What did you do to your SMB today?

[REF]

Eric-pretty nice, its light! Alex is super stoked, we'll be putting it to use in a few weeks in near 100* projected temps at Lake Powell, so I'm sure it will be nice to have, might have to see about rigging up a 12V mister system, got the plumbing already, another project......

[86Scotty]

Originally Posted by REF

Eric-pretty nice, its light! Alex is super stoked, we'll be putting it to use in a few weeks in near 100* projected temps at Lake Powell, so I'm sure it will be nice to have, might have to see about rigging up a 12V mister system, got the plumbing already, another project......

Yes, it's light, but remember that is a curse and a blessing. I've already totaled my poles once. I walked away from my van to visit some people and a wind gust blew it over the top of the van, folding the side support poles. DON'T FORGET to tether it! I hate doing this because everyone walks into the ropes, but it's necessary. Here's the good news, parts are cheap and available. I think Bobby at CVT charged me $20 for both complete poles, and now I have some spare parts if I have more trouble.

[Pete320]

Replaced my 2 4D AGM's with two new ones, and installed a Blue Sky 2000 in preparation for solar.
Need to Rhino line the top next and figure mounting for the 2 solar panels.

[gcvt]

Reported it stolen

[BroncoHauler]

Originally Posted by gcvt

Reported it stolen

About the saddest post in this thread I've ever seen.


Herb

[skyrat]

Originally Posted by gcvt

Reported it stolen

Ouch! So sorry to hear that!
The constant desire for people to take the belongings of others is truly remarkable and evidence of just how fallen our world, and we, are.


Today I designed and installed a method of mounting MaxTrax to the side of my Deluxe box with rails. It is a simple hanger bracket made from 3/8" rebar that is attached to the rails on top of the box. Then there is a Yakima hitch lock at the bottom to hold them tight and lock them on. I also built a temporary shelf inside the box. If the location works we might add an Aluminess shelf in the same place.

I am a huge fan of the Yakima SKS (Single Key System) lock cores. Get matching lock cores then one key fits all your gear (bike rack, kayak racks, load warrior, rocket box, ski racks, MaxTrax, and soon, hi-lift jack).

I'll add a few pics soon.
EDIT: Pics...














I plan on replacing the regular nut with a wing nut as soon as I get to a hardware store, as it is barely finger tight.

[86Scotty]

Very nice Skyrat!

[Ford_6L_E350]

I crawled under my SMB ---- Why? you might ask.

The van developed a mild vibration and rumbling noise under certain condition.
It was fine cruising down the road; it was fine while accelerating; it was
fine with my foot off the gas and coasting. But, when over 50 mph and just
cresting a hill, or driving down a mild slope with CC on I would feel bad vibes
and hear the noise.

So what was it? Engine? - no, it was speed dependent, not rpm related.
Transmission? - probably not, gear selection didn't matter, just speed.
Driveshaft? - maybe. Rear end? - maybe. But how to isolate it?

So I decided to pull the driveshaft and put the van in 4wd, but with no rear shaft
it would be now a Front Wheel Drive van. In a city park in the middle of nowhere, CO.

First problem, no 12mm 12 point socket. Walk to the NAPA store in 85 degree heat.
Second problem, the bolts are loctited in. &%#$*& and other choice words. Add
a long wrench to the end of the rachet and go for it.....in the heat.
Finally got all the bolts off and tied the driveshaft up to the ladder on
the back door. one u-joint is very hard to movem and clunky when it does move.
Lock the hubs, shift into 4wd and........nothing!

WTF? Oh, I went past 4wd into neutral. Put it in gear and drive away.

On the Interstate and........smooth and quiet! My heartbeat returns to normal.
Suddenly it is not so hot and I feel much better.

Now I just have to find a shop to change the U-joints (they are only 110K old)
and hopefully check the balance of the shaft just in case.

Mike

[REF]

Mike, you have to be the king of roadside repairs. Hope you get things back rolling quickly......and cheaply, or at least cheaper than your last repair, especially if it's just U-joints, my rear shaft joint was clunking for a bit, noticed it every time I put it in reverse, was hanging by a thread by the time I drove it back from Tahoe, diagnosed and had them changed. I now know what to listen for or feel next time and won't wait so long before addressing. Where are you in CO?

[Ford_6L_E350]

Originally Posted by REF

Where are you in CO?

I was at Jeremiah's, but I pulled the driveshaft in Brush and am now in North Platte, Neb.

Next time I'm that way (maybe Aug?) we should get together if you are in town.

Mike