What did you do for your Escape today.....

[cpaharley2008]

WE have 4 cats and probably a dozen of these at any time. Great idea. I hate throwing/recycling them away, they are so sturdy, I use them for electrical cord storage, excess dry dog food storage, bird seed storage and just plain water bucket for washing the cars.

[Vermilye]

I installed a Micro-Air Easy Start on my 11,000 BTU Penguin II air conditioner. I purchased it from Hutch Mountain (who makes a decent propane conversion kit & accessories for Honda generators). I like that they put the regulator on the propane tank end rather than bolting it to the generator.

Good on line instructions, as well as a bunch of YouTube videos. Instructions for the Dometic family of ACs,

YouTube Video for the Penguin II.

Put FATE in the coupon box when checking out & you save $15.00.

No compressor start up "thunk" anymore. In fact, during the 5 start/stop learning process, the only way I could tell the compressor was starting was by watching the current on the EMS. Quieter starts, and improved running on small generators.

[Ronn]

Originally Posted by padlin

I got a set of bed side steps similar to yours on my F150 when I ordered it. Don't use them much but they are handy to have when you need em, especially with the 8' bed. After 8 years and 100k they no longer come out at the touch of the foot like they used to. Guess it needs new cylinders, but as tugging it a bit works I'm alright with them.

Our F150 has the side steps as well, I like them and do use them regularly. After fighting their operation last year I cleaned them up and used this silicone spray. So far no problems operating them now.

I also have the tailgate step, had I bought new I would never have ordered the side steps nor tailgate step, but I would now after having them.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by padlin

After 8 years and 100k they no longer come out at the touch of the foot like they used to. Guess it needs new cylinders, but as tugging it a bit works I'm alright with them.

Same brand? Because mine doesn't have any cylinders. The operating principle is a spring pushing on an over centered lever. I could see in a few years that maybe a shot of cleaning and lube might be needed but there's no cylinder to fail.

Ron

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

WE have 4 cats and probably a dozen of these at any time. Great idea. I hate throwing/recycling them away, they are so sturdy, I use them for electrical cord storage, excess dry dog food storage, bird seed storage and just plain water bucket for washing the cars.

I have a friend with a restaurant and strangely enough his olives come in the exact same bucket. I'll grab one today. Wouldn't want anyone seeing the cat litter one and thinking that I must be a cat lover and proceed to tell me about the greatest cat video they just watched on youtube.

A very sturdy bucket and the lid clamps on very securely. An important aspect considering it's intended use.

Ron

[Greg A]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

I have a friend with a restaurant and strangely enough his olives come in the exact same bucket. I'll grab one today. Wouldn't want anyone seeing the cat litter one and thinking that I must be a cat lover and proceed to tell me about the greatest cat video they just watched on youtube.

A very sturdy bucket and the lid clamps on very securely. An important aspect considering it's intended use.

Ron

Not to mention you probably don't want to be seen dumping a cat litter bucket in questionable spots.
Cool step up for the F-150...

[cpaharley2008]

These things are versatile and strong, you can stand on them, sit on them stack them 2 high for floor space saving

[Dave Walter]

Decided to retire my FJ and purchased a new 4Runner which will be used for towing my Escape trailers. Seems a bit high tech compared to what I am used to, but I guess you don't really have much choice anymore about whether all of the electronics crap is included with your purchase. Have not tried it out towing yet but will likely be doing so in the coming weeks.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Dave Walter

Decided to retire my FJ and purchased a new 4Runner which will be used for towing my Escape trailers. Seems a bit high tech compared to what I am used to, but I guess you don't really have much choice anymore about whether all of the electronics crap is included with your purchase. Have not tried it out towing yet but will likely be doing so in the coming weeks.

Beautiful 4 runner Dave ! Think you will love it ! Pat

[cpaharley2008]

I'm sorry I got rid of my FJ, but the Forerunner is a great replacement.

[Dave Walter]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

I'm sorry I got rid of my FJ, but the Forerunner is a great replacement.

Well, it didn't leave the family entirely. My oldest son has taken the FJ so I may still see it occasionally.

[Dave Walter]

Originally Posted by Patandlinda

Beautiful 4 runner Dave ! Think you will love it ! Pat

Of all the cars and trucks that I have owned, the FJ has easily been my favorite. It was actually really hard to give it up. So far, the 4Runner does not seem to live up to the appeal that the FJ had, but I am hoping that it will grow on me with time. I looked at many other alternatives to the 4Runner and I had even less enthusiasm for other options, so the 4Runner won out. Maybe I just need to put some big aggressive tires on the 4Runner, a small lift kit, and one of these TRD Pro roof racks (which will make it look more like an FJ), and it is sure to have more appeal.

[padlin]

The new Bronco looks pretty cool, once it comes out.

[NEWYORKHILLBILLY]

Originally Posted by Dave Walter

Decided to retire my FJ and purchased a new 4Runner which will be used for towing my Escape trailers. Seems a bit high tech compared to what I am used to, but I guess you don't really have much choice anymore about whether all of the electronics crap is included with your purchase. Have not tried it out towing yet but will likely be doing so in the coming weeks.

Like the looks of that 4 runner. I look forward to the tow report. Been thinking maybe next year getting into a 4 runner.

[Ronn]

Apparently in the past the screen door on the Gen 2 Escapes had a knob for the screen door "window". Our little window in the screen door needed extra attention when closing in order to line up with it's slot when we closed the little plastic window. At the 2019 Mississippi I saw a factory knob on Traverson's 2018 trailer.

I added a knob onto ours and it is an improvement when using the little "window". When the bugs are out, we use it to pass items in and out. The knobs are floor protectors I picked up at Home Depot. I cut a small V for the raised area on the inside knob.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Dave Walter

Of all the cars and trucks that I have owned, the FJ has easily been my favorite. It was actually really hard to give it up. So far, the 4Runner does not seem to live up to the appeal that the FJ had, but I am hoping that it will grow on me with time. I looked at many other alternatives to the 4Runner and I had even less enthusiasm for other options, so the 4Runner won out. Maybe I just need to put some big aggressive tires on the 4Runner, a small lift kit, and one of these TRD Pro roof racks (which will make it look more like an FJ), and it is sure to have more appeal.

Dave the rack would look great for sure I hear you on the FJ my youngest has a very low mileage one she lives close to the hospital she works at , she is a RN It is a 2014 and I keep trying to talk her out of it No luck she loves it too much !
We always will remember our favorites , change is hard . Ask me with my old girl 1992 but if I need to change I will have too Pat

[dfandrews]

Well, today I got around to dealing with the loose screws on our 17A first generation's exterior door (aircraft style).
During our last trip, I found that the 3 screws holding the top hinge to the door had come loose. I tightened them, and then they were again loose when we got home.
So, today I replaced them with through bolts and elastic stop nuts (w/nylon inserts). I used #10-32 flathead bolts: (1) 3" long and (2) 1¼" long. I also used my go-to caulk, Dynaflex 230, on the back of the hinge, and at screw heads and on the inside at backs of washers.
I just had to drill out the holes to 3/16", insert bolts, and fasten. The two shorter ones just cleared any interference with the door gaskets or door frame. (whew!).


P.S.: those are almost 5 year old hinges, with Aero303 used as the protective coating. They're looking good, with no signs of corrosion.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by dfandrews

Well, today I got around to dealing with the loose screws on our 17A first generation's exterior door (aircraft style).
During our last trip, I found that the 3 screws holding the top hinge to the door had come loose. I tightened them, and then they were again loose when we got home.
So, today I replaced them with through bolts and elastic stop nuts (w/nylon inserts). I used #10-32 flathead bolts: (1) 3" long and (2) 1¼" long. I also used my go-to caulk, Dynaflex 230, on the back of the hinge, and at screw heads and on the inside at backs of washers.
I just had to drill out the holes to 3/16", insert bolts, and fasten. The two shorter ones just cleared any interference with the door gaskets or door frame. (whew!).


P.S.: those are almost 5 year old hinges, with Aero303 used as the protective coating. They're looking good, with no signs of corrosion.

You were very lucky with the finish on the hinges . Must of had good plating . We tried everything no luck for us the Stainless look as new as the day I installed . Hopefully you won’t have anymore issues with your door . I felt the door could maybe crack the fiberglass , reason I didn’t go that route . Found many thin area’s working on the trailer including the roof . The. Best fiberglass was bottom front corner on the trailer . Adding the washers and sealant should help . Pat

[dfandrews]

Originally Posted by Patandlinda

...... Hopefully you won’t have anymore issues with your door . I felt the door could maybe crack the fiberglass , reason I didn’t go that route . Found many thin area’s working on the trailer including the roof . The. Best fiberglass was bottom front corner on the trailer . Adding the washers and sealant should help . Pat

Pat,
I started with the single long hole, by drilling a smaller exploratory diameter hole. It went through some interior wood, then spalled upon exit of the interior fiberglass. I took care of that with a countersink bit. Then, enlarged the hole to the full 3/16" dia., and got smooth edges.
The two smaller holes went through only plastic/fiberglass, as near as I could tell. No spalling!! Yea!
I have noticed a variation in thicknesses here and there around the trailer, but nothing that alarmed me.

Like Ross mentioned the other day, I think I got a trailer that was built in the middle of the week, 'cause it all works fine.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by dfandrews

Pat,
I started with the single long hole, by drilling a smaller exploratory diameter hole. It went through some interior wood, then spalled upon exit of the interior fiberglass. I took care of that with a countersink bit. Then, enlarged the hole to the full 3/16" dia., and got smooth edges.
The two smaller holes went through only plastic/fiberglass, as near as I could tell. No spalling!! Yea!
I have noticed a variation in thicknesses here and there around the trailer, but nothing that alarmed me.

Like Ross mentioned the other day, I think I got a trailer that was built in the middle of the week, 'cause it all works fine.

Sounds Good Don ! I have some of the samples but it means nothing to anyone else or their trailers guess we were just unlucky but that was really the driving force of why I did what I did but really glad you caught the loose door before it got damaged . You addressed it that is what is important ! Pat