Thought I would start a new topic which deals with what you are doing today on your Lazy Daze. This will be a fun, ongoing thread similar to the What’s in your camera? or, What are you reading? topics. We had a similar thread when I was active on the Hi-Lo forum and it was quite popular, so thought I would try it here as well. It could be something as simple as washing the rig, improvements, or pretty much anything you want to say about what you are doing.
I’ll go ahead and start with the first post. Today, I am lubricating the coach door and checking alignment as per the Lazy Daze manual. I’m also going to lubricate the exterior storage compartment seals. In addition, I had this crazy idea that if my water pump ever starts leaking and spraying out, it would have a negative impact on the converter unit which is just a couple of inches away. So I placed a thin, plastic cutting board to leave in between the two components, just in case.
What are you doing to your Lazy Daze today?
Greg, protecting the power box from water spray is a great idea!
I will throw one back at you, Put a leak detection device on the floor next to the pump that will sound an alarm when it gets wet.
I was given several by the inventor years ago that requires no battery. Water activates some chemicals to make some electricity. I can't tell you how to get them, but there must be some like them out there.
If the rig is not level you would need several to be sure the water finds one of the devices.
And then be sure to turn off the pump when you leave, which we usually fail to do even with a sign on the door to remind us.
Greg, you will be the chair of the “Disaster Recovery Committee” - thanks for starting this post!
The Chair position pays more - ha ha.
Thanks,
Jay
Great idea for a topic. Today looking wistfully out my bricks and sticks kitchen window at the LD. Wishing we felt safe enough to travel. Thinking about camping, wondering if we need to update our solar panels, planning the next destination. The old mantra of "Think Spring" being replaced with "Think Vaccine".
I like this thread idea!!
Not today, but on Saturday I went ahead and added insulation to the water pipes inside the RV. Not sure if needed, but just a piece of mind knowing that they are.
Greg,
This remind me of your post about winterizing where you have to move the converter to get access .... looking at the picture, is it possible to replace 90 degree elbow at outflow direction with a T and a piece of pipe with a valve to make winterizing easier next time? Same line of thought, putting pump bypass with may allow easier winterizing via outside fresh water tank inlet?
Sorry if this topic is discussed in past ...
Regards,
Don't have LD yet but got the date and am not too much behind :-)
Regards,
Thought I would start a new topic which deals with what you are doing today on your Lazy Daze. This will be a fun, ongoing thread similar to the What’s in your camera? or, What are you reading? topics. We had a similar thread when I was active on the Hi-Lo forum and it was quite popular, so thought I would try it here as well. It could be something as simple as washing the rig, improvements, or pretty much anything you want to say about what you are doing.
I’ll go ahead and start with the first post. Today, I am lubricating the coach door and checking alignment as per the Lazy Daze manual. I’m also going to lubricate the exterior storage compartment seals. In addition, I had this crazy idea that if my water pump ever starts leaking and spraying out, it would have a negative impact on the converter unit which is just a couple of inches away. So I placed a thin, plastic cutting board to leave in between the two components, just in case.
What are you doing to your Lazy Daze today?
I like this thread idea!!
Not today, but on Saturday I went ahead and added insulation to the water pipes inside the RV. Not sure if needed, but just a piece of mind knowing that they are.
Now there's an idea!
This remind me of your post about winterizing where you have to move the converter to get access .... looking at the picture, is it possible to replace 90 degree elbow at outflow direction with a T and a piece of pipe with a valve to make winterizing easier next time? Same line of thought, putting pump bypass with may allow easier winterizing via outside fresh water tank inlet?
I hadn't thought of that but it might be a possibility. I certainly don't want to be moving the converter every time I winterize as we would like to take trips in the winter months so will be winterizing and dewinterizing several times a year. I plan on dewinterizing tomorrow for our first trip over to the coast so will take a look at that. Thanks for the idea!
Muhammad, I’m thinking this brass fitting might be an ideal place to install a tee to accommodate winterizing. I’m a little reluctant to mess with the plastic fittings that go to the water pump.
Took my LD to my local park along with a bunch of other RVers with nowhere to go, exercising the generator, and wondering how many of my upcoming reservations will be cancelled. Well, at least it beats having to go to work.
Today, we are officially renaming the Lazy Daze. The LD formerly known as Bossa Nova is becoming Nocona. It’s a Comanche name which fittingly means “camper” or “wanderer.” There is also a small town in Texas by that name, named after Peta Nocona, a Comanche chief:
Nocona, Texas - Wikipedia (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nocona,_Texas)
Of course, we have now put that town on our travel list!
"Welkəm Nocona"
The Comanche spelling for the English word "welcome" me thinks!
Cheers!
Tony R. (aka codefour)
They have a car museum there, so it may not be a total bust to go there.
Horton Classic Car Museum (http://www.motortexas.com/doc/horton-classic-car-museum)
Probably some decent BBQ somewhere around there.
They have a car museum there, so it may not be a total bust to go there.
Horton Classic Car Museum (http://www.motortexas.com/doc/horton-classic-car-museum)
Probably some decent BBQ somewhere around there.
Well Don, I do be liking me some old cars and Texas barbecue!
Installed the Camco screen door handle this morning. Much better. Now if I can only figure out how to keep that annoying Hehr plastic slider from jumping out of its track!
Now if I can only figure out how to keep that annoying Hehr plastic slider from jumping out of its track!
Me too! Please post if you come up with a solution.
Charles
Thought I would start a new topic which deals with what you are doing today on your Lazy Daze. This will be a fun, ongoing thread similar to the What’s in your camera? or, What are you reading? topics. We had a similar thread when I was active on the Hi-Lo forum and it was quite popular, so thought I would try it here as well. It could be something as simple as washing the rig, improvements, or pretty much anything you want to say about what you are doing.
I’ll go ahead and start with the first post. Today, I am lubricating the coach door and checking alignment as per the Lazy Daze manual. I’m also going to lubricate the exterior storage compartment seals. In addition, I had this crazy idea that if my water pump ever starts leaking and spraying out, it would have a negative impact on the converter unit which is just a couple of inches away. So I placed a thin, plastic cutting board to leave in between the two components, just in case.
What are you doing to your Lazy Daze today?
Exercising the generator tomorrow. Just replaced the starter in my Olympian Wave-3 heater and its working good as new. What product are you using to lubricate the seals on the storage compartments? Never thought of doing that.
Exercising the generator tomorrow. Just replaced the starter in my Olympian Wave-3 heater and its working good as new. What product are you using to lubricate the seals on the storage compartments? Never thought of doing that.
Only thought of it because the Lazy Daze manual mentions it. I used 303 Aerospace.
Installed the Camco screen door handle this morning. Much better. Now if I can only figure out how to keep that annoying Hehr plastic slider from jumping out of its track!
We had the same problem on another motorhome we had. It had a piece of aluminum riveted to it to keep the shape. I got everything back into the track and slightly bent the aluminum to straighten it out a bit. It took care of our problem.
Jon
OK, actually did this yesterday afternoon but installed one of those steering wheel covers which I do with all my vehicles.
Today is interior cleaning, final loading, and a bath job for Nocona if our winds die down. Leaving for the coast in a couple days!
Today is interior cleaning, final loading, and a bath job for Nocona if our winds die down. Leaving for the coast in a couple days!
Hope you have reservations, all the public campgrounds are closed, not sure about the private campgrounds, I know some are closed.
Larry
Hope you have reservations, all the public campgrounds are closed, not sure about the private campgrounds, I know some are closed.
Sure do, Larry!
U.S. Military Campgrounds and RV Parks - Camp San Luis Obispo RV Park (https://www.militarycampgrounds.us/california/camp-san-luis-obispo-rv-park)
I like this steering wheel cover better, Greg:
@HiLola what's the microphone on the dash for?
I like this steering wheel cover better, Greg:
Nice, Chris! Goes with your rig beautifully. Between that and the Cactus Cowboy, you are stylin!
@HiLola what's the microphone on the dash for?
So I can talk to the voices in my head? 🤔
The previous owner told me it has something to do with the back up camera. Apparently there is voice communication through it. Not sure about that as I haven’t tested it. Anyone know for sure?
On our ‘15 RB, the dash mounted mic is for Bluetooth phone connection of the cab radio.
Following the radio instructions, you can make a Bluetooth connection to your smart phone. You first turn on the Bluetooth function of both devices prior to hitting the road.
When a call comes in, you can answer the call via the mic and hear the caller over the radio. I’ve used it once and soon forgot all about using the function.
Convenient? Not so much for me. Maybe for others. 🤨
Kent
OK, thanks Kent. I haven’t spent much time learning the radio in the rig. It’s pretty fancy to tell you the truth and I just haven’t had time to take a look at it yet. Probably won’t use that feature either but you never know!
Prior to Christmas, I reached out to my Secret Santa and put in a special LD request-a Deionizer for washing the rig.
Looks much like our two stage water filter for fresh water. Spot free wash and rinse should make cleaning the coach easier.
AQUATICLIFE Deionized Spot-Free Car Rinse Unit - Premium Water Deionizer for Car Washing - Spotless Car, RV, and Motorcycle Wash System Amazon.com: AQUATICLIFE Deionized Spot-Free Car Rinse Unit - Premium Water... (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8MQTMD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_i_RJHaGb8GTTCA9?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1)
I’m looking forward to Spring Clean. Yeah!
Kent
Nice, Kent! If you need a rig to test it on, I’m only two and a half hours away. I’ll bring the coffee! :D
Today is winterizing (again). The calm before the storm . . .
Today is winterizing (again). The calm before the storm . . .
Fun, you can try driving your LD in the snow. We have been in Tehachapi a couple of times when it's snowing.
It wasn't bad and we made it safely out of a service station with iced-over pavement, towing Jeep.
LDs do well in fresh snow. Give it a try.
We have carried a set of snow cables every winter for years, just in case, and never have not had to use them ...yet.
Amazon.com: Security Chain Company SZ429 Super Z6 Cable Tire Chain for... (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HZFDQ4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Larry
Think I’ll just stay home, Larry. Doubt I could make it up our gravel driveway anyway.
They used to let you drive the Tehachapi Pass with chains on but I heard they stopped doing that now. They will either escort you without chains if it’s not too bad or they will just close it down completely.
Yesterday we took our LD to Leisure Coachworks in Fontana, CA to get an evaluation of our roof/end cap/window seals. This is where Vince, formerly of Lazy Daze works now. He checked around for any leaks and did not find any areas of water intrusion 😁. Not trusting ourselves to do the resealing, we will be having Leisure Coachworks do it. Our 17 year-old roof has never been resealed. Vince is a cool, knowledgeable guy!
"Our 17 year-old roof has never been resealed."
You've received more than your share of service from that rood if that's the case. A pat on the back seems to be in order. Larry did my roof at half that age.
I'd also say you made a good decision by having Vince do the work. He's done a lot of work on my roof even though he shied away from Larry's Eternabond. :D ;)
Yesterday we took our LD to Leisure Coachworks in Fontana, CA to get an evaluation of our roof/end cap/window seals. This is where Vince, formerly of Lazy Daze works now. He checked around for any leaks and did not find any areas of water intrusion 😁. Not trusting ourselves to do the resealing, we will be having Leisure Coachworks do it. Our 17 year-old roof has never been resealed. Vince is a cool, knowledgeable guy!
Wondering if you got an actual quote as I'd like to start budgeting for a reseal? You can PM me if you would rather. Thanks!
Greg, not yet, but I will let you know.
Finally paint over the two faux windows...
"...paint over ..."
Was Ed Newton right, does it look like a bread truck? ;D ;)
The semi-annual brake flush was done a couple of days ago, it's good to do this every two to three years. Brake fluid is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture from the air, potentially causing rust in the brake system.
I use a pressure flusher that attaches to the master cylinder reservoir, it pumps fresh brake fluid through the system, letting the old fluid escape when each brake caliper's bleed valve is opened, allowing the fluid to flow until clean fluid appears and any air bubbles disappear.
Amazon.com: Motive Products - 0107 Power Pressure Brake Bleeder for Ford and... (https://www.amazon.com/Motive-Products-Pressure-Clutch-Bleeder/dp/B00CJ5DZE2/ref=sr_1_13?dchild=1&keywords=brake+flush+machine&qid=1611512094&sr=8-13)
Larry
"...paint over ..."
Was Ed Newton right, does it look like a bread truck? ;D ;)
Yes.
Larry
Now that the weather has warmed up today is a good time to give Villa Verde the first waxing. The nosecone and rear cap are finished and continuing to the front. This will be several days of work. The hardest part was laying on my back to do the underside of the nosecone. Some time ago I got a surplus shelf rack from a going out of business lumber yard that the nose of the motorhome fit between the supports. I attached a sheet of 3/4" plywood to the wire shelf and mounted the shelf to meet the nose of the cab just above the wiper blades. It is still a tight fit but it works for me. Time is on my side.
Larry, I think you meant biennial brake flush.
Mike, are you using this method? Congrats on your first wax, I still need to do mine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMCsXl9SGgY
Sorry I can’t do it that way. I’m left handed working with my right brain. Some will understand.
Larry, I think you meant biennial brake flush.
You are correct, my bad.
Larry
"The hardest part was laying on my back to do the underside of the nosecone."
Jeeze, color me green with envy, about the shade of your RV barn I'd think! ::) ;)
"The hardest part was laying on my back to do the underside of the nosecone."
Jeeze, color me green with envy, about the shade of your RV barn I'd think! ::) ;)
An impressive shop, I'm beyond green with envy and would just about kill for a lift capable of lifting an LD.
Larry
Now that the weather has warmed up today is a good time to give Villa Verde the first waxing. The nosecone and rear cap are finished and continuing to the front. This will be several days of work. The hardest part was laying on my back to do the underside of the nosecone. Some time ago I got a surplus shelf rack from a going out of business lumber yard that the nose of the motorhome fit between the supports. I attached a sheet of 3/4" plywood to the wire shelf and mounted the shelf to meet the nose of the cab just above the wiper blades. It is still a tight fit but it works for me. Time is on my side.
Mike, I like your MacGyvered ceiling air conditioning system (2nd photo). ;)
Chris
I like your MacGyvered ceiling air conditioning system
Chris, I got those $20 box fans when K-Mart was still in business here years ago. They were installed when we built the building and the electrician wired then to an adjustable thermostat that I set to turn on at 90F. The system worked quite well for many years until the fans wore out. The ceiling is insulated with double bubble aluminum foil which already keeps the work space comfortable in the summer sun. The building in that picture is our 'Shed' where all the farm equipment is stored including the full hookup spot for Villa Verde. I believe you can see part of the John Deere "Big Boy" tractor in front of motorhome. In the attached photo here the shed is the building to the left and my 'Shop' is to the right where I do all the maintenance, repair, and modifications to equipment. The shop was already on the property when we bought it in 2001.
I like your MacGyvered ceiling air conditioning system
Chris, I got those $20 box fans when K-Mart was still in business here years ago. They were installed when we built the building and the electrician wired then to an adjustable thermostat that I set to turn on at 90F. The system worked quite well for many years until the fans wore out. The ceiling is insulated with double bubble aluminum foil which already keeps the work space comfortable in the summer sun. The building in that picture is our 'Shed' where all the farm equipment is stored including the full hookup spot for Villa Verde. I believe you can see part of the John Deere "Big Boy" tractor in front of motorhome. In the attached photo here the shed is the building to the left and my 'Shop' is to the right where I do all the maintenance, repair, and modifications to equipment. The shop was already on the property when we bought it in 2001.
After viewing your outstanding complex, 7598 LDOG members just felt a prick of envy in their hearts. 🙂
Chris
After viewing your outstanding complex, 7598 LDOG members just felt a prick of envy in their hearts. 🙂
Chris
As 7598 is the current memberhip, I think he slightly over estimates the number of envious members, Mr. Coachman is probably not envious, just happy. And the 'prick of envy' i just the floor - some of us have much more than a 'prick' over it.
:) ;)
After viewing your outstanding complex, 7598 LDOG members just felt a prick of envy in their hearts. 🙂
I wonder if Mike can accommodate the entire membership on his property? Could become an annual event! 😉
Some people have it too good. A custom log splitter that could handle a sequoia. Many industrial quality 240v machines were in place when he bought the property. How about a hydraulic lift for the LD? A metal cabinet that must be over 20 feet long that has about a zillion drawers that contain examples of every fastener ever made. A welder that could build a ship. Oh yeah and a pair of herons hang out there. Some people have it too good.
And Don knows he and Dorothy can come and stay on our full hookup site whenever we are home. We are always glad to see them return for a visit. Same goes for any other LD owner in this group. As the closest neighbor is 1/4-mile away it is alway somewhat peaceful here except for the cows, wild turkeys, owls, hawks, deer, woodpeckers, and sandhill cranes that wander (or fly) through occasionally.
Yesterday afternoon, after clearing a path to Nocona, I set up an extension ladder and swept 6 inches of snow off the solar panel. There was still a thin coating of ice left on the panel but didn’t want to scrape it off as I figured the panel would eventually warm up enough to melt the remaining ice. It was late in the afternoon and what little sun was left was low in the sky but, sure enough, the panel was just barely operating.
Thinking, wouldn’t it be nice if I could figure out a way to monitor the panel without walking through the snow to check on it? ; I finally had the bright idea this morning to use one of our Blink cameras which can be monitored from anywhere. I placed it on the shelf area above the entry door, pointing it at the solar controller. It’s a little hard to read the numbers when zooming in but I can at least tell if it’s getting a charge or not. I’ll play around with it and try and get it closer to the controller so the numbers are clearer.
The last photo is the image from the Blink camera.
Yesterday afternoon, after clearing a path to Nocona, I set up an extension ladder and swept 6 inches of snow off the solar panel. There was still a thin coating of ice left on the panel but didn’t want to scrape it off as I figured the panel would eventually warm up enough to melt the remaining ice. It was late in the afternoon and what little sun was left was low in the sky but, sure enough, the panel was just barely operating.
Thinking, wouldn’t it be nice if I could figure out a way to monitor the panel without walking through the snow to check on it? ; I finally had the bright idea this morning to use one of our Blink cameras which can be monitored from anywhere. I placed it on the shelf area above the entry door, pointing it at the solar controller. It’s a little hard to read the numbers when zooming in but I can at least tell if it’s getting a charge or not. I’ll play around with it and try and get it closer to the controller so the numbers are clearer.
The last photo is the image from the Blink camera.
Great idea!!!
I was able to place the camera closer so the numbers can now be read. A bit unconventional but finally found a good use for face masks! ;D
Also got the solar panel totally clear of ice so pumping out some good amps now.
"I finally had the bright idea this morning to use one of our Blink cameras which can be monitored from anywhere."
Greg
Your idea triggered my memory about this very idea. Back some time ago in the Tecnomedia blog I recall that those folks, while fleeing a Hurricane, had constantly monitored the condition of their boat, left behind in a Florida marina. They were able to assuage their apprehension by using that very technique. Fortunately the boat weathered the storm and all was well. ::)
Battery Change Time!
I have studied the "Which Battery to Buy Question", as I read much sage advice from this Community.
Bottom line - The Best Battery for us - is the Trojan T-105's. Light Boondocking (almost always less than 3 days) and having along experience with Deep Cycle Lead Acid Flooded Batteries.
Also installed are the Pro-Fill battery watering system that I recently purchased. A 5 minute job to remove from the old lead acid batteries (same hole measurements). They make maintaining Flooded Batteries a dream. A great dream.
Cost for the Batteries in Vegas at Shelton Battery Inc., was $156.14 plus tax. This price is more than many of you have paid, but they were available instantly yesterday, and the total install for me took less than 30 minutes.
Cheers my LD Friends, Be Well!
Tony R. (aka codefour)
Somewhere under there is the solar panel so I’m going to be digging it out!
Found it! Got some assistance from the sun so did the whole roof.
This is EXACTLY the kind of topic that was completely problematic on Foreforums - everyone posting all sorts of things that intertwined and were useless for future searches. It was a disaster. All that information, useless, because it was in a single topic that no one could find anything in.
We had many, many complaints.
It was a moderator nightmare having to keep splitting out posts into usable topics.
I recommend ceasing this topic and using separate ones for projects.
Also got the solar panel totally clear of ice so pumping out some good amps now.
Greg, the reading on the Controller again looks like a voltage - not Amps. Not likely you can expect 13.5A from a factory setup, this time of year with panels flat on the roof. Too bad the controller doesn't read out the units...
Steve
Greg and Steve; re: the 200 on the SB3000i readout. The only thing I can come up with is 2.00 Amps is the maximum output to the chassis battery from the auxiliary output. RonB
This is EXACTLY the kind of topic that was completely problematic on Foreforums - everyone posting all sorts of things that intertwined and were useless for future searches. It was a disaster. All that information, useless, because it was in a single topic that no one could find anything in.
We had many, many complaints.
It was a moderator nightmare having to keep splitting out posts into usable topics.
I recommend ceasing this topic and using separate ones for projects.
Michelle, I think of this thread as a fun little place where folks can talk about what they are doing today on their beloved coaches. Yes, it’s a mish-mash of topics, kind of like your junk drawer at home- disorganized but oh so convenient! However, I have nothing but respect for you and Steve (our administrators) and our moderators, so defer to your collective wisdom if you feel this thread is inappropriate.
At the suggestion of our administrative team, I am going to close this thread and encourage members to start a new topic for each subject worthy of discussion. In the purest sense of the role of LDOG in our Lazy Daze and RVing lives, we strive to provide a library of Lazy Daze and RVing related information, which hopefully will be a “search” away. By starting a new thread for each topic we can better accomplish that mission.
Chris