RE: Thinking about a Truck Fridge.
I've never had an issue with my propane fridge staying cold other than their tendecy to blow out which I remedied with a baffle. Maybe your fridge is defective, you need additional insualation, or it is way out of level. I believe propane is by far the most efficient way to cool.
The three way refrigerator is original to my 2002 Lance 815, I had the system rebuilt 2 years ago it was ok for about 6 months. When we meet DJ for a WRT trip my refrigerator decide it wasn't going to cool down to no lower than 50 degree and it been that way since that time. I will give a small apt size a try. If you check the trip reports you'll see that I've been a verity of back country and off the beaten path.
RE: Thinking about a Truck Fridge.
I found a 4.4 cu ft model real close to the dimensions of my gas fridge.
The specs say 24 watts per hour. That is 2 amps per hour? If so that is right in the ball park with my Engel 45 which used 2.5/hour.
My Engel picked up a bad vibration after 2 seasons. :M Won't go that route again. $$$$$
Really tired of these gas fridges that can't cut hot weather. 60 degree beer in 100 degree weather BLOWS!!!
Hi DJ, too bad about your Engel, unfortunely in my research on swing compressors has shown that you can't just buy the compressor. Your Engel and Norcold on their 12/24 Vdc compressor refrigerators use swing compressors. Both these manufactors forces you to buy what they call a "cooling unit" which cost more than buying a new refrigerator, if you want to go that route.
DJ, Danfross does make a 12/24 Vdc compressor that many of the truck rated refrigerators use, this compressor can be bought and installed just like your home refrigerator,if it goes out and any realy good AC tech can do this. Tundra and Dometicthat uses the Danfross 12/24 vc compressors come to mind.
I myself, am tried of the "gas" refrers poor performance in higher temperature, when you need it the most, I'll be jerking mine out and tring one one those small "apt" size refrigerator with a invertor to power it. Keep us posted on your project..c.traveler2
RE: 07 ford cab clearance
This is what I did to solve the clearage problem with my 2007 F250 carrying my 2002 Lance815.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Hobbies/Camper-ProjectsRepairs/i-QqCWjML/0/M/IMG_8093-M.jpg
Using 2x4 studs and plywood, as you can see from the photo I also made space for two slide out trays.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Hobbies/Camper-ProjectsRepairs/i-PL6zFtS/0/M/IMG_8095-M.jpg
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Hobbies/Camper-ProjectsRepairs/i-gxPTzkH/0/M/IMG_8094-M.jpg
At the tailgate end I used a couple of L brackets and inserted them into the bed tie downs, the wood blocks limits side wize motion.This setup gives me 4 inches of cab clearage which has proven itself during my back country/ off roading adventures.
RE: Canyonlands
As one of our other TCer has said you may not get the spot you want but there are plenty of boon docking area all around Moab. Is there a reason you want Willow Flat?
BLM Campground around Moab
Many of your follow TCer have been to Moab try re-posting your question in the TC forum.
RE: 7 Bros On The Mojave Road Trail,part1
c.traveler2,
You and the Bros like to get out there and get down and dirty. I follow your TR's and you don't take the easy road.
Nice stopping in the middle of the desert and listen to the sounds at night. We have found that coyotes seem to be all around you at night.
A big fire on the desert is important as there is such a difference from day to night temps. Is that a home made fire bucket made from a washing tub?
It's great to follow the roads that are in your trip by the maps. One day some of us may follow.
Dave
jefe4x4 had brought the portable fire pit, its a steel wash tub that allows plenty of air in for good combustion.
7 Bros On The Mojave Road Trail,part1
7 Bros On The Mojave Road
Part1
In the words of Jeff Reynolds, “Bros, The stars have aligned and the BROS. trip over the Mojave Road is on”
Planning of this great expedition started in late February with an e-mail from Jeff (jefe4x4). Jeff having done this ancient native trail during the covered wagon era became the leader of this grander adventure.
For those who don’t know what Mojave Road Trail;
Mojave Road Trail , “Native American” used this route to the west coast seashore hundreds of years before any Europeans had ever landed in this country. The route was created by finding, drinkable, natural water sources, for in the desert water is life and finding their way around natural barriers. Europeans ended up following pretty much the same route. From our research, Mojave Road Trail is fairly close to its original route.
What make this expedition more unusual is that three cab over truck campers, two hard sides and one Outfitter pop-up, we would be accompanied by Rey’s 4-Runner in which we could use as a fast mover incase anything did happen.
Neither Jeff nor I could find anything on the “net” about cab over TC traversing this trail.
On March 14th we met at Barstow Station in the late afternoon. The Mojave Crew consists of Jeff, Matt, Jerry, John, Rey, Jim and Alex. John was running late due to a major accident down the hill and would catch up with us near Avi Casino in Fort Mohave.
Video1,click pic
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-cZfFhQX/0/M/Bros%20at%20Barstow%201-M.jpg
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-ppGmvQt/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20023-M.jpg
A quick stop at the local Walmart for some ice and other items. The drive out to Avi Casino was uneventful on the I-40 , John was able to catch up with us as we just got on the Needle Hwy.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-B9GfQgq/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20032-M.jpg
We had dinner at the casino in their café, the food was very good. Crossing over the Colorado River into Arizona we fueled up and headed out from there to find a campsite for the night.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-L5R8Hbc/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20034-M.jpg
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-cRtwr3Z/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20038-M.jpg
The morning of the 15th was greeted with a magnificent sunrise, I (Alex) was up early for this.
video,click pic
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-4kwNvff/0/M/7%20Bros%20On%20The%20Mojave%20Road-M.jpg
This video is of our first day travel on the Mojave Road Trail and is long (18 minutes).
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-6kZZwm5/0/M/Campsite%201-M.jpg
Nature came in with the yapping of coyotes in the distance as our group started to move around and get ready for the days adventure.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-GK5hm9h/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20128-M.jpg
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-hjm5BTR/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20145-M.jpg
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-J2bBxLn/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20147-M.jpg
Wandering around our chosen campsite were several wild flowers in bloom.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-gpFvnB8/0/Th/Mojave%20Road%201a%20137-Th.jpg http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-Lf2Vrtg/0/Th/Mojave%20Road%201a%20140-Th.jpghttp://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-437Rkh7/0/Th/Mojave%20Road%201a%20141-Th.jpg
With the sun making time upwards, we had to get going. John would take the lead since he had the way points downloaded on his GPS system.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-pPC7Fn6/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20164-M.jpg
The rest of us would follow.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-hNRg5RW/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20172-M.jpg
Through sandy washes and narrow valleys we were lead by John’s trusty GPS. Not long into the day we had our first in counter of two-desert rider zipping pass our caravan.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-4Jg82ZG/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20228-M.jpg
Stopping somewhere on the trail for Matt and Rey are going to bike it for a while.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-MwrDWjR/0/M/Matt%27s%20Mojave5-M.jpg
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-hg6zWWR/0/M/Jeff%27s%20Mojave6-M.jpg
Many of the locals stood up and took notice as this strange group passed by.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-5mWkzhR/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20289-M.jpg
Trail markers were few and far apart.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-7wMdNCr/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20319-M.jpg
Before we knew it crossing, CA95 laid ahead.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-7nSPJ55/0/M/Mojave%20RD1-M.jpg
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-zf39nSW/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20343-M.jpg
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-tq4MwsS/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20346-M.jpg
A few miles west of CA95 Jeff would show his long acquired skills and experience.
Video,click pic
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-k7G3cXH/0/M/Jeff%27s%20Tiltin%27%20TC-M.jpg
Leaving the BLM part of Mojave Trail and into Mojave National Preseve.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-dN9Bhst/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20381-M.jpg
We followed the rocky road up to Fort Piutehttp://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-q5dVdwC/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20384-M.jpg
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-9pCWTV4/0/M/Fort%20Piute1-M.jpg
Alex is bring up the rear, had to stop for photos, the rest of the group was parked and dispersing to see the ruins of not so long ago.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-dK5DWKj/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20405-M.jpg
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-XHqMpdn/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20409-M.jpg
Catching up with everyone else, I soon was out exploring the area.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-Xr4vd2J/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20411-M.jpg
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-Cz6knTw/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20412-M.jpg
Heading into the valley, wanted to find some open water down in the creek. Matt was a lot farther down the trail and would run into him.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-mJPn8Sz/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20417-M.jpg
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-s3M3css/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20421-M.jpg
I did find an open spot showing the water surface, a small one.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-88nsgCC/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20440-M.jpg
Abundance of vegetation was to be seen around and nearby of the creek.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-kzwmxH4/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20433-M.jpg
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-H5mBq8r/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20438-M.jpg
Back at the dirt parking area the guys had broke out food, time for lunch.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-LkBwGdV/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20446-M.jpg
With full bellies, we said good-bye to Fort Piute, Matt continues on riding his bike.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-hHLpr2F/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20455-M.jpg
Mojave Road dead ends at Fort Piute and we had to find our way around the mountain to pick Mojave Road back up.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-vLgqXvV/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20464-M.jpg
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-v6cqt6n/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20470-M.jpg
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-nfVgRbV/0/M/Mojave%20Rd-M.jpg
The dirt pass road would be a good climb and cobble stone much of the way.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-Xr2s5sq/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20473-M.jpg
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-cpBMVkk/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20474-M.jpg
Nearing the summit of this little canyon trail Matt was waiting for us to arrive.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-d39SG7s/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20482-M.jpg
Soaring above us a Turkey Vulture was wondering if we would be his next meal.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-T99XzRJ/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20489-M.jpg
Taking a short break to stretch our legs we could see a long and very straight road laid before us.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-J7KJ4xM/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20494-M.jpg
A sandy pathway greeted us with several wash crossings.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-Dk5mV5q/0/M/Jeff%27s%20Mojave9-M.jpg
Our group came across a side feature that was unknown to us an abandon bus and items.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-d3s9VMC/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20520-M.jpg
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-4Vcg4WB/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20522-M.jpg
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-LjvGRNw/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20533-M.jpg
Once again, a couple of two-wheeled desert crossers came zipping pass us.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-SvLP6Mk/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20536-M.jpg
Mojave Road Trail has presented some interesting challenges for TCs, with below the grade level terrain combine with a lot of off camber ground.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-6fbP5hr/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20548-M.jpg
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-nfPpX6N/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20560-M.jpg
Nevada Southern Rail Road has a marker on our route.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-f2N5ssg/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20567-M.jpg
Placed there by the Billy Holcomb Chapter.
Onward we go, Rey’s 4 Runner gets a little air under the right rear tire.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-7xkPNzx/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20572-M.jpg
Surround by assorted vegetation, all having needle like points to create lots of pin stripping.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-MqBzbts/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20580-M.jpg
After a long day we settle down in a sandy wash, Jeff cooked a great dinner.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-fFwRVNs/0/M/Mojave%20Road1b%20013-M.jpg
My personal thanks to Jeff Reynolds for inviting me along and for the use of photos in this TCTR, I’ll have part 2 ASAP.
RE: The Mojave Road: Recapitulation
Since I was behind Jeff's rig most of the trip (videoing)I was surprised that the trailer hitch just didn't snap off due to the extreme articulation that the trailer was required to do on the Mojave Road Trail.I finnished a video of a spot near Camp Rock Springs/Rock House that we all did. Mojave Dead Drop V-Notch
This was than interesting drop into the river wash.
RE: The Bros do the Mojave Road
This was a great adventure with Jeff and his Bros, thanks for inviting me along to share the wonders of Mojave Road Trail.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-GK5hm9h/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20128-M.jpg
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-J2bBxLn/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20147-M.jpg
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Other/Mojave-Road-32013/i-xxfLhxs/0/M/Mojave%20Road%201a%20295-M.jpg
RE: Lowest gas prices you remember.
I remmber as a kid the local stations having gas wars...5gals for a buck and they still washed your windows, checked your tire pressure and checked your oil.
RE: Rooftop A/C recharge??
Boy do you all have your heads wrapped around the STATE YOU LIVE IN.
HVAC laws are different in each state it is not a Federal Mandate. :R
If you were all professionals you would know that the laws differ from state to state.
Those state laws are based on federal mandates under the Clean Air Act and other agreements imposed upon the states by the Feds. These regulations have added a lot of bucks to each job. Here in California we're waiting for the new 2013 regulations amd I don't like what I've been hearing.
RE: Rooftop A/C recharge??
Depending on what state you are in once you open it to recharge it, NO ONE will ever work on it.
I did not know this. I had one repair guy that recharged my A/C I just thought this was standard procedure. NOT.
Down the road I needed my coils cleaned and called mobile repair out and once they saw that it had been recharged and a valve put on to do it they would NOT touch my A/C. It is a sealed unit and they all said they are not allowed by law to work or touch it. Or they could loose their license. I called their office to confirm and got read the riot act and yes they confirmed they could not work on it.
That said you will probably find some back yard repair guy to do it but don't expect to have any licensed repair guy to ever work on it after that. Just saying that is what I encountered.
Most don't need a recharge they need the coils cleaned and often.
WHAT Law and WHAT license would they lose???? IF they have a HVAC license, THAT is what the License is for. I know of no law (at least in Texas) that prohibits ME from working on a RV AC unit sealed system. I Don't anymore, because it is not cost feasible at $125 labor per hour. Doug
I'm a C20 (HVAC) contractor in California and dougrainer is RIGHT there is no such law anywhere in this country. On repairs its a matter of balance between cost of repairs vs replacement(RV AC units) because of the price of a new unit.I'll do my residential customers RV unit, but I don't openly peruse the repairing of RV AC unit because of the cost of repairs vs replacement. You must have as least a EPA608/609 cert. to access the refrigerate circuit of a AC unit or refrigeration system. I'll also pass this along and to my dismay there are some dis honest techs out there that are saying that if you have a R22 system that's its illegal and you have to replace it, IF you have any tech that tells you that its a out right lie. R22 is being phased out but it's still legal to use and to have.
RE: A/c refrigerant decided it wanted to be free
We're full timers, and run the a/c a LOT. Yesterday, the a/c was running, and doing just fine, when all of a sudden, the refrigerant decided it wanted to come out and play. Our initial thought was "electrical fire!" while we're pleased to announce that there was no electrical fire, that smell turned out to be good old r22. Wonderful...
I know they sell those "stab fittings" or whatever they're called, that you can. Add to your line to service the a/c without having to buy a new unit, but I'll be a monkeys uncle if I can find one. Any ideas on where to look? Also, where can I find some r22? I'm a mechanic by trade, so I've got a sniffer to locate the leak, and a machine to vacuum it down and recharge it... I've even got a tank of 134... But that's not going to do me any good. Any help would be appreciated.
Those "stab things" are called tap-a-lines and can be bought at AC whole salers,since you've losted all the R22 out your unit install periment service valves. Any compified AC tech can make the repairs and re-charge your unit.The only thing you'll have decide upon is if the cost of repairs vs replacement, you'll need to have a EPA608/609 cert. in order to buy R22 and my cost as of last week was 450 dollars/30 lbs. It's your call on what direction you want to go, I'm a C20 (HAVC) contractor in Calfornia.
RE: Sad news from Janet Curley...
I'm sad to hear about the passing of Don, he was very helpful in the planning of my first trip on the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands, he will be missed.
Vent Fan Motor
On Feb. 05, 2013, i went out to my TC to do some cleaning and light maintenace only to discover that the power vent motor was making a grinding noise.Course first thing I thought was bearing were gone. Well I pulled the fan motor out of its bracket and took it apart.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Hobbies/Camper-ProjectsRepairs/i-4WtgWvp/0/M/IMG_0056-M.jpg
Only to find that one of the permanent magnet had come lose,never had this happen before.So all I'll have to do is re-glue that magnet back in place.Decide to use some JB Wield that I have.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Hobbies/Camper-ProjectsRepairs/i-GQs6gLq/0/M/IMG_0058-M.jpg
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Hobbies/Camper-ProjectsRepairs/i-79tCWWf/0/M/IMG_0060-M.jpg
It was a simple enought fix, while the adhesive was dring (overnight)I did a cleaning on the rest of the motor.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Hobbies/Camper-ProjectsRepairs/i-3nXH38L/0/M/IMG_0062-M.jpg
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Hobbies/Camper-ProjectsRepairs/i-dv5DxLv/0/M/IMG_0063-M.jpg
The next day I re-assembled the motor, make sure you alinge the female threads on the bearing end cap to line up with the space between the magnets.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Hobbies/Camper-ProjectsRepairs/i-VJg3BTs/0/M/IMG_0064-M.jpg
For you have to drop these bolts in.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Hobbies/Camper-ProjectsRepairs/i-gp6Lf7K/0/M/IMG_0065-M.jpg
Placing the motor back in its bracket and feeding the wires through the bracket arm to the control board.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Hobbies/Camper-ProjectsRepairs/i-S67cjxQ/0/M/IMG_0069-M.jpg
Don't forget to put on new crimp ons male connectors on the fan motor wires, these connectors had to be cut in order to pull the wires through the bracket arm.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Hobbies/Camper-ProjectsRepairs/i-xh5q3GD/0/M/IMG_0070-M.jpg
A finnal test of the motor and all is well, it fuction without any further noise.
http://travelingman2.smugmug.com/Hobbies/Camper-ProjectsRepairs/i-27qfJTb/0/M/IMG_0071-M.jpg
RE: Extra propane
The problem about carring a propane tank inside your camper is that the pressure relief valve could malfuction and release a large quantity of that exposive liquid inside your camper creating a possible explosive sitution. I had one of my extra tank did this, lucky for me it was outside, lost most of that 5 gals.I carry my extra tank up in the roof rack.
RE: Our custom true flatbed truck camper build thread
Ordered a Norcold N641.3R 3 way 6.3cuft fridge, Atwood Everest Star 7920 II furnace, Atwood 6 gallon gas/electric/DSI water heater, stainless steel range hood, and some hatches and vent covers for those. Will need this stuff to figure out how to frame the walls. Will need other stuff too obviously, but searching for good deals takes time.
Have you thought about using a 12Vdc refrigerator instead of a 3-way?
