Installing new wires on the RV After dropping off Orion in Annapolis, our final days before the trip to Alaska were devoted to some projects on the RV and some quality time with family and friends that we won’t see for quite a while.
New fuse block installed under bed RV Projects
In anticipation of being on the road and not plugged in for days at a time, we wanted to ensure we could make good use of 12V power to charge devices, such as tablets and phones. David had installed a set of 12V outlets in the main living area, but we wanted to install some additional outlets on either side of the bed for convenience. To do this, we needed to run wires from the batteries under the bed to a fuse block and then to the new outlets.
In anticipation of being on the road and not plugged in for days at a time, we wanted to ensure we could make good use of 12V power to charge devices, such as tablets and phones. David had installed a set of 12V outlets in the main living area, but we wanted to install some additional outlets on either side of the bed for convenience. To do this, we needed to run wires from the batteries under the bed to a fuse block and then to the new outlets.
New 12V outlet with WiFi switch on left We had started the project in Florida, running the wires from the battery through the propane locker out to the metal supports on the underside of the cab. Dave then installed the fuse block under the bed and began connecting the outlets to it. This required removing the bed completely to make a neat run of the wires. With all the components in place, the riskiest part of the installation was drilling the hole that would allow the wires to run from the outside in. With some measurements, we drilled a pilot hole that proved the location was sound. The final hole was made as small as possible to accommodate the wires. Once the wires were in place, we filled the hole with foam to prevent anything else coming in. With everything connected, the outlets lit up. That fixed one of the bigger deficiencies we had noted when we bought the RV. Now we just had to re-assemble the bed . . .
Our unique external wifi antenna and router is housed in an ammo box As we travel, our ability to get to the internet is going to be uncertain, at best. To help make access a little more certain, we took the external antenna off Orion Jr, and installed it, along with a router in a plastic box that is wired into the 12V system. Dave wired the router to a switch installed in one of the outlet boxes by the bed. Now the box sits in the forward compartment of the RV, with enough wire to allow it to be placed further away from the RV for more reach. We’ll see if it makes a difference.
New power meter in its sun cover Power pedestals at campgrounds can have a variety of unknown problems, some of which can damage the RV. In order to prevent this, Dave invested in a Power Management System that monitors for low voltage, high voltage, reverse polarity and other issues. The display on the front will provide a code indicating any problems. To protect the device from sun damage, Cathy made a sunbrella cover for it.
We couldn’t ignore the truck in all this prep. Dave made sure it had an inspection, rotated the tires, changed the oil, and installed new batteries.
Now, with our work done on the truck and the RV, we were ready to leave Hampton and make our way further north.
We couldn’t ignore the truck in all this prep. Dave made sure it had an inspection, rotated the tires, changed the oil, and installed new batteries.
Now, with our work done on the truck and the RV, we were ready to leave Hampton and make our way further north.
Dave watches as the tech repacks the wheel bearings Warranty Work
We returned to Outdoor Express RV in WV, where we bought our fifth wheel to have some warranty work done. Some cabinet doors needed adjusting, the day/night shade in the rear window wasn’t staying up, the spring that helps the table raise up had broken (again), and the holding tank sensors weren’t reading right. When we arrived early on a rainy Thursday morning, the service team set to work on the RV. In addition to the warranty work, we had them re-pack the wheel bearings. Most of the items were done within a couple of hours of our arrival. We would have to make a return trip in the fall to finish up since parts would have to be ordered. However, we were grateful for the good service and a welcome offer to let us leave the fifth wheel there over the weekend so we could visit Dave’s mom.
We returned to Outdoor Express RV in WV, where we bought our fifth wheel to have some warranty work done. Some cabinet doors needed adjusting, the day/night shade in the rear window wasn’t staying up, the spring that helps the table raise up had broken (again), and the holding tank sensors weren’t reading right. When we arrived early on a rainy Thursday morning, the service team set to work on the RV. In addition to the warranty work, we had them re-pack the wheel bearings. Most of the items were done within a couple of hours of our arrival. We would have to make a return trip in the fall to finish up since parts would have to be ordered. However, we were grateful for the good service and a welcome offer to let us leave the fifth wheel there over the weekend so we could visit Dave’s mom.
Will replaces the blind So, we just had to unhook the RV and head out. But, luckily for us, the truck wouldn’t disconnect from the trailer. It was the first time since we had installed the custom wedge on the hitch pin that we had this problem, but having it misbehave in the service bay was great. Upon inspection, the technician recommended that we move the wedge slightly back. They would do this when we returned on Monday. Sure enough, as soon as we arrived after the weekend, Will was there to help us, making the adjustment and ensuring we were able to hitch up successfully.
We can only hope it goes smoothly from here on out.
We can only hope it goes smoothly from here on out.
Grandpa Dave with the granddaughters Family Time
We enjoyed a rare opportunity to have all the grandkids and Bonnie and Adam together for a picnic the Saturday before we left Hampton. What a treat to spend time with all of them. We even got to help Alexis celebrate her 10th birthday. The next weekend, we enjoyed the company of Dave’s mom and sister Diane and friend Pam. It was good to see them doing well.
We enjoyed a rare opportunity to have all the grandkids and Bonnie and Adam together for a picnic the Saturday before we left Hampton. What a treat to spend time with all of them. We even got to help Alexis celebrate her 10th birthday. The next weekend, we enjoyed the company of Dave’s mom and sister Diane and friend Pam. It was good to see them doing well.
Linda and Steve at air show The time in Hampton went by fast, but we were once again treated to some amazing hospitality by Steve and Linda. They put up with having the RV in the yard and month-long house guests. In return, we got to play with Angus and Jessica, 2 Labrador retrievers who were both sweet and full of mischief. On a beautiful spring day, we joined Steve and Linda for an air show held at Langley where Steve works. It was an impressive array of aircraft and maneuvers by both vintage and state of the art equipment. Wow! We finally caught up with Sue and Steve on our final night in Hampton, joining them, Sue’s mom, Steve, Linda and another couple for fish and chips on the patio at Park Lane. With this wonderful evening fresh in our minds, we pulled out the next morning. By Tuesday, we were sitting in a Wal-mart parking lot next to Pat and Fred in Hagerstown MD planning where our first stop would be on our trip to Alaska.
And so it begins.
And so it begins.
