Morning Cup Of Coffee And Weather
- Thread starter Tour 931
- Start date
Ah yes, the winter season often refuses to leave in a peaceful dignified manner, but instead scratches to hang on to it's dominance as the longest season in the mid-west, by trying to cheat spring out of it's short stay before it ushers in the summer.It snowed overnight.
We are back in MN now, enjoying the seasons transition, and using the cooler weather to get some chores done that were put off last fall. Number one was going to be getting the plane back in annual, but that was delayed by a couple of days due to the need for an unexpected toilet replacement and minor bathroom remodel. Priorities sometimes make themselves known to you in ways it's impossible to ignore.
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The Postman
Ranger
Getting out in nature is very healing, as everyone here knows. You've been a caretaker for some time and taking care of yourself is key, to avoid burnout, Sweeney.I don't know why I feel funny about it --- maybe just because I hate spam, and commercial stuff in forums and what not...I know most of my friends here and few non friends know I've started a mobile RV technician business. Fortunately, not many campinn customers will need my service...they're built too good. But, theoretically I suppose it is possible...
After fixing my own camper and helping others at the campsite, I thought I was ready for my first paid customer. But when the money changed hands, all my planning went out the window! It felt great to help a family stuck with a non-retracting camper due to a hydraulic leak. With some knowledge from an NRVTA class, I located the pump and fixed the issue. The owner picked up the necessary fluid while I prepared for the repair. Pressed the retract button... and it worked! The leak remained, and needs to be assessed --- but they were on their way home.
Then, I turned my attention to my first trip of the year- taking the business vehicle pulling Serenity. When I got to the camp site, I thought there might be some stress because I was badged as mobile repair. The gate attendant was confused, asking me what site number I needed. She thought i was here for a service call --- I had to explain I was here to play, not to work. Nice to know there will be no problems getting into state parks if needed!
Pulling the CI behind a Chevy Express Cargo Van was a great - The van has no windows in the box. Just side mirrors. And I can't see the camper. It literally disappears behind me. Talk about forgetting it was there. Backing was a lot harder -- I didn't have any visual points of reference...but still made it into the spot just fine. My MPG went from 20 to 17.
Little cold today, but not bad -- the sun is warm and I'm enjoying it.
Then, I hear my name ... I'm the only one here...and I look out my side door...here comes our very own @Bake and Kroak - we visited for a bit...he was looking for a camp site for the Crossraods of America Gathering this autumn. Sadly, same weekend as CICO, so this will be the first crossroads I miss in a few years. I was asked if I'd do a demo on wheel bearings - looks like maybe I'll do that at the summer gathering.
Regarless....great weekend with a warm camp fire, hot sun, and cool air. Honestly, I do think this is my favorite time of year for camping...when it isn't raining.
Many of us have been there done that or facing it soon, so your CampInn is both therapietic and essential.
Just shorten your trips until you get comfortable with all the logistics, is my advice.
You are already seeing the need for help everywhere, and if you can make some money along the way helping others, its another win.
I like your down to earth vibe and extra smart insight, and can see you growing your brand like Cosmo Weems, from similar humorous self deprecation and solid insight- in your case showing what one can DIY, and what you cant, depending on capability, tools etc.
Start with Teardrops and small towables as your niche, and charge the big bucks to the big rigs. They are screwed going to the CampingWorld like vultures and you can make money mobile to those willing to pay, or zoom/facetime to give advice, at a price point thats a win for both sides, at all sizes; imho.
A $30,000 or a million dollar rig gathering dust unused has to be frustrating and you are a good alternative for some for whom their time with family in nature is invaluable, so dont underprice yourself or let "perfection be the enemy of good". Just put it out there and go with the flow, as you are seeing works.
The first couple years in any small business is marketing so get yourself out there on youtube and let Googles SEO do all the work.
I assume you have or can build a simple wordpress landing page as your homepage?
Thats it, for any personal service provider or tradesman. Good work builds word of mouth referrals and going back in a couple years to happy customers to ask for more referrals will keep you too busy in 3-4 years so you'll be turning others away.
Think about the 80/20 rule then like dairy farmers culling the herd.
I'd advise you to screen out too many time-wasters by charging hourly fee for advice, even if nominally. You have a lot of value and should get paid back, starting Day1, unless the RV advice biz you are building is a charity effort.
I personally look forward to meeting you in person when you are out West. Got a wiring/diag job for ya, been saving it actually...handson or we may be able to do on FaceTime, if I am coachable (jury is out on that!)
So no rush but PM when ready.
Happy to sing your praise after!
Just pace yourself brother.
You are doing great!
PS: have fun!
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The Postman
Ranger
Great idea.
@dustinp What model and how mounted?
I'd like to use one with a standalone bluetooth app for iphone, ideally battery powered is simplest, clamped/bolted to the CI stainless bumper, or better, easily unclamped and then clamped attached to the 1up bike rack. Then I can remove it in between and if wont be stolen.
With lots of practice I can back the CI in tricky places but its so much faster if you dont have to get out and doublecheck to look every so often- easy to get cockeyed out of practice and a cam would make it easy.
in case anyone has done so, and tested good for awhile in actual use, please suggest your solution too.
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Sweeney
Administrator
I just wish we had a little more 'nature' --- the state parks are magnificent for what they are, but the campgrounds are sometimes a little congested to be therapeutic.
I know my 'days off' will shift from the usual sat/sun to sun/mon --- which is fine. The feel in the state parks shifts DRAMATICALLY on Sunday at about 1pm. Then the trails are mine ...
My time in the park on weekends isn't so much as to do work right there, but to just get my name out. I'll spin up some google adds here shortly. But the temperatures right now are still just too cold. I don't think people are 'feeling it" yet. RIght now my niche is whoever needs me. There are some exceptions like Solar systems -- I had to turn a job down for that. Mostly because my insurance doesn't cover me doing it.
Its all fun --- its just a great big puzzle. Figure out how it all goes together...find where the signal stops..and you've got your problem.
Hoping this autumn -- I expect and want to be in Arizona BLM in December, January and February. We'll see. I'd love to sit around a campfire with you as well...
I'm doing great -- I'll accept good
-- Actually, I feel "alive" for the first time in a long time. I love helping people.
It's been about 9 years since I put in the original, so the memory of all the details are a bit foggy. Here is a link to the original install:Backup Camera
....and here is one for an update sometime later: Backup Camera
..the problem is that the electronics technology changes so quickly that some of what I installed then isn't even available any more, and even if it were, there are probably better ones now, so I'm not sure how much help I will be. If you read those posts and have some questions, I'd be glad to try to answer them if I can.
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Sweeney
Administrator
I really need to do that now more than ever. A backup camera is worth its weight in gold if you have no mirrors!!!! Pulling behind a van (@Tour 931can attest) you can't see it. On his van, he has windows...mine is a white box. I got it into my site but had to GOAL (Get Out And Look) 3 times....and at some point, it was still a leap of faith that someone didn't walk behind me....It was horrible!!!!
Tour 931
Ranger
Try backing a 53’ trailer up with only mirrors. It’s harder but also easier as most places you are backing up a 53er it’s in lots made for backing them.
Sweeney
Administrator
I'd lvoe to learn
I considered CDL at one point...if I were 30 years younger, I might. I know simply backing up a class a (Straight Chasis) is downright demanding. had to do it a couple times when my backup camera failed. Made it safely, but not to say I didn't sounds like "the old man" in Christmas Story while doing it.
Warren Mary Ellen
Ranger
I wonder where we’ve put our Camp Inn manual & log book?
Tour 931
Ranger
I store mine inside the CI.
Sweeney
Administrator
Hey folks. I'm worried about our Indiana parks -- I just got home from Summit Lake near New Castle, and found that it was pretty rough! The men's room had two urinals, both of which were 'down'; one was completely removed, and the other was wrapped in the same black plastic bag it was last May. The front loop is mostly a big-rig area, and the parts nearest the water are higher and drier. I should have stayed up there.
But, trip #2 for the year -- this one just a "one nighter" since I made the reservations at the last minute and I knew the weather was going to be bad. But there's nothing like a cool night, camp fire, good meal and a little vino to round it all out. I forgot my pipe - I think I need to buy one just for the camper....
Next job - I think it's time to inspect the wheel bearings....
But, trip #2 for the year -- this one just a "one nighter" since I made the reservations at the last minute and I knew the weather was going to be bad. But there's nothing like a cool night, camp fire, good meal and a little vino to round it all out. I forgot my pipe - I think I need to buy one just for the camper....
Next job - I think it's time to inspect the wheel bearings....
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Sweeney
Administrator
Where'd everybody go? Got quiet here!
My spring maintenance is done. The best part about CampInn's is how little there is to worry about in terms of maintenance. Sanitize tanks, inspect for any signs of water getting in or any mold. Flush the grey tank, and add a splash of enzymatic tank treatment, and a little bit of mechanical inspection.
I pulled my wheels off to do a brake and wheel bearing inspection and after 17000 miles the factory wheel bearings were still looking awesome - identical to the new replacement set that I keep on hand. That is until I dropped one. :\ It didn't damage it visibly -- but I replaced it with a new one just in case.
Its important to note that when you replace the bearing, you've got to replace the race as well -- these are mated together, and must be replaced as a set. Getting the old one out can be done with a brass punch drift punch, and then replacing the race with a race installer - I've seen it done in other ways, but I've learned in the past few years that spending a little either purchasing or renting the right tool makes ALL the difference. I misplaced my installer, so I rented one from O'reIlly auto parts -- for free! I think all the auto-shops have tool rental programs now.
So --- regardless, I'm ready to go -- after I get back from my trip this weekend (if I go, looks rainy and cold
) I'll re-torque and re-check the newly seated bearings for correct 'run out' but I expect no trouble.
My brakes were making a HORRIBLE noise when applied - I was expecting replacement. But I think I'm good for another year ... in the mean time, save my pennies. The parking brake option makes them a quite at bit more pricy, but something I still have zero regrets!
My spring maintenance is done. The best part about CampInn's is how little there is to worry about in terms of maintenance. Sanitize tanks, inspect for any signs of water getting in or any mold. Flush the grey tank, and add a splash of enzymatic tank treatment, and a little bit of mechanical inspection.
I pulled my wheels off to do a brake and wheel bearing inspection and after 17000 miles the factory wheel bearings were still looking awesome - identical to the new replacement set that I keep on hand. That is until I dropped one. :\ It didn't damage it visibly -- but I replaced it with a new one just in case.
Its important to note that when you replace the bearing, you've got to replace the race as well -- these are mated together, and must be replaced as a set. Getting the old one out can be done with a brass punch drift punch, and then replacing the race with a race installer - I've seen it done in other ways, but I've learned in the past few years that spending a little either purchasing or renting the right tool makes ALL the difference. I misplaced my installer, so I rented one from O'reIlly auto parts -- for free! I think all the auto-shops have tool rental programs now.
So --- regardless, I'm ready to go -- after I get back from my trip this weekend (if I go, looks rainy and cold
) I'll re-torque and re-check the newly seated bearings for correct 'run out' but I expect no trouble.My brakes were making a HORRIBLE noise when applied - I was expecting replacement. But I think I'm good for another year ... in the mean time, save my pennies. The parking brake option makes them a quite at bit more pricy, but something I still have zero regrets!
We are re acclimating to MN and both got some rather nasty colds about a week or so after returning from AZ.
I've been slowly getting the annual condition inspection done on the plane as my energy level has allowed, with new tires all around, which with the wheels split in half for mounting the tires, was a good time to repack the bearings as well. Hope to have it in the air before the end of the weekend. Then I can start on getting the TD, which also lives in the hangar, ready for the season.
Hoping to replace our 40 yr old cedar deck top with one of the no maintenance decking options this summer. If anyone has any experience pro or con with any of them, would be glad to hear about it.
Van_and_Terri
Ranger
We came back from Europe with nasty cold/sinus issues. And I had my first cataract surgery yesterday with a few complications. Next one is in 2 weeks. The month of May will be one of inactivity for us.
Sweeney
Administrator
Ive got so many homestead project to work on....I just don't think about it
--- trees that need to be trimmed, a patio that needs redone completely (idiot who I bouth the house from...well....its screwed up) and some good sized flower beds that need to be burned to the ground and started over...then there's the whole business that I'm starting! I'm loving that!!!! Just not enough call volume yet which I suppose is OK. Give me time to build up slowly rather than to get crushed by too much work.As for re-asclimatizing, yah -- I was in Dallas in Jan/Feb -- 80's in the day. Week I got home we had a couple inches of snow. I'm thinking "WTH!?" April was RAINY and cold. May, so far, has been more of the same.
I'm at a state park this weekend sitting in a Gazelle shelter over the galley. Sipping Suntory Toki Whisky, and smoking a very nice pipe...wishing I had started watching Lord of the Rings an hour ago
I admire your ability to prioritize 'need to' over 'want to'
Sweeney
Administrator
Oh no! What happened? I had both of mine done already --- then about 24-36 months later developed "secondary" cataracts...those are easy....
Hopefully your issue resolve --- but take my word for it, the wierdness passes. It just takes a little time. Re-learning how to read, and work on "close" and "small" is never the same again - but it does get better.
About the time you get used to the new normal, you'll have your next eye done
its worth it though. I'll never forget seeing those big green things outside had leaves!