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Forum
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RE: Black tank welding?
I replaced a black tank in a rebuild I did years ago, rather than repair the old one.
I went to my local RV parts store armed with the measurements I needed, and the hole locations.
They had a catalogue of generic tanks, with all the specs on them.
I picked the one I wanted, told them where to put the holes, and ordered it.
It fit perfectly.
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BobsYourUncle
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09/16/20 09:51pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Reverse shoulder operation
Best of luck to you, and yes, let's pray it can be fixed with minimal effort.
Do keep us posted.
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BobsYourUncle
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09/16/20 09:45pm |
RVing with Disabilities and General Health Issues
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RE: Reverse shoulder operation
Glad you are on the mend Bob. Do you know what he actually did to make the repair? I did not realize I torn mine completely off over a year ago that is why they shrunk. Apparently other muscles get stronger and compensate somewhat so I was still able to do pullups and any kind of pulling exercises. I just could not push anything over head or any other pushing exercises. Then about a month age I fell off my bike in soft sand and that tore the bicep tendon and pulled it out of joint when I put my arm down to break the fall. I have an appointment next wed to review options. The reverse shoulder seems very extreme that is why I asked here hoping there may be another option.
Thanks, yes I am on the mend for sure. I likely could have been further along, but I got lazy with my at home physio and exercise. I was actually very paranoid about re-tearing the muscles off again, so I was extremely careful not to overdo it.
Doctor told me that he used something to basically "rivet" them back onto the bone. Not an actual rivet, but something similar in concept. He told me that with the attachment to the bone, it would bond itself naturally over time, which it has done.
I was in a sling for 6 weeks with no use whatsoever of my shoulder. I could use my hand a bit at my side but no more.
It sounds like your injury is similar to mine, so perhaps the extreme "reverse shoulder" procedure may not be needed. Obviously, I am not a doctor and I am only guessing at that. We are all different. But it sounds like yours was done in a similar fashion. If it is just a case of muscles/tendons being torn off the bone, then the arthroscopic procedure used on me may suit you. Arthroscopic is a small incision where they insert the tools to perform the repair, rather than cutting things wide open. It heals faster too. I have 3 small scars where he went in.
My other muscles did indeed compensate, and I was still able to do a lot prior to surgery. I couldn't lift my arm over my head, but I could grab it with my left and drag it up there. Once above my head I could put a drill in my hand and use it, albeit with a lot of pain. Strange thing...
I was still working out at the gym after the injury. I refused to accept I was hurt I guess. I was ok pushing / pulling down low, as long as I didn't try extending my arm. With the injury I could still dead lift 245 with a straight bar, 265 with a trap bar. Not bad considering I was 65 when I had things fixed.
My muscles were badly atrophied before surgery, as they were torn right off and resting in the contracted position. But the doc was still able to stretch them out enough to reattach to the bone. I was nearly 4 years from the injury date to surgery, so they had lots of time to just sit there doing nothing.
I agree with the things Kevin is saying here too, sounds like he is educated in this problem too.
You are only a few years older than I am, you said you are active, so am I. I would try for the reattachment process before getting radical about it.
Recovery? Well, I have to admit, after surgery I had a dickens of a time. There was no comfort to be found in bed. As soon as I laid down, the aching set in. And it was miserable. Lots of pillows, sleep upright, try a recliner chair, I did it all. I took the meds they gave me once, only once. Opioids, and they put me into a stoned stupor. I did use Advil for the first couple weeks, then decided to tough it out. Drug free body, and I like it that way. Yes I suffered a lot at first. However, after a couple months passed I was able to sleep again with less discomfort. It's a process, you gotta go through some ugly times for the first while. But it does pass.
I am now pain free. My shoulder no longer sounds like a bowl of rice crispies when I move it. I am now glad I had it done, wasn't sure at first. The lack of living in pain makes it all worthwhile. I imagine I will be another while before I'm back to normal. I could exercise more..
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BobsYourUncle
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09/16/20 03:44pm |
RVing with Disabilities and General Health Issues
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RE: Reverse shoulder operation
After reading the info here, I see my situation does not apply to your query.
I went off a ladder a few years ago, (Dec 2015) put my arm out to stop the fall and I severely damaged my rotator cuff. According to the doctors there are 4 main tendons holding things together in there. I tore 3 of them, 2 completely off and a 3rd halfway through, plus one for my bicep that was not found until the surgery.
I didn't go to the doctor right away, being a typical male thinking it was just a minor sprain and it will heal itself... I was very wrong.
It never healed, only got worse to the point I could not do daily living functions with my right arm without a lot of pain. I finally went to the doctor in early 2018, seeking some relief from all the pain. It got so bad I couldn't even feed myself with my right arm, had to use my left. I had major trouble sleeping too from the constant heavy aching.
Mine was a work related injury, but WCB threw me under the bus and used every excuse to deny my claim, so I was on my own. Still had to work and make a living, that was tough.
I wound up at the Sports Medicine Center at the University of Calgary, and saw a totally amazing specialist there. He works on a lot of pro athletes so he really knows his stuff. Long wait for surgery, but I had it on Oct 30, 2019. Doc told me it was one of the worst damaged shoulders he has ever seen. He said it was a real mess and that he couldn't promise a successful repair, but would do his best. And do his best he did! He told me after that it was a complete success.
Fast forward to now, 10 1/2 months later, it is doing very well. I cannot lift my arm over my head yet, but it is coming along well, getting better all the time. Range of motion is still limited, but the pain is gone. I can function quite well again, just cannot lift anything over my head. My strength is returning, I can do things with my arm down lower, such as cranking my TT off the hitch.
I cannot say enough good about the surgeon at the U of C. He was amazing.
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BobsYourUncle
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09/16/20 08:57am |
RVing with Disabilities and General Health Issues
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RE: Reverse shoulder operation
Not sure what you mean by reverse shoulder operation. Can you explain?
I had shoulder surgery Oct 30 last year, but mine was to reattach 3 tendons torn off the bone.
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BobsYourUncle
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09/14/20 09:21pm |
RVing with Disabilities and General Health Issues
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RE: RV Water heater
Speaking for myself, I turn it off at night so I don't have to listen to it run.
Water will stay hot for quite a while, and still plenty warm in the morning.
I just flip the switch when I get up in the morning to make my first coffee and let it cycle.
The anode is not related to the sound it makes running.
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BobsYourUncle
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09/12/20 09:04am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Laptop Shuts Off
My old laptop started shutting down due to overheating. And it did it very soon after shooting up.
Put your hand on the bottom after it shuts down, check to see if it's hot.
On mine the fan heat sink on the CPU lost it's contact due to the thermal grease drying out and going away.
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BobsYourUncle
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09/03/20 06:41am |
Technology Corner
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RE: No Bumper -- Where do you store the sewage hose?
I guess I have no class, I just throw mine in a green garbage bag and put it in the storage compartment!
I have several slinkies, a couple with all the fittings and couplers along with the screw in deal for the CG hookup pipe.
The one in the bumper is only for dump stations where I gotta stick the hose down the pipe.
I like the plastic fence post idea, looks great! Good thinking. Another project for me, thanks.
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BobsYourUncle
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08/27/20 09:56pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Can I put my SIM card in other devices?
Today's technology is a lot more advanced and complicated than it was 10 - 15 years ago.
In my own experience, before smart phones, I used to do the SIM swap thing a lot with phones. My phone would die, I would get a used one off Craigslist, swap the SIM, done.
But I found with the tech advances that they now use the ESN for all devices. (Electronic Serial Number) In order to register the phone or similar on another system, such as what you describe here, they have to transfer the ESN along with the SIM.
Be it a phone or other internet capable device, the principle is all the same. Routers and other devices all have their own ESN and specific MAC address.
I quit doing it when it got to the point that I needed to call my carrier every time. It used to be a simple thing but now it isn't.
I am by no means an expert in this stuff, but can relate my own personal experience with the topic.
I think a lot of the refinements and restrictions now in place have to do with criminal activity, theft of smart phones, abuse of services and such things. The carriers all have clamped down on this, and want to keep you married to them and have total control over it all.
It goes a lot deeper than what I describe here.
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BobsYourUncle
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08/25/20 07:10am |
Technology Corner
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RE: Diesel Engine Runaway - 2005 Cummins
Thanks for the input everyone.
Never too old to learn new things.
I'll report back with the end result. Hope it is not too catastrophic.
Too bad, it was a really nice truck.
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BobsYourUncle
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08/23/20 12:31pm |
Tow Vehicles
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Diesel Engine Runaway - 2005 Cummins
Here is something I have never heard of in all my years of turning wrenches and fixing stuff.
Got a call, (multiple texts actually) from a close cousin yesterday. They had just got back from a nice time away camping with their small 5th wheel. No problems, truck is like new, runs perfect etc. 196,000 K (122,000 miles) Smaller trailer, nothing for a CTD to pull. They got home fine, parked and went about their business.
Next day her hubby started the truck up and in my cousins words, it blew up, filling the whole yard with white smoke, and the revs went up out of control. He shut the key off, but the engine kept running and racing, clouds of white smoke billowing out. Since it wouldn't shut off, he pulled it into drive and somehow managed to stall it out.
Wow! Just wow! What the heck?
She told me to Google search "Diesel Engine Runaway" I did, and read up on something I am totally unfamiliar with. What on earth could possibly be feeding unchecked fuel to the engine?
Has anyone ever experienced this? Or know anything about it?
Truck will be towed to a mechanic tomorrow for evaluation.
The concern here is the obvious, engine damage, but further than that other driveline damage, especially the transmission after dropping it into drive to stall the engine. Sad, the tranny was new when they bought the truck about 3 years ago from an older man, the original owner.
Any thoughts from my Cummins friends here or others?
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BobsYourUncle
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08/23/20 07:54am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: RV Crash
Looks like a bad case of separation anxiety...
Thankful the driver was not hurt. That's all that really matters.
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BobsYourUncle
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08/19/20 09:27pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: door lock won't open
Ack, no! Oil in a lock cylinder works temporarily but is a long term kiss of death. It attracts and traps dust which kills the lock in short order.
Locks should only ever be lubed with dry graphite.
Totally true on a properly functioning lock with no issues. I agree 100%
However, on a lock that will not open, and the intent is to get it to open one last time so it can be removed for replacement without destroying it, I would opt for thin penetrating oil to try to free it up. In this instance, thin oil will be a better choice.
If the OP can just get it to open, he won't have to drill it out and make a mess to remove the non functioning lock.
And yes, to all others, haul out the graphite! :)
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BobsYourUncle
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08/10/20 07:38pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: door lock won't open
As mentioned above try lubing it, squirt oil in the key slot. Use a light oil, even penetrating oil.
In addition to that try running the key in and out multiple times. It's possible that it could be gummed up in there and one of the pins is sticking.
Also, after oiling it, try tapping on the key cylinder with a small hammer or similar. This may dislodge a stuck pin if that's the problem.
Tap tap,tap, insert key multiple times tap tap tap, key in and out again.
Then try turning it. One stuck cylinder pin will prevent it from turning.
Fortunately, these door handles and lock systems are widely universal. Should be no problem finding a replacement if needed. Yours will likely fit my TT and the neighbors MH and everyone elses too.
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BobsYourUncle
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08/09/20 08:36pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Need input into newer GM D/A dually trucks
The Duramax used thru 2016 was the LML. In 2017 they started with a new Duramax called the L5P. The L5P uses a Denso fuel system instead of a Bosch system. The old Bosch CP4 injection pump had a bad reputation for failures on both Chevy and Ford diesels. When the pump went out it generally took the rest of the fuel system with it. I would much prefer a 2017 or newer with the Denso pump. The L5P also gained 80 hp and 250 lb ft.
I am also astounded at the kind of money people pay for trucks. I've been shopping for a new work truck myself as my 2005 that I bought new now has 270,000 miles on it. Mine is still doing quite well but I know I'll need a new one before long.
When I build a crew cab diesel dually cab and chassis truck with 4wd exactly like I want it the sticker is about $56,000. The price from the dealer is around $49,000. When I look at used trucks the majority of them 5 years old or so are going for more than I can buy a new one for. I can't for the life of me figure out what you add to a truck that's worth an extra $30,000 over what I'm specifying.
That's good to know about the pump, thanks. Good information. I had to put a pump on mine at around 300,000K. Expensive...
The price difference Canada vs US is a lot. I built one last year similar to mine, a few more options but not everything and it was 84G Cdn. Hard to justify.
Boggles my mind the price of used trucks.
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BobsYourUncle
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08/02/20 08:07am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Need input into newer GM D/A dually trucks
40,000+ snip
No, snip
Think he meant the new one. 4 years old and 160K kilometer's, which is, 40K klick's per year. I think he was thinking 160,000 miles per year.
That's only approx 24,000 miles, so not horrible. Little high. Probably still used for hauling.
Mike
Ah yes! Now I get it - Lol! I have to agree with you, thanks. Not enough coffee yet today! :)
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BobsYourUncle
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08/02/20 07:47am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Need input into newer GM D/A dually trucks
40,000+ miles a year? Sounds like it was used for hauling.
No, 14 years as of the 15th of this month and 403458K on it, or 250,697 miles.
That's 28,818 K per year, or 17,906 miles per year.
It has been my work truck since I bought it new Aug 15, 2006. Never used for hauling.
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BobsYourUncle
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08/02/20 07:21am |
Tow Vehicles
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Need input into newer GM D/A dually trucks
I am considering replacing my truck, it is getting old with over 403,000 K on the odometer. Reliability is waning a bit, stuff starting to break. (Truck in sig)
A lot of people say keep and fix it, as the LBZ was the best. But a vehicle gets to a point where things just start wearing out.
My old beast has been good, but 14 years as a dedicated work truck has taken its toll, even though I try to take care of it.
Are there any inherent problems with later model GM Duramax/Allison trucks? Any ones in the 2016 - 18 range I should be wary of? Any to stay away from?
I know the DEF system is a pain in the rear, but what about other issues?
I found a nice clean 2016 3500 D/A dually, loaded. 160,000 K on the odometer. I haven't contacted the seller yet, want to do my homework first. It is half the price of a new truck. 48G sticker.
Still astounds my how much used trucks go for....:E
Thanks. :)
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BobsYourUncle
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08/02/20 06:59am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Checking on Wheel Bearing Heat
Another vote for the temp gun.
I carry one at all times.
So simple to point the laser beam at the hubs and read the screen. I use it on tires too, including my inner dually.
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BobsYourUncle
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07/29/20 07:53am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Guess what happened to me today!
Well Mitch, that's downright creative of you!
Nice work, right down to the custom vent strips!
Nothing like a little roadside ingenuity!
I too have a rolling hardware store with me in my truck. I even have a 12' 6" brake up there and a roll of flat stock to make stuff with. And I've done many CG repairs for people over the years. Nothing like being prepared.
:)
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BobsYourUncle
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07/27/20 07:40pm |
General RVing Issues
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