Dad's Toy

[Magnet18]

Third ABS

[dadstoy]

Working on a few small items from my large list of "small" items. I put off all the sewer work since it is going to snow for a couple of days. I'm installing a few usb chargers. What a concept! The old 12v sockets are so yesterday. I also routed my radio antenna coax up through the floor and installed a connector.

[dadstoy]

I did get four of these. They are brighter than I wanted but I do like them. Excellent for map lights in cockpit. Thanks for the suggestion Kysterling!

Originally Posted by Kvsterling

I tried a couple and will be using these in the down lights.
Attachment 385371
Found a couple others that are brighter for the map lights

[dadstoy]

We have barely gotten any rain yet this year and we are now in the middle of a major snow storm. Go figure!


Pics are yesterday vs today!

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by dadstoy

We have barely gotten any rain yet this year and we are now in the middle of a major snow storm. Go figure!

Pics are yesterday vs today!

Farmers Almanac said something about the later part of this winter was going to be a harsh one. Time to hunker down

[Magnet18]

Originally Posted by bkahler

Farmers Almanac said something about the later part of this winter was going to be a harsh one. Time to hunker down

Indiana has been lucky it's been as mild as it has so far, normally by now we've had a few sub-zero cold fronts move through.

[dadstoy]

It snowed all night and into the morning. Got over a foot of snow. Lost power at 7:30am. I had the small generator all ready to go. Cleared the snow from the RZR and rode around a bit, then back into the MH for a cup of hot chocolate. Nice and warm inside. Power was restored at noon, so plugged back into the shore power. One nice thing about the large blanket of snow is that the water hose doesn't freeze overnight! I think my wine glass is on the RZR dash somewhere buried under all that snow.

[bobmiller1]

Does the generator still work in your motor home ? Regards, Bob

[dadstoy]

Yes, it works really well. It uses, I'm guessing, about a gallon of gas per hour where my Yamaha2000 can run anywhere from 4 to 6 hours on a gallon of gas. Using the Yamaha2000, I have to watch what I'm powering in the MH of course.

Originally Posted by bobmiller1

Does the generator still work in your motor home ? Regards, Bob

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by dadstoy

Yes, it works really well. It uses, I'm guessing, about a gallon of gas per hour where my Yamaha2000 can run anywhere from 4 to 6 hours on a gallon of gas. Using the Yamaha2000, I have to watch what I'm powering in the MH of course.

Plus its harder to kill yourself with the generator away from the MH.
Rejoice in the snow, it will make for some nice slow ground watering.

[dadstoy]

Peter, you are right. That is the biggest issue running the Onan 4.0, the exhaust. I have a home made "gen-turi" to get the exhaust above the roof that works very well. Also, I can run the small generator over in the cargo trailer and not hear it inside the MH.

Originally Posted by PeterH-350LE

Plus its harder to kill yourself with the generator away from the MH.
Rejoice in the snow, it will make for some nice slow ground watering.

[bobmiller1]

Yeah....the old (PIG) generators, Onan/Kohler, use about a gallon per hour, are reliable as hell, easy as hell to fix, and always run. They smell, leak, make lots of noise, but they always work. Pretty clean power, not perfect,but satisfactory. I have a Honda 3000UI that I use when I’m towing the 05 34’ Classic Limited S/O that seems to burn a gallon every 2 hours....I’m good with that. Anyway, enjoy the snow, we have plenty here as well, Regards, Bob

[dadstoy]

The black tank dump valve does not close completely and hence won't hold any liquids. Both valves are Thetford 08669. I've purchased the gasket/seal repair kits. This is the first time that I am dealing with dump valves. I'm assuming it is a straight forward repair to remove all the screws, replace the seals and gasket and put it back together. Are there any surprises to look forward to besides doing my best not to take a shower while doing the repair?


Should the seals be lubricated with anything before putting the valve halfs back together?


I'm also curious about the slip joint end at the tank outlet. What is the sealant/caulking material that is used here? I don't want to take this apart at this time since it is not leaking, but would like to know for the future.


Any advice/suggestions from those with experience with these Thetford valves would be greatly appreciated!


Thanks
Dean

[dadstoy]

I've been having problems with my roof fans not running. The lid opens but the fans would not always go on. I dropped the guts and fan blades from the inside and cleaned the plunger switch with some contact cleaner. They are working now, but guessing it won't be too long before I will need to replace those switches. I don't like getting up on the roof any longer.

The hot water was scalding hot with really no adjustment at the faucets. Water was either cold or boiling. I replaced the thermostats on the exterior of the water heater. Water is still too hot at full hot side, but at least now I can actually adjust the water temp at the faucets and shower. I think that did the trick.

The spring in the refrigerator door latch broke so I replaced the latch. They are way too expensive at $35 for that cheap little latch!

[bkahler]

The fan switches look to be typical door light switches that I've seen in a lot of vehicles from the 70s on. Hopefully that will be an easy replacement for you.

I know what you mean about not wanting to get on the roof anymore. My left knee doesn't seem to want to bend as much as it used which makes crawling around up there a little more difficult!

At least you aren't having to deal with any major repairs right now

[dadstoy]

Hey Brad,


The fan switches are available on Amazon and they are easily replaceable from inside! What would we do without Amazon? I hate giving my $ to Bezos, but I guess the world does move on with or with out us.


Yup, those damn Airstream roofs...who's silly idea was that?


My list of small repairs/maintenance as always is a mile long. Its a double edge sword. I guess I would be bored if I had nothing to do, but it would be nice to come to the ranch sometime and have nothing to do but ride the ATV's and drink my favorite wines!

Originally Posted by bkahler

The fan switches look to be typical door light switches that I've seen in a lot of vehicles from the 70s on. Hopefully that will be an easy replacement for you.

I know what you mean about not wanting to get on the roof anymore. My left knee doesn't seem to want to bend as much as it used which makes crawling around up there a little more difficult!

At least you aren't having to deal with any major repairs right now

[dadstoy]

Continuing with my mile long list, today I adjusted the refrigerator door. It was hanging up on the bottom. I took the doors off and raised the refrig door by adding a washer to the bottom door pin. I don't know why I didn't do that a long time ago.

I cut off the old sewer hose connection and installed a Valtera connection. I should have done this ten years ago! I think sometimes we get too hung up on the "Airstream" way and get a bit blinded. No more adapter and no more leaking sewer connection! Life does get better!

[Magnet18]

Yep, the PO of my unit solved the sewer issue by permanently gluing the valterra adapter on so it didn't leak
You'll be happy with that upgrade

[dadstoy]

Hey Rob, yup one of the best upgrades an Airstream owner can do! My next sewer project...replace the dump valve gaskets. Its supposed to rain starting at 10am tomorrow, so I'm praying to the rain gods right now since I'm not looking forward to that job!

Originally Posted by Magnet18

Yep, the PO of my unit solved the sewer issue by permanently gluing the valterra adapter on so it didn't leak
You'll be happy with that upgrade

[dadstoy]

Ok, for those noticing my empty freezer and almost empty refrig, I did restock today with my vice, soda, a cheap bottle of wine and the best ice cream in the universe!!!