Date: Wed, 2 Oct 2019 20:16:37 -0700
Reply-To: David McNeely <davmcneely40@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: David McNeely <davmcneely40@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Checklist for beginning Medium Vanagon Roadtrip
In-Reply-To: <654343139.2791625.1570064508821@mail.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
Rich, I feel your concern, regarding changing a tire. I carry a breaker
bar, but last actually removed a tire and wheel from the hub on the camper
3 years ago. And on that occasion, I had trouble with the under carriage
spare tire carrier with a tire and wheel in it. I let it drop, after
making sure I was clear. I used a small jack to lift it back into place
(one that came with my Toyota).
Last winter, I had a flat on my Prius, in a freezing rain, on a county road
with a very narrow shoulder, dropping off into a ditch half full of snow
and slush. After fighting with the thing for 20 minutes, I called AAA.
Fellow showed up in 20 minutes, lifted the vehicle, changed the tire, had
me back on the road all in 10 minutes. I probably could have managed that
one, except for fighting the conditions. But the camper? Don't know. And
AAA won't come to BLM or Forest Service roads, if one can raise a cell
phone signal.
On Wed, Oct 2, 2019 at 6:02 PM Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
wrote:
> Stephan, you are TOTALLY right about this observation. In the old days,
> with 14" wheels, I would just go to Costco; at the time, it was an
> appropriate solution. Switched to GoWesty 16" wheels after an on road blow
> out. I now go to Discount Tire. I'm happy with those guys. But....
>
>
> As I remember, I added a little smear of anti-seize grease to threads and
> faces of bolts. And,....I added a 2 foot length of pipe...in my storage
> area...to be able to loosen those bolts in the case of an on-the-road
> emergency. Honestly? I do not know if I could change a tire now. I
> haven't tried. Ugh.
>
> The Coscto Supervisor, back then, was pretty adament about torquing wheel
> fasteners to 133 foot pounds. That's a lot. I said, "Well then how am I
> supposed to get those bolts off? When off on the side of the road in the
> middle of the night in the middle of nowhere??" No solution was reached.
>
>
> Suggestions are welcomed.
> Rich
> San Diego
>
> On Wednesday, October 2, 2019, 5:31:13 PM PDT, Stephen Grisanti <
> bike2vcu@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> Ground level: Did a tire shop last tighten the lug nuts/bolts on your
> wheels? Make sure you can remove them with the lug wrench you have before
> setting out.
> Stephen
> On Wednesday, October 2, 2019, 08:21:52 PM EDT, Richard Koerner <
> rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET> wrote:
>
> Hello. I'm getting ready to do a Vanagon roadtrip from San Diego to
> Portland, OR. About 1,000 miles one way; about 3,000 miles
> roundtrip...given little extra excursions. I've been doing this since 1974
> with my Baywindow, and since 1987 with my 85 Tintop. Trip will be about
> 2-3 weeks. Mid-October. Here is how I prep for it.
>
> I start at the ground. Tires, all 5, in good shape; inflated to proper
> pressure. Motor: fresh oil and filter change, coolant fluid clean and
> full. Of course, no motor problems with Subie 2.2 with 60k miles. Starter
> and House batteries all check out just fine, less than 4 years. Wheel
> bearings and CV Joints were both attended to, and also my 3 year annual
> brake fluid flushing. No leaks or drips anywhere. Brakes (standard disc
> on front and drum on rear) working fine....no funny stuff. Clutch is good,
> replaced with Subie conversion.
>
>
> I move up to the next level: interior. Sleeping bags clean, Mr Buddy
> Heater ready to go with extra propane cylinders, and also an extra sleeping
> bag and an extra comforter to toss on top. Luci Light (solar) ready.
> Dishes and pans and cutlery sorta clean! Plastic ice chest clean. Extra
> water in jugs under rear seat. Some DVD's ready to watch. Laptop computer
> all updated and charged. CELLPHONE!!!..it's ready too, especially with the
> Kampnik app installed, that is great. All necessary charging cables for
> all of these.
>
> I always travel with a paper map. Road Atlas or something; AAA fold up
> maps are awesome. When out in the boonies, they are worth their weight in
> gold.
>
>
> In drawers, I've got a couple little baggies of powdered detergent and a
> bagful of quarters...to do laundry on the road. And some extra money,
> about $40 in $1 bills. Makes it easy at some of those campgrounds.
> And....a hidden extra credit card...just in case.
>
> Next level up....exterior. 2nd and 3rd coats of Carnuba Wax, especially
> on front end where bugs hit. All instrumentation working good. Cruise
> Control (Audiovox CCS-100) works like a champ. Clean windows. Whisk broom
> and shakeout on carpeting.
>
>
> Food? I kinda get that on the road. Whatever I'm in the mood for, as it
> happens. Between Garmin Nuvi GPS and Smartphone, it works out pretty
> easily to find resources. Wow, such luxury compared to when I did this
> stuff in the 70's! My A/C works too...but probably won't need it for this
> trip.
>
>
> That's all I can think of for now. No....I tried AAA a few years ago...I
> decided better spend the money on preventative maintenance instead.
>
>
> Rich
> San Diego
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