RV 201 - We Built this RV, well sort of ;-)

OK, so how many of you read the title of the post and heard the tune of We Built This City?  Sorry about that.  It was kind of my intention even though I think it is one of the worst songs ever.  So sad that Grace Slick had to be associated with that one.  Anyway..... I digress :-)

The 5th wheel is now operational. (well, it has been since the first of June)  Still a few minor things to work on but it is useable. 

From this

To this

As you can see, we still need to build a new night stand top.  We will actually build two so they match.  The plan is to build them and use the same panel board we used on the wall as the tops so it will all match.

From this

To this

We could not find an exact match to the siding so this had to do.  Doesn't look bad and if it is noticed, we can tell the story of how it got to this point.  To see more of the pictures of this project, click HERE

The bottom line is that it is operational and we have had the opportunity to use it. :-)  There are still some little things to do but we can do them over time.  We need to purchase a slide out awning as well as a full awning for the entry side.  We continue to seal the seams (that's a never ending job) and we discovered we need to completely redo the seal around the sky light over the bathroom.  We have build a shelf for the front cargo area and Cherilyn modified some wire cube shelving to maximize storage space in several of the closets. 

The unexpected project: Landing gear rebuild

The pin that goes through the 3:1 gear box and controls the landing gear broke at the connection point to the crank rod that controls the extension and retraction of the opposite side landing leg.  This was an interesting learning experience.  At first we thought the 3:1 gear box had broken and we called the parts and service store and were told the manufacturer was replacing them and if we brought it in they would swap it out for the new one.  After taking it off, I discovered that it was the pin that had broken.  To get the pin out I had to disassemble the gearing that held it in. There were 2 clip pins that were not easy to access that had to come out to release the pin. Fortunately I was able to get them out but lost a pin in the process. After the hour drive to the parts and service place, new parts were obtained.  The process of putting the landing gear back together took a lot longer than taking it apart.

broken pin

new 3:1 gear box - metal, not plastic this time

Grinding the frame to allow the gear box to fit

Originally the gear box was plastic and it appeared to us that it NEVER fit properly from the manufacturer.  Cherilyn had to grind the frame down a bit in order for the gear box to fit and lock in place. We believe this was the cause of all the landing gear issues. We had already replaced the gear box once when we replaced the motor right after we got the 5th wheel home from purchasing it in OKC.

The new pin fully installed.  The top of the leg frame comes off and inside the pin goes locks into a set of gears that turns and pushes the legs down and brings them up. A c clip locks in on one side and a tapered pin locks the crank pin to the gear on the other side.

Gear box and motor reinstalled

It seems that RV ownership requires a lot of work and well, it does.  Something always needs to be fixed or replaced but when you are at the campsite making wonderful memories, it's all worth it.  I would like to say that I had my doubts when we got into this project but I am glad that Cherilyn had the vision where I didn't and the strength to keep me going through it all. 

Pictures and stories of the RV adventures to come in future posts - Stay tuned ........