Prairie Schooner modifications

[gbaglo]

I wouldn't risk my life delaying truckers at the provincial scales just west of Hope or at Surrey. There is a CAT scale at the Flying J just west of Hope. Never used it either.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I wouldn't risk my life delaying truckers at the provincial scales just west of Hope or at Surrey. There is a CAT scale at the Flying J just west of Hope. Never used it either.

The southbound scale on Highway 15 (176 Street) in Surrey is not a required stop for commercial vehicles, just a convenience for truck drivers if they want to check before crossing the border to the U.S. I've been in the area quite a bit - it is always turned on but rarely used, and so it is not difficult to go through and get a set of weight readings without delaying anyone.

Other scales in B.C. and Alberta are only open as inspection stations for limited hours, and most are left turned on and usable all the time, again so that drivers can check their vehicles. Again, when not open and requiring commercial traffic to stop, they're not busy.

Long ago I called Alberta's agency which runs the highway scales, and asked if it was okay for recreational vehicle drivers to use the scales. The officer who answered said that they were paid for by taxpayers to provide a public service, and we were certainly welcome to use them.


Also... who do you think drives trucks? They're working people like the rest of us, and they're always on a schedule, but I'm not concerned that one minute of delay will drive them to homicide!

[gbaglo]

I thought you were referring to the Nordel Inspection Station and weigh scale on Highway 91 which is extremely busy. Wasn't aware of the 176 scale. Even so, it takes more than a minute to unhitch the trailer on the scale, drive off the scale, get the weight and rehitch.

[Zardoz]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

Great to hear some feedback on the Bora, Rich. That was one at the top of the list. I guess it is common in some boats to have a few of these to help combat condensation with air circulation. I have to wonder if one in the dinette area might be nice. I guess this all could be done later anyway.

As a plus, they're made in Canada!

[Zardoz]

Originally Posted by padlin

Darn, did it again. There are 2 110v outlets there and the antenna/amp if you have the Jack. No 12v outlets, although there is 12v going to the antenna/amp. The invoice says Jack antenna and 120v for TV Ready. So I guess if you don't get TV ready there is no 120v there.

The closest 12v outlet is next to the door on the loft side.

So much for saving $50. Sorry.

No worries; I've got 11 months to save up the $50.

[Greg A]

Oregon scales used to be left operational 24/7 if you're going that way. We would pull in after hours enroute and weigh. Nice digital readouts, no fees.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Greg A

Oregon scales used to be left operational 24/7 if you're going that way. We would pull in after hours enroute and weigh. Nice digital readouts, no fees.

Good to know.
That's the same as (almost all) government scales in British Columbia and Alberta.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I thought you were referring to the Nordel Inspection Station and weigh scale on Highway 91 which is extremely busy.

Good point - some scales are very busy, and some are open long hours... but I don't think that any are busy when they're not open for inspections.

The southbound Highway 15 / 176 Street (south of 8 Ave) location is interesting because it is just a scale, with no inspection station. Across the street and a couple of blocks south (south of 4 Ave) is a regular inspection station with scale, for northbound traffic... I wouldn't use that one.

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Even so, it takes more than a minute to unhitch the trailer on the scale, drive off the scale, get the weight and rehitch.

Yes, but I wouldn't unhitch on the scale. I drive through with the trailer and get a reading for each axle (and for the tug in total, and I would do the trailer axles together as well with a tandem), in under a minute. I measure tongue weight separately at home, but if looking to calculate tongue weight, or get a trailer total, just unhitch in the parking area out of the way of the scale and take the tug alone through the scale.

(Total of tug and trailer) - (tug alone) = (total trailer weight)
(Total of tug's axles with trailer attached) - (tug alone) = (trailer tongue weight)

The tongue weight calculation doens't work if using a weight-distributing hitch.

[cpaharley2008]

Reminder to those winterizing, remember the fresh water pressure release, this allows the antifreeze to enter the valve as well as squirt ll over your pants. I also installed some reflectix behind the front window cover as that window is not thermal. Hyper mesh under the bed and reflectix around the bed perimeter.

[cpaharley2008]

I installed a exterior step light mounted to my exterior factory light which I had mounted below the belly band to keep the light less obtrusive. The step light shines down on the step and is controlled by the interior light switch which also controls the factory light but itself can be turned off/on independently.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Reminder to those winterizing, remember the fresh water pressure release, this allows the antifreeze to enter the valve as well as squirt ll over your pants.

For anyone new to winterizing, Doug did a great write-up and pictures HERE about releasing the fresh water pressure: http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f9...alve-2864.html

[cpaharley2008]

Inside I mounted 2 led strips under the bed for illumination...

[cpaharley2008]

I continue to connect some LEDs under the kitchen lower cabinets, I installed some vents to allow air and light to transmit.....with the doors closed perfect for night time vision.

[cpaharley2008]

Finally, something you do not see on the newer models, black streaks are not present due to the new style frameless windows.

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

For anyone new to winterizing, Doug did a great write-up and pictures HERE about releasing the fresh water pressure: http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f9...alve-2864.html

Since I pump anti-freeze into the system through the city water inlet, I figure I could skip releasing water from the valve, because it would have been replaced with anti-freeze.

[cpaharley2008]

I use the EZ-winterizing option using the on board pump and there was some water before the antifreeze spits out..

[J Mac]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Since I pump anti-freeze into the system through the city water inlet, I figure I could skip releasing water from the valve, because it would have been replaced with anti-freeze.

I use the same pump and couldn't be happier with how easy it is to use.

[MyronL]

Now think I'm going to do some aux red lighting for down near my door.

[Steve Clark]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Finally, something you do not see on the newer models, black streaks are not present due to the new style frameless windows.

Those certainly are clean, good looking windows Jim. Great Look!

[skiman]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Reminder to those winterizing, remember the fresh water pressure release, this allows the antifreeze to enter the valve as well as squirt ll over your pants. I also installed some reflectix behind the front window cover as that window is not thermal. Hyper mesh under the bed and reflectix around the bed perimeter.

Jim,

Are you talking about the valve where the fresh water hose connects to the trailer?