hannafree wrote: I'm going to cancel my Ford garage appt. (he didn't know what a Chinook was), and proceed to find a local mechanic.
I'm all for independent mechanics - even if you do go to a Ford dealer it's good to get a second opinion. That said, I wouldn't worry too much about whether they are familiar with a Chinook. Any chassis things they will be working on will be Ford, so it could be any brand RV and not matter. Also, Chinooks were made in the NW and mostly not since 2005, so maybe not that well known in Maine. One thing I WOULD check on though, is if they are familiar with the E-350/E-450 chassis/duallies. Some shops are not, and/or can't lift the Chinook. Some Ford dealers specify in heavier trucks (amublances, etc.) and may be a good bet. Sometimes they are called "fleet" shops.
hannafree wrote:I really didn't know there was an engine inside the cab! That's good news for engine access.
Well I was exaggerating slightly. The engine is sort of partway under the hood, and partway in the cab. It's a van thing.
hannafree wrote:I sincerely hope I don't need a new set of tires, these have a lot of life left in them, or so it seems. But the Ford garage that checked out the front end before I bought it said it was an "out of round" tire. That is my most immediate need to fix as it's awful to drive over 55 mph, and the 400 miles that I drove it didn't help a bit.
I've looked at many dozens of RV's for sale, and I can count on one hand the number of them that would have come with tires that didn't need replacing. So please do check the date codes on all seven tires. Tires are important, both for safety and ride -- and because having tire problems on the road (or worrying about them) is completely un-fun. Checking the date codes is something you can do yourself for free.
hannafree wrote: The rear tire and cover are pretty darn heavy, in the way, and the mount is one of the only rusty places in the whole camper. I'm thinking of taking it off and just using a tire repair inflator, which is also kind of risky in terms of actually needing the spare. I've seen that some of you put it on top with some kind of rooftop reinforcement, or up front. Hmmm. Recent opinions from those who have done it or taken it off?
I won't say there aren't use cases in which a spare could be left behind (you only stay on main highways, have road service, and are willing to pay whatever it takes to get a new tire brought to you), but I don't think I'd do that at your stage (who knows yet how you will use your rig?). I would either keep it on the rear mount (have it inspected/repaired as necessary), or mount a front hitch and carry it there (that's what I do). If you search there are threads talking about it and giving part numbers etc. I would not put a 100# tire/rim on the roof (maybe if going to Alaska carry an unmounted tire up there along with the regular spare).
Carrying a compressor is great (Viair makes some nice ones you clip onto your battery), but many times a flat will have damage to where it can't be easily patched or re-inflated (I do still carry a patch kit because you never know).
Even if you can't or don't want to change a tire yourself, if you have the tire/rim plus tools, someone else may be able to help - whether it be a friend, good samaritan, or road service.
hannafree wrote:Also, I'd dearly love to get the carpet out of there and replace it with a vinyl or wood floor. In terms of resale, does that put off the Chinook purists who want everything original? The carpet is musty and has some stains, not to mention MORE of the green that is pretty overwhelming - and that I will get used to because the carpet isn't the priority.
I suppose there are always people who want original, but I can't imagine keeping musty teal carpeting just in case one of those people wants to buy my Chinook. I'd guess most people would vastly prefer a nice wood/linoleum/etc. floor. I don't live by re-sale myself (I want to make it how I want it, not the next person), but if I did, then I'd say it's not so much modifications that put people off, it's hack job type ones. If you do a nice job on almost anything, someone will like it.
The one "thing" with RV flooring is they generally carpet the whole thing, THEN put in the walls and furniture. This can leave some places where you have to make some contouring cuts/trim/etc. (presuming you're leaving the walls in place
), but it has been done many times. You can remove pretty much all of the furniture in the living room without too much trouble. Most people leave the cab alone.
If there is must, I'd want to check for leaks, btw.
hannafree wrote: I plan to take out the fold down Flexsteel couch (and keep it for resale) and replace it with a real mattress, a nice cover and pillows to lean on behind. Has anyone done this? I was thinking of using the settee/table, but I like it too much and want to keep it. Another non-priority right now, but looming large. I find this couch wholly uncomfortable and have been putting the table down at night.
I think I slept one night on the Flexsteel couch. It just wasn't for me. I did a mod with parts from another RV couch (that was comfortable), but it's pretty simple to just make a 32" wide (or so) bed. If you remove the seat/back of the couch (just need a few spanners - I think I might have posted photos here in the past), then the frame remains. You can run slats across from the inboard edge of the frame to the 2 x 4 ledger that's on the wall and voila, twin-like bed. The base is around 31" wide, so if you have a little overhang you could easily get 34" or more. Of course you can get fancier too, depending on what you want.
BG