What work or life experience has helped you in the upkeep of your Foretravel?

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What work or life experience has helped you in the upkeep of your Foretravel?

April 20, 2013, 06:05:33 pm

Quote from: Dave M – April 20, 2013, 04:10:26 pm

There is so much great info from many who have actual experience in the area in question, sprinkled with many added opinions.
Mods that worked out well etc.
Dave M

Periodically it comes out in a post that someone has expertise in an area that is useful to certain topics.
Seems like a good time to pose the question to have available in one topic a little background:
What work or life experience has helped you in the upkeep of your Foretravel?
What expertise do you possess that could help others in their upkeep of their Foretravel.
We have a lot of talent here with very few problems that someone has not gone thru and found answers for saving many countless hours and expense.

Myself, 4 years in the Navy going to many schools including Submarine school gave me some electrical skills which I put to work starting a Burglar, Fire alarm & CCTV Co. for 30 years.
This being my first motorhome, I had to learn just about everything and I profited from following the original Yahoo group reading every message. I collect Foretravel information to increase my knowledge of all the intricacies of this machine. Needless to say, The Foreforums has increased my knowledge exponentially.

How about you?

Re: What work or life experience has helped you in the upkeep of your Foretravel?

Reply #1 – April 20, 2013, 06:55:28 pm

Owning several boats and several motorhomes . There are many similarities between boats and motorhomes. There are people on this forum with much more experience than I so I am continuously learning from others.

Re: What work or life experience has helped you in the upkeep of your Foretravel?

Reply #2 – April 20, 2013, 06:58:02 pm

Quote from: Felix and Gail – April 20, 2013, 06:55:28 pm

Owning several boats and several motorhomes . There are many similarities between boats and motorhomes.

I agree. Nothing like being 100 miles off-shore to make one a believer in both Preventive Maintenance AND being able to do everything yourself! Been there, done that.

But started mechanical work much earlier-- worked my way through University of Texas turning wrenches on VW's. Then ran automobile dealerships for a career.

Re: What work or life experience has helped you in the upkeep of your Foretravel?

Reply #3 – April 20, 2013, 07:26:26 pm

38 years as a tool maker and shop supervisor. Preventative and anticipatory maintenance are the two biggest things that keep us on the road.

Re: What work or life experience has helped you in the upkeep of your Foretravel?

Reply #4 – April 20, 2013, 08:45:39 pm

First, I "chose the right parents."

Father was an auto mechanic and truck driver when vehicles were all mechanical except for lights and ignition. "It probably can't be fixed, but take it to John Stevens. If anybody can fix it, he can." I inherited a mind that figures out how things work, some hands on experience, and a desire to do what is right. I have an idea about how things should be done, and understand that if I want them done right I should hire an expert and then perform friendly oversight.

I spent forty years in various aspects of oil and gas exploration using seismic data. I earned and saved enough money, and was fortunate enough, that I may be able to enjoy some travel in a relatively old Foretravel.

After having a nasty, dangerous experience in blizzards in SOB coach, I found Foretravel and Foreforums. I have learned a lot, and tried to contribute what I can. I am something of a geek, and learn a bunch from what I read on the Internet. I've tried to develop a circle of friends in the RV world to complement the circle of friends I have developed through my community of faith and my civic community.

Re: What work or life experience has helped you in the upkeep of your Foretravel?

Reply #5 – April 20, 2013, 09:03:32 pm

Like Brett I started out turning wrenches on VW and Porches and attending several automotive school seminars. I had a 57 VW with a 912 Porche engine and transmission that was a lot of fun, built it all myself. Later became a journeyman pipefitter and certified welder for several years till I had an on the job accident that changed my job into a maintenance planner for several years. Learned a little about the big Cat diesels when I was in charge of the maintenance on D-8, D-9 and D-10 Cats. I have always done my own modifications and preventive maintence, that way I always know the the oil drain plug is properly torqued.

Re: What work or life experience has helped you in the upkeep of your Foretravel?

Reply #6 – April 20, 2013, 09:18:55 pm

I have always enjoyed taking things apart and occasionally getting them put back together and messing with electrical stuff but I don't have any professional credentials in that regard. I did however rebuild my first car engine in 1970. A friend and expert mechanic gave the the quintessential rule of mechanical repair "If ain't broke don't fix it. If it is broke you cain't hurt it". He also taught me to keep my tools and work space clean, take photos before you start and mark each piece and keep things organized.

Professionally I spent 30 plus years manufacturing, formulating, developing and selling polymers including epoxy, urethane, polyester, acrylic and vinylesters for the construction, automotive, aircraft and marine industries. As you have seen I don't mind sharing whatever expertise I have in that regard here on the forum and will do my best to recommend the right thing for a specific project. Just keep in mind my suggestions on caulk, coatings and adhesives may be worth what you pay for them. In other words, check whatever I say yourself. I am getting pretty old and forgetful.

Re: What work or life experience has helped you in the upkeep of your Foretravel?

Reply #7 – April 20, 2013, 09:49:10 pm

Quote from: Kent Speers – April 20, 2013, 09:18:55 pm

In other words, check whatever I say yourself.

I frequently compare offers of my advice and expertise to the sports phrase, "I give 110%." When I told some people that, "I am an expert with an athletic ethic. I'll tell you 110% of what I know." Someone replied, "Oh, Dave! You give way more than 110%!"

Re: What work or life experience has helped you in the upkeep of your Foretravel?

Reply #8 – April 20, 2013, 10:40:53 pm

Worked for London Transport (big red buses) then owned my own garage back home. Campaigned Mini Coopers - the real ones - in road rallys . Spent my time in US running large fleets for municipalities. Also have a lifetime of boating with old boats and that can make you capable of fixing anything! Now own my own small business in a completely unrelated field as my retirement job.

Oldest thing I have tinkered with was a 1908 Napier racing car. They sure don't make them like that anymore.

Keith

Re: What work or life experience has helped you in the upkeep of your Foretravel?

Reply #9 – April 20, 2013, 11:58:30 pm

Fully Qualified Engineering Blacksmith, = Master craft of all the Black trades, Very extensive course, No longer exists,
My Curriculum was the last year they taught this trade, 1964,

Fully Qualified Practising Engineer, What I design, I make, I test, I approve, I write the certificates for it,

Too hot for Blacksmithing when I moved north to Queensland, So I lowered myself to Boilermaker/ DLI welder, another part of my trade,
I prefer Blacksmithing under Steam Hammers, I take a lump of steel and transform it into any shape I want or is required, All running gear on steam trains, I made by hand,

Worked my around Australia as a Boilermaker/ Welder, Gaining experience, Then I worked Labour Hire, It pays the most, I go any where and make, repair or rebuild every thing in steel, and all other metals, On the spot,

Then I became an on/site Boilermaker/DLI Welder. DLI is Certificated XRAY Welding, Mining, Shipping, Cranes, Bridges,

I remade, repaired, or built it on site, Other peoples mistakes,

I do all my own repairs to any thing, I rebuilt my car when I crashed it, The side was stoved in 6 inches on the front pillar, I even got compliments from Panel beaters, As there was no Bog in it, It was still all steel,

I have rebuilt motors and the mechanicals on the side of the road, I carry all my tools every where with me,

Came in very handy crossing from Fiji to OZ, Single handed in my boat, Lots of things went wrong out there, There is no help in the middle of the Pacific ocean, i just fixed it,

This Coach is very similar to my boat with all the different systems, Its just a matter of learning where all the things are and where they go to, and from,
And getting it to a stage of reliability, Where I can turn the key at 2-00 in the morning and drive 2500 miles and not have any breakdowns, Like all my vehicles do, Flat tyres, Etc, are not included, Hahahahaha

Electrics are a bit of a struggle, But I get there eventually,

Now retired, My Bus when sorted, will be fun,

Re: What work or life experience has helped you in the upkeep of your Foretravel?

Reply #10 – April 21, 2013, 12:32:32 am

Although I have had no formal mechanical training, being a scientist by trade (operated and maintained electron microscopes for 25 years), I tended to be methodical and analytical in my approach to mechanical issues. I began changing the oil and other fluids on my cars 48 years ago (1965). I gradually added changing belts, batteries and radiators. These experiences gave me some confidence to tackle other mechanical challenges. Still, the learning curve I faced 10 years ago after buying my U-280 was incredibly steep, but I just took it one issue at a time, and slowly gained experience and knowledge, at least about the GV and my 8.3 Cummins mechanical engine.

Re: What work or life experience has helped you in the upkeep of your Foretravel?

Reply #11 – April 21, 2013, 08:15:54 am

WOW! Lots of experts in many fields here. No wonder there is such a wealth of good help.

I grew up poor, and never got much past that. Dad taught my sister and I some basic skills, so that we were able to do some electrical, plumbing, and carpentry work, as well as how to change oil and belts on our cars. My sister married a man who could make one dollar become two, but when they built their house, she was the one who was on-site each day making sure that all was done properly. I can make two dollars become one very quickly, so I'm still changing oil on the cars and doing my own drywall work.

I'm a librarian, so researching is my nature. Maybe that's why I ask so many questions here.

Re: What work or life experience has helped you in the upkeep of your Foretravel?

Reply #12 – April 21, 2013, 08:38:37 am

Its great to see such a variety of diverse knowledge and skills come together in this forum. The collective knowledge is priceless!

Before retiring from the Union, I spent 32 years as a union Millwright working mainly in the power plants, auto plants and food supply industry. I have rebuilt machinery from the ground up, supervised and worked on robotics, conveyor systems, hydraulic presses and about every type of machine needed for the fabrication of all the various parts for auto manufacturing, electricity generation and packaging of food stuffs.

I have been a welder for nearly 40 years, done the precision alignment of equipment weighing nearly 100 tons, designed and fabricated countless pieces of subassembly items. I have had the pleasure of traveling throughout the US, parts of Canada and Mexico in my work experience. Probably why I have such a bad case of hitch itch.

There are many much more knowledgeable in their fields than I am and I count it a privilege to be able to learn from their vast experience. I hope that in the times to come that I will be able to help contribute to someone else just a small percentage of what I have already gleaned from this forum

Barry, why not make this thread a sticky. It could help to know from others who might not catch this topic on the quick fly?

Larry

Re: What work or life experience has helped you in the upkeep of your Foretravel?

Reply #13 – April 21, 2013, 08:47:31 am

The Navy sent me to 32 weeks of welding school and 12 weeks of fire fighting school. I ended up welding everything from sheet metal to nuclear reactors on subs for 8 years. Over the decades I did some pipe fitting and was a fireman on board my ships too. For 3 years (at night and on weekends) I helped a friend of mine tear apart damaged homes ( from hurricanes) and flip them, so some basic on-the-job training as a framer, plumber and whatever else was needed.

I would love to be able to do more work on my RV ( except electrical work - I am stupid when it comes to chasing wires), but I don't have the tools needed nor the space to do it in nowdays. Also, it's getting a little harder to crawl under things and get back up!

It's not that I don't know how... I just don't want to! Time to let the experts take over!

Re: What work or life experience has helped you in the upkeep of your Foretravel?

Reply #14 – April 21, 2013, 09:00:07 am

Quote from: ohsonew – April 21, 2013, 08:38:37 am

Barry, why not make this thread a sticky. It could help to know from others who might not catch this topic on the quick fly?
Larry

I was just getting ready to do that when I read your post. Like minds

I was waiting to see if there would be many responses. Looks like we are. Good chance to get to know each other better. Lots more of us to hear from still.

Re: What work or life experience has helped you in the upkeep of your Foretravel?

Reply #15 – April 21, 2013, 09:37:44 am

In high school, I wrenched on Snowmobiles at first, then on airplanes as a mechanics helper. Those $$ got me my first ticket and ratings. Graduated to selling tires and then selling off road tires and over the road tires for a number of years.

Then got into computers, and ran short on time, so developed the skill of writing checks for Miantenance on Boat, Car, airplane, and Motorhome.

Now I am regressing, building Habitat for Humanity homes and "puttering" around more on the coach.

Which in a long winded way, says I probably don't bring much game to the forum RE the fix up side of the coach.

Which is why I so value all of you!!!!

Re: What work or life experience has helped you in the upkeep of your Foretravel?

Reply #16 – April 21, 2013, 09:47:53 am

When I was much younger I had a desire to learn mechanical workings and started with changing oil, belts, rebuilding carbs, adjusting valves, etc. Got an engineering degree and worked my a** off for many years being frugal and saving for a rainy day. That background gave me the skill to also (like Tim) write checks to others to do the hard core mechanicals on Forrest. But I also still dable in remodeling the coach and other woodworking projects and the not so skilled mechanical jobs around the coach (requiring nominal hand tools).

The most important skill we all need to possess is knowing how things work in the coach so we are able to diagnose, inspect and foresee problems before they happen.

Re: What work or life experience has helped you in the upkeep of your Foretravel?

Reply #17 – April 21, 2013, 10:23:37 am

I worked for the same company for 42 years always in construction and maintenance. like a lot of others I spent two years in the Army {82C20}. Went through two apprenticeships millwright and pipe steam fitter,turbine rigger training and overhead crane up to 150 tons. I was a front end Charlie { trained to work on the front standard of an old steam turbine where all the controls are}First line supervisor steam turbine overhauls and general plant maintenance mechanical. Became a supervisor of all trades. Supervisor of machine shop, electrical shop, fabrication and welding shops. worked to set up company's preventative and proactive maintenance programs and equipment alignment and vibration monitoring work shops. was lead inspector on erection of two 700 megawatt steam turbines and finished up as general foreman turbine repair. My Wife Joanne work for the same company as me for 20 years.She had a degree as an electronic engineer. She was a plant maintenance supervisor of electricans, taught classes in electrical and plant safety at our apprentice training center,and became a Regional System Supervisor for electrical distribution South Eastern Mich. We have lived on two islands one in Mich and one 30 miles off shore of Panama. Boating Diving and travel where very important. Best trip was when we took our own 35' power boat from Fort Myers FL down through the Panama Canal and out to the Isla de Contadora. Big let down after retirement not having company shops to use to work on my own projects.Gam

Re: What work or life experience has helped you in the upkeep of your Foretravel?

Reply #18 – April 21, 2013, 10:41:37 am

In high school I was a troublemaker and of course I knew more than anyone especially teachers. As a result I was assigned to vocational training, an old navy chief MM was the teacher and before I knew it I was mastering lathes, drill presses and other machines that even included having to learn math. From there I just got interested in seeing what makes things tick. A stint in the Navy made me aware that I better learn to be self reliant.
I have always kept cars etc running and then came motorhomes.
I fell into safety prior to OSHA and working for insurance companes both as an employee and contratcor I was fortunate to get into about every type business that exists to do hazard ID and damage/loss prevention.
My first MH was an old Executive and between that and A Travco it was sink or swim with those old Dodge 440's. I though I had the world by the tail when a friend was in financial trouble and I took over the payments on a 85 ORED, then came the current 95 after the 85 was totaled. I have had no formal training but over the years experience has been a good teacher.
My exposure to all types of business allowed me to ask questions and observe how things were made and I still learn something very day.

Re: What work or life experience has helped you in the upkeep of your Foretravel?

Reply #19 – April 21, 2013, 11:07:23 am

I spent 38 years as a professional fire fighter doing everything from mopping floors to AC over Fleet, Facilities, design and construction of fire stations and fire apparatus. Was a manager for a MUD as a side job during my career. That's a blue collar manager doing everything from reading water meters to replacing water lines and maintaining 2 water and 2 sewage treatment plants.

Started working on autos in high school as a side job along with cutting grass for extra money. Worked for B & R as an electrician's helper for a year. Spent time building apartments and homes between classes at the University of Houston before FF.

I try to do most of my repairs around home and vehicles before paying to have it done. I learned from my positions in the FD that good research saves a lot of headaches. That one of the great things about the info and people on this forum. Good, reliable, experienced information.

My DW is a RN and CRNA, so quite knowledgeable to repair my scrapes, etc. We have been RVing since our marriage 30 years ago. Started in a pop up, then to travel trailer and on to a fifth wheel. Now the upgrade to our first motorcaoch.

Just retired and loving it.

Re: What work or life experience has helped you in the upkeep of your Foretravel?

Reply #20 – April 21, 2013, 11:43:01 am

My Dad was a traveling salesman (selling building supplies to lumber yards) and would bring things home to my 3 brothers and I. Items ranged from pieces of wood to non-functional clocks, radios, telephones, etc. From this junk came bird houses, bedroom door alarms, intercom systems wired between bedrooms, etc. (I still don't know how our parents put up with this).

My parents told me whenever I got a new toy, I didn't play with it like a normal child would. I would take apart what was a perfectly good toy to see how it worked, and then modify it to make it louder, faster, or do something that it was never designed to do. (I still don't know how my parents put up with this).

As others have mentioned, my family didn't have extra money (4 boys), so if you wanted something, you would find it used somewhere and then learn how to repair it.

In high school I got into motorcycles, which led to much tinkering, repair and modification. We would lower a motorcycle down the basement stairs with a rope to work on it. (I still don't know how my parents put up with this).

After college (engineering) and marriage I got into tinkering with and repairing computers, electronics, and home remodeling, which all comes in handy for coach maintenance. (Now the DW tells me she doesn't know how she puts up with me).

I guess what fascinates me about having a coach (in addition to the ability to just "move" whenever you get tired of where you are) is the variety of systems involved and the challenge to fix them. After owning a SOB coach previously, the original build quality of a Foretravel makes the repairs and maintenance so much easier.

The BIG difference between fixing/maintaining things 20-30 years ago and today is the internet and forums like this one. Thanks to all...

Re: What work or life experience has helped you in the upkeep of your Foretravel?

Reply #21 – April 21, 2013, 11:05:54 pm

My Dad was an aeronautical engineer and worked with Von Braun after the war on many well know projects but during WWII he was a mechanic. He started teaching my three brothers and I how to fix things at a young age. He died when I was twelve but my oldest brother taught me automotive skills as I grew older. I have always done most of my own automotive maint. After high school I went in the Navy for almost 9 years. Went through Navy aviation electronics schools. Worked on A7-E Corsair and F/A-18 Hornet radar ,weapons ,and electronics systems. Also on shore duty I worked in the avionics calibration lab. After the Navy I worked for NCR Corporation as a field engineer on everything from ATM's ,Cash registers,Scanners,Scales,PC's and mainframe isp's. Then from there I went to DeLaRue cash systems working on similar equipment. I learned to not be afraid to take things apart and see how they work. I have really enjoyed tinkering with my coach the last few years. I have met some great people on this Forum that have enabled me to keep the rig running strong. I really appreciate everyone here and all the great advice and friendship. At 47 I am one of the youngsters here. Especially at the Motorcade rallies. Thanks for making me feel welcome.

Regards, Mark

Re: What work or life experience has helped you in the upkeep of your Foretravel?

Reply #22 – April 22, 2013, 12:59:36 am

In England spent 5 yrs apprentiship for Tool and Die making/ machinist. Worked on 3000hp diesel electric Napier engines and P1 jet fighter parts and Sundstrand helicopters engines. Left for Canada in '67 and into machine shop work for a few years, then ran a large maintenance shop for structual steel company building bridges roads etc. One of the biggest jobs at that time was the Portland overpass. Still in use today. I had a work accident (broke my back) so 8 months off then by chance got into electrical work servicing Gas service station lighting and repair then a friend asked me if I would help them in with the design, consruction of displays for Trade shows. I liked this a lot as it was very different every day. I did a few in Annaheim Conv Ctre for Computer companies and also built "floats" for parades and the large christmans displays in major malls in Vancouver. Neat job!. Next it wasBuilding homes in small projects my ex and a friend bought and built and at that time I took my Real Estate Licence, so was able to sell what we built. I had hands on experience so quality was never a problem. After the market softened I got into the remodelling of homes and for a 1 man show this became a very busy time. I did all the trades and design of kitchens, bathrooms and many other areas. made lots of friends and most are still there 20 yrs later (and wishing that I still did it) in fact after we get back from Europe in July I am going back to one home to rebuild a bathroom I did that long ago. This lady will not let anyone else touch her bathroom but me!! I have been travelling a lot more these days so not as much time to work but I really enjoy time spent improving the Foretravels I have and had. Finally dropped my Real Est lic after 35 yrs.
Preasently very busy with our Town Community Hall and last year remodelled all the bathrooms and stage ad have just completed installing projector and screen (16'x9') for "Movie Nights" to be held every 2 weeks. Biggest system (other than a commercial theatre) in hundreds of miles around!!
I also am the "webmaster" for our community web, which for me has been a big learning curve-learning HTML system. Kaleden Recreational Committee Some pictures need to be redone as the stage is all changed now. I also look after rentals of it.
I think having to think out of the box in so many different areas has made me a little more able to fix and do things and that makes working on the coach fun.
Think that will do for now!!
John H

Re: What work or life experience has helped you in the upkeep of your Foretravel?

Reply #23 – April 22, 2013, 07:49:07 pm

I am an engineer by education and profession. However, by far the best experience came from "helping" my father (who could fix almost anything) from the time I was a small child. He taught me old-fashioned "shade tree mechanic" diagnostic and repair techniques. I will forever be grateful for that training and hope I have passed at least some of those skills on to my son.

Re: What work or life experience has helped you in the upkeep of your Foretravel?

Reply #24 – April 22, 2013, 09:17:15 pm

I am a mechanical engineer like my father, two uncles, brother and sister and grandson. You think it runs in the family? Like many of you, my father was my inspiration. He thought it is a parent's duty to make sure that all his children learn to repair a car and house before they leave the nest. I've used the same approach with my kids.

I will admit that after maintaining Airstreams and diesel pickups for 20 years I thought doing the same with a motorhome would be a piece of cake. Not so. But then came the forum!

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