Sunday, May 29, 2011
Byron Nelson Golf Tournament
Spent yesterday, or most of yesterday at the HP Byron Nelson Golf Tournament. We arrived about 11AM and left about 4PM. By that time we had enough sun and crowds. We watched golf on holes 1, 2, 17, 16, 15 and 10. We spent the most time on 16 and 17, just because it was easy to find a place to stand in the shade close to the green. The greens are really the place to watch. The green at 16 was very interesting and to see the way the Pros read the green was interesting also. This had a hole location that if you got behind the hole, their chance of making it on a single putt was very limited, and once past the hole, the ball ended up on the bottom of the green. The course is well designed for people to watch at the greens with each one in an amphitheater type setting so the spectators can sit/stand on the sides and above the green. The number of people was tremendous. The age range of attendees seemed to favor the 20-30 year olds. I think that more than half that age group had a beer or other adult libation in their hand. Not that I did not want one or two myself, but I have found that in hot weather, water is the better choice. On the way out I got a couple of souvenirs. Might not get to another Golf Tournament of this size. Of course there was a ban of taking pictures, so the souvenirs and the pass are the only evidence that I have that I attended.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Grapevine
After an uneventful trip from Lubbock through Wichita Falls, down 287 to 114 and into Grapevine, we arrived yesterday about 11:15AM. We did spend a little time in Wichita Falls getting the Motorhome washed at The Falls Truck wash. Located behind Flying J and boasting a large Chrome Shop, the folks did an excellent job of washing and waxing the Motorhome. Included in the package we purchased was hand drying the Motorhome. It looks exceptional.
After arriving at The Vineyards Campground, we took an hour or so to set-up. This is what I call a "full set-up." It included the sun screens, leveling, flushing out the rear radiator, flushing the battery compartment and rinsing the A/C condensor.
Then it was off to find a car wash for the Jeep. One of the downsides to owning a white vehicle is that it shows all of the dirt, especially all of the tar that gets thrown up by the Motorhome in the construction areas. Though we did not get all of the tar off, it looks about 1000% better than it did.
Our camping compadres all trickled in and by 6:30 we were grilling burgers and stuffing ourselves on fabulous desserts.
The Vineyards Campground is in excellent condition and the improvements that they have made are exceptional.
One of the first things we noticed was a new "Camp Store." Located up by the entrance it is a nice feature.
Makes a convenient place to buy those last minute and forgotten items, like eggs, milk and the like.
As you can see from this photo, showing the back side of the entrance to the park, it is a well maintained park.
The paved roads are very nice and it makes a pleasant experience even in the rain. The new sites that were added look exceptional. An example is this one.
A nice back in spot with very attractive stone work. Other new sites included decks, especially in areas where the ground sloped a great deal. They even have some "along the road" spots as you might be able to make out in this picture.
And you do have the lake to look at and enjoy, along with a variety of animals, birds and water fowl.
The special treat with coming here on Memorial day week end is the free fireworks show.
We are already planning to make reservations for next year.
This morning we are off to Great Wolf Lodge to partake of their wonderful breakfast buffet, then to run errands - including, I am sure, the requisite stop at the Denton Camping World. This evening is the annual dinner at Babes for fried chicken and chicken fried steak. All served family style.
After arriving at The Vineyards Campground, we took an hour or so to set-up. This is what I call a "full set-up." It included the sun screens, leveling, flushing out the rear radiator, flushing the battery compartment and rinsing the A/C condensor.
Then it was off to find a car wash for the Jeep. One of the downsides to owning a white vehicle is that it shows all of the dirt, especially all of the tar that gets thrown up by the Motorhome in the construction areas. Though we did not get all of the tar off, it looks about 1000% better than it did.
Our camping compadres all trickled in and by 6:30 we were grilling burgers and stuffing ourselves on fabulous desserts.
The Vineyards Campground is in excellent condition and the improvements that they have made are exceptional.
One of the first things we noticed was a new "Camp Store." Located up by the entrance it is a nice feature.
Makes a convenient place to buy those last minute and forgotten items, like eggs, milk and the like.
As you can see from this photo, showing the back side of the entrance to the park, it is a well maintained park.
We are already planning to make reservations for next year.
This morning we are off to Great Wolf Lodge to partake of their wonderful breakfast buffet, then to run errands - including, I am sure, the requisite stop at the Denton Camping World. This evening is the annual dinner at Babes for fried chicken and chicken fried steak. All served family style.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Friday, May 13, 2011
Gazebo Update
DELAYED due to problems with Blogger.com
The wind has blown, and the rain finally came and neither has had much effect on the Gazebo. During the high winds, gusts of up to 60 MPH, we see some flexing of roof panels and occasional daylight as one may lift a little.
As far as the rain, what little we had (about 20-30 minutes worth with lightening) drained off as it should. The house side drained into the gutter and was taken away from the door/patio and the other three sides just dripped onto the patio.
Temperture wise, it is a little warmer under the Gazebo when the sun is out. This because of the black color. It has it benefits as when the evening cools, it is a little warm under the Gazebo due to the risdual heat.
Would have posted this sooner, but Google is having a little trouble with the site.
The wind has blown, and the rain finally came and neither has had much effect on the Gazebo. During the high winds, gusts of up to 60 MPH, we see some flexing of roof panels and occasional daylight as one may lift a little.
As far as the rain, what little we had (about 20-30 minutes worth with lightening) drained off as it should. The house side drained into the gutter and was taken away from the door/patio and the other three sides just dripped onto the patio.
Temperture wise, it is a little warmer under the Gazebo when the sun is out. This because of the black color. It has it benefits as when the evening cools, it is a little warm under the Gazebo due to the risdual heat.
Would have posted this sooner, but Google is having a little trouble with the site.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Steps get replaced!
One of the repair items that had been pending on our motorhome is the replacement of the electric steps. No, they have not worn out, they simply suffered a little bending when they came into contact with part of our lawn.
OK, from the beginning. We were leaving our house on the start of the Arizona trip in February when the steps failed to retract. Why they failed to retract is not known. Failure of the switch, the ignition override, getting caught on the curb and the list goes on. Bottom line, the steps did not retract and when I pulled out they caught the edge of the lawn in the parking strip and bent. They were 3/4 of the way extended. They would not retract any more, but they would extend. So, being the person I am, I extended the steps and then backed up and caught the other section of the lawn and "straightened" the steps. Well, it worked a little as you can see in the series of photos below.
In Lake Havasu City, John and Tina's staff at 3-T's looked at the steps and said that they would try and straighten them, but that a new set was in the future. However, that future was $1300+. So, they did their best and got them working 100% better and looking near perfect. But, they did warn me that since the steps were still bent it was putting extra stress on the step motor and gears.
Once we got back from Arizona, I started doing some research and found that we could purchase just the steps, without the motor and gear assembly. In fact there was a Winnebago part number for it. Step frame only. So, the next thing was an email to the parts department of Lichtsinn Motors in Forest City, IA. They had the step frame in stock (OK, how many others have bent their steps?) and could ship them right out. The cost was about 1/3 of what I had found on-line or through other more popular RV stores.
So, another job done. I would definitely do this with the jacks down and the appropriate safety bocks in place to give you a little more working room under the motorhome
OK, from the beginning. We were leaving our house on the start of the Arizona trip in February when the steps failed to retract. Why they failed to retract is not known. Failure of the switch, the ignition override, getting caught on the curb and the list goes on. Bottom line, the steps did not retract and when I pulled out they caught the edge of the lawn in the parking strip and bent. They were 3/4 of the way extended. They would not retract any more, but they would extend. So, being the person I am, I extended the steps and then backed up and caught the other section of the lawn and "straightened" the steps. Well, it worked a little as you can see in the series of photos below.
As you can see the steps just did not retract all the way. But, do I take it into the RV shop and have them work on them, or just continue on, knowing that one of the reasons we were going to Arizona was to go to 3-T's RV in Lake Havasu City and have some work done on the motorhome. Continuing on won. So off to Arizona we went with steps that looked like a Mack truck had hit them.
In Lake Havasu City, John and Tina's staff at 3-T's looked at the steps and said that they would try and straighten them, but that a new set was in the future. However, that future was $1300+. So, they did their best and got them working 100% better and looking near perfect. But, they did warn me that since the steps were still bent it was putting extra stress on the step motor and gears.
Once we got back from Arizona, I started doing some research and found that we could purchase just the steps, without the motor and gear assembly. In fact there was a Winnebago part number for it. Step frame only. So, the next thing was an email to the parts department of Lichtsinn Motors in Forest City, IA. They had the step frame in stock (OK, how many others have bent their steps?) and could ship them right out. The cost was about 1/3 of what I had found on-line or through other more popular RV stores.
Of course once they arrived, they got "parked" in the living room for a few weeks. Those stairs are heavy, about 70 pounds. How was I going to lift those into place and put nuts on bolts at the same time. Again, an RV Forum to the rescue. I found a post by a gentleman who had to remove his steps and replace them. He stated that he used a jack to left them into place. Excellent solution. I have a 3-ton floor jack. More than capable of lifting 70 pounds of steel.
So, while I was waiting for the battery cabinet to dry (that is another complete long post), I removed the steps. The first thing was to disconnect the power (I already had the batteries out, but still had to disconnect the electrical to get the steps out, there is a ground wire that attaches to the chassis that you have to disconnect, no plug), then I removed the linkage from the step motor to the steps. This turn buckle type linkage, once removed allowed me to extend the stairs and loosen the four nuts holding the stairs to the motorhome. I then put the jack under the steps, applied some lift. I could then remove the nuts and lower the steps with the jack. Once out, I turned them both over and removed the motor and light from the "bent" ones and put them on the new ones. This is what the motor assembly looks like.
I transferred the light and the control box (above and to the left of the light in picture above). I decided to install the motor unit after I had the steps mounted. This gave me just a little bit more room to work in. I turned the steps upright and put a nylon strap around the steps to keep them closed. Then placed the steps on the jack and wheeled it under the motorhome and lifted them into place. I was lucky and just needed minor "jiggling" to get them over the mounting bolts. I then put the nuts on the two back bolts snugged them up and then lowered and removed the jack.
I removed the nylon strap and let the steps come out and this allowed me to install the from two nuts and tighten them up. I then tightened the back nuts. The steps were installed. I next installed the motor/gear assembly. This is just four bolts that go into "nuts" attached to the step unit.
Once I had power, I cycled the motor a few times to get things lined up. I originally thought it would work to install the linkage turnbuckle while the steps were extended (out). This worked, but when retracted they did not go up all of the way. I then closed the door of the motorhome and got the motor into the "retracted" position and then pulled/pushed the steps closed and connected the linkage. This then allows the steps to close fully and extend fully. This is what it is supposed to look like.
So, another job done. I would definitely do this with the jacks down and the appropriate safety bocks in place to give you a little more working room under the motorhome
Battery Compartments - In constant need of cleaning
Imagine my surprise when I opened my battery compartment a couple weeks ago to check the water level in the batteries. I saw a mess of white in what is supposed to be a black battery compartment:
Look at the corrosion at the base of the batteries.
The paint is just peeling off with the corrosion lifting it up.
So much corrosion that the acid has leaked out and dripped on to the mounting point for the pneumatic opener.
Though there is evident of acid reaction on the top of the batteries, on the hold down straps, the battery terminals are clean with no sign of corrosion. I had removed the two "house" batteries in November and cleaned the compartment, the posts, the hold down straps and the bolts. Now I have a mess. From November until I discovered the mess, we have put on about 3K miles and spent about 12 nights out.
This is after the batteries were removed. As you can see, just about all of the floor of the cabinet is affected.
After the compartment has been wire brushed and washed with baking soda and water. The surface was then wiped down with denatured alcohol, and then primed with a rust control/converting primer. After 24 hours it was given two coats of Truck Bed Liner coating. I debated between that and Vehicle Under Coating which has a rubber product in it. The Truck Bed Liner coating should be harder and I plan to put something between the batteries and the floor of the battery compartment. This is how it looks.
My initial thought was a low fiberglass tray, like you use in a restaurant. Finding one that is 36"x19" is proving to be a problem - maybe a "big boy" restaurant. May be a Tupperware or Sterilite or Rubbermaid container. Something that will "contain" any future acid spill. I thought about just some rubber between the batteries and the floor of the compartment, but that would still allow it to contact the floor of the compartment and possibly cause a problem in the future.
Tray problem solved - Google can be your friend. Termed "Fast Food Trays" they come in a couple different sizes. 10x14, 12x16 and 14x18, most made of plastic. On-line these will set you back about $4 each. Then there is shipping. I was lucky, one of the local restaurant supply stores had some used fiberglass 14x18 trays for $2.50 each. I just had to drive "across town" to get them. Seems like a perfect solution.
With a little paint, and holes drilled for the battery anchor points, this is how it came out.
The anchor bolts go through the fiberglass tray and through the floor of the battery compartment. A washer on the top of the tray and a washer on the bottom side of the floor. I used a ny-lock nut on the bottom, and standard nut on the top side. Then we have a washer and a lock washer under the nuts that are on the battery clamps.
It took a little while, but now I hope that it will just be washing the dirt out of the compartment with a hose at every outing. There is plenty of ventilation in this compartment, with the winds we have had, this was a layer of dust on the compartment floor you could have done a painting in.
Look at the corrosion at the base of the batteries.
The paint is just peeling off with the corrosion lifting it up.
So much corrosion that the acid has leaked out and dripped on to the mounting point for the pneumatic opener.
Though there is evident of acid reaction on the top of the batteries, on the hold down straps, the battery terminals are clean with no sign of corrosion. I had removed the two "house" batteries in November and cleaned the compartment, the posts, the hold down straps and the bolts. Now I have a mess. From November until I discovered the mess, we have put on about 3K miles and spent about 12 nights out.
This is after the batteries were removed. As you can see, just about all of the floor of the cabinet is affected.
After the compartment has been wire brushed and washed with baking soda and water. The surface was then wiped down with denatured alcohol, and then primed with a rust control/converting primer. After 24 hours it was given two coats of Truck Bed Liner coating. I debated between that and Vehicle Under Coating which has a rubber product in it. The Truck Bed Liner coating should be harder and I plan to put something between the batteries and the floor of the battery compartment. This is how it looks.
My initial thought was a low fiberglass tray, like you use in a restaurant. Finding one that is 36"x19" is proving to be a problem - maybe a "big boy" restaurant. May be a Tupperware or Sterilite or Rubbermaid container. Something that will "contain" any future acid spill. I thought about just some rubber between the batteries and the floor of the compartment, but that would still allow it to contact the floor of the compartment and possibly cause a problem in the future.
Tray problem solved - Google can be your friend. Termed "Fast Food Trays" they come in a couple different sizes. 10x14, 12x16 and 14x18, most made of plastic. On-line these will set you back about $4 each. Then there is shipping. I was lucky, one of the local restaurant supply stores had some used fiberglass 14x18 trays for $2.50 each. I just had to drive "across town" to get them. Seems like a perfect solution.
With a little paint, and holes drilled for the battery anchor points, this is how it came out.
The anchor bolts go through the fiberglass tray and through the floor of the battery compartment. A washer on the top of the tray and a washer on the bottom side of the floor. I used a ny-lock nut on the bottom, and standard nut on the top side. Then we have a washer and a lock washer under the nuts that are on the battery clamps.
It took a little while, but now I hope that it will just be washing the dirt out of the compartment with a hose at every outing. There is plenty of ventilation in this compartment, with the winds we have had, this was a layer of dust on the compartment floor you could have done a painting in.
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