my new T/C project (with pics)

[Mekanic]

In the last few weeks I installed my extra 50 gallon fuel tank. I'm leaving it empty till I get going on my big trip and get to OK or TX where diesel is much cheaper. Not knowing how clean the inside is I installed a filter in the transfer line.
Two weeksends ago I went to a lion's club fundraiser cruise-in with the big truck. A guy I've known for 25 years walked over and looked at my truck and offered me a used RV door for $10.
I went and looked at it today and I told him If he let me take the screen door with it I'd give $20. (new doors are $512)
AND I'm getting 2 more windows for anthoer $20
only small downside is that I have to remove this stuff my self.
These parts are on a later model Airstream and are of high quality.
I am overjoyed to find this stuff.
It turned out stopping by and giving some funds to the lions club was VERY GOOD thing to do.
I got my new rear tires on now.
The speedo was checked with a stopwatch on the highway the next day and its 100%correct @ 60 MPH !! ( My math was correct I guess.)
Today I went and uninstalled and picked up 2 of the new(to me)RV windows that I bought.
I now have the door and window at the house. I installed the larger window yesterday.
I'll post pics later.

[Mekanic]

I got the my 4th window in yesterday. it will be my last window before my vacation in 4 weeks. I still have to install the door and build a set of folding steps.


And here is the door I bought (for $20)

[Bob86ZZ4]

Looks good. About the steps. Are you going to make steps to climp up the back? What about checking marine stores? I've seen some collapsible steps that look pretty nice that they use when they run their big yachts up on the beach.

[Mekanic]

Yesterday I went and did my MPG test run and came out MUCH better than I thought I would.
I did a round trip from Mid town kroger fuel stop in Ashland Ky to Grayson Ky and back. THis is a mix of about 10 miles of highway with red lights and with the rest being rolling hills on I-64.
I did not try to drive for max MPG I ran 65-68 on flat ground and held to floor on the hills. It only dropped 4 MPH in top gear on any of the hills.
I drove it like this to get a worse case idea of MPG.
I made sure to use the same pump and fill to same point (lower lip of filler pipe)
Result was 49.4 miles and 4.2 gallons of fuel used for 11.7 MPG.
I had heard these 12V cummins got good milage, but I didn't know it was this good.
I was told the higher gears would pay for themselves.

[Mekanic]

I just did not get time to paint the door.


From on the road, crossing the continetial divide

in the campground doing its thing.

[Wanabee FTer]

Already having fun with it, that's great!

[Usnret05]

Good for you and all your hard work enjoy many travels along the way ..
Regards
BM1 Marc
USN Ret.

[bigdale]

I think I would put some sorta basement under it, and lower the door. It looks like a neat project. By lowering the door and having a basement it will look like some of these newer motorhomes. You would have some storage also. You might be able to find a wrecked MH and use the parts. Just an idea.
You can fancy it up with some vinyl motorhome stickers that you can buy on ebay reasonable.

[Mekanic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigdale I think I would put some sorta basement under it, and lower the door. ........ You would have some storage also. ......You can fancy it up with some vinyl motorhome stickers that you can buy on ebay reasonable.

The plan is to build skirts with a bottom for more storage. this will mainly be to make it more aero for fuel savings and storage would be nice.
I will have to do some thing to make it look less square and massive.

It did quite well for Its maiden voage.
Thing I have learned about RV/truck conversions on this trip.
1 The interior box walls and Floor MUST be sealed up. The vacum drawing on the back door will suck dirt and dust up from the inside of the walls or though any cracks in both the walls or floor at highway speeds. this includes the blow in insulation put into the walls
2 Everything that moves MUST be secured. Or it WILL MOVE.
Some in the RV world have named these vehicles "Shake aparts" i now see why.
3 Vent windows work great....if it 77-83 degrees outside. Not 102'F in Oklahoma City. A A/C unit of some type is in the plans.

[Ragingbull]

Anymore Updates?

[Valley girl]

I love your remodel. Anxious to see the progression. Make your virgin voyage run through San Antonio so we can see it first hand. I'll put you up for a couple nights in a nice site. info@hiddenvalleyrv.net

[Mekanic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valley girl I love your remodel. Anxious to see the progression. Make your virgin voyage run through San Antonio so we can see it first hand. I'll put you up for a couple nights in a nice site. info@hiddenvalleyrv.net

I allready did the maiden voyage in her. This last aug i went 1700 miles (each way) from here in the southeren tip of ohio to southwesteren colorado and back. The pics with the steps down were taken in Ouray Colorado.

I am going to keep working on it.

[Mekanic]

Today I found a air ride rear axle and suspension for
$125 . It's out of a 92 freightliner OTR tractor and of course will need
New air bags and shocks. Looks like I will have about $450 in the setup.
I might use the freightliner axle if it has 3.55 gears. most likely it is a 3.73 gear set.

[Wanabee FTer]

Sounds like you are having fun building exactly what you want in a Toterhome.