I'm Awake!

Actually entered a bit late, but Pumpkin is awake and ready to roll.  We're off to Petit Jean State Park in Arkansas for about a week.  Over the winter, I got Pumpkin rigged to tow Coors, so this will be our first outing with a "toad".  The braces for the hitch worked out great and the new tow bar and brake system are pretty slick.  I will have to order a 4" drop hitch adapter when I get back to level the tow bar a bit better.

Ice Cold Coors

Just before it turned off frigid, I had begun installing the base plate which bolts to the frame just under the front bumper of Coors and is what the tow bar connects to.  I managed to get it mounted along with the brake cable installed through the firewall and tail lights wired.  The base plate is bolted to the frame on the driver's side with the three bolts that hold the steering box on.  Just for a last minute "gotcha", I managed to twist off one of the bolts.  Crap!  And I was even using a torque wrench.  There is about 1/2" of the bolt sticking out and I was able to get hold of it with vice grips, but couldn't get it out.  The jaw teeth of the old vise grips were pretty worn.  So, I bought some new vice grips with some very aggressive teeth.  However, it turned off so cold, I'm going to wait for warmer weather to try again.  10-15 degrees is a bit below my lower limit.

Another job I have is adding some bracing to the hitch on Pumpkin.  Coors weighs a jigger over the rating of the hitch.  I wanted to install a heavier rated hitch but the frame on Pumpkin is a bit of a problem.  So, I've designed some additional bracing that should increase the tow weight capacity.  I'm adding two heavy steel straps that run from the hitch back (actually "up") to the frame about 30" on each side.  The hitch just bolts to the frame, so these straps should add quite a bit of pull strength and stiffen any side-to-side stress as well.  I have this job near finished.  I still have to drill a 3/4" hole through the bottom of each frame rail.  Since it requires me to lay on my back and drill up with little leverage advantage, I may have to have it done at a shop somewhere.

A Hitch In My Plan

Nothing happening with Pumpkin.  It's still asleep.  I am planning on getting a new trailer hitch installed right after Christmas.  It has a 3500 lb hitch now but it needs a 5000 lb hitch to tow Coors.  Coors is a silver Jeep Wrangler, a silver bullet.  Thus the name Coors.

Looks like the new hitch will have to be custom made.  I found a guy near Kissee Mills that will do it.  I've got to get Pumpkin over there to see just what it will take - and cost.  Once the hitch is installed, I'll order a tow bar and base plate (used to mount tow bar on Jeep).  The above photo was actually taken after I installed the tow bar and base plate.

I don't plan to take Coors with us every time, but some trips like out West or to Florida would be much more fun to have some extra wheels along for touring areas without having to break camp.  Joyce wasn't too keen on a towed vehicle (toad), but I think she'll like the idea once we get past the initial expense.

Shhh! Pumpkin is sleeping

We got Pumpkin winterized a few days ago and none too soon.  It has turned off cold with temps dropping well below freezing.  I guess Pumpkin will stay that way until March when Dusty wants to go to Petit Jean State Park.

Lake Wappapello State Park

Lake Wappapello State Park

We stayed at Ridge Campground because the main campground was closed for renovation.  We picked a site on a relatively isolated loop.  It was a bit tricky backing in and getting level.  But, Tom, Jr. had given me a couple of vehicle ramps which worked out quite well.

Nearing the end of our trip, we are tired and crash early.

We'll be home tomorrow.

The Narrows Campground

The Narrows Campground

Another nondescript park.  I think I remember, but not sure.  If it is the place I'm thinking of it is a Corp of Eng. park.  The lake was high.  We got a site on one end of the outer row next to the water.  But, not that next.  The water was down a grassy slope.  Nice place but full!

Chief Logan State Park

Chief Logan State Park in West Virginia - pretty nice park.  It's a large general recreation park nestled in a narrow valley with swimming pool, miniature golf, tennis courts, walking trails, a boccie court, amphitheater and lodge.  But, it's Wednesday early in the season and the campground is located quite a ways from the recreation facilities.  I wouldn't mind spending an additional night here, but we'll move on tomorrow.