Winter travels and RV upgrades November 19, 2013, 07:32:52 am Yahoo Message Number: 12156My wife and I got good news yesterday. We are cleared by her doctor to travel this winter. List of thing I have done to MH this fall.1. Put Air Tabs on bottom of cab over. I drove a couple 100 miles with this upgrade. But conditions where not bad. It does seem to make a difference in cab noise. Will report back after more miles are put on MH. Got suggestion from a thread on RV.NET. http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/27034311/srt/pa/pging/1/page/2.cfm2. Put a 1000 Pure Sine Wave Inverter in place of the 1500 watt Modified Sine Wave inverter. I like it so far.3. Cleaned up monitor area. When I installed See Level it went into a area below OEM monitor. I modified it to put all in same area. Here is a link to some pictures. http://s35.photobucket.com/user/ronjhall/slideshow/Motorhome%20monitor%20upgrade4. Wife really like her Induction stove in the house and her portable induction burner we have in the MH. They now offer this option in a all electric RV. After some research I found the same model that is being put in RV's. Tru Induction. http://www.trueinduction.com/ . To solve the problem with Induction burner being bigger than gas range. I decided to install a new counter top and sink. Wife did not like the sink in MH because it was to small. She wanted a single bowl. Off I went to Menards for the items. Here is a link to the before and after pictures. http://s35.photobucket.com/user/ronjhall/slideshow/Induction%20Burner%20install%20in%20motorhomeI also added some small stroage areas under counter top.I will post update on how these items work during our winter travels.BestRon Hall Quote Selected
Re: Winter travels and RV upgrades Reply #1 – November 19, 2013, 07:53:24 am Yahoo Message Number: 12157Glad to hear all is "good to go" for Betty. You have been a very busy person so now you get to enjoy all your upgrades. Happy and safe travels.Dave Quote Selected
Re: Winter travels and RV upgrades Reply #2 – November 19, 2013, 11:54:09 am Yahoo Message Number: 12158As always I appreciate the information. I notice on the pictures of your kitchen, sink, burner upgrade that there was a shinny foil looking covering over the window. I assume that it has some insulating qualities. What is it and where are they available?Thanks againDoug2005 Gulfstream Endura 6340Diesel Quote Selected
Re: Winter travels and RV upgrades Reply #3 – November 19, 2013, 01:15:22 pm Yahoo Message Number: 12159It is Reflectix insulation sold at Lowes and HD. I bought a 2' X 25' roll of it. then made covers for every window in the RV. Sealed all the cut edges with Duct Tape.BestRon Hall Quote Selected
Re: Winter travels and RV upgrades Reply #4 – November 19, 2013, 02:08:05 pm Yahoo Message Number: 12160Thanks I have some in the barnDouglas Brothersronjhall@... wrote:It is Reflectix insulation sold at Lowes and HD. I bought a 2' X 25' roll of it. then made covers for every window in the RV. Sealed all the cut edges with Duct Tape.BestRon Hall Quote Selected
Re: Winter travels and RV upgrades Reply #5 – November 19, 2013, 06:52:33 pm Yahoo Message Number: 12161WOW, you never cease to amaze! Tell me Ron, do you sleep? :-) really nice job on the coach and I'm glad to hear your wife got the travel okay. Have a safe trip.Take care, Greg Quote Selected
Kodiak model numbers Reply #6 – November 19, 2013, 06:58:42 pm Yahoo Message Number: 12162I hope someone here can shed some light on this. I was looking at some parts online and the site asked what trim model the Kodiak was and then listed these:C5C042C5E042C5U042C5C044C5E044C5V042I don't see this listed on my build sheet or within the VIN. If it's on the coach, where would it be?Thanks, Greg Quote Selected
Re: Kodiak model numbers Reply #7 – November 19, 2013, 07:00:00 pm Yahoo Message Number: 12163On the drivers door decal Quote Selected
Re: Winter travels and RV upgrades Reply #8 – November 19, 2013, 07:45:23 pm Yahoo Message Number: 12164I read and viewed his work in bed on my iPad this morning. When I finished I was exhausted and went back to sleep.Ron just doesn't stop. He is like that Duracell bunny. He just keeps going and going.On the relief front, we finally got our new 2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited today. It is now in our garage at home while we are in Florida. DW has to wait another month before she gets to drive her new car. Next issue will be base plates. We'd love to have them done by Blue Ox on their "first" plan but I doubt that will still be open in April.Don Quote Selected
Re: Kodiak model numbers Reply #9 – November 19, 2013, 07:48:03 pm Yahoo Message Number: 12165The online order guide for the MH version indicates it is C5U042Don Quote Selected
Re: Winter travels and RV upgrades Reply #10 – November 19, 2013, 10:21:39 pm Yahoo Message Number: 12169Oh oh. Should have been the Energizer Bunny - not Duracell. My bad. Don Quote Selected
Re: Winter travels and RV upgrades Reply #11 – November 19, 2013, 11:20:53 pm Yahoo Message Number: 12170Don said, Quote Selected
Re: Kodiak model numbers Reply #12 – November 19, 2013, 11:22:45 pm Yahoo Message Number: 12171Don said, Quote Selected
Re: Kodiak model numbers Reply #13 – November 19, 2013, 11:23:21 pm Yahoo Message Number: 12172Thanks Dwaine, I'll check it tomorrow.Take care, Greg Quote Selected
Re: Winter travels and RV upgrades Reply #14 – November 20, 2013, 04:54:25 am Yahoo Message Number: 12174It my wife. She wants a RV with all these new features.Don, I would take your new Jeep to Blue Ox for the base plate. But I am heading south on Sunday.BestRon Hall Quote Selected
Re: Kodiak model numbers Reply #15 – November 21, 2013, 10:21:48 am Yahoo Message Number: 12176Hi Greg, Found this in one of the Kodiak GM manuals. The title of the attachment is the manual name as well. This attachment is just the one page that decodes the chassis config. Please let me know if the attachment does not work.Mike Quote Selected
Re: Kodiak model numbers Reply #16 – November 21, 2013, 10:24:40 am Yahoo Message Number: 12177Hi Greg, I found this in one of the GM manuals. The title of the attachment is the title of the document. The attachment is only the one page that decodes the Chassis config you want. I hope that helps....MikeOn Tuesday, November 19, 2013 9:23 PM, Greg Gimlick wrote:Thanks Dwaine, I'll check it tomorrow.Take care, Greg Quote Selected
Re: Winter travels and RV upgrades Reply #17 – November 21, 2013, 03:01:09 pm Yahoo Message Number: 12178Nice stuff. Glad you are cleared to roam the planet too!Be well, ~Victor - KI6IMKodiak Diesel Dutchmen 34H BunkhouseOn Tuesday, November 19, 2013 3:52 PM, Greg Gimlick wrote: Quote Selected
Re: Kodiak model numbers [1 Attachment] Reply #18 – November 21, 2013, 03:10:30 pm Yahoo Message Number: 12179QuoteFound this in one of the Kodiak GM manuals. The title of the attachmentis the manual name as well. This attachment is just the one pagethat decodes the chassis config. Please let me know if the attachmentdoes not work.Thanks Mike, it came thru just fine. I also found the plate on the doorso this decodes that as well.Naturally our list owner Don was correct saying it was a C5U042Thanks, Greg Quote Selected
PEX tool Reply #19 – December 06, 2013, 08:57:20 pm Yahoo Message Number: 12229A while back someone...probably Ron, mentioned a PEX crimping tool from someplace that was reasonably priced. I thought I saved the reference, but can't find it.With the weather being below zero in Denver, I thought it might be prudent to be able to cut, crimp, and repair if needed.I've got another week to complete the preparations for the trip.Take care, Greg Quote Selected
Re: PEX tool Reply #20 – December 06, 2013, 09:05:26 pm Yahoo Message Number: 12230Just finished a PEX repair....used a "shark bite fitting" no tool required.@ Home DepotSent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE DROIDGreg Gimlick wrote:A while back someone...probably Ron, mentioned a PEX crimping tool from someplace that was reasonably priced. I thought I saved the reference, but can't find it.With the weather being below zero in Denver, I thought it might be prudent to be able to cut, crimp, and repair if needed.I've got another week to complete the preparations for the trip.Take care, Greg Quote Selected
Re: PEX tool Reply #21 – December 06, 2013, 09:08:41 pm Yahoo Message Number: 12231I agree. All you need is a tubing cutter, about ($15). Sharkbite or Gator Bite at Lowes work great for repairs. Quote Selected
Re: PEX tool Reply #22 – December 06, 2013, 09:23:58 pm Yahoo Message Number: 12232I vote for that too! Those fittings work wonders.Dave Quote Selected
Re: PEX tool Reply #23 – December 06, 2013, 09:26:39 pm Yahoo Message Number: 12233Greg, Besure you leave the door open under the sink kitchen sink.Dave Quote Selected
Re: PEX tool Reply #24 – December 06, 2013, 09:27:15 pm Yahoo Message Number: 12234Attachments :I bought this tool from Menards for $89 which includes the heads for 4 sizes of Pex fittings.http://www.menards.com/main/plumbing/plumbing-tools/hand-tools/pex-tools/multi-head-pex-crimp-tool/p-1805177-c-8609.htmAlthough I don't use it often, it has easily paid for itself over the price of Sharkbite fittings. That being said, there are places the Sharkbites just won't fit and places where it is difficult to use the Pex tool due to space around the fitting to use the tool and Sharkbites are the way to go. I have some 90 degree Sharkbite fittings on the back side of our whirlpool tub at home in a space that using the Pex tool would have been difficult. They have been in place for 10 years without any issues.GregMNFrom: KodiakChassisClassC@yahoogroups.com [mailto:KodiakChassisClassC@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Greg GimlickSent: Friday, December 06, 2013 7:57 PMTo: KodiakChassisClassC@yahoogroups.comSubject: [KodiakChassisClassC] PEX toolA while back someone...probably Ron, mentioned a PEX crimping tool from someplace that was reasonably priced. I thought I saved the reference, but can't find it.With the weather being below zero in Denver, I thought it might be prudent to be able to cut, crimp, and repair if needed.I've got another week to complete the preparations for the trip.Take care, Greg Quote Selected
Re: PEX tool Reply #25 – December 07, 2013, 02:11:06 am Yahoo Message Number: 12235Well you've convinced me, I'll head to Home Depot and pick up a couple of fittings to take with me. I've never used Shark Bite stuff, but it looks to be the perfect "just in case" solution to have on hand.Thanks everyone.Take care, Greg Quote Selected
Re: PEX tool Reply #26 – December 07, 2013, 06:15:23 am Yahoo Message Number: 12236I have the PEX tool. Watts PEX P-949 Ratcheting Cinch Clamp Tool for 3/8-Inch 1/2-Inch 3/4-Inch...Plus a supply of rings. Have used it many times to update tank washers and fresh water lines. More than paid for it. That being said. If your water lines freeze. The PEX will probably survive. Fittings will not. They crack and leak. Will not take long to pay for tool and rings when using Sharkbites. I have a few spare fittings. I also carry a section of 1/2" PEX pipe. Easier to remove a whole section than try to get old fittings out. But I am sure that the one I need will not be in my spare parts kit. It will take a trip to HD to fix it. If you plan on modifying your RV get the tool. Otherwise get the parts as needed.BestRon Hall Quote Selected
Re: PEX tool Reply #27 – December 07, 2013, 10:26:37 am Yahoo Message Number: 12237Ron Hall wrote:QuoteI have the PEX tool.How did I know it was you :-)Quoteyour water lines freeze. The PEX will probably survive. Fittings willnot. They crack and leak.That's what I thought. I left the great frozen north of NY (Plattsburgh)in the 70's and haven't dealt with these sorts of things in ages. Iwinterize the campers here and have never had a broken line so this tripto Denver next week is a bit nerve wracking given the temps they've hadlately.QuoteI have a few spare fittings. I alsocarry a section of 1/2" PEX pipe. Easier to remove a whole sectionthan try to get old fittings out. But I am sure that the one I needwill not be in my spare parts kit.That's one of nature's laws QuoteIf you plan on modifying your RV get the tool. Otherwise get theparts as needed.That's the tact I'm taking. When we get back, I'll probably change acouple of things, but in the meantime I'm trying to plan for the worstand hope for the best.A couple of things I've never paid any attention to because it wasn'trelevant for me in the past. The low point drain lines exit the bottomof the RV under the bath over the propane tank curbside, they travelacross the bottom to the dump valve compartment. This means they areunprotected and outside. Stupid. I've insulated them and will put thethermostat lights in those areas....and cross my fingers. In the springI will cut those lines inside under the bathroom cabinet and installshut-off valves there so I can drain the outside line and close off therest of it inside for cold weather trips. The line feeding the toiletleaves the heated under-cabinet section over the generator and travelsunprotected thru the dump valve area to the toilet where it goes back upthru the floor. Same there with the insulation and lamp in hopes ofkeeping it unfrozen. I just don't understand selling a unit as "fourseason" with heated holding tanks and then doing silly things like this.I suppose after so many years of owning various RV's, I should be usedto it, but some things still surprise me.Greg Quote Selected
Re: Winter travels and RV upgrades Reply #28 – December 07, 2013, 03:38:09 pm Yahoo Message Number: 12238A little report on our travels.Air tabs make a big difference in wind noise around doors and windows. I only have 8 on each side of cab over. This redirects air away from doors and windows. May install more to complete a full width install. 2 things showed up as negatives with this install.Bugs get splattered to front radius of cab over. This also means they are not on the windshield and bottom of cab over. There was always some bugs on front radius. But there seem to be more on this area now.The other concern is windshield washer solvent is blown out away from windshield. Enough gets on windshield to get it clean with wipers. But I can see the solvent get blown out away from windshield and off to side of cab.I no longer hear the buffeting of air against side windows when wind is blowing from side.All the other mods have worked well in a little over 2000 mile trip. Best was towing our 2012 Chevy Captiva. Very good vehicle to tow.BestRon Hall Quote Selected
Re: Winter travels and RV upgrades Reply #29 – January 02, 2014, 01:37:49 pm Yahoo Message Number: 12297Have any pictures of the install? Doing them up front is interestingI have looked into these a bit, am wanting to know if they would keep thethe rear view camera cleaner for a longer time. Quote Selected