RE: kerosine heaters
I had a VW and it had a gas heater in it...that was far more dangerous than the kerosene heater I used. I always had a window..two actually..open and would winter camp in the mountains. Then, there weren't the options that there are now. My last VW I used a wee little Coleman propane heater.
I digress...I think that used wisely...a heat source is just that...heat. I wouldn't recommend buying one for an RV...but...it can be used safely.
Gary Haupt
RE: ok ok....once more...busted.....
Morning joe...here, metal studs are very much in vogue and a LEGAL SNOW tire has an embossed snowflake on the tire itself. And one HAS to have them by November 1st, tho the law says October.Mind you, that is a Highway 16 law as opposed to BC Provincial.
And yes...I have them both on the Zuke..studs..and snow flake...imagine that, a stud with a flake...I figured I might as well say that, before you or sue.
Gary Haupt
on edit...
and I may be in error...perhaps 'OR CHAINS" applies...I will check. However, I had neither in the motorhome.
RE: build my own
UPDATE....I spoke with Chris this morning. He had sent me a parts pricing and it's coming in at this:
_________________________________________________________________
Here's what I've got so far. The axle would be complete, full rebuild. I'll get the proper axle, steam clean & paint, install new gears & bearing, new ball joints & steering components, all appropriate seals, etc. It will only require gear oil once you receive it. I'll also install the Dynatrac free spin hub conversion. This will give the axle serviceable wheel bearings as well as stronger axle shafts, and Warn Hubs. It will also enable you to have the same bolt pattern, so you can use the same dually adapter & wheels that you currently have. It's a good investment in every way.
For the rest of the parts, I will provide you with the conversion kit, front springs (custom built to your weight capacity) brake lines, steering kit, u-bolts, and shocks. This will give you everything you need to get started. The install shop will need to modify your engine crossmember, get the transfer case mounted, and install the rest of the conversion from there. There will be driveshaft mods needed, which can be handled locally. Here's the breakdown on the axle vs conversion parts:
axle: $4250.00
conversion parts: $2208.00
total: $6458.00
I will still have to figure shipping, truck freight to you in Canada. Let me know if you have any questions!!!!
Chris Steuber
www.ujointoffroad.com
818.606.5206
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So....I had just kinda forgotten that the rig goes into winter storage this week. So much for a right now event....I am looking at several options, to accomplish this build. Having the stuff sent here is fraught with potential grief...things going missing, etc. I could have the stuff sent to a shop elsewhere and go there for the work, or I can show up at Chris's shop in NC., in July and he figures two weeks and that includes doing the transmission. I took a bunch of pix for him and that dealt with fuel tank location question. It's mid-ships.
Gary Haupt
ok ok....once more...busted.....
I had a great supper Friday night at the Northwestern College Culinary Fine Dining night...overnighted out at the Terrace Airport, where they have a drag strip...dark, quiet....and ran smack dab into an RCMP Snow Tire road check on Highway 16, just west of the Cdn Tire store. I don't run snowies on the motorhome...it goes into winter storage this week. So...the Hot Springs will have to wait till next year.
Gary Haupt
RE: build my own
Communication so far with Chris of U-Joint Off Road.:
I have a '94 E-350..with a motorhome 22ft 'C'...what I REALLY want is clearance...but so far, no joy. No kits for E's...I have an extras leaf in the rear's for ride..but there is NO clearance at all. I live in Northern B, close to the Alaska border. So...maybe you can suggest a way to raise the s.o.b. But...I'd love hear about a 4x4 conversion set-up. I wouldn't be doing the work, it's do go to a shop.
Look forward to hearing from you.
--
Gary Haupt
You're correct, there's no good way to get a little extra clearance on the E series. Some guys adapt spacers from other rigs, but that can be sketchy. You can do a partial 4wd conversion, or go ahead and go all the way. The 4x4 conversion will hold it's value, that's for sure. You don't see too many class c 4x4's. Having a local shop is no problem, I can send pretty much everything to you, and guide them along to make sure it gets done properly. I'd have you weigh the rig as is, and build the springs custom. We would have many options... build the axle there, have me build it here, etc. The lowest you can go is a 4" lift. You'll be able to get some more tire under it for sure!!!!!
Thanks for the reply eh....okay..I have it weighed and then you know what you need to know.....I'd have you build the axle. The other thing I'll do is check with the shop I'd use. and...approximate bottom line ($$) from your end?? for the full blown, no point in mucking around.....or..where are you in the US? because if on the right side of things....I'd just drive to you, come summer. I am straight up from Seattle by about 1,500 miles. Place called Kitimat.
response:
Sounds good, I'll get started on a quote. I'll include everything I can send you. I'll also let you know what you'll have to get done locally so you can get prices from those guys. I'm on the east coast now, in the mountains of NC. Pretty far from you!! ---Chris
RE: build my own
geeezus....I ask a question and it becomes some sort of brow beating extravaganza....I am not buying an earthroamer at $250,000....nor a Mann 4x4 or Mercedes...I could probably buy a used one..but why would I do that? I don't 'need' it. I know what I want, I was just asking the question...would it work. I have my answer. However, in doing so, we..those of us reading this thread..became aware of a couple other options..one of which I am exploring, U-Joint Off Road. A camper is too small. I have a 22ft C and would love to keep at that size. I fit in most anywhere.
I also don't use a generator. I use solar now and will forever more. Don't want/have a flat screen tv..I use a laptop. I don't want nor use a microwave either. I don't use campsites, 99/100 either. I boondock. I don't want to climb a mountain, but I have been stuck in the sand in Utah and would prefer to not have that happen again. I tend to travel at odd times...would like to be able to safely travel in snow conditions.
I am grateful for the helpful and thoughtful suggestions.
Gary Haupt
RE: ok ok....once more.....
oh..look at that...the Aiyansh Hot Springs...yep, that's the one....huh...and I was sworn to secrecy too....but..I am going..and the rest of you? aren't! ta da..
Gary Haupt
RE: build my own
carrinb...geeez...many thanks for the heads-up about U-Joint Off Road..are in comms with Chris and maybe, ya never know...have him look after the whole thing..a full blown conversion. I'll post if it actually goes.
Gar Haupt
ok ok....once more.....
There is a hot springs, very secret, that I have been given the location of. Up the Nass Highway, about two hours north of Terrace, west of New Aiyansh. Going to try and get in on Saturday. If this snow storm moves off, as shown by the Weather Network, I am good to go. I also have a dinner in Terrace Friday night...called Fine Dining, at the local college, it's focus this month is Thailand. So..I'll have dinz, roll off into the weeds for the night, do a Safeway shop and head up the road.
Gary Haupt
RE: build my own
bronco..no disrespect at all...I have no handy-man skills, but I always keep my stuff in good running condition. Through circumstance, I am living in northern BC, but over the past 30 years have put on thousands of miles in one thing or another, most lately in a 'C'. I don't really 'need' 4x4 ability, but I would like the clearance. As it it stands, I couldn't put chains on to save my soul and from my reading, although some rigs actually have the clearance, the potential for damage is huge. Of course, there is the cool factor, let's not pretend otherwise. I'll keep my eyes open for a Bigfoot 4x4 or talk to the shop in Kamloops.
Gary Haupt
RE: build my own
Thanks for the input folks...man, that Mitsubishi is sweet, eh....I have looked at putting a 4 wheel conversion in and there's a shop in Kamloops that is quoting $16,000. My 22ft 'C' is a '94, with 250,000k's.To spend another 16,000 on it isn't maybe wise and the oil patch service type trucks have such great clearance. A used one is in the 40,000 range, for the 4 door and diesel. I just had been thinking...and if there is a group of knowledgeable folks, they are here.
Gary Haupt
build my own
I've looked at the 4x4's that are available and the price is just not doable. What if a person bought a Ford or Chev 4x4 crew cab..one of the 550 Fords, for instance, and had a trailer (wheels/axles off) lowered onto the bed. Does this even come close to working? One could do the propane/water/black/grey figuring..but the idea of putting a trailer or even a 'C' (wheel-less)..piggy backing...could it be done in such a way as to make it work?
Gary Haupt
RE: On the Road Boxing Day
At the risk of sounding flip...you are worried, and rightfully so. Weather could be a huge factor, so why not just drain everything, put anti freeze in the lines and motel it for two nights. Take the fret ratio right out of equation.
Gary Haupt
RE: Maybe the last
For those that have no idea what joe is talking about...here's a camping vid
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LY2XuiIpKdw
And we don't want no claim jumping Alaskans or tanned folk trying to make things any worserer than they are..or are going to be.
Gary Haupt
RE: Maybe the last
geezus joe...why'd you have to mention 'the club', out in the open? Now look who wants in....there's a good reason I didn't take Steve up to the Lodge and it's name is sue.
Gary Haupt....giving the Lodge Salute.:p
RE: Fleas R US
I don't think I'd bomb it except as a last resort. Bombs don't get up under and into the soft areas. A strong vacuum and do the floor to start with..because you are going to be standing on it..and then all the upholstered bits..dinette, bed, overhead. It's suggested to bag and freeze everything you can..bedding, pillows, etc. Vacuum the floor again, spray with some sort of anti-everything ..Febreeze, Mr Clean, Lysol...let that dry. Fleas and eggs have a 1-2 week cycle, so you'll want to redo the vacuuming in that time frame. Be thorough and you'll have the problem taken care of.
Gary Haupt
Maybe the last
Run of the year. I got bored with my own cooking and that afforded by Kitimat and Terrace cookeries...headed off to Prince Rupert Friday late morning, to eat at Chances Casino Bar/Grill. The drive west alongside the Skeena River was gorgeous. Wet..but..that's where I live. (I took some vids and you can view them on my Blog if you are of a mind.) Living up here means shopping at Safeway for Airmiles..so I did that in Rupert..then off to Chances Casino..just to poke my nose in and say hi to the security desk. It's always easier to say howdy and make nice for a few minutes and mention my intent to have supper..right after my nap 'in the motorhome in the parking lot'..they then know who's IN the motorhome and what's what...and yeah...there was only one..it's not a destination this time of year.
Had my two hour nap and strolled in...a martini(2) and an appy plate of spicy prawns, mussels in a cream sauce and a crab/yam cake..then my entree ..rack of lamb..glass of Merlot with supper..no dessert, thanks. This all took about 3 hours, I guess. Read papers and had a book with me. The place has a **** rating and it really does serve it up!
I drove back east about 30k's to a rest area on the Skeena..pulled in, lights out..and slept like a baby until 7 am. Was back in Terrace by 8, had breakfast at the Northern Motor Inn and was home in Kitimat by 11.
If that was the last for 09....it was a good one to go out on.
Gary Haupt
