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Winter trip prep continues...

Yahoo Message Number: 12180
We've got about three weeks before we depart for the frozen Denver area
for a month and the work to upgrade and repair things continues.

I got the new tires put on last week and while it was there, they did
the oil change, lube, serpentine belt, brake checks, wheel bearings,
etc. I left almost $4000 poorer, but it was stuff that all needed done.
I was hesitating while we decided whether we would try to trade the
motorhome or keep it. In the end, we decided to keep it.

I've upgraded the front TV and replaced the refrigerator door again.
This time the plastic liner holding the bottom shelf began to crack and
the door seal needed to be replaced....which of course is not
replaceable so you get stuck for a door. I actually ordered one thru
Camping World and it was cheaper than anyplace else at $134 and free
shipping. The parts guy at the local store gave me the number and told
me to go home and order it because it would be about $50 than if he got
it for me at the store.

While replacing the door, I also removed the oak panels from both doors
and replaced them with black acrylic panels which also match the black
appliances. The real reason was to save almost 20 pounds from both
doors. It now feels odd to open the doors and they're so light.

I also replaced all the bulbs in the overhead lights with LED's I
ordered from eBay. They aren't quite as bright, but since 20 bulbs were
about $18, I thought it might be worth a try. I need more to do the
storage compartments.

I ordered a new air filter which will arrive tomorrow. My wife was
shocked at the size of the old one sitting on my bench. She didn't know
what it was and when I told her, she was shocked at the size. I told her
it had to be big to match the price.

I also replaced the original battery on the truck. It was an AC Delco
6yr battery in its 7th year of life. It was still working, but was
getting pretty lazy and I didn't want trouble on the road in cold
weather. I just replaced it with another AC Delco 6yr battery since that
one worked so well. The price was the same as similar size from auto
stores and Walmart, right at $125.

I was reading the manual for the leveling jacks today (Power Gear) and
noticed it said to change the fluid every two years. Oops, I've never
changed the fluid. They've worked fine and I left them alone. I'm now
wondering if I should drain and change it. The service manual doesn't
mention anything about bleeding the lines when refilling. What have you
guys been doing?

That's about it, I've insulated everything I can insulate underneath
where low point lines come out, etc. I've insulated the fresh water
compartment behind the false wall in the basement compartment.

I've got a heated water hose.

Oh yeah, for fun this weekend I washed and treated the roof, then washed
the camper too.....then began hand waxing. I got the whole front end
waxed and most of the way down one side before I ran out of gas and time
allowed at the house. I've got to bring it back over when I get a
weather break again to finish that up.

Been a busy couple weeks, that's for sure.

Greg

Re: Winter trip prep continues...

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 12181
Now you've made me tired again with all that work.

Next time, don't put so much beer and wine on the shelves inside the fridge door. :)

When mine fell off on the Saturday at our 2010 rally in Elkhart (it only had soft drinks of course), Jayco was able to get one very quickly and installed it Monday afternoon. Cost was $75 plus about $50 for installation.

Don

ps. To get the Kodiak Model Number I simply looked at the GM Kodiak Order form for RV chassis.

Re: Winter trip prep continues...

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 12182
Don the List Czar said,

Now you've made me tired again with all that work.

Well, I'm no Ron, that's for sure :-) I made the mistake of showing DW the photos of Ron's kitchen update....that might leave a mark :-)

Re: Winter trip prep continues...

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 12183
Getting projects done is a matter of getting started. With the plan to fix your mistakes as you go.
Greg has not even started and already has a mistake. LOL.
Best
Ron Hall

Re: Winter trip prep continues...

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 12184
Ron wrote:

Quote
Getting projects done is a matter of getting started.

Lot's of truth in that! I sure wish I could keep the coach at my house,
it would make these session less of a marathon.

Quote
fix your mistakes as you go.
Greg has not even started and already has a mistake. LOL.

But I recognize the mistake - NEVER show Ron's work to DW!!! :-)

Have you drained and changed the Power Gear leveling fluid?

The book says every two or three years depending on which manual you
read. The service manual doesn't mention bleeding, but there is a Tips
sheet about doing it. There was a short thread on RV.net arguing the
need, but nothing of substance. Mine is still the original fluid, but
it's been working fine all this time too.

Greg

Re: Winter trip prep continues...

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 12185
I have not changed fluid in my leveling/slide system. At 10 years I should be doing it. I have Equalizer System pump and cylinder. When I stated prep this week. Rear slide would not work. Followed trouble shooting guide. Can make the rear slide work. But have to manually work valve. Looks like I need a new valve. Maybe I should change the oil.
Best
Ron Hall