Figured I would revive this with an update since it's relevant to the topic/work.
Lots of work on both TV and 5er since the last post.
We've taken several trips with it mostly in the state and within a few hours.
Longer trips were:
Wis Rapids for 4th of July, had to replace lower rad hose after the fan shroud rubbed a nice hole in it. Also required ~3gal of coolant. Luckily no issues going up and we made it to the destination before the truck really let it's bladder out all over the property.
Stayed in Rock Island KOA to visit the I80 Truck Stop Jamboree and Mellow Mushroom. Trip down was really good except the 7.4Mpg. lol Yes, I'm NOT expecting anything great, it was just funny as it was the lowest it's ever been towing. Way back, almost home, blew a hole in the intercooler boot and lost ~50% of our boost. Was able to make it home, just much slower than usual.
From the last post about cutting the hole in the AC unit. I just finished up running the flex aluminum foil duct from the AC to all of the vents. Being on standard home service with a 15a breaker, I've not been able to fully test it. It does seem to be working fairly well in the living room/kitchen where the vent space was fairly large. The bathroom and bedroom are still questionable on actual air flow due to vent height being nearly cut in half or more up at the nose. I may end up redoing it at some point.
Bent out the channel at the roof line by the rear cap to prevent drainage going right into the seal. This allows drainage off the trailer and not running down the side anymore; similar to the newer setups.
Resealed all vertical seams we could see and access. Inspected and sealed roof.
Replaced city water connection. The original was plastic and horribly deteriorated and cracked. The replacement is metal.
Replaced a few storage door latches so I don't have to use my head :)
Had to re-secure the underbelly at the hitch. Now is nice and solid after some self tapping screws and replacing sealants at seams.
Still to do:
Depending on ownership term, I need to drop the grey 1, black and fresh tanks.
- grey 1 level sensor likely needs replaced. I'm not sure if the tanks have an overflow or if there is a hole somewhere. One of the kids using the shower and soapy water started coming out from underneath the trailer.
- black level sensor must be replaced. Always reads 1/3-2/3 full no matter what. Like the grey tank, I'm not sure if there is an overflow hole or an actual hole in the tank
- Freshwater tank never used by us. Mice chewed through the fill tube and I'm fearful of what bodies were trapped.
- Awning patches? Edges are getting cracked. I haven't researched yet to see if I can use the awning repair tape I have or if I have to go another route.
However, on the bright side, grey 2 appears to work properly, it's also only for the kitchen sink so it's hard to fill.
Taped an led rope light to the awning roller. Wife bought it and now we fit in at night! :D
Gave the camper another good scrub before the IA trip including delicately scrubbing the awning.. Made a big difference.
Also need to get a lot of eternabond to replace the seam tape for the slide out. I know it wont fix the water damage that has already occurred but hoping to prevent more damage. I know it's very expensive but I've considered getting it quoted to, what I assume would be, rebuilding the driver side and maybe ceiling. With what we paid, it may be worth it. There are still some con's that prevent me from pursuing it though-
- Trailer is still pretty heavy for size. (Expected with it's age and why we have F350)
- If we can't fix ceiling, we'd still have ducting/insulation issues
- Still needs above work completed
- Will probably need a roof sooner than later
- I'm probably missing other stuff
Overall- Happy with purchase as newbies. A lot of learning and DIY has been done but I feel much better having had this trailer to learn on than a newer one costing 10x.
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I will probably have to post this as a separate topic but question regarding booster AC units.
The bedroom has a ceiling vent with speed controls which is also controlled by a thermostat. Provided the wiring is adequate and not some thin 12v wire, would you consider adding? I still have my research to do but wondering what others think. I'm only wired for 30A service so energy savers would be good. I wouldn't plan to use this for the whole trailer, just has a helper for maybe the bath and bedroom.
If you've gotten to this point. THANK YOU for reading and hoping you leave some feedback/advice,
Thanks,
Outlaw
*I will also get some pics up soon.
