4 Sep 21 - Brinley's Rattle Work

I got the 3 rings released without breaking either of them.

I got the center section smoothed out.

Did some sanding on all the rings and the rest.

It is going to be pretty when it is finished.  I still have a lot more sanding to do.  Then I will take it over to Sanford to get the engraving done then i will cut off the 2 ends making the balls round and smooth.  The laser engraver used the end points from the lathe to rotate the rattle for the engraving, so it help for them to remain on until the engraving is done.
 

3 Sep 21 - New 5th Wheel Hitch Install

I started around 4 pm removing the old hitch because putting new isolators in it didn't stop the squeaking.  So we ordered a new hitch.  We received 2 boxes on Thursday.  After removing the old hitch I opened one box to find the legs and nothing else in it.  The second box had the head in it.  Seems like I was missing a box with the center section where the Reese 20K is marked.  An important piece as they all are. 

I called the company that I ordered the hitch from and they said that UPS was going to deliver it before 7 pm tonight.  It arrived around 6 pm and I got it installed before 8 pm.  Looking forward to the first move with it. 

The old hitch was discontinued by Reese so I was surprised I was able to get the bushings and pins to try and fix the squeak.
 

2 Sep 21 - Truck Mileage

The truck turned 98,000 miles today.  I took it into Tire Kingdom and get the tires balanced.  It had a tire vibration on the way to Orlando on Monday.
 

2 Sep 21 - Repairing the sheet metal from the last blowout

This piece of sheet metal was damaged when the tire blew out on the 16th of July when we went down to Dania Beach to await the new Grand Baby.

Easiest thing to do was remove the piece.  That went well.

Bent the edge and the bottom pretty badly.

ON the left side of this picture is the bottom of the sheet metal what was beat up by the tire when it exploded.  I have to flatten it and work the 90 degree corner.

I managed to get it pretty flat with a sheet metal hammer on a 2x4.  Now to put it back on the camper and seal it properly.

Not to bad for my first time of sheet metal work. 

Not a bad job if I do say so myself.
 

1 Sep 21 - New Grand Daughter means a new Rattle!

I started Brinley's rattle yesterday by getting a piece of Mahogany form the pile and cutting a piece of black walnut to put in the middle of her rattle.  The Mahogany came from Jonathan's friend who was having his tree removed and asked if he wanted some of it. 

From square to round is step one.

Step 2 is making the end balls and form the 3 rings that will be released when they are fully sanded.  I have sanded the rings a little bit.  It is going to be a pretty rattle! I hope.
 

1 Sep 21 - Beach walk with some friends we met in February

We met up with Jennifer and her husband Mac for a beach walk.  Jennifer is a retired CSM just like Kathy is.  We met her in February because she had this same hat on and it caught Kathy eye. 

Jennifer's husband Mac is a retired MSG and we had a great talk while walking down the beach.  We have quite a few things in common.  It was the first time we had met him.  They are down visiting the beach from Augusta Georgia.

 

31 Aug 21 - Anderson 4 way valve replacement

We came home on the 27th with no issues during our travels.  Today I am going to replace the Anderson 4 way valve.  This valve selects where the incoming fresh water is directed into the RV.  It has a normal position, a city water position, a fresh water tank position, and a winterize position.  This original valve is made of plastic and has gotten very difficult to change the positions.

Old valve is definitely plastic.

Old valve has been disconnected except for the breather tube on the bottom.

The new all brass 3 position valve has been put in.  It took me longer to unload the basement and put all the stuff back in than it did to replace the valve.  The 3 positions are, City/Dry camping, tank fill, and winterize.  There is a check valve so water pressure from a hose can come in and when the pump is running it will close the valve so it can build pressure in the camper when not hooked to city water,.

All brass valve.  Much better and easier to change the position.

Old on is junk!