Dear Friends,
As I prepare to bid a poignant farewell to Knotten, my steadfast companion on endless journeys, it feels imperative to lay bare the myriad challenges that have precipitated this solemn decision. From what was discovered prior to last year’s expedition from Lindesnes to Nordkapp and back again to Lindesnes, and what came to light during the trip.
Setting the Stage:
So where to start? I think we should start at the beginning. Knotten is an old gentleman. A 1999 model Chausson Welcome 50 built on a Fiat Ducato II chassis. So right from the start he was never a fresh guy when he came to me. When I got him he had around 90,000 km on the odometer. So you could say he had been around the block. Early on it turned out that there was a misconnection of the 12V outlet in the cockpit. This got fixed to some degree, but it turned out to not work in the end. Also, the AGM leisure battery was way too small. But I won’t bore you with all of this since I’ve detailed this in an earlier post.
Discovery on the Horizon:
What was more ominous was come up during the yearly check-up. This check-up happened prior to me hitting the road last year. It was discovered rot and moisture damage in the hull of the living quarter of Knotten. After a consultation with a repair guy, I was told that it wasn’t so bad that I needed to fix this before the season began. So I decided that this would have to wait until winter.
Challenges Revealed:
Last year’s sweeping expedition with Kaddy and Peachy starkly illuminated the frailty of Knotten’s electrical systems. Despite our concerted efforts to traverse Norway’s resplendent landscapes with ease, it soon became palpably clear that Knotten’s ageing electrical infrastructure faltered under the weight of modern travel demands.
Facing Adversity:
The imperative need for solar panels and their accompanying apparatus became glaringly apparent. as we found ourselves grappling with diminishing battery reserves to work remotely amidst Norway’s wilderness. The absence of a reliable power source not only hindered our capacity to fully capture the ethereal beauty of our surroundings through photography but also dictated where we could charge, and diminished our comfort on the unforgiving road.
Navigating the Road Ahead:
Moreover, the revelation of fried electronics impeding the functionality of the cockpit’s 12V outlet added yet another layer of complexity to the current situation. Knowing that this would need to be fixed properly was an added layer of economical worry.
Braking Concerns: Navigating Maintenance Challenges with Brake Drums
The challenges with Knotten extend beyond its structural and electrical issues to its braking system, most of all the maintenance of brake drums. Last year’s journey highlighted the difficulty in sourcing spare parts, posing potential hazards for future travels. With limited access to repair facilities, addressing these concerns became increasingly daunting, further contributing to the decision to bid farewell.
The Final Stretch:
The urgency of addressing these challenges I’ve pointed out weighed heavily upon my mind as we entered a new season, prompting a sobering realisation: Knotten’s journey was nearing its terminus. While I harboured aspirations of embarking on myriad adventures with my cherished camper, the financial and logistical hurdles to rectifying its electrical, mechanical and structural maladies proved insurmountable considering Knotten’s age.
Farewell and Reflection:
As I reflect upon the countless moments of beauty, wonder, and changes to my life Knotten has bestowed upon me, gratitude burgeons within me. From the pursuit of the epic vistas to the exploration of hidden details as well as giving me a new lease on life, Knotten has transcended its mere existence as a mode of conveyance to become my sanctuary, my refuge, my healing, and my unwavering companion on the meandering road of life.
Closing Thoughts:
Whilst the decision to bid adieu to Knotten as I know him weighs heavily upon my heart, solace is gleaned from the knowledge that our sojourn together will endure in the indelible imprints of memories captured, stories shared, and friendships forged along the byways of our adventures.
With gratitude and a farewell brimming with fond remembrance,
Toffa and Ludde
(to be continued…)
