GR8ADV
Explorer
Whoa. Say it ain't so.
Ken, does everything work on the truck now? Gauges, electronics, air system, mechanical bits, plumbing, etc.? Tires, alignment, suspension, steering still good? Anything different from when you got it except the tent and top of bed structure? Thanks.
I know, it just seems wrong doesn't it. THE Adventure Vehicle as my wife calls it, really needs to be a part of the Portal. I am willing to consider offers to keep it home, but there just does not seem to be the interest from members at this time. I would expect it to move on a national market place, but I hear you, it would be a shame.
Regading the vehicle, I have only put about 8,000 miles on her, mostly on the highway getting to cool places. No significant 'off road'. Tires are perfect. All systems are better than ever (literally) after the re-wiring, clean-up and regrounding up front. I have also added a functioning and much larger 1500w inverter. It is also now correctly wired with an inline fuse and is away from the battery in the bed tucked behind the storage units. Not only does it now function, it will now run our espresso machine! The back up camera is now commercial grade and has several open ports for multiple cameras if the owner wishes. I also provided direct cut off switches to the back up camera and the Lowarance GPS as these were responsible for small battery drains even when 'turned off'. I have installed a battery tender connection for the front battery and a disconnect for the rear. As you are aware there is a plug in to charge the rear battery from a 120 source. Two new high end batteries replaced the existing ones. I was very surprised to see that the propane fittings were air fittings and not gas fittings; these have been replaced. Also I now have the correct fittings to the propane stove. I bypassed the water around the water filter, as (being in the industry) the way it was plumbed was a stomach problem waiting to happen. It was also not feasible to drain it properly for cold climates. It is no longer an issue.
Basically Mike, it has been used on a few overland and off the grid trips, one as long as two weeks. During these trips I was able to really sort it out and get it to a place where it all functions extremely well for extended travel. I am actually amazed that two of us could go off the grid for over a week and still have enough fresh meat and veggies etc with no worries. We even made our own ice with the fridge. With the raised bed and the roof rack one now has more than enough storage space for chairs, the annex room, tarps, firewood or whatever, without using the rear seats for storage room. With the added clearance of the channel beams, one can also remove the tent and place any Thule/Yakima rack for ski's, bikes, boxes etc in place to make the truck more versitile than ever. The beams can be easly removed with 4 bolts if someone wants to as well. The annex room is a huge benefit for privacy and protected space from wind and weather. And it is really nice for disrobing at night without having to do it in the tent. And lastly ( I think), I have a never used shady boy awning sitting in the garage waiting for me to mount it off the rear as a final touch to protect the cooking area from rain. (we get that here ya know).
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