RE: What did you do to your Class C MH today???
It's been a busy week. Biggest project, just completed today, was replacing the old seats with a pair of take outs from a Toyota Corolla. (My back is much happier.)
This past weekend we picked the rig up from a service visit. Routine maintenance except for the new turbo charger (*Ouch*!) and chasing down the pinched ground wire that cost us a(nother) starter solenoid. At any rate, we should be (mechanically) ready to hit the road at the end of the week.
After picking the rig up we spent the rest of Saturday cleaning and organizing the "house" and I installed the "new" passenger seat. The drivers seat swap took place today. Both seats used slightly different mounts because the passenger seat is hinged to allow access to the oil fill hatch. It took an unbelievably long time to fabricate the adaptor rails for the drivers seat but I'm quite pleased with the outcome.
Sunday was spent at a Mountain Biking class--getting ourselves ready for Moab.
Plenty more to do before we ship out! (And I really need to shoot some photos for the blog too.)
RE: What did you do to your Class C MH today???
Spent a good two hours cleaning (and polishing) the interior of one of the accessory hitches before I had the sense to throw a digital caliper on the receiver tube for our new bike rack.
2.02" doesn't fit into a 2" receiver.
Manufacturer has been informed and is looking for a tube that's within spec. Meanwhile, I did a bit of machining on the big tube. Tomorrow will be a more productive day.
RE: What did you do to your Class C MH today???
Finally got the "Camper" back from the electrical overhaul. Everything is better than we'd hoped--but was more expensive than we imagined. So it goes. Took a shakedown cruise to Cape Cod last weekend and everything went well.
Yesterday I rewired the trailer socket to conform to the industry standard pin outs. (Anyone care to explain the thinking that goes into wiring a truck to match a trailer instead of the other way around--especially given that trailer must have been wired wrong!) Replaced the socket while I was doing the job--the cover flap had broken off. Currently running new wiring harness through the Demco tow dolly, pulling ground wires directly to each light. (The way they should be grounded to start with.) LED lights went on the Demco last week. Wish we had the $$$ to do the entire rig in LED--maybe next year.
Lots of little projects in the coming weeks as we prepare to head cross country. I'll try to keep you posted--and publish some pix of the interesting stuff.
RE: Gaurdian generator
I'll let you know in a week or two--our Quietpact 40 LP is should be installed by then and I can toss a scope on it to measure the cleanliness of the wave output. I was surprised to find that you're correct, the site doesn't specifically mention the waveform output by the generator--though I'm certain I saw it someplace while doing my research. (Or maybe I spent so much time focusing on the inverter/battery charger system that I "thought" I'd covered this?)
The FAQ does say:
Can my computer and other electronic equipment be used while operating my RV generator?
Yes. GUARDIAN offers models from 3.4 kW to 7.5 kW, which are compatible with all electronic devices, including computers.
Not a definite confirmation about this particular model but I'm not overly concerned about it--any modern generator specifically intended for RVs in this price range is (almost) certain to be "electronics friendly" and I have great faith in our dealer who understands how we intend to use the generator. However, you should call the company or speak with a dealer you trust to confirm this before making a purchase for yourself.
FWIW, I've been told that Generac Guardian generators are frequently used in the dressing and production trailers on film production sets & locations. They have a great reputation for both reliability and (relatively) quiet operation--at least amongst the people I spoke with. In fact, I didn't hear anything bad about them at all--unless you consider some thinking that they're "pricey" to be a negative. We didn't feel that they were "pricey" in comparison to other units we considered and I'm speculating that any extra money spent up front will pay dividends over the years--we plan to keep this generator running for a long, long time.)
I will, however, keep my eyes tuned here for differing viewpoints. Please, let us know what you learn!
RE: Tunnels/propane tanks
And if I recall, there is a sign stating no propane allowed right at the tunnel entrance. I don't recall seeing any other signs but it ihas been a while since I have been to Boston.
Northbound there is a sign prior to the I-95 exit/toll booths. Don't remember the situation southbound-but I don't come down the pike in that direction (from outside the 95/128 loop) very often.
Rgds!
RE: Do you have a name for your RV?
"RoVerhauler" as one of the rigs primary purposes is to drag my Land-Rover across the country for a big event this year.
Jac-Kir ? Seeking any information.
My girlfriend and I purchased our well-used, but well cared for, Class C (or if you prefer, giant truck camper--but we'd need a crane to pull the shell!) in January. We're in the process of upgrading some of the systems prior to a cross-country journey later this year.
The story, as we have it, is that the vehicle was custom built on a new 1972 Ford C8000 dump truck chassis. I would assume that it was built between late '71 and '73, but an "older" chassis could have been procured for a later build. If our information is correct, chassis did not do duty as a dumper before being converted into a "camper." Our findings (and professional opinions) would seem to support that the vehicle was professionally built--if it was a project conversion, the builder knew what he was doing. The only indication we have of "brand" or "builder" are the words Jac-Kir in bold letters across the front of the camper shell. We have manuals for all of the "new" systems, including the CAT 3208TD, Alison tranny and appliances, but no documentation exists for the "original" rig. (And may have never existed.)
The story as we have it is that the rig was originally built for a NASCAR driver to use as a car hauler & track home. So far I haven't found any evidence to corroborate this, but it makes for an interesting story.
So if anyone can provide any insight as to the origin--be it information about "Jac-Kir" or a memory of seeing the rig sitting in the infield at Darlington--or (almost too much to hope for)--a photo--we'd love to hear about it. (If the NASCAR story is true, a photo of the rig "at work" to hang inside is something I really covet. I'm not really a NASCAR fan, but I do enjoy other forms of racing and if the pedigree is legit, I'd like the rig to display it with pride.)
Obviously, I've "Googled" and come up blank. I've also poked around at a couple of NASCAR historical sites, but haven't found one that's been helpful. (No surprise, but it killed a couple of mid-winter hours.)
The rig is pictured in my signature and you can see more photos on Picasaweb. Once we get the rig back from the yard--propane work and new genset & inverter/smart charger being installed--we'll do more documentation and photos.
Thanks in advance for any insight--or even clues--that you can provide.
Best regards!
RE: Laptop Tray, need better vent and some tilt to keyboard
My Podium Coolpad has been with me for three laptops and is still going strong--though I did have to get a new nylon "bolt" from the hardware store to hold the two pieces together.
I've also installed an aftermarket handle on my MacBook Pro that will a provide space and tilt when I'm not carrying the Coolpad.
Because the stand serves my purposes I've never bothered to build one, but sites like the MAKE: magazine blog and Instructables are full of ideas for rolling your own. This Google search will get you started.
And if you don't carry your laptop much--that is it's primarily used at your "desk", a couple of stick-on rubber feet (hardware store, electronics store) will work nicely and can easily be removed if you decide to sell the laptop down the road.
Let us know what you build!
jab
RE: Tunnels/propane tanks
We went through a 1 mile tunnel in Boston last week and no one was stopping or checking anything.
They may not have been stopping or checking, but it's still illegal to transport Propane in the tunnels:
Are campers and RV's allowed on the Massachusetts Turnpike and the Metropolitan Highway System (the Boston Extension and the Ted Williams and Sumner/Callahan Tunnels)?
Yes, campers and RV's are allowed; however, any vehicles carrying propane cannot travel on the Boston Extension (the Turnpike within Route 128) or through the tunnels.
Source: Massachusetts Turnpike Authority
Loop around the tunnels using I95.
rgds
edit: Sorry for the reiteration--I missed a page of the thread accidentially
RE: What did you do to your Class C MH today???
Installed a new cab stereo system, then dropped it off for some major improvements including a new generator and a modern inverter/smart-charger system.
RE: Insurance
Progressive here.
Everyone touting the virtues of Progressive and GMAC should note the query is for an underwriter who will write a policy in Massachusetts. Neither of those companies (who seem to be the underwrite most of the "association member" policies as well) will write policies in Mass. As a previous post indicates, we're "special" here.
Meanwhile, I continue to pull my hair out to get a quote for the heavy truck based "camper" that we're contemplating.
I have one lead--but no direct experience with them yet. (Waiting for a callback.)
Borden RV Insurance Agency
Kim Webb
PO Box 1458, Westboro, MA, 01581
Tel: 800-446-9699, Fax: 508-389-9347
Email: , Website:
Seasonal Home, Travel Trailer, Motor Home 5th Wheel, Tent camper insurance anywhere in New England
Any feedback, or help relevant to my quest, would be appreciated.
