Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

I got the dually back and what a difference!! It's starting, running smoother, and has MUCH more power. I have not got the bill yet......but I think it will be worth it!


Saturday, October 11, 2014

Those hard lessons.......

The new dually I bought seems to run fine, that is, as long as its warm out. I started noticing it starting harder as it began to cool off outside. Now that we have seen some temps in the 30's F it would not start.

I expected it needed glow plugs and probably a relay as those 7.3 litre diesels were kinda known for having issues. So I scheduled an appointment with my mechanic to change them out. He picked it up Thur eve and stopped by to see me at work yesterday. When he comes to see me, it's never good.

At some point in the past the area behind the turbo on the back of the engine has been on fire and several wires and various parts are burned or missing. Apparently, a squirrel or something built a nest back there and it caught on fire. The previous owner had to know this because the truck had been fixed just enough so it was impossible to tell it happened without removing several covers off the engine.  It can be fixed correctly, but when it's all said and done, it will cost about 8 times as much as the original fix.

Luckily, I paid far below actual value so I've got some room, just not expecting the expense. The good news is that once fixed it should start even in the coldest weather, run like a top, and see improved fuel mileage.

So all in all, I'm glad to find it now while I'm still working steady rather than after I get on the road.

Friday, September 19, 2014

Fiddler on the roof.

Actually,  I don't play the fiddle, the only musical instrument I ever learned to play is the radio. But I have definitely been on the roof a lot.
Solar panels installed and making FREE power.
SWEET!

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

The "right" tool box.

The first pic is the box that came in the truck. Problem is it would pinch on tight turns, and I couldn't see the hitch when backing. The second pic is the box I found on my way home from work. $100 and I can see the hitch. Plus, holds quite a bit more tools!  SWEET.

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Batteries and banks

Now I know why they call them "battery banks".  About the cost of Fort Knox.

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Today's tasks

New 22 inch LED TV I got at the RV salvage yard.  I had to design the hinged mount.  
Also, new converter switch so I can disable the converter when I'm running on Solar power. 

Monday, September 8, 2014

Gotta have TV!

It required a new coax cable from end to end of the trailer, but now I have Dish Network in the rig.  :)

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Sunday's projects

New 12 volt outlet in bedroom and new junction box next to old battery location.

Saturday, September 6, 2014

My Saturday afternoon projects.

New courtesy light and switch at the door and new 12 volt outlet in the kitchen. All wired, tested and working.

Friday, August 29, 2014

Not Liquid Roofing weather.....

I was hoping to apply the new roof coating today but the weather looks to bad. Chance of thunderstorms from this morning until late Saturday night. Maybe I can apply on Sunday or Labor Day. I really need to get this checked off my list.

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Friday, August 15, 2014

Monday, August 11, 2014

Roof repair time.


Opps!     #%?)%#




RV roof leaks are always worse than they appear on the outside.

Saturday, August 2, 2014

Solar rewiring project.

One of the biggest challenges for the new solar "system" is relocating the battery to the new location where the bank of 4 batteries will reside. I need to relocate them both for better current flow and for better weight distribution. 

This is the original battery box. About two thirds of the way back on the trailer. 

 
This is the new location. The front storage bay on the fifth wheel. In here, I can position the batteries direct center on the trailer for better weight distribution. The original location would have put too much weight on one side. Once installed they will weigh about 280 lbs.
This was a BITCH!!!
The undercarriage is all sealed being the Designer Series is considered a 4 season camper. I had a heck of a time finding a route from the original battery box to the front, and from the front back to the AC breaker box. I got it, but it took two full days.   

Big Job.

Cleaning the roof to prepare for the seam/seal replacement and the new roof coating. All in preparation for the (4) new solar panels.  

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Cool new ladder. Extends to they say 13 feet, really only 11 but folds down to a small 3 ft. Great for travel.

New LED bulbs. use a fraction of the electricity and can last for 20 years!



Some of the wires I need for the solar project.

I have some work to do. The seals are supposed to be smooth, and that roof is supposed to be snow white. They will be soon.

Monday, July 28, 2014

The upgrades begin.

I'm planning to setup the new 5ver to be boon-dock ready. I ordered the solar panels, inverter, and cables/accessories over the last few weeks. I have already purchased a Trimetric meter and 30 amp solar controller.

 I'm planning to replace the roof seals this weekend with Eternabond and after cleaning and priming, giving the roof a few coats of Kool Seal. It's pretty black up there. Anxious to get it new and white again before I mount the solar panels.

Other upgrades are all interior lights are now LEDS, new water pump, and new 12-volt stereo/dvd player. Also new outside speakers. Eventually going to replace the RV toilet with a composting one.

I should have some pics to post this weekend. Stay tuned.

Thursday, July 17, 2014

The dream still lives, and so do I.


I found a great deal on this new rig. This is going to be our home for the adventure. So far I have replaced the truck tires, and upgraded the stereo system. I have ordered all LED interior lights, and a Trimetric 2030 RV battery monitor. I am still looking at solar panels and controllers. Shooting for October 2015 for the adventure to begin.

Monday, July 7, 2014

Dora's Replacement


 I found a deal I just couldn't pass up. I have a new rig.
1996 Jayco Designer 5th Wheel and 1996 Ford F350 Diesel dually.