Date:         Tue, 10 May 2022 23:16:13 +0000
Reply-To:     Stephen Grisanti <bike2vcu@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Stephen Grisanti <bike2vcu@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Trip prep done
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I decided it would be wise to take care of that deferred maintenance before leaving so I got busy a few days ago.  Completed the rear camber adjustment on the left side, which was easier than expected.  
Next came the replacement coolant hose for the section running from pressure tank to overflow tank.  That's been needing attention for a while.
The manual window in the driver's door has been a real hassle to roll up or down.  It felt like the regulator might be stripped but I got to it in time.  Turns out it only needed lubrication.  Removed the mechanism and lubed the hell out of it with bicycle Teflon chain lube and reinstalled.  Greatly improved performance with that and now I'm ready for toll booths.
Worked on a couple of security ideas to help retain ownership.  I made my own Club-type device that I hope will be a deterrent and I ran the wiring for a fuel pump cutoff.  Unlike the Club it might actually prevent someone from getting in by way of the front doors, even if they break the glass.  It's a long piece of hardwood with right-angle pieces on each end and it's designed to fit into the door pull loops, then I lock it to the steering wheel with a short cable.  I'm sure a determined miscreant could defeat it but if he looks in and decides to go elsewhere that's good enough for me.  I might have to finish the cutoff install during the trip.
While I was under the van I checked the air pressure in the spare and made sure the valve stem pokes through one of the holes in the spare tray so I could check more easily in the future.
Then came the topping of fluids and I even re-aimed the washer nozzles for better spray pattern.
And then I had to remember to load all the stuff that belongs in the camper when going on a trip.  Most of it was taken out for cleaning and interior access a while go but I think I got most of it back in.  Taking off tomorrow for a week for the first time in a long time.  See you out there, maybe!
Stephen