Raptor Ridge, the build.

[JR]

Made another run this saturday, trip was uneventful. Good load of stuff, still got 16 mpg.

Found I had the wrong hose for the Skid, so no worky this weekend. Also the battery switch is totally non op. Brough a new one, but access is a under the control.

[JR]

Bucket on there has been making the trip a few times now. Still waiting for the quick attach ears which I have.

Kubota started great, then started sputtering again. Sure is a fuel issue, so going to get all new lines and a pump. I was able to sputter along just enough to unload the trailer.

The stairs are something I have been looking and a deal finally came up. Advertised as 14 tall, but actually 9 (they included the rails) For now it will allow access to the cont top, later I will use inside the shop as it matched the drawings for second floor access.

[Flyin6]

You are the scroungenest (Is that a word?) individual I think I have ever known!

[oklawall]

You are the scroungenest (Is that a word?) individual I think I have ever known!

That is a performance indicator on NCO performance reports. Was introduced to a new commander by my chief. Sir, this is Sgt Wall. If you need anything, just let him know. But you can never ask where it came from. I was proud of that. LOL

Sent from my SM-S918U using Tapatalk

[JR]

I like deals and I need it all. Little more organization and I can dig a foundation.

Right now though I have all 3 tractors down. All run just being finicky

[Flyin6]

You are the scroungenest (Is that a word?) individual I think I have ever known!

That is a performance indicator on NCO performance reports. Was introduced to a new commander by my chief. Sir, this is Sgt Wall. If you need anything, just let him know. But you can never ask where it came from. I was proud of that. LOL

Sent from my SM-S918U using Tapatalk

Yea, I know your type.
I was the officer having to explain to the other commander why the "thing" was missing while in my possession!!!!!

:-))

[cj7ox]

Yea, I know your type.
I was the officer having to explain to the other commander why the "thing" was missing while in my possession!!!!!

:-))

If you'd a better job securing your gear, it wouldn't have been creatively reallocated. As a CWO, honestly, you should've known better. Especially in the SPECOPS community. LOL! 

[Atkinsmatt]

It wasn't missing. Someone knew where it was.

[Flyin6]

Yea, I know your type.
I was the officer having to explain to the other commander why the "thing" was missing while in my possession!!!!!

:-))

If you'd a better job securing your gear, it wouldn't have been creatively reallocated. As a CWO, honestly, you should've known better. Especially in the SPECOPS community. LOL! 

You would think so, but:
1. I'm none too bright
2. The folks I was surrounded with were masters of stealthy operations
3. The game with you combat arms folks is to always take advantage of the aviation people
4. Aviation gets more of the most expensive toys so our stuff is sought after amongst the lowly and smelly people we haul around! ;-)

[Flyin6]

It wasn't missing. Someone knew where it was.

True...But just not the right person to prevent the inevitable statement of charges!

[JR]

You guys are fun, 

[cj7ox]

3. The game with you combat arms folks is to always take advantage of the aviation people
4. Aviation gets more of the most expensive toys so our stuff is sought after amongst the lowly and smelly people we haul around! ;-)

You aviation types make it too easy! Always more focused on your rest plans and eating on fine china. Gives ample opportunity for us "smelly people" to reallocate some of that fancy gear y'all have that'll make our lives easier. LOL

[Flyin6]

3. The game with you combat arms folks is to always take advantage of the aviation people
4. Aviation gets more of the most expensive toys so our stuff is sought after amongst the lowly and smelly people we haul around! ;-)

You aviation types make it too easy! Always more focused on your rest plans and eating on fine china. Gives ample opportunity for us "smelly people" to reallocate some of that fancy gear y'all have that'll make our lives easier. LOL

Is there some sort of a problem with eating off of fine china?
;-)

[stlaser]

Back on task, JR when you pouring crete?

[JR]

Once the vets stop trying to out do each other,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,soon as possible.

Weather is where I need it, perimitter is staked, just need the kubota running (fuel issues) or exc up there (kinda got on the back burner but its time!). Skid is fine, will need it to break the rock with the hammer.

[cj7ox]

Once the vets stop trying to out do each other,,,

 

[JR]

Was a trip this weekend, too short but boy is almost out of school.

Biggest bad news is NO WELL WATER!! My gen has been MIA, but got it going this weekend. Main jet was laying in the bowl. Held in looks like with a o ring, but wouldn't stay, so J B Weld came to the rescue. Blew a little smoke at first but runs great, 1st pull even.

Ran the well pump for a good 20 minutes, let it rest then tried again, nothing. Gen was loaded when, no fuses blowing. Gen ran the HF Comp just fine.

Need to decide what to do now??

Had a small bug issue, guess last week was the BIG week for em. These are about 2 inches long. I saw a few up on the pad, but the road was still covered.

Got the stairs up on the end of the cont. I placed wood under it since the wheels would never be stable. About 6 inches off the cont up top and 2 inched down, good enough!

[JR]

Got the first of the pallet racks up. They are placed on a 2x8 so they don't sink either. It is really a 2 man job. Cleaned up around the pad, these are really going to help.

[JR]

With the Gen running I could use the HF Comp now. Was able to clean the bead and seal the tire up on the Skid. It is all done cept the power switch thats under the front panel.

Here is a better pic of that switch, cheapo type. Putting an all metal switch in, you can see the mounting hole edge just under it. Only access is from the rear of course and some bozo used phillip screws.

Just need to finish the switch and fill with oil, filters done and fuel leak repaired (injector return line)

[JR]

Kubota is still doing its non running thing. OK for the 1st 10 minutes then acts up. Saw it was throwing codes this time (84 and Accel N6). Both are fuel related on the injection pump and foot pedal.

[JR]

Took the injectors to a place in Woodland for a rebuild. They do it all but specialize on tractor stuff.

Gave me some tips for the Kubota. Plugged intake fitting or the pump may need a going over.

[JR]

Told my injector are in bad shape, not a suprise. With a rebuild and nozzle reground around $300. Still better than 1k for a new set.

[JR]

Got some taller pallet racking last week and some 12ft spans. That will clear the hoist stored and allow more storage out of the way.

Was starting to prep the TH for the trip up and found some visitors in the front vent. TH is not in great shape, but should do for awhile. Gen still runs fine, AC is cold.

[JR]

Weather was great up there. 90s with a light wind.

Kubota seems to run good now. New fuel pump and hoses.

Finally finished the service on the Skid. Getting under it even with the new pan is a chore. Ran great, switched on the lights and it just died, nothing,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Next rip now.

Played with pad leveling, just up by about 6in on one corner. Not bad for eyeballing it. TIme to get on it!

[Flyin6]

I would think that it being up on one corner would promote drainage. When the snow melts, and with you having a level area, wouldn't you have to deal with muddy and slushy accumulations as opposed to a pad that drains naturally?

[JR]

The swall is great. I cut a couple runoffs after the last rain. This is the pad area, think I need that level. Back to having 1 tractor going now.

Sure the skid is simple. But turning on the lights and it all died confused me, no fuses blown either. Key felt a little funky but not crazy.

[JR]

Got the injectors back for the Cat 305, $400 vs $800 for chinese copies. These are balanced so it should run smoother.

[JR]

Actually, got to the TH for cleanout, repair and transport up here.

This is just the camping gear thrown in over the years. Not all, about 90%.

[JR]

Ceiling was leaking again, not sure where this is going in the long run. Shored it up with some 2x4s, was touching the cabinets.

Going through the food now, a lot is almost 10 years old, about 6 coolers worth (cans and dried stuff).

[JR]

Bed lift was in-op, traced it to bad limit switch. Straight power to the motor is working, think when I lower the upper bed (pinned in place now) I will bypass the limits.

Roof on the trailer is in bad shape. Cracked along all the edges, even the repair I did a few years back. Its been tarped now for a couple years, but the damage is done. Whether I will rebuild it or not is based on getting it inside (shop). Floor has a bad soft spot in the rear corner.

It will get me by while I build the shop, money is tight (floors and kitchen) and prices have gone nuts too.

Permit renewal is coming up and the tax bill just came (under $400)

[JR]

Got a new full size toilet for it.

AC still works good, helps with the heat lately.

[JR]

So the last roof repair I posted was 10 years ago, guess I let it go some.

Anyway, I have 1 fitting to source for the toilet. Need something with a 90, stuff kinda look like pex or cpvc size soft stuff.

Put in a recessed TP holder and an oxygenics shower head.

[JR]

Toilet fitting was just a good ol pex crimp. Had what needed all done with sons help. That or take out the toilet, needed a 3rd hand! Added some cross bracing and were good to go.

Was a chore, but got the trailer out with almost no damage (coax hookup, marker light). Tires have been protected and show no signs of issues, hold 60psi just fine.

[Bob Smith]

JR, did you freshen up the bearings. If that has been sitting for ten years or so bearings might need some love.

[JR]

On the agenda before the trip. Never been checked by me.

[Bob Smith]

I need to get my trailer ready for hunting. Need to get the water system cleaned up, bearings done, adjust the brakes, and anything else that comes up. Been busy trying to fix my brakes on the jeep, painting an outbuilding, and general yard work. Just hope the fires stay out of the Entiat area.

[stlaser]

JR, maybe I missed it. But this rv is going to the ridge so you can stay longer and get some work done up there? Or are you relocating for good  ??

[JR]

Not ready to stay for good (I am but life is not there yet)

It will help being up as in gone from here, make me comfortable and not having to prep/breakdown sleeping setup. Having the "little things" will really help.!

[JR]

Got her cleaned up, what a difference. Have not got to the roof yet the heat is just a little too much for me. Dang getting old sucks. (by the way, I have lost over 30lbs, feels so much better)

So I found the trailer E Brake housing hanging loose. No idea what happened but a new one will be here tomorrow. All the lights and most of the interior works great. The 120 outlets on the sink side dont have any power, but the micro works! (ceiling plug)

Got some water in the main tank, just enough to swish it out for the trip up. Put some in the black tank too, pretty nasty after being parked for so long. Checked the anode in the water heater, looks new.

Now speaking of water and my well is not working I got a bladder from Vevor. Its small enough to fill and haul in the tahoe and about the same capacity as my fresh water tank.

Still be a couple days until I head up. Wife has been off for a month so I am not getting as much done as I want and the kitchen/flooring is chugging along too.

[JR]

Did about 1/2 the TH roof repair yesterday, pretty bad. Guys park em under something and inspect.

Heading out to do the other half when the tree shades it again (turned around)

In the meantime finally putting the airbags on the Dmax.

[JR]

Didn't quit finish the TH roof. Putting the air bags on and painting a fender for the boy slowed me down. Hobled a 3" spacer for the bags, 4" lift may have to do a 4". I am getting slower too.

20psi seems about right, gets the overloads unloaded. Installed new wear on them too.

Front roof repair came out good. It was actually cracked wide open in spots. Tape and sealer. Used 50ft of 4" tape so far, just this far to go.

[JR]

Oh, I scored a new well pump on ebay. $400 for a $1000 franklin pump (open box). 1hp, 230v 2 wire. Specs say it is in the sweet spot for my depth. I also need a back flow valve which I left out as the old pump had an internal. But again at 400ft a separate is normal for my depth.

Now on the search for wire, crap this stuff is nuts!

[JR]

Made the trip up with the TH Saturday. Wasn't thinking it was Hot August nights weekend, took 6 hrs with traffic. TH pulled great great, had to do one fast stop and the brakes even locked up making for a OS moment. Airbags were something long needed.

First stop was Mavericks in West Sac. Just the food is worth the stop and fuel prices are normally the lowest too. I fueled up at another though in Sparks where the prices were much better.

No issues with pulling the hill into the property and got it placed kinda offset to the container, nose in. I want the rear for a nice porch so its nose in.

[JR]

Look like a good rain hit as the culvert was 2/3 full of crud and the ramp in was half washed away.

Gen has been finicky starting but new fuel fixed that (non ethanol from Mav). All seemed good, but the batteries gave out when putting the skirt on. Wouldn't even jump strart. I had a good AGM in the cont that went right in and fixed her up. Dang I should have done this 2-3 years ago.

Got it leveled out and started with the skirting. It had just gotten dark (late start) but it went good.

[JR]

It was after midnight when I got the skirting done. What is nice is how it stiffened up the stability. Threw 3 bags of moth ball under it, but maybe have to adjust that. Id id no vents and it reeks inside the TH. Vents will help plus the gen draws air from down there. Someone said irish spring works to deter the critters too.

Was hoping to some of the meteor shower, but nothing.

Oh, kubota still acting up and didn't have chance to work on the Skid. Threw a solar charger on it before I left.

[stlaser]

Local guy told me 60/40 ratio of cornbread mix and baking soda. Mice eat it and can’t pass gas, kills them and anything that eats them pets etc won’t get sick off of them like poison.

[Flyin6]

JR, I have a pro tip for that skirting
A couple actually

First, it goes without saying to kick up a dirt or gravel ramp on the inside and the outside
I did that with my skirt down at the farm.
Next, create a blowout panel on the windward side and tape everything on the leeward side.
Sooner or later a big wind will damage or collapse the windward side. When that happens the sudden pressurization of the skirted area will blow out most of your work.
Cut a 2X4 window in the leeward side somewhere and tape it from the outside.
When the front fails the blowout panel will do what you put it there to do...saving the rest of your work.

[JR]

Couple small gust hit when I got there and shook good, get some good wind up there. Didn't have the jacks or skirting gown yet. Kicked the panels in (good dirt behind them) and will probably skirt the lower with rocks (got a few there). All I had was duct tape, need something better. Most panels don't need it but the corners

No real windward side, but I need a panel for the tanks anyway. Just as a note I placed it so I can add another set of pallet racks and still swing the door with a walkway.

[Atkinsmatt]

Keep up the good work.  Remember it will be worth it in the end.

[JR]

Thx guys. By the way weather is great up there now. 90 days, 60 nights. Got me is I didn't see any meteors at all. Couldn't ask for a better location.