More Drama

It was an ill wind that blew a mighty rogue gust of wind through the RV park late the morning. The gust caught our open back window, yanked it out of its frame and supports and slammed it to the ground where it broke into a billiyon (as Carl Sagan would say it) pieces. Thus began our journey to find a repair.

The local RV repair shop told us they don't work on that kind of problem. We got in the car and drove to the downtown hardware store looking for plywood, plastic or lexan - they had nothing. Down the street we went to the 66 Lumber Yard where they had plywood but no heavy plastic or lexan. But, he was unable to cut the sheet of plywood (Worker's Comp issue) and the 4'X8'sheet didn't fit into the back of the Benz. He did give us two phone numbers of local handymen who might have some lexan and could help us. One answered his phone and said he would check his shop for the size and call us back.

Next stop was the Tractor Supply Store, but they only had thin painter's plastic drop-cloths, but we got another lead on a repair shop. We called, but he only worked on school busses (?). But he gave us the number for Ken Larson, a local auto glass repairman. Ken said he'd come right over to the
OK RV Park and he did, within 10 minutes. We were now in good hands!

The back window is our emergency exit at the rear of the Airstream, just over our bed.

Shattered tinted safety glass.

Taking preliminary measurements to know the approximate size of the opening to be covered - big! Fortunately we didn't have any of our awnings out.

Meanwhile, I called the Airstream dealer in Mesa, AZ, near to where we are traveling tomorrow, and was told that it would be at least 4 to 6 weeks to order the right size rear window from the manufacturer. Jackson Center wouldn't even have one in stock; there are too many different sizes of windows on all the various manufactured Airstreams. I called CanAm and asked if they could order the right window for us and have it sent to the Airstream Dealer in ABQ to be there when we return there in 4 weeks. CanAm will make that happen!

Ken, on the right, and Greg came out, took accurate measurements and went away to cut a piece of lexan to replace the glass.

Putting the lexan in place.

Mobile workshop. 

Meanwhile, I was in the Airstream vacuuming up about a 1/4 inch of sand that blew in another open front window which wasn't damaged. What a mess - a nice layer of sand throughout the inside of the Airstream.

Greg making the fine adjustments under Ken's watchful eye.

The guys who put in the fix. We are so grateful!!