New to campers 19' scamp "fifth wheel"

[cpaharley2008]

Did you tow in or out of overdrive. On a recent trip 1400 mile trip to Nebraska, I averaged 11 mpg with overdrive going and 13 mpg in "Tow Mode" on the return leg.

[Jared J]

Out of overdrive, tow mode on.

[Steve Hammel]

Originally Posted by Jared J

Well, back home again! 1500 miles for the first trip, and everything worked flawlessly (that was expected to).


I averaged 12.5 mpg, I'm happy.

You must have been putting the pedal to the metal. I would have thought at least 15 mpg.

[Jared J]

It only gets 17 normally. I was doing between 70-80.

[GMike A]

Would be interested as to where you got your clean out portal access hardware for your H2O tanks. I like that Idea of being able to see and or reach in there and take care of business.

[Jared J]

They're watertight deck hatches from west marine. They're installed with 3m 5200. I roughed up the tanks. If that doesn't stick to the poly, I'll double the amount of screws and go to a foam rubber type gasket.

[KamperBob]

Hey Jared, followup question about your excellent refurb. How did you wrestle a new rear floor in place? Any tips or tricks for getting one bulky piece of plywood through the door and past the cabinets? Thanks!

[Jared J]

Getting it past the cabinets was pretty easy. Getting it in place took some work. I set the end by the cabinets down first, and stood it on the edge. Then I went underneath the camper and lowered it into place as much as I could. I went back inside and stomped it down as much as I could, then ran a dremel oscillating tool between the old floor and new floor to trim a bit off so it would drop into place.

The floor was a very tight fit before, so I kept it that way. An 1/8" less and it would have dropped in like nothing, not sure what the negative effect of that would be.

I taped the wire harness as far up the wall as I could, and taped the taillight wires flat to the wall, also.

Some of my trouble was that the old floor was not level from the factory. I added extensions on the outside of the frame to support my water tanks (and leveled them when doing it), the floor ended up almost 3/8" higher in spots.

[KamperBob]

Thanks Jared. I'm ready to do some stomping.

[Borrego Dave]

Originally Posted by Jared J

They're watertight deck hatches from west marine. They're installed with 3m 5200. I roughed up the tanks. If that doesn't stick to the poly, I'll double the amount of screws and go to a foam rubber type gasket.

Hi Jared, I want to do the same thing on my tank. I've been on West Marine's website but could not find the hatches you used. Do you have a part number for them?
I've been lurking here for almost two years and have learned so much about these eggs. After reading 100's of posts so many of the members almost seem like family. I looked for two years for an egg. Being I live in the desert in Eastern San Diego county finding a good one was beginning to look like a long road trip. I lucked out and found a 2006 Casita 17 SD in perfect condition just 80 miles away. First trip next month yahoo.
BTW, your redo of you 5er is great.
Dave

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by Borrego Dave

I've been lurking here for almost two years and have learned so much about these eggs. After reading 100's of posts so many of the members almost seem like family.
Dave

About time you joined us Dave! Pictures?

[Jared J]

I can't figure out a direct link, but it's page 553 on here: West Marine eCatalogs

I used the 4" screw in ones. I would go clear lid if you're ordering. I was in the store, and they only had white, so I went with it.

I also think if I did it again, I would double the amount of screwholes for this purpose. I don't think they'll leak, one of these days I need to fill the tanks full and see.

[Borrego Dave]

Hi Donna, I was prepping today for adding the Fantastic Fan outside vent cover and found silicone all around the edge.....I thought of you
One question being I've never had this type of powered vent before or a Casita. How long of a rivit or screw can I use for attaching the mounting brackets for the cover without coming through the inside?

[Jared J]

I would measure from a point on the top of the vent to the top of the camper, and from the bottom of the vent to the bottom of the roof. then measure that distance on the vent...subtract the two, and you'll know. I would give myself some fudge factor, 1/4" or so.

[Jared J]

I added all led bulbs to the inside, much brighter.



I have a max air fan on order for it, and I'll be ordering ensolite for the back wall from trillium soon. It's about time to get back to working on it.

[Night Sailor]

Looks very nice Jared. I like the colors and patterns.

At some point is like to update my camper. The dinette is particularly hideous in my camper. I've been using towels to protect the seat bottoms.

I like the teal and the checkered pattern.. Nice contrast.

[Night Sailor]

Originally Posted by Jared J

I can't figure out a direct link, but it's page 553 on here: West Marine eCatalogs

I used the 4" screw in ones. I would go clear lid if you're ordering. I was in the store, and they only had white, so I went with it.

I also think if I did it again, I would double the amount of screwholes for this purpose. I don't think they'll leak, one of these days I need to fill the tanks full and see.

If you used 5200, it won't come off unless you heat it up with a torch. I would not worry about more screws. Fewer is probably better.

[Jared J]

Well, some idiot drained the lines, then forgot to winterize it...



I put a new filter housing and strainer housing in. I siliconed the pump diaphragm last year, since parts aren't available anymore. I figured I would put a new pump in now, in case it froze.



Hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to fill the system and find out how much other damage was done.

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by Jared J

Well, some idiot drained the lines, then forgot to winterize it...

.

it happens!!

[Borrego Dave]

Jared I always hate when the hands are in gear before the brain kicks in. I add them to my list of "lifes learning experiences".