tonyj54 wrote:
Refrigerator question, if I may.
I've noticed a lot of folks going to electric refrigerators in their campers. I must say, I was within just a few hours of doing the same, until doing a little cleaning and disassembly/reassembly on our gas unit. Then, lo and behold, its up and running, albeit taking about seven hours of time, and propane, to get down to cooling temperature. So, I guess my question is WHY change them out? Are the gas types inherently evil, or just what is the reasoning?
Refrigerator question, if I may.
I've noticed a lot of folks going to electric refrigerators in their campers. I must say, I was within just a few hours of doing the same, until doing a little cleaning and disassembly/reassembly on our gas unit. Then, lo and behold, its up and running, albeit taking about seven hours of time, and propane, to get down to cooling temperature. So, I guess my question is WHY change them out? Are the gas types inherently evil, or just what is the reasoning?
Over 40+ years the fridges ultimately fail completely or deteriorate to the point where they no longer cool well (door seals) or are a nuisance to deal with (interior plastic parts cracked or broken). Parts availability is spotty so replacement is the best choice.
Replacing a 2-way (120v/propane) fridge with a new 2-way (120v/propane) fridge of similar size is expensive and time consuming, both because of product cost and because the dimensions of the new fridges are, in most cases, slightly different and require modifications to the cabinetry.
People who are trying to complete their restoration on a tight budget usually then opt for a "dorm fridge" especially if they are new to RVing. While they do work out OK for some people, I wouldn't want one. We want to be able to run the fridge when stopped at a restaurant or other point of interest or when visiting friends and parked in their driveway. Lots of times when it isn't practical to run a cord.
Quote:
Now, once my (intended) solar system is in place, I'll probably be more inclined towards electric, especially a two-way reefer. But it seems to me that gas would be of great benefit when not in a campground until solar is available.
Now, once my (intended) solar system is in place, I'll probably be more inclined towards electric, especially a two-way reefer. But it seems to me that gas would be of great benefit when not in a campground until solar is available.
I have been up on the roof of my C-11 and have come to the conclusion that there isn't sufficient space for a meaningfully large solar installation. I do have a roof-mount antenna added by a previous owner, and an air conditioner. You have to look at the shadow-free space you're able to get.
1971 Cayo C-11 truck camper, 2010 Airstream Classic, 1997 Chevrolet K2500, 2004 Chevrolet Suburban 2500 8.1.
So then on to the next project. I had been driving the truck and camper every day to work. It is still stocked from our last outing. I opened up the camper yesterday after work, and was going to yell at my kids. I thought they had left a upper cabinet door open. Then I see that one of the doors is on the floor...
As I look closer, I see that the 40+ year old glue had let loose on the cabinet above the sink/stove. The cabinet uprights that are mortise/tennon jointed in have no nails, just glue, and three of the five had dropped down. Pulling the door off the cabinet due to the latch. Between dried out glue, and the rough Alaska roads, and the changes I made to the TC removing the support of the refrigerator cabinet, I am reengineering.... I re-glued the joints then pinned the joints with a finish nailer. I did this after I removed the whole cabinet and took it to the garage. Then I repainted the inside of the cabinet. I needed to refinish the cabinet doors, so I think I will try to fix the delamination then lightly sand and refinish. Hopefully I can get this side and the pump fixed quickly so we can go camping again soon!
I'll try to get pics later. We have been having many 70 degree days this summer which hasn't happened in over 20 years so we need to get out and enjoy it!
Garry in Kodiak, AK.
Garry K
Wife + 4 kids
Retired Military Family.... Alway's on the move....
2002 F350 CCSB 5.4 6spd 4x4 in AK
1966 Avion C-10 Truck Camper
Jamm3r wrote:
People who are trying to complete their restoration on a tight budget usually then opt for a "dorm fridge" especially if they are new to RVing. While they do work out OK for some people, I wouldn't want one. We want to be able to run the fridge when stopped at a restaurant or other point of interest or when visiting friends and parked in their driveway. Lots of times when it isn't practical to run a cord.
People who are trying to complete their restoration on a tight budget usually then opt for a "dorm fridge" especially if they are new to RVing. While they do work out OK for some people, I wouldn't want one. We want to be able to run the fridge when stopped at a restaurant or other point of interest or when visiting friends and parked in their driveway. Lots of times when it isn't practical to run a cord.
Yep, small fridge was the way we were looking at going, but with the idea of buying one of the Honda inverter generators to run the reefer and A/C (hard to be anywhere in Florida without it in the summer). I'm a Ham Radio operator, and would like to be able to get on the air from the camper, especially for Field Days and such, so I have an ulterior motive for the gennie. Little expensive for the present, but should be able to get one before the end of the year.
But, with the gas fridge up and running, I'll most likely stick with it until I can't make it work anymore.
Quote:
Now, once my (intended) solar system is in place, I'll probably be more inclined towards electric, especially a two-way reefer. But it seems to me that gas would be of great benefit when not in a campground until solar is available.
Now, once my (intended) solar system is in place, I'll probably be more inclined towards electric, especially a two-way reefer. But it seems to me that gas would be of great benefit when not in a campground until solar is available.
Jamm3r wrote:
I have been up on the roof of my C-11 and have come to the conclusion that there isn't sufficient space for a meaningfully large solar installation. I do have a roof-mount antenna added by a previous owner, and an air conditioner. You have to look at the shadow-free space you're able to get.
I have been up on the roof of my C-11 and have come to the conclusion that there isn't sufficient space for a meaningfully large solar installation. I do have a roof-mount antenna added by a previous owner, and an air conditioner. You have to look at the shadow-free space you're able to get.
Yeah, it's tight spacing atop the C-10, too, especially with the A/C install. I did think I remembered seeing somewhere a solar install in an L-shaped configuration to take advantage of available spacing. I'll have to look closely before making that move.
* This post was edited 07/26/13 05:51am by tonyj54 *
See y'all on the roads, or in the parks.
tonyj & Shirley
'66 AVION C-10
'86 F-250 6.9 DIESEL
KJ4OEQ 146.520MHz
CB Channel 7
The good news this morning is that we appear to have won the existential struggle with the wiring on the Avion. I am very happy. Now we are going to do some work on the suspension system of the F350. Its feeling a little low in the back with a little "soft" swaying as well.
67avion wrote:
Let us know what you find out about the flexible solar panels. Photographs help as well.
The good news this morning is that we appear to have won the existential struggle with the wiring on the Avion. I am very happy. Now we are going to do some work on the suspension system of the F350. Its feeling a little low in the back with a little "soft" swaying as well.
Let us know what you find out about the flexible solar panels. Photographs help as well.
The good news this morning is that we appear to have won the existential struggle with the wiring on the Avion. I am very happy. Now we are going to do some work on the suspension system of the F350. Its feeling a little low in the back with a little "soft" swaying as well.
What do you have in place right now? All Stock? I have Helwig Sway Bar, Rancho RS-9000 shocks turned to 9, and Stable-loads, and recently added air-bags too. I do not "need" the air bags for the camper, but for pulling our ATV's or Boat, I need the Airbags with the extended Super-Hitch.
I think your F-350 is fairly similar to mine as our campers are also similar, but you have the added benefit of the full 8ft box, and your COG is better matched. But the absolute best thing I did with regards to handling has been the 19.5 Load Range G tires. They are killer when the camper is off, but with the camper on, it rides so smooth! I have many people ride with me in the cab with the C-10 on the back, and make comments that they expected more sway, rock and roll, they were VERY surprised the truck handled so well.
Great that you got your electrical fixed!
I got my upper cabinet re-installed, but now working on the doors, as they needed some attention, so not quite ready for another outing. Also need to get the parts to fix the water pump...
Have a great weekend!
Garry
The interior is all finished (well nothing is really finished, but you know what I mean). I'll put some pictures up soon of the completed camper. Sheesh. It only took two years!!!!!
Meanwhile, I hope that everyone else is making progress on their Avions. As for you Garry, its time you got out and enjoyed those 70 degree days in Alaska. Maybe we'll trundle up there some day.
67avion wrote:
The interior is all finished (well nothing is really finished, but you know what I mean). I'll put some pictures up soon of the completed camper. Sheesh. It only took two years!!!!!
The interior is all finished (well nothing is really finished, but you know what I mean). I'll put some pictures up soon of the completed camper. Sheesh. It only took two years!!!!!
Well then , it's time for a trip report for you ( without the amphibious part ).
![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/biggrin.gif "biggrin")
'68 Avion C-11
'02 GMC DRW D/A flatbed
![[image]](http://s739.photobucket.com/user/dgorton/media/couch-panorama_zps177e2095.jpg.html)
This is on the left side of the coach looking to the rear. You can see the demountable table, the Fantastic fan vent, and the 1 inch aluminum curtains.
![[image]](http://s739.photobucket.com/user/dgorton/media/panorama-kitchen_zps7f62348f.jpg.html)
A view of the opposite side with the stove and cabinets.
![[image]](http://s739.photobucket.com/user/dgorton/media/fold-out_zps19e2d936.jpg.html)
A Close up view of how we have arranged the heater (note the aluminum shield) that sits in front of the water heater. The trash can is on a slide out fitting. You can see the slide-out shelf just above the heater opening.
As far as I can tell all of the electrical systems are working fine. I have a few hook ups on the cell phone booster and the WiFi.
I plan to add another hand grip just inside the back door. And I haven't yet decided where to put the fire extinguisher. Any ideas?
And before we hit the road we have to resolve any issues with the suspension. Sweet Jane is talking about traveling along the Ohio River for a maiden voyage. Something close by so that if something goes awry we're not too far from home. We'll probably pull the Suzuki on that trip - but it depends on the suspension whether we can pull the boat at this point. I guarantee you Ticki, if I launch my boat...into the Ohio River...with my Avion on board...and retrieve the boat...you will see pictures and a trip report on that event...
* This post was edited 07/28/13 10:40am by 67avion *
I'm going to put my fire extinguisher in the bottom cabinet by the door, in the old furnace space. Either there or in the back of the closet above.
Remember to pull your shades up before driving so they don't bang your paint job!
Built up the step under the couch last week with 2x4 bracing, it's feeling very solid. Pictures to come.