Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: Ed's new rig improvements - from 2004 (Read 10 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Ed's new rig improvements - from 2004
Yahoo Message Number: 86560
What an awesome post this is!  I hope this doesn't give Ed post- traumatic stress rereading it.

Thought others might also find it inspirational, if not a bit exhausting.  :)

Tessa (I've added some spaces to make it easier to read)

*****Message #35072

We've had our new 26.5' MB LD now for a month and I'm exhausted!

First it was the trip up to Ridgecrest to the Tireman for valve stems.

Then the trip to Tucson for the Big Foot levelers.

I've built an oak bed-side cabinet to fit between the rear couches/beds (including a 12volt outlet in it for a bedside lamp) and a front console to hold the computer for navigation, coffee cups, water bottles, keys etc. and handi wipes.

Also built a medicine cabinet for the bathroom after cutting the wide mirror in half.
 We had a tow bar for a toad installed and I added a nylon rock shield to the rear bumper.
 Today I had a propane hose installed to run the Olympia heater and a barbeque if needed.

The water filter was also installed today after drilling a hole for the faucet.

Tomorrow I'm cutting "bathroom" carpet for under the dinette (for the dog), up in the cab and in the entry area.

I have yet to install the Wilson Trucker cell-phone antenna down through the roof but have investigated various places to drill the hole (measure thrice, drill once.).

I also have to permanently install the GPS receiver (antenna) up under the front hatch, but the temporary installation works great.

Forgot to mention installing flea collars in the refrigerator and hot water heater outside compartments to discourage spiders (does this really work?).

All this doesn't mention removing the folding door in the rear and making a place to store and fasten a treadmill so Alice (and maybe I) can exercise during our Alaska trip.
 Oh yes, most of the vent covers are now installed except for the side windows in the overhead compartment.

I made a dog crate area under the dinette by making and installing fold down barriers from under the table and a front barrier from those metal closet shelving units at home depot.  Still not sure that Chester will really get in this.
 The satellite receiver is now installed as is a combined Sony DVD/VHS player (and it even works!).

The ordered floor mats for the cab and toad haven't arrived yet.

Forgot to mention buying the toad and the Brake Buddy and a "go-between" for the toad lights since the 4-connector that LD uses isn't the same as the 4-connector that Roadmaster uses (so much for standards.).
 Also an additional shelf was ordered and received for the freezer so we can jam more in it.

All this doesn't include the usual buying of stuff for the kitchen that is unbreakable, all those hoses and electrical cords, etc. etc. etc.
 I can't find a bug-shield for the grille yet and will have "invisible bra" material installed on the LD like we did on the toad (forgot to mention that.).
 Oh, Alice had flannel sheets fitted to the LD travel sacks to keep us toasty in the frozen northland.

I still have to find a way to cover the shower skylight so we can sleep during the 22-hours of daylight in Alaska.

We removed the standard LD clock and replaced it with a digital one from Camping World that gives much more information including outside temperature and pressure trends.
 I screwed the remote sensor to the generator door (obviously won't be very accurate while the generator is running or the sun is on that side of the coach, but it's better than nothing).

Since Ford doesn't included a compass we added a cheap suction-cup one to the windshield. Those suction cups also really hold all sorts of things to the shower walls so that screws aren't needed so now we have soap dispensers, razor and soap holders, etc. etc.

Now I know why they call these "recreational vehicles" - outfitting and working on them is all the recreation you get! When does the lazy life start? ? ? ? ?

Ed Mertz
Invisible Bra
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86564
Before I get all revved up and decide I just have to have an invisible bra for the toad, has anyone had the 3M material installed on their vehicle. Is it worth it? If so about how much?

Cheers, Don
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy
Re: Invisible Bra
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86584
Oh go ahead and get all revved up, Don, and let us know how you like it!

This looks like an interesting source where you can check online pricing.  It looked like about $155 including shipping for my minivan, but I didn't see my '92 Ford Econoline
Re: Ed's new rig improvements - from 2004
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86610
--- Tessa,

If you continue reading past messages, you will find that Ed Mertz posted over 200 messages to this group.  He did all of this work
Cindy Beck
2004 MB Blue/White, Honda CRV
Corona, CA
Re: Invisible Bra
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86654
Before I get all revved up and decide I just have to have an invisible bra for the toad, has anyone had the 3M material installed on their vehicle. Is it worth it? If so about how much?

Don

The only LD owner I know with the 3M coating is Sarah Blackwood (sarahsgonervn), a member of this forum.
Send her an e-mail and let us know what her experience has been.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Invisible Bra
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86671
Subject: [LD] Re: Invisible Bra

Before I get all revved up and decide I just have to have an invisible bra for the toad, has anyone had the 3M material installed on their vehicle. Is it worth it? If so about how much?

Don

I remain a little skeptical about all this. It could lead to big trouble.
All it did was attract a lot of unwanted attention, overheated the engine and blocked the headlights when I tried one of them frilly lacy wonder bras on my LD. Maybe the invisible ones are better.

bumper Yonder Minden NV
bumper
"Yonder" '05 MB
"WLDBLU" glider trailer
Re: Invisible Bra
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86673
"I remain a little skeptical about all this. It could lead to big trouble. All it did was attract a lot of unwanted attention, overheated the engine and blocked the headlights when I tried one of them frilly lacy wonder bras on my LD. Maybe the invisible ones are better.

bumper

But I bet your LD looks sexier with the improved front-end support.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Invisible Bra
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86674
Quote
Before I get all revved up and decide I just have to have an invisible bra for the toad, has anyone had the 3M material installed on their vehicle. Is it worth it? If so about how much?
Seems to me there would not be much area protected. I doubt you would put it on the bumper or grill or lights! However, I doubt it is all that expensive so if you like it, try it and just peal it off if not satisfied, no harm no fowl.
There are several shields that bolt onto the tow bar which while more expensive do provide excellent protection. Let us know!!

Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest products.
 (http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001)

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: Invisible Bra
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86682
"Seems to me there would not be much area protected. I doubt you would put it on the bumper or grill or lights! However, I doubt it is all that expensive so if you like it, try it and just peal it off if not satisfied, no harm no fowl. There are several shields that bolt onto the tow bar which while more expensive do provide excellent protection. Let us know!!"

The kits using clear 3M film are custom cut to cover the bumper, headlights, side mirrors and hood. There are various combinations of the pre-cut film.
The film is very tough. I originally saw the same type of film sold for covering the top of snow ski, to prevent damage from tip cross-overs.
 It is recommended to install the kit when the vehicle is new and the paint is in perfect condition. It is also recommend letting an experience installer perform the job.
On a previously owned 1997 Dakota pickup, I installed strips of the 3M film on the leading edge of the hood. I had notice rocks chips on similar Dakotas. My brother now has the truck and after 10 years it has not discolored and is still in place.
 For my own toad, I gave up the idea of keeping it pristine and bought a used vehicle. It is enough of a hassle to deal with the tow bar, cables and wires. No way do I want to mess with a shield.
Even with shields, rocks can find their way around them. There is no perfect way of protecting a toad unless you store it in an enclosed trailer.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Invisible Bra
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86699
....Also, where is Virginia C?  She made her own toad guard, amazing
 
Quote
person that she is!  I'll bet she has some good ideas to share.
:)Tessa in TX '92 MB - Ciao Baby!

Hey Tessa -

We are setting in Milton, FL tonight at KOA on I-10 heading west - will be home in Temple hopefully on Wednesday - have almost 4000 miles on Starr and the Midnight Roadie since pick-up at Mothership on Oct 23rd - lots of adventures will post after we get home - -

Well, yes I made that snazzy screen toad guard, but have not had a chance to install it - once I do I will send pics - though am using the Road Master Tow Shield.
 I read about the invisible bra for auto fronts - gave me the idea one could do it, but like tinting windows best left to a pro - be nice to get done upon purchase of a new auto -
 We had a grand delight today - stopped in Live Oak, FL at Wal-mart to gas up and there sat a sharp Grey 23.5TK with red pick-up toad and a motorcycle in truck bed - had not seen anyone so took a pic of our coaches parked together - but as getting ready to leave there was the owner - super great guy, Mike, we had nice visit and then caravaned west on I-10 toward Tallahassee for quiet few miles, until Mike turned off at rest area - was a real treat. We have also meant couple of other single Lady LDer's along the way too.

Virginia, Jim and Ms. Cricket Starr - '07 Red 26.5RB Midnight Roadie '07 Black Toyota Matrix
Re: Invisible Bra
Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86700
Virginia,
 Wish we had known you were in Milton. We live in Pensacola right off the I-10 Scenic Hwy exit and would have loved to stop by and see your new rig. We just got our new to us '06 30'IB in October and have only seen one other LD, also a 30'. Hope you have a good trip home,

Gayle
 --- In lifewithalazydazerv@yahoogroups.com, "Virginia and Jim Cunningham"  wrote
Re: Invisible Bra
Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86702
Quote
Virginia, Wish we had known you were in Milton. We live in Pensacola
right off the I-10 Scenic Hwy exit and would have loved to stop by and see your new rig. We just got our new to us '06 30'IB in October and have only seen one other LD, also a 30'. Hope you have a good trip home,

Quote
Gayle
Hi Gayle - We are here tonight at KOA at exit 31 and hope to leave around 9am in morning as have 2 more long to us days driving, we plod along slower than most, but the gas mileage is better - Wish we'd know too as would have loved to meet, but we will along the way or at one of the group gatherings -

Virginia Starr and the Midnight Roadie '07 Red 26.5RB - '07 Black Matrix
Rainx
Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86861
If you have not used Rainx, you may wish to give it try. We have used it for years on windshields with good results. It sure reduces streaking. I tried it on all the LD windows and the rain sheds off them like the windows were waxed. The only negative is after you put it on, you have get the excess film off.

http://rainx.com/

Available at Wal-Mart, Autozone and the like.
Cheers, Don
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy
Re: Rainx
Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86872
Quote
If you have not used Rainx, you may wish to give it try. We have used it for years on windshields with good results. It sure reduces
On two vehicles I applied Rain-X strictly per instructions, it resulted in horrible squeaking from the wiper blades for the rest of the season, even with no further application. It DID reduce the need for wipers, but not to the degree I would ever use it again on a windshield. It might be fine for application on side and rear windows, however.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Rainx
Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86874
As with most products 'ymmv', my experience with Rain-X has been good.
I use it on all my vehicles and have been very happy with it. I even used it on my boat windshield (no wipers) and what a help that was, even
Jerry Galang
Meridian, ID 83646
Re: Rainx
Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86893
On Dec 7, 2007, at 10:59 AM, Don Malpas wrote:

Quote
If you have not used Rainx, you may wish to give it try.
I just use the same wax used on the rest of the vehicle.

-Dave
Re: Rainx
Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86901
Quote
If you have not used Rainx, you may wish to give it try. We have used it for years on windshields with good results. It sure reduces

On two vehicles I applied Rain-X strictly per instructions, it resulted in horrible squeaking from the wiper blades for the rest of the season, even with no further application. It DID reduce the need for wipers, but not to the degree I would ever use it again on a windshield. It might be fine for application on side and rear windows, however.

Steve
Our experience with Rain-X is similar to Steve's.  I'd never use it again on a windshield with wiper blades, but it was effective on motorcycle windshields and helmet visors.  I imagine it would work well on regular windows, too.

Sharon N.

Fredericksburg, TX
I am not a gear head
Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 87316
I got to thinking, not much you understand, that the E450 does not come with a jack. Perhaps I knew that before? Maybe that is why I took a 5 ton bottle jack when we picked KoKo up in Montclair?

I looked through both the Ford and LD manuals for suggested jack points to no avail.

So what is your plan for a flat? Call road service? I would too, if cell coverage was available. If not, what's plan B? A bottle jack?

Home is where you roam Don & Dorothy, new to the cult Koko & Pelli
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy
Re: I am not a gear head
Reply #18 –
Yahoo Message Number: 87321
Quote
I looked through both the Ford and LD manuals for suggested jack points to no avail.
Jack points will be the rear axle at the spring clamps for the back.
At the front, I don't know Ford, so perhaps someone else can suggest? Bear in mind that when you have a flat, all jack points will be sitting a few inches lower than they are now... Generally, you'll want to drive the rim up on a block before jacking.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: I am not a gear head
Reply #19 –
Yahoo Message Number: 87322
On Dec 18, 2007, at 6:06 PM, Don Malpas wrote:

Quote
So what is your plan for a flat? Call road service? I would too, if cell coverage was available. If not, what's plan B? A bottle jack?
Using the jack is plan C or D for me, i.e. a last resort.  If the cell phone doesn't work, I will try VHF or UHF (ham) radio, followed by HF.  I don't have CB on board so I will skip that.  The jack is just for those situations when it is impossible to reach Ford by any other means. (I suppose I should try it once to see if it works though)

-Dave '06 MB, Indianapolis
Re: I am not a gear head
Reply #20 –
Yahoo Message Number: 87323
Don Malpas  wrote: I looked through both the Ford and LD manuals for suggested jack points to no avail.
--- In the 2003 Ford manual, front and rear jacking point information is on pages 148-149; the topic is "Roadside Emergencies". You should be able to find the same information in your manual somewhere in the vicinity of those pages, but in case not, the manual states: "Place the jack under the *pin* on the front surface of the front axle.  DO NOT PLACE THE JACK UNDER OR ON THE STEERING LINKAGE." (That's in bold in the manual; you get the idea!) The manual also cautions NOT to use the differential as a jacking point!
 YMMV, but I would watch the emergency road service guy very carefully to make sure he placed the jack correctly before he changed the tire!;-)

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: I am not a gear head
Reply #21 –
Yahoo Message Number: 87331
Quote

On Dec 18, 2007, at 6:06 PM, Don Malpas wrote:

So what is your plan for a flat? Call road service? I would too, if cell coverage was available. If not, what's plan B? A bottle jack?

Using the jack is plan C or D for me, i.e. a last resort.  > -
Dave '06 MB, Indianapolis

Yes, jack is plan B for me. I have used the 6 ton jack purchased from LD at the rear, on the diferrential. First, I would recommend a 1'x1' plywood base, and secondly, a longer jack handle. The handle supplied almost takes a gorilla to operate. I could just imagine that 6 tonner popping a seal as I cranked it, really scary. I am pickin up a 10 or 12 tonner to store on the rear bumper soon, as a secondary. And always getting out the linx levers for quasi-safety stands.

A roadside service guy used his own floor jack, the second time we had a flat, must have been some 20 ton unit.
 I have not had the pleasure of using the 6 ton jack on the front yet, but it scares me. There is not enough room to put the jack under when the tire is flat. So I think  behind the cab area onthe frame is the first place I would try with the 6 ton, then when lifted enough using the 12 ton to finish the job.
 Plan A is roadside service. Anyone try to lift a Wheel onto the spare tire mount? HA!

Terry
Re: I am not a gear head
Reply #22 –
Yahoo Message Number: 87333
Hello Don: Here is my plan.
1) Try my cell phone with booster & external antenna to reach the  emergency road service.
2) Try CB to get local help.
3) If flat is on the outside rear, raise the tire off the ground by  driving the inside dual up on leveling blocks high enough to change  the tire.
4) If the flat is on the inside rear, drive very slowly to get  help/cell phone reception. I'll ruin the tire, but so be it. The  chance of me successfully changing the inside dual is about zero.
5) If the flat is on the front, it simply must be changed with the jack.

I carry two cans of Fix-A-Flat with me. I've used it successfully on cars now & then. If #1 & #2 fail, I'd try the Fix-A-Flat before I went to step #3 or beyond. Between the Fix-A-Flat and my 12v air compressor, I'm hopeful I could drive to the nearest pay phone/store/Good Samaratin/cell phone service area. That assumes the leak is not from a blowout, of course, but from a simple puncture.
 However, since I now have the Big Foot hydraulic levelers they will be my "jack' should I ever need one.
73,000 and only one flat so far. Turned out to be the schrader(sp?) valve in the valve stem.
I attribute my "luck" to always having high quality, all steel tires with good tread.  I replace my tires long before they are bald.

Ed
 
Re: I am not a gear head
Reply #23 –
Yahoo Message Number: 87337
One advantage to hydraulic levelers is that, assuming a reasonably flat and stable surface, you can use the levelers to raise the chassis and the jack to simply raise the axle. Obviously the jack should still be properly located and capable of supporting the full "non-leveler" load.

I would practice removing both a front and rear wheel
Terry
2003 26.5'RB
Gardnerville, NV