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Topic: Getting ready for the next trip (Read 276 times) previous topic - next topic
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Getting ready for the next trip
Preparing for the next trip, this time to Arizona to hunt for back roads to explore on the motorcycle for a week or so.  I like puttering around to get the rig ready.

Viair 400P-RV compressor showed up last week, at the recommendation of members of this forum.  Today I'll take it out and see how it works on the motorcycle trailer and coach.  It looks more stout and well equipped than other small compressors I have had.  Several members of this forum have commented on their preference for carrying CO2 bottles for inflating tires and the rapid inflation rate.  I have previously carried a small SCUBA tank with a modified regulator for filling tires (air fills are free, so I like the cost.), but the Viair compressor is lighter than my smallest 45cubic foot tank and it won't roll around in the storage space.  It looks promising

Tireman valve stem extensions were installed at Discount tire yesterday.  $60 installation.  Since they were taking off the wheels and tires for the job, they also balanced all of the tires and I asked them to rotate the tires as well.  I had 20,000 miles on the tires in their present positions and won't likely rotate them before they age out in 2 more years.  2013 stamp on the tires, so at 2019 they will be replaced regardless of the wear.  No charge for the rotation and balance.  I carefully read Chuck's instructions prior to arriving at Discount and then went out to the shop and discussed how the job should be done with the tech doing the work and I left him with the printed page of instructions.  He appeared to be able to read.  I explained that if he followed Chuck's instructions, it would go smoothly, if not, he might end up doing it twice.  He understood and completed the entire job in 90 minutes. They look less likely to wear through and fail than the braided valve stem extensions that came on the coach.  I'll monitor the tire pressures for the next few days to make sure that I don't have a slow leak with the new stems.

Took apart the fresh water inlet hose and found the little leak behind the head that was a nuisance on the last trip.  cleaned the fittings and threads and Teflon tape and gentle re-assembly and the leak is gone. I discovered that working on an RV head is much less nasty than fixing marine heads.  This might be because of the absence of salt water, but probably because in a boat, nothing ever dries out and is constantly moist, a  great environment for things to grow.  The RV gets nice and dry between uses.

I was hoping to install a Helwig Big Wig rear swaybar, but it didn't get done.  That job will wait for the next trip.

Full propane and all of the appliances are working.  Oil is changed on the bike.  The Admiral is poring over maps, looking for interesting back roads and setting up campsites and reservations.  I think we are almost ready to load and go!

I have an assignment to photograph a submerged offshore wreck in a few days and when that is finished we are on the road.

HD
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life
Re: Getting ready for the next trip
Reply #1 –
So much fun to prepare. We are doing the same thing in a van conversion I just finished. It is one of the enjoyable parts f the trip. 
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
 
Re: Getting ready for the next trip
Reply #2 –
"I carefully read Chuck's instructions prior to arriving at Discount and then went out to the shop and discussed how the job should be done with the tech doing the work and I left him with the printed page of instructions.  He appeared to be able to read.  I explained that if he followed Chuck's instructions, it would go smoothly, if not, he might end up doing it twice.  He understood and completed the entire job in 90 minutes."
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Bingo.  ;)
2003 TK has a new home