What did you do to your SMB today?

[geoffff]

I replaced my 12-year-old house battery today. It was still able to get through a night of minimal needs (lighting, fridge) with my old one but the charge would get down low by morning. Replacement battery is same as original: Lifeline GPL-4DL.

I used a jack to lower the heavy battery. It was quite rusty down there, and removing the four bolts holding the battery tray in place took some effort.



Before installing the new battery, I ratchet-strapped it to the battery tray. (Sportsmobile didn't have it tied down in any way before!) I also made sure any loose power cables up there against the battery were zip-tied to the frame so they wouldn't rub. Hopefully I'll avoid another engine fire Getting the heavy new battery back up in place was a delicate balancing act! I also had to jack up the side of the van one inch to get my battery-on-jack to clear and roll under the van.





Finally, I placed the plastic battery cover back over the battery. I cut holes in it for the power cables, and also ratchet-strapped this in place so it wouldn't flop around like before.



-- Geoff

[jage]

My original SMB 4D was tied down- with a single zip tie from each handle to the tray!

I too sacrificed a ratchet strap as tie down- I taped the corners on top of the battery but it was in perfect condition when I re-replaced the house batteries recently.

Sure feels good to have a new fully functional battery doesn't it?

[geoffff]

Originally Posted by jage

My original SMB 4D was tied down- with a single zip tie from each handle to the tray!

Now that you mention it, I suspect there were a pair of zip ties attached to my battery as well at some point. I see the remains of what looks like a black zip tie hanging down in this photo of my battery after some backcountry use:

[86Scotty]

Man, that's scary.

[vwteleman]

Originally Posted by geoffff

I replaced my 12-year-old house battery today.

12 years!!! Wow!

As an aside, I remember following your adventures when you first picked up your SMB. I think your website was one of the only detailed sources of SMB info available online back then. It's amazing how this forum has changed that.

Cheers,
Brent

[geoffff]

I've found that the rear A/C blower unit has been bouncing around under the rear seat. Not bouncing much, but enough to disconnect the drain hose.

It's not really a big deal, but I decided to lock it in place horizontally with three L-brackets, and keep it against the ground using some zip ties over the top (not shown).



-- Geoff

[TexGX]

Replaced my broken brake light on top. I don't know if it was original or not, but it was mounted with two screws into the side of the fixture. Not the most professional job. The new one is a very bright LED mounted correctly.

[daveb]

What bulb did you use? Was it a plug-n-play or did you have to change the socket?

[TexGX]

I changed the entire unit. Found one that covered the existing hole at an farm and ranch store. It works for tail lights and stop, but no wire for tail light up there. Reasonable price as well.

TexGX

[rallypanam]

Finally found the digital thermostat I bought a few years ago, and got it installed to replace the broken Suburban analog one.. no more twisting the two wires together to make heat!

Also, I moved it from way in the back to up front, so you don't need to climb over the couch to adjust temperature!