Recent posts

#21
Camplite and Bearcat Modifications / Re: 2024 Furnace and Fridge Mo...
Last post by Merlin - March 16, 2024, 10:28:08 PM
Interesting! I always wondered what is in the furnace area. Wiring is not a LL strongpoint. I bet that external diesel unit is a great asset to cold camping.
#22
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Here are some pictures of my recent changes.

The old furnace compartment was a complete disaster, why a vented exterior cover when most units have a solid cover with just the vent ports. It was extremely dirty, took a good hour of cleaning before I proceeded with anything else. There wasn't any way to save any furnace components, the dirt ruined everything. I loved how LL bundled the wiring from the furnace and thermostat. I didn't want to manipulate the LP hose after capping the line, too cold and pretty well static in that original position. Will secure a bit better when things warm up.

Also, the thermostat wiring is run up through a cut out in the aluminum extrusion framing with no loom or protection around the cut out, definitely a risk of damaging and shorting out those wires. If your furnace stops working that could also be a potential cause.

Water was accumulated at the bottom of the exterior cover on the inside, you wouldn't be able to see it unless you removed everything. Definitely would have rotted out a stick framed trailer. Not sure how it penetrated through, but it did.

The new black exterior coupler has a magnetic connection for the cover and also to connect the intake vent duct. Easy and extremely solid to use.

Still a bit more to do, finish the ducting vents, remove the old thermostat, secure the old wiring, insulate under the fridge with some AFB and run the new wiring for my additional exterior fridge compartment fan. I might also insulate the interior 3" vent ducts, but, I kinda like that radiant heat circulating in that area.





#23
Camping General Discussions / Re: Campground Recommendations
Last post by MikeT - March 11, 2024, 12:05:56 PM
Thanks for the tips.  Great to know that there is an option of a second border crossing  We will keep that in mind.
#24
Camping General Discussions / Re: Campground Recommendations
Last post by Merlin - March 09, 2024, 08:26:21 PM
What a great trip!  The Windsor>Detroit crossing on the Ambassador Bridge is a busy one with lots of trucks. Plan a bit extra time for that one, or consider the Sarina>Port Huron crossing too. As you cross Michigan if you need anything let me know. I'm in the Lansing area. I check the forum everyday.
#25
Camping General Discussions / Re: Campground Recommendations
Last post by MikeT - March 09, 2024, 12:58:59 PM
Thanks very much for the information, Merlin.  We are heading across Canada from our home in Metro Vancouver and travelling through to Newfoundland.  It will be a somewhat leisurely tour, and we anticipate taking four months before we head back home.  We decided to travel back through the United States, and we will be heading south at Windsor, Ontario towards Chicago. 

My wife is the "travel agent", and gives a big thank you to you for your recommendations.
#26
Camping General Discussions / Re: Campground Recommendations
Last post by Merlin - March 08, 2024, 10:34:13 PM
En route from Michigan going west, I've made the trip from Chicago to Portland a number of times and have some favorites. I've always used 80, 84, or 90 as the main interstates, so I've never been down to 70 at St. Louis.

How will you be getting to Chicago from Canada?

Indiana Dunes State Park in Chesterton Indiana just outside Chicago on Lake Michigan is a gem. Nice campground with lots of local things to do.

Mormon Island State Recreation Area near Grand Island, Nebraska has nice sites and very convenient access, if you are on I-80 by then

Antelope Island State Park in Ogden, Utah is a must. It's a truly unique camping experience on an island in Great Salt Lake. Huge sites and you won't forget the experience.

I've stayed a many others on that route, but those 3 are those I will stay at again next time I go. The others are mostly "meh", just places to stay overnight en route. I've had some bad experiences with noisy and poorly maintained KOA Journey campgrounds, so if you stay at any KOAs, I'd avoid those labeled Journey.

Oddly enough, I've never had any luck scoring a campsite in the Columbia River Gorge. They are always full when I do trip planning, so I can't help with recommendations there. I've stayed just east and west of the gorge; most recently had a nice stay at Hood Park in Pasco, Washington east of the gorge. It's another Corps facility with great sites, but it's a bit north of I-84, so not right on your route.

#27
Camping General Discussions / Campground Recommendations
Last post by MikeT - March 08, 2024, 02:32:22 AM
After our trip across Canada, we are heading south to Chicago and St. Louis, west to Kansas City, then continuing west through to Portland.  We are considering travelling Highways 80 and 84 to Portland.  I would love to hear of any campground recommendations that are on the outskirts of Chicago, St. Louis and Kansas City that are within transit commuting distances.  Also, recommendations for campgrounds along Highways 80 and 84.  The Columbia River Gorge in Oregon is already on our list.

Cheers

Mike
#28
Nice job! Good follow-up. I bet Charlie will talk you into side bolts. :)
#29
A good amount of discussion has been occurring with CharlieM at Coupler Replacement Side Bolts

Now that I finally have the hitch coupler installed it seemed appropriate to wrap things up here.  I think that the hitch coupler may have cracked since the bolts were put in at an angle (see first picture).  Since the holes went entirely through the frame, I didn't have much choice other than to put them back in at the same angles. (Yes, Charlie... this may be a good reason to put in those extra side bolts!)

CharlieM said that he got his foamy tape at an auto parts store.  I went to one and found "nitrile camper tape".  It was a little wider and thicker, but seemed to be made of the same material (see second picture). 

I've attached a picture of the final install as well (third picture).

#30
Yes... I agree that it is a small risk.  I also agree that it's not likely that I'll be able to "fix" the coupler once it shows signs of fatigue.  If the problem comes back, I'll install a new coupler with the additional horizontal bolts.  Thanks again.