Need a hobby? Buy a new RV.
I am sure glad that Boeing builds planes and Winnebago doesn't. My second new Winnebago is just like the first: A DIY project. I have never seen so many missing, stripped out or miss-aligned screws. I found most of the needed screws laying about under cabinets and other nooks and crannies. Comparing notes from the two RVs I come to the conclusion that the motorhome is engineered pretty well, but there are some folks in the factory who did not attend shop class in school. At the rate I am going, there will be only a few things for the dealer to repair.
The first shakedown cruise went pretty well. Two nights and just under 300 miles round trip without my usual assortment of tools. I was being optimistic. Only major problem was the two large drawers in the galley come open with a crash on hard right turns. The latch is not strong enough even with removing much of the loaded weight from the drawer. So, where the hell do they expect me to put the dinnerware? It takes about 6 to 7 lbs of pull to open the drawer. So, I could use a little help with this one. I could take it back to the dealer and tell them to fix it, or I can do it myself and get it done right the first time and not make a 100 mile round trip. I could install additional latches and that would be a simple fix. I tried to find the type used: a latch that resembles the action of a railroad car coupler. All I could find so far are the usual magnet or pinch roller latches. Wayward doors and drawers are not a unique problem, so I am open for suggestions.
The in-dash radio has a 9" screen that is actually visible day and night in any lighting conditions. Well done, indeed. Now if I can get it to just shut up and quit telling me that I am driving too fast, I would be a happy camper. It seems to have a mind of it's own. I will have to sit down and work on it to make sure it knows who is the boss.
That tankless hot water heater is pretty amazing. Hot water almost at an instant and it is so quiet. Not the usual roar when the gas kicks in. It is gas only, so we'll see how it does on consumption. Our new Navion only has a 13 gallon propane tank compared to 18 gallons on our previous Navion. Another reason we went with the diesel generator as the one before.
So, they put the radio/dvd player behind the TV where the remote control IR signal can't be seen. I thought, "That was smart." Then I discovered that my iPhone and iPad has an app using Bluetooth that controls it better than the provided remote control. Now, if I want to be "That Guy" and annoy the hell out of my neighbors, I can sit outside with my iPhone and crank up the volume on the outdoor speakers.
Todays' project started out to install a monitor pendant for the Progressive Dynamics Power Converter. This option adds a status light and mode switch to the unit that is otherwise installed out of sight. On our Navion 24G, the power converter is installed under the afore mentioned galley drawers and normally inaccessible. I could not insert the modular plug into the power unit because of the sloppy slap-dash wiring and placement of the power unit. Another problem I found was that one of the furnace ducts was crammed in and crushed behind the power converter and blocked the cooling fan. I removed the unit, re-routed and repositioned the wiring harnesses and ductwork and re-installed the power converter in the new found open space. It's there if you just don't cram things in. It is like packing a suitcase. Mission accomplished; all nice and tidy. One less thing for the dealer to fix. The pendant is installed in a convenient spot on the wall under the sink area.
Next project is installing a propane connection for cooking outdoors. I installed a 10 PSI connection on my last rig and that allowed me to use regular BBQ grills. On the new Navion, I have the option of tapping into the line between the first 30 PSI regulator and the two stage regulator that takes the pressure down to 11" WC or I could tap into the line provided near the generator not used because we have diesel. The low pressure gas would make it necessary to get a purpose built grill or modify one by removing the regulator.
My dog loves the new rig. That is all that really counts.
The first shakedown cruise went pretty well. Two nights and just under 300 miles round trip without my usual assortment of tools. I was being optimistic. Only major problem was the two large drawers in the galley come open with a crash on hard right turns. The latch is not strong enough even with removing much of the loaded weight from the drawer. So, where the hell do they expect me to put the dinnerware? It takes about 6 to 7 lbs of pull to open the drawer. So, I could use a little help with this one. I could take it back to the dealer and tell them to fix it, or I can do it myself and get it done right the first time and not make a 100 mile round trip. I could install additional latches and that would be a simple fix. I tried to find the type used: a latch that resembles the action of a railroad car coupler. All I could find so far are the usual magnet or pinch roller latches. Wayward doors and drawers are not a unique problem, so I am open for suggestions.
The in-dash radio has a 9" screen that is actually visible day and night in any lighting conditions. Well done, indeed. Now if I can get it to just shut up and quit telling me that I am driving too fast, I would be a happy camper. It seems to have a mind of it's own. I will have to sit down and work on it to make sure it knows who is the boss.
That tankless hot water heater is pretty amazing. Hot water almost at an instant and it is so quiet. Not the usual roar when the gas kicks in. It is gas only, so we'll see how it does on consumption. Our new Navion only has a 13 gallon propane tank compared to 18 gallons on our previous Navion. Another reason we went with the diesel generator as the one before.
So, they put the radio/dvd player behind the TV where the remote control IR signal can't be seen. I thought, "That was smart." Then I discovered that my iPhone and iPad has an app using Bluetooth that controls it better than the provided remote control. Now, if I want to be "That Guy" and annoy the hell out of my neighbors, I can sit outside with my iPhone and crank up the volume on the outdoor speakers.
Todays' project started out to install a monitor pendant for the Progressive Dynamics Power Converter. This option adds a status light and mode switch to the unit that is otherwise installed out of sight. On our Navion 24G, the power converter is installed under the afore mentioned galley drawers and normally inaccessible. I could not insert the modular plug into the power unit because of the sloppy slap-dash wiring and placement of the power unit. Another problem I found was that one of the furnace ducts was crammed in and crushed behind the power converter and blocked the cooling fan. I removed the unit, re-routed and repositioned the wiring harnesses and ductwork and re-installed the power converter in the new found open space. It's there if you just don't cram things in. It is like packing a suitcase. Mission accomplished; all nice and tidy. One less thing for the dealer to fix. The pendant is installed in a convenient spot on the wall under the sink area.
Next project is installing a propane connection for cooking outdoors. I installed a 10 PSI connection on my last rig and that allowed me to use regular BBQ grills. On the new Navion, I have the option of tapping into the line between the first 30 PSI regulator and the two stage regulator that takes the pressure down to 11" WC or I could tap into the line provided near the generator not used because we have diesel. The low pressure gas would make it necessary to get a purpose built grill or modify one by removing the regulator.
My dog loves the new rig. That is all that really counts.
