Just Starting Out

Pianotuna wrote:
I had to abandon my 1987 class C e-350 as chassis parts were not available.

I had a concern like that with our 1992 GM van that we used to tow a tent trailer with. A headlight failed and apparently it was a light used only on GM vans for 2 years. I got lucky at the local Gregg Distributors store, which had two left. Of course I bought them both. The van runs very well but I see it has not many years to go.

I have a few other threads going here, have gotten a lot of helpful advice. I'm whittling down how I will do my RV, will take time and much effort. Still a long way to go, will have more questions as I go.

EMD360 wrote:

I have an old converter and I lose batteries on a regular basis. I have just lived with it.

For the cost of a couple batteries, you could get a modern multistage converter that would work better (charge more quickly when needed) and also be much gentler on the batteries once charged. PD 9200 and 4600 series units, for instance, range between $150 and $200 at BestConverter, depending on the exact model/capacity.

Great place for rebuilding advice and feedback. I looked at your photos. Ours is a 2003 22 foot Itasca Spirit. I used roof tape on most of the seams up top and on the sides. Also sealed all the openings for lights etc to prevent leaks. Our had overhead leak stains when we bought it but I have not ever seen an active leak. When we lived in AZ and did the taping there was not much rain.
I have an old converter and I lose batteries on a regular basis. I have just lived with it.
We have not been out in our RV since March. It was that kind of year. I read rv.net before I bought and after I joined for several years. I totally enjoy the sharing by people here and their help and opinions. Good Luck!

It is a learning experience to say the least. These RVs are very compact, I don't require much space. I prefer siting outside drinking a cup of coffee with my feet up. So, I don't need much space. There is still a lot to be done to the truck side of it. I have to install new number 2 fuel tank - have it in box - brakes need bled, built-in Gen needs starter bendix replaced, I have portable Gen. Friends disappear when one needs a second pair of hands. No, kind folks locally that I know of in this area that could point out what I might be doing wrong. This forum, Youtube, and google search have been helpful.

I have worked on multi million dollar buildings, but this project very different. No blue prints here.

Wow, Sleepygeek! You have done some work on your rig! It looks homey and comfortable. Enjoy!

Harvey51 wrote:
Welcome SleepyGeek! You will soon be a helper, too. This forum is a genuine remnant of the early internet where nearly everyone tried to be helpful. The information here has saved me a lot of money and worry. It is very comfortable to understand how everything works.

"The Hangout" was a forum I helped moderate until it died out around 2012. Computer Tech stuff was most of it. The owners handle was 'Iloco' A good friend of mine. It was global, -google translate- would have been helpful back then.

Welcome SleepyGeek! You will soon be a helper, too. This forum is a genuine remnant of the early internet where nearly everyone tried to be helpful. The information here has saved me a lot of money and worry. It is very comfortable to understand how everything works.

Matt, thanks for the explanation of some RV terminology. Another post like that for brand names used in place of device names would be quite useful - reading Trimetric instead of battery monitor is about as clear as Ford in place of motorhome.

WOW, I walk though the old haunts with google street view once in a while. My Father worked at the old U.S. Steel on 51 st for 30 years. I think it is a Good Will store now. I planned on going to Pgh in my RV this fall, but will have to wait. Thanks for the update on the burgh, I might have gotten lost, ha!

Sleepygeek, thanks for the update on your childhood in the 'burg. I grew up in Munhall, lived in and out of the city, and now live in the North Hills. My Uncle lived right behind the old St. Francis Hospital in a duplex.

Things have changed a lot in Lawrenceville, it is now the up and coming part of the city. Putting in Condos where the Arsenal used to be (and finding old shells while digging), tore down St. Francis and built a new Children's Hospital, and moved St. Margaret's to the Water Works in the Aspinwall area.

Good luck with your RV and safe travels.