Hello Guest

Show Posts

This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.


Messages - mjmbrown

Pages: [1] 2
1
Everything Trailer, Camper, or RV related / Re: OverLanding Camper Build
« on: October 25, 2019, 04:43:17 PM »
FWIW..... I have the Predator 2000 (Honda clone). I bought it as a back up for my onboard Onan5500 on my toy-hauler.  I reluctantly bough the predator unit based on recommendations from a guy that knows generators & small engine repairs. HF had them @ 399 during some sale and it fit the budget. The expert said Predators are well made and nearly as good as the Honda's in terms of reliability. I can tell you Ive done nothing to that unit except change the oil regularly.  It always starts and has yet to give me a single problem in the 5 years Ive owned it. I don't use it much for the trailer unless my onboard fuel tanks are empty and i just need lights, heat or just top up the batteries, but i do use it on the property to run tools and such if i need remote power.  I always use ethanol free fuel in it and its been a trusty unit.  just my 2 cents.

Previously..I had IMO the best generator ever (Yamaha EF3000is). Large enough to run a/c and so quiet sometimes i didn't know it was there. also very reliable. Wish i still owned it.

2
Build Threads / Re: 2002 Suburban 2500
« on: November 21, 2018, 10:00:23 PM »
GOOD STUFF!! Ive always got a spot for family hauler that's done up just right and that's a good platform. I just sold my excursion  :cry: and went back to a duramax.. been a short 2 years ish.. but I just missed the truck so much.. but ill tell you my wife thought I was crazy that I was considering a DURABURB to replace the excursion..  CHEKC THIS OUT

https://kpr.craigslist.org/cto/d/duramax-suburban/6750240826.html

3
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: July 18, 2018, 01:57:49 PM »
LONGBALL- I just bought the same unit- been eyeing it for years----and I did the same thing first night 3 racks of ribs.. so far im loving this over my old barrel one





Just put a ham in our new to us Traeger. Smoked 3 racks of ribs the first night, salmon last night, and now a ham. This thing is wonderful.






Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk



4
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: January 20, 2018, 01:38:35 PM »
TRYING TO TALK MYSELF OUT OF BUYING ANOTHER DMAX. CASHING OUT EXCURSION FOR A PROFIT AND BUYING AN 06 CREW WITH 180K FOR NEXT TO NOTHIN. MY WIFE ISNT THRILLED BUT SHE UNDERSTANDS THE SICKNESS. DEALERSHIP LIFE DOESNT HELP. IVE ALWAYS TAKEN ANY OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE QUICK CASH IN REGARDS TO ANYTHING WITH A MOTOR. WITH AS MUCH AS WERE SPENDING ON THE KITCHEN/HOUSE RIGHT NOW. 7-8K IN MY POCKET SOUNDS BETTER.

5
Everything Trailer, Camper, or RV related / Re: Harbor freight generator
« on: January 05, 2018, 12:42:35 PM »
FWIW I can run a microwave from my 2000 generator if I need to, the a/c is where you will need the power. and If I were you I would try to find a Honda/Yamaha 3000 on craigslist. they are super quiet and I have run my a/c with them before.

6
Everything Trailer, Camper, or RV related / Re: Harbor freight generator
« on: January 05, 2018, 12:37:02 PM »
 Before I installed an ONAN 5500 GOLD in my trailer, I bought the biggest Champion generator Costco had. if I remember correctly it was $500. Had remote start and more power than one really needs. I think it was a 6500-7500. My friends referred to it as the rock crusher, as you can imagine is not very quiet. I built a 3 sided foldable noise deflector, which helped but it wasn't a tranquil camping experience. Being 200 lbs + it wasn't easy to move either.  I was at cabelas last week and saw this one on sale for $399
http://www.cabelas.com/product/OUTDOORSMAN-WATT-GENERATOR/1848057.uts?slotId=1

Not sure if its enough power for what you need but maybe worth a look. I can say that I've put a few predator engines in a couple machines and they are great. I have predator2000 inverter generator (briefcase style) for a back up in my trailer and its very well made. it functions just like my friends Honda 2000i and is just about as quiet.

7
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: October 20, 2017, 06:44:08 PM »
Whioa Wait What? The combine has a fridge???


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You all joke.... but I remember driving combine 20 years ago in high school and they had refrigerators back then....and CD players.... :shocked:......and AIR CONDITIONING!!!! :cool: best job during harvest..... hands down

8
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: September 28, 2017, 02:20:04 PM »
JR- I am not that good at taking pictures as I go like many of us on here...I get distracted with the task at hand and before I know it I'm 8 hours into a project. I will post up some progress on here as I can/remember to.


Continued the DEMO DAY!......More DEMO MONTH! Removed half "wall" separating kitchen from living room and a tiny pantry for the double ovens...feels never ending. once the kitchen is out wood floors go in. Wish me luck

Build Thread!!

9
D.O.T. / Re: $100K ????
« on: September 28, 2017, 02:17:28 PM »
its only a matter of time before the big 3 (gm, ford, dodge) all have a truck that passes 100k. Cadillac has already gotten close with their MSRP on the Escalade ESV platinum @ $95k.... with 75k being the new norm for a fully loaded crew cab diesel...it will happen sooner than later. As much as I would love for GM to release the Dura-BURB or a new Ford Excursion . it will be unattainable for most until they are 3-4 years old and have 50-60k on the odometer. People keep buying  @ 84 months and the companies will keep bumping the $$$ and lenders will keep the machine moving. :knucklehead:

10
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: September 26, 2017, 05:52:28 PM »
Continued the DEMO DAY!......More DEMO MONTH! Removed half "wall" separating kitchen from living room and a tiny pantry for the double ovens...feels never ending. once the kitchen is out wood floors go in. Wish me luck

11
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: September 09, 2017, 02:00:58 PM »
Did I read on here someone can get a vehicle report? Vin check

1GYFK63837R427634

1GNKVJED7BJ210529

Pretty please


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Dave did you get my email?

12
I just replaced the fuel pump on my toyhauler with that same style of pump, I became a pro at disassembly and "thinning/shaving" of the plastic pump gears after the fuel would cause them to swell and seize the pump solid. motor would sound like it was locked up and I got no flow, lots on the web about this issue. I even considered having a machine shop turn some custom billet gears to replace until I saw how much they wanted   :sad:.... I don't know how else you would keep this from happening...

13
Not sure how AL is with Canadian imports but watch out for those rust buckets...SORRY eh!  (is AL in the rust belt?) being in the car business I can tell you to be cautious of the 5.4L V8 from ford. even the 5.0 has some issues as you will see in the near future ford is removing it completely from their lineup. most everything with be 6cyl turbo gas or diesel going forward. The dreaded 'cam phaser' noise makes the gas ford v8 sound like a Kubota diesel. and its been seen in vehicles with as little as 15k miles. usually $2500 to repair assuming you're not getting hosed on labor. If I can be of any assistance in helping with Vehicle history reports (carfax) or sending you book sheets on a vehicle you're interested in, just ask. 

14
Tires, Wheels, and Suspension / Re: All Terrain Tires for the Duramax
« on: August 10, 2017, 09:24:37 PM »
I have the new Nitto Ridge Grapplers on the Excursion and I freakin love them! Quiet, smooth but have enough bite

15
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: July 26, 2017, 02:55:18 PM »


Continued the search for a 4 door truck for our expanding family. Almost pulled the trigger on a half ton GMC with the 5.3 but am really struggling with the thought of not having a HD truck available to me. Yesterday I had 1,800lbs of hardwood flooring in the back of my LB7. I couldn't have done that in a 1500.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I sold my LMM February and got into a F150.  I am currently looking for a 2500 with a 6.0.  Drove one Monday and have 3 of them I plan to check out tonight.  Mostly I don't like the Ford but there have been a few occasions now where a 2500 would have been nice.  I test drove a 2015 1500 Silverado last night also.  If none of these 2500 work out I will probably start looking at a 2014+.  I need the crew cab but also want the 6.5' bed.  Found out last night that GM has stop sale on the 2014s.  They were all pulled off the lots.  Should be back out in a few weeks I was told.

Don't hold your breath too long on the "stop sales" I've been waiting for 3 weeks + to get some units fixed from my inventory and my GM store says "no fix, no parts, no end in sight" they usually reserve parts for customers first then do our inventory. But I can tell you GM is infamous for taking forever for a fix- see Airbag recalls 2007-2010 Silverado/Tahoe/suburban.....still no fix. recalls been out for a year.

16
I like it! Looks very clean for the miles!

17
Bob- I'm in the car business. if you need any help just reach out to me and I would be happy to get you book values/vehicle history reports..heck I even have a few jeeps for sale in the company if you weren't planning on buying private party. 

18
I had the same truck, and a 28' toyhauler. Without anything in the trailer, bikes. water, fuel, supplies your tongue weight is extreme. Once you are fully loaded is when I found my sweet spot for my hitch. after towing it once without bags I immediately put a set of airlift bags on it and wireless compressor to reduce the bounce you are experiencing. my truck was an 05 with 6" lift and 35s. Although depending on how I loaded the back end was how well it behaved on the road. I ride quads now and have them placed smallest to biggest front to back. and any extra gear I will unload at camp goes as far back in trailer as possible. reducing tongue weight. the biggest game changer for me is fresh water,  I have 2 75 gallon tanks (1500 lbs) on mine which is insane but I can dry camp for a week without worry. when im full to the brim it plants my trailer and keeps all the axles/tires  behaving on the hwy. it took me a summer of camping to find the right arrangement. its really an experiment to find your sweet spot. But I would say the bags are a must, with ANY toyhauler.

19
Build Threads / Re: 2005 Excursion- AKA "The Black Bus"
« on: April 11, 2017, 12:40:37 AM »
Next is the chrome caps on the mirrors, should have those tomorrow. So one less bright shiny piece. We left for 4 days up to Seattle to see some family and pick up some furniture /decor crap the wife wanted @ IKEA. Which I affectionately refer to as the 7th level of hell. I hate all the mass of people herded through their maze, packed in like sardines and all stuck in a 1 way in 1 way out scenario. Not to mention the retards you battle walking 4 wide stopping every 3 feet slowing down my forward progress. :angry: . Any ways almost 600 miles were driven and I'm very happy. The extra width of the whee/tire combo helps a lot with the stance and general issues with excursions "wandering". Although I've been in contact with Cary @ CT performance in NV. He specializes in Excursion suspension and has worked up a spring setup, shackle and shock set up that is documented 2nd to none.  With what I'm towing I'm going to need to drop the $$ and do it before I through air bags on.
More to come this week, when I get my DVD player fixed, remote start installed as well as an update to the backup camera. Stay tuned for the official walk around, once I chise out all the goldfish crackers my daughter jammed into every crevice this weekend.

20
Build Threads / Re: 2005 Excursion- AKA "The Black Bus"
« on: April 11, 2017, 12:30:05 AM »
LOL... annnndd we're back. Ok here's the current state of affairs. Truck landed at my house at 1am monday 4/3. But work and life got in the way so I drove it to work for few days got it up in a lift to give it my once over. I am not disappointed, being in the NW and in the car bussiness I was expecting some surface rust but this thing absolutely rust free. Believe me when I say I tried to find something wrong. Well I did but not rust. Anyways I picked up my new shoes on Thursday and promptly went into project stealth mode. Replacing the over cab lights with black lenses (LEDs coming, bulbs removed for now) as well as the reflectors on the 13 F350 mirrors with black lenses and LEDs. Then I got the boys busy with tire duty. I fee all kids need to experience the weight of changing a real tire, before the appreciate doing a Honda Civic.

21
Build Threads / Re: 2005 Excursion- AKA "The Black Bus"
« on: April 05, 2017, 11:57:11 AM »
Looks really nice MJM. I bought my Duramax sight unseen from a dealer in Wisconsin and had it delivered. Pretty easy and I was ok paying via car loan that way. You bought this from private seller?  If you don't mind me being nosey,  how did you pay him being comfortable it would actually show up and he got paid?  Thanks


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

It was not easy for both of us, we did a lot of "sizing each other up" over phone/text/facetime. He and I were both asking each other those same questions.
PROBLEM 1 He had a small payoff through his local credit union
PROBLEM 2  Im 2000 miles away

In the end I figured well I would rather use my banks money than my cash if there was an issue. We put our 2 banks together to keep the paperwork legit, and the wiring the funds at appropriate times to ensure he got his cut and I got my driver. Truth be told my bank is a rockstar local credit union so they really went out of their way to fund this endeavor....that they will get no interest out of because I already paid it off...LOL

22
Had the same problem. buying a vehicle 2 states away had people responding like I was a scam artist. but almost the same scenario you had, but these people were saying my phone number was on google. STFU

23
Build Threads / Re: 2005 Excursion- AKA "The Black Bus"
« on: April 01, 2017, 06:54:13 PM »
While I sit here in my office impatiently waiting the arrival of my over the phone gamble of a purchase. I figured I would post up some pics that the seller had sent me while we talked/texted/face-timed for what seemed like weeks. Once I get her home I will try to do a real write up on the current state of affairs and the bolt on parts I've already started collecting.

24
Build Threads / Re: 2005 Excursion- AKA "The Black Bus"
« on: March 30, 2017, 10:22:21 PM »
V/B code spring update, so just a good leveling.

25
Build Threads / 2005 Excursion- AKA "The Black Bus"
« on: March 30, 2017, 09:55:59 PM »
Don't want to steal TRN's "bus" moniker but my wife has already affectionately named it. Even though its not much longer than the suburban; she's intimidated.  So current update right now as of 3/30 @ 9am its on a hauler, headed my direction from a small suburb of Houston. Never seen in person, test driven or even a smell test.  Its an Eddie Bauer 2 tone, soon to be all black. Lots more to come. As funds will allow, I will upgrade this to suit my hauling and daily driving needs. Here she is leaving today:

26
Tires, Wheels, and Suspension / Re: *NEW* Nitto Ridge Grappler
« on: March 29, 2017, 06:36:31 PM »
Just placed my order to my guy @ discount tire. Since I'm replacing nearly new shoes on the excursion I figured I can offset the cost by selling the wheels and tires that came on it.  its got Goodyear Wrangler AT/S on it now and some ugly 20" chrome wheels. Well might not be ugly to others but its not my style. I like the low maintenance of the satin black wheel, hides brake dust and in general just suit me. I've always had black trucks with black wheels. even the wife's burb is black on black.

 Anyways went with a 295/60R20. since I'm staying close to stock in height I didn't want to push my limits with trying to stuff a 35 this time. ordered up a set of 20" XD grenade in satin black also. So the package wasn't cheap but ill hope to find a buyer for my takeoffs to lessen the blow. Stay tuned, once they arrive ill post up some pics.

27
Are you able to find ethanol free fuel in your area? I know we have 2 stations within 30 miles that are the only places with non ethanol fuel, and I run it in everything. From 50cc dirtbikes to my wifes 450 quad. anything with a carb gets non ethanol. Like you I also run them dry if they aren't being used for any amount of time, almost anytime they are put away. but I haven't had any issues with carbs since making the switch.

28
Firearms / Re: Flash survey - what did you CC today
« on: March 14, 2017, 12:24:43 PM »
S&W shield 9mm- kydex IWB packed with critical defense.

29
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: March 11, 2017, 03:25:22 PM »
LOL, I know....No worries being a previous owner, buyer and appraiser for a living makes me nervous with them also. And like you I've seen both sides where people have no problems for 300k+ and I've seen 50k mile well maintained ones that are junk. Every vehicle is a gamble no matter what it is. Within our family of dealerships we have 8 franchises, my main focus is imports but my backgrounds is domestic trucks. And I've seen it all from new cars with crap transmissions and 400k mile rides with zero leaks and run like a champ. That being said I'm still a Chev guy at heart and probably will always be, until Cummins and Allison team up and make a 3rd row 3/4 ton burb/excursion/escalade/Yukon XL with portal axles ..I'll hold my breath.

30
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: March 11, 2017, 12:07:29 AM »
I secured an 05 excursion. 2000 miles away from my home (near Houston TX). buying without driving it/smelling or seeing in person. Everything that you normally don't do. I buy cars for a big family of dealerships so its kind of normal, but its different when its your cash. I'm pretty stoked since its the trim level wife wanted, and its been bulletproofed. and 5-8k less than it would be if it was up here in the NW. ill post up the pics once it arrives, were probably a week or more from delivery.



You don't say? Does it have a cummins in it? :popcorn:

Sorry, between my BIL and I we have around 20-25K in two different 6.0L motors.....

With that said I've saw some that had several hundred K on the clock and mine pulled a 36' 16GVW enclosed trailer 150K before it went south. So I hope you the best luck with that truck.

LOL... if the funds were there I would much rather have a built duraburb. But I can't fathom  spending the money that would require. Will be my wife's driver so it will never see more than 1/4 throttle. The toyhauler is the only big thing it will tow, other than the 18' flatbed. All the major stuff has been done, so at this point we just have throw caution to the wind and hope for the best. Worse case scenario it doesnt work out and I unload it at an auction. The NW diesel scene is insane and I'm sure I can get my $$ out of it. But I too have spent 10k on a 6.0 to get it back on the road, as well learning the 7.3 is a turd in the mean time. One of these days I'll have less kids and maybe some more $$. But for now it's what will have to work. Here's a pic for now

31
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: March 10, 2017, 04:53:26 PM »
I secured an 05 excursion. 2000 miles away from my home (near Houston TX). buying without driving it/smelling or seeing in person. Everything that you normally don't do. I buy cars for a big family of dealerships so its kind of normal, but its different when its your cash. I'm pretty stoked since its the trim level wife wanted, and its been bulletproofed. and 5-8k less than it would be if it was up here in the NW. ill post up the pics once it arrives, were probably a week or more from delivery.

32
D.O.T. / Re: Bullies
« on: February 04, 2017, 06:06:36 PM »
both my boys have been in taekwondo here locally since they old enough to enroll I think 5 or 6. I wrestled a bit in school and evolved into MMA, my wife wasn't wild about training them to be cage fighters so taekwondo has been a happy medium. my oldest now 12 was pushed around by a couple classmates for a few weeks when he was 8. he told me about it from day 1 and I never told him to use physical force but one day the main bully picked on his little brother     (my middle child) now 10. my oldest son used his discipline and training to show this kid who runs the playground. needless to say the bully ended up with a bloody nose and bruised ego. I got a call from the principal which turned into them trying to suspend him for defending my other son. to which I had a lot to say, we had to meet with the other kids parents, who were shocked their son would ever bully someone. I never backed down and had my son re-count some of the instances he was put through with the bullies. The teachers know my boys are very respectful and honest, the principal in the end withdrew his suspension and offered to meet with the counselor for "anger management." But in return I asked for the bullies to be held accountable, to which the jack ass replies with "they didn't hurt anyone".....are you kidding me??? when we met with the counselor  it turns out I grew up with her husband so it was brief. From that day forward my boys never got messed with. no my oldest is in middle school, starting all over with other peoples parenting mistakes.

In the end my son was remorseful for hurting him but I assured him he did the right thing. Both of them got their Jr black belt in December and are looking forward to one day being a full black belt.  on another note, some taekwondo schools offer sparring school once they reach a certain belt level. the pads aren't cheap but it gives them a chance to try their moves hand to hand with others. my boys are always suiting up at home and getting some anger out, a lot of times it ends up in a hole in the wall or the little guy kicking the older ones ass.

33
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: February 03, 2017, 06:16:16 PM »
$60k++ worth of vehicles, I can pay cash for an incredible kitchen/floors and excursion. also gives me an excuse for a new Denali d-max in a few years. my wife wants to sell the suburban only and she will drive the truck. which I am on board with, but I told her that if it sells before the burb then the excursion is happening.

34
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: February 03, 2017, 01:04:39 PM »
Put the Duramax and the wifes Suburban up for sale. :cry: Selling out so I can cash flow the remodel... got an excursion lined up for her to drive and tow my trailer, don't worry its a bulletproofed 6.0. I get a vehicle to drive from work so having 2 vehicles @ home can sometimes feel like excess. Once these are gone and the excursion takes up residence I will probably do a bit of mods to it so watch for it!

http://kpr.craigslist.org/cto/5972815016.html
http://kpr.craigslist.org/cto/5974139626.html

35
Here is what I did with mine, I had bumped a tree and the back of the headlight housing broke on the passenger side a few years back. It was fine but over time it had started to get very dusty inside the housing and would occasionally have moisture inside. it still worked but I couldn't stand looking @ them. I bough the factory headlight set up with matte black bezel. the housing and guts were all the factory set up. I really dig them,  the LEDs were about $200 for all 6 bulbs they are ridiculously bright. I get flashed all the time and once I flash people back they change their minds. I'm sure the chrome bezel would obviously help reflect some more light  but I kind of like the all black look. I thought about the Halos and just couldn't do it, it has no added light output benefit not really my style.

36
heres the pic of a clear set

37
ebay has a lot of projector options. black bezel, silver bezel, smoked lens. The halo ring is a bit rice powered tuner car for me but. the biggest difference is the LEDs  IMHO. I did HIGH, LOWS AND FOGS in Leds and wish I would have sooner. heres an option:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/99-06-Gmc-Sierra-Yukon-Halo-Projector-Headlights-Bumper-Signal-Lamps-Left-Right-/131547607709?hash=item1ea0d9329d:g:p~sAAOSwEetV9K7F&vxp=mtr

38
HAHAHHAA! IM DYING! I have the worlds smartest/dumbest lab....does the same thing....

39
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: December 23, 2016, 02:39:48 PM »
its a 1999

That is a great find.
What year was it?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

40
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: December 21, 2016, 01:28:07 PM »
CL find yesterday- $100 with a title. Described as popping noise while in gear, been sitting so doesn't start. Clutch less shift- I assumed trans was broken. Cycled engine when I first saw bike, no noise, chain was rusted to sprocket, so its been outside for a while, gas smells like varnish, air filter was packed full of mice nest, oil was black but atleast it had oil. Bought it anyways. Brought home to discover this bikes has never had a wrench on it, bought from older lady who bought this brand new for grandkids who outgrew it after it broke. not a single screw, nut, bolt, or anything has every been touched... all they did was put crappy gas in it.


8pm- Rebuilt carb and cleaned air filter and it starts on second kick, no noise in neutral, ride around inside shop, noise coming from inside case on transmission side. pull cover to see missing teeth on primary gear drive, found all 4 missing teeth on oil screen near drain plug-- PHEW!!. $20 on ebay for used gear- $10 for fancy gold Chinese chain, we will have a good runner in no time. shoot I could flip it for $600 easy!!

41
General Vehicle Related Discussion / Re: Monster Quad
« on: December 21, 2016, 01:14:48 PM »
We took a week trip last month to Heppner Oregon ORV park. Last camping trip of the year, it was a good one. 4 families, 16 bikes/quads/rzr between the whole lot of us. My wife had made a front pack harness long ago when my boys were little, allows me to stand up and keep her stuck to me because its inevitable she will fall asleep within 5 minutes. (notice the blue bungee to keep her helmet up) Mind you this is family "pack riding" where you don't see speeds over 5-8 mph, where most of the riders are under 7-8 yrs old. The dads have to go out on their own during nap time to do the high speed blasting and sketchy trail rides. Good times. ;D

42
Parenting / Re: A dad's reality check
« on: December 21, 2016, 12:45:26 PM »
My oldest son (12 yrs) got his phone last summer, like most of your kids he has activities and "sleep overs" AKA stay up all night playing video games eating whatever and in general being a gross pre teen. Since he was going into his first year of middle school we felt the need to give him a form of communication with us when hes at school or going to be with friends. We were all teenagers and it terrifies me, but my parents couldn't "track" me like I can with his phone. I make sure his location service (iPhone) is turned on and can see where is at any given time of day. We also have a rule, if mom or dad calls you, you answer. Obviously we cant call him during class but when he is with friends there is no excuse not to answer. the damn phone doesn't leave his hand anyways. 

I installed an internet browser called Mobicip which take the place of Safari and communicates directly to my phone what is being searched and if anything gets blocked,  it sends me a notice to either allow it or decline. Like most parental controls its a bit overzealous, but better safe than sorry. The texting is harder to control as you can delete messages, both his mother and I conduct random inspections of all the texting, pictures and applications. the hardest part of some the apps is that they have other messaging software built inside of them so you have to dig around just to be sure. We have been very candid and forward from day 1 about our expectations and the cruel disgusting things that can be shared via smartphones. its as simple as once you break my trust you can never rebuild it. 

43
Hand Tools, Power Tools, Welders, etc / Re: Need Chainsaw Advice
« on: December 03, 2016, 07:32:15 PM »
FWIW- I inherited an old stihl from my late father. 16-18 bar if I remember. I loved that saw, used since I could pick it up. finally crapped out on me 2 years ago and I really wasn't sold on the new stihls. I even looked at used ones on CL. But I used a friends Husqvarna 435 and I loved it. felt just like the Stihl but damn was it smooth. Now Im the type of guy that always like too much power. So I dropped the coin on a 455 rancher 20" and im always impressed by how powerful it is and easy to handle. a bit heavier than the 435 but I can handle that. ive even seen them as low as $350 in some places, when I bought mine it was $420. but as someone else mentioned, I too broke off the choke lever within the first week of owning it. my local feed store does a buy one get one chain deal for $25 and they even give you a credit for your old chains. sharpening is $5 a chain. I will gladly give them my money.

44
Firearms / Re: Black Friday Deal AR
« on: November 27, 2016, 04:21:42 PM »
Haven't shot it yet, but should get the job done. I really didn't do any research on the gun before hand. It was truly an impulse buy and my wife's face did not disappoint.... >:(
I'll probably add a bipod to it and maybe a bushnell AR scope, time will tell if I feel it need any further mods. If anyone has had  any experience with this gun feel free to weigh in.

45
Firearms / Black Friday Deal AR
« on: November 27, 2016, 04:04:07 PM »
I have a good friend who works at a local gun shop/range. A co worker had mentioned a promo deal they were running Friday. I made a phone call and had 3 set aside. Worked out a package buy since I had brought 2 other buyers with me and walked out paying $475+ tax for mine.I had eyed a couple more expensive rifles but I just couldn't justify if since I would probably get some backlash from the wife unit. I figured I could back it up with some sort reasoning, i.e. Sell something else. Either way here's the rifle, Diamondback DB15CCB. Nothing fancy but I have been hesitant to let my kids or wife shoot the other ARs fearing she would ask how much they cost...

46
OH MAN !!! Im jealous!! Keep us updated on how you like them. I had just posted something about that new Nitto last month. What size did you go with? I agree with Tate on possibly siping the center. My last Nitto Trail Grapplers were my favorite tire to date, while ive been struggling to decide between the BFG and this new Nitto. That sidewall...ooooooooo :o

47
Classifieds / Re: 2011 Chevy 2500 Duramax LTZ
« on: October 29, 2016, 01:58:03 PM »

IMO, I bet the truck does 40-41k at dealer only NW auction with the proper preparations and documentation present so dealers can see what they are actually getting.

The NW (where I am) is the strongest truck market in the US, with the huge influx of Canadian vehicles coming to auction a true US Truck is worth 5-8k more than said previous Canadian. 

Retail wise your truck is the perfect specimen, while it has a laundry list of modifications that most buyers are scared of you have the WHOLE thing documented and on the WEB for access by any potential buyers either private or resale.

While KBB and NADA say its worth 43-44 from a lending perspective, the truck can still be financed in excess of 50k. Assuming good credit and cash down. We all know there is far too much money floating around the US and this truck as it sits is someone else's wet dream. Complete with all the goodies.

Doesn't hurt to put it on Ebay with links to the build, gives the serious buyers background on it.

With all that useless commentary, if I can be of any help please ask. (dealer book values/car fax's)

48
General Vehicle Related Discussion / Re: 20 year old Fourtrax 4x4
« on: October 26, 2016, 02:48:10 PM »
It continues to amaze me every time I work on something like your Polaris how much under/over engineering goes into these to make them look "cool" all while sacrificing the much needed easy access points to service them. I just did a full service on my friends kids RZR 170 and had to remove way more than one should. On a side note if anyone is  a Can-Am owner like myself, don't overfill those diffs...they have an oil seal that cant handle the over fill and will push all extra fluid right out. Once that seal has been "compromised" its useless and a bit of a PITA to replace.

49
I got the HF set 2 years ago, since you don't need it too often....hopefully. I think the 6 piece set was $25 on coupon, haven't broke it yet and ive pulled 2 pitman arms.

50
General Vehicle Related Discussion / Re: 20 year old Fourtrax 4x4
« on: September 16, 2016, 08:04:31 PM »
ha ha!!! that's story has some familiarities to it!!!!

I wouldn't go crazy otherwise you will end up with 20 year old fourtax that cost you as much as new one. I just went through an entire 1986 XR80r with my son and while I thought powder coat was the way to go, it ended up being so much cheaper to  just sand blast it at home and paint with hammerite in Honda red.  :D

STEP 1: DEGREASE THE WHOLE BIKE- SIMPLE GREEN WORKS WONDERS
STEP 2: PRESSURE WASH THE CRAP OUT OF IT
STEP 3: CHECK FOR CRACKS IN FRAME- MOTOR MOUNTS, WELDED TABS, SEAT BRACKETS

I LIKE A CLEAN SLATE!!!!

IMO I would just press new bearings in it after you get them cleaned and painted.

As you go just clean everything really well and paint if necessary, some of that old Honda powder coating is strong!!! pull all your electrical connections and clean and fill with dielectric grease.  inspect wiring and replace as needed. drain all fluids...maybe twice.. ;D  new tires. I have found the Chinese make great cloned carburetor  that is ready to run for 1/2 the price of a rebuild kit..

it really doesn't look that bad-- looks like years of dried on mud!

The misc. parts will add up fast...I know they did on my kids old XR

I have used bike bandit in the past as well as cheapcycleparts.com both good places but the older parts sometimes they want a mint for...

I love the old bike/quad stuff if you have any questions -please ask.
LOOKING FWD TO SEE THE END RESULT!!! 8)

Pages: [1] 2
SimplePortal 2.3.6 © 2008-2014, SimplePortal