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Forrest Comes Out of Hibernation

May 21, 2011, 07:38:07 pm

Well, all I gotta say is "it's about time".  Finally got a couple of dry days in a row.  Enough to get all the yard work done and get Forrest from the storage facility.
 
He's washed (couldn't have done it w/o my better half) and getting the water systems sanitized.  Flushed the hot water heater and lots of sediment removed (haven't done this in a few years).  All electrical tests performed and passed.  Yet to do LP tests and LP appliance checks tomorrow.
 
The start batteries (Optima Red Tops) are now 7 years old and these were at 12.05 VDC having been disconnected for 6 months.  The house batteries (Deka's 6 years old) were at 12.7 VDC also having been disconnected for 6 months...amazing.
 
Ran the genset for about 30 minutes with the boost "on" and the engine block heater "on" (eventhough today was 75F, I practice this approach to help out with the oil viscosity at start-up).  During that time I was able to check tire pressures and refill as needed with my small(ish) 3 gals. compressor running on genset 120VAC.  Driver's inside dually had very low air pressure.  Like, I couldn't get any reading on the tire gauge, it seemed like it took forever to fill.  C8.3 turned about 2 seconds and started purring as usual.
 
He's at home now plugged-in and charging while sanitizing overnight.
 
Sigh...things are looking up.  Soon to be ready to hit the road.

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Re: Forrest Comes Out of Hibernation

Reply #1 – May 21, 2011, 08:42:16 pm

Glad to hear the positive report. . .It will be great when Forrest points his nose toward your first destination.  Safe travels!!! 

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Re: Forrest Comes Out of Hibernation

Reply #2 – May 22, 2011, 06:57:36 am

Peter,

That tire obviously has a problem.  Did you find it?

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Re: Forrest Comes Out of Hibernation

Reply #3 – May 22, 2011, 09:22:31 am

This tire has had a slow leak since I bought the coach.  It's time to replace all six tires.  Every year it's been around 65 psi when taking the coach from storage.  This year it sat a bit longer than usual, so I figured it was due to the longer hibernation.  I've always assumed it's nothing serious.  Once I fill that tire, the rest of the driving season has no loss of pressure.  So, I just left it alone.

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Re: Forrest Comes Out of Hibernation

Reply #4 – May 22, 2011, 02:46:59 pm

Removed & replaced Main awning spring today.  Was not as challenging as I had thought.  Hardest part was the new rivets.  My wrists aren't as strong as they used to be to manupulate the manual rivet gun  .  But, the awnings works like a dream now.  Next, the antenna gear replacement and replacing the batwing head.  I plan on reusing the wingman from the old head I installed a couple years ago.
 
Has anyone replaced the elevator gears that can give some insight?

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Re: Forrest Comes Out of Hibernation

Reply #5 – May 22, 2011, 03:34:01 pm

Peter,  To remove the gears from the Winegard head you will need a 15/16 deep socket, its a pretty long reach up into that cavity.  Remove the handle and spring, and loosen nut with socket, you can remove the shaft and gears.  If you get near ATL You can borrow my socket. 

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Re: Forrest Comes Out of Hibernation

Reply #6 – May 22, 2011, 04:33:35 pm

Gary,
Thanks for the tip, and I'd love to make it down yer neck of the woods for that deep socket, but...you know the rest...I'd like to see if I can make it for the winter FL rally being planned.

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Re: Forrest Comes Out of Hibernation

Reply #7 – May 22, 2011, 09:15:47 pm

Peter, I have a 15/16" socket as well if you can drop by Oklahoma City.

Changing the gears really is easy like Gary said. Finding the socket is the hardest part. Just be sure to lube everything as you put it back together. I know you knew that but I gotta sound like I'm adding something to the thread.

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Re: Forrest Comes Out of Hibernation

Reply #8 – May 23, 2011, 08:41:20 am

Thank you Steve & Kent for the offers.  I'm headed to Sears to find a 15/16" deep socket.  My 15/16" in the tool box is not a deep socket type.  I'd kid around some more, but I'm still trying to get over the getting older "stuff".  I've now been a member of AARP for just under 11 years...Ugh. 
 
ps.  It's back to the pouring rain again...so more delays.

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