First Malt Scotch and obscure brands enabling them to compare and rate the bottles.


That particular event got funnier as the night got later

If you would like to participate in the 2nd Annual Single Malt Scotch Educational Experience you have a year to pick up either a really expensive or an obscure brand of Single Malt Scotch. Oh hell, just bring a bottle of scotch, next year. We're not that fussy!


The entertainment was non-stop


Thanks to Kaite and Alex we had several community meals that were beyond tasty! Everyone contributed something to help out.


This is the way to start off your day!



For more information with regard to events, seminars, what to bring and location visit click here. There is NOTHING provided. We strive to make this event as green as possible, whatever you bring in you must plan on hauling out.

Of course, none of this would be possible with Bob's two wonderful websites Cheap RV Living and Cheap Green RV Living

In case you missed the fun, here are a few places where you can read about it.

From my own blog, RVly Ever After, in chronological order:
The Best Laid Schemes
RTR2011: Here's What You've Missed So Far
More RTR
Outtakes

Other bloggers who posted about the RTR, include:

HighTek Homeless, the awesome owners of Free Campsites.net

Blars, our very own Techno-Viking
http://techno-viking.com/posts/rubber-tramps/


Laura, who travels in the VW Bus of my dreams
http://lauraswesty.blogspot.com/2011/01/quartzesite-arizona.html


Remy, NOLA's Lost Son, (Where are you?)
http://cajungypsy.blogspot.com/2011/02/rtr-last-morning.html

Suanne, traveling in a Prius and who's mad photograpy skillz are not to be missed
http://suanneonline.blogspot.com/2011/01/rendezvous-at-quartzsite-jan-10-29.html

Bri, Many Wheels on the road to many places 
http://manywheelsbrian.blogspot.com/2011/01/quartzsite.html

Raven’s Roads
http://www.ravensroads.com/tag/RTR201101/


If you love dogs, like I love dogs, Stumpy shared her RTR experience and  introduces the dogs of the RTR on her blog.

Stumpy (right) and part of her posse (Rain on the left and Mia in the center) on their best behavior (for about 30 seconds)



Homer says, "Be here now!"

BBC's 'American Nomads"

Theo's in the shop getting basic maintenance and a few odds and ends taken care of.. I'm thrilled because all systems passed shop's inspection. She was the only RV I gave serious thought to purchasing without getting an inspection done. The logistics of her purchase just didn't allow for it. Not only that, but I didn't even have a mechanically-inclined friend available to go look at her, with me. I was more than a little nervous about the outcome.

BBC's version of the "American Nomad," definitely doesn't include me.



This is a clip from a four part series, that isn't available outside of the UK, to my knowledge.

Wierd Travel Gadgets

Oddee, one of my favorite funny websites list some weird travel gadgets. 

Stumpy's favorite

a heated car seat. I'm pretty sure there isn't much she wouldn't do to have this installed in her navigator's seat.

There are several ways to describe this stash. "Ewwww!" comes to mind, immediately

Seriously, NO-ONE is looking there, for your cash!

As someone preparing for a full-timin' life I am all about conserving space. I think these next three items could be combined.

A WiFi detection t-shirt

A USB powered air conditioned shirt

And the Traveler's Phrasebook T-Shirt

You might think this is only useful for foreign travel. But, I can see a use for it right here in the USA when I think about some of the accents one hears in different parts of the country.

And lastly, for those boon-dockers digging cat holes

It's suggested this travel bidet is for foreign travel. I know there's some full and part-timers out there that might appreciate a splash!

You might also enjoy Oddee's post: 10 Coolest Travel Trailers

Check them out for more weird travel gadgets and more information on the items I have posted.

Goin' Mobile!

We brought Theo (aka Theodora, Dora the Explora or "THE ONE") home on Saturday. I've been attempting to create a blog post, since then but blogger continues to refuse to cooperate.



Theo is a 1988 Jayco, on an E350 chassis with a 460 engine. She shows normal wear, but has been very well maintained. I don't love the floor plan. But, I like it better than the other option (staying in dirtville)

Included in the sale were 6 new tires, 2 new batteries, a new awning and a new flat screen tv with a new DVD player

Since blogger is such a PITA, I am copying most of this post from Stumpy's blog and she'll lead the tour. I'll also add a few pictures that weren't shared on Stumpy's blog.

"Come on in! Wipe your paws and take off your shoes, please."


"Here's my couch!"


"It looks much better with me, on it! Don't you think? It's great that we're both blue!"


"We've got a couple of chairs. They're grey, but we still match pretty good."


"Here's what it looks like from the back looking to the front."


"Here's where we will eat (if it's raining)"


"Where's dinner! I'm hungry!"


"Here's where my slave/chauffeur makes my food and does the dishes."


"I don't know what all goes on in here, the door is usually closed"


"Oh! And here's where I, the Navigator-In-Chief sits!"


Miscellaneous pictures

I have no idea when we'll hit the road, permanently. I am hoping for January but I need to replenish my savings so we have an emergency funds and a cushion. We will be attending RTR2012, for sure!

As I said, blogger has been horrible, for months now. We still read your posts and comment when we can, when blogger lets us. At some point I'll probably open a wordpress blog :( and combine two of my blogs. I'll keep you posted. Comments are still closed, because I can't respond to your comments (ON MY OWN FREAKING BLOG; NOT EVEN ANONOMOUSLY!!!!) Spellcheck is not working either, so forgive any mistakes, please. Maybe I should say anymore than usual.


I'm going home
And when I want to go home, I'm going mobile
Well I'm gonna find a home on wheels, see how it feels,
Goin' mobile
Keep me moving

I can pull up by the curb,
I can make it on the road,
Goin' mobile
I can stop in any street
And talk with people that we meet
Goin' mobile

Keep me moving
Out in the woods
Or in the city
It's all the same to me
When I'm driving free
The world's my home
When I'm mobile

Play the tape machine
Make the toast and tea
When I'm mobile

Well, I can lay in bed with only highway ahead
When I'm mobile
Keep me moving

Keep me moving
Over fifty
Keep me groovin'
Just a hippie gypsy
Come on move now

Movin'
Keep me movin' yeah
Keep me movin', movin', movin', yeah
Movin' yeah
Mobile, mobile, mobile, mobile....

I don't care about pollution
I'm an air-conditioned gypsy
That's my solution
Watch the police and the taxman miss me!
I'm mobile!
Mobile, mobile, mobile, yeah

"Goin' Mobile" Pete Townshend/The Who from "Who's Next," released in 1971