Breakdown and sheer desperation

Well, unfortunately, my worst fears came true. Shortly after leaving Bédoin, the noises my camper was making did not improve. What a mess!

As I drove, I searched for an Iveco workshop and found out that it was Saturday. All the businesses were closed. Great, I thought. Why couldn't I have just driven on Fridays?

But alright, getting upset about it didn’t help me. So I accepted the situation as it was and tried to make the best of it. After a few kilometers, suddenly the coolant temperature gauge shot up and started to light up. Total panic! No, no, no. This couldn't really be happening? I wanted to at least make it to the workshop in Arles. Please - I thought - hold on! For me! Please!!

I repeatedly stopped at small pull-outs to give the coolant a chance to cool down. The last thing I needed right now was an engine failure. Naturally, it went uphill, only slightly but steadily, so I didn't even get the chance to let the camper roll. And every few kilometers - how else could it be - a roundabout. Of course. Brake, stop, restart, accelerate. Great, especially when the engine was already getting too warm.

Just before Arles, the thing I had been desperately trying to avoid happened. I broke down, right in the middle of the D570 in the middle of nowhere. No house, farm, or anything in sight to ask for help. Engine off, nothing worked anymore - the battery was obviously completely dead. Pure horror. What was to be done now?

Okay, I had to keep a cool head; panicking wouldn’t help. After all, Knut was also there, whom I had to take care of. So I contacted the truck service so I could be towed to the nearest workshop. Unfortunately, the ADAC was out for me - they only cover vehicles up to 3.5 tons. Didi weighs 4.8 tons, thus a truck. Fortunately, I had informed myself in advance in Germany before starting the trip and signed respective contracts. Otherwise, I might still be standing there now.

After 3 hours, the towing service arrived and took my camper to Nimes to Iveco, where it was parked at the gates.

Let me say this: I hear from many that the French are stubborn. I can say the exact opposite. I certainly wouldn’t have experienced so much friendliness and willingness to help in Germany!

The driver of the towing service, who only spoke French, was so kind as to arrange a taxi for me, which took Knut and me with all our luggage to Salin-de-Giraud, where I had organized accommodation.

In pouring rain, the taxi driver, who spoke a few words of English, helped me get my things and Knut into the taxi. I was overjoyed, even though I was completely at the end of my nerves. I was in the warm.

At the accommodation 'L'effet mer', Knut and I were warmly welcomed by the host Clothilda. What a relief! First of all, there was a hot shower. I also got something to eat. Great! I had hit it lucky with the accommodation.