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Forum
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RE: Another Bike Rack Question!
I'm fortunate in that my LP bottles are in a side storage compartment a couple feet back from the front. My rack is adjustable forward and back to allow for different configurations. I bought the 18" taller rack that gives me extra height, I would think this rack allows enough adjustment for LP bottles, especially if your children still have smaller bikes. I have 4 bikes in the truck bed already so I only need to put the smallest bikes on the rack. The added bonus is some serious support for my battery rack where I plan to mount a pair of larger batteries.
Edit: With a little fabrication it would be easy to increase the rack height even more, if stability is an issue you have alot of steel up front there to strap/brace to. Toppoprails is way too much $$ for such a thin lookin rack IMO.
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MaddogBC
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08/18/08 03:40pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Another Bike Rack Question!
I bought this BXJR117 bike rack and modified the front of my TT with a 4' piece of 2" square stock.
http://photoshare.shaw.ca/image/5/7/d/130063/img_3253-0.jpg?rev=0 height=640 width=480
http://photoshare.shaw.ca/image/5/7/d/130063/img_3254-0.jpg?rev=0 height=640
http://photoshare.shaw.ca/image/5/7/d/130063/img_3252-0.jpg?rev=0 height=640
http://photoshare.shaw.ca/image/5/7/d/130063/img_3256-0.jpg?rev=0 height=640
I still have some minor bounce loaded with 2 bikes. Well worth the effort, it works well.
Good luck.
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MaddogBC
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08/17/08 10:45pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: rotten underneath
#1 indicator IMO is discolored vinyl or wall board. I recently finished redoing my 2000. The entire front of the trailer's floor system had been trapping water and I had to replace the entire floor 12' back. It was nasty to say the least. I bought it at an auction and had no idea there was problems until packing for the first trip.
You HAVE to find the source of the leak and fix it ASAP, it will only get worse until then. Mine was caused by bad foam seal on the fiberglass cover for the front window. It was causing water to be trapped between the window and the cover and it eventually found it's way directly through framing into the floor system. I finally figured it out by following the dust trail left by the draining water.
Best of Luck.
Rob
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MaddogBC
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07/07/08 12:25am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Gear Oil variances
Went through the book cover to cover and it seems to skip the diff's
goes straight from engine to tranny to transfer case but no mention of rear end or differential. And yes I checked the index too!
My tranny guy talked me out of 75/140 so I used 75/90 penn synthetic @ 14 per L
Scraped off all the old silicone and installed a new gasket. Cleaned it all extremely well. Will find out tomorrow, but I'm satisfied. A little unsure how tight I should torque the cover back on, it was extremely tight. I filled it at 25 lbs per bolt and am leery about going tighter. Thanks for all the help.
Rob
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MaddogBC
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07/06/08 04:43pm |
Tech Issues
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Gear Oil variances
This topic has been moved to another forum.
You can read it here: 21622001
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MaddogBC
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07/06/08 12:14pm |
Towing
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Gear Oil variances
Heading out on a 400 mile trip tomorrow and considering replacing the fluid in my rear Diff on a 1993 F250 with the 7.3l
I understand Synthetic Oil handles the heat better and will not break down as fast. Just got off the phone with the "sunday" Lordco guy and he tried to steer me away from 75/140 because of a higher detergent level.
The fluid is at least 3 years old and this is my first season towing heavy loads.
What would you recommend both for type of fluid and procedure to replace? Should I flush with cheap oil first? Thanks for your time
Rob
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MaddogBC
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07/06/08 12:14pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Water Pump Failure
We ran our pump dry while flushing our tanks. Then it would not prime. We did all the normal things to get it to prime, but no luck. Turns out it was a vapor lock in the fitting that connects the pump to the intake/ outlet hoses. Try unscrewing the plastic nuts and breaking the vapor lock. Worked for us.
Great advice there
Not knowing this cost me 108$ and a trip back to civilization last week.
But on the plus side I now have a good backup in case the new pump ever fails :)
Rob
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MaddogBC
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07/05/08 01:30pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: TOOL BOXES BEHINE TRAILERS
I have read several stories about ppl losing or almost losing their bumpers, I would stick to the 100 lb rating unless you do some reinforcing. I built this box for the blue tote and left enough room for some chairs and a few cords and stuff.
Good luck!
Mad
http://photoshare.shaw.ca/image/5/7/d/130063/img_3157-0.jpg?rev=0 height=600
http://photoshare.shaw.ca/image/5/7/d/130063/img_3161-0.jpg?rev=0 height=600
http://photoshare.shaw.ca/image/5/7/d/130063/img_3160-0.jpg?rev=0 height=600
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MaddogBC
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05/31/08 11:07am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Cool Mods
Aye Nice Mags!
Not finished all the mods I have in mind for this first blitz.
I got a great deal on a 22 gallon barker blue tote
I removed my spare from the back bumper and built this
http://photoshare.shaw.ca/image/5/7/d/130063/img_3176-0.jpg?rev=0 height=640
I recycled the u bolts from my spare carrier and picked up two cheap spare carrier mounts at Princess Auto
http://photoshare.shaw.ca/image/5/7/d/130063/img_3160-0.jpg?rev=0 height=640
I made it large enough to carry a couple fold up chairs,I also stuff 50' of heavy gauge cord in there.
http://photoshare.shaw.ca/image/5/7/d/130063/img_3161-0.jpg?rev=0 height=640
I coated it many times with outdoor stain, all the lumber is pressure treated, and all joints are siliconed. I used galvanized fasteners and alot of PL Premium construction adhesive. I used 1" x 1/4" self adhesive weather stripping on the trailer siding and compressed the box tightly into it. There were zero signs of rubbing after our only 400 mile trip. The lock is a typical canopy style T handle from my local rv dealer. Total cost around 80$, but i get some great deals :)
Needing a place to store the spare I used a bunch of leftovers from other mods to make a rack under the frame in front of the axles.I used Superstrut(rated for seismic bracing), 1 1/2" angle iron, and some fancy self cutting 3/8" bolts.
http://photoshare.shaw.ca/image/5/7/d/130063/img_3165-0.jpg?rev=0 height=640
These superstrut spring anchors cost me over 2$ each!
http://photoshare.shaw.ca/image/5/7/d/130063/img_3166-0.jpg?rev=0 height=640
I had lots of stain and plywood left over so the toolboxes really only cost me 2 more t handle sets, 2 more piano hinges, and 12 sets of spring anchors, grade 8 bolts, and lockwashers. I used 2 6" galvanized 1/2" carriage bolts to secure the tire to another piece of susperstrut above the rack. Nearly 15$ for the pair, I carry an cordless impact driver with me anyways so didn't want to mess with mounting a crank. I lightly greased the bolt threads so they should drop off easily on the side of the road
http://photoshare.shaw.ca/image/5/7/d/130063/img_3163-0.jpg?rev=0 height=640
I used some heavy gauge carrying channel (used to brace steel stud framing) inside the box to prevent the plywood from crushing. Lining up 6 bolts inside a surprisingly heavy box without popping those spring anchors was a ridiculously frustrating experience.
This pic was taken with the camera nearly on the ground and makes it look flush with the frame, in fact they are a few inches recessed, none of these are lower than my sewer connections. From anywhere close to the trailer you can't even tell the boxes have handles.
http://photoshare.shaw.ca/image/5/7/d/130063/img_3182-0.jpg?rev=0 height=640
Total cost counting new carlisle spare and rim was about 250$ but i had alot of misc laying around and got a good deal on the spare at you guessed it, Princess Auto.(one of my favourite toy stores)I torque'd every bolt to appropriate force, I plan to check them all a few times a year, I used lockwashers on everything so hopefully nothing will loosen over time. I used a combination of foam and rubber gasket to keep these boxes watertight.
Have a few more I'll post later. Thanks for this awesome thread. I've gotten so much inspiration from these pages.
PS: We only bought this trailer 8 weeks ago and last weekend was her maiden voyage. Everything worked like a charm!
Rob
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MaddogBC
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05/18/08 11:58pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: replace roof and other re-construction... re-use siding?
I've done it twice and re used siding. have to be real carefull and have a good selection of thin pry bars. pull out staples individually and work your way top to bottom. Very expensive to replace siding and then replaced pieces stand out because they have weathered at different rates. Good Luck
Rob
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MaddogBC
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05/18/08 06:11pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Remodel TT / Structural issues
i have a 2000 Jayco 25' and am just in the middle of a major reno. I have the entire front section tore apart right down to the framing. (rotten floor joist)
hard to say for sure of course, but i'd venture to guess yours is a box like anything else. depending on options the shell is essentially the same and derives it's structural integrity from the walls only. Now that being said you certainly want to make sure your siding and interior sheathing is all fastened properly because that's where the wall gets most of it's strength. I'd watch as i disassembled it for any movement as things were pulled free. once you had it stripped down to the shell apply some pressure near top of walls from outside. if trailer rocks a little without any wall flex i'd say your good to go. Don't pull out any walls or gables though. Our upper bunk just sat on aluminum angle. and came free easily. Again not sure if yours is as simple as mine, best to use your own judgement as to how well the thing was put together in the first place.
Good luck!
Rob
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MaddogBC
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05/18/08 05:48pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: getting frustrated!
4" clamps like that are quite common seen them at Princess Auto and Home Depot. I recycled my 4.5" u bolts from my original spare carrier. The painted brackets you see are cheap spare tire brackets i paid 6$a piece. hardly worth the fabrication time at that price :) I liked those brackets because they notch halfway into the box and add a lot of strength. I carry 2 extension cords and two camping chairs as well in there and it is rock solid.
Snapped a few pics of the bike rack just now, i'll take some better ones, as well as loaded pics sometime after the current MAJOR renovation is complete.
http://photoshare.shaw.ca/image/5/7/d/130063/img_3256-0.jpg?rev=0
http://photoshare.shaw.ca/image/5/7/d/130063/img_3257-0.jpg?rev=0
http://photoshare.shaw.ca/image/5/7/d/130063/img_3252-0.jpg?rev=0
This one has more bolts higher up that got missed in this pic
http://photoshare.shaw.ca/image/5/7/d/130063/img_3254-0.jpg?rev=0
http://photoshare.shaw.ca/image/5/7/d/130063/img_3253-0.jpg?rev=0
I have some more pics here but i have a few more mods still to take pics of and of course have a few more planned :)
Rob
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MaddogBC
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05/18/08 11:52am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: getting frustrated!
This is my Blue Boy box
http://photoshare.shaw.ca/image/5/7/d/130063/img_3176-0.jpg?rev=0 height=640
http://photoshare.shaw.ca/image/5/7/d/130063/img_3160-0.jpg?rev=0 height=640
http://photoshare.shaw.ca/image/5/7/d/130063/img_3161-0.jpg?rev=0 height=640
I moved my spare to the frame to free up some weight on my poor thin 4" bumper
http://photoshare.shaw.ca/image/5/7/d/130063/img_3182-0.jpg?rev=0 height=640
The bike rack i linked previously is not mine at all. it is over 500 bucks i heard. My rack just got finished tonight, i did take some pics but it was too dark they didn't turn out very well i'll take a few more tomorrow. total cost was around 200$ for mine.But i had a bunch of extra steel and bolts laying around, i ordered the upright portion from RVupgrades.com. you might want to consider reinforcing your bumper to your frame with some gussets of some sort. i've read most factory welds are poorly done in this location.
Rob
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MaddogBC
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05/17/08 11:28pm |
Travel Trailers
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Copper Napthate
I would like to use Copper II to treat some wood in my TT. I've worked with it several times in the past and it's nasty stuff. I'm wondering if anyone has used it in their RV and if there was any persistent smells. Thanks for your thoughts.
Rob
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MaddogBC
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05/17/08 11:40am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: getting frustrated!
we carry 5 or 6 bikes with an f250 and a 25' Jayco. I carry 4 bikes in the truck bed upright under the canopy with a rack i built. i can also carry 3 bikes on the tongue with another rack i built to accomodate a 50" Blue Ox receiver rack. I also moved my blue boy to the back bumper for easy access, it's enclosed in a plywood box that allows storage for a few other items. Most rear bumpers are only rated for 100 pounds or less and i think yor pushing it adding another 100 pounds after the spare. i moved my spare to the underside of the frame on a new rack. has all worked out very well, but was many hours getting it all setup :)
This rack is ok but very expensive toppoprails.
Good Luck
Rob
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MaddogBC
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05/17/08 11:16am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Best on-line prices for general camping supplies
i just got a hard to find bike rack from RVupgrades.com Fast shipping and good packaging. plan to use them again.
Rob
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MaddogBC
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05/17/08 01:07am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: How does your trailer make you feel?
not a day goes by without me stoppin' an starin', always thinkin about the next TT project. :)
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MaddogBC
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05/16/08 10:20pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Sanitizing fresh water system for the first time...
1/4 cup per 15 gallons I have seen used in many pages and posts, much more so than any other ratio. It's what Jayco recommends for their trailers. Worked quite well for us, the thought of ruining a vacation with a sick family because I was too lazy to do an hours work just doesn't sit well with me :)
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MaddogBC
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05/16/08 07:23pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Sanitizing fresh water system for the first time...
No problem, it was my first time so i didn't want to mess it up. :)
I've seen many posts on the subject. some ppl never bother over the course of many years, some ppl only use a little bleach and skip the vinegar step. The vinegar is only to remove any bleach taste. I love the fact that we can now carry over 40 gallons wherever we go, in fact i spent a week of nights fabricating a steel and aluminum support for the tank. lol will always leave full :)
Rob
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MaddogBC
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05/16/08 12:57am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Where to camp in B.C.????????
We stayed at the Kettle River Provincial campsite last weekend and it's one of our favourites. Lots to see and do especially if your into hiking or mountain biking, great tubing in the summer too. We like to ride on the old railbed, you can see alot of beautiful BC in this way. Plenty of places near Kelowna but they all book so fast, our favourite provincial spot bookings are all 3 months in advance and are filling up daily :(
A great spot near Vernon if you want to get out of the RV for a night is Lakeside Illahee Inn a 4.5 star B&B that is great. Sry not sure where to fit a 40' out that way. :)
My vote is for BC Provincial Parks This site lets you search a bunch of ways, we love to search by activity and find loads of new places to go
Best of Luck, I know you'll enjoy the area. :)
Rob
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MaddogBC
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05/16/08 12:33am |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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