2025 Trek Part 1

Route Map -Part 1

This is the trek to date.  About 3,100 miles.  We visited friends along the way, which explains the circuitous route to Michigan. We'll be camping out in the Midwest for a while and allow the monsoon in Arizona to blow out.

The Roadtrek has about 71,000 miles and is doing well.  We do about 6,000 miles each year but skipped 2023 because of health issues.  Cancer does get in the way.  

This year I was able to get all of the medical stuff out of the way for 3-6 months, and that opened a window of opportunity this summer.  However, I do have a medical leash.  The nephrostomy tubes are the largest impediment at present.  No water sports and certain physical limitations.  But it is, what it is.  G has become quite adept at the wound care, which needs changing every couple of weeks.  And there is discomfiture from the sutures. 

The first tube was installed in early 2023, so I've had lots of time to improve this and make it work.  I've discussed with my doctors, and each patient finds their own way.  My urologist says I'll have these tubes for life, or there is a major surgery alternative.  One downside is the tubes requires periodic replacement.  This can be every 4-6 months if there are no complications.  So, I treat them carefully and "hope" there will be few issues.  I can deal with the discomfiture. 

Nephrostomy Bandages

(C) N. Retzke 2025

The Owl and the Bomb

 

Albuquerque, New Mexico

We are on our 2025 trek and so we have gone 3,100 miles.  Many stops along the way. More to come.  Currently in Michigan for the 4th of July.

One of our stops was Albuquerque, New Mexico and this time we visited two new places.  The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History, and the Owl Cafe.

The museum was very interesting with both indoor and outdoor exhibits.  About 6 acres of walking space.  

The Owl Cafe is somewhat of a local legend and serves really delicious malts and ice cream shakes.  Many calories!

Here's the Owl Cafe:

(C) N. Retzke 2025

Chevy 3500 Hood Latch Replacement

Temporary Cable to Latch Hood Closed

Detached Hood Latch Spring

Things break from time to time.  A couple of winters ago the hood latch for the engine compartment would not latch while during a trek.  This was very inconvenient and was a potentially dangerous situation.  If the hood is not properly latched it can open unexpectedly while the vehicle is moving, obstructing the driver's vision and resulting in an accident. I temporarily used a locking cable to hold the hood closed until I could get it repaired. It is show in the photo above.

My 2013 Roadtrek 210P is built on a 2012  Chevrolet 3500 Chassis. I have sufficient mechanical skill to do this type of repair, but doing so takes on certain risk.  Caution: An improper repair may result in a latch failure and that in turn can result in opening of the hood while the vehicle is in motion. That can cause a serious accident with injury or death.   Vehicle repairs are not something everyone can or should do.

For the curious, this post shows what your mechanic would do were he or she to replace the latch.

I accepted responsibility and purchased a new latch part from Tom Auto Parts, Inc. Tolleson AZ. The cost with tax + shipping was $31.88.

Now, I could have gone to a Chevy dealer or a local mechanic, but decided this was something I could do and save a few dollars.  Collecting the tools, doing the repair and cleanup took about an hour and a half.

The most difficult thing was figuring out how to get to the old latch.  I could see a spring was loose, but I couldn't get a tool in to stretch it and re-attach to the catch point. I decided that if I was going to go through the effort to remove the latch to affect a repair that I might as well put that time and labor into installing a replacement.  That's when I decided to order a part and replace the latch. 

To do this required removing two bolts holding the plastic grill against the frame.  I was then able to pull the grill out about an inch, sufficient to get a 3/8 socket to the three bolts holding the latch in place. With the bolts removed I was able to swing the old latch up and out of position.  I was then able to squeeze the clamp holding the release cable in position on the latch. I removed the old latch, and using the new latch I reversed the process, sliding the release cable through the opening in the new latch and pushing the clamp into the hole on the latch. I cleaned the frame and bolts with silicone spray. Then put it all together and using the pull under the dash I released the hood, then closed it and released it again, etc. This to determine it was working correctly.

Here's a few step-by-step photos. I Began by opening the hood and then did the following:

 

Using a 3/8 socket I removed the left bolt holding the plastic grill in place, 

then did the same for the bolt on the right

I pulled on the left of the plastic grill, releasing it from the frame

I did the same where the grill attaches on the right

I then pulled along the grill to release it from the frame

While pulling on the grill, I inserted a 3/8 socket and
removed the 3 bolts holding the latch in place

I then flipped the hood latch up so that the release cable could be removed

I made note of the routing of the release cable so it would be installed
 in the same manner with the new latch .
I was able to release the cable from the latch by squeezing it
with a needle nose pliers where it enters the latch, and then pulling the cable free.

This photo is after I removed the cable.
The old latch is now free and can be removed.

I then laid the new latch above the location to be installed, aligned as shown. 

I slid the release cable through the hole in the latch and into position.

I then pushed the retainer into the hole in the latch.

I was then ready to dop the latch into position, as shown.
I took care to route the release cable 
so it was behind the plastic grill.
The new latch had 3 rectangular holes.
I installed 3 bolts through the center of the holes.

Close-up of one of the hood latch bolts 

I then went to the driver's seat and pulled several times on the hood latch release lever, to ensure that the cable is free.  Then returned to the hood latch and applied silicone lube to the springs, etc.

I closed the hood, and checked to see that it caught properly, and the hood was snug to the frame.

Returning to the driver's seat I again pulled the hood release lever. I then exited the vehicle and released  the latch completely.  I then raised the hood.  It was important to be able to raise the hood.  At this point I decided that the replacement was complete.

Note: If the hood isn't snug when closed, it would have been necessary to slightly loosen the three bolts holding the latch in place and adjust the position of the latch, then I would have retightened the three bolts.  I would then have rechecked the latching mechanism by closing the hood ensuring was snug, etc.

N. Retzke accepts no liability for anyone else doing any repairs to their vehicle after reading this blog.  Do any and all repairs and modifications at your own risk!

(c) N. Retzke 2025

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How RVing extended my life and made it better

 

Accepting the keys to our new Roadtrek 210P, December 2013

Our RVing journey began in October 2013 when we rented a Class B in Las Vegas and used it to tour Utah's National Parks.  This led to treks of about 6,000 miles each year and the establishment of two "lily pads" for longer stays; one at the eastern shore of Lake Michigan and the other in Tucson, Arizona.  I've approached each trek, short or long, as possibly the only time in my life I will do it and the one opportunity I have to visit each location.  As a consequence, I make the most of each.

One of the things about life is finding things that fulfill us, make us stretch, find companions, have a purpose and make a difference.  I like new experiences, too. RVing did that and more for me.  I'm one of those people who likes to leave things in better condition than when I found them.  Think of it as applying "no trace camping" to one's entire life. I also like to tinker and take on projects.  RVing is a perfect fit. 

RVing took care of all of the above and more.  After purchasing the Roadtrek, which has been our primary exploration vehicle, we purchased a 30 ft. travel trailer for a Michigan location and a 41 ft. 5th wheel for the Arizona location.  The Roadtrek allowed us to find the campground and resort with a lot of additional exploration.  I took apart much of the systems of the Roadtrek and have become very proficient.  The Roadtrek gave me multiple purposes and what I've learned I applied to our RVs in Michigan and Arizona. 

Summer in Michigan

Our "lily pad" in Michigan, ready for winter

Assembling the deck in Michigan

Our Arizona "lily pad"

We had reached a kind of equilibrium and were comfortable with our Michigan and Arizona "lily pads".  One was in a mega-resort with all kinds of activities.  Tucson has a lot to offer, too.  After covid fear receded we decided to resume our travel plans of about 6,000 miles each year.  Each year from 2013 to 2019 I reduced my working hours.  By 2022 I was remote working for about one month a year.  

However, things came to a halt in 2022 when I became gravely ill. I was diagnosed with an unusual, rare tumor.  It was an inoperable, deadly cancer with at best a 15% survival rate.  In the fall of 2022 we began planning how to deal with this, became permanent residents of Arizona and I sought medical treatment.  It didn't look good. 

When I was diagnosed with a serious illness, it became a new hobby (just kidding). My life's work and dealing with adversity had prepared me for this fight.  I was mentally ready to take it on, had the financial resources to relocate permanently and we knew where it was that we would domicile. That location would provide better medical care with less stress on my spouse.  Overall, I was in poor shape. In early 2023 my urologist suggested that “It might be best if Norm goes into hospice”. But I didn’t and decided to work my way back to a more “normal” life. At one point my radiologist marveled “You are made of stern stuff”.  It took more than two years and with the grace of God, here I am. Stable. That’s better than the alternative.

While undergoing treatment I did my best to live a normal life.  It was difficult. My weight had fallen from 170 lbs. to 135. At first, I needed a walker to get around. But I continued to do RV maintenance. As time went on, I progressed to a cane and finally was able to get around without such support. I frequented the gym at the resort to use the stationary bicycle, beginning with 5 mile trips.  As time went on, I increased the exertion level. 

While treatment continued G and I discussed future travel plans.  However, there needed to be some changes.  One change was our 5th wheel. I could not maneuver inside, and we spent a month in an ADA compliant room at the resort hotel.  The resort has RV areas and park models, affectionately called "candominiums".  It also has a section with manufactured homes and a section of condominiums.  Friends had been assisting us in finding a "home" on the property.  It isn't unusual for manufactured homes to be sold before the listing goes up. Location, condition and floor plan plays a part in this.  G looked at several but was dissatisfied. Friends gave her a heads up about another.  She went to the real estate office and toured that home the day it was to be listed.  Excited, she and I talked about this, I hobbled over on my walker and viewed the place.  We talked for a couple of hours; it would be a financial stretch, but we tendered an offer, it was accepted and voila' we were soon to be homeowners. We put the site of the 5th wheel up for sale and did the same for the RV site.

We were now down to two RV's!  

Arizona site ready for sale!

As I progressed from radiation therapy through chemotherapy, I began scheming about how to get back into the Roadtrek.  This wasn't possible in 2023.  However, by the time I was in immunotherapy and my stamina improved, this began to look like a real possibility. However, I did have two nephrostomy tubes and a compromised immune system to contend with.  I continued to take on more difficult chores, assembling furniture for the new house, taking on certain repairs and so on. It was a slow, difficult process.  There were setbacks, far too many to list here. Certain physical issues made it imperative that I be within a short distance of a bathroom!

Radiation Therapy Graduation Board - I had made it!

Chemo access prior to the installation of the port on my right shoulder

We are Family RV Association members (FRVA, formerly FMCA RV Club). In March 2024 we attended the FRVA (FMCA) RV expo at the Pima County Fairgrounds near Tucson.  We were with the Roadtrek International Chapter of the FRVA (FMCA).  This international event was local for us and very convenient. We decided to do this short RV trek.  It was a trial; it was a success and got us out of the cobwebs. Links to FRVA, Roadtrek International Chapter and Roadtreks for sale websites at the end of this post.

March 20, 2024 - Pima County Fairgrounds

After months of immunotherapy and several nephrostomy tube exchanges I discussed travel with my oncologist.  I told him I wanted to live as near a normal life as possible.  Let's call it "a new normal".  He agreed that I could skip a session.  That opened the window for a 3+ weeklong trek.  At the appointed time we were off in the Roadtrek! It was a press because time constraints wouldn't allow a leisurely trip.  I did most of the driving, too.   We had been away from Michigan for nearly two years.  On arrival I nervously opened the trailer, half expecting to interrupt a menagerie of critters that had moved in during our absence.  But our trailer was pristine!  We did see a small problem with the roof and I contracted to have that fixed. 

2,000 miles one-way, August 2024

The trek was a success! Upon return to Arizona G and I immediately began planning a second trip.  In September we returned to Michigan.  I wanted to inspect the repairs and prepare it for winter. We had our final campfire of 2024 on September 16.

Final 2024 Michigan campfire September 16

Today, I'm "stable" and we are planning our 2025 adventures.  I’d say working longer and RVing altered my life for the better, in many ways.  My twin died of medical issues 20 years ago, a younger sibling also passed of illness at 50.  My parents both died of illness at 70-71.  I’ve lived the life they didn’t have the opportunity to.  Perhaps I’m the outlier. Working and dealing with adversity may have prepared me for this fight.  Having the purpose of again RVing and everyone's prayers definitely spurred me onward. I don't know how long I'll be in this sweet spot, but I am enjoying it!

Links:

Family RV Association

Roadtrek International Chapter

Roadtreks for sale

(C) 2025 N. Retzke

California "Bans" RVs

 

Well, the title is not quite accurate.  Effective January 1, 2025 California has put in place new emission rules, effectively banning the sale of most RVs in the state.  In total six Blue states have joined in banning motor homes exceeding 8,500 lbs. gross vehicle weight.  

California has certain emission requirements, and these have been extended to include RVs.  Other states joining this ban on RV sales include  Washington, Oregon, New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey.  Any RV sold must meet the emission requirements of the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

The Recreation Vehicle Manufacturers Association (RVIA) sent a long letter to California pleading for a review of the new rule. The RVIA stated:

“In 2023, motorhome manufacturers shipped a total of 5,898 motorhomes to California, as compared with the 134,956 Medium- and Heavy-Duty trucks and tractors sold in California last year....

Motorhomes represent only 11.8 million miles versus the 4.8 billion miles for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, making it obvious that an exemption for motorhomes will not have an adverse impact on environmental concerns.”

In fact, only the smallest Class B RV's will be permitted under the new rules; those with gross vehicle weight of less than 8,500 lbs.  I've concluded that California really doesn't like RVers.

What to Do?

As an RVer, I've made the decision to avoid spending my travel or vacation money in these states.  Partly because I can rent a pickup or similar vehicle in the state which exceeds the gross weight of my RV but skirts the rules. That is ridiculous as the purpose of these rules is clean air.  Typical political BS and virtue signaling.

Considering the high costs of gas in California, the crime, homelessness and filth I think my money is better spent elsewhere. 

Adios Blue states, I'll never miss you!

(c) 2024 N. Retzke

Back on the Road after nearly two years

2,000 Miles - Route 66!

Things can occur that make travel difficult or impossible. This post will be different and will be about how my life's plans were altered. In fall of 2022 I suspended trekking. This is a summary of my experience.  I became aware that I had a serious illness, and RV travel became impossible. However, after a long and difficult treatment I was able to resume trekking in late Summer of 2024. Treatment continues, but my medical leash is now longer and the risks are fewer. So, with doctor's approval we took a 4,000 mile round trip in our Roadtrek. 

We returned to our summer "cabin", which is actually a 30 ft travel trailer on a campsite in Michigan.  We had used this as a summer retreat. It is at the eastern shore of Lake Michigan and that location  allowed us to kayak on that lake, and to enjoy the farm stands, local restaurants, the Michigan wine country shoreline, and travel as far as the UP, etc. 

Our Michigan campsite

However, we had to suspend travel because I was diagnosed with an inoperable stage IV cancer.  It is a rare cancer, and only about 15% survive.  My hemoglobin (HGB) bottomed at 3.6 and blood infusions were necessary.  We relocated so I could get treatment, and a medical team was assembled.  In 2023 aggressive treatment began. It included chemotherapy, but the drug of choice was unavailable to me because of short supply and my age; it was being rationed to younger patients.  There were blood transfusions to raise my HGB to 7.0 (normal is 11.5-13.5), and chemo could not be administered, nor would I be released from a hospital visit if my HGB was below 7.0.  One doctor suggested I consider hospice care, but I declined.  Using a walker I was mobile, etc. so I wasn't ready for that. There were many sessions of radiation therapy, additional blood infusions, multiple cycles of chemotherapy and finally I began immunotherapy.  

I'll complete one year of immunotherapy in October. One of my kidneys was collateral damage and ceased to function properly.  I was given first one, then a second nephrostomy tube. These require replacement (exchange) every 2-4 months.  That was the end of water and other sports for me. The tubes make certain movement impossible, and any quick twists, bends, etc. tug at the sutures and could displace the catheter in the kidney. That happened, once!  Even stubbing a toe, as occurred today can be painful, if the sutures are pulled.  Bouncing in an RV or car seat can also be painful. 

Typical Nephrostomy tube Exits through the back

Nephrostomy Diagram - tubing exiting through the back

It has been a very difficult two years.  However, my doctors have been incredible.  There have been issues of course.  The disease is debilitating, and my body weight dropped from 170 to 135 lbs. Strength and stamina took a hit. I was on a strict diet. There were and remain some side effects to deal with. At one time I had a pseudomonas infection, and I've undergone seven hospital stays from a couple of days to a week in duration, as well as the many procedures. Each treatment can require a couple of hours, or four or more.  I had radiation treatments 5 days a week for many weeks.  My radiologist told me "you are made of Stern Stuff" as the dosage was increased. A port was installed for infusions; my body had a reaction to this, but I resisted removal, pending the outcome of cultures to determine if there was infection (there was none). There were four chemotherapy cycles; each cycle was nine treatments, one per week. I had reactions to the drugs, but overall, my reactions could have been worse than they were. I'm currently completing a year of immunotherapy.  Throughout I have attempted to avoid being a burden to anyone, but with limited success. I undertook mental exercises to assist me in dealing with this and facilitate healing. 

The financial cost for this has been staggering.  I'm fortunate that my insurance has paid for most of it.

The treatments have been effective.  My weight has recovered to 150 lbs., which my primary care physician tells me is acceptable for my height and frame Most recently I have been on a very short medical leash, with an immunotherapy infusion every other week.  This made travel difficult.  However, because of my response to the treatments it has been possible to occasionally delay an immunotherapy session so that one occurs every four weeks.  That interval permitted some travel.  MRIs and C-Scans do not currently detect the presence of cancer, and my blood work is good.  I'm "stable". However, it is likely there remain a few cancer cells in my body.

Throughout, I received a lot of moral support and prayers. I really didn't know how many people cared about me. I'm on the planet today because of the grace of God, many prayers, my spouse, my incredible team of doctor and nurses, my tenacity, and the assistance friends.  I had led an active lifestyle and dealt with an unusual amount of adversity over the years.  My doctors tell me that these things contributed to my positive response to the disease. I never thought those earlier problems would train me and give me the fortitude to deal with this.

 When the full nature of the disease was revealed, I told a doctor that I wanted the cancer (this "thing") out of my body, although it was inoperable. I had decided to do everything possible for myself, and to empower my medical team.  I reasoned that if they won, I won. I became an advocate for myself.  I studied the illness and became educated about it.  I asked questions when it was prudent to do so and kept notes and a photographic record.  

We had been living in a 41+ ft. 5th wheel, but that became unsafe and impossible to navigate using a walker. We lived in a hotel for a month while we looked for a ranch style house to live in. With the help of friends in the area, we found a suitable home. When we moved in, we purchased a bed and moved some lawn furniture inside.  We began with a clean slate.  The decision to purchase was very difficult, because we (my spouse and I) were dealing with the illness. The future was an unknown.

I progressed from a walker, to using a cane, to walking unassisted. I can take a walk of a mile or so, and I do use a stationary bicycle.  I no longer trust myself on an untethered one.  I've gained 15 lbs. and hope to gain more, although my primary care physician tells me my weight is good for my height and frame.  

We are waiting for the completion of this year of immunotherapy and hope we'll be able to travel regularly.  I've been striving to live a normal life, but I realize it is a "new normal" and may be short. It is likely I'll have the nephrostomy tubes for the rest of my life.  

Note: in March 2024 we drove 7.4 miles to the Pima County Fairgrounds for the annual FMCA RV convention.  I don't consider that to have been a "road trip".

(c) N. Retzke

Steersafe Steering Stabilizer

 

From Steersafe Inc. website  https://steersafe.com/

We didn't like the effort it took to keep the 210P from wandering.  We have had new tires installed, front end alignment and even the steering system checked.  So we were reasonably confident the vehicle mechanicals were okay.

However, it took some steering effort to keep the Roadtrek going straight.  Generally, on the highway, the driver needed to wrestle the steering wheel with very frequent input.  This led to fatigue and shoulder discomfort.  

I did two things to help the driver. 1- Add a thick steering wheel cover.  This reduced the gripping requirement. 2- Add a Steersafe (r) steering stabilizer.

After 5,000 miles, both G and I are in agreement that the steering stabilizer is a significant improvement and that much less effort is required. However, as is true with all things, you experience might be different.

The installation was simple.  I contacted Steersafe and arranged an appointment.  They came to our campground in Las Cruces, NM and installed the components in less than an hour.  (Note: There are different versions depending upon the vehicle. the photo above is not of the components installed on the Chevy chassis).

According to the website:

"How Does It Work 

Steer Safe is installed on the vehicle’s front steering arms and clamps on to the front axle. No welding is required. It’s simply bolted on. Steer Safe Stabilizer’s patented oscillatable fulcrum bar makes it the only true steering stabilizer on the market. It provides up to 400 pounds of preset tension on each front wheel working against any outside forces, helping to keep the front wheels pointed straight, even in a blowout situation. 

 Unlike hydraulic shock absorber stabilizers that hook onto a vehicle’s tie rod, Steer Safe offers protection from the front wheels to the steering gear box. No extra steering effort is required lessening driver fatigue. Maintenance is not required because Steer Safe is equipped with Delrin bearings which never require servicing."

For more information:

https://steersafe.com/

(c) 2024 N. Retzke