Our winter adventures have officially started!
We made it out of camp yesterday around noon...and drove down to the Flying J in Rock Hill, SC, where we topped off the diesel and the propane, and settled in for the night.
Our goal today is to make it to the Flying J in Brunswick, GA, stay the evening, and then pull into my sister's driveway in Saint Marys, GA tomorrow morning and visit for a week or so.
The rig is running great! I'll be doing a lot of maintenance when I get to my sis's, since she has a paved flat driveway.
Kev
Safe touchdown at the Flying J in Brunswick, GA, only around 30 miles from my sister's driveway. We'll be staying here the night and pull into her driveway to visit for a week or so early tomorrow.
It was around 36 degrees outside this morning when I went to start the RV...and it started right up! VROOOOOOOOOOOM! An underpowered and old/weak battery was the culprit! And yes Rick...in my sister's driveway, I'll lift the mattress, remove the shielding panels, and get my eyes on the grid heater and relay...and might even buy a spare relay just in case. I want to inspect the belts and hoses and whatnot anyway.
No problems with the Jeep at all. Last year's rear wheel bearing failure and FIRE has made me paranoid, so the first thing I do now when we stop is feel the rear hubs and drums, and front hubs and rotors, to make sure they aren't hot.
Short trip tomorrow...and then family time, relaxation, maintenance, and not necessarily in that order. LOL!
Kev
Christmas is coming, maybe you could ask Santa for an infrared thermometer. You could walk around and check tire and hub temperatures without bending over and getting your hands dirty!
We arrived safely at my sister's house, and are all hooked up in her driveway. Inspections and maintenance will be done pretty much every day, a little every day, for the next week or so before we head out to Arizona.
Kev
Our Magnetek 6300 series 45 amp converter started making some REALLY odd noises today, way louder than usual. It has always charged at 13.7-13.9 volts, so, being spoiled by former Boondocker converters, this bothered me....and it is NOT a good maintenance voltage for batteries.
So I contacted Randy over at www.bestconverter.com to see about getting the Boondocker power center (direct replacement) and am waiting for his reply. I'll call him in the morning anyway, but just want to make sure this will fit and if a EU2300i 2300 watt Honda inverter generator will produce enough watts to run this thing when we are boondocking and don't have enough solar power. I read the manual that you can download from Best Converter, but it doesn't mention input power requirements. The unit I am looking at is the 75 amp version, part number BD 1275PC. [size=78%]http://www.bestconverter.com/Boondocker-4-Stage-Power-Center-75-Amp-BD-1275PC_p_763.html (http://www.bestconverter.com/Boondocker-4-Stage-Power-Center-75-Amp-BD-1275PC_p_763.html)[/size]
Kev
I talked to Randy today, and he advised that I should get the 60 amp Boondocker power center, so that is what I did! It should be here in a few days.
http://www.bestconverter.com/Boondocker-4-Stage-Power-Center-60-Amp-BD-1260PC_p_552.html (http://www.bestconverter.com/Boondocker-4-Stage-Power-Center-60-Amp-BD-1260PC_p_552.html)
Kev
I got a few things done today, like replacing the screws that hold the ducted AC intake covers replaced. And scored a nice floor jack to replace yet another rear wheel bearing on the Jeep (driver's side this time) for REALLY cheap. Also replaced the sewer valve cover with one with a garden hose connection for draining off grey water.
I also rechecked the propane connections at our furnace since they were leaking (and was repaired by me) in Carolina...and no leaks! I also delved through my old posts and found this YouTube video to troubleshoot and repair our Suburban SF-42 furnace once again. I'll let y'all know what I found out tomorrow morning.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLDUrkL19Fw&feature=youtu.be
Kev
So the GOOD news is that my rear wheel bearings are fine, and don't need to be replaced. The BAD news is that there was fluid under the Jeep this morning (and the power steering was making noise when I came home from running errands yesterday). I popped the hood, and the power steering pump is TOAST! Not all that expensive though, so I picked one up at O'Reilly's and started to remove the old one...and the high pressure line is seized. So back to O'Reilly's for the hose...and I might have to go back again tomorrow to borrow a pulley puller if my cheapo Harbor Freight one doesn't work. It is getting late, so replacing the power steering pump is tomorrow's project.
I also troubleshot my Suburban SF-42 furnace...and it is definitely a bad control board! No doubt about it! So I searched for the Suburban replacement board, and MAN are they proud of their parts! So I saved 40 bucks and got a Dinosaur UIB-L as a direct replacement, with free fast shipping on Amazon. And it will be here on Monday. Sweet!
The new Powermax Boondocker power center I ordered from Randy over at Best Converters will also be here on Monday, so I know what I'll be doing on Monday...lol!
My battery terminal extensions arrived at a UPS hub a few towns away, in Brunswick,GA...and hasn't moved in over two days, according to the tracking numbers. I don't know what is up with that!
Kev
I managed to get the old pulley off the old power steering pump undamaged and reinstalled on the new power steering pump. I also got the new power steering pump in place and all the bolts are tightened down, with the serpentine belt in place and adjusted. But the return/low line ALSO seized up on me, and the metal part of the return assembly broke off. And none of the 4 auto parts stores near my sister Kerry's house had one in stock. So the Jeep is still down.
Fortunately, my niece is willing to drive me to O'Reilly's tomorrow morning at 10am, and since I already ordered the part from them and paid for it, it will be waiting for me in the morning. So close...yet so far!!!
Kev
QuoteMy battery terminal extensions arrived at a UPS hub a few towns away, in Brunswick,GA...and hasn't moved in over two days, according to the tracking numbers. I don't know what is up with that!
Must be waiting on the weekly stage coach run :)rotflmao
Don't feel bad, I have Amazon Prime which "Used" to be free two day shipping. Then it was two day shipping "from when it leaves the seller or warehouse", Like you are supposed to know when that is. Now most of the time it is just whenever it gets here, "But you get free music and movies" which I don't use. But the worst part is that most of the stuff comes out of their warehouses right? Well, I have three of their main northeast warehouses within ten miles of my house and that is where most of the stuff comes to me from but it still takes 2-5 days to get it to me! I could drive their in 20 minutes!!!!!
So it looks like UPS lost the package, so Grainger is sending me out a replacement set that should be here in three days.
And getting that low pressure return hose in place was a beotch!!! It took me three hours, because a previous owner crossthreaded the old one, and it was try and try and try again until it FINALLY caught the threads on the steering box. Whew!!!
Then I bled the new power steering pump, took it for a test drive, and it is fixed! SWEET!!!
The Boondocker power center also arrived today, and the Dinosaur board for the furnace is also supposed to get here today from Amazon.
Kev
Since it is supposed to be 80 degrees and humid today, and since my wife Patti doesn't have to play Mrs. Clause today (something she does every year for my sister's church and Christian school), we decided that today would be the perfect day to drive down to the Florida DMV and renew our plates. Then it is supposed to rain for 2-3 days, which is a perfect time to install the new power center, since it is an indoor job.
Kev
Yay! We got the registrations for the Jeep and the Itasca renewed, and then I dropped Patti off at the laundry mat and took the filthy Jeep to the local car wash! It was covered in mud and dirt from the Carolina Renaissance Festival...and the front axle and steering components were covered in power steering fluid. All clean now!
I went back and picked up Patti after helping her fold the clothes, and then came back to my sister's place and Patti put all the clothes away and made the bed with fresh linens.
Tomorrow is the big electrical day where I install the new Boondocker power center! It SHOULD go smoothly...lol! And it appears that it won't be a moment too soon! That dang old Magnetek is constant charging at 14-14.1 volts today, and it is NOT a progressive charger!
Kev
The Powermax Boondocker power center/converter is installed!
WOW was that a lot of wires, and a breaker broke, so I ended up replacing them all.
It took all day, but it is done!
Tomorrow I'll tackle the new control board for the furnace.
Kev
I woke up this morning to find the digital volt meter I installed to monitor my batteries reading a perfect 13.2 volts!
Also, kudos to Randy at Best Converters! I had a question and they weren't in the office. And he still called me back within 20 minutes. They are a pleasure to do business with!
It rained most of the day, so I didn't get a chance to put in the new furnace control board...since that is an outside job. It looks like it might rain tomorrow as well, so I'll get it done ASAP.
Kev
It rained all day again, but is supposed to be nice tomorrow and Sunday. So I read through the service manual that came with our motorhome, and we definitely have the Cummings 6BT engine. So off I went to Walmart and got the oil I'll need for the oil change, and then down to Napa and got a Wix filter for it.
It takes 17.2 quarts of oil with a filter change...but I was pleasantly surprised that the oil wasn't nearly as expensive as I thought it would be! They have Rotella 15W-40 in 2.5 gallon bottles at Walmart for 33.00 each...so I bought 2 of the them, which gives me 20 quarts for 66.00. The price of the oil filter surprised me though...almost 20 bucks for an oil filter...lol!
So that is what I'll be doing this weekend! The oil change, installing the new Dinosaur control board in the furnace, and then running the new break-away wire in the Jeep and making sure that my 12 volt plug is working for the Brake Buddy. We are planning on hitting the road on Monday morning...and then a short trip to my mother's house in Fitzgerald, GA for a few days, before heading back home to Arizona!
Kev
Well crap. I installed the new control board in our Suburban SF-42 furnace today, and it still doesn't work. I'm going to guess it is a bad time delay relay, since I'm getting 12 volts to the relay when I turn the thermostat on, but it isn't delivering power from the relay to the control board.
I did successfully install the new break away cable in the Jeep...although I had to rewire it where it goes into the switch...it had a hard short, brand new from the factory, in the wire connectors. Don't they check these things at the factory? Geesh!
And that is it for today. Tomorrow I change the oil and filter in the RV, grease all the fittings and front wheel bearings, check the diff fluid, hard check the tire pressures on the RV and the Jeep, clean my solar panels, and then sweep up the kitty litter I laid down in my sister's driveway to soak up the power steering fluid.
Monday morning I'm going down to the local VA to register for Veteran's Choice...and then Tuesday morning we are heading to my mother's house. I'm going to order the time delay relay for the furnace and have it sent to my mother's house, since we'll be there until Christmas.
I also picked up Patti's Christmas present today, and put it under the tree. She's gonna love it!
Kev
Woohooo!!! All the maintenance is done!!!
I changed the oil today with 17.2 quarts of Rotella 15W-40 diesel oil, the oil filter with a Wix filter, and checked all the other fluids (nothing else had to be topped off). I also greased every fitting, repacked the front wheel bearings with Lucas wheel bearing grease, and set the RV tire pressures to 100psi, and the Jeep to 35psi.
While I was under the RV I also zip tied a few wires up and out of the way that were hanging down.
Also while I was under the RV, I noticed ANOTHER and much SMALLER fuel filter on the side of the engine! Off to NAPA, and it now has a fresh Wix filter in its place (they sure are proud of their filters! 16 bucks for a relatively small filter!). I filled it with diesel and installed it and then started the rig...no leaks!
Then I cleaned my batteries and installed the post extensions because of the number of wires I have attached to them, between the inverter and the Morningstar solar charge controller.
Finally, I cleaned up the kitty litter I laid down to soak up the Jeep's power steering fluid, cleaned and put away all my tools...and took a shower.
What a busy day!
Tomorrow I'm going to do one last voltage test on the furnace, go down to the local VA and see about some things, load up the Jeep and get the tow lights and whatnot ready to travel, and be ready to hit the road first thing Tuesday morning to head out to my mother's house for a visit.
Kev
I'm also going to take a lot of pictures tomorrow so I can post them...mostly of the battery compartment, and the engine, engine compartment, and the transmission, etc.
Kev
I am guessing you never found the grid heaters?
Quote from: Rickf1985 on December 15, 2019, 08:18 PM
I am guessing you never found the grid heaters?
Never had time to lift the mattress and remove all the panels. But there is LOTS of room to take pictures, which I will post, so you can show me what is what on the engine.
I was really surprised by yet another fuel filter that I didn't even know was there...lol!
I'll take the pictures tomorrow, resize them, and post them over the next couple of days. One thing that I did confirm is that this is definately a Cummings 6BT.
The 17 quarts of oil is interesting, mine in my pickup is only 12 but they used that engine in SO many different applications I am sure there are probably a hundred different oil ans for the engine. The data plate for the engine is the one you really need to look at, it should be on the crankshaft pulley end of the engine, on the side of the block close to the front on a flat pad. When I say "front" of the engine I am referring to the crankshaft pulley since I don't know if yours is facing front or rear.
Quote from: Rickf1985 on December 16, 2019, 09:37 AM
The 17 quarts of oil is interesting, mine in my pickup is only 12 but they used that engine in SO many different applications I am sure there are probably a hundred different oil ans for the engine. The data plate for the engine is the one you really need to look at, it should be on the crankshaft pulley end of the engine, on the side of the block close to the front on a flat pad. When I say "front" of the engine I am referring to the crankshaft pulley since I don't know if yours is facing front or rear.
Yep. They mentioned the different oil pans in the book that came with this RV...and the 17.2 was circled for this one. I confirmed it on the dipstick and it is right at the top of the full mark.
I was a little surprised to find the second and much smaller fuel filter mounted on the engine...but it is replaced now with a brand new Wix.
Kev
Everything is done! The Jeep is loaded with all our stuff and the trailer lights are attached, I'm officially registered at the VA, I took the used oil down to a recycling center, and I troubleshot the furnace again (determining that it is indeed a bad time delay relay). I ordered a new one and had it shipped to my mom's house.
Tomorrow morning we drive around 160 miles to visit my mother in Fitzgerald, GA for Christmas...the doggos are going to love her fenced in HUGE yard!
Kev
I am curious to see the engine pics, I may have been giving you some false info on that heater! I need to do some more research. It is beginning to look like only some of the 12 valve engines had the heater but I can't believe that an RV that would be used by the general public would not have it. If not then you might be able to find a setup at a scrap yard and retrofit it and use a push button instead of the computer controlled timer relay. That is what I did on my military Chevy, works perfect.
Here you go, this will give you a little info to go on.
http://dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/troubleshooting/Maniford_htr.htm (http://dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/troubleshooting/Maniford_htr.htm)
We got out of my sister's driveway no problem this morning (after the local trash pickup), and the rig is starting RIGHT up, just like when we first bought it!
We got about 50 miles from my mother's house, and got caught in a BAD thunderstorm with a LOT of rain! I mean BAD!!! A real gully-washer with really high winds!!!
So we pulled into a truck stop for the night, and will arrive at my mother's house tomorrow morning.
Kev
Quote from: Rickf1985 on December 16, 2019, 08:53 PM
Here you go, this will give you a little info to go on.
http://dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/troubleshooting/Maniford_htr.htm (http://dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/troubleshooting/Maniford_htr.htm)
Interesting! I read through the whole link you sent, and I'm not entirely sure if my engine has a grid heater now...because I don't have a "Wait To Start" light on my dash.
I'll know better when I take pictures this week.
Kev
I am not sure myself now since it seems that some had it and some did not. I do know you can retrofit newer ones to it. You are basically looking for a couple of 4 gauge wires going to the intake manifold somewhere near the air inlet since they are going to be wanting to heat the air to all cylinders.
So the food at this particular back highway truck stop, a OneTrip, is amazing! Dinner and breakfast was great, and the food is WAY better than a Flying J...lol!
We are about to get back on the road to my mother's house.
Brrrrrrrrrrrrr! The storm brought in a cold front and it is 36 degrees out right now! Lets see how this beastie starts in this kind of weather.
Kev
Having a great visit at my mother's house for Christmas! We pulled right into her fenced in back yard, closed the gate...and the pups are loving it!
Kev
So I looked under the Jeep today, and noticed that the two bolts on the driver's side AND the spacers that hold up the transfer case crossmember are missing! The transfer case had dropped, and the driver's side of the crossmember was just there, hanging in the breeze!!!
It must have JUST happened when I went to the market yesterday, so no damage. My dad (really my stepdad, but I call him dad because I love the guy) took me down to the hardware store, and I got everything to make the repair. Turns out the bolts on the passenger side were also loose! Ye gads! It looks like Christian Brothers Automotive forgot to tighten them when I paid them 1200 freakin' dollars to replace my cracked flex plate. Shoddy workmanship! This is why I hate paying money to mechanics when I know darn well that I would do a MUCH better and more thorough job, AND save a bunch of cash. Dang idiots.
At least I noticed it and repaired it in time before there was any major damage!
As far as my furnace goes, it turns out the actual problem is a bad solder joint inside the motor. A new motor is around 120.00 shipped...so I'm going to take it out in the morning, take it apart, try to repair the connection, and hopefully save us some money.
Kev
My father always checked the tightness of lug nuts on our vehicles before he drove away from the tire shop. He started doing this after a right front wheel came off a vehicle my mother was driving after getting new tires. He would also take off the hub caps and put them on himself at home so they did not get damaged or lost. I started doing the same thing when I started driving. I have experienced very loose lug nuts ( barely on hand tight) from tire shops and garages numerous times over the last 40 years. I always advised the shop manager when this happens. Lately it is a young technician with cellphone distraction. I am glad you caught the problem with your Jeep quickly.
I can't reinstall the furnace today because it is going to rain all day again...but I did hang one of these Delongi SafeHeat micathermic contraptions on the wall between the dinette and the bathroom. Extremely light weight, draws less amps than a ceramic heater, and even on the lowest setting keeps the entire RV nice and warm! I'll reinstall the furnace tomorrow though.
Kev
1500 watts!!! That's 13 amps on 110 volts and roughly 140 amps out of the batteries if going through an inverter!!!!!!!
Quote from: Rickf1985 on December 23, 2019, 12:18 PM
1500 watts!!! That's 13 amps on 110 volts and roughly 140 amps out of the batteries if going through an inverter!!!!!!!
It puts out the equivalent of a 1500 watt space heater as far as heat goes, and that is on high. Supposedly, they DRAW a lot less because the heating element is a mica thermo panel. A thin heater element is encased in mica, causing the mica to heat up and essentially vibrate at a supersonic rate atomically (with no moving parts) to produce a field off infrared radiation, while drawing very little amps.
That is what my research has told my anyway. That said, I just bought one of THESE beauties off of Amazon, and will be able to tell you EXACTLY home many amps and watts it is drawing when it arrives tomorrow.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0777H8MS8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0777H8MS8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Kev
We had a break in the weather today, so I reinstalled the furnace, got it all hooked up, and it fired up!!!
And then the flame went out. I figured it was probably just air in the propane line, so I tried it no fewer than 10 more times. NADA!!!
Well crap. Everything that is supposed to happen at the board is happening...green light, red when trying it ignite (and you can hear the click of the sparks), green light...the board tries three times, then eventually the time delay relay shuts it down.
So now I am getting pretty ticked off! what in the world???
I'm thinking it must be either a bad gas valve and/or igniter element...and start searching Amazon and eBay for them, and the replacement costs. They ain't cheap, and if I had to buy those too, the money I have spent so far would have pretty much covered buying a brand new furnace!
Then my dad (step dad, but I call him dad) said "hey, why don't you wait a while and try it again...could just be air in the lines." I politely smiled and nodded, thinking to myself that I already tried 10+ times and that should have purged any air out of the lines, right?...but I didn't say anything since he's 83 and I love the guy.
I bid everyone good night, and came back into the RV, turned on the furnace, and BINGO!!! Fired right up and stayed lit!
I'm pretty sure it is working now! I'll try it again in the morning, but as of right now, IT LIVES!!!
Kev
Post went wonky on size, so I deleted this duplicate.
Kev
One thing I've found out in life! Never doubt Dads. They been there, done that and are probable wearing the tee Shirt. Did you say THANKS :)rotflmao :)rotflmao :)rotflmao
They draw 1500 or 750 watts, You will probably only need the low setting at 750 but power draw is power draw. I think you are confusing BTU's with watts. As far as the no moving parts thing and radiant heat................... they have been doing that for 100 years with electric heaters with wire ribbons and coils. The mica bit is marketing. There are mica crystals that will heat up when subjected to certain radio wavelengths but that certainly is not what you have, that setup is VERY power dependent. The other type of mica is a type of sand called sheet silicates. I don't believe I still remember this from college, that was 40 plus years ago! You are in the marketing business yourself so you know how this works. There are only so many ways you can describe a simple electric heater. W% :D
Quote from: Rickf1985 on December 23, 2019, 08:04 PM
They draw 1500 or 750 watts, You will probably only need the low setting at 750 but power draw is power draw. I think you are confusing BTU's with watts. As far as the no moving parts thing and radiant heat................... they have been doing that for 100 years with electric heaters with wire ribbons and coils. The mica bit is marketing. There are mica crystals that will heat up when subjected to certain radio wavelengths but that certainly is not what you have, that setup is VERY power dependent. The other type of mica is a type of sand called sheet silicates. I don't believe I still remember this from college, that was 40 plus years ago! You are in the marketing business yourself so you know how this works. There are only so many ways you can describe a simple electric heater. W% :D
Whatever the case, I'll let you know what it is ACTUALLY drawing when my meter comes in tomorrow. And it is only intended to be used on shore power in our specific situation. When boondocking, it will be the furnace to take the chill out of the air, and a Mr. Heater Buddy Heater keeping it warm (with a hose, filter, and standard BBQ exchange size tank).
Kev
Yes, watts are watts, unless it's some kind of a heat pump. I think those are about 4:1 energy moved from outside to inside vs energy used. Pretty sure it's not a heat pump though.
My little widget came in today, so I tested the watts and the amp draw of the new electric heater vs the old ceramic heater.
On low (624 watts) it draws 5.2 amps.
On high (1332 watts) it draws 11.1 amps.
The old ceramic heater with a fan draws 10.8 amps.
The heater advertises 750 watts on low and 1500 watts on high, so not completely honest in their advertising...but it heats up the rig!
We've been using it on low since I installed it...but it isn't something I'd want to use off of the batteries for very long, even on low. Perfect for when we are on shore power though.
Kev
I have a similar widget. It is called a Kill-A-Watt. Very handy tool. I used it to check the frequency of the output of my generators. It is also handy to see how much an item draws when it is turned off.
We started our annual Winter Vacation cleaning today. This is going to take a while!
Today I got the stove top cleaned, topside and underneath, and the oven and hood and microwave. I also deep cleaned the sink and counter top, and started deep cleaning the fridge.
Also taken care of today was the trash and kitty box...but that gets done all the time. Patti is doing the laundry and bedding as well.
Starting tomorrow, we'll be cleaning every nook and cranny inside, starting in the cockpit and working our way all the way to the back. We are going to be using a mold/mildew killer while we are at it, since some is already starting to grow on the driver's door kick panel and in some of the window tracks. No Bueno!!!
The pups are also getting brushed out and bathed this week...and then brushed again outside once they are dry. And then we are going to shampoo the carpets and upholstery.
Kev
Sorry for the radio silence, but we've been working on something, and now that it is all approved and in place, I can tell you the incredibly good news!
We bought a piece of property in Fitzgerald, GA! My mom and step dad live here now, and my sister and brother in law do as well (or will when they fully retire in 2 more years).
The property is 2 acres in the middle of nowhere rural Fitzgerald, Georgia. It has a relatively new 2 roll up door 30x30 metal building on a concrete slab, and an RV slab with full hookups! It has two septic tanks, water, and electric...and we got it at a VERY low price, and financing from the local community bank with a GREAT interest rate...so we'll have very low payments. Taxes on the property are only 280.00 a year! The loan is for 15 years, but we will easily be able to get it totally paid off in 5 years.
We intend to use this as a home base between our shows...and eventually as a retirement property.
We are blessed!
Kev
That RV and all the junk has already been removed, and the big pile of brush has already been burned in the huge fire pit. This is going to be a great property to own and retire on! And we have a workshop/garage now!
Kev
And just a couple more pictures.
Kev
Wow that's cool!! Wish we could do the same thing in Canada. Seems like the municipalities hate that sort of thing. Maybe not enough tax dollars!
Congrats. I know how you feel as we just bought a new place a few months ago. Did you get them to throw in the riding lawn mower also? Your gonna need it!
Kevin,
Congratulations!!!! That is awesome.
Shawn
Hi Kev, When i need to bleed air on the propane system, I use the 4 burners on the stove. With a butane lighter , Works pretty fast. Congratulations for putting down some roots, Looks like a place the dogs will love ! Frank & Louie
Quote from: DaveVA78Chieftain on January 09, 2020, 01:08 AM
Congrats. I know how you feel as we just bought a new place a few months ago. Did you get them to throw in the riding lawn mower also? Your gonna need it!
Thanks Dave! I'm letting my sister and brother in law store their RV on the property when we aren't there, in exchange for him keeping the lawn mowed in our absence. He's got a wide deck mower and a trailer and his house is only 5 miles down the street. When we come back to the property later this year, I'll be looking for a good used mower, like a Gravely, Aryans, old Toro back when they were built rock solid, etc. I want a lawn tractor style, not a zero turn...so I can haul a little garden trailer behind it for gardening and dragging away branches to the fire pit.
Kev
Thanks everyone! We are truly blessed! This property would be exactly what I would have designed...and it fell into our laps. It is perfect and God is good! It is truly a dream come true.
Kev
Rally at Kevin Place. ;) Free Camping D:oH! :)rotflmao :)rotflmao :)rotflmao
Quote from: LJ-TJ on January 09, 2020, 09:29 PM
Rally at Kevin Place. ;) Free Camping D:oH! :)rotflmao :)rotflmao :)rotflmao
LOL! We were actually thinking about it, so it may be something we can set up in the future. The weather sure is nice down here in the winter, so it would be perfect for a winter jamboree!
Kev
Well thanks for the consideration, But any R/V use in the winter is a major preparation, Just restarting the water system is a days work, then keeping the heat on till ready to go. Then draining it all upon return. I would not be attending ! Sorry to say but thanks anyway! After freezing weather ,or before, are still options Have a nice day Frank & Louie !
Quote from: Froggy1936 on January 11, 2020, 02:30 PM
Well thanks for the consideration, But any R/V use in the winter is a major preparation, Just restarting the water system is a days work, then keeping the heat on till ready to go. Then draining it all upon return. I would not be attending ! Sorry to say but thanks anyway! After freezing weather ,or before, are still options Have a nice day Frank & Louie !
LOL! Then maybe an early Spring jam then...or late Fall. It gets stupid hot here in the Summer...which is why we won't be here in the Summer...lmao!
Kev
So all we are waiting for now is the appraisal before closing on the property! Everything else is already done and ready to go, including the title search and checking for any back taxes or liens, and there aren't any. We might even be able to close before we have to leave for Arizona on or about the 20th of January!!! We are so stoked!
Kev
I talked to the bank today, and it looks like the appraisal will be finished either today or tomorrow...and we can close on the property on Friday! As long as the seller can make it that day, it looks like we'll be able to close before we leave for Arizona on the 20th! Woohoo!!!
Kev
The property appraised for quite a bit more than we are paying for it, so we are all set! We close on Friday! WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOO!!!
Kev
:)clap
Congratulations on being property owners. Just needs a little white picket fence.
Congratulations on the new HOME PORT.
Today is the big day! We close on the property at 10am!
Kev
:)ThmbUp :)ThmbUp :)ThmbUp woooohooooooooooooo!!!! :)ThmbUp :)ThmbUp :)ThmbUp
And it is official! We own 300 Bowens Mill Road, Fitzgerald, GA!
Tomorrow I'll be digging post holes for the new gate, and sinking the posts and pouring in the concrete. I was going to borrow my step dad's lawnmower and mow the laws while I was at it...but my dad wants to mow it for me, since he loves to ride around on his lawn tractor...lol!
I also intend to bring my tote tank to the property and dump and rinse it, and then bring the garbage left by the previous owner to the local dump (It was not his fault...he lives 300 miles away and has early stage Parkinsons, and his helper was around 70 years old. They loaded up all day, and it was getting dark when I got to the property to check on them, and then I helped them to load up what they needed, including the 72 Corvette that was in the garage. They took everything they wanted, left me some nice goodies, and the rest will go to the dump). They gave me the keys, showed me where the water lines and 2 separate septic tanks were, and even showed me where the old fashioned well (still full of water) was on the property. We plan on installing an old fashioned hand pump at the well, but not until we get back in around half a year.
Sunday the concrete should be hard enough to mount the gate, chain, and lock...and the No Trespassing signs. And then take lots of new pictures!
Monday is MLK day, so everything will be closed...but Tuesday we'll have the utilities put in our name and set up an online account, make sure online access for our land loan is set up, procure insurance on the building and make sure that is set up online, and go to the tax office and set up online access to pay or taxes when due in case we aren't here when they come out in September. I also have to mail out a trebuchet.
Wednesday is a day of rest, and then we hit the road to Arizona on Thursday!
Kev
Congratulations Well Done. Now you have planted roots . Good season ahead ! Frank & Louie P.S you are on my way from my Sister in N,C to my Nephew,s in Jacksonville , On my way to Texas Hopefully next season, Have to replace house batteries And tires !
The property is mowed and looks great, and all gate components were purchased today, since everything shuts down in this town on Sunday...lol!
I also dug the post holes for the gate, three feet deep, and sunk in the posts and poured the concrete. It has to set for a couple more days before hanging the gate, so we'll hang the gate on Tuesday.
I also dumped out the tote tank and rinsed it all out. Gotta love having your own dump station!
It feels REALLY good to be working on things on your own property. It really really does!
Tomorrow I'll spend the day loading up all the left behind garbage into the trailer and hopefully bring it to the dump if they are open.
I'll take pictures tomorrow after the cleanup is finished and post them sometime soon.
Kev
You know........................ You do have to have those septic tanks pumped out once in a while. If the previous owner has not done it for years then it is going to cost you some change because they will be compacted.
Quote from: Rickf1985 on January 18, 2020, 09:22 PM
You know........................ You do have to have those septic tanks pumped out once in a while. If the previous owner has not done it for years then it is going to cost you some change because they will be compacted.
LOL! The previous owner had the tank at the RV pad pumped out around 3 years ago...and used his bathroom the way we do: No TP flushed down the toilet, but put in the trash can next to the toilet. That one should be fine for a while.
The other tank, which used to service an old farmhouse that used to be on the property and burned down decades ago, probably hasn't been pumped out.
Kev
It was a lot of work, but ALL the debris and garbage left behind by the previous owner is picked up, bagged up when possible, and loaded into the trailer I borrowed from my brother in law. Except for the old mower and 5 old tires...which are ready to load up, nice and neat. So I'll have to make two trips to the landfill on Tuesday.
I also swept out the garage completely, organized it a bit, and swept off the RV pad as well.
It was a lot of work, but it is satisfying when the work is on your own property!
Kev
We FINALLY got all of our online banking, taxes, insurance and utilities taken care of...and will be spending the night on the property tomorrow night...and getting on the road to Arizona first thing Saturday morning.
Kev
We spent the night on the property last night, and are about to hit the road to Arizona! Because of our location, MapQuest has our route further north than we usually travel to AZ. Instead of I-10, we'll be cutting across and picking up I-20 in Mississippi...which doesn't pick up I-10 until we are almost to El Paso, TX. Should be fun! At least it is a different route...and we won't have to go through Houston (although we do have to go through the Dallas area). Only 1881 miles to go...lol!
The nearest Flying J is 460 miles from here, so hopefully there will be a place to get diesel along the way, as we have around 3/4 of a tank right now.
Kev
RE: Dallas on my last trip from Houston Going thru Dallas was a breeze all 4 lane Roads going North was in and out without seeing 1 red light ! Hope you find east to west the same Have a safe trip !
Once you use a zero turn mower you will forget about that lawn tractor. A trailer hooks on the back of a zero turn just like a lawn tractor. However, price wise the zero turn will be about double a lawn tractor.
Well now this is something I might just know about. Find a nice Used Kobota Diesel Zero Turn Mower. Should be able to get one at a reasonable price in the States. You'll love it. How do I know. I cut a 3,600 foot piece of grass 150' wide every week. That doesn't include the other 10 arcers.Works like a dream. Worth every penny you spend on it.
Until you have to mow a hill! Even better, a hill next to water. I pulled my guys out of the water more times than I can count and yes, I ended up in there a few times myself. Those zero turns are great on flat ground but get one on a hill in any direction but pointing up and you are in for a ride!
So here is our trip so far!
On Sunday, we made it all the way to Alabama and pulled into a gas station in a truck parking area, between a whole bunch of other trucks. The gas station had a Hunt Brother's Pizza, so I went inside. Bars on all the windows, bullet proof glass, and the locals were...umm...scary looking to say the least. We woke up the next morning to find that ALL the trucks had left while we were sleeping. It was cold and rainy, but all was well with the rig. Turns out the town we staying in was Selma! What a dangerous Schiff-hole! Even the truck drivers were smart enough not to stay the night...lol!
Anyhow, the next day we made it all the way to the border of Texas, to the Flying J at Exit 3, Greenfield, Louisiana. I-20 going through Shreveport, LA was a nightmare! BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG for miles!
Yesterday, we drove through Dallas and Fort Worth, and it was a breeze! Very little traffic and very smooth roads. We made it all the way to Tye, TX, only 277 miles away from the intersection with I-10, and only 440 miles from Anthony, TX, our goal for today. Anthony, TX is right on the border to New Mexico, past El Paso.
We are making great time!
The only problem we are having is that the alternator isn't charging the coach batteries, so I'm guessing it is a bad solenoid or fuse on a solenoid. We've been keeping the coach batteries charged instead by leaving the solar panels on while driving, and using the Honda generator at night.
We are over half way there!
Kev
What was the banging ??
Quote from: Froggy1936 on January 29, 2020, 05:56 PM
What was the banging ??
The suspension bottoming out over miles of washboard speedbumps right on the Interstate. There weren't even any warning signs like "Rough Road Ahead." We had to slow down to 40 mph and it was still a rough ride! I-90 going through Minnesota is exactly the same, and is where we almost lost our generator when the spot welds broke!
Kev
We made it all the way to Anthony, TX tonight, and are staying at the Flying J on the New Mexico border.
Tomorrow we have a fairly short 349 miles to drive to the Flying J in Eloy, AZ...and then on Friday morning just another 55 miles to the Arizona Renaissance Festival! We will be on site nice and early Friday to check in at the office and start setting up.
So far we are making GREAT time! The roads and the weather have been really good to us this year.
Kev
Quote from: ClydesdaleKevin on January 29, 2020, 08:45 PM
The suspension bottoming out over miles of washboard speedbumps right on the Interstate. There weren't even any warning signs like "Rough Road Ahead." We had to slow down to 40 mph and it was still a rough ride! I-90 going through Minnesota is exactly the same, and is where we almost lost our generator when the spot welds broke!
Kev
Sounds like you need to look into some new shocks, I would bet the ones on there are originals.
Quote from: Rickf1985 on January 30, 2020, 10:08 AM
Sounds like you need to look into some new shocks, I would bet the ones on there are originals.
It is on the list! And if that doesn't fix it, I might have to put new leaf springs on...as they sit dead flat with no curve, front and back. The rig is 25 years old after all.
Kev
We are about to fuel up and travel the last 349 miles to a Flying J in Arizona...and then tomorrow we'll drive the last 55 miles to the Faire.
Kev
Quote from: ClydesdaleKevin on January 30, 2020, 11:49 AM
It is on the list! And if that doesn't fix it, I might have to put new leaf springs on...as they sit dead flat with no curve, front and back. The rig is 25 years old after all.
Kev
I don't know if your travels take you near this place but this is where I have bought all the springs and the rear bags for mine. Good prices and they know what they are talking about.
http://www.stengelbros.com/ (http://www.stengelbros.com/)
Quote from: Rickf1985 on January 30, 2020, 06:44 PM
I don't know if your travels take you near this place but this is where I have bought all the springs and the rear bags for mine. Good prices and they know what they are talking about.
http://www.stengelbros.com/ (http://www.stengelbros.com/)
Thanks Rick! I might even look into the availability of aftermarket air bags to go in between the leaf springs and the frame, front and rear. I seem to remember seeing listings for them for many different types of chassis.
Kev
We are safely at the Flying J in Eloy, Arizona for the night.
Only 55 miles left of our journey, and we'll arrive nice and early tomorrow at the Arizona Renaissance Festival!
Kev
Quote from: ClydesdaleKevin on January 30, 2020, 09:15 PM
Thanks Rick! I might even look into the availability of aftermarket air bags to go in between the leaf springs and the frame, front and rear. I seem to remember seeing listings for them for many different types of chassis.
Kev
Those add-on air bags will not give you anywhere near as good of a ride as a new set of properly sized leaf springs will. Most people think air bags will give a softer ride because they are "air". Not true since they are actually adding to the spring rate of the existing springs. On mine I have nothing but air bags, like in buses and trucks so I get a nice soft ride but it is due to the very large volume of air in the bag and also in the reservoir that feeds it. When I replaced those bags just one of them cost more than both of your leaf springs will cost!!!! Now I still need to find track rod bushings and Jet used their own stuff. Proprietary is very expensive and I will machine my own from Poly bushings before I pay 700.00 for a complete track rod!!!!
Quote from: Rickf1985 on January 31, 2020, 08:40 AM
Those add-on air bags will not give you anywhere near as good of a ride as a new set of properly sized leaf springs will. Most people think air bags will give a softer ride because they are "air". Not true since they are actually adding to the spring rate of the existing springs. On mine I have nothing but air bags, like in buses and trucks so I get a nice soft ride but it is due to the very large volume of air in the bag and also in the reservoir that feeds it. When I replaced those bags just one of them cost more than both of your leaf springs will cost!!!! Now I still need to find track rod bushings and Jet used their own stuff. Proprietary is very expensive and I will machine my own from Poly bushings before I pay 700.00 for a complete track rod!!!!
I'll keep it in mind, Rick! It looks like the leaf springs for our rig are around 300 bucks each...so not bad at all. And they look fairly simple to replace on this beast.
Kev
Safe touchdown at the Arizona Renaissance Festival!
Camp is all set up, including the dog pen and awning.
Tomorrow I'll be setting up the workshop carport (frame is already up), and then getting all of my tools out of my friend Dave's booth. And then Sunday I'll set up our pavilion tent and set up our booth.
Then I'll be building catapults all week to get ready for opening weekend...which is next weekend!
Kev
I like reading your journeys. Great job posting .
300.00 each sounds kind of steep unless prices have really gone up in the last couple years. I put new leafs on both my F350 and on my CUCV Military Chevy pick up and I paid right around 125.00 per spring on those. Granted yours will be a bit heavier but probably not much heavier than the ones on the military truck. Do some shopping around. I would expect to pay that price for custom made springs where you go and get it scaled fully loaded with food, people, dogs, water and full holding tanks. Then you take the scale slip to the spring shop and they build you a set of springs to match. If it is a good shop they can build thinner leaf springs with more leaves that ride really smooth.
Quote from: Rickf1985 on February 01, 2020, 10:24 AM
300.00 each sounds kind of steep unless prices have really gone up in the last couple years. I put new leafs on both my F350 and on my CUCV Military Chevy pick up and I paid right around 125.00 per spring on those. Granted yours will be a bit heavier but probably not much heavier than the ones on the military truck. Do some shopping around. I would expect to pay that price for custom made springs where you go and get it scaled fully loaded with food, people, dogs, water and full holding tanks. Then you take the scale slip to the spring shop and they build you a set of springs to match. If it is a good shop they can build thinner leaf springs with more leaves that ride really smooth.
Yeah...they are a little pricey. The website you provided sure are proud of their Oshkosh leaf springs...lol! https://www.stengelbros.net/Oshkosh-Leaf-Springs_c_220.html (https://www.stengelbros.net/Oshkosh-Leaf-Springs_c_220.html)
Kev
Wow, :( I saved that address because that place is close by But those prices rival the price of a used R/V ! Frank
Sorry, I never bought Oshkosh stuff from them. Technically a spring is a spring, There is no difference between makes and models besides width and length and position of the center pin. I friend of mine ran a spring shop for years and he never even asked what it was for as long as you gave him the pertinent measurements. Or if you took the vehicle there he did not care if it was a Ford or a Mercedes, He got the measurements and made the springs, same price for all according to size of spring. You could do the same thing but you will need to get all of the measurements. Spring width, length from eye to eye, Spring eye diameter and spring bolt diameter. Center pin location measured from each end. Usually they want the pin measurement from the solid mount which is usually the front. And last but not least the weight from a scale slip divided by two to get the individual spring weight. But I will warn you if you plan to do them yourself to buy new U bolt and new spring bolts and just plan on cutting the old ones of since at least the spring eye bolts are most likely seized into the bushings. The U-bolts are usually rusted bad enough that they are a pain to get off and not really safe to use over anyway.
Quote from: ClydesdaleKevin on February 01, 2020, 11:14 AM
Yeah...they are a little pricey. The website you provided sure are proud of their Oshkosh leaf springs...lol! https://www.stengelbros.net/Oshkosh-Leaf-Springs_c_220.html (https://www.stengelbros.net/Oshkosh-Leaf-Springs_c_220.html)
Kev
I just followed your link and the springs you are looking at are for heavy trucks and tractors! Probably in the 25 -30,000 lb. range per axle!!!!!! When you specify Oshkosh only you will be looking at the heaviest things out there since that is all they generally build. Plow trucks, airport firefighting truck and the infamous military vehicles. I just looked up springs for a 80's-90's Chevy P30 which is going to be in the same vicinity and they were 250.00 each. Higher than I expected but not outrageous. You are going to have heavier springs on the rear due to the rear engine but still should be no more than 350.00. Scale it and call them with the scale numbers and at least have the width and length and they will get you a lot closer.
TOP Run Models 10 & 12 had a 4BT engine (I do not have a parts book for these models)
ON/VOY Models 14, 16,& 18 had a 6BT engine
The JD/Oshkosh ON/VOY parts book I have says rear springs are:
ON/VOY-14 - 9,000lb Rear Axle, , OEM P/N RW24353
ON/VOY-16 - 10,000lb Rear Axle, OEM P/N RW24342, Stengel Bros P/N 71-145
ON/VOY-18 - 12,000lb Rear Axle, OEM P/N RW24343, Stengel Bros P/N 71-147
I just did a thing! I traded our 1998 Jeep Cherokee for a one owner 1981 Ford F-100 pickup truck! This thing is a creampuff! One owner, and lived its entire life on a ranch in Show Low, AZ. Zero rust, no accidents, and pretty much zero dents. Runs like a top! 2WD auto, so I'll have to disconnect the driveshaft like I used to with the K5 Blazer...but it is worth it with this beastie! It only has 140K on the stock 300CI engine...and the Jeep has 185K. I'll have to fix the AC too, but the Jeep needs the AC fixed, and it will be cheaper to fix the AC in the Ford. Body is 9/10. Interior needs a new dash pad, floor carpet, and seat cover...but still in better shape than the much newer Jeep interior.
(https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3845000206?profile=RESIZE_710x) (https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3845000206?profile=original)
(https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3845000648?profile=RESIZE_710x) (https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3845000648?profile=original)
I'm pretty excited! Wifey isn't all that happy, but she will be when she sees it!
I'm picking it up tomorrow. I told the seller I would only trade if he put in a new battery and belts and changed the oil, so he is doing that tonight.
Sweet!
Kev
The engine is indestructible and will pull a house but you are not going to like that carburetor! So your four wheeling days are over? That's a lot of vehicle to pull behind an RV! Gonna be rough on the RV transmission.
Quote from: Rickf1985 on February 03, 2020, 05:23 PM
The engine is indestructible and will pull a house but you are not going to like that carburetor! So your four wheeling days are over? That's a lot of vehicle to pull behind an RV! Gonna be rough on the RV transmission.
I don't know about the carb...it idles high right now, but I'll deal with that soon. I drove it around a LOT today and I love this truck! Running like a champ so far, and doesn't overheat at stop lights...lol! I filled the tanks, and so far the selector switch for front and back seems to work.
My 4 wheeling days were over when my wife's arthritis got so bad that the offroad bumps were pure torture for her...even going slow. And at least she doesn't have to yodel to get in and out of this truck...lol!
As far as the weight goes, the title says it weighs just shy of 5K, and that is with the 99" longbed. The Jeep weighed the same.
The only thing that sucks is that it is 2WD and automatic...which means that I will once again have to disco the driveshaft and hang it, like I had to do with many other vehicles in the past. Unless I find a flat bed car hauler trailer on the cheap...lol!
Kev
The truck is ours! It has three day AZ temp plates, and is insured...so I drove it around quite a bit today, and it is awesome...although there are some issues, like the idle being way too high and the valve cover gasket leaks a LOT of oil. Simple fixes though.
I love this truck!
Tomorrow I'll print out all the forms to send to the Florida DMV, get a police officer to verify the VIN numbers on the title...and then overnight the paperwork to Florida. That why, by the time the AZ temp plate expires, the truck will be legally registered in Florida. I already transferred the insurance.
Kev
Quote from: Rickf1985 on February 03, 2020, 05:23 PM
The engine is indestructible and will pull a house but you are not going to like that carburetor! So your four wheeling days are over? That's a lot of vehicle to pull behind an RV! Gonna be rough on the RV transmission.
So Rick...about the carburator. Why do you say I'm not going to like the carburator on the 300CI? It looks pretty simple compared to a 4 barrel. Are they problematic? What should I look out for?
Kev
It is probably a Carter one barrel but might be a Variable Venturi carb. I had a F250 with that engine and it took me 6 months to get the carb right and carbs are my specialty That was 20 years ago so let me find my book and refresh my brain on what you are working with. Meanwhile try to get a name or tag number off of the carb.
Kevin, I may have spoken too soon. It appears you do not have the VV carb and you do have a simple one barrel carb. If this is the case they are cheap, no sense in playing with one with over a hundred on it.
I wouldn't necessarily buy it from there, it was just a good pic.
https://www.ebay.com/i/133269492212?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=133269492212&targetid=858219882603&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9052512&poi=&campaignid=6470552634&mkgroupid=90044703518&rlsatarget=pla-858219882603&abcId=1139336&merchantid=6296724&gclid=CjwKCAiAyeTxBRBvEiwAuM8dnVyQz2VVnhnlUlzILoDjj6buR-sKocms_lJpLtLBMqjuzJC-KPrCARoCrz8QAvD_BwE (https://www.ebay.com/i/133269492212?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=133269492212&targetid=858219882603&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9052512&poi=&campaignid=6470552634&mkgroupid=90044703518&rlsatarget=pla-858219882603&abcId=1139336&merchantid=6296724&gclid=CjwKCAiAyeTxBRBvEiwAuM8dnVyQz2VVnhnlUlzILoDjj6buR-sKocms_lJpLtLBMqjuzJC-KPrCARoCrz8QAvD_BwE)
Quote from: Rickf1985 on February 04, 2020, 10:23 AM
Kevin, I may have spoken too soon. It appears you do not have the VV carb and you do have a simple one barrel carb. If this is the case they are cheap, no sense in playing with one with over a hundred on it.
I wouldn't necessarily buy it from there, it was just a good pic.
https://www.ebay.com/i/133269492212?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=133269492212&targetid=858219882603&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9052512&poi=&campaignid=6470552634&mkgroupid=90044703518&rlsatarget=pla-858219882603&abcId=1139336&merchantid=6296724&gclid=CjwKCAiAyeTxBRBvEiwAuM8dnVyQz2VVnhnlUlzILoDjj6buR-sKocms_lJpLtLBMqjuzJC-KPrCARoCrz8QAvD_BwE (https://www.ebay.com/i/133269492212?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=133269492212&targetid=858219882603&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9052512&poi=&campaignid=6470552634&mkgroupid=90044703518&rlsatarget=pla-858219882603&abcId=1139336&merchantid=6296724&gclid=CjwKCAiAyeTxBRBvEiwAuM8dnVyQz2VVnhnlUlzILoDjj6buR-sKocms_lJpLtLBMqjuzJC-KPrCARoCrz8QAvD_BwE)
That is what it looks like! Just a very simple one barrel carb. Still has the original old style air cleaner housing as well, painted blue like the engine.
Kev
I just saw an ad , For your Carburetor on E Bay for less than $60.00 ,m Seems to make it a lot easier and Cheaper than Rebuilding ! Frank
Those ads worry me, I think they are offshore carbs. That is simply too cheap for a Carter carb. Not saying it will not work but if you buy be sure you can return if need be.
I think they are just trying to move Obsolete parts ?? Frank
Nope, far, far too many of them. Hey, for the price you try it and if it works great. If it doesn't work then you send it back. You notice they are not asking for a core so you still have your original.
Our booth is all set up! Tomorrow morning I'll finish setting up the workshop (not much left to do), and then go get some boards and knock out some catapults for the weekend. While I'm out tomorrow morning, I'll probably swing by Walmart and have new tires put on the Ford...since the tires are 4 different brands, worn pretty much bald, and starting to dry rot. Thankfully tires for the Ford F-100 are cheap, since I'm just going to put light truck LT tires on it, probably Goodyear Wranglers. I might go with AT tires if they aren't much more money.
I over-nighted all the paperwork to Florida to get the truck registered yesterday, and transferred the insurance from the Jeep to the truck already. If they don't have it registered by tomorrow, I'll go online and print out another 3 day pass from the Arizona DMV...2 dollars, and you can do it three times. That is what is on the truck right now, but it expires tomorrow at midnight.
Kev
SCORE!!!
I was running errands this morning, and stopped by Malone's Tire in Apache Junction. They are HIGHLY recommended by the local forums and Facebook groups. Someone ordered 4 new Firestone Destination A/T tires, 235/75R-15s...and never picked them up! They sat in the back room for almost a year and the date code says they were made in 2019. 300 bucks out the door, mounted, balanced, the works! For all four tires! SWEET!!! So of course I had them do it, and the Ford has new shoes!
While it was on their lift, I rocked the front tires up to down, and there is some play...so new wheel bearings and races are going to happen next week. A simple job and cheap since I am doing it myself.
I had an electrical problem today, but it was simple. The previous owner spliced in wires from the coil to the distributor...and just twisted the wires together with just a flap of electrical tape. Because the engine is oily from the bad valve cover gasket, the electrical tape slipped down the wires. When both wires contacted each other, the engine died like turning off the key. I knew it was electrical...and it took me 5 minutes to fix it because I had all three of my tool boxes with me, including my electrical tool box. Started right back up, and we are good to go! (LOTS more tweaking and work to do to make it perfect...but the electrical problem is fixed).
I also paid for and put on the new temporary AZ plate, so we are good until the 11th..and hopefully Florida will have the registration done by then. The tracking numbers show that they received everything yesterday.
The workshop is all set up, and I have all the parts cut out for tomorrow's build.
All is going well and coming together perfectly!
Kev
All the catapults are built, the booth is all set up and loaded with marshmallows and water beads...and we are ready for opening day tomorrow at the Arizona Renaissance Festival! SWEET!!!
Kev
Since the Arizona Renaissance Festival has started, and opening weekend is under our belt, thus endeth this chapter!
I'm starting a new thread now...Arizona, 2020.
Kev
Awesome. Looking for the new thread.