Joyce's birthday and start of another trip

Joyce turns...huh...well, let's just say she doesn't have to buy a fishing license in Missouri anymore.  But, we're leaving Missouri today heading for eastern Kentucky.  We are meeting Tom, Jr. and family and, later, Dustin and family at Carter Caves State Resort Park.  Carter Caves was chosen because it is about halfway between Cedarcreek, Mo. and Altmar, NY.  We plan to get there Sunday, April 17.  Tom, Jr. is due to arrive Monday and Dusty on Thursday.  We're all staying until Easter Sunday, April 24.

Have a Coors

I've decided to tow Coors on this trip.  We're going to spend an extra day or two on the road and we will be spending several days at Carter Caves. We might want/need it and my paranoia likes having the ability to drive for help should Pumpkin lay down on us.  Besides, Kensey might want to drive Coors. :)

I checked on the drop hitch adapter I ordered.  It should arrive next Tuesday - just in time.

Another danged problem

Yesterday I parked Pumpkin on the drive slab parallel to the garage.  This is the best way to get it level for testing fluid levels, etc.  I checked the oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, windshield washer fluid and battery water.  While parking Pumpkin, I had rolled down the driver's side window so I could see better.  So, when I finished checking things I rolled the window back up - or tried to.  It wouldn't go.  Pushed the button and nothing.  The passenger side didn't work either.  So, I went looking for a blown fuse.  Instead of a blown fuse, I found one that had nearly fallen out under the dash.  One of the previous owners (I can't believe the manufacturer did it) had jammed a wire in for the "jacks down" warning light on one end of the fuse.  For whatever reason, the wire decided to come loose at this time and partially pulled the fuse out with it.  I put the fuse back in and the windows work again, but now I have to find a better place to get 12 volts for the warning light.  At least this problem should not cost anything except time.

Countdown for Kentucky

We're heading out again next week.  We're meeting sons, Dustin and Tom, Jr. with their families at Carter Caves State Park in northeast Kentucky.  We're looking forward to another great week - plus.  Now we'll see if the weather god will be as kind to us this time as he was at Petit Jean.

Haven't decided yet if I will tow Coors on this trip or not.  It would seem kind of silly since Dustin & Tom, Jr. will have their vehicles there.  But, ya never know where Joyce and I might go before and after Carter Caves.  I ordered the drop hitch adapter just in case.

Petit Jean breakdown

Not as bad as the title might suggest.  We had a great time at Petit Jean with sons, Dustin & family and Stephen.  The weather was perfect for late March.

Stephen, with his new pop-up manned the kitchen

Dustin was nearby on the hill in his Rockwood "hybrid".

After 5 days, Joyce and I headed to Monticello, Ar. to Stephen's house (he needed some "dad" assistance on his house wiring).  While there, Stephen drove us down to Vicksburg, Ms. where we toured the town and the battlefield.  Had a nice time.

Saturday I was prepping Pumpkin for the trip home and while checking the tire pressure made a disappointing discovery.  The passenger side air suspension top bracket had broken a weld.

This may have actually happened last September on our trip up north.  Joyce said she heard a popping sound once in a while and it may have been the bracket moving a bit.  I did notice on this trip that the passenger side always required greater extension of the leveling jacks no matter where we parked.  But, it's fixed now.  A local guy (just up the hill actually) has a body shop and heavy welding equipment.  Took a couple of hours and $80.

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.