Our three-burner Amana/ Magic Chef, (www.magicchef.com) propane stove was wonderful. Talk to serious blue-water sailors and overland travelers who really like to cook, and they will tell you propane is the way to go, and despite misconceptions, propane can be found anywhere in the world, and it is totally safe when properly installed. Yes, forget […]
Yes, we have hot water again in The Turtle V. VERY hot water. The Espar D5 Hydronic, or the engine if it is running, pumps heated coolant through the heat-exchange plates of the FlatPlate double wall brazed plate heat exchanger. That means the engine coolant can be as hot as 210°F. The D5 Hydronic has […]
Fords have been notorious for having cracked sector shafts in the steering gear box. If a cracked sector shaft breaks, and they have, you loose all steering. Nice huh? All steel components including the sector shafts are magnafluxed at Lee Power Steering before assembly. In route to the Overland Expo, we stopped at Lee’s in […]
The primary purpose of building a garage and shop with a 14-foot ceiling was to allow our Turtle V expedition truck to fit. A second advantage has been to add mechanical lifts that bring our light storage boxes, ice chests and even our Old Town canoe up out of the way, making room for our […]
Major problem!!! Our grey water tank had developed a serious leak, and the custom aluminum tank was built into the walls and cabinets of the camper. The great guys at Sierra Trailer in Nevada City found a way to cut a section of the Nida Core body out to access the ugly hole and patch […]
In our absence attending the Overland Expo 2011, progress on our new shop and garage slowed down. Late winter and early spring snowstorms didn’t help. Nevertheless, things are moving along. Lights, water and much of the plumbing are finished. It was nice to be able to pack The Turtle V in a relatively warm and […]
Unusually beautiful Winter weather in Nevada City, CA has allowed us to make fast progress on our new garage and shop. Siding, insulated doors, exterior paint and dry wall are finished. Interior paint and electrical will follow soon. Finishing this huge project will be critical to our departure on the Trans-Eurasian Odyssey and the Silk […]
Real progress. After years of planning and numerous problems with neighbors and the local Planning Commission to get the permits, our dream garage is taking shape. This is a necessary project leading to our departure for the Trans-Eurasian Odyssey and our adventure along the Silk Road. We will have safe storage for our worldly possessions […]
A metal roof was the only way to go. Snow and pine needles will slide off like butter on a hot knife. High windows will let in light without being a security risk. 2X6 framing and super insulation will keep the temperature pretty constant year round.
Winter is coming so we need to step up the construction. Real progress is being made with the arrival of the roof trusses. We hope our neighbors enjoy the new view.
