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Showing results 1 to 50 of 311
Search took 0.03 seconds. Search: Posts Made By: TomKirk
Forum: Electrical - Systems, Generators, Batteries & Solar 01-16-2017, 12:59 PM
Replies: 14
Views: 2,153
Posted By TomKirk
I run two 1500W heaters continuously during the...

I run two 1500W heaters continuously during the winter - but never at full capacity.

They are plugged into two different 15A circuits. No problems. When temps drop below 32°, I turn on the...
Forum: Wheels, Hubs & Bearings 01-14-2017, 11:31 AM
Replies: 9
Views: 1,996
Posted By TomKirk
Casting numbers on brake drum/rotor can be...

Casting numbers on brake drum/rotor can be converted to wheel bearings and seals by Six Robblees in Seattle. They specialize in (component) trailer axle parts - all kinds, all sizes.

Tom
Forum: 2011 - 2015 Classic (all lengths) 01-14-2017, 11:21 AM
Replies: 14
Views: 3,114
Posted By TomKirk
You've taken every precaution except for one. ...

You've taken every precaution except for one. Galley faucet on @ 1/8" trickle stream 24/7.

Use hair dryer to thaw plumbing. Work your way inboard. Thaw water supply hydrant first. Then...
Forum: Full-Timing, Winter Living & Workamping 01-10-2017, 11:22 AM
Replies: 22
Views: 7,001
Posted By TomKirk
Years ago, I had the same problem. I have...

Years ago, I had the same problem.

I have a '77; 31 ft, center bath, rear bedroom. No matter what I tried, the bedroom was always cold.

My Suburban furnace (under the galley sink), has...
Forum: On The Road... 01-09-2017, 11:11 AM
Replies: 22
Views: 8,613
Posted By TomKirk
Frozen dump valve occurs occasionally in Western...

Frozen dump valve occurs occasionally in Western Washington. My tool of choice is a hair dryer.

Tom
Forum: LP Gas, Piping, Tanks & Regulators 01-06-2017, 11:57 AM
Replies: 19
Views: 7,327
Posted By TomKirk
Use copper tubing "L" series (definitely not...

Use copper tubing "L" series (definitely not rigid pipe), it bends easily. Pay close attention to sizes. Even when you measure carefully, it's not what it seems.

While you're at it, you...
Forum: LP Gas, Piping, Tanks & Regulators 01-05-2017, 06:22 PM
Replies: 19
Views: 7,327
Posted By TomKirk
Pressurize the gas lines. Check for propane...

Pressurize the gas lines. Check for propane leaks with bubble solution (dish soap and water) and small paint brush. Take your time when you do this.

BTW - Pressure is only 7 PSI or so. So it...
Forum: Classic Motorhomes 12-28-2016, 08:32 PM
Replies: 6
Views: 1,775
Posted By TomKirk
In the Pacific Northwest, try the following: ...

In the Pacific Northwest, try the following:

https://www.sixrobblees.com/

https://www.sixstates.com/products/products.jsp

Tom
Forum: LP Gas, Piping, Tanks & Regulators 12-15-2016, 12:01 PM
Replies: 14
Views: 3,073
Posted By TomKirk
Back in the day, I got a custom made hose at a...

Back in the day, I got a custom made hose at a bona-fide propane distributor. I told them what I wanted and they did the rest. They had the hose, the fittings, and everything; and above all, the...
Forum: Towing, Tow Vehicles & Hitches 12-14-2016, 11:23 AM
Replies: 22
Views: 5,495
Posted By TomKirk
I use a 12 ton bottle jack (Harbor Freight) -...

I use a 12 ton bottle jack (Harbor Freight) - much easier to use. Lifting both truck and trailer, it saves wear and tear on electric tongue jack.

Tom
Forum: Tow Vehicles 12-12-2016, 06:00 PM
Replies: 57
Views: 9,815
Posted By TomKirk
Frankly Bro, I think you've painted yourself into...

Frankly Bro, I think you've painted yourself into a corner.

Take down that wrought iron fence. Back it straight out.

Tom
Forum: Hitches, Couplers & Balls 12-10-2016, 03:22 PM
Replies: 19
Views: 7,016
Posted By TomKirk
Your ball socket and locking lever should be...

Your ball socket and locking lever should be greased periodically. Part of routine maintenance.

You should never hafta force the locking lever to lock onto trailer ball; especially with a...
Forum: General Motorhome Topics 12-10-2016, 03:17 PM
Replies: 7
Views: 1,655
Posted By TomKirk
Old school technology = If you can't find a...

Old school technology = If you can't find a replacement speedo head, send your old one to a speedo shop.

Tom
Forum: Towing, Tow Vehicles & Hitches 12-09-2016, 11:08 AM
Replies: 39
Views: 13,004
Posted By TomKirk
There's nothing like a 3/4 ton Suburban. ...

There's nothing like a 3/4 ton Suburban.

Tom
Forum: Towing, Tow Vehicles & Hitches 12-09-2016, 11:05 AM
Replies: 70
Views: 25,590
Posted By TomKirk
Hitch capacity (in pounds) should be clearly...

Hitch capacity (in pounds) should be clearly labeled on your receiver platform.

Tom
Forum: Towing, Tow Vehicles & Hitches 11-29-2016, 12:07 PM
Replies: 42
Views: 14,968
Posted By TomKirk
Sway control is a function of computer controlled...

Sway control is a function of computer controlled ABS (brakes). When ABS malfunctions, you lose sway control.

Choose sway bars. Nothing beats old school. You'll be glad you did.

BTW - I...
Forum: LP Gas, Piping, Tanks & Regulators 11-29-2016, 11:53 AM
Replies: 31
Views: 9,102
Posted By TomKirk
Just because your tank is empty doesn't mean you...

Just because your tank is empty doesn't mean you don't have a clog in the sewer outlet.

Fill the tank half-full and see if it drains quickly. If it doesn't, you'll hafta take draconian...
Forum: LP Gas, Piping, Tanks & Regulators 11-28-2016, 01:03 PM
Replies: 31
Views: 9,102
Posted By TomKirk
If black tank has always been open, and if blank...

If black tank has always been open, and if blank tank has never been flushed, I'd say you've got a bona-fide clog.

For starters, peek thru the toilet valve and see if the tank is full. If it is,...
Forum: Mechanics Corner - Engines, Transmission & More... 11-23-2016, 12:07 PM
Replies: 5
Views: 1,501
Posted By TomKirk
Before doing anything, confirm your concern with...

Before doing anything, confirm your concern with a manual tachometer.

- Nothing beats old school.

Tom
Forum: Water Heaters, Filters & Pumps 11-22-2016, 12:43 PM
Replies: 8
Views: 2,042
Posted By TomKirk
Fitting should be tight, but not over-tight. ...

Fitting should be tight, but not over-tight.

Snugly wrap threads with Teflon Tape. Three or four revolutions should do.

Then test for leaks.

BTW - The time to fix a minor leak is now. ...
Forum: Eddie Bauer - All Models 11-14-2016, 11:26 AM
Replies: 33
Views: 6,728
Posted By TomKirk
Make sure you've got duplicate keys for...

Make sure you've got duplicate keys for everything. The last thing you need are surprises.

Tom
Forum: Axles 11-12-2016, 11:50 AM
Replies: 15
Views: 3,581
Posted By TomKirk
If you're looking for ground clearance, how it...

If you're looking for ground clearance, how it "looks" isn't important.

Instead, you sacrificed center of gravity - a critical component in road handling.

If you take it for a road trip,...
Forum: Water Heaters, Filters & Pumps 11-09-2016, 11:34 AM
Replies: 6
Views: 1,951
Posted By TomKirk
Flue adjustment. Trial and error: Play with it...

Flue adjustment. Trial and error: Play with it 'til you get it right.

BTW - Elevation above sea level makes a difference.

Tom
Forum: Hitches, Couplers & Balls 11-09-2016, 11:30 AM
Replies: 69
Views: 16,712
Posted By TomKirk
To ensure smooth operation, and to ensure the...

To ensure smooth operation, and to ensure the ball locks properly, I've always lathered greased inside the coupling mechanism.

Tom
Forum: Tow Vehicles 11-07-2016, 12:26 PM
Replies: 35
Views: 5,013
Posted By TomKirk
Think of it this way: A half ton is pretty...

Think of it this way:

A half ton is pretty much a passenger car with a truck bed.

A one ton is a full blown commercial rig.

A 3/4 ton is a little less (400 lbs GVW, more or less) than...
Forum: Electrical - Systems, Generators, Batteries & Solar 11-07-2016, 12:17 PM
Replies: 47
Views: 4,731
Posted By TomKirk
I've got 3 "cigarette lighter" plug-ins in my '77...

I've got 3 "cigarette lighter" plug-ins in my '77 31 ft Airstream. They're wired for low amperage toys; TV; electric razor; radio; etc - all have 20 amp circuits; #14 gauge wire.

I've got a...
Forum: Sprinter and B-van Forum 11-06-2016, 10:16 AM
Replies: 12
Views: 1,751
Posted By TomKirk
A left arm rest can't be bolted to thin air. It...

A left arm rest can't be bolted to thin air. It hasta bolt to seat back frame.

Bottom line: Seat back frame would hafta be modified to accommodate a left arm rest.

Go to a wrecking yard and...
Forum: Tow Vehicles 11-05-2016, 12:39 PM
Replies: 13
Views: 7,037
Posted By TomKirk
Without doubt, the 4L80 is a bullet-proof...

Without doubt, the 4L80 is a bullet-proof tranny.....or at least it should be. And with 61K original miles, you shouldn't have any problems at all - provided, of course, your tranny's been serviced...
Forum: General Repair Forum 11-03-2016, 12:06 PM
Replies: 19
Views: 3,526
Posted By TomKirk
If somebody want to all that trouble to make it,...

If somebody want to all that trouble to make it, it's gotta be used for something. Don't get rid of it.

Tom
Forum: Winterizing, Storage, Carports & Covers 10-23-2016, 12:03 PM
Replies: 15
Views: 5,780
Posted By TomKirk
What's in the cave atmosphere?? What makes those...

What's in the cave atmosphere?? What makes those stalactites?? Is it calcium and water??

I may be wrong, but I think Ca + H2O will oxidize aluminum over time. Check other rigs in storage for...
Forum: On The Road... 10-23-2016, 11:50 AM
Replies: 43
Views: 6,307
Posted By TomKirk
I don't recommend it. But if you absolutely...

I don't recommend it. But if you absolutely hafta tow your Airstream in the snow, get dedicated winter tires with studs (that eliminates the chain problem). And even then, drive very slowly.
...
Forum: Furnaces, Heaters, Fireplaces & Air Conditioning 10-20-2016, 12:42 PM
Replies: 12
Views: 2,909
Posted By TomKirk
Your furnace should have a low voltage cut-off...

Your furnace should have a low voltage cut-off switch. When operating properly, burner will not ignite but blows cold air at significantly reduced speed.

For low propane PSI, furnace will not...
Forum: Waste Systems, Tanks & Totes 10-19-2016, 11:52 AM
Replies: 15
Views: 2,217
Posted By TomKirk
Whatever you do, don't force it!! 1) A...

Whatever you do, don't force it!!

1) A foreign object made it's way into the tank and now it's blocking the valve.....OR,

2) One of the seals is pinched.

You need to do a visual...
Forum: Towing, Tow Vehicles & Hitches 10-19-2016, 11:42 AM
Replies: 24
Views: 3,249
Posted By TomKirk
Best advice on earth: Take it to your mechanic...

Best advice on earth: Take it to your mechanic for inspection.

Tom
Forum: On The Road... 10-14-2016, 12:48 PM
Replies: 36
Views: 4,181
Posted By TomKirk
In storms like this there's only one "reliable"...

In storms like this there's only one "reliable" thing to do - Hunker down, stay put, and ride it out.

Rule of thumb = There's no substitute for safety.

.....although I will admit, storm...
Forum: Water Heaters, Filters & Pumps 10-10-2016, 12:51 PM
Replies: 11
Views: 3,323
Posted By TomKirk
Your photo is showing us a pressure relief valve....

Your photo is showing us a pressure relief valve. If it's leaking, you need to replace it. Just unscrew it. For wrench greater clearance, remove exhaust outlet.

The red light lets you know...
Forum: Jacks, Stabilizers, Lifting and Leveling 10-09-2016, 12:32 PM
Replies: 56
Views: 11,361
Posted By TomKirk
For fine-tuning, I use an ordinary, 24"...

For fine-tuning, I use an ordinary, 24" carpenter's level: across trailer tongue; rear bumper; place level flush under each window frame. As far as I'm concerned, if the bubble touches either line...
Forum: Electrical - Systems, Generators, Batteries & Solar 10-07-2016, 12:05 PM
Replies: 10
Views: 1,649
Posted By TomKirk
In any electrical application, you hafta be...

In any electrical application, you hafta be careful with power supply plugs vs cords. They may look alike. But they're oh, so different.

Electrical engineers created subtle plug-in differences...
Forum: Furnaces, Heaters, Fireplaces & Air Conditioning 10-04-2016, 12:36 PM
Replies: 8
Views: 1,745
Posted By TomKirk
I'll bet it's Armstrong.....a dinosaur, for sure....

I'll bet it's Armstrong.....a dinosaur, for sure.

There should be a label someplace. Take the inner cover off for inspection.

Tom
Forum: Towing, Tow Vehicles & Hitches 10-04-2016, 12:32 PM
Replies: 28
Views: 5,776
Posted By TomKirk
This guy's just a kid playing with toys at the...

This guy's just a kid playing with toys at the grocery store check-out. LOL

Just goes to show, some kids never grow up.....do we?? LOL

Tom
Forum: Wheels, Hubs & Bearings 10-04-2016, 12:28 PM
Replies: 19
Views: 2,695
Posted By TomKirk
1) Like others have said, clean rims with wire...

1) Like others have said, clean rims with wire wheel and paint.

2) Install inner tubes. Nothing beats old school.

Tom
Forum: On The Road... 10-04-2016, 12:24 PM
Replies: 21
Views: 2,151
Posted By TomKirk
Part of being fully self-contained is to carry a...

Part of being fully self-contained is to carry a 50 amp to 30 amp adapter with you.

Compared to inconvenience, cost of a pig-tail adapter is minimal.

Tom
Forum: Fresh Water Systems 10-04-2016, 12:19 PM
Replies: 13
Views: 1,896
Posted By TomKirk
You've got copper tubing, not copper pipe. ...

You've got copper tubing, not copper pipe. There's a difference. Ace Hdwe should have what you need in the way of brass fittings.

Freezing is an important consideration. When water freezes,...
Forum: General Repair Forum 10-01-2016, 11:29 AM
Replies: 14
Views: 2,003
Posted By TomKirk
You've gotta have adequate propane PSI in order...

You've gotta have adequate propane PSI in order to run the furnace. So make sure those tanks are full. Never trust the dealer.

In the RV world, your rig must be fully self-contained and you've...
Forum: Sinks, Showers & Toilets 09-29-2016, 11:46 AM
Replies: 8
Views: 2,520
Posted By TomKirk
Bon Ami is specifically recommended in my owner's...

Bon Ami is specifically recommended in my owner's manual; '77 Airstream. It doesn't scratch.

Tom
Forum: All Argosy Trailers 09-26-2016, 12:24 PM
Replies: 17
Views: 9,574
Posted By TomKirk
What's wrong with your lock?? My KT...

What's wrong with your lock??

My KT locking bolt had a broken spring. I replaced both pin and spring two years ago - "in-door" repair. Door lock works like a champ.

Ace Hardware had...
Forum: Ribs, Skins & Rivets 09-15-2016, 09:44 PM
Replies: 5
Views: 1,574
Posted By TomKirk
0.32" is the proper thickness. 0.16" is too...

0.32" is the proper thickness. 0.16" is too thin.

In Metro Seattle, I've bought 0.30" Aluminum sheets at Metal Supermarkets for years. They're more than happy to cut the length I need.
...
Forum: Towing, Tow Vehicles & Hitches 09-13-2016, 11:29 AM
Replies: 18
Views: 9,988
Posted By TomKirk
Transit Van's roots are European Ford. ...

Transit Van's roots are European Ford.

Let's see how these upgraded models hold up in America. Until then, I have my doubts.

Just my 2¢.

Tom
Forum: Tow Vehicles 09-12-2016, 01:09 PM
Replies: 18
Views: 2,831
Posted By TomKirk
I worked in a Ford Parts Dept for a brief period...

I worked in a Ford Parts Dept for a brief period about 15 yrs ago. I was appalled at the frequency of discontinued, late model, Ford Truck parts - critical parts, too. Almost as soon as the factory...
Forum: Towing, Tow Vehicles & Hitches 09-09-2016, 09:51 AM
Replies: 49
Views: 5,143
Posted By TomKirk
Yeah, but.....where do they get their steel?? ...

Yeah, but.....where do they get their steel??

As for those pins, they're mass produced by some vendor.....who knows where?? Made in the USA or not, they're obviously the weakest link in the...
Showing results 1 to 50 of 311
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