I recently inherited a house here at the beach from my dad. It's nice but it presented the problem of what to do with myself and my stuff. Looking around, I decided I would be an absolute moron if I didn't jump at the opportunity and move into his house. So what to do with my stuff?

I bought a 5' X 10' open utility trailer from a Marine at Camp Lejeune to pull behind my 1992 Taurus wagon... the least stolen car in America. On the first ride back to Charlotte pulling it empty, I managed to blow the seals in the transmission.

So where is this leading? I took it in to find out what the damage was (it was still drivable but for how long?) and they gave me the happy news and that repairs would be $1300. I don't think so.

I traded it in on the spot for a 2007 Ranger XLT with the 3.0 liter engine and the so-called towing package (more on that later). I made my return trip to the beach loaded down with a motorcycle and all kinds of other things.

So, the "Towing Package". For whatever reason, it doesn't seem to include a transmission cooler. I looked at them at Autozone and I could get one for about $70 or so. I then called the dealer where I bought the truck and asked them how much if they did the job. Parts and labor brought it to just shy of $500. Right.

I went to Autozone and got my girlfriend's son to install it for me... gave him $50. He did a nice job too.

So here I am a month later and still carrying loads back and forth. No regrets on the Ranger.

I am now an unemployed orthopedic nurse who will be starting an active job search down here shortly. I am a former scuba instructor, former commercial pilot (not to be confused with airline pilot), and for the last 18 years I've been pushing needles into people's butts for a living.

That is all. Carry on.

 

Greetings man, Been to topsail many times myself. Im from the hills. How you liking the beach? Post some pics of your truck, it is a requirement!!...lol

photobucket is the best way to upload photos than copy the image code and paste in the message box...

 

welcome from about 20 miles south, in wilmington. make sure you check out the nc board for meets and such.

 

Welcome to RF!

 

Welcome!

 

Where abouts at Topsail? I have keys to a place up in Surf City. Welcome!

 

welcome to R-F, Jay!

 

I've got to say this sure is a friendly place. I belong to another forum (Honda GL/CX motorcycle enthusiasts) that is much the same way. What a difference from Usenet.

For those who know Topsail Beach, I live on Bridgers Avenue about a mile north of downtown.

 

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&sour...9&z=10&iwloc=A

 

Ha, what a story! Welcome to the boards, Jay!

 

Welcome from Nashville. The beach would be a fun place to live. You ever have any problems with the salt eating away at stuff?

 

Definitely. I've got the trailer ball rusting as I write this. It's less than a month old.

 

wow. Yeah every time we go to the beach, even for a day, im ready to wash the vehicle haha.

 

Welcome to RF, Jay!

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome, Jay. I'm a few hours south, now, but I spent 6 years there on the Crystal Coast (yeah, I'm a Jarhead) and sure miss that place. I've been meaning to take my daughter (a Lejeune baby) up to Topsail for a weekend visit to see how things have progressed over the last 10 years.

I also miss the abundance of BBQ that was available there in coastal NC...