Location, At home, Ca
Where or where have the days gone? I knew I hadn’t posted for a few days but didn’t realize how many had gone by.
I finished putting all of the screws back in the trailer panel and caulked every seam that needed caulk.
I picked up the truck Monday afternoon from the shop. It was a hefty bill to pay but considering the things that had been done, I can accept it. They did a lube, oil, and filter service, transmission service, replaced the water pump, and replaced the front brake pads, resurfaced the front rotors, and packed the wheel bearings. There were a few other minor items done also.
I had a blood test on Tuesday in preparation for my annual physical today. Everything is normal and even my cholesterol is in an acceptable range. That should do it for doctor visits for a while. I do need to see the dentist for a checkup and also the eye doctor. All of these are done on a semi or annual basis and it is something I have been doing for years. Consequently, there are few surprises.
A comment here is in order I think. For those of us who travel several months out of the year, scheduling and keeping medical appointments, ordering meds, and keeping it all straight becomes a problem. We usually schedule all of this for late November or December as that is when we are home. Others I have talked with do much the same by heading to their home base or last permanent living base to take care of necessary medical checkups.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Sunday, December 2, 2007
More Trailer repair
Location, At home, Ca
Several days have passed since I put anything in the blog again. It’s beginning to be a habit. Frankly, I don’t know why the time passes so fast.
Yesterday I put the side trim pieces back on the trailer. They hold the edges of the big panel on and provide a water tight seal on the sides. I ran out of stainless steel self taping screws for the front trim so that will wait until I pick up more.
I installed a Maxxair vent cover over the bathroom vent on the trailer. I had left this off as I thought it made the trailer to tall. During our trip this summer I wished several times that the vent had a cover to keep rain out but let air in.
Last night we went to a Manicotti/white elephant Christmas party at a friend’s house. This is an annual thing with basically the same people invited each year. There were few “white elephant” gifts last night and too many good gifts which people wanted to keep rather than trade. It was fun though.
Several days have passed since I put anything in the blog again. It’s beginning to be a habit. Frankly, I don’t know why the time passes so fast.
Yesterday I put the side trim pieces back on the trailer. They hold the edges of the big panel on and provide a water tight seal on the sides. I ran out of stainless steel self taping screws for the front trim so that will wait until I pick up more.
I installed a Maxxair vent cover over the bathroom vent on the trailer. I had left this off as I thought it made the trailer to tall. During our trip this summer I wished several times that the vent had a cover to keep rain out but let air in.
Last night we went to a Manicotti/white elephant Christmas party at a friend’s house. This is an annual thing with basically the same people invited each year. There were few “white elephant” gifts last night and too many good gifts which people wanted to keep rather than trade. It was fun though.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Progrees on the Trailer
Location, At home, Ca
I got out of my normal routine today as the truck needed to be in the shop at 8 AM for several maintenance items. Usually I do my walk at 7 AM or so and walk for an hour, but today I had to forgo that.
So, after the truck was delivered, I worked on the trailer panel. When the panel was initially removed I noticed that a hydraulic line to the bedroom slide was routed in the wrong place. The route forced the panel to bulge down where it crossed a frame member so I disconnected the hose end at the pump and re-routed it in the same channel as the return line. It is a much better placement and will make it easier to install the panel. I can’t help but think that the original hose placement was in error.
I cleaned all of the caulked edges of the panel with acetone and shortly after lunch, with help from my son and a friend, we put the panel in place. The panel is held up in the middle with 3/16 inch pop rivets which go through the box frame in several places. I had pre-painted the rivets to match the panel color (white).The edges of the panel are held in place with self tapping screws. I will put those on tomorrow along with the trim.
I was supposed to have a treadmill test tomorrow but the Doctors office called yesterday and asked me to come in this afternoon. The test has become routine for me as I have had one each year for the last several years. After the test, which went very well, the Doctor suggested that every two years would be ok. Exercise, diet, and drugs of course appear to be doing the trick. I see my regular Doctor next week.
As I was returning from the Doctors office I received a call from the shop working on the truck. They found that the front brakes were down to less than 5% of the pads remaining. Sooo, they need to be replaced.
I got out of my normal routine today as the truck needed to be in the shop at 8 AM for several maintenance items. Usually I do my walk at 7 AM or so and walk for an hour, but today I had to forgo that.
So, after the truck was delivered, I worked on the trailer panel. When the panel was initially removed I noticed that a hydraulic line to the bedroom slide was routed in the wrong place. The route forced the panel to bulge down where it crossed a frame member so I disconnected the hose end at the pump and re-routed it in the same channel as the return line. It is a much better placement and will make it easier to install the panel. I can’t help but think that the original hose placement was in error.
I cleaned all of the caulked edges of the panel with acetone and shortly after lunch, with help from my son and a friend, we put the panel in place. The panel is held up in the middle with 3/16 inch pop rivets which go through the box frame in several places. I had pre-painted the rivets to match the panel color (white).The edges of the panel are held in place with self tapping screws. I will put those on tomorrow along with the trim.
I was supposed to have a treadmill test tomorrow but the Doctors office called yesterday and asked me to come in this afternoon. The test has become routine for me as I have had one each year for the last several years. After the test, which went very well, the Doctor suggested that every two years would be ok. Exercise, diet, and drugs of course appear to be doing the trick. I see my regular Doctor next week.
As I was returning from the Doctors office I received a call from the shop working on the truck. They found that the front brakes were down to less than 5% of the pads remaining. Sooo, they need to be replaced.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Basketball and trailer repair
Location, At home, Ca
The basketball game last night was like old times. The crowd was one of the biggest in years. Not as big as in the old days of the UNLV vs UCSB rivalry, but close enough. The student section especially was well represented. It should be as they get in for free.
UCSB played poorly in the first half but made up for it in the second half. The score was tied with 4.2 seconds remaining when UCSB in-bounded the ball and one of the guards hit a 3 pointer while falling down. UNLV was in shock. UCSB beat them in Las Vegas last year and the last two games at UCSB. Unbelievable win!
Progress is being made on the trailer. I buffed all of the rust off the screws and welds and primed them this morning. I painted all of the pop rivet heads white so they match the panel. Tomorrow I hope to clean the panel with acetone so the new caulking will stick better. I may even get the panel put back in place. We are supposed to have rain on Friday so it would be nice to get it buttoned up against weather.
I would post photos but there really isn’t much to see. I am storing the panel in the garage to make sure nothing happens to it. It is large and unwieldy and somewhat fragile so I treat it gently.
Tomorrow morning the truck goes in for much need maintenance. My list is long and I suspect it will be expensive. The biggest item is the water pump which appears to be leaking. The tranny needs servicing and the usual lube, oil, and filter needs to be done.
I can hope for the best.
The basketball game last night was like old times. The crowd was one of the biggest in years. Not as big as in the old days of the UNLV vs UCSB rivalry, but close enough. The student section especially was well represented. It should be as they get in for free.
UCSB played poorly in the first half but made up for it in the second half. The score was tied with 4.2 seconds remaining when UCSB in-bounded the ball and one of the guards hit a 3 pointer while falling down. UNLV was in shock. UCSB beat them in Las Vegas last year and the last two games at UCSB. Unbelievable win!
Progress is being made on the trailer. I buffed all of the rust off the screws and welds and primed them this morning. I painted all of the pop rivet heads white so they match the panel. Tomorrow I hope to clean the panel with acetone so the new caulking will stick better. I may even get the panel put back in place. We are supposed to have rain on Friday so it would be nice to get it buttoned up against weather.
I would post photos but there really isn’t much to see. I am storing the panel in the garage to make sure nothing happens to it. It is large and unwieldy and somewhat fragile so I treat it gently.
Tomorrow morning the truck goes in for much need maintenance. My list is long and I suspect it will be expensive. The biggest item is the water pump which appears to be leaking. The tranny needs servicing and the usual lube, oil, and filter needs to be done.
I can hope for the best.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Happy Birthday, Clyda
Location, At home, Ca
I am still working on the RV front panel. Just removing the old caulk has taken me 2 days with a putty knife. I have most of it removed but now need to clean everything with lacquer thinner so the new caulk will stick to the metal. I bought stainless steel screws to replace the old screws as they had started to rust. In fact some of them broke off when I tried to remove them. I will just drill new pilot holes when I reinstall the panel.
Today is Clyda’s birthday but we are not doing anything special. Craig will make waffles for dinner (her request) and then we will go to a basketball game. The Running Rebels from the University of Las Vegas are in town. It is the first time since the 1990’s that they have returned here. This used to be a big rivalry back then. We will see how many fans show up and just how much of a contest it will be.
It was a nice sunny day today but it sure cools off early in the afternoon. I think we may get rain later in the week.
I am still working on the RV front panel. Just removing the old caulk has taken me 2 days with a putty knife. I have most of it removed but now need to clean everything with lacquer thinner so the new caulk will stick to the metal. I bought stainless steel screws to replace the old screws as they had started to rust. In fact some of them broke off when I tried to remove them. I will just drill new pilot holes when I reinstall the panel.
Today is Clyda’s birthday but we are not doing anything special. Craig will make waffles for dinner (her request) and then we will go to a basketball game. The Running Rebels from the University of Las Vegas are in town. It is the first time since the 1990’s that they have returned here. This used to be a big rivalry back then. We will see how many fans show up and just how much of a contest it will be.
It was a nice sunny day today but it sure cools off early in the afternoon. I think we may get rain later in the week.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Trailer problem
Location, At home, CA
I missed a few days of blogging this week so will try to catch up.
We had a good Thanksgiving with family and neighbors for dinner. Everyone contributed something. I BBQ’ed the turkey with a lot of rosemary and caught the drippings in a pan which were strained and used to flavor the dressing and gravy. Outstanding dressing and gravy! The turkey had a nice smoky flavor.
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Before and after pictures.
We have been going to the local college basketball games which accounts for 3 evenings. We saw the men’s team twice and the women’s team once. The men won both games and the women lost to third ranked Maryland by only 4 points which was a big improvement over last years loss at Maryland by 66 points.
I have a problem to solve on the RV. There is a crack in the exterior sidewall by the bedroom slide. The crack extends diagonally from the bottom left corner of the slide opening in the sidewall for about 8 inches. It is barely noticeable when the trailer is parked and unloaded. When it is hooked to the truck the crack opens about the width of a pencil lead.
The obvious problem would seem to be a broken weld in the frame. I removed the panel under the fifth wheel overhang to look at the frame. Other than some slight water damage to the under layment from a poor caulking job at the factory, there is no evidence of a frame problem. All welds look good. Putting the trailer back on the truck to see if the frame flexes shows little if any deforming of the frame.
The conclusion is that normal flexing of the frame while traveling and weight in the front closet and under the bed is causing the problem. The crack will be stopped by drilling a small hole at the end and then filled with RTV while hooked to the truck. After the RTV is dried, (24 hours) the trailer can be removed from the truck. Slight puckering can be expected along the crack because of the RTV.
The rust areas, which are mainly screw heads, will be sanded and primed and the panel will be reinstalled. Stay tuned for a progress report.
I missed a few days of blogging this week so will try to catch up.
We had a good Thanksgiving with family and neighbors for dinner. Everyone contributed something. I BBQ’ed the turkey with a lot of rosemary and caught the drippings in a pan which were strained and used to flavor the dressing and gravy. Outstanding dressing and gravy! The turkey had a nice smoky flavor.
.JPG)
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Before and after pictures.
We have been going to the local college basketball games which accounts for 3 evenings. We saw the men’s team twice and the women’s team once. The men won both games and the women lost to third ranked Maryland by only 4 points which was a big improvement over last years loss at Maryland by 66 points.
I have a problem to solve on the RV. There is a crack in the exterior sidewall by the bedroom slide. The crack extends diagonally from the bottom left corner of the slide opening in the sidewall for about 8 inches. It is barely noticeable when the trailer is parked and unloaded. When it is hooked to the truck the crack opens about the width of a pencil lead.
The obvious problem would seem to be a broken weld in the frame. I removed the panel under the fifth wheel overhang to look at the frame. Other than some slight water damage to the under layment from a poor caulking job at the factory, there is no evidence of a frame problem. All welds look good. Putting the trailer back on the truck to see if the frame flexes shows little if any deforming of the frame.
The conclusion is that normal flexing of the frame while traveling and weight in the front closet and under the bed is causing the problem. The crack will be stopped by drilling a small hole at the end and then filled with RTV while hooked to the truck. After the RTV is dried, (24 hours) the trailer can be removed from the truck. Slight puckering can be expected along the crack because of the RTV.
The rust areas, which are mainly screw heads, will be sanded and primed and the panel will be reinstalled. Stay tuned for a progress report.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Equinox pictures
Location, At home, CA
I should have mentioned in last night’s trip synopsis that Clyda traveled for 4 months and then came home while I continued and was 5 days short of 5 months when I returned home.
I also said I would post some pictures of the new Equinox so here they are. It had just returned from the dealer after a complete inside and outside detailing so it looks really sharp.
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I may have mentioned in an earlier post that I was reading a large book called "Post War". I finally finished the book last night. I started it when we left on our trip in June. I am not a slow reader but I only read this at night as my bedtime reading. It is all about the European recovery after WW II ended. I bought this book because I wanted to know more about the lives of German people after the fall of Berlin. There was some of that subject in the book but not the detail I was looking for. A better book on this is "German Boy" which I read while in Death Valley. This book is written by Wolfgang W. E. Samuel covering the period from just before the fall of Berlin to 5 years later. He lived it as a boy from his 10th birthday until he was 15 years old. It is a much better account of the everyday life of a boy in Russian occupied Germany
I should have mentioned in last night’s trip synopsis that Clyda traveled for 4 months and then came home while I continued and was 5 days short of 5 months when I returned home.
I also said I would post some pictures of the new Equinox so here they are. It had just returned from the dealer after a complete inside and outside detailing so it looks really sharp.
.jpg)
.jpg)
I may have mentioned in an earlier post that I was reading a large book called "Post War". I finally finished the book last night. I started it when we left on our trip in June. I am not a slow reader but I only read this at night as my bedtime reading. It is all about the European recovery after WW II ended. I bought this book because I wanted to know more about the lives of German people after the fall of Berlin. There was some of that subject in the book but not the detail I was looking for. A better book on this is "German Boy" which I read while in Death Valley. This book is written by Wolfgang W. E. Samuel covering the period from just before the fall of Berlin to 5 years later. He lived it as a boy from his 10th birthday until he was 15 years old. It is a much better account of the everyday life of a boy in Russian occupied Germany
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