BEER30

Ahhh , just set out a couple of Claymores around the perimeter of the scoot ! Just sit back and hold your !!!! BEER30

I'll let you know Saturday afternoon ! Going to take the day off and go fishing in a tournament to benefit the USO . There will be many waves to choose from offshore . If any of them are better than others , then I will be surfing ! So hold your breathe until Saturday when I return to answer your question . :rasberry: BEER30

I have used a type of connector that looks like a set of pig tails . It has 1 male side and 2 female connectors . They can be had at any auto parts store and Wally-World . I use it when I use my video camera . 1 side connects to a 12v/110v converter to power my camera and the other feeds the lipstick camera which mounts on top of my helmet . I use a piece of shock-cord (bungee) to secure wires . Power converter velcros onto the res. . All the extra wires fit into my windshield bags . BEER30

When you get a weather alert , browse on over the the larger XM weather map (you may have to zoom in some to see it). The alert will highlight the county that it is issued in . Move the cursor over that highlighted county and a tag will appear to explain what the alert is about . If you are not in the county that the alert was issued , you will get that "No Alert Found" message . BEER30

What you were ost likely referring to is the MCI chassis . They are made more for commercial use such as the Bus line service . Build like a tank in some aspects . What limits it has for some is the ability for slide-outs , however there are companies that provide that service to fabricate them . I have seen some that start out cheap . but suddenly run into the 800K or higher after all said and done . But still economical for the bare basic RV'r . BEER30

Becky and I started looking about 2 years ago coming home from the Asheville Rally . It first started by pulling into a RV store just to get out of the heat and a Pee-Stop . But just to amuse the saleman , we looked at the RV . The Leprechaun caught our eye and it was a Class C . But if I were to get a RV , it would be a Class A . Though we were just taking a break and looked at a few RV , the thought stuck into our heads for future prospects . Since then , Becky and I stop at just about every RV store along our path . Been to numerous RV shows as well . Everyone has their sales pitch and to why their brand is the best . Well like some have said , there are so many . The decision whether you buy used or new . Used my be getting into someones else's headache , or it could be a trade-in or re-po . Many up-grade to a bigger RV as the first was not big enough or have all the extras that they really needed . Used , the prices have already discounted the depreciation . New , the value depreciated as soon as you drive it off the lot . Then you wander , what will it cost me for repairs on a used unit if I were to break down ? There are many RV insurance policies that cover you from bumper to bumper . Question is is how much do you want to pay for such varieties of coverages . New , you have warranties , but some say that your spend much time going back to the dealer to get all the bugs worked out of it , were the used RV have already have ad the bugs fixed . Decisions , decisions . Every RV has common fixtures that are the same among all RV's . Floorplans vary , so take your pick . What you intend to do with the RV is YOUR preference , so do not expect much help from others as every has different tastes . Becky and I want pass thru storage , diesel pusher , plenty of cabinet space , W/D , residential refer , sat TV , and plenty of bathroom necessities . As the male figure , the mechanical , TV , BEER cooler , BBQ grill , and all the out side fixtures is what I concentrate on . I'm leaning the the SPARTAN chassis as for the number of air bags , steering , drive train , under coach storage , other factors over all the other chassis available . I will settle for the Freight Liner as a second choice . Becky on the other hand needs the womans touch more so toward the interior . She like the bath and 1/2 , therefore it limits us to lean toward the tag axle without giving up the living room space . We are still looking to the day that we finally decided to break the bank . We are leaning to buying new , but also open to buy used if need be . Our taste is more toward luxury over the toy hauler . They make trailers to pull the bike in or even an additional Smart Car for rainy days . Talking to numerous RVist at RV shows , many already have 50 amp service on their RV or a computer inside the RV to limit 30 amp conversion . It also depend whether you boon dock , shore power , or generator . There are numerous resources one can research to plan ahead of campsite ahead . Also checkout the Bureau of Land Management , lots of free campsites off the beaten path . Planning is the key to detour any complications of finding a place to pull over and being denied due to your size and power needs . As Becky and I have explored numerous brand and models , the Tiffin Phaeton 42QBH or the 40 QTH MH is the one which now give the WOW factor . We feel that for the price , we are getting more for the buck and it meets the majority of what we are looking for . I have also received a multitude of positive feed-back as to the positive attitude of how the manufacturer stands behind their products . I personally met Bob Tiffin , owner of Tiffin MH and he offered to give me his personal home phone number if I needed to call him . Their plant is in Red Bay , Al , so it is only a lttle over an hour for you ECK ! And they have plant tours during the weekdays to either go see them or yuor own MH being built . Any custom work that you may want , you can arange the workers to do after hours . Like I said Becky and I are leaning towards the Phaeton and I frequent this forum to learn more about this RV . Till the day that we buy , Becky and I will still continue toresearch as many RV as we can . We only want to buy once if all possible to get the right one the first time . BEER30

Enough ...Enough ....You two get a room ! :stirthepot: Seriously , glad no one was hurt . I know how that feels to fall . When I lived in AK , we finished a 4 story condo . Laying the last sheet of plywood on the unfinished roof , I decided to cut a few holes for the plumber . It was in the dead middle of winter , snowed 3' that previous night on the roof where we worked on it the day before (unfinished) . Even-though I was wearing logging corks , I slipped and fell 4 stories . Lucky for me, I bounced from one roof top to another as the condo had multiple roof levels . Landed on the ground and missed some unfinished concrete work that had re bar sticking straight upwards .That would definitely had been a bad day if land 6" to the left from where I did land . BEER30

I was just about to mention undercoating or bedliner from a rattle can myself , but ya beat me to it . By the way , have you hooked up the trailer light (HOPPY) connector yet ? BEER30

These days you do not even have to own a bike . I seen a lot of Cages with HD stickers plastered on the back rear window . I have asked many of them as either stopped at a red light or in the parking lot as to which model they own . Most reply , "I do not own one yet , But maybe when I get rich enough one day I will !" . You will not believe how many times I have heard this . I guess it makes you a "Somebody" just to have that sticker now on your rear window of a Cage . Go figure ...........:doh: BEER30

Some have asked me on how I built the BEERCART . I searched through my photos and was able to come up with these . I may have more , but these should explain enough . First I started with the floor , made of 7/16" OSB plywood . I built a box and ribs of same material . While constructing the internal box and ribs , I used screws to fasten them together and also made in such a way that when the time came , I could take apart and remove after I fiberglassed the body . In this first 4 photos , I had already laid the floor , constructed the inner framework and ribs . I then laid layers of 1/2 foam board on which I cut into widths that would maintain a thickness that when I sanded/molded , it would still hold it's rigidity . I used Elmer's glue and 3" drywall screws to secure the layers . I used a belt sander with 50 grit and a larger wasp to shape the mold . http://www.meangene.us/beercart/MCT1.jpg http://www.meangene.us/beercart/MCT2.jpg http://www.meangene.us/beercart/MCT3.jpg In these next photos , I needed to be able to maneuver the mold to work around . So I placed a pipe through the mold to form an axis and made a stand to form a rotisserie likeness to spin the mold to work much easier . Also at the time of when the photos were taken , I had already proceeded to my next step in the mold shaping of finer lines at which I used drywall compound to smooth out the body lines and to define the shape of the BEERCART . There was a large amount of hand sanding at this stage ! http://www.meangene.us/beercart/MCT6.jpg http://www.meangene.us/beercart/MCT8.jpg http://www.meangene.us/beercart/MCT9.jpg http://www.meangene.us/beercart/MCT10.jpg The pictures show above is what I believe was the funnest of all the steps it took to build the BEERCART . Because at this time I was able to express on how I wanted the BEERCART to become . It was also a challenge not only to form the mold , but to balance each side to mirror itself . Although I know that I did not exactly match each side to be a perfect match from one side to the other , I know I got pretty darn close for a homemade project . Now I did not get photos of the next step , but I can explain it to you very simply . After I finished "all" the modeling , I used latex house paint to paint the mold on which I used at least 2 heavy coats of paint . For the reason of that fiberglass resin would dissolve the foam that I used to make the mold . This paint became a barrier between the chemical reaction which would occur such as pouring gasoline in a Stryo-foam cup . After the paint dried , I applied a generous coat or 2 of Turtle Wax . This became the release agent that would allow me to take the mold apart after fiberglassing . We do not want the fiberglass to bond with the mold , as we will be removing the mold eventually . Fiberglassing : There are numerous websites that will show you what you need and how to apply . I was fortunate to have some experience and also help from a friend whom builds boats . On the BEERCART , I used multiple layers of fiberglass matting and cloth . I applied the fiberglass in strips and layers to eventually form an 1/4" wall throughout the construction . In some places I either applied more for bracing and/or sheer strength . Here is a photo after we glassed the BEERCART and removed the mold . It has a greenish tint to it because of the Turtle Wax we used as a release agent . http://www.meangene.us/beercart/MCT11.jpg Removing the mold . ; After we glassed the BEERCART , I started unfastening the inner box , then the ribs , and then prying out the foam .. Then I used sandpaper to scuff up and remove the release agent and wipe away with an acetone rag . After we removed any of the waxes from the release agent , we started on filling and body work . Filling ad sanding , filling and sanding until we gained a smooth prime finish . http://www.meangene.us/beercart/MCT12.jpg Meanwhile and to take a break from the bodywork , I started on the trailer frame . I used thick wall 2"x2" aluminum square tubing . I did a layout on plywood , then cut the tubing to match the layout . I used 500 lb torsion axles on the BEERCART . After all the cutting , we weld the aluminum tubing . It took me 45 minutes to cut the frame pieces and 3 hours of welding . http://www.meangene.us/beercart/MCT13.jpg After the frame was all welded , we went back to the body . Just like in the auto repair body shop , we prepped the BEERCART , primed and then painted . We finally assembles the frame and body and then added accents , lights , mags/tires , undercoating , and other bells and whistles . http://www.meangene.us/beercart/MCT16.jpg http://www.meangene.us/beercart/MCT20.jpg To say to this date , the BEERCART is still not finished . I am constantly adding new bells and whistles . I added a linear actuator with remote to open the hatch this past summer . I plan on adding an extra fuel cell to help extend my range . Wife says I still need to add the satellite dish and Mailbox ! The BEERRCART is 45" wide , 6' long with 3' tongue . Weighs approx 190 lbs dry and pull great . I have pulled it approx 33 K so far without any issues other than having to reposition my load now and then . Total cost in materials have run me an estimated $900.00 and about 5/6 months of fun in labor . But keep in mind that I did get a few Good Buddy deals along the way . I may have missed a few step explaining the process in building the BEERCART , but I think you can fill in the voids . If not ask away , will be more than happy to explain . BEER30 .

And do not forget the Candles and Adult Beverages ! Bummer that you cannot pay by the hour though . Ahh , those BOUNCE Back weekends ! BEER30

I'm about to take my scoot to the dealer for warranty . I had to go out of town on business last weekend . I locked my shorty helmet and wallet in the saddle bag . Nothing was binding on the lid .When I came out to unlock the lid to get my helmet out , it would not open . Button pressed all the way in and no un-hooky ! I was out of the loop as far as getting any help . So I had no recourse but to jerk the lid open . I tore the screw tabs where the latch was secured too . I sat there after I got the bag open and inspected the latches . Internal parts were laying in the bottom of the cover of the lid . I had put the latch back together , but do not want this to happen again . I have already talked to one of the salesperson of my dealer and told her about my mishap . She told me she has heard of this before and said I should have no problem getting it fixed/replaced under warranty . My concern is that I do not want to have another key to worry about . I already have a locksmith on standby ! BEER30

I plan on installing an aux tank in the near future . I plan on placing the aux on the trailer . I have several options . One is to build an aluminum 3 or 4 gal tank and mount it under the BC in the frame work with fuel fill port and vent . 2nd is that I have a fuel bladder from a Zodiac , which is Coast Guard approved and is Black in color . It has the DOT/CG stamp on it clearly visible , so let the gas attendant B**CH all they want . Either way , I will have a fuel pump to pump into the main tank . I think I will run my main tank out before I touch my aux tank . Having to many shut off/bypass valves to deal with while moving in traffic may not be a good alternative . I'm going to look into using a one way check valve and look into piping it into the overflow on the main tank . This way , I will not need to worry about other valves while on the move . Now for a coupling between the trailer and scoot . There is a Quick Release coupling that is made for break away emergency situations . It is costly , but you yourself can out way the importance of such an incident , so I will not go into detail about it . Boat connections are good if the aux tank in on the scoot . A run away trailer is something else . Now for the reason I wish to have an aux tank . I stop about every 100-120 miles to stretch the legs , inspect the scoot , top off with hopefully fresh/good fuel and let the wife have a smoke . I also sometimes ride with groups that like to run till empty . Pulling a trailer at high speed consumes more fuel than scoots without trailers . Mostly HD guys and I hate to hear them cry because they have to pull over and waite for another to top off with fuel . With extra fuel to extend me to the next fuel stop with die hard fume sniffers , I do not have to hear them snivel anymore . And also in the case the gas stops are far and few between , I can extend my travels . Also it's nice to have extra fuel to help out another biker stranded on the side of the road if need be . BEER30

Bill , Yes , after the BC was built , the mold was destroyed . Now that's not to say that one can make a mold after the project is completed . I was thinking at one time to put one of our employee's husband whom helped me on the BC to make more as a business . But ran out time extra time to do so . What we would have done was smear a release agent , apply another layer or two of glass over the BC . Make the mold in several parts so it could disassembled after the glass was sprayed by a chopper gun . Then the mold be taken apart and WaLa , another BC . We almost started making trailers , but thought about the DOT regulations , titles , and liability crap that came with it . So we decided not to do so . I have photos located somewhere of the making of the BC . I'll have to locate them and repost . BEER30

" Mommy , What is Cold ?" BEER30

No Charlie , I do not need a chauffeur to drive me around in my boat . Nice try though ! But I do need someone to replace myself at the end of the day scrubbing the toilets . Dirty job , butt someone has to do it . All jokes aside , Charlie you are more than Welcome to come visit for the winter . BEER30

Well I built the BEERCART with plans right out of my head . No drawing , no plans , No kits . My most important attribute was "Visualization" . Seeing it in my head .....believe it or not ! If you can visualize it , you pretty much got it licked . Ok now , you know what you want and know how it will look like . If you suffer CRS , then write/draw it down on paper . Now I can only tell you on what I did making the BEERCART . But I will admit that I had some experience with forming fiberglass/molds by watching my dad build boats when I was a kid , so this is old school . I first started off by laying down the floor of the BC . 1/2 plywood , then making an inner box that could be disassembled by using blocks and screws . This inner box was smaller than the opening of the top/door . From the inner box , I cut out ribs and fastened them in numerous locations . Some ribs were smaller , different shapes , but they carried the lines to what I wanted to establish on the outside shape of things to come . Spacing numerous ribs spaced about 12-16" apart worked well for me , but may vary upon projects . I built the mold on a rotisserie like stand so I can rotate the BC as I am working on it . I then looked at the foams that were designed for fiberglass . They are expensive to say the least . So I used the 1/2" blue foam used to insulate house siding . Now keep in mind , fiberglass resin will dissolve this foam like gas in a Styrofoam cup . I will explain what I did later to cure this . By cutting the foam into strips , layering them , I started stacking them on top of one another forming a thicker wall in between the ribs . Using Elmer's glue and some 3" drywall screws occassionally, I layered the side walls allowing the foam to stick out further as I will be cutting/forming it later . After I completed all the foam placing , I used a belt sander with 50 grit and a wraps to start forming the shape of what I wished it to be . I sanded to the point to where I sanded down to where the foam was cut down to the ribs . Using a straight edge or by sight , I sanded to where I was satisfied . You do not have to be perfect or extremely smooth at this point , as we have one other step to do to define the lines . Once we have sanded the foam , we will not get all the line perfect . Such as the flares on the wheel well of the BC for example . You will not get the fine line , so will do another type of forming using drywall compound . Now you ask , "Why drywall compound ? " . Well , it's cheap , it can be busted up , and it can be dissolved in water , and it's like clay ....easy to mold . Using the drywall compound , I started to form the fine lines , flares and to dress it up . You want to cover ALL of the foam , filling in the pits , holes , and also to balance the side in shape equally . You will have to apply the drywall compound in thin layers , or you will get cracking as it dries , so take your time . After sanding , shaping as if you were doing Bondo work or forming clay to where you are satisfied with the shape , then it is time to start with the next step . Remember I mentioned that the fiberglass resin will dissolve the foam like gas in a Styrofoam cup ? Well we will paint the project with some old latex house paint . The paint will become a barrier and not allow the resin to burn the foam , plus we have a layer of drywall compound as well . You might have several old gallons of it in the garage ! Oils or water base paint , it does not matter , but I prefer water base as it is easier to remove later on . We will need to apply at least several thick coats to cover the project with a paint roller . After the paint dries , check you lines , fill them in if needed . You still do not have to be exactly perfectly smooth as that will be the task when you do the fiberglassing body work . Once you are satisfied , I used 2 cans of Turtle Wax paste to rub onto the BC . This is a release agent . Will not allow the fiberglass to stick to the project and will make it easier to remove the mold later on . Now the fiberglassing . I used multiple layers , using 1-2 .oz matting and cloth . Applying them in overlaying pattern , alternating between matting and cloth . My intention was to apply a 1/4" thick wall evenly all around the BC . In some places where I needed more strength , I applied ribs and fiberglassed over them . After I finished all my glassing and the resin is finally dry , I started to dis-assemble the mold . By removing the inner box by unscrewing the ribs and from base of the floor of the BC . Taking all the plywood out , other than the BC's floor . Then removing the foam , one chunk at a time . The peeling all the drywall compound and latex paint off the inside of the fiberglass . Depending on what you will be doing to the interior , you may have to sand and use acetone to remove the Turtle Wax . You may have to add ribs for strength or other interior parts as well so you will need to clean the glass for better bonding . I also had to add the ice box and fiberglass the plywood floor of the BC and also make the hatch as well . Once all the mold and wax was removed , I did all the common body work and painting as if I were doing my cage . Making the mold was easy to me . Not getting into a hurry , drinking a few beers and pondering on the Visualization of what I wanted it to look like at the end , I really enjoyed making the BC . Not saying that I had a few scares now and then , it was fun to make . I spent approx. $900 in materials making the BC and about 5 months (taking an occasional few hours at a time in the evening) . That included the axles , aluminum mags , 12" radial tires , resin , foam , paints , lights , etc...... Some materials I got on special . The paint/primers alone I used would have cost me around $450.00 , but I got all for $75.00 . Resin and fiberglass , I got much cheaper as I know people in the industry . I hope the info. I stated helps and if you need , call me in the evenings and I can explain more in detail . BEER30

First off , I owe a few people here on the forum a Huge Apology . I had told them that I could do some projects for them , but I have let them down . I did not forget to do them , I just ran out of time to do them . I have started on them , but have not completed them . Some of you know , my job is making Nylon Military Gear , supplying the global market to the US , Canada , and all allied forces . Along with Mil , also serving the LEO and Home Land Defense . This has consumed a lot of time for the wife and I . As many businesses have slowed down or gone out of business , on the contrary we have not . In fact , we have only been busier . This also explains my absence here on the forum as well . As we have been getting busier , we are also short handed with employees . We have adds running in the paper, temp services on call , but it looks like no one wants to work . Not getting into a political topic , but they rather sit at home eating Cheeto's on the couch and taking advantage of extended unemployment bennys . This has placed a burden on those whom work at our shop and other shops like ourselves . What hurts the worse , it cuts into my riding time . I have rode less this year than any other year now . For a scoot that is 3 1/2 years old that now only has 57K on it . It should have more . A boat that has only been out 2 times last year and only once so far this year . So saying again that I Apologize for those whom I have said that I would make things for them and have not delivered yet and also not being on the board as much either . I will still try to continue to complete the projects and get them out as I possibly can . I figured I should at least step up and mention this , as I am getting numerous e-mails asking if I have died yet from many of the members here . I haven't so far . But if this keeps up , I may have to run away and go north to live with Charlie ...........Heaven Forbid ! BEER30

DD , I haven't used , nor do I think that you can convert GM into the proper filea nd import into the Zumo . What I have found to plot a route without use of a computer map program is to 1) Where to. 2) scroll to"Browse Map" 3) drag map with finger on the touch screen to intersection to where it displays a tab , click go to or save ..This makes a "Way Point" . 4) repeat to next destination or intersection of choice . 5) repeat again and again if needed . At each time you choose a new way point , it will ask you to go to or to "add as via" . I choose "add as via" . I have used this method many a time to zig-zag across the country side without the Zumo directing me to go straight to any destination . I can do this at any time without the use of a computer . I hope this helps out . BEER30

I belong to many other forums. Some are open to public, but must register to post. However they can still view the forum. Some you only see the GD section only or the top 5 to 10 topics of selected forums, but other forums are closed off to non-registered viewers and must register to see the Full Monty. And some that you do not see squat unless you register period . Don , any thoughts in the future that you may choose any of the options listed above , or just keep it as it is ? BEER30

Great , Now let's have a Politician to test them out to be sure they are extremely safe for the Public ! (Not to be constued as a Political post) BEER30

Last year in route to the Int. Rally , wife and I were in NC . Only 30 minutes on I-95 when a cage came onto the interstate forcing 2 bikers into the center median . One biker made it to a safe stop , other made it to his grave . All this happened just 15 minutes ahead of us . It wasn't a pleasant site to witness . While listening to the CB , a trucker tried to keep up with the cage which swerved from the on ramp all the way into the inside lane causing the incident (noticed I did not call it an accident ?) . The truckers tried to keep up with that killer cager by radio relay until the cage exited the interstate . Don't know if they ever caught the cager , but if he wasn't caught , I hope this haunts him for eternity ! Other info. that I heard was that the 2 bikers skidded onto the grass . Ones stopped short of hitting the cables , while the other ran into the cables head first and caught one of the post which obviously broke his neck . I'd rather see a deep trench dug in the median rather than those post and cables . BEER30

Having under the fairing may work for those whom do , but what if you wish to put the Zumo in the cage ? I seen another biker place put a mast with plate on his luggage rack . He bought the extension cable and ran it to the rear where he plugs the antenna into . He had 2 flag pole similar to mine with that third mast with the plate on it in the center for the antenna . It looked very clean and it was removable . BEER30

Hey Jeff ! Glad your enjoying yourself in the luxurious land of T & A (Toes and Ankles) ! Send me your ship too address , I'll get you some Pepsi from the Great ole US of A ....and that ain't no camel dunn either . Just make sure you got ICE ! Meanwhile , I'll get with SaltyDawg and we will go eat a banana split on your behalf at the local DQ . Take care and keep in touch . BEER30

I kinda like the idea of sitting in your lap and facing backwards at the same time . But if that was the case , I would stop and get a room . If you have a backrest already , make her a bag to place on the backside of it . Fill it with goodies or necessities (like nerve pills and alcohol) to fill the void , making it so she squeezes the bag rather than you . Get her own entertainment like an XM or Sinus with the Martha Stewart channel to relax her . Just do not pipe it into your headsets . I was raised around horses most of my life . I still find myself putting the squeeze on the tank and catch myself 50% of the time and that is on a pleasure ride without fear or concern over traffic . Habits are hard to break sometimes . But if all else fails , get yourself a 2 x 4 . Cut it long enough to wedge it between her legs to not touch you and tie it off secure .:stirthepot: BEER30