2005 Classic Ltd 34’ S/O

[bobmiller1]

I decided to pull the couch for better access to the wiring behind the electrical compartment. Each battery has a 50 amp self resetting circuit breaker. I’m going to upgrade them to 200 amp breakers for the feed to the power inverter. I also shortened up the factory mess of wires and labeled the remaining wires. Running the new 12/2 romex power line is now much easier to do. On another note I started to look at Fisher/Paykel dishwashers again and I’m thinking of pulling the kitchen. If I do that, I’ll be pulling the linoleum as well and replacing it with hardwood and a new darker color carpet. Regards, Bob

[bobmiller1]

Installed the new “weathervane” style grey/black vent caps today. Getting ready to order the new skylights and working on a new skid for the back of the Yukon XL to hold the trailer aux batteries, generator, and fuel can fit the extended trips out to the Tetons. Regards, Bob

[bobmiller1]

So, you can pay Airstream $480.00 for 2 replacement sky lights or you can spend some time and figure out who made them for Airstream, order them from a big box store and “BOOM” pay $78.00 It reminds me of the time I installed an electrically operated pedestal base for the dinette in the 370LE. Airstream wanted $1,600.00 for it. Found the manufacturer in Japan and bought it for $132.00 (shipping was an additional $142.00) In any event I’m installing the 2 new sky lights, finished up the auxiliary battery system for dry camping, dropped the steel pan that holds the gray and black tanks up, will be replacing the styrofoam insulation as well…..another COB job by the manufacturer ! One of the tank dump valves (Thetford) needs to be rebuilt (black tank). I’m also going to cut the useless Thetford sewage pipe termination end off and put a standard one on. I’m tired of leaks and having to carry a spare adapter with me when one of the white plastic tabs breaks off. Regards, Bob

[GCinSC2]

Bob

Interesting nice job on skylights.

Gary

[bobmiller1]

I’m in the process of switching the location of the dinette/sofa. I’m going to try it for a few trips and see if I like it. If it works out, great. If not I can reverse it back to the original. It just works out that the couch and dinette are both 75” wide so I figured I would give it a try. Some minor wiring (LOL) has to be rearranged but other than that I think it will work. New sunroofs all installed. Regards, Bob

[bobmiller1]

Almost done with the dinette/couch swap. I finished all of the electrical swap/ inverter install/ outlet install. Running the Romex to the bathroom was a real challenge. Will try to test the system out today. Regards, Bob

[bobmiller1]

[bobmiller1]

I’m happy with the initial performance of the new 3000 watt inverter. Working with the 2 deep cycle group 27 batteries it runs the hair dryer in the bathroom for a solid 10 minutes with plenty to spare. The 2 additional group 31 deep cycle batteries are for reserve so it will be interesting to see when I need to plug them in for use. The dinette install with the exception of the table is all done.

[bobmiller1]

First trip bout with the 34’ S/O. North/South Lake campground in Hunter, NY. Awesome ! Lake Durant in 2 weeks. Enjoying dry camping, no crowds. Regards, Bob

[GCinSC2]

A nice spot, big fire box, happy hour and a 34' S/O a great combo.

[bobmiller1]

We both really like the dinette set up in the front where we can take advantage of the view out the front wrap around windows. Never really understood the couch placement where you were faced away from looking outside and looking at the inside of the trailer. I’m pulling the original jackknife couch and replacing it with a Lazy Boy loveseat recliner, electric, leather. The blue/slate leather marches the countertops in the kitchen/bathroom perfectly. The recliner that’s in the newer 33’ classic was the right idea but is mounted flat against the wall and doesn’t recline. Mine moves forward and back 6” so I’m going to build a frame on roller bearings that will move the recliner away from the wall 6” with linear actuators on when we sit in it. Lazy Boy offers a lithium battery option which I bought to power the DC motors when we are dry camping……life is tough, so have to be comfortable when relaxing. I’m having a new dinette table made 8” longer, and the new TV cabinet will replace the small one just inside the entrance door that used to hold the 2 zip dee chairs, the TV will rise out of the cabinet with a linear actuator when in use. Regards, Bob

[bobmiller1]

We found another hidden gem in the Adirondacks.....Lake Durant. Lake Durant features fewer than 50 sites of which 90% back to the lake. During our stay this last weekend we found the campground to be about 50% full capacity wise. Our site 28 was a lucky pick. We made a list of about 5 sites which would accommodate either my 34 Classic S/O or the 370LE for future visits. Absolutely no noise at the campground other than the random dog barking.....which reminds me of Hanns..... The sites are about 100 feet wide and at least 300 feet deep to the lake. Rates are 20.00 bucks per night. There are water spigots every 200 feet so bring 200-300 feet of collapsible hose for an extended stay. Regards, Bob

[bobmiller1]

Attachment 1

[bobmiller1]

The new loveseat recliner got delivered today, perfect fit. The color matches the countertops nicely. It’s temporarily mounted until I can get the slide mount fabricated. It’s much more comfortable than the old/original one and with the electric operation any position is possible.

[bobmiller1]

So, I have been experiencing high trans temps while towing with the 3/4 ton Yukon XL with Quadrasteer. It appears that the small auxiliary trans cooler is mounted right behind the GMC label on the grill. I bought a cooler roughly twice the size and mounted it to the right side of the grille. Should be better than it was…….

[bobmiller1]

Tranny cooler all installed, I’ll flush the system tomorrow with 20 quarts of Mobil 1 synthetic tranny oil, that should hold me for 2 years. Regards, Bob

[bobmiller1]

[bobmiller1]

The new mattress arrived yesterday……just as heavy as the old one. I decided to take advantage of the 67” opening between the night stands/closets and ordered a 66” wide x 80” Olympic mattress. It also has the 11” radius corners at the foot end. Got the new cell range extender antenna installed as well. I think I’ve mastered running cables and wires through any area of multiple Airstreams over the last few years. I’ll let you know if the new mattress is worth $1,200.00, we will be in Lancaster, PA for the first week of August, so I’ll be giving it a good work out ! Regards, Bob

[4RXLA]

I replaced my original twin mattresses with 9” pocketed coil mattresses from AB Lifestyles and they are very comfortable. So much so I’m considering buying a cal king one for the house.

[bobmiller1]

I’m making the bed base larger today 66” x 80” to accommodate the new mattress. My buddy Rich stopped out today to make the final connections for the new Bluetooth DVD stereo. I’m going to temporarily hook the TV up to the top of the cabinet that holds the Zip Dee chairs for better viewing while resting on the new recliner.