The list of items to check off before the International Rally in Madison, WI grows. Last night I installed a 30 amp outlet in the pole barn. It's a nice easy reach to the back of the trailer. This way I can power up without using the standard 120 volt outlet adaptor. Previously, to test the trailer I had to pull out of the building to the outlet mounted on the garage, in a funny place, by the previous owner.
Next, I fixed the previously damaged trailer to vehicle connection. I'd purchased a new lead with plug but until I rip off the belly pan or investigate the interior of the trailer further this repair will work great.
I wish I had photos of how I jury rigged it in Ohio. My van was wired incorrectly, it was getting dark and I had a long drive ahead. So I went with wire nuts, a plastic bag and lots of electrical tape which has worked fine for the past few moves. Now it was high time for something better looking and less prone to fits of laughter from my fellow Aluminites.
Turns out the cable was so long I was able to avoid splicing it back together which would be a recipe for future head-aches. It's actually longer than needed still with 18" missing. No wonder the previous owner dragged it on the ground.
Then I moved on to re-coating the woodwork with oil. The previous cleaning and oiling still left areas looking dry and dull.
Next, I fixed the previously damaged trailer to vehicle connection. I'd purchased a new lead with plug but until I rip off the belly pan or investigate the interior of the trailer further this repair will work great.
I wish I had photos of how I jury rigged it in Ohio. My van was wired incorrectly, it was getting dark and I had a long drive ahead. So I went with wire nuts, a plastic bag and lots of electrical tape which has worked fine for the past few moves. Now it was high time for something better looking and less prone to fits of laughter from my fellow Aluminites.
Turns out the cable was so long I was able to avoid splicing it back together which would be a recipe for future head-aches. It's actually longer than needed still with 18" missing. No wonder the previous owner dragged it on the ground.
Then I moved on to re-coating the woodwork with oil. The previous cleaning and oiling still left areas looking dry and dull.
It's been raining the last few days so no ventures outside with the trailer. I'm missing a rear vent cover which disintegrated in my hands when I took it out for sizing a replacement cover. I'm on the list at the rally to have a new Fantastic Vent installed. Not sure if I'll wait or purchase one and install it myself before then to save cost. Time is running out.
Next I investigated my flooring. I've currently got older gross brown indoor-outdoor carpeting covering the floor. Lucky for me it's held down with sporadic pieces of double stick carpet tape. I can see nice looking plywood underneath with signs of the glue that likely held down the original flooring or floor tiles. I won't be messing with this before the rally since any new flooring installed now would only need to come out again during the restoration.
On to vacuuming and cleaning in the nooks and crannies. If I'm going to spend any time in there this summer I want it clean. Take this exhaust fan filter for example. Its got the typical dust and dirt on it, along with a paper wasp and mud dauber nest. Ohio must have a lot of mud daubers as these mud nests were found in various nooks and crannies outside and inside the trailer.
Last, I tried all my keys and locks. Although I was given four keys by the previous owner I only use two. One for the dead bolt. One for all three outside compartment doors. These are very stubborn and need to be lubed. Next trip to town I'll have multiple copies made. Don't want to be locked out while traveling! Update: Looking through my key stash, I found an extra set. Had one more made for good measure. Still don't know what the extra two keys out of four total are for. One key opens my deadbolt and all three access doors are opened with the same key. One of the unknown keys does open my home's sun porch screen door though...bonus!
Next I investigated my flooring. I've currently got older gross brown indoor-outdoor carpeting covering the floor. Lucky for me it's held down with sporadic pieces of double stick carpet tape. I can see nice looking plywood underneath with signs of the glue that likely held down the original flooring or floor tiles. I won't be messing with this before the rally since any new flooring installed now would only need to come out again during the restoration.
On to vacuuming and cleaning in the nooks and crannies. If I'm going to spend any time in there this summer I want it clean. Take this exhaust fan filter for example. Its got the typical dust and dirt on it, along with a paper wasp and mud dauber nest. Ohio must have a lot of mud daubers as these mud nests were found in various nooks and crannies outside and inside the trailer.
Last, I tried all my keys and locks. Although I was given four keys by the previous owner I only use two. One for the dead bolt. One for all three outside compartment doors. These are very stubborn and need to be lubed. Next trip to town I'll have multiple copies made. Don't want to be locked out while traveling! Update: Looking through my key stash, I found an extra set. Had one more made for good measure. Still don't know what the extra two keys out of four total are for. One key opens my deadbolt and all three access doors are opened with the same key. One of the unknown keys does open my home's sun porch screen door though...bonus!
good to hear you will be going to Madison. I will be there too...
ReplyDelete