turbodaddy
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17' 1965 Fan "Sunseeker"
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Post by turbodaddy on Oct 28, 2021 19:24:29 GMT -8
Joe, Your shelter is only surpassed by the workmanship of the trailer. Our trailer was in pretty good condition when we bought it about 6 years ago. I did lift the skins,repaired or replaced whatever rot I found, removed all trim and windows,and put it all back together with new putty tape and stainless fasteners. The previous owners had replaced the original axle and wheels with a modern Dexter rig with electric brakes. When I went to pick it up, I jacked up both sides to check the bearings and found that the mount for the leaf springs on the curbside was broken. Like you, an unlikely circumstance resulted in a guy coming by who knew a welder. Twenty minutes later the welder showed up and for $100 he made the repair. Since then we have traveled over 10K miles with the camper across the US and eastern Canada. Even with all those miles behind us, I still am super careful. I always check tire pressure (replaced perfectly good tires after 3 years, because that is what many recommend.)lug nuts, lights, brakes, hitch, chains, etc. every time we travel. Even so, I am never completely confident that my trailer will not unexpectedly fall apart on the highway. I try to tell myself, "If it hasn't happened by now, it must be OK." It is hard to describe the satisfaction of falling asleep in our comfy bed after a 6 hour uneventful drive. Thanks for your post.
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WhitneyK
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'67 Shasta Compact
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Post by WhitneyK on Oct 29, 2021 18:25:56 GMT -8
Even so, I am never completely confident that my trailer will not unexpectedly fall apart on the highway. I try to tell myself, "If it hasn't happened by now, it must be OK." It is hard to describe the satisfaction of falling asleep in our comfy bed after a 6 hour uneventful drive. Thanks for your post. I still have that thought in my head and we've drug ours close to 40k miles and through 43 states (+ BC) Whenever we stop for fuel / restroom breaks, I try to always put my thumb on the hubs and hand on the tire sidewall to check for excessive heat. Last trip while down in TX, we came out of a fast food quick stop, I put my foot on the upper part of the tire and gave it a nudge to check for bearing play. I thought it felt sloppy and was afraid I was loosing a bearing. I limped it to the nears AutoZone (for light and security), jacked it up, removed the tire, popped the bearing cap off, removed the pin / nut / washer. Nope, all was just as fine as when I packed them and put them in. After "readjusting" it and putting the tire back on, felt the same. Felt like such a goof. What a waste of a half hour
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ruderunner
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Post by ruderunner on Oct 30, 2021 3:31:27 GMT -8
Re studs, nuts and aluminum wheels, there's actually quite a bit to watch out for: studs need to be long enough for full thread engagement, aluminum wheels often require a different lug seat than steel.
If changing studs to accept aluminum wheels, it's important to make sure the shoulder of the stud doesn't bottom out the nut before clamping the wheels. If using closed end lugs a too long stud might bottom out in the lug before clamping the wheels.
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Post by wisconsinjoe on Oct 31, 2021 6:14:31 GMT -8
Re studs, nuts and aluminum wheels, there's actually quite a bit to watch out for: studs need to be long enough for full thread engagement, aluminum wheels often require a different lug seat than steel. If changing studs to accept aluminum wheels, it's important to make sure the shoulder of the stud doesn't bottom out the nut before clamping the wheels. If using closed end lugs a too long stud might bottom out in the lug before clamping the wheels. Wow, thanks for that. Another thing to check on.
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ruderunner
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Post by ruderunner on Nov 6, 2021 4:26:36 GMT -8
Just things I've run into over the years.
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mobiltec
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I make mistakes so you don't have to...
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1954 Jewel In Progress...
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Post by mobiltec on Nov 10, 2021 8:18:03 GMT -8
Wow! Lucky you. Ken was a Godsend. I think I'll stay away from aluminum wheels. Never knew any of this that Ruderunner talked about. Thanks for that info Ruderunner. Love your trailer shelter.
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Post by wisconsinjoe on Nov 13, 2021 15:39:48 GMT -8
Yeah,that camper shed is a favorite place to hang out on our property. Also, I'm a musician so playing in the trailer makes for great acoustics, probably due to the curved ceiling and soft fabrics. I'll probably use the camper more at home than on the road.
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idaho211
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Post by idaho211 on Nov 23, 2021 6:38:04 GMT -8
Very nice trailer. It renews my faith that we can help each other out when in need.
Your trailer looks great. Very good craftsmanship.
Your experience reminds me to make a before the road checklist including lug nuts.
Thank you for sharing.
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