tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84682679332489373632024-03-04T21:49:38.273-08:00Maximilian's AdventuresMaximilianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09072510707499908265noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468267933248937363.post-67093314935917387932018-05-04T02:52:00.000-07:002018-05-04T02:52:01.910-07:00Start of Something New, Again?Well it has been quite sometime that I posted our status other than some
maintenance items around here, well for September that was not the case. After
a long hot Alabama summer things were beginning to change for John regarding his
employment at Lowe’s. He has been working at the same store since March 2014
when we decided to stay put in order to help remodel Rana’s mother (Melba) home
so it could sold and she could go full-time RVing. Remodeling has been complete
for over a year now but John stayed on at Lowe’s because at the time John &
Rana were not itching to leave.<br />
<br />
At the end of August John was informed that his current position was being
eliminated and he would be moved into another position within the store. That
got them thinking to what’s next? Stay in place, enjoy the friendships that
have been created over that time or look farther down the road for new
opportunities or challenges. Lowe’s made the decision a little easier by moving
John into the Millwork department (Doors & Window sales) the second week of
September. After six days of lifting/moving heavy doors/windows he was done.
Turned in his notice and they started the process of packing up to move!<br />
<br />
Packing stuff up to move is actually the process of going through each
cabinet, drawer, storage bay and closet for items that neither of them used in a
while. The front closet and under-bed storage yielded eight bags of clothes for
donations, extra comforters, towels and pillows. The lower storage bay (called
the basement on a 5th wheel) was emptied and each tote was then emptied so that
all the contents could be sorted into three categories: Keep, Free to a Good
Home and Trash. With all the totes gone through they were loaded back into the
basement in an order based on use/need. Same process was performed for the
front compartment.<br />
<br />
So why were they packing up? Why not find another job in Montgomery? Well
with Rana’s mother not only moved into her 5th wheel but traveling on her own
successfully there was really nothing keep them here. Rana’s brother and his
family live in northern Alabama so that was an option but they wanted to try an
option that they put on hold since arriving in Alabama. Oil Field Gate Guarding. Before
they could start heading to Texas one last thing had to be taken care of, sell
the minivan. They held on to it for as long as possible with many attempts to
sell it to someone at Lowe’s but nobody stepped up. But a call to a friend in
the RV park yielded a sale on the spot.<br />
<br />
<br />
With savings, money from the minivan sale and a recent paycheck from
Lowe’s John hitched the Big Country to me and we all pulled out as one rig. No
more scout/chase van with Rana at the wheel. One seven ton rolling home and
family heading west.Maximilianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09072510707499908265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468267933248937363.post-16981330851203371312017-01-26T16:48:00.001-08:002017-01-26T16:48:04.708-08:00Flushing AgainNearing the end of last week (Thursday) one of those unexpected events happened and you have to gather your wits or suffer some unpleasantness. In our case it was me using the toilet after 9:00 PM and then trying to tune it so operated better. It was at that point I helped a small important part to fail resulting in a toilet that would have to be hand operated in a bad way.<br />
<br />
See RV toilets are usually operated by a foot <i>pedal</i> (spelled it right for once), pressing down part way starts water flowing into the bowl. Pressing all the way down opens the "flapper or ball" letting the waste drop/flow to the black holding tank. The small important part that failed was the plastic shaft that connects the flapper to the foot pedal, meaning the only way to open and close the flapper was by hand. And I do mean by HAND.<br />
<br />
Knowing that this situation would not work for either of us for our overnight trips to the Loo. I took the entire pedal flapper assembly apart and looked at how I could use duct tape and bailing wire to fix this problem until morning. Seeing that all the parts are plastic and are either covered in grease or poo, glue or tape was not an option. Tried to screw pieces together, no go. By now it's getting late and a line started to form outside. I needed a quick band-aid fix now!<br />
<br />
My solution was easy but very smelly; leave the flapper open and manual rinse with water. Problem with this solution was all the wonderful smells from the black tank will waft into the bathroom then into the rest of the coach. But if I could easily seal the toilet from our living space it could work! What to use as a seal? Trash bag? Nope, too much trouble to place/remove over entire toilet and lacked a airtight seal. Stretch wrap! Of course, what is a toilet but just a large porcelain bowl. Problem is we have stretch wrap but is not wide enough to cover the bowl with one piece. Two pieces don't seal as well and repeated use may be a problem. I need something quick, I'm starting to taste the smell!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTHM5LWTlwE4_C9hDeXnEIE9xKbnMqRCz-U480yzMAB5DfFdsUXxWonnO_kk5CaXu0B0WvFk3IOvSBflq3RJd9qpjqk_Eu2mblK02Pt_gJnMLc5qwH18y5W63gzoW5dwUdUG2dKNaEX4E/s1600/IMG_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTHM5LWTlwE4_C9hDeXnEIE9xKbnMqRCz-U480yzMAB5DfFdsUXxWonnO_kk5CaXu0B0WvFk3IOvSBflq3RJd9qpjqk_Eu2mblK02Pt_gJnMLc5qwH18y5W63gzoW5dwUdUG2dKNaEX4E/s400/IMG_0110.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
It then came to me, from my daily experience washing dishes the solution was right next to the stretch wrap; ziplock bags! Yes, a ziplock bag. Rana and I reuse many of these bags by washing them in hot soapy water and as they sit in the sink to be rinsed they tend to block water from going down the drain. So why not fill a gallon size bag with water to plug the flapper hole in the toilet. Success!! <br />
The bag covered the hole without a chance of falling through and was easily removed and placed in the shower pan when you had to go. The rinse part of the foot pedal still worked so the bowl was always clean and wet prior to placing bag back.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7RD6EmepmKA9oGu2CqpEdRqsdjnzVob0pxe00hm_tGYHcuGg7YZkqquqQas4xkT67raYndrf1T86mme8seXC7r5B3f_DH1uFg7o8r4lf3IQGbRumX3s3MRKBRaTF7d1PGBlagBHKvy6nb/s1600/IMG_0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7RD6EmepmKA9oGu2CqpEdRqsdjnzVob0pxe00hm_tGYHcuGg7YZkqquqQas4xkT67raYndrf1T86mme8seXC7r5B3f_DH1uFg7o8r4lf3IQGbRumX3s3MRKBRaTF7d1PGBlagBHKvy6nb/s200/IMG_0121.JPG" width="150" /></a>This solution worked for about two days until the new toilet arrived (replacement parts are not available for this toilet) so I consider it a complete success. It was at this point I decided to add a shutoff valve at the toilet so periodic maintenance could be done without having to shutoff water to the entire coach. This portion of the project would have been a slam-dunk however the powers that be (Dometic, the toilet manufacturer) decided that using the standard plumbing connection would be too simple. Nooooo, lets use something different to make every RVer's life more exciting.<br />
The threaded connection on the back of the toilet is the same as the threaded connection for faucets. So when you choose to upgrade and add a shutoff valve remember to get a faucet supply line and not a toilet supply line. Other than that life is good.<br />
<br />
<br />Maximilianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09072510707499908265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468267933248937363.post-78095598445273653752017-01-23T13:53:00.000-08:002017-01-23T13:53:29.875-08:00Chimney SweepI have done this maintenance before and each time I try to remember what I
did last time so I don't have to remove more screws than necessary. So I said I
would document it so I could go back and refresh my old brain and save some
time.
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5ITMCbqgcC0YLyqyp2-kHUmttW23UjIyyiROcoyo1uAY6ovjfvzi2utPTy0N7t1A729Bz1dAn4lIGjxaXu-o_qKBbP9HRS4R4rIRTzS3knAvgo-_Bisr3eiySHZ49nDwF5srwh52E9WQ/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5ITMCbqgcC0YLyqyp2-kHUmttW23UjIyyiROcoyo1uAY6ovjfvzi2utPTy0N7t1A729Bz1dAn4lIGjxaXu-o_qKBbP9HRS4R4rIRTzS3knAvgo-_Bisr3eiySHZ49nDwF5srwh52E9WQ/s200/006.JPG" width="200" /></a>Seeing no one in their right mind would have a wood fireplace in an RV, we
all have one form or another of electric fireplace with fake logs. Now those
fake logs don't require any service but the heating element and fan certainly
do. In our case it's the heating element and all the air intakes/heat exhausts
that need attention. By attention I mean cat hair removal. The air intake
vents get clogged with cat hair, mostly from our Maine Coon; Punkin.<br />
<br />
As heat output decreased, then finely quit because of the safety overheat
breaker I knew it was time to remove the fireplace from it’s cabinet and pull
out the vacuum. On our Dimplex fireplace the air intakes are at the top front
of <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubFHcBnBrSVEVWEbHWhKSbh_131DlG_TddBAoN7lz7PzS0LAPOY41vYTLOpsXXaXLdyzdjlzD9DFTetUe0fFQBNmlsPdDUH02UKFHHrrWqWO3rleHk1fYGg3uBzL_TX-qwJofcYsx_VlK/s1600/IMG_0119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubFHcBnBrSVEVWEbHWhKSbh_131DlG_TddBAoN7lz7PzS0LAPOY41vYTLOpsXXaXLdyzdjlzD9DFTetUe0fFQBNmlsPdDUH02UKFHHrrWqWO3rleHk1fYGg3uBzL_TX-qwJofcYsx_VlK/s320/IMG_0119.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
the unit, they sit on either side of center mounted heating/fan module.
Unfortunately the slits for these intakes are so thin the crevice tool on our
vacuum is too thick, we need to take the top of the unit off. This is a pain
but it does allow for complete cleaning of the entire intake and heating/fan
module.
<br />
<br />
<div align="left">
Start by removing the top mounting flange then all the top panel
perimeter screws. There are to two screws on top of the panel near the front
which now allow the top panel to tilt back and reveal the air intakes,
heater/fan module and the top of the enclosure. Now just vacuum every surface inside the enclosure and
check the fan blades are clean and spinning freely. We’re done, now start to
carefully fit the top panel back on and replace the screws in reverse order.</div>
Before placing the unit back into the cabinet take a moment to vacuum any
other openings and the front controls. Now slide the unit back into the cabinet
and secure, plug back in and test. If there is good heat and airflow mission
accomplished. Maximilianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09072510707499908265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468267933248937363.post-3737179633277617382014-12-23T14:17:00.001-08:002014-12-23T14:18:22.366-08:00Workamping After AllSeveral posts ago I reported that John and Rana have settled here in the
Montgomery, AL area for the near future as it relates to finishing Melba’s
(Rana’s mom) house remodel, selling the house and getting her settled into an
RV. Well that is still the plan where John splits his time between working at
Melba’s house and at Lowes. Since he is doing the remodel pro bono in order for
Melba to save for the RV, he needed to have a job that paid a fulltime RVer’s
two biggest expenses; rent and food.<br />
<br />
John started at Lowes March 3rd working full-time but on a temporary/seasonal
basis which at least got him in the door. At the end of July he was hired as a
permanent employee but at part-time. He did receive a pay increase by being
hired on as permanent which almost compensates for the cut in hours each week.
The fewer days at Lowes helps free up time to work on the house but with the
rising costs of groceries and fuel they have been unable to save money or travel
so John decided to offer his extensive skills to the owner of the RV park where
we are staying. After several discussions the owner (Chris) gave John a
chance.<br />
<br />
John reported for work on weekday morning and he was put on lawn mowing duty;
first in front of the RV dealership and then all the lots in the campground.
Chris was impressed because John just mowed everything and reported back when
done, after which they sent him on a couple errands in the company truck. The
next day John worked there Chris put him on the large tractor to “bush hog”
which is cutting two large fields of tall grass/weeds. John finished this task
in half the time the other guys took so Chris was sold on John’s work and
attitude. Now John is working two to three days a week prepping newly arrived
trailers from the factory for the sales lot, completing PDIs’ (pre-delivery
inspections), conducting customer walk thru’s (picking up of customer purchased
trailers) selling parts and even selling trailers. The hours John works goes to
paying our monthly rent which includes water, sewer and power.<br />
<br />
John is quite happy working for Chris and everyone else at the dealership, it
also provides great experience for future workamping that Rana and John will use
when we all hit the road again. Until now their resume had no experience with
campground operations and John plans on working with Chris in order to take on
more of the responsibility of the campground operations. That way when we head
North for a summer we can make similar arrangements until it’s time to turn
around and head South. Rinse & repeat.Maximilianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09072510707499908265noreply@blogger.com0Millbrook, AL, USA32.4798575 -86.36191629999996232.2656075 -86.684639799999957 32.6941075 -86.039192799999967tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468267933248937363.post-39977625731373465082014-08-05T09:38:00.001-07:002015-11-08T06:55:39.548-08:00Know Weight No WaitMaybe the title should say Wait, Know Weight. Since being relegated to commuter duty in March of this year I’ve had little to blog about regarding adventures or upgrades, John hasn’t had the time or money to start any projects or travels. He has taken a job at Lowes in order for us to keep our heads above water working a temp position. I’m bored with commuter duty and seeing that Rana has started <a href="http://asducky.blogspot.com/2014/07/starting-off.html">blogging</a> it has encouraged me to break from the boredom and get back to blogging.<br />
<br />
<br />
OK, so what’s with the title? Well the other day Rana’s mother, Melba was searching for a 5th wheel to purchase to start her full-timing adventure. As she paged through all the different listings looking at floorplans she would mention the brand name; Montana, Big Country, Big Horn, Sundance and Elk Ridge. Since I was around when Rana and John purchased their 5th wheel (coach) I knew the major differences between the brands so when it comes time for Melba to purchase a tow vehicle (TV) I’ll be in on that decision. John, Rana and I have said that Melba needs to wait to buy a TV until either she has a coach or knows exactly which coach she wants to purchase. Which all boils down to waiting and knowing weights.<br />
<br />
<br />
The waiting part is easy to explain, therefore I won’t bore you with the details of Melba’s search. I will however bore you with a detailed explanation of weights and ratings so that you’ll come away knowing how to tow safely, how that is determined and picking the best towing platform. At first you can be overwhelmed by the alphabet soup of acronyms; GVW, GCWR, RAWR, GVWR that many people give up and either go with a friends recommendation or the salesperson’s best guess. Since becoming a member of the Heartland family I use a <a href="http://fifthwheelst.com/" target="_blank">website</a> a member designed to help calculate a safe towing combination; truck & trailer. If you still want to know what the acronyms mean, well here you go:<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="width: 867px;"> <tbody>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="72"><div align="center">
GVW</div>
</td> <td valign="top" width="276"><div style="text-align: justify;">
Gross Vehicle Weight</div>
</td> <td valign="top" width="517"><div style="text-align: justify;">
Loaded weight of either truck or trailer</div>
</td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="72"><div align="center">
GCWR</div>
</td> <td valign="top" width="276"><div style="text-align: justify;">
Gross Combined Weight Rating</div>
</td> <td valign="top" width="517"><div style="text-align: justify;">
Loaded weight of truck and connected trailer (Not to be exceeded)</div>
</td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="72"><div align="center">
RAWR</div>
</td> <td valign="top" width="276"><div style="text-align: justify;">
Rear Axle Weight Rating</div>
</td> <td valign="top" width="517"><div style="text-align: justify;">
Weight rear axle and suspension can carry (Not to be exceeded)</div>
</td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="72"><div align="center">
GVWR</div>
</td> <td valign="top" width="276"><div style="text-align: justify;">
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating</div>
</td> <td valign="top" width="517"><div style="text-align: justify;">
Loaded weight of vehicle (Not to be exceeded)</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are more but these are the important ones you need to start making truck and trailer decisions that will pay off in safety down the road.<br />
<br />
<br />
As embarrassing as talking about your own weight, I now want to show you detailed weight results John has done since purchasing the coach. Just after returning from Anderson, IN where John and Rana bought the coach John weighed me and the coach on a CAT Scale at a truck stop across from the storage lot where the coach would be kept while not in use. The columns in <span style="color: yellow;"><b><span style="color: #809ec2;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Grey</span> </span></b><span style="color: white;">indicates the published specs for me and the coach.</span> <b> Yellow </b></span><span style="color: white;">indicates the CAT scale data and <span style="color: #9bbb59;"><b>Green</b></span> indicates scale data from <a href="http://rvsafety.com/about-us/" target="_blank">RVSEF</a>. A</span>t the 2013 Heartland National Rally in Goshen, IN <a href="http://rvsafety.com/about-us/" target="_blank">RVSEF</a> had representatives there performing TV and coach weighing. This service is much more detailed than what the CAT scales provide because <a href="http://rvsafety.com/about-us/" target="_blank">RVSEF</a> places scales under each wheel of the TV and the coach in order to have true wheel weights. So John planned on arriving with full fuel tanks (86 gal.), 30 gal. of fresh water and about 10 gal. of black water so that we were weighted as true to the way we all travel. Once unhitched, John and Rana had the coach setup we then drove back to the scales and reweighed without the coach. This process yields the data in the table below.<br />
<div align="center">
</div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIbGula35t-DjxUtd_M34Kzwj4bpMnujzj0VKUW-98byzJayq7qS4utOLWwMttYH8o6JlSALR8JMiQ3AHVPm5-DjJyYMVsuUTHPJCmK1rqoR8fLX6PRmfMYZMPSot0xkWlOtJj4io0ZvIT/s1600-h/image%25255B7%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQkcGpiXL1CDU0-uT75yHpTV41VFnu2fVT2lAFZ-bnGzRAy9osgzVXLBdc-mw1TkEubtM_TZQoC5GhHkBD4ZaXyrkrntIkQnJOg93MegiNezwUhL0eW2GsGoaOZdJiRdTHkoNilmnB6hp/?imgmax=800" height="201" style="background-image: none; border-image: none; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="832" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Looking at the weight table you see there are some problems. As you study the CAT scale numbers compared to the RVSEF scale numbers you see a dramatic increase in weight. No it’s not all the donuts John I and eat, but the weight of becoming Full-Timers. So even if you are careful and know your numbers and are well within them when you are picking out your rig you can exceed various ratings by carrying too much stuff.<br />
<br />
<br />
So do you want to know what weight loss program John has put all of us on? Well the first thing John did was moving all his tools from the very front compartment of the coach to the back of the van. That’s roughly 300 pounds gone from coach and me (GCWR). So the 15850 coach GVW should be down to 15550 as well as 3550 in pin weight. See how all the numbers tie together. The coach weighed in 15850, 350 over it’s rating but 2000 lbs. under in axle weight. Meaning all the excess weight is pin weight (750 lbs.) With the coach connected to me I’m over loaded by 1800 lbs. but my rear axle rating has not been exceeded. Meaning there is still work to be done before another weigh in. Earlier I stated that <a href="http://rvsafety.com/about-us/" target="_blank">RVSEF</a> provides true wheel weights or corner weights but the above table they are not listed. I did this because I wanted to keep the data points the same from scale to scale. I’ll post the detailed weights along with <a href="http://rvsafety.com/about-us/" target="_blank">RVSEF</a> recommendations that the reps pointed out. Although this much detail is not needed all the time John and I feel it is worth the $60 for detailed piece of mind. We plan on having <a href="http://rvsafety.com/about-us/" target="_blank">RVSEF</a> reweight us at least every two years with CAT scale ($9) checkups when we hit the road for a log trip.<br />
<br />
<br />
If you have already gone to the <a href="http://rvsafety.com/about-us/" target="_blank">RVSEF</a> site you’ll see that they take a very detailed approach to RV safety and provide beginners as well as seasoned RV’ers information that will make their travels safer and more worry free. I really can’t stress enough that you need to do this homework prior to purchasing tow vehicle and trailer so that you end up with a combination that will be a pleasure to drive, safe in most road/weather conditions and different drivers. John has read many threads on various RV forums with people asking if their truck can tow this? Many asking what their numbers are; referring to the numbers John provided in the table above. Most posters either respond with a big <b>NO</b> or <i>Sure it can, I do it all the time</i>. Who is right? That’s up to you, we can’t say at this time we are “towing safe” because we are exceeding the weight ratings in several areas. But we have identified the problem areas and are taking steps to reduce the weight.<br />
<br />
<br />
In closing I have to say that John and I <i><b>know</b></i> our <i><b>weights</b></i> and we are not <i><b>waiting</b></i> to make changes.<br />
<br />
<br />
See you down the road! Maximilianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09072510707499908265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468267933248937363.post-10082679255924901592014-01-21T15:16:00.001-08:002014-01-21T15:24:31.747-08:00Product Review: Schumacher SP-200<p>So what is a Schumacher SP-200? It’s a solar 12 volt DC battery maintainer. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7aCIXu_Mu-bBAITb2eYPRhvydKMfBPMJjyBxZBOoX2BuTvv-vUG9quCTpgcsOvx2wVzgcwneacbfZ28voOjdKyP4GxCLA14F_lulaySEHGVi_Uvsi_OoLXbha5ZRnGSScGT38_em5E9hN/s1600-h/003%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img title="003" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 10px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="003" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkh3xrxOnQ9goavun7v5RRKSiCK3MSs5611GcBTCYepUe1S8THsVPP2TBjK2lAevbGcEVGcEoAV-HjC6oSBrKXLgVIZWMV6Hoy_ZJThthp2CaNZiY5FNEJ4GLsL3DUv5-gLgIS-tDSu_gC/?imgmax=800" width="247" align="right" height="328"></a>John set me up with one of these since my batteries were getting dragged down by a number of small parasitic drains that are always on even when my engine is off. These drains pulled the voltage in my batteries down enough John was having difficulties starting me after resting for more than four days. The SP-200 will solve that low voltage problem. <p>Per the instructions, John made sure my batteries were fully charged using an standard trickle charger since he had no plans to drive me for a while. He then disconnected that charger, placed the Schumacher SP-200 panel in the center of my dashboard and plugged it into 12 volt accessory outlet in the console. The SP-200 comes with both an accessory outlet plug and battery clamps. Although it is weather tight it really needs to be kept out of the elements for best charging performance. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGItErMxW57-uJ3GcpY6mmFzJ8aTlYuFWj0av776YLXjY2EicqOJe7kzs5_ydJhTlweRDCCSHhzfGr-iaIfAkrxGM0_BCmZwutupnxZVkqXwZXk7jpvU89AnW-n-3k_tsLbbJAc0EVisgm/s1600-h/001%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 10px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzHI323QZHzuMo8oIZJOY9hjhoxeERs5-Pbqu2iK2oaikM1F1o9xdhku0n-H6Uw5aYlSZ-9yrfLSN3f7LsGHewxULnZGMvC3LvOSdh0vh8YalQdPVTMQKE8KG0l4Ff0LXj2MQECtSFAPg/?imgmax=800" width="288" align="right" height="218"></a> <p>John let me rest facing the sun for 9 days without starting me. He then unplugged the SP-200, turned the engine key and I fired up immediately. Before getting the SP-200 my starter was turning slowly and pulling so much power that my radio lost the station presets and the clock would reset. John is quite happy with the results. He is no longer afraid to park me on the other side of the road from the coach. Had I been parked across the road before the SP-200 I would have had two drained/dead batteries which would have required a long extension cord and a larger battery charger. <p>He purchased the Schumacher SP-200 from Amazon.com for under $30 which with free delivery was a good deal. Schumacher has been making battery chargers for many years and John already had two other Schumacher chargers that are used for various reasons. Not once have they failed him so the SP-200 was a no-brainer for him. Maximilianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09072510707499908265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468267933248937363.post-22442358224135256172014-01-12T21:57:00.001-08:002014-01-13T08:03:20.561-08:00Surprise in the Park Today<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92y1-TLxvy9pMW7dfb0CbcKz2YZzZBlVKWZ6bvFHdgkjVLA9Tkhlq-pF73WuJyfVlV3tL-N57KcVoJEwnDQJyuLc_mihNFQ_DTUz_MivZC4cmvnUiHuJW-fRRBFQk8KzpT7FKZpuiOeTk/s1600-h/Model%252520A%2525201%25255B7%25255D.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="Model A 1" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06E4VYYLalCDR2vIRJNjqaATgxEwDguf8_2qKfczVdfDt1WprObQCSgjWYFzUixb84phc5KByJTSTNFn2kC4UI_OSr1HAU4-QLeR_0dwav7RfEGY31c1GSXcxuVnvxv_7cIkuAAYxuHd_/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; float: right; margin: 10px 0px 0px 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Model A 1" width="425" /></a>Today was a very nice day weather wise; warm, sunny and no wind. The only reason John was not outside the whole day working on something is that we are still drying out from all the rain we got on Friday night and Saturday morning. It’s mud city here. Anyways, the surprise was what pulled into the park in the afternoon… A 1931 Ford Model A Roadster!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENB9Rtff2cmLQMVCqinvpHYtOKTgzEIzkttnmvP_rQNpoSo9uzvP1r9ESeCr3zFhUiS2-3XguZqcrUWSt4IwJ7_bOs3MJFJzGfkPqF4Ps2sSkvm4NE_V_D5X4o_EnJ-aZ2ie5Z1EplxI4/s1600-h/Model%252520A%2525204%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Model A 4" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPGm5ftpJUjkiTzTATP5Mvkbpd_usvZQJfvWg3wTIfqWPLIm3UBlo7D6lOJzJg6HAxfOkPStDMFzbThSdeAf_AqjHlrdN63UPdhRnMrXTC6u2H3EdAQJ68edJrz6L7BhFkmYsN9mSpuA1/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; margin: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Model A 4" width="425" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-GxVvFdsj2s6UwoT4zrujkTFJtlkCWTW9-LnGGKXPij-5bOHLAdV-C9yiDdX84zlDzH0dKxOyIdgf-uuA4BzPd_3RiyfsOUDtpS3oerRxi-dAR_u_IfEKlhmiOPiVZXqY3zV8ClxkIW2u/s1600-h/Model%252520A%2525203%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="Model A 3" border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtbrb3-bvIhXyFcbxC6bpVgHe9Qim_5czMq4x10CnjCjw3wNfnZt6RUvTpeq5jU_NOePwAS7pMN8hzhcR7gMksus9eE2CrL7Suvd95eUlQBxnIjm1opTX2nPPm3RjKvdPWitV2Tk_i-_c/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; float: right; margin: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Model A 3" width="413" /></a><br />
Completely restored and running like new. The young lady that drove it into the park is the daughter of the owner, who was along for the ride as well. John waved and stopped them asked if he could take a few shots of their roadster. They asked if he knew who owned an enclosed trailer that is in storage here. They are looking for a trailer to store either this car or their other Model A Sedan. He told them no he doesn't know the owner.<br />
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They talked for quite awhile as this beauty just idled away. You could tell John was admiring the simplicity of the design by the way he looked and pointed at all the details of the car. Later he told me how this car as well as the Model T changed this country forever. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZTiYGrpIEEFcExGc2d137B1J9Y78pUwcqXid645tIKG-Bqii_qFhhFnKVFnwHADpQp2ONz6HxtcutNCZCa2HHZNZft7uni66bAWpIRyzxwx7ns83ATUzv4PI-BfWiznrIMpzrm1NgynP/s1600-h/Model%252520A%2525205%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Model A 5" border="0" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8GwhbVk61O4Wwhx9iF1p0vRW41O8z2qC6AWS33R1XIf7gaiTaRjzDTlC22EmxEmCophkxh4a3zd7CnAoLbUFBKhutxvKNDEWxgFgoIBPh7eVDcwgRBPwLGWJs5_qPaNYzCHeNCPKuacjR/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; float: left; margin: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Model A 5" width="473" /></a><br />
This is how a museum should display items of history; outside and on the road. That way you can hear the actual motor running, smell the car’s exhaust, experience it up close. Be able to touch it without a velvet rope and sign preventing it.<br />
John has told me about the many museums he’s been to where cars, trucks, planes or trains are on stands and it made him sad. He told me about when he went to see car and truck shows where people drive their “heritage” or “dream cars” and sit to share their love of this type of machinery. John has even been to historic sports car events where 20, 30 and even 40 year old race cars are <u>raced</u> again! The sound and smells are intoxicating.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMWhH-ClUk6CDfJcfZqXp3_7Uhkl3h_yNOONAz-0PA0bI8DTDysTuiXKEFbu2k7zvuOaiUeIq3t_pXqPr5DE2ZWacxfrHhcFFAY0gCutots_t9V74XQ6eTZbHfql_aHL9AWl40pwULMQs/s1600-h/PA060047%25255B7%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="PA060047" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipakSM6jvMTrC9eAvlwi0WelsCcXJ5clJsjZF9v1Gl7VbSyJSBI8D3hPTomUTEJ6OkJ2GGaOxu8kcmd_op31cmB0Cl6z7dSveb9mAVTc8LvI4uNDZAK1KkhhJoo3cDJRKNh8CItFYZf6Qb/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; float: right; margin: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="PA060047" width="320" /></a></div>
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He went to Oshkosh to see World War II “War Birds” fly! Not just sitting on the ground in a museum. He told me of the time where he sat under the wing of a P-51 Mustang “Cadillac of the Sky” at Oshkosh with the owner and a Mustang pilot. He just sat there and listened to them share memories. John and I both know the risks of operating equipment like this and if something goes wrong it could be lost forever.</div>
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Remember the Liberty Bell.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIiJdqqvfSAMyMRHFw2PBkwlSHKLiqHRYeiro1EYi41lodMX6zo32ZeENV1Hu2wC0dT9OfjBMGj9qvVwx5hVGL2DSH9hoFar0eL6LXuxUmX9mSlOdCTMsXEnUjn_xNLfTE1BdslHDAtwa/s1600-h/Liberty%252520Bell%2525201%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" alt="Liberty Bell 1" border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwyCgNTbcEjb22Jxs6SnM2-V-2HaTFuq0yZR3B4YpUMmk_rmLd3RpAijoCFA4ilP5t5YRgjNR7VewCfvu7NSI2u2LcdIZ0MKdOiG24JvGI8oBW5GzJskkJCmQDGgOak2zINP6QcTZMBZLb/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; float: left; margin: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Liberty Bell 1" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtT-N9DjoOAWYc6FPA_FxWItujU7li0oiVijz2cmSFC7vG4wNNQfI9nzYTG5s4bbjnEFgqhkBT_wEDFWSyvtbUl9Uu1lGb3djmwXrhjKeNJiv-X8h2gjsCKru304uzSYDrO6t3iuduKy06/s1600-h/Liberty%252520Bell%2525202%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="Liberty Bell 2" border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeF4IHWfMYFzGhel9IN76shU0kLzCUQPXxnU7mx2-S596pJcIQFg9r-MdOojS-P9dPkfJU8o98ylCm8sQ7qulfx1bZ1mW85yJq1T0O51nDnNFXv8kp1lTtiSzI6aH4ma1LbTUUwqghCPKz/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; float: right; margin: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Liberty Bell 2" width="400" /></a></div>
Maximilianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09072510707499908265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468267933248937363.post-55248138160235727282014-01-10T22:15:00.001-08:002014-01-11T21:19:42.372-08:00Starting Anew Again<p>Well it is 2014 and looking at my blog I only made two entries for 2013. John is embarrassed of that fact. He is the one that helps puts a posting together. He’s the one that really interacts with the world around us, I’m only an observer. When tells me of other blogs that he reads on a regular basis and wonders why he can’t be that committed to posting something at least once a week. The main reason is he has a vision, a plan or a design for each posting and a big part of that is photographs.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkV2nBYhdO-b2uBmqHmC29p5SL27_MTwESv3-7JDW5ICGfWdSol9m8Po7nY1VkgP3V7BLJxpFaRdLaTtiJhL3r-qrexTsZpx92z2BnEUes_XknQGgbD0zQ2hhk1bUBdiM_luuXRd8wbxQ4/s1600-h/PC01006311.jpg"><img title="PC010063" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="PC010063" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBNgtGtNSVWitGu9MaAN8EICW4h8Rt9FC8PRI27sUB7zU6ZOPd3wfnBuR3ltJP_NR8h3NVpqCPmMLTlRgbciMSwUjCL_iW12Xk2nj-A3NgGHMnHPaD1yCN6CegAPfxqZkLYxFjFKx_1E67/?imgmax=800" width="484" align="right" height="364"></a></p> <p>John grew up around photography; first camera age 10, first 35mm age 12, darkroom age 13 then it got worse. Every photography class in junior high as well as summer school, photography and graphic arts in high school and audio/visual technology in trade school. Every family event or get together John was there to document it. After graduating he applied for a job at Pako Photography which later became Brown Photo which later became Black’s Photography. Eleven years in the photo business. He loved sharing his love of “painting with light”.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVAAg4grmsT4t5sX_QZdv5jZNXUWlSvCdVgWOXPA-ic-d2P6vdHu6TwpR0Q7q5IgjxkDpzKxSs7ZEIxGwQLU7ROVFz_06l6slnHFjJ8bvri32bHeZoXE8icFaAe3FFOXYUApqdbhgaB1J/s1600-h/Needles-0051%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Needles 005" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Needles 005" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYdeCP9nP_yyQPcvDtp-HQ0QXO_CzeOrZ_hfCRRkdL7bUfhs0QMU8SBNuabD2mYDCTcTs3qUwE0fGatAoewfGSkY2oD1xb7GmE2fQFLWG70WKrUvHNXSZTQ45lyLqk8Iwc-shMIZGP0AB/?imgmax=800" width="220" align="left" height="313"></a>So why this long winded explanation for why he doesn't contribute my blog very much. Simple answer is pasting or inserting photographs into the draft post using Blogger. It has been very frustrating to him and when he can’t get the draft laid out the way he wants then he has me delete the entry before I can publish it. On one draft posting he spent nearing two hours inserting one photograph into a paragraph and getting the sentences to wrap around correctly. Since then he just gave up.</p> <p>Until he saw Jessica Riker’s latest postings on <a href="http://rikerrvdays.blogspot.com/">her blog</a>. Beautiful photos embedded into paragraphs that helped tell the story Jessica was telling. John quickly fired off a message to Jessica to learn how she was creating the great layouts and how difficult it was. Jessica said that she used MS Windows Live Writer. So John downloaded it and this posting is the result.</p> <p>John and I both want to thank Jessica for her help and want this to be a renewal of our blog and John’s love of sharing his photographs.</p> Maximilianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09072510707499908265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468267933248937363.post-85385623052503494272013-02-20T10:34:00.000-08:002013-02-20T10:34:14.506-08:00Texas, an Eye Opener
The title came from John because he
really has not spent much time traveling in Texas as I have (spent my
first 7 years here). As we crossed the border from Louisiana into
Texas on I-10 there was a mileage sign that read 'El Paso 830 miles',
which John replied “man that is a long drive”! Understand that
John has not traveled to or through a state that takes days to
traverse. The border is the Sabine River with a long bridge crossing
it with swamp type areas all around.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6e94FpF0lMA4hidasnJVJv-lC2KSKYjqBTGbiVLL9UDaYJRjYysMeNfntMFnvLEyEScX_GqcXWQgTQgEh8pnwBNF_zMDitlcdSgYtmzz9NYSe9B3LI0jgiMhdqWv5-Fxx_s6y-OJIDwG/s1600/P2170009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6e94FpF0lMA4hidasnJVJv-lC2KSKYjqBTGbiVLL9UDaYJRjYysMeNfntMFnvLEyEScX_GqcXWQgTQgEh8pnwBNF_zMDitlcdSgYtmzz9NYSe9B3LI0jgiMhdqWv5-Fxx_s6y-OJIDwG/s200/P2170009.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
We entered the greater Houston area and
as everything in Texas is, it is large. Since it was Saturday Rana
plotted a course to stay on I-10 which took us through the edge of
downtown Houston. At first it was smooth sailing and average traffic
but the NBA All Star game was in town so as we approached one of the
venues traffic slowed way down for a dead car in the center right
lane making matters worse. We made it through with only our blood
pressure elevated. Richmond, TX was our stop over point.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7zQK0oY-E1gRYwaAHyw9VxDCVAJuKtJ6sZPDZ5JMevJOW6SRSCA7Z8z6wiy_8rv_L4-2LBBhUGaisLAfdElK0ggzX-YJOKLNE8VlplUFYPEWrg_4oiqhukz-w8idbnKNITsUlz-EzBpR/s1600/Logoon+RV+Park+%231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7zQK0oY-E1gRYwaAHyw9VxDCVAJuKtJ6sZPDZ5JMevJOW6SRSCA7Z8z6wiy_8rv_L4-2LBBhUGaisLAfdElK0ggzX-YJOKLNE8VlplUFYPEWrg_4oiqhukz-w8idbnKNITsUlz-EzBpR/s1600/Logoon+RV+Park+%231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7zQK0oY-E1gRYwaAHyw9VxDCVAJuKtJ6sZPDZ5JMevJOW6SRSCA7Z8z6wiy_8rv_L4-2LBBhUGaisLAfdElK0ggzX-YJOKLNE8VlplUFYPEWrg_4oiqhukz-w8idbnKNITsUlz-EzBpR/s200/Logoon+RV+Park+%231.JPG" width="200" /></a>Back on the road again, Sunday
morning and the countryside is what John had expected of East Texas
but the road surprised him when it came closer to the gulf coast RV
parks and resorts popped up and then quickly were gone as the road
turned Northward. This was repeated several times before we pulled
into Rockport; where we will be residing for about ten days. We are all staying at <a href="http://www.lagoonsrv.com/">Lagoons RV Resort</a> along with more than 300 other RVs. It is a very nice park for the retired life, with lots of things to do all day. It is a busy park because everyone is coming and going during the day because they live here.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNIQ5bPaHgRB6iqBE-WEWIKWC7_4YiGlPrv_05I1HqWfZk0WpBWDSlXm9WYoh2qkCKYu1Zxl1xugp4faotc0iV7j3MvUvztmq0FeTJ1iBQI9ZXsLpvqFaJC-lgR5BLUN_v3ueDawWh5ke/s1600/Lagoon+RV+Park+%25232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNIQ5bPaHgRB6iqBE-WEWIKWC7_4YiGlPrv_05I1HqWfZk0WpBWDSlXm9WYoh2qkCKYu1Zxl1xugp4faotc0iV7j3MvUvztmq0FeTJ1iBQI9ZXsLpvqFaJC-lgR5BLUN_v3ueDawWh5ke/s200/Lagoon+RV+Park+%25232.JPG" width="200" /></a>The main reason we picked this location is because we know fellow Heartlanders Nancy & Ted Hanson; they are parked one row over and eight rigs down. We have been getting together with them off and on as well as exploring the area on our own.<br />
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Maximilianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09072510707499908265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468267933248937363.post-50766197542780530622013-02-20T08:38:00.004-08:002013-02-20T08:38:55.441-08:00Back to Blogging
I have to apologize again that I have
not made an entry in months, it seems that it is something I leave
for the end of the day and then never get around to doing it. So I
fully intend to post more often here than on Facebook on what's going
on with John & Rana.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
With that said here are some new
postings:</div>
Maximilianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09072510707499908265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468267933248937363.post-39176870908349765072012-10-22T18:59:00.000-07:002012-10-22T18:59:23.705-07:00The Rallying Life
The biggest thing keeping me busy is
traveling to and from rallies, to be more specific Heartland rallies.
A Heartland rally is where owners of Heartland coaches, trailers or
toy haulers get together at a campground or RV park and partake in
various activities. Since John & Rana bought their Big Country
5<sup>th</sup> Wheel coach they have been members of the Heartland
owners club but had yet to attend a rally because the coach purchase
was so late in the year and the first rallies of the year are all in
the South where it's warm. Needless to say their first rally was
going to be the National Rally held this year in Gillette, Wyoming at
the <a href="http://www.cam-plex.com/building-rvparks.htm">Cam-Plex</a>
facility. Wow what a rally for our first one! The devil is in the
details.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
John & Rana got everything ready to
go a couple of days in advance then on the morning of departure John
hooked me up to the coach and we headed for South Dakota. It was a
cool June day but very windy; in fact we would be driving into a 30
mph headwind for most of day. I was working quite hard towing into
the headwind and John really didn't push too hard and just waste
fuel; holding 60 mph took 85% throttle all the time. Some miles west
of Sioux Falls a retired couple towing a travel trailer pulled up
along us in the left lane of I-90 and were trying to tell us
something was wrong. John slowed down and the retired couple pulled
in front of us and then onto the shoulder. We stopped behind them
and the driver told John that the roof on the coach was bellowing up!
John said it was very hard to hear or understand this guy because of
the wind and the gusts that were blowing everything around. After
looking the roof over from the ground John thanked the couple and
decided that there wasn't anything he could do along the shoulder of
the interstate. We proceeded West at a lower speed to keep the
bellowing to a minimum until John pulled into a rest area just a few
miles down the road. A true blessing.</div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Rana went inside while John climbed
onto the roof to survey the damage and determine what to do next.
Rana reported that the front (bedroom) vent was broken and missing
the cover, fan and mounting bracket. John confirmed that the front
vent was pretty much gone but there were no tears or holes in the
rubber membrane. It was only stretched or pulled back from the front
cap of the coach as well as loose in the center. After discussing a
couple of ideas with Rana, they decided to use two ratchet straps
wrapped around the front of the coach to prevent the rubber membrane
from catching the wind. Once the straps were installed we then all
hit the road again to make it to our overnight stop in Chamberland,
SD. In the campground John rechecked the straps as well as the roof
and he said there was no further movement. Hooray!</div>
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We were up early the next morning and
back on the road to Gillette; with all of us feeling more confident.
Since the straps were working John & Rana saw no point in
stopping at a RV repair place to repair the roof which would take
days. As we arrived in Gillette (Cam-Plex) the rally organizers had
a registration trailer setup and staffed. John & Rana were given
a bag of goodies, lots of smiles and then asked what the red straps
were for; we told them the short version of our adventure, then
headed to our site. As I pulled the coach down the long rows of Big
Horns and Landmarks people were looking at us like we had been to
hell and back. As John centered the coach in site 91 five or six
Heartland techs descended on us wanting to climb up on the roof.
Before John could unhook me from the coach the techs were up on the
roof looking at what needed to be done to repair everything. Word
had spread fast that our roof was coming apart and needed immediate
repair. John talked with the techs and it was agreed the techs would
come back the next morning to repair all the damage so they had time
to work before dark as well as get parts.</div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
8:00 AM arrived and the Heartland techs
were raring to go! Within fifteen minutes the front cap was off and
the membrane peeled back. All vents, antennae and other protrusions
were removed as well as side trim. The techs cleaned, prepped the
roof decking prior of spreading out new adhesive. The techs laid the
rubber membrane out over the new adhesive, the trim reinstalled or
replaced and then cap was refitted and caulked. While all this was
going on a tech was inside replacing the front vent/fan with a new
Fantastic Fan. This had to be done because the techs found a small
tear in the membrane around the front vent and instead of trying to
use caulk or sealer to fix it they wanted to install the Fantastic
Fan because it has a larger mounting flange that would cover and seal
the small tear. Four hours and a whole lot of spectators later the
job was done! You can't tell there was ever a problem. <b>Way to go
Heartland!!!</b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
After all that excitement one would
think the rest of the rally would be boring. Nope; John & Rana
were busy sun up to past 10:00 PM everyday with seminars, classes,
dinners or just simple get together with new friends. “The evening
prior to everyone leaving was kind of sad” John said but they were
really looking forward to meeting everyone again at the next rally.
The next morning everybody was busy getting everything unhooked and
put away prior to a small breakfast together and then final goodbyes.
It was now off to Rapid City, Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
May the road you travel be a smooth
one,</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Max</div>
Maximilianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09072510707499908265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468267933248937363.post-78993437253485347032012-10-17T19:02:00.001-07:002012-10-23T12:31:34.163-07:00Hibernating No MoreWell it's been almost ten months since
my last post and for that I apologize. Since that time a lot has
happened that I couldn't and John wouldn't take the effort to post my
comings and goings; so I'll use this entry to do that.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
January, February and March of 2012
were uneventful regarding me doing anything but sitting in the
driveway freezing my tailpipe off. John spent all day at work and
evenings in the townhouse; while Rana worked on home projects and
money saving activities to stretch our tighter budget. There was
something to look forward to, a trip to Alabama in April to help
usher in Spring.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The big trip had arrived and I looked
forward to being able to stretch out on the open road and pull John &
Rana's home away from home again. Close to a 1000 miles of towing;
but not the same roads as my first trip to Alabama because John
didn't want to drive through Illinois again; “I-39 is too boring”
he said and I have to agree. So Rana planned a route (she's the
navigator) that followed the Western side of the Mississippi river
through Iowa into Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi and
finally Alabama. We took two and half days to travel the entire
distance and it was well worth it. John kept telling Rana what a
great route with all the new things to see as well as easy driving.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The route Rana planned used far fewer
freeways than all of us have traveled in the past with the trailer
(they prefer to call it “the coach” instead of the trailer; makes
them sound more upscale) relying on US or state highways. John was
worried that he could have trouble finding places to refuel or stop
for breaks. Didn't happen. What they did find were places to pull
off the road and take a quiet break or have lunch without all the
noise associated at a public rest stop. John would pull into
warehouse parking lots (businesses that were closed) or a corner fuel
station with big rig parking. In fact we didn't stop at any
restaurants or fast food places on the way down; just made sandwiches
in the coach and used our bathroom for restroom breaks. With the
price of fuel as it is the savings are welcome.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This April trip was mostly to help
Rana's mother around her house with projects that are too big for her
to handle alone; do as many projects as we could and then head back
home to Minnesota. Without getting into details I'll just say
mission accomplished. The trip home was also uneventful thankfully;
but I was not looking forward at going back to sitting around in the
driveway until the next trip. Well to my surprise John & Rana
had decided to change every body's living arrangements by packing away
all their belongings into a storage container and move into the
trailer (sorry coach) for the Summer.</div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Just before Memorial weekend I pulled
the coach over to a small RV park just outside of St. Paul called
<a href="http://cityoflandfall.com/RV-lot-rental.html">Landfall
Terrance</a>. The park is located in a small town/village of
Landfall which is made up entirely of mobile and manufactured homes
along with 13 RV sites. The sites are available daily, weekly or
monthly year round! They were able to find a large site with a patio
and parking for me as well as the minivan. So this is our new home
until it gets colder.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I think I'll leave this post as is and
add a couple of catching up posts as to where I have been traveling
when I'm not lounging in Landfall.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
See you down the road and safe travels,</div>
<br />
MaxMaximilianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09072510707499908265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468267933248937363.post-77728360081376302432011-12-29T13:40:00.000-08:002012-01-01T10:37:34.556-08:00My Towing KitThe last time I wrote about modifications that John had done to my design or operation they were for power, overheating prevention and fuel economy; this entry will focus on the mods that were required for towing their new 5th wheel trailer.<br />
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First and foremost is the 5th wheel hitch which is mounted in my box. This hitch actually consists of three major componients: frame adaptors, bed rails and 5th wheel hitch assembly. The frame adaptors are heavy pieces of steel that bolt against the frame under the box to provide direct mounting points for the bed rails without the need to drill into the frame. The bed rails must be bolted to something solid (the frame) versus the floor of the box which is just thin stamped sheet metal. Eight bolts hold the bed rails through the box floor to the frame adaptors. The hitch assembly is then held in place by four large clevis pins to the bed rails.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWrkjktfClHKfFGJYxFnU1-7z_osq5la5CguNXRz_ph-amAQYimgMkfRa4Mj-YPY7T8O3sxr5mgiPoU5VHALFPVGxRsBfZyw04wZ8vHxoYtX21e15_ecFB6hGrqHbqjrD8VZbl6DmBPT2/s1600/P6250039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWrkjktfClHKfFGJYxFnU1-7z_osq5la5CguNXRz_ph-amAQYimgMkfRa4Mj-YPY7T8O3sxr5mgiPoU5VHALFPVGxRsBfZyw04wZ8vHxoYtX21e15_ecFB6hGrqHbqjrD8VZbl6DmBPT2/s200/P6250039.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Once the 5th wheel hitch was installed John added a <a href="http://www.blueox.us/p-1276-bedsaverpinlock.aspx">Bed Saver</a>. This safety device is bolted directly to the rear of the 5th wheel hitch and is designed to catch the trailers' kingpin if it were ever to disconnect from the hitch. Now you might ask how can such a large heavy duty hitch and pin fail or disconnect? Well the most common way is the kingpin is not captured properly by the jaws or bar of the hitch. So when the driver begins to pull the trailer forward without completing a "pull test" the trailer simply slides backwards landing on the pickup box rails. When this happens the rails are crushed as well as the front of the trailer; amounting to thousands of dollars in damage. There are great discussions regarding the need of a Bed Saver such as; you are either happy with the extra security or you think it's a waste of money if you follow proper hitching procedures. John wanted the extra security and safety but he also follows all the procedures to properly hitch the 5th wheel trail.<br />
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Next required item was an electrical hookup for the trailer in the box. The trailer connection that was installed from the factory as part of my trailer towing package is located in the rear bumper and is not ideal for 5th wheel trailer connections. After some research John found that there is a factory 5th wheel harness that is plugged in between the truck harness in the bumper and the outlet. John was able to find this harness on Craigslist from someone who purchased it and no longer needed it saving a lot of money. Once plugged in and routed up inside to the left side of the box, John wired it into a connection called the <a href="http://www.rvproplug.com/index.php">ProPlug</a>. The advantages in using this type of plug versus a standard 7-way plug are the connection is flat and does not require drilling a large hole in the box for mounting (essentiualy it is a surface mount connection). Second the Pro Plug uses LEDs (located under ProPlug cover) to confirm proper wiring and connection or helps in troubleshooting.<br />
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The last required item for towing the 5th wheel trailer was repairing my existing towing mirrors. My left mirror worked fine with the exception it would not extend out for wider loads. The right side mirror was completely dead; no power adjustment, heat, turn signal repeater or powr extention. After several attempts to get the power extention to work on my left side mirror John decided that it was best to just replace both mirrors with late model GM towing mirrors which are larger and have the same features as stock.<br />
<br />
John was able to find an OEM version of the current tow mirrors (2006-2010) from a online parts store (<a href="http://www.am-autoparts.com/">http://www.am-autoparts.com/</a>) that sold them in pairs for a discount. Installation was straight forward as in removing the inner door panels, disconnecting the electrical harness for window/mirror controls and removing the three nuts that hold the mirror on. Then reversing the process for the new mirrors. Now I have larger mirrors combinded with a convex (wide angle) mirror to really aid my John or Rana while towing or backing the 5th wheel.Maximilianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09072510707499908265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468267933248937363.post-80048076585550376172011-12-18T18:58:00.000-08:002011-12-27T09:38:11.963-08:00Great Smoky Mountains<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
As promised I had John download/upload all the photos he took while we were in Tennessee and here are the highlights.</div>
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This waterfall area is called "The Sinks" on the Little River. This river runs along the Northwest edge of the park and is paralleled by a twisty two lane road that takes you to the Sugarland Visitors Center.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRBZhYoLx0DZX4xFnpfX2nfM7JbIw9hKUgFl8aNo9VzTaDxvZFE-QW1BTtUeCyo5hO-66lR9sdqUAOHRC57_gokilentEuGs5FNuPa5rgPUps2zc9rJSXbhqtkpR_86zzPZcDqV2GazWI/s1600/PC010064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; height: 353px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; width: 249px;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRBZhYoLx0DZX4xFnpfX2nfM7JbIw9hKUgFl8aNo9VzTaDxvZFE-QW1BTtUeCyo5hO-66lR9sdqUAOHRC57_gokilentEuGs5FNuPa5rgPUps2zc9rJSXbhqtkpR_86zzPZcDqV2GazWI/s320/PC010064.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The water as you can see is running quite fast and is a favorite for kayakers but The Sinks are not to be messed with. Locals tell me that several people are injured or killed each year.</div>
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As the river runs along the edge of the road you are amazed of how clear, turquoise and shallow it is. Because there is so must ground cover and it is well anchored it does not wash into the river and cloud it. There are areas along the road where you can pull over and put your waders on and fly fish for Brown Trout (which is the native fish in these waters) with Rainbow Trout being introduced.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyp8Oy1DjiAQfMVTpuppSMLejOouQu4w7qci3ohXo9ukluX4fkVL4GGkFuFSiN-RDBgqfyG4UOsBqBfT-7DRO95_YA5tKeDGArn7dJ-z4BRfd6P3Mt3vu8x_STQlTxToC4VqkSsroOZ1W/s1600/PC010066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyp8Oy1DjiAQfMVTpuppSMLejOouQu4w7qci3ohXo9ukluX4fkVL4GGkFuFSiN-RDBgqfyG4UOsBqBfT-7DRO95_YA5tKeDGArn7dJ-z4BRfd6P3Mt3vu8x_STQlTxToC4VqkSsroOZ1W/s400/PC010066.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
There are over 800 miles of maintained trails within the park which are well marked as well as having detailed maps available. The park encompasses 800 square miles of land in the Southern Appalachian Mountains.<br />
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Our drive through the park was just a small taste of what is offered. We toured one of the campgrounds (Elkmont) within the park and found that it is quite nice and can accommodate most large rigs; but it will be a tight fit. The drive into the park with a large fifth wheel or motorhome could be tricky but I'm told it is done all the time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8c-0JuxThIhk7NC_h4Z3YY_Na7-iVax6gCEstU1Fj-u3JDGjbO4zAzomNniDcYmgK2T2aCMlxrO0jj2NQG5idYXo6suSv5qozduP_-7u_J0IiGY0JJSpu5NH5MU7_cDBkKYW4qbMa3az8/s1600/PC010072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8c-0JuxThIhk7NC_h4Z3YY_Na7-iVax6gCEstU1Fj-u3JDGjbO4zAzomNniDcYmgK2T2aCMlxrO0jj2NQG5idYXo6suSv5qozduP_-7u_J0IiGY0JJSpu5NH5MU7_cDBkKYW4qbMa3az8/s320/PC010072.JPG" width="240" /></a>We exited the park and headed Northeast to the small tourist town of Gatlinburg which is nestled between two hills/mountains along US-321. Because Gatlinburg growth is restricted by these mountains, land is at a premium so everything is packed tightly together. This actually makes is easy to walk around, site see, shop and find restaurants. But parking is also at a premium so best if you find a lot (all are pay lots) park and have a look around Gatlinburg on foot. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6TTQF5-PrDlAQi-r_TMh2qZNhiln6TrAYFPBOOTRICL4lAQMlLUw6BlR0uhpWmZt6mtFic-Fyc4UAhF7P58Jz-9zcm6m1F2vDjpJucF9Hv8_RlPh29uFRNfl50NEkId8amTYHap-M_Ap/s1600/PC010069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6TTQF5-PrDlAQi-r_TMh2qZNhiln6TrAYFPBOOTRICL4lAQMlLUw6BlR0uhpWmZt6mtFic-Fyc4UAhF7P58Jz-9zcm6m1F2vDjpJucF9Hv8_RlPh29uFRNfl50NEkId8amTYHap-M_Ap/s200/PC010069.JPG" width="200" /></a>Lunch was the first order of business for everyone and it was decided that fish/seafood was the ticket. Bubba Gump's Seafood Shack is right on main street (US-321) and overlooked a busy intersection for great people watching. I was told the food was excellent but a little high in price, service was excellent as well with their server quizzing everyone about trivia from the movie Forrest Gump.</div>
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Once lunch was out of the way they all headed over to the Ole Smoky Mountain Moonshine Holler; a gathering of stores, restaurants and a distillery for making moonshine. In the courtyard area of this Holler is a small stage where Bluegrass bands setup, play and sell their CD's. Makes for wonderful background music while touring the shops and distillery. John was amazed that in this building was an actual moonshine(Shine) distillery producing legal moonshine! In fact the distillery has several people there running "the still" to answer questions as well as a museum on the history of shine. Because John knows a lot about NASCAR he knew that NASCAR's roots can be traced back to the moonshine runners in the 30's, 40's & 50's. The museum had several examples of these early moonshine cars to look at up close.<br />
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The museum tour ended as most do, in the gift shop but since this is a distillery most of the gift items were of the Shine variety. There is a sample bar where one can partake in the comsumion of Shine. John was quite apprehensive at first since he doesn't drink much spirits but was very surprised at how smooth and easy drinking it was. The Shine they sell there comes in four flavors; apple, peach, fruit punch and white lightening if white lightening can be called a flavor. John tried the white lightening as well as the fruit punch and Rana tried the apple; all were very good. John bought a large jar of fruit punch Shine and Rana bought some fruit jelly made with Shine.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevhtLKZpaoAxWoGWFHFGBF2awfzgC0icnL5rn-BYoVUYZ4-T817nbNbfVxToLg7iFrg3GHxQ8N4bF34p0MZTCZaiczQOKA3uVirB9l7ULL8yuTgpBzgvtfaQ_kv29DNO7LlocmPXdF-4T/s1600/PC010078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevhtLKZpaoAxWoGWFHFGBF2awfzgC0icnL5rn-BYoVUYZ4-T817nbNbfVxToLg7iFrg3GHxQ8N4bF34p0MZTCZaiczQOKA3uVirB9l7ULL8yuTgpBzgvtfaQ_kv29DNO7LlocmPXdF-4T/s200/PC010078.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sour Mash</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA5eY_NkJdFbjTA2SHvBUdpEuPx2GSNkf0kBwQ3J9Bfs4K_OOPqr79MAdW5IRHMS5EZAx0uVDISC7GZfoqX5PJNyU8vE9GOrAgX0re_NYjzNxgPsmXcEdTlaXb03440dq0c785tgZ5XpiC/s1600/PC010079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA5eY_NkJdFbjTA2SHvBUdpEuPx2GSNkf0kBwQ3J9Bfs4K_OOPqr79MAdW5IRHMS5EZAx0uVDISC7GZfoqX5PJNyU8vE9GOrAgX0re_NYjzNxgPsmXcEdTlaXb03440dq0c785tgZ5XpiC/s320/PC010079.JPG" width="320" /></a>With their belly's full of Bubba Gump's and shopping bags full of Shine it was off to Pigeon Forge. Located Northwest of Gatlinburg, it's an easier drive with four lane winding road all the way there. As you pull into Pigeon Forge (from the South) you notice it looks very much like Branson, MO. It has some of the same attractions (Titanic & Wonderworks) as well as similar ones. Rana made the comment that she has never seen so many pancake houses so close together (nine in total); Branson dosen't have that. Since Pigeon Forge has lots more room to build on it is much larger than Gatlinburg, so driving or taking a tolley is required to go from one attraction to another. As there really wasn't anything special we wanted to see in Pigeon Forge other than the city itself we turned and headed home.</div>Maximilianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09072510707499908265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468267933248937363.post-52881537147823834552011-12-07T10:15:00.001-08:002011-12-27T09:24:10.397-08:00I'm Back<span style="font-family: inherit;">Well I would say it's good to be back but I left the cool temps of Tennessee to the cold single digits of Minnesota. I just finished a nearly 3000 mile trip with John, Rana and their fur kids to Southern Alabama, Northern Alabama and the Great Smokey Mountains of Tennessee. John is still compiling the actual numbers for fuel, miles driven and such but is very pleased with my performance the entire trip! I was a little concerned towing in the mountains but John didn't push me too hard going uphill in order to save fuel and coasting downhill was not like the "runaway freight train" I imagined it would be.</span><br />
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The 60 gallon aux fuel tank John installed this past summer worked quite well; maybe too well. Because my passengers can only ride for two to three hours at a time John decided that installing the aux tank pump switch in my cab was not necessary. So he mounted it in the tool box section of the aux tank. The idea was that as the driver or passengers were taking a break at a rest stop the switch would be turned on to refuel my main tank. Problem is the pump does take some time (roughly 30 minutes) to fill my main tank from empty. If either John or Rana forget about the fuel transfer or take too long to get back; well you get a diesel spill. (Thanks to Wisconsin DOT for your help!)<br />
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One more before I go, the MorRyde pinbox that John installed on the camper is great! The shaking and jerking motion that is caused by the bad roads is almost gone. I'm not getting chucked around and my passengers are not having internal organs damaged.<br />
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I'll have John post the pictures he took on this trip for you to enjoy.Maximilianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09072510707499908265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468267933248937363.post-5700322450629570092011-11-12T20:51:00.001-08:002011-12-27T13:16:15.722-08:00Power & ControlThe first thing that John scheduled to have replaced on me was my rear tires. There was just barely enough tread to get us home from Texas but the tires were unsafe for continuous use let alone road trips or towing a 5th wheel camper. Once the tires were replaced John wanted to increase my engine output while still conserving fuel.<br />
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After lots of research (John reads a lot websites to learn stuff) he decided on a engine control system from Banks Engineering. <a href="http://www.bankspower.com/">http://www.bankspower.com/</a> Choosing the Banks Economind and IQ monitor I have increased engine power, control and monitoring all at my drivers fingertips.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banks Economind Module</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banks IQ touchscreen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Wrthyphenhyphen9XrT0QcU0xn8E0ZGTUFlw4F7CNLZidHWmTyUQV82qnwzD4TwV7hdpcfB5dPEKW7IVi1KpTdBPQAbHeENvTWFL7hGiRGGvtxLqarPf0O8LwIB0h9Fns9MyQ9stR1_uujTnmxBBuI/s1600/P4130047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Wrthyphenhyphen9XrT0QcU0xn8E0ZGTUFlw4F7CNLZidHWmTyUQV82qnwzD4TwV7hdpcfB5dPEKW7IVi1KpTdBPQAbHeENvTWFL7hGiRGGvtxLqarPf0O8LwIB0h9Fns9MyQ9stR1_uujTnmxBBuI/s320/P4130047.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banks Ram Air Box - K&N Filter</td></tr>
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He installed it fairly quickly with few tools and John is just blown away with the features and detail this system provides. Details such as my coolant temp; which he was concerned about because my LLY engine is noted for over-heating problems. John noted that my coolant temp was always at the upper limit according to the temp gauge on the dashboard. Once he had the Banks IQ system plugged in he noticed that the dash temp gauge was almost 40 degrees in error (too high)!</div>
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In addition to the Banks IQ system John installed a Banks Cold Air Intake and a Super Scoop in order to move the air intake from inside my engine bay to outside the engine bay and lower. This allows for cooler, denser air to enter my turbocharger thus keeping engine temps lower. The IQ system reports an 80 degree difference between engine bay air temp and outside air temp which again helps prevent over-heating problems.</div>
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The last modification John wanted to complete on my engine to make sure I'm running at top power yet not creeping towards over-heating was changing out my turbo mouthpiece. This is a acknowledged design error on the part of GM when they switched from the LB7 to the LLY engine. This mouthpiece is too small and restrictive thus another possible cause for over-heating. So he ordered a larger cleaner flowing mouthpiece fro AFE and installed at the same time as the Banks CAI. He also removed the plastic resinator and the rerouted the pcv system so that oil vapor is not routed into the turbo.Thus keeping the vanes and inner workings clean and oil free.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stock Turbo Mouthpiece</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrv00qn03SHoOBuR-qXrfSj3oJaNAZ6sHdL-a2y_A5FV516vT-JG9wQ6U_yObJY8ipCNq9wlFBLA-C9bl3X053rVY4R6QBzjTnGeItEK7V-WwRCMmYIVTqkNWwXlU152YofgdghCvL7yR/s1600/P5050038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; height: 221px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 321px;"><img border="0" height="300" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrv00qn03SHoOBuR-qXrfSj3oJaNAZ6sHdL-a2y_A5FV516vT-JG9wQ6U_yObJY8ipCNq9wlFBLA-C9bl3X053rVY4R6QBzjTnGeItEK7V-WwRCMmYIVTqkNWwXlU152YofgdghCvL7yR/s400/P5050038.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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So far according to the notes John has made during each of these changes there has been a small gain in MPG (1-2 at most) but my engine is definently running cooler and there is no sign of over-heating or the thermal run away.</div>
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The cooling fan does still run when needed but not as often and for shorter durations. My large Texas bumper may be causing lower airflow issues so a chin deflector or air dam may need to be fabricated but that is another days project.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Ui11YgFIp2rZqvZPwu6dCqsE6pH8FKObongrEyTRTplSKbS8f2qI51qSnVB566A2hRtP8HI6INMKpirZAOdvXaXeN5AcehgVIb8bAnyQ9-LcAa4QdJRt8aPd_JpHAd8sNN8Oo-hjxnjK/s1600/P5080042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Ui11YgFIp2rZqvZPwu6dCqsE6pH8FKObongrEyTRTplSKbS8f2qI51qSnVB566A2hRtP8HI6INMKpirZAOdvXaXeN5AcehgVIb8bAnyQ9-LcAa4QdJRt8aPd_JpHAd8sNN8Oo-hjxnjK/s640/P5080042.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mouthpiece Installed (Resinator removed)</td></tr>
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</div>Maximilianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09072510707499908265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8468267933248937363.post-13309527614368032972011-11-06T17:52:00.000-08:002011-11-13T08:44:56.734-08:00Introductions<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Well this is my first Blog entry since the idea came to me. At the time I thought it was a good idea and so many other people who travel have blogs detailing all the places they have gone. I wanted to do this as well be but from the a different perspective; that of the tow vehicle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">So without any fanfare let's put this blog into 5th gear and see where it takes us.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSoLVPm3i_z5EN-CXci6pPdD8uJoklipN5uOwl9q6TM_jcnNAcEqn8CFi1cJBhBpLqPn0X5obTvxjIy35ehG6NvUv20zQIMGo3tCPYRiP3Vr9DxAd52s0xxIRZvHXzn7aPUCpxHtf757X/s1600/PB090002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSoLVPm3i_z5EN-CXci6pPdD8uJoklipN5uOwl9q6TM_jcnNAcEqn8CFi1cJBhBpLqPn0X5obTvxjIy35ehG6NvUv20zQIMGo3tCPYRiP3Vr9DxAd52s0xxIRZvHXzn7aPUCpxHtf757X/s400/PB090002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This is a photo taken by Rana (one of my owners) of me the day after arriving from Texas where John (my other owner) found me on EBay. The drive North was uneventful and really didn't seem much different from Texas except cooler in the evenings. But I was in for a surprise as my first Minnesota winter took hold.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I have never been so cold in my life! John did keep my engine warm using my block heater on the nights he was going to drive me to his work the next morning. Otherwise it would be days of just sitting while the snow drifted around me.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8W73gxjpm9bN4Ttimr2MgPHuynZhee11A5XHBOl1LqnH71L1VjSyFudI-3RNxb7zldO_AaoOJ_BGvlY97HOEC3u2hfbT2NApAfQmxvB5kYGL6Ayw6XcgFUwZeX5hL7_S-Sgs6DyFV-rw/s1600/PC110006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8W73gxjpm9bN4Ttimr2MgPHuynZhee11A5XHBOl1LqnH71L1VjSyFudI-3RNxb7zldO_AaoOJ_BGvlY97HOEC3u2hfbT2NApAfQmxvB5kYGL6Ayw6XcgFUwZeX5hL7_S-Sgs6DyFV-rw/s200/PC110006.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0k68uXHccuCpaWOCDGSargC2lAw1QK5LOOF0s9Vaenh8rTphyphenhyphentEVA1iYlX-rTE3JEve6QJPDtJlXvPtmKgHzBOZsw4dM4r9HzuiHyGlWYe1pSt10Y32EN3SxEnBEc3AYXhz3yRhyphenhyphenaOOXg/s1600/P2210034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0k68uXHccuCpaWOCDGSargC2lAw1QK5LOOF0s9Vaenh8rTphyphenhyphentEVA1iYlX-rTE3JEve6QJPDtJlXvPtmKgHzBOZsw4dM4r9HzuiHyGlWYe1pSt10Y32EN3SxEnBEc3AYXhz3yRhyphenhyphenaOOXg/s200/P2210034.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Now you may realize that this posting is dated 11/6/11 and the photos are going from Fall to Winter of 2010, I assure you that is not my intent. What really is happening is John has been fitting me with all the accessories that will be required to tow and travel with a 5th wheel trailer. John has been more focused on that aspect of me and not helping me set up this blog; so I am a number of months behind.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I'll close out this entry and then enter more in the coming days detailing these accessories and my first road trips with John & Rana.</span></div>
</div>Maximilianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09072510707499908265noreply@blogger.com0