|
Exchange
New Horizons Owners Newsletter
Volume 2005 Number 3 -- April 2005
Editor: Lloyd Treichel -
lloyd@wandrin.us
Exchange Contents:
Rally 2005
Notes from/to New
Horizons Owners
Customization and Enhancements
Repairing Gapping Fiber Glass
Editor's Forward:
The Exchange needs material. Ideas
include:
● Customizations
● Enhancements
● Great Gadgets
● Great campgrounds
● Met other NH owners on the road?
● Advice to your fellow RVers
● An email saying "Hello from..."
Nothing appears in the Exchange without your input.
Input is not limited to New Horizons owners.
All New Horizons owner names appear in bold face.
Rally 2005 The next New
Horizons Rally will be held at Sundermeier RV Park, St. Charles, MO
from Sept 30 - Oct 4, 2005. Rally sessions and rig tours will be on
the schedule. Time will be available for local touring. For those
planning on attending the Fall Escapade in DuQuoin, IL, after the
"hitch up breakfast", drive the 100 miles to St. Charles for lunch.
Additional details can be found at:
http://www.nhog.us/rallies/rally2005/index.htm
Notes from/to New Horizons Owners
From: Sue and Tom Wharton [received: May 3,
2005]
Do you know of anyone or has there been a discussion of a
modification to the front closet so that the shelves are more
accessible? We are interested in doing this and queried Ken,
basically he said the entire closet wall needs to be removed and
rebuilt in order to have better access to the shelves. I had thought
I heard of someone who did this at Horizons and it didn't cost too
much. Ken was talking major dollars that we don't want to spend.
Thanks
[email: wharton (at) mail.escapees.com]
From: Jim and Chris Rett [from personal email
to editor - April 16, 2005]
We are dry camping near San Luis Reservoir, about 40
miles east of Gilroy, CA. After SKP park Jojoba Hills, we worked our
way up the coast from Carpinteria (Santa Barbara) to Santa Cruz
staying in State Parks on the beaches. It was fun, but
expensive...up to $25/night for dry camping! We also did the Hearst
Castle and Monterey Aquarium as we drove up Hiway 1.
In a few days we head to the Coarsegold SKP park for a week or two
before working our way north back into Oregon/Washington.
From: Lloyd Treichel
My stay in San Diego was extended to six weeks after
my truck was stolen on April 12th. Without Silver Slug, I couldn't
go anywhere. That little rental car was not capable of towing
Wandrin Wagon. Silver Slug was recovered in Mexico with little
damage, no batteries, no radio, no spare tire and no personal
contents. Three weeks later, I was back on the road.
Rather than relate my travels here, see
http://www.wandrin.us
Customization and Enhancements
Floor Storage Bins on Slide Out
by
Ron and Anita Wilson
We began 6½ years ago with 2 Lazy Boy wall-hugger recliners. About 3
years later, we went back to the factory and had a Toy Box
installed along the wall behind the recliners, the length of the 12 slide.
There is a lid every 2 feet for easy access. This box replaced all
the other storage type boxes along the wall, which looked junky. The
top is covered with the same laminate as the table, desk, and
kitchen and bath counters. One section holds all the file folders
which originally were in a large drawer below the entertainment
center. This drawer now holds the computer printer, which is always
ready for use. The cord that connects to the rear of the lap top
comes up through a hole in the back corner of the desktop. At that
time, we had them remove the carpet from the slide and install
parquet tile (to match the rest of the room). They installed a
square of plywood beneath each recliner to fit within the frame of
the chairs so they would not move during travel. We are able to pick
them up when we need to clean the floor in that area.
We
incorporated a feature from the floor plan of the Justices: the bathroom floor
extends to the side of the bed. The step-up is at the end
of the bed to walk around the foot. This makes the bathroom floor
larger and allowed for three drawers under the 15 x 19 bedside table.
The other side has two drawers. There are two drawers under the
bed on the bath side. Because we don't have a bedroom slide, there
is plenty of storage space under the bed. We had them
install 110 and 12 volt in each of the cabinets above and below the
night stands. We placed a medical device in one of the cabinets. The
cabinet doors have louvers for air circulation.
Also, in the bathroom, recessed space was made at the back of the counter
for bottles, etc. Horizon moved the backsplash forward 3 and behind
that we place liquid soap, lotions, toothbrush holder, etc. These
items are permanently stowed.
Another neat thing we requested before construction is a flip-out in
front of the kitchen sink. This area holds the metal sink stoppers
and assorted scrubbers. This required the sink to be placed up
against the backsplash; otherwise, it won't work as an add-on.
We will not be able to attend the next Rally because the date
conflicts with the cruise we will be on to celebrate our 45th
anniversary. Hopefully, we will be able to attend the next one.
Repairing Gapping Fiber Glass
by
Ron and Anita Wilson
[Pictures included below]
We have a 1998 NH, #346. Ron discovered that the edges of the
outside wall panels, where they overlap, were coming apart.
Horizon suggested using an aerosol spray adhesive, but Ron did
not find this to be effective.
After some trial and error, he came up with a procedure which
worked for him. He purchased or collected the following:
Dual Suction cups ---- Harbor Freight- $6 each
He used 6 clamps clean wall area and wet each cup before use.
Place on fiberglass not on the stripe; need smooth surface.
Can be placed horizontal or vertical. Use care if placing on
window glass.
Epoxy Adhesive ---- For FIBERGLASS -Wal-Mart (paint section
less than $3 each) 2 tubes together, with plunger, so the same
amount of both types of adhesive dispenses together. One double
tube will cover 9-12 feet; depending on how much of 1½ overlap
needs repair. Sensitive skin? use disposable gloves.
Putty knife 2 wide ----For lifting up seam to clean, sand, and
re-clean before applying epoxy and to get brush in with adhesive
to apply to both sides of overlap area. After tension is applied
to boards, some Epoxy may ooze out. Use putty knife to clean off
excess Epoxy. Use Acetone saturated rag to clean off knife
before Epoxy hardens.
Flux Brushes ----Harbor Freight 36-Pack Metal Body 7/8
long Horse Hair Bristles Item 41338. One time use only. Use
hammer to gently flatten about 1 of handle for easier access to
area for Epoxy. Because these are cheap brushes, some hairs may
come out. Be sure to remove and use another brush if excessive
amount of bristles fall out.
Boards from Lowes or Home Depot ----
....6 each 5/8 x 1½ approximately 18 long to add tension
under handles of suction cups. 1 or 2 boards can be used
depending on tension needed.
....4 each 1 x 3 or 1 x 4 approximately 3-4 long to place
along stripe at overlap. Will need to cut a board or two shorter
for small areas. Do large areas first.
....Ύ square x 3 long stick. Shave about 3 at the ends of
stick so they will fit into ends of suction cup handles. Use for
narrow areas. See picture showing area beside front door.
Acetone ---- To clean out old glue/dirt, remove excess adhesive
from wall, and putty knife. Use care with Acetone because it can
remove color from stripe not covered with blue tape and add it
to white areas. Warning Smokers Acetone is flammable!
Sand Paper ---- About 1 wide, with cloth backing to rough up
underneath stripe. After sanding, place Acetone on old rag,
cover putty knife and insert under seam to clean area so Epoxy
will adhere better.
Hammer ---- To tap tension boards (in under suction cups
handles), shims in place, as needed, and along seam.
Blue Masking Tape ---- Called 14-Day tape 2 wide. Apply along
lower edge of top panel and just below on lower panel. This
keeps adhesive from adhering to wall where you dont want it.
Fold ends under, for easier removal. One of the pictures shows
regular masking tape. Mistake! Blue tape comes off easier;
regular DOES NOT. Completely cover colored stripe with tape.
Disposable plate ---- Or cover of adhesive package to mix
Epoxy Adhesive.
Paper towel ---- Dry and wet ones. Use to clean area for suction
cups and moisten cups for better seal.
Shims ---- To add tension, as needed.
Single edge razor blade with holder ---- For removing glue on
walls and blue masking tape during cleanup. Use care to not
damage colored stripe.
Pointed Box cutter ---- Run blade along edge of hardened seam to
cut away any excess tape or Epoxy that may have oozed out during
drying process. Use care and not too much force so knife doesnt
slip and cause damage to stripe or wall.
Ladder
- Determine areas that need repair. Use
putty knife to see if top portion will lift up. Some of the
areas on our house were visible enough that Ron could see
them. For the rest, he used the putty knife
- Assemble supplies
- Apply blue masking tape Place 1 x 3
or 1 x 4 on tape and mark the tape at end of area to be
repaired. This way, you wont use Epoxy beyond repair area
or length of board. Start with small area until you
determine how much adhesive needed and how long it takes to
finish whole procedure.
- Place Acetone saturated rag over end of
putty knife to remove glue.
- Using sandpaper over end of putty knife,
rub up under stripe to make both surfaces rough. If overlap
will not lift up enough so putty knife and sandpaper will go
in, use just sandpaper and slide back and forth and then
turn over and do again. Then, place Acetone saturated rag
over end of putty knife to remove glue/dust.
- Use wet paper towel to clean wall area
where you plan to place suction cups. Wipe suction cups with
wet paper towel so they adhere better. Attach cups above and
below overlap edge do not place on stripe its an uneven
surface. Need to be sure there is sufficient room to work
above lowest suction cup. Make trial run, without using
Epoxy, to be sure you have correct amount of boards and shim
for good tension.
- When satisfied you are ready, leave cups
attached, remove boards, squirt adhesive in disposable
plate, and mix with stick provided with adhesive or similar
item. At this point, you need to move rapidly because Epoxy
will may set-up before you are ready.
- Using putty knife, lift up stripe, smear
adhesive with brush all along area marked.
- Remove adhesive from putty knife and
along top of stripe thats covered with blue tape, and wipe
both with Acetone.
- Place long board along stripe, place
tension sticks under suction cup handles and over board.
- Use shims, if necessary to get sufficient
pressure. Use putty knife to be sure there is sufficient
pressure. If tight enough, putty knife will not slide under
overlap. Clear all areas of any excess Epoxy with Acetone.
- Wait time is determined by directions on
Adhesive package. Ron waited 3 hours before removing boards
and suction cups. While waiting, find another area that
needs repair and begin again at #3 or clean up a previously
finished area.
- When time is up, remove boards, and
gently check with putty knife to be sure all area has
sufficiently adhered. If not, guess what? You will need to
begin again at Item 4. Reasons: some old glue was still
there, area not rough enough, not enough Epoxy, not enough
tension on boards, or didnt wait long enough. Are we having
fun yet? There is a definite learning curve, but after a
couple of areas or finished, you are on your way!
Once we were in an area where he could work on
this project continuously, he was able to take care of all the
areas around the 5th wheel in about 10 days. Repair was needed
on about 90% of our house. He averaged 9-12 per day depending
on weather and how early he started. Usually started about 8am,
2nd application about noon, 3rd application about 4 pm and maybe
another before dark. It is a slow process but the more suction
cups you have, the more areas you can glue at a time. Ron really
wanted to complete this project so he stayed with it until it
was all done. This scenario worked for him! Good luck!
If you have questions, feel free to call e-mail may take
longer for reply.
[email address: rcaawilson (at) aol.com]
503/702-3607
[Click on picture for larger view]
 |
