Author Topic: Toter-home build. (Read 36780 times)

Farmer Jon · « **Reply #100 on:** May 06, 2018, 09:32:16 AM »

Quote from: Bigdave_185 on May 05, 2018, 09:31:19 AM

The important question is, did they charge you to tell you the choke was on or did they let you save face and not tell you that was the issue?

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He just said it runs fine for us. Come get it. Didn't charge anything. He said when I get the wiring done and plug in the camper to run it under a load bring it back in and they will make sure its running at the proper rpm.

Farmer Jon · « **Reply #101 on:** May 12, 2018, 07:51:00 AM »

I just got the quote to fix my air conditioner. its going to be in the $4,000 area. I need everything from the condenser to the evaporator coils. except the compressor. I told him if we are changing everything else just as well do that too. It did squeak a little it. I looked at him and said Well I guess I should have bought a Volvo. He sad No they are ALL junk. (Meaning all trucks are junk no matter the brand). I'm going to have more in this truck than I expected but in the long run I feel its still worth it. Starting to get a little discouraged but that's the way it goes I guess.

Farmer Jon · « **Reply #102 on:** June 06, 2018, 06:57:01 AM »

I haven't had the truck at home for a while. I took it to get the generator fixed. Then the A/C in the truck. After that I got it to the electrician to wire up the generator. Back to the truck shop because A/C quit again. Then back to the small engine guy because the generator still ran like crap. This time he changed points and condesor. I think he got it this time. It sounds pretty good.
We are leaving on our first trip in one week. Essentially everything is ready to roll but I have a bunch of odds and ends to do. Mainly cosmetic. Like paint the camper frame.

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cudakidd53 · « **Reply #103 on:** June 06, 2018, 08:56:24 AM »

Wishing you and your family a great trip and hope all your work pays off for a trouble free adventure!

TexasRedNeck · « **Reply #104 on:** June 06, 2018, 10:42:07 PM »

Have a safe trip. Update is along the way.

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Farmer Jon · « **Reply #105 on:** June 11, 2018, 06:21:51 AM »

I think I have everything ready to go for now. Today is generator test day. I am going to fire it up and crank down the A/c I the camper and let it run all day. I should have done it sooner. I want to have the guys around so there is more than one set of eyes on it. Just in case something goes wrong.

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Nate · « **Reply #106 on:** June 11, 2018, 08:47:44 AM »

sounds reasonable

Farmer Jon · « **Reply #107 on:** June 11, 2018, 06:37:20 PM »

I was not optimistic but everything performed as it should. Nice and quiet. A couple more odds and ends and we are ready to go.

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cudakidd53 · « **Reply #108 on:** June 11, 2018, 06:38:22 PM »

Great news!

KensAuto · « **Reply #109 on:** June 11, 2018, 08:27:56 PM »

Enjoy your trip Jon. Sounds like you got her squared away just in time.

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Farmer Jon · « **Reply #110 on:** June 14, 2018, 07:17:31 PM »

Just pulled into little farm RV resort in South eastern Indiana.

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JR · « **Reply #111 on:** June 14, 2018, 07:41:51 PM »

Bet you got lots of attention!

We went to the desert once with our motorcycles and trucks on a flatbed.

Farmer Jon · « **Reply #112 on:** July 06, 2018, 07:16:37 AM »

Got home last night. Averaged 9 mpg. I have to make some changes but over all really happy with the truck. This is the way to go. I will never pull that 5th wheel with my pickup again. Unless we are just going to a local campground. Never once had to worry if I was going to be able to get stopped. Never slowed down on a hill.

cruizng · « **Reply #113 on:** July 06, 2018, 08:14:47 AM »

Glad you made it home safe and enjoyed the trip!

TexasRedNeck · « **Reply #114 on:** July 06, 2018, 01:25:46 PM »

Quote from: cruizng on July 06, 2018, 08:14:47 AM

Glad you made it home safe and enjoyed the trip!

Is that the mileage you expected? That was about what I averaged with my dually until I deleted it..

Glad you had a good trip.

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JR · « **Reply #115 on:** July 06, 2018, 06:22:05 PM »

Farmer Jon · « **Reply #116 on:** July 06, 2018, 09:19:45 PM »

I was hoping for 10 but I will take 9. The LBZ only got 10-13 so it's not much difference. I will sacrifice a couple MPG for the safety.

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Nate · « **Reply #117 on:** July 06, 2018, 09:39:55 PM »

How about the comfort? Did Johnny law mess with you at all or do you have not for hire on the door?

Farmer Jon · « **Reply #118 on:** July 09, 2018, 09:57:00 PM »

Nobody messed with us. There are law enforcement officers on the Escapees forum that recommend you don't put anything about "not for hire" on the truck. It draws attention. It makes them want to ho find out why you are not for hire.
I have all my paperwork in a neat little binder. Camper and truck registration and proof of insurance. Along with a copy of the rules of what it takes to be a Motor home in the state of Nebraska. I had the DMV print out a copy for me.
As for comfort it was a little more bouncy because if the air ride cab and air seat. Otherwise it was very comfortable. There is just so much more room in the truck cab than a pickup.

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Farmer Jon · « **Reply #119 on:** January 25, 2019, 08:13:00 PM »

Back to working on the truck. Making some changes and fixing a couple things.

First of all I had to chase the mice out. It my fault they got in there and did the damage they did. "Someone" left some pork rinds in there and some microwave popcorn. I forgot about my stash when I cleaned it out last fall.

I put new rubbers in the fuel caps because they were leaking. That didn't work so I ended up buying new fuel caps. They are spring loaded and they get weak over time.

Then I had to find the oil leak. I crawled under the truck with a power washer. Did the best job I could before freezing. The next morning there was a nice streak of fresh oil running down the oil pan. These do not have your typical gasket on the oil pan. It has a rubber gasket. Like a very large O ring that fits in a groove. The oil pan is actually fiberglass. Parts are around $20. It's just a matter of getting it done.

My generator is not charging the battery. After only a few hours of run time the battery is dead. I did some research on another forum. Someone sent me a PDF of the service manual. I studied that. It turns out there is a bad diode and a wire not connected. I have a diode on the way. That problem should be solved

I found a spot where the heater hoses go into the block. The pipe looked awfully rusty. I was just going to change them out. In the process of trying to figure out what I have to remove to access them I found a nice little crack in the exaust manifold. I will not be fixing that myself. I noticed that there is also a broken bolt. I will let the experts take care of that. I was wanting to take it in to run an over head anyway. That's basically a tune-up. Make sure the valves are adjusted properly and all that.

When I get all that done, I want the square off the rear of frame. Then install a gooseneck ball and heavy duty rear bumper with receiver hitch.

We leave for Caldwell Idaho second week in June so as long as the mechanical work is done by then we are in good shape.

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JR · « **Reply #120 on:** January 25, 2019, 10:05:19 PM »

Gives you some time anyway. My batteries are bad, let them go almost dry, gen won't start and hope that's all it is.

Got all kinds of food in mine, so far so good (cept the kids)

Farmer Jon · « **Reply #121 on:** January 26, 2019, 03:51:29 PM »

Pulled the lawn and garden battery out. Installed a commercial battery that we had laying around. The generator use to turn over over half a dozen times before it starts. Now it pops right off. You just barely hit the button and she running.

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Farmer Jon · « **Reply #122 on:** January 29, 2019, 06:07:05 PM »

Mocking up a rear bumper. 8x8 5/16. That is not a piece of wood. Imagine it's a 6 inch 5/16 channel. Taillight will bolt to the bracket. Rear of frame will be straightened out and gooseneck ball will be installed. As well as a receiver hitch on the bumper. I will fabricate end caps on the bumper and use it to store stuff in. Likely the sewer hose but who knows what I will put in there. I would like to find a tool box to mount on the center section between the bumper brackets and frame rails.

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Bob Smith · « **Reply #123 on:** January 29, 2019, 06:25:25 PM »

The sewer hose won't like the metal tube and protest with holes which will leak out the black water. I have gone to the Rhino hose that retracts and fits inside a fabric zippered container. Yes a bit more expensive than the ones that are what they are but sure is nice not having leaks after a few months of riding and rubbing inside a metal tube.

JR · « **Reply #124 on:** January 29, 2019, 06:40:04 PM »

Put a PVC liner in there.

Bob Smith · « **Reply #125 on:** January 29, 2019, 07:21:21 PM »

That would work as well

JR · « **Reply #126 on:** January 29, 2019, 09:04:54 PM »

That reminds me I need get a 4x6x1/4 for the subs rear bumper.

Farmer Jon · « **Reply #127 on:** February 06, 2019, 09:07:59 PM »

Started to fabricate the end caps for the bumper. I made template out of cardboard then realized the material would not fit in our bender. I made a trip to one of our local welding shops with a cut off piece from the bumper and my template. 45 minutes later I am out the door and headed home with my new caps. It took a little trial and error to get them to fit right but we only had to start over 3 times

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Bigdave_185 · « **Reply #128 on:** February 06, 2019, 11:38:22 PM »

What’s the attachment going to be? You said storage area?

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TexasRedNeck · « **Reply #129 on:** February 07, 2019, 06:33:46 AM »

Looks good Jon. What’s the method of attachment going to be?

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Farmer Jon · « **Reply #130 on:** February 07, 2019, 06:39:44 AM »

I'm not exactly sure how I'm going to hold the ends on. I'm thinking some sort of toggle clamp like this. But lower profile. With some sort of rubber gasket to make it water tight.

TexasRedNeck · « **Reply #131 on:** February 07, 2019, 06:41:40 AM »

That looks like a good idea Jon. Maybe a tab and slot on the bottom with the latch on top?

Farmer Jon · « **Reply #132 on:** February 07, 2019, 06:51:26 AM »

I have to play with it some. 2 latches per side probably.

stlaser · « **Reply #133 on:** February 07, 2019, 07:17:19 AM »

I flat piece of rubber gasket laid down inside that pan end cap would suffice to keep water out I would believe.

Farmer Jon · « **Reply #134 on:** February 07, 2019, 07:36:06 AM »

I am looking at using 1/4 inch thick x 1/2 wide closed cell rubber weather stripping. That way I have a little cushion to pull it tight with the clips.

Farmer Jon · « **Reply #135 on:** February 16, 2019, 10:07:17 PM »

I believe this weather striping is going to work just fine. The clips look awfully small. Got them off Amazon. They are rated for 300 lbs and should work just fine. I just expected them to be bigger.

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JR · « **Reply #136 on:** February 16, 2019, 11:03:35 PM »

Guess the camera is playing around, looks like it about a foot wide. Not a bad thing for a big bumper.

Farmer Jon · « **Reply #137 on:** February 22, 2019, 07:21:33 PM »

It's 8x8.

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Farmer Jon · « **Reply #138 on:** March 01, 2019, 07:13:24 AM »

I have the truck in the shop. The owner calls me and says the turbo is shot. Fins are pretty nicked up and leaking oil to the cold side. I anticipated it would be bad but hoped it would be fine. Add that to the list. Good news is the overhead tested out perfectly. He also said someone had been in there recently and did a bunch of work to it. Lots of new parts. So that part just cost me labor and one rubber gasket. I'm just waiting for them to pull the oil pan to do that gasket. I hope the bottom end is as good as the top. Supposedly the rods and mains were done recently. Supposedly.

KensAuto · « **Reply #139 on:** March 01, 2019, 11:18:47 AM »

Was it smoking or something Jon? Just curious why you put it in the shop. That pic looks pretty clean compared to most turbos I've seen...other than the nicks (but wouldn't change it just because of them..seen worse)

Farmer Jon · « **Reply #140 on:** March 01, 2019, 02:07:18 PM »

Its not the worst I ever seen either. But the seal is also leaking oil. Just going to swap it out while everything is apart.

Farmer Jon · « **Reply #141 on:** March 28, 2019, 07:18:14 AM »

As busy as I have been trucking I have been working a little on the truck. Picked up a couple more boxes on Big Iron on line auction.
I also got my pin box shortened up by 2 ft. With that long pin box I was worried about the torque put on the frame. The truck rides a little rougher than a normal pickup truck. I have plenty of room so I shortened it up. My over all legnth is now 58 ft.
I had to shorten up the side boards on the bed also. I bunged up the corner of the camper last summer. Yea, I got both sides.

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TexasRedNeck · « **Reply #142 on:** March 28, 2019, 07:35:02 AM »

Looks better shortened.

Any thoughts about reducing the spring pack or going to bags to soften the ride?

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JR · « **Reply #143 on:** March 28, 2019, 11:08:01 AM »

More storage is always nice. To bad about the damage.

Sure the truck doesn't care about the pin with just that trailer but it does looks better.

AR would be much better I bet.

Farmer Jon · « **Reply #144 on:** March 29, 2019, 07:24:47 AM »

The problem is less air in the air bags reduce the ride height. Then that messes with drive shaft angles. There are a couple of guys working on a different kind of air bag and spring set up to make them ride better.

I just aired the tires down to 80psi. That made a huge difference. It actually rides better than you would think. Once I get that heavy bumper in the back and a fresh water tank it will ride better yet. I don't know exactly how I'm going to do it but I want at least another 50 gallons. Right now I just have a plastic barrel.

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kampfitt · « **Reply #145 on:** March 29, 2019, 09:40:34 AM »

They also make air ride 5th wheel hitches, have you looked into them? http://www.yourtrailerhitch.com/5th-Wheels/32K-5th-Wheel/32k-5th-wheel.html

JR · « **Reply #146 on:** March 29, 2019, 10:56:43 AM »

I have two 50 gallon RV tanks I was going to use, but shipping would be a killer.

Fastenal?

Farmer Jon · « **Reply #147 on:** April 01, 2019, 07:37:00 AM »

Quote from: kampfitt on March 29, 2019, 09:40:34 AM

They also make air ride 5th wheel hitches, have you looked into them? http://www.yourtrailerhitch.com/5th-Wheels/32K-5th-Wheel/32k-5th-wheel.html

The one I went with does not require air. It rides on rubber cells. Prices are all about the same. They all perform about the same. I got the one that I thought would require less maintenance.

http://www.comfortridehitch.com/hi_model_245.html

JR · « **Reply #148 on:** April 01, 2019, 10:43:10 AM »

But, will either of those address the ride of the truck?

kampfitt · « **Reply #149 on:** April 01, 2019, 11:23:12 AM »

Not the truck but will make the ride for the 5th wheel much smoother.