Enclosed Trailer Build thread

[stag1585]

Yeah Im hoping not cause don't want to spend the money on it, if you know what i mean.

[stag1585]

Originally Posted by macgyvr

I will find the problem and post when I get it squared away. I'm pretty sure its going to be tranny related for part of it. Then we will go from there.

mac 'too busy this week to see straight' gyvr

Yeah im hoping not, hoping its something simple. Don't feel like spending the money on all the time for a torque converter and everything else that goes along with it.

[macgyvr]

I hate cross posting to another forum, but in the research that my crack team of friends has come up with this thread:
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/10...g-surging.html

per that thread the h&s mini max I have comes with a racing tune for the transmission...they don't have a "towing" tune per se because without a dpf the truck is rated "off-road" only, but they have a less aggressive tune that is more suited for towing...I'm going to download that tune this week and try it.

also, i replaced all the shocks with the appropriate shocks and stopping was a lot better, I also turned up the trailer brakes some more, and there is not as much bounce, its actually liveable...

but, its still shaking when it shifts so maybe this tune is part of the issue...or the issue.

I'm hoping to mount a go pro camera to the underside and shoot some video of it when I'm towing and see if I can come up with something, I wanted to this weekend but I didn't get a chance...its going to take a little fab...

while i was replacing shocks I checked all the bushing and such and carrier again and everything seems to be well within operating conditions.

I also forgot I was going to pulll the battery cables, but if I download this other tune into the transmission it will reset that anyways.

is anyone else with this issue running the H&S tuner? I'm not sure what tune you get with the spartan for the transmission.

mac 'this would be a really simple fix' gyvr

[stag1585]

Originally Posted by macgyvr

I hate cross posting to another forum, but in the research that my crack team of friends has come up with this thread:
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/10...g-surging.html

per that thread the h&s mini max I have comes with a racing tune for the transmission...they don't have a "towing" tune per se because without a dpf the truck is rated "off-road" only, but they have a less aggressive tune that is more suited for towing...I'm going to download that tune this week and try it.

also, i replaced all the shocks with the appropriate shocks and stopping was a lot better, I also turned up the trailer brakes some more, and there is not as much bounce, its actually liveable...

but, its still shaking when it shifts so maybe this tune is part of the issue...or the issue.

I'm hoping to mount a go pro camera to the underside and shoot some video of it when I'm towing and see if I can come up with something, I wanted to this weekend but I didn't get a chance...its going to take a little fab...

while i was replacing shocks I checked all the bushing and such and carrier again and everything seems to be well within operating conditions.

I also forgot I was going to pulll the battery cables, but if I download this other tune into the transmission it will reset that anyways.

is anyone else with this issue running the H&S tuner? I'm not sure what tune you get with the spartan for the transmission.

mac 'this would be a really simple fix' gyvr

Huh so the tranny shop had no ideas? The spartan has a 210 tow tune, and thats when im having the issue. I usually run a 275 tune but have never towed in it.
Guess I will have to look into changing the shocks and checking all the bushings. I also tought about doing a tranny flush and filter change.

[macgyvr]

Originally Posted by stag1585

Huh so the tranny shop had no ideas? The spartan has a 210 tow tune, and thats when im having the issue. I usually run a 275 tune but have never towed in it.
Guess I will have to look into changing the shocks and checking all the bushings. I also tought about doing a tranny flush and filter change.

Trans shop plugged it in and we went for a drive. They found nothing to indicate any kind of problem.

I was going to call h&s to see if there was any new info on the tunes before I changed my trans tune. Like I said before I don't know what spartan uses.

My shocks were toast with 120k. Everything else looks really good for the amount of miles on the truck, found nothing obvious.

mac 'just need time' gyvr

[87manche]

can you flash it back to the stock tune?
I know it will flip out because of all the deletes, but if it runs with a check engine light and works OK towing then I think the trans tune might be the issue.

[stag1585]

Originally Posted by macgyvr

Trans shop plugged it in and we went for a drive. They found nothing to indicate any kind of problem.

I was going to call h&s to see if there was any new info on the tunes before I changed my trans tune. Like I said before I don't know what spartan uses.

My shocks were toast with 120k. Everything else looks really good for the amount of miles on the truck, found nothing obvious.

mac 'just need time' gyvr

well thats good to here from the tranny shop.

Spartan says it retunes the tranny but not sure to what.

My truck has 108k on it without looking into it just thought about putting some better shocks on it.

Well hope you figure it out and if so let me know, and if I do I will be sure to post something on here for you. Thanks

[macgyvr]

Originally Posted by 87manche

can you flash it back to the stock tune?
I know it will flip out because of all the deletes, but if it runs with a check engine light and works OK towing then I think the trans tune might be the issue.

Once it figures out that some parts of the truck exhaust aren't there anymore, it will go into limp mode. I'm going to just do the other tune that they offer...just not sure when, I'm so busy during the week.

Originally Posted by stag1585

well thats good to here from the tranny shop.

Spartan says it retunes the tranny but not sure to what.

My truck has 108k on it without looking into it just thought about putting some better shocks on it.

Well hope you figure it out and if so let me know, and if I do I will be sure to post something on here for you. Thanks

I will post here when I get it dialed in.

mac '10 days till the next trip' gyvr

[macgyvr]

Got a chance today to change the trans tune. I changed it to a less aggressive tune with medium hard shifting. The torque converter no longer locks up in 4th, only 5th.

Its better. There is still some shake when the transmission shifts. The jumping around when accelerating to the point that you have to let out of it appears to be gone, as it did not do it this afternoon in the hour + i drove the truck and trailer around. It does not down shift as hard as it once was doing on the other tune, and the truck is more of a controlled stop. It still wants to bounce tho when stopping, if I grab the trailer brakes it goes away...its less than it was when I first started this. I'm going to see if I can force the truck to send more brakes to the trailer faster than it does and I think that might eliminate it.

For the shake when the truck shifts on acceleration, there is one more less aggressive shift tune. I'm going to go to that one, and then try running the truck without the extra hp, just the dpf turned off on the least aggressive trans tune. That might get us in an even better spot.

Its definitely more drive able now that it was a couple weeks ago...but it can still improve.

mac 'slowly getting there...i hope' gyvr

[stag1585]

Originally Posted by macgyvr

Got a chance today to change the trans tune. I changed it to a less aggressive tune with medium hard shifting. The torque converter no longer locks up in 4th, only 5th.

Its better. There is still some shake when the transmission shifts. The jumping around when accelerating to the point that you have to let out of it appears to be gone, as it did not do it this afternoon in the hour + i drove the truck and trailer around. It does not down shift as hard as it once was doing on the other tune, and the truck is more of a controlled stop. It still wants to bounce tho when stopping, if I grab the trailer brakes it goes away...its less than it was when I first started this. I'm going to see if I can force the truck to send more brakes to the trailer faster than it does and I think that might eliminate it.

For the shake when the truck shifts on acceleration, there is one more less aggressive shift tune. I'm going to go to that one, and then try running the truck without the extra hp, just the dpf turned off on the least aggressive trans tune. That might get us in an even better spot.

Its definitely more drive able now that it was a couple weeks ago...but it can still improve.

mac 'slowly getting there...i hope' gyvr

Guess Im going to have to talk to spartan and see if they have different tranny tunes available. Thanks.

[macgyvr]

Originally Posted by stag1585

Guess Im going to have to talk to spartan and see if they have different tranny tunes available. Thanks.

It would certainly be a cheap fix.

I'm also going to be inspecting the motor mounts and still trying to set up a gopro underside.

mac 'its more driveable' gyvr

[Harold Phipps]

Saw some posts in another area about traction bars, and they seemed to mention this type of problem and the bars seemed to help, but the stuff they were doing to get it to hop would knock the loaf of bread off the kitchen counter,,,,,,,,,
Go Pro may show you the issue.
Interesting!

[macgyvr]

Originally Posted by Harold Phipps

Saw some posts in another area about traction bars, and they seemed to mention this type of problem and the bars seemed to help, but the stuff they were doing to get it to hop would knock the loaf of bread off the kitchen counter,,,,,,,,,
Go Pro may show you the issue.
Interesting!

I've looked at traction bars...unsure if that's a solution until I can get a go pro under it.

So, there maybe a true fix to the bouncing caused when you hit the brakes on the truck, even tho turning the trailer brakes up has helped a lot, I've still felt there's something else with the truck.

It appears that there was a TSB at some point that if the hydroboost brake system becomes contaminated it can cause the truck to shake and bounce when coming to a stop. The hydroboost apparently shares fluid with the power steering. I appears that this can be easily changed and replacing the 3.5 quarts of fluid in the system (uses ATF). This issue goes back to the 99+ 7.3 trucks...

If this fixes, hoping maybe to do it tomorrow before we leave on friday, I'm going to have lost all faith in the local dealer...since they should've known about it.

My buddy chuck found this out for me. A search on the diesel board that I'm on...showed 1 post about it...

mac 'yet there's still a TSB...what are they hiding' gyvr

[Kennedy]

Originally Posted by macgyvr

It appears that there was a TSB at some point that if the hydroboost brake system becomes contaminated it can cause the truck to shake and bounce when coming to a stop. The hydroboost apparently shares fluid with the power steering. I appears that this can be easily changed and replacing the 3.5 quarts of fluid in the system (uses ATF). This issue goes back to the 99+ 7.3 trucks...

If this is the case, I wonder if you could install an inline filter to avoid this situation in the future?

[macgyvr]

Yes there is a way to install an inline filter. I have a part number somewhere that was posted on one of the sites.

I will probably do that.

Its towing well enough that I need to get the hot water heater working before anything else...I want to shower in it...can't get pilot to light...propane is on and works on everything else...

mac 'always something' gyvr

[macgyvr]

Since the truck and trailer combo are more driveable than they have been since buying it, I'm trying to get some other things cleaned up.

I couldn't get the hot water heater to light...turns out you just have to know where the pilot light is...so we have hot water.

I dewinterized it and everything works in the trailer, except I can't get the fridge to work. I guess I'm going to have to get the model number and look at getting another one, which stinks cause they aren't cheap.

I have a buddy who has got a gen set for us. Its a big one, 9000 watts, so should run two a/c units. We are going to try to build some rails for it to slide out, I'm sure it won't be able to be run while onboard...I'm told its pretty loud...

Speaking of the a/c, I hope to get the garage one installed before the next TREC race so we can test it and make sure things work for the summer.

I did get the cable outlet installed so it will be easier to set up the sat dish...and I replaced the vent for the battery box which was broke...yes I know the trailer needs washed...

and the inside install


also did some organizing of some of the storage space, which is sooooo open.


I need to build a manageable step also to get from the floor to the bedroom area above the goose, its too much like a jungle gym to get up there now...not for me, but for my wife who will be traveling and hanging out in the trailer this summer...since there's a baby due 10/11/12.

mac 'still think i need a torque coverter or traction bars on the truck' gyvr

[pic_jon]

I'm glad the set up is working out for you. Hope the fridge is fixable!

Congrats on the kiddo! Is this yalls 1st? Ours is due 3 days before yours This one will be our 2nd, we're done!

[Kennedy]

Try this place for the fridge and other parts, should be less than an hour from you
Icke`s RV Surplus
701 W. Huntington Street
Montpelier, Indiana 47359
Phone: (317)728-5668

I can't find a website for them though, but they have warehouses full of stuff.

[boggedsami]

make sure the bolts on the neck are tight ive had them have slope and lete the coupler slop back and forth kind of creating a bucking feeling
daryl

[macgyvr]

Originally Posted by pic_jon

I'm glad the set up is working out for you. Hope the fridge is fixable!

Congrats on the kiddo! Is this yalls 1st? Ours is due 3 days before yours This one will be our 2nd, we're done!

Thanks, this will be our 1st!

Originally Posted by Kennedy

Try this place for the fridge and other parts, should be less than an hour from you
Icke`s RV Surplus
701 W. Huntington Street
Montpelier, Indiana 47359
Phone: (317)728-5668

I can't find a website for them though, but they have warehouses full of stuff.

I have been told to check them out and I might call them next week, thanks.

Originally Posted by boggedsami

make sure the bolts on the neck are tight ive had them have slope and lete the coupler slop back and forth kind of creating a bucking feeling
daryl

We haven't seen that moving, but I will double check the bolts.

mac 'didn't get much done this week...busy on other things' gyvr

[macgyvr]

Had a great summer of using the trailer. The preggo wife enjoyed it all summer while I went wheeling. Made Rausch Creek for the KOH qualifier, made it to Harlan for some fun wheelin, made it to Rocks and Valleys in MI twice, and more trips than I can count to the badlands. Prepping it now for KOH and trying to get somethings done that I didn't get done this summer.

Rausch Creek


Also added the second a/c unit.

The genset that we have for the trailer is not something that can be mounted in the trailer and run...and its loud...which doesn't make too many friends...but that's another story.

So, yesterday I picked up this beast.


Its an onan Model # 6.5 NH-3CR/12012D if just needs a carb rebuild, and tune up. Trying to source parts for that. I have a question for the pirate folks. I'd like to mount a gas tank under the frame rails of the trailer. Any of you done this? Source for tanks that would fit frame rails dimensions?

I also pulled the fridge out.


I found a place an hour northwest of me that does recon on the fridges. Hopefully for about $300 they can get it squared away. I realize that I could do a dorm 110v only fridge for cheaper, but I like the option of being able run on 12v or pane...allows options so that the genset doesn't have to run to keep the fridge cool.

mac 'been lazy in updating' gyvr

[46/71 Hybrid]

Have you considered an Edgestar fridge? I know you said you wanted the option of propane too but those fridges are pretty efficient, you can run one for 3 days off a battery. If you're running them off a bank of batteries, 10 days straight shouldn't be an issue at all.

There's a big thread on them over at ExpeditionPortal, the scratch and dent models are the best buy since there's rarely any serious damage.

I used one for almost 18 months in the harsh environment of Ethiopia, didn't have a single issue, and it always kept my food cold (frozen when I wanted) and ready to go.

[macgyvr]

Originally Posted by 46/71 Hybrid

Have you considered an Edgestar fridge? I know you said you wanted the option of propane too but those fridges are pretty efficient, you can run one for 3 days off a battery. If you're running them off a bank of batteries, 10 days straight shouldn't be an issue at all.

There's a big thread on them over at ExpeditionPortal, the scratch and dent models are the best buy since there's rarely any serious damage.

I used one for almost 18 months in the harsh environment of Ethiopia, didn't have a single issue, and it always kept my food cold (frozen when I wanted) and ready to go.

Never heard of them. I'll check them out. The big issue is that I don't have a bank of batteries. I only have two, one runs the house (lights, water pump, propane heat) and the other runs the garage lights and powers the pump for the landing gear.

I didn't think they were tied together...until last week when I accidently left the bathroom light on while cleaning and winterizing...and it killed both batteries.

We will run the genset some on the lake bed for 110 power and to top them off.

What's a scratch and dent unit run?

mac 'genset took the fridge money for a couple weeks' gyvr

[46/71 Hybrid]

Originally Posted by macgyvr

Never heard of them. I'll check them out. The big issue is that I don't have a bank of batteries. I only have two, one runs the house (lights, water pump, propane heat) and the other runs the garage lights and powers the pump for the landing gear.

I didn't think they were tied together...until last week when I accidently left the bathroom light on while cleaning and winterizing...and it killed both batteries.

We will run the genset some on the lake bed for 110 power and to top them off.

What's a scratch and dent unit run?

mac 'genset took the fridge money for a couple weeks' gyvr

That's my bad on an incomplete post and not including the cost, I've seen them range from $300-$500 depending on the size. They can either cool or freeze, are decently efficient, and like I said, I could run one for 3 days with no problems off of my starting battery when I'd get deep into the bush.

Wow, I just checked the S&D site and it looks like prices haven't risen over the past couple years....

FP630 Spacious EdgeStar Portable Refrigerator Freezer

That's a great price for the 63qt model.

Also, here's the link over on Expedition Portal talking about them.

Cheap Fridge <$400 shipped - Expedition Portal

[Bustin Loose]

The trailer looks too low to have a gas tank under it...but then again I'm looking at pics so my view could be deceiving. What about a tank in the bed of your truck?

Are you a Dad yet? In an earlier post you mentioned the due date was around 10-11.