Robinson Fuso rides again - prep for Spring 2015

[pugslyyy]

It's been a while since I posted anything, but now that the weather has turned I'm back working on truck projects. A lot of mundane things like -

- finally mounted / balanced my spare on the new rim that I got at Expo West last year
- installed a new stereo in the Bigfoot (wanted a new head that supported Bluetooth, newer iPods, etc)
- fixed my Blue Sky Energy IPN Pro remote display (the controller was working but the head wasn't).
- installed ducting behind my dometic to direct air flow over the absorption coils
- installed solar powered fans (computer case type) in the roof vent of the fridge to increase efficiency on those hot days
- reinstalled the protective panels underneath the camper
- replaced the windshield (seemingly an annual event)
- Permethrin the screens and headliner

I have probably another week's worth of work to finish up my chores list. The biggest project remaining is converting the dinette to a U-shaped which I think will be more comfortable for the two of us. If it doesn't work out we will go back to the larger table - I'm not doing anything irreversible.

I'm also considering adding a radiator misting system to help cool the motor on those long grades. Anyone ever look at that? Seems a fairly simple project (famous last words, I know).

The biggest challenge is how one simple project leads into another more complicated unplanned one... Changing the stereo head made me realize that I needed to replace the floor of a cabinet that was cracked, removal of which showed me a large area with no insulation, etc, etc. It always amazes me how one seemingly simple task can make it seem like the interior of the camper just exploded.

 

[SkiFreak]

You know the deal Jon... it's all about pictures.

 

[mhiscox]

The biggest challenge is how one simple project leads into another more complicated unplanned one... Changing the stereo head made me realize that I needed to replace the floor of a cabinet that was cracked, removal of which showed me a large area with no insulation, etc, etc.

A wise and important observation of which we all need to be reminded. I had to invent the "Seven Times Rule," which simply states that it's critical to understand that anything I attempt on any of the trucks will produce enough difficulties and add-ons to use up seven times as much time as the initial task would seem to require. And, sadly, it seems to work.

Good to see the truck getting primed for adventure. Thanks for keeping the fan club posted.

 

[pugslyyy]

You know the deal Jon... it's all about pictures.

Yeah, I know I need to do that! A lot of the stuff has been pretty boring but necessary. I mean how interesting is a new shelf bottom really going to be?

Of course, when I start the project it is going to be simple so why bother, and by the time it has become complicated and interesting I'm already knee deep in it.

I need to take my absorption fridge cooling fan project apart to reset the thermostat and mount the fans better, so I'll take photos of that when I get that done.

I have a new table top that is supposed to be delivered on Monday so I'll take photos of that install. I had my moment of inspiration on how I wanted to do it a few days ago.

Also, I started playing around seriously with a radiator mister tonight - I'll take some photos of that too as it goes along.

 

[SkiFreak]

I have heard quite a few people mention over heating issues, but so far I have not experienced that in my truck.
Did about 3000km in the last week or so and was sitting at around 100 to 110 km/h for most of that (62-68 mph). The gauge sat at the same spot the entire time.

Will be interested to see your misting system though.

 

[Czechsix]

In years past I did a radiator watering system using a salvaged winshield washer pump and a five gallon jerry can. Actually helped quite a bit. I had the pump rigged to a momentary switch, I'd run it for half a minute or so every few minutes. I'm sure a mister would be much more efficient. I'm also a big fan of Redline water wetter, might want to look at that too.

 

[pugslyyy]

I have heard quite a few people mention over heating issues, but so far I have not experienced that in my truck.
Did about 3000km in the last week or so and was sitting at around 100 to 110 km/h for most of that (62-68 mph). The gauge sat at the same spot the entire time.

Will be interested to see your misting system though.

If I'm on relatively flat roads I have no issues, it is climbing that taxes my system.

My temperatures climb on long slow grades, particularly if there is a tail wind. I'm sure that the winch doesn't enhance the airflow over the radiator, and I'm dragging a heavier load than most - so for me it is no surprise and usually I'll just slow down or stop and idle until the radiator catches back up.

 

[pugslyyy]

In years past I did a radiator watering system using a salvaged winshield washer pump and a five gallon jerry can. Actually helped quite a bit. I had the pump rigged to a momentary switch, I'd run it for half a minute or so every few minutes. I'm sure a mister would be much more efficient. I'm also a big fan of Redline water wetter, might want to look at that too.

I'm going a similar route, but looking at using a length of 4 inch PVC as my reservoir. I have to buy some misters tomorrow at the hardware store.

I haven't tried redline in this vehicle (I used it in my Defender, which also had cooling "challenges") so I probably should - thanks for the reminder.

 

[dlh62c]

I'm going a similar route, but looking at using a length of 4 inch PVC as my reservoir. I have to buy some misters tomorrow at the hardware store.

What about hard water deposit issues?

Do you plan use distilled water in the system?

 

[pugslyyy]

What about hard water deposit issues?

Do you plan use distilled water in the system?

The misters are inexpensive enough (a pack of 5 is $2.09) that I'm not going to worry about it. I'm not even really sure if what I'm thinking about will even work - just something I am playing around with.

 

[kerry]

How's the Permethrin work?

 

[pugslyyy]

How's the Permethrin work?

We've used it on our clothes before, decided to try it in the camper where bugs are the most prevalent (for some reason the mosquitoes and flies seem to like the headliner). I buy the concentrated stuff and dilute it down, and use a pump-up garden sprayer to apply.

I have some bugs-away clothes that are impregnated with the stuff, but they are really expensive. I'd rather just apply once before a trip and be good.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0048EY6KY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The pump sprayers are under $10 at walmart - cheap enough to have a couple for different stuff.

 

[kerry]

I bought some to do our clothes for a sailing trip but never got around to applying it. It's cheaper to apply it to existing clothes than pay for the pre-impregnated stuff.

 

[DiploStrat]

Small + Project = Oxymoron. (You have been warned. )

 

[pugslyyy]

Small + Project = Oxymoron. (You have been warned. )

Experiencing that with the house today. Replacing a stuck hose bib has so far required an ever-enlarging hole in my drywall and multiple trips to the hardware store.