Speedy has had a few more improvements over the summer and it seems to be running well. We have replaced the rear air conditioner. The old one, a 2001 Frigidare, was still working, but made strange clunking noises when it ran for a while...seemed like it was on its last legs. We found a new LG model that would fit into the same space. It is a bit of a chore to remove the old one and install the new one, but the result is a more powerful, but quieter, air conditioner.
We also added a set of Timbren SES suspension blocks to both the front and rear suspensions. These are rubber donuts that dampen the bouncing and roll. They have improved the handling a bit more, particularly in the curves.
Finally, we built a swing-away cargo box and bike rack that is attached to rear of Speedy. WE are not taking the motorcycles this time and we'd sold the cargo trailer, so we were lacking a bit for storage space. There are cargo boxes that can be attached, but I found nothing where you could also carry bicycles. I came up with a design that used a Swingaway frame, an aluminum truck box and bikes racks on top of the box. I bought the Swingaway frame last year and built a prototype bike rack on a platform that we used on this summer's Quebec trip. On that trip, we saw a box similar to what I was planning, made in Quebec, but it was very expensive and I figured that I could build one for less. It came out pretty well.
So...we have a week of finding and packing and getting the house ready and off we will go. Let's hope the weather improves.
More later.
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