Southwind by Fleetwood – sporting its new paint job
Last spring on our trip home, the levelers started acting weird. I’d press the power button, it would work, but as soon as I tried to put levelers down it acted like the system was resetting. I re-seated all the connectors on the leveler controller and control pad. I cleaned Continue reading Loose fuse-holder in BCC causes weird electrical issues
This uses the OBDII data and the Android Torque app. I have a bluetooth OBDII reader I got from Amazon for $23. There’s a LOT of data that can be displayed on the torque app, but I’m interested in the transmission temperature. I have a 1999 Ford F53. This is Continue reading Monitor 4R100 transmission temperature using Torque App
When winterizing last year, I knew my bypass check-valve was bad, as I was getting a lot of antifreeze in the water heater while pumping antifreeze through the system. Before winterizing this year, its time to change the check valve. A new one can be had for less than $10 Continue reading Replace water heater check valve with manual valve
This last winter our toilet started making some squeaky sounds when someone sat on it. When I looked at it, I found that the plastic trim that covers the platform had cracks on the front. Whenever the toilet shifted a little, these cracks would rub and make the squeak sounds. Continue reading Toilet platform repair
I often entertain the question: What can I do to improve the handling of my F53 chassis? My answer is always the same. Before spending any money on aftermarket suspension components, take a look at this list. I suspect after completing this list, you may find that further improvement may Continue reading Improve handling of F53 chassis
One of the deficiencies of the ceiling ducted system is the restrictions that the ductwork places on airflow. On my A/C units, the air flows straight down, then must make a sharp 90 degree turn to flow into the two small ducts. The 90 degree turn and small ducts severely Continue reading Air Conditioner Ceiling Unit Duct Bypass
We’re finally back home in Ohio after spending the winter in Arizona. On these trips, I normally run at 62-65 MPH and stop about every three hours. While stopped, I usually top off the tank, about 25 -30 gallons per stop. The one way trip usually takes 4-5 days to Continue reading Different fueling strategy saved $150 on recent trip
The original countertop backsplash was a mirror, 6 ft wide by about 14 inches tall. The mirror was held in place by screws and a little double sticky tape. After removing the mirror, I cleaned the wall with lacquer thinner to remove any old grease and dirt. The home improvement Continue reading Kitchen countertop backsplash makeover
Last year I upgraded my single stage converter to a four stage unit, PowerMax PM4-55. My original converter put out a constant 13.6 volts. The new three stage converter would provide faster charging of batteries with higher voltage (14.6 volts), yet not boil the batteries when the unit switched to Continue reading Low voltage from 3 stage converter causes problems
Jodie got a new Amazon Echo for Christmas to use at home. Since we’re traveling on the road for the next few months, I decided to look into what it would take to add some “smart home” technology to the 20 year old Southwind. Off the shelf smart home controlled Continue reading Alexa: Turn the kitchen light ON