I've been busy ... done a number of modifications to make my Winnebago ERA easier to maintain and more comfortable for myself when travelling.
First thing ... I removed the rear passenger side captain seat to give myself more room and floorspace.
Next ... out came the optional factory cabinet which had replaced the rear passenger captain seat behind the driver. I replaced that with a comfortable livingroom chair I had so I can sit looking out the side sliding door when the occasion suits me.
I am in the process of having a screen covering of some kind put up on the slide sliding door to keep the pesky bugs out when I am sitting there. I have the material. Just need to find someone with a sewing machine to sew a couple of the panels together.
🙂Next ... Off came the wheel simulators ... as Winnebago calls them. I call them wheel covers. They look pretty, but are pretty much a pain in the neck when you want to check air pressure or add air. I had placed valve extensions on the valves in order to be able to access them with the wheels covers on and they have been a nuisance with leaking valves and ... even worse I discovered that the extensions were rubbing onto the covers and had started to wear a groove into the metal valve extensions. A tire catastrophe waiting to happen.
Next ... off to a professional truck centre to have a front end alignment. The two front tires were not wearing well. So far it's been perfect and only cost $84.00 compared to the $300 the Mercedes dealer wanted.
Now it was off to a local tire dealer and had them replace both front tires. One with the spare which was still new and they ordered in a new one for the other side. They removed all the wheels and replaced all the valve stems ... no extensions and now I can check and add air as necessary without the darn "simulators" being in the way.
AND FINALLY ... had a tour of the Roadtrek Factory in Kitchener, Ontario recently and noticed they have some very interesting and fancy custom wheels that they use for their sprinter chassis. What really caught my eye was that access to ALL the valve stems was right where they should be. Right there in your face and easy to access. PLUS my TPMS sensors will fit with no problems.
So ... I've ordered a set and am just waiting to take a trip up there next week and have them installed.
I am also looking into some kind of external hitch carrier for when I do my "snowbird" trips to Florida next winter. Am close to ordering the Stowaway 2 MAX carrier, just waiting to confirm there is nothing more suitable around.
Looking forward to the next few years with several major trips planned.
Happy and safe travels to all.
Karsty (The Wandering Viking)
2012 Winnebago ERA