Recent content by Mark_K5LXP

Yeah, if you're cutting a socket a grinder is going to work a whole lot faster than a saw. That's a neat camper, I wasn't familiar with that style. LMHS, what would you consider the upsides and downsides of this kind of popup? Mark B. Albuquerque, NM

Maybe there are some unobtanium parts but it seems surprising that would be stated up front before the work even started. Business must be good if you can turn customers away before they even get there. I wouldn't be surprised to learn the root cause is staffing. In the supply/demand model...

You don't have to guess or estimate. Look up the OEM pressure chart for your brand and size of tire and using your CAT scale result, set the pressure per the chart. Mark B. Albuquerque, NM

Current transformer is a term I associate with current monitoring, like a hall sensor. Back in the day it was a donut you'd pass your wire through and it had an output at some proportion to current through the wire. Interesting the response would be dynamic, you'd think once set up it would be...

"There are old riders and bold riders, but no old bold riders." Mark B. Albuquerque, NM

When I did mine: Source replacements before you start. Remove lens from old light. Remove screws. Carefully pry base from sealant. Wire had some working slack but not a lot, so cut wires at the lamp base. Strip and crimp new lamp and existing wires together. Clean off old sealant, apply...

Only if you're slow. Anymore, that's the only way I roll (though I showed the XYL all about "lean indicators" - the sound of footpegs grinding on the pavement). There's so much more than the dragon's tail to see in that area one could easily skip it. I recall there are no trucks (RV's prolly...

Professional inspection is something that can be contracted for any RV purchase. They're available here so in the KC area I would imagine finding that resource would be a matter of basic research. I paid for one and in hindsight I don't think I got my money's worth (didn't find some pretty...

Blue ridge parkway is a destination for many (tail of the dragon and such) but for a good 50-60 miles on both sides of it have lots of rides and things to see/do away from the crowds of SMNP. Just noodling around state roads in TN and NC is laid back, scenic and rustic. Thing about points east...

How far from home? One of my more noteworthy motorcycle trips was the blue ridge parkway and surrounding area in TN and NC. My RV trip to TN last fall reinforced how nice it was to travel through that area. That, and western AR are two areas I would intentionally return to for further...

It's easier to remember when the number you can count on your hands and have fingers left over. For me, buying a car is a certain fate - I will likely drive them until only salvage value remains. I have only bought 8 cars in my life and I still own three of them. Mark B. Albuquerque, NM

You could dip your toe in the pool by buying a portable panel and seeing what kind of dent that makes towards your daily usage. Then you'd have a good idea what size fixed panels would make that more convenient. Portable panels are a pain to schlep in and out, set up and to keep from walking...

You don't know what you don't know, and even with a list of devices you still don't know what your daily power usage is. Do you have a battery monitor for your existing setup? Then you'd have a better idea what it would take to keep up or stay ahead of what you've got. Another way to approach...

WD40 is generally a solution seeking a suitable problem but would agree it would be one of the first solvents I'd try, especially on old adhesive. Goo gone can also work well. There are others that are sure to work but can also put a whammy on plastics and paint so you want to start with the...

12V units can work every bit as well as a 120V unit. Some (danfoss compressor) units may be slightly more efficient, so weigh the cost of more power efficient vs dollar efficient and if a separate inverter will be needed. The elephant in the room is finding one that can fit your opening...