August 26 - 28, 2023 - Several Homer Repairs Needed After Recent Trip

Front Storage Compartment:

Upon arriving home from Michigan we found the front storage compartment on Homer was literally falling out. 

This compartment pulled loose about an inch several years ago. At that time, I repaired it with additional screws in the back and added a thin metal strap underneath to hold it in place. My fix held for a while but too much weight and rough roads caused a major failure. Here are some inside compartment pictures after I emptied it. You can see the screws I previously added in the back.

Here is a picture of the strap I had installed earlier after it was unbolted from the outside of the compartment floor. Once the compartment pulled loose from the top this strap could do nothing to help.

A factory strap, which was screwed to the floor on the front side of the compartment, failed due to vibration and weight in the compartment. Here are two pictures.

Here is a picture of the compartment floor where it meets the sidewall and access door. The arrow points to the concrete driveway below. The dark blue edge should be up against the lighter blue sidewall.

Homer has very little outside storage. I keep a large bottle jack, socket set, hoses, electrical items, and road emergency items in this compartment. All of this is fairly heavy. The compartment must be better supported but that is difficult because there is no metal framework nearby to mount any support to. The outer wall of Homer is just sheet metal which, believe it or not, is supported below floor level with plastic brackets. The one closest to the compartment has torn loose. There is no way to attach the compartment to the outside wall.

In studying the underside of Homer for a way to support the compartment I spotted a bolt nearby. It is one of four bolts which attaches the propane tank bracket to the floor above. Of the four bolts I could only access one for my purpose. I couldn't get the nut off due to rust but luckily the bolt was long enough to allow me to add a metal bracket and nut to the bottom of it. 

I had to fabricate a bracket which would attach to the propane bracket, drop down the back side of the compartment, continue under the entire bottom of the compartment for support, and attach to something in front. Luckily in front of the compartment is the angle iron which support the running board. It is quite stout, so I chose to mount the other end of the bracket to it. Here is a picture of the bracket I welded up from a piece of angle iron from an old bed frame.

This was a tiring, frustrating project for many reasons. As I've gotten older I cannot lay flat on my back or I get nauseated. I had to lay flat on my back for this entire project. I jacked Homer up as high as I could to give me some working room. I placed an old pillow under my head to raise it a little, that helped my nausea somewhat. Fabricating the bracket took lots of cutting and fitting. Lots of crawling under Homer and crawling back out.  

My entire Sunday after church was devoted to this project, eight full hours, only stopping once for lunch. By the time I finished it was close to dark and I was beat. Muscles I forgot I had ached from all the stretching, twisting, and crawling. I have no idea how many times I had to crawl under and back out again for the bracket making process and installation.

Here is a picture of the bracket I made attached to the LP tank bracket above. It was all I could do to reach the nut to twist it on. Once the nut was started I could use a ratchet with three extensions to tighten the nut.

Here is a picture of the bracket running down the back side of the compartment and under the compartment to support it in the middle.

Next is a picture of the bracket attached to the angle iron in front supporting the running board. I bent the metal so that it bolted to the side and over the top of the angle iron. I put a bolt in each direction. I don't know how I could have made it stouter. I could spray some paint on it to inhibit rust but I don't think it will rust away in my lifetime.

I was too tired to clean up my mess Sunday evening so I left it until Mondary morning.  I have always been amazed at how many tools it takes to complete any project. Here is a picture of the tool mess in the garage. The milk crate is full of tools to take back to the basement shop.

The basement shop area did not look much better. My dad always insisted on putting each tool back as he used it. If I did that I'd still be working on this project.

I can't imagine what this fix would have cost if I had to pay someone to do it. It was a challenge.

Bathroom Vent Crank:

On the recent trip I noticed that the crank for the bathroom vent quit working. The gears just slipped as you turned the handle. Upon a visual inspection with a flashlight I found that the pot metal case for the gears was bulging out on one side. I looked online for a replacement crank mechanism and it was $25.00. I decided to try and fix it. I pulled it out and this is what I found. The pot metal broke around the rivet which is to the left of the arrow. This allowed the gears to push out the side when it was cranked, thus slipping.

I was able to push the side back in and decided to try and repair it with my old standby - JB Weld. I sanded the area and put the gearbox in the vice to push everything back in place. I then gave it a good dollop of JB Weld and let it sit overnight. Monday morning it had set. I took it out of the vise. I cranked it a dozen times and it worked perfectly. I oiled it all up.

I reinstalled it and checked its operation a number of times. It worked perfectly. I think it will outlast me now. Another $25.00 saved!

Finishing these projects. I ran across this on Facebook and it suited me to a "T" after this weekend.

There are a couple of small projects left to be fixed on Homer but they will have to wait. The transmission acted up again on the trip to and from Michigan so we decided to take it to a transmission specialist. Our local mechanic had worked on a couple of external possible causes to no avail. I called the transmission shop and was told it would be a month before they could even look at it. They do not take appointments. "First Come, First Served" so we are taking it there today to get the process started. 

Homer will be out of commission for probably six weeks if they have to rebuild the transmission. As a result, we had to cancel our attendance at the September Carri-Yal rally in Jefferson City. We would like to sneak in a trip out to California to see the kids and grandkids in the next month. If we make that trip I'll blog.

 

August 12th - August 25 , 2023 - Hubcap Issue - Three RV Destinations in Two Weeks - Trip Home

HUBCAP ISSUE:

Saturday the 12th was "Get Homer Ready to Travel Day". I had to fill the freshwater tank because we do not have water hookups for our first week of camping. After finishing that chore, I moved on to checking the air in the tires. Homer recently had an oil change. The shop always puts less air in the tires than I like. Upon checking the air in the passenger side duals, I noticed that the hubcap was really loose. Upon closer inspection I found that BOTH of the bolts that hold the hubcap on were missing. The only thing holding the hubcap on were the air extension hoses connected to the hub. Here is a picture of top and bottom of the hubcap showing the missing bolts.

While the bolts that hold the hubcaps on to the wheel could work loose, they could not possibly both fall out. Each bolt is an inch long. The chances of BOTH unscrewing an inch and then falling out is too great to imagine. Homer was in the shop for a leaking tire valve stem some time back, the mechanic must have forgotten to put the bolts back on. I didn't think to check it.

I took a bolt off a front wheel and headed to Buchheit's to match up two new ones. I lucked out because they only had two stainless steel bolts like I needed left in stock. Here is a picture of the two new bolts next to the one I took for a match. 

Here are pictures of the bolts installed. In the second picture you can see the air hose extensions attached to the hub that were holding the hubcap on.

I checked the bolts on the other three wheels and all bolts were tight. A little pre-trip inspection goes a long way.  

THREE RV DESTINATIONS IN TWO WEEKS:

We had three travel destinations over a period of two weeks in Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. This trip brought this thought to mind.

We always look forward to traveling to different places, seeing different things, meeting different people, and meeting up with old friends. Such was the case this trip for all three destinations. 

FIRST DESTINATION - LINCOLN TRAILS STATE PARK IN MARHSALL, ILLINOIS:

The first week was spent with our Carri-Yals RV Travel Group, some of whom we have known for the fifteen years we have been in the club, and some of whom are newer members.  

It was a beautiful day for a drive to Marshall, Illinois, near the Indiana border. For August the weather was cool and delightful. All active members of our RV club attended. It is unusual to have all attend. Monday evening for supper the hosts provided pulled pork BBQ sandwiches and chips followed by a nice campfire.

Tuesday the ladies prepared biscuits and gravy and eggs. It was all delicious with enough left over for another breakfast. Lunch was on our own and in the afternoon the ladies played card games. For dinner we went to the West Union Cafe in West Union, Illinois. There were only about three businesses in this small town. The restaurant had a delicious variety of food. I had the Catfish nuggets which were delicious.

Wednesday breakfast was on our own. For lunch we drove to "Moonshine Store". The Moonshine Store is an old general store in the middle of nowhere. Nothing else around except cornfields.

They only serve between 6:00 am and 12:30 pm. The place was packed in the middle of the week. It is a destination. The menu is limited and all seating is outside. They served hamburgers and fried bologna sandwiches. You ordered inside and ate outside. It was a great meal and great fun. Inside:

Kelly ordered a fried bologna sandwich and the bologna was a half inch thick. I ordered a cheeseburger which was huge.

All eating was outside on picnic benches under huge trees and umbrellas. 

From Moonshine Store we headed to Casey, Illinois. The town has "the largest" items displayed around town - the largest rocking chair, the largest mailbox, the largest bird cage, etc. It was a beautiful day to walk around the town. Here are some pictures.

Wind chime.

Ruler.

Rocking chair.

Seesaw.

Wooden shoes.

Pencil.

Barber poll.

Gold club and Mouse trap.

Mailbox.

Bird cage (with four of our ladies inside).

Gavel at the Courthouse.

Golf tee at the golf course.

Pitch fork at a food market.

From Casey we drove back to Marshall, Illinois for dinner at Rosie's Pizzeria. Once again the food was great. We ended the day with a campfire. It was cool enough to wear jackets.

Thursday breakfast was leftover biscuits and gravy and donuts. For lunch we made sub sandwiches with members being assigned to bring certain items. They were great. After lunch everyone played card bingo for dimes. I won once and Kelly won twice. Big money!! LOL

For supper Pam made ham and beans and several brought homemade cornbread. A great meal. After supper once again we had a nice campfire to end the campout.

Friday morning everyone headed out.

SECOND DESTINATION - FORT WAYNE, INDIANA:

Friday, after four hours of driving, we reached our next destination, which was Jim and Marilyn's driveway in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Jim lived in our subdivision in Perryville some years back before moving to Indiana. We have stayed in touch and try to visit at least once per year. Saturday morning Jim and I attended a car show in Auburn, Indiana, home of the Auburn automobile. Jim showed his Mercedes. Here he is with his car along with a picture of some of the other cars.

While there I was able to visit the Auburn Car Museum which is located in the old Auburn showroom and factory across from the car show. The cars inside were beyond description. Duesenberg, Auburn and Cord were all owned by the same company in the end. Here is a picture of some of the cars in the Art Deco showroom.

In the 1920s the frames and running gear were built by the car manufacturer and then they were sent out to body builders to make the bodies. The car in the next two pictures was built large for the purchaser, who was a man over seven feet tall. The car is one of a kind and was found many years later in decrepit condition. A million dollars was spent on its restoration.

Cord bought the Auburn Car Company and added the "Cord" line of cars. These cars were well ahead of their time. They had front-wheel drive, hidden headlights, etc. Here is a picture of a Cord engine with the transmission out in front. The silver cone in front covered the shaft from the transmission to the drive shaft on each wheel.

This is the crank for the hidden headlights.

The silver cylinder on the right of the steering wheel was the gear shift for the stick-shift transmission. Amazing technology.

This is a magnificent example of a Cord automobile on display outside for the car show. Note the hidden headlights and long hood to cover the engine and transmission.

Next to the Cord was an Auburn "boattail" car. These are very rare. How I would love to tour around in this baby!!!

The entire top of the trunk area was aluminum from the tip of the back to the windshield.

Saturday evening we went to "Tavern at Coventry" for dinner. Kelly and I split a brisket dinner and it filled us both up. Here is a picture of Jim and Marilyn for us to remember until we meet again.

THIRD DESTINATION - CLEARWATER RV PARK, ORTONVILLE, MICHIGAN:

Sunday morning, we said our goodbyes to Jim and Marilyn and headed out for another four-hour trip to Ortonville, Michigan, to camp with Michigan friends. We met these folks about six years ago in the RV park in Florida where we were all wintered. We became great friends. The three sisters and their husbands have all sold their Florida rigs and won't be going back to Florida. We made the trip to camp with them to stay in touch and share a good time. (Which you can't do over the computer or cell phone.) 

We arrived at the campground Sunday afternoon and it was unusually HOT for Michigan.

Monday was Janet's 80th birthday and her sisters provided cake and ice cream as well as Champaign to celebrate. I'm glad we got to spend this special day with her. Here are pictures of Janet opening presents, Janet with her cake, Janet, Marge, and Jean (the three sisters), and Janet and husband George.

After the party George took up a collection to purchase firewood. In the evening we had a great campfire with music until 10:00 pm. It had cooled down considerably. We had jackets on around the fire.

Tuesday was "Taco Tuesday". As prearranged, Kelly provided all the fixings for "make your own" tacos for everyone. Friends, Lee and Sherrie, stopped by and provided Marguitas for all. NICE! Dinner was followed by another nice campfire.

Homer's TV worked great in Marshall, Illinois the week before. Tuesday it wouldn't work. It would scan for channels but found no channels. We suspected the booster went out although the "on" light lit up.

Wednesday a Michigan breakfast of Michigan bacon and donuts was scheduled at 10:00 a.m. but a morning thunderstorm scuttled that idea. David had to go to the doctor that morning, so I went with him. After his doctor visit we stopped by the RV store where I purchased a new antenna booster for Homer. Back at the campground I installed it but no change. I'll have to check the antenna wires. Hopefully I can find the problem. We had another nice campfire to end the day.

Tuesday and Wednesday when the sun came out it was hot so it was a game of musical chairs to find shade from either the awnings or the trailers. Here are a couple of pictures.

During the early morning hours of Thursday, it poured rain hard several times. The clouds cleared off around 10:00 a.m. and we were able to enjoy a breakfast of Michigan Apple Cider and cake donuts. It turned hot all day. For lunch Jean provided a marvelous charcuterie board to feast on. Later in the afternoon Jean and David provided ice cream with homemade hot fudge syrup, or ice cream floats, your choice. Yum! After ice cream several of us played a few rounds of "Nickels". Kelly and I donated to the cause, leaving a few bucks in Michigan. For supper we ordered pizza. After supper we sat around the campfire until the rain started again about 9:00 p.m. Since everyone was heading home in the morning we all said our goodbyes before going inside for the night. We have no idea when we will see each other again but with computers and cell phones we are able to stay in touch.

The rain that started around 9:00 p.m. turned into a MAJOR STORM. There was lightning and thunder for an hour straight which felt like it was just ten feet above Homer. The rain poured hard throughout the entire time. In addition, Homer shook quite hard several times making us a little nervous about what might follow. When I got home, I found this headline. 

Deadly thunderstorms, tornadoes roll across Michigan.  At least five people were killed in the aftermath of the extreme weather event, which included severe storms with winds of up to 75 mph and at least seven tornadoes. Roughly 400,000 people in Michigan and more than 120,000 people in Ohio were without power Friday night.

Luckily we were 70 miles North of this area. Our power did go out during the night but it was back on by morning. We were up early on Friday so we decided to leave early. Luckily it wasn't raining while I dumped and stored the sewer hose and electric cord. Dave came out for a final hug and wished us safe travels. 

THE WAY HOME:

After getting gas at the station next door to the campground we were on our way by 7:30 a.m. It rained a little for about an hour and then the sun came out. The trip home was a little over six hundred miles so our plan was to stop somewhere for the night about halfway. Several things changed our mind. First, the sun came out and the driving was easy. Second, there was no traffic and we were making good time. Third, it had turned really HOT. We decided that it wouldn't be any fun to stop somewhere for the night and just sit in the heat. We decided to drive straight back. 

The trip was uneventful until we hit St. Elmo, Illinois. It was sunny but we could see a major storm cloud ahead. No big deal we thought but when we hit that storm cloud, it was much more than we bargained for. Here is a picture as we approached.

The rain poured so hard no one could see the roadway to drive. All traffic slowed down to 30 miles per hour. The wind whipped Homer a couple of times moving him within the lane. The St. Elmo exit came up and I was in the outside lane so I, along with a trucker and some others, got off to wait it out. As we sat there the wind was spooky. I parked so that Homer's butt was facing the wind to minimize surface area. We sat there for about a half hour. When the wind died down we headed back onto the Interstate. This is a picture less than a mile down the road.

We continued down Interstate 70 until we connected with Interstate 255. All was well until another major storm hit us around Cahokia, Illinois. This time I was in the center lane and couldn't get to an exit, if there was one. The rain once again poured so hard traffic slowed to less than 30 miles per hour. Tree branches were blowing across the highway and the wind was blowing Homer around within the lane, which caused me to say "SHIT" several times as I fought the wheel. Believe me, it was a scarry. This was the worst storm I have ever driven in. We weren't sure Homer was going to stay upright and may not have if all the other traffic hadn't been around us to help divert the wind.

Once through the storm it was sunny weather the rest of the way home. We arrived home at 7:00 p.m. our time - twelve and half hours of driving. Upon arriving home Perryville was under a heat advisory, so we unloaded Homer as quickly as possible. Kelly noticed this as we were unloading.

The front compartment on the passenger side had broken loose. I have no idea when this happened but did not notice it at the last gas stop. Luckily the compartment didn't fall off. It is one of several things I will have to fix on Homer after this trip. That will be the subject of my next blog.