stevlars

Last year I decided I wanted to shed some of the Dolphin's weight. I prioritized items and removed things we did not need or use that were heavy-ish. The following is what I removed: - bed/couch (80lbs) - oven (40lbs) - roof 110v ac (a hassle to remove and I'm guessing 60-100lbs) - awning (with two people carrying, my end felt like half of 60-80lbs) The original seats in the Dolphin caused me pain in the back, so I went to our local wrecking yard and found some primo seats from a 1999 or 2000 Honda Accord (can't remember the exact year). I cut down and ground the "new" seat brackets until they fit. Had to "fabricate" my own brackets for one spot only. I'm sure a professional would have cringed at my methodology, but I had a good time and my wife likes the seats. These are not electric seats, but have two adjuster knobs on the side (driver's) to adjust up and down. They are comfortable! In place of the couch/bed I constructed a crude box with hinged and reinforced lid. Normally, it is just my wife and I traveling and we throw backpacks, etc. where the couch was. We also set a drinking water container there when camped. With a lid opening it makes the area underneath much more convenient for storage. The other thing I did which I've not seen elsewhere, was to put the table top on drawer slides or glides. When we got the Dolphin, the table was too far away when seated. Now we just pull the table over to eat and slide it back till it "locks" for driving or moving about the cabin. I've attached some images. Steve

Not that I can tell, so far. I've run everything electrical with the exception of the acu-gauge and they work fine (lights, furnace, water pump). The acu-gauge has a short or something and tends to be sporadically operational. There are quite a few wires going to the house battery and I need to color code them. It's such a tight fit and to remove the battery I have to disconnect the wires as they are not long enough to disconnect after removing the battery...

I should have written this post a month ago: My problem is resolved. Slightly embarrassing, but I finally took it to my mechanic and they found that someone (I) had reversed polarity (cables) on the house battery. Switching the cables back fixed the problemo. Just maybe this "fix" will help someone else save $100. Steve

Okay. I'll check to see why the draw of current making the alternator work so hard. Regarding the circuit breaker, do you think there would be a problem replacing with a 50amp circuit breaker? I couldn't make out what the old one said and it seemed with some of the kits I saw online that a 50amp circuit breaker was standard.

Okay. Thanks.

Thanks for your suggestions. I took them all into account. Went out in the dark last night to check if I could see spark - couldn't. This morning I decided to WD-40 all connections, loosen bolts/nuts, clean as necessary and retighten. The (what I now know is the) circuit breaker (between battery isolator and house battery) bolts and connections were very rusty. When I went to unbolt, both bolt posts broke right off. So, I removed the circuit breaker and removed the 1 foot section of wire coming from the battery isolator, started the Dolphin and now there is no clicking. I'm thinking the circuit break may have been shot and spark was arcing or something. I don't know much, but I hope that this is the problem and will be an easy fix. Thanks for your adice as it helped rule out some things. Steve

Our 1985 Dolphin (22re) has been sitting for most of the last 4 months. We took it out on a drive today and when idling, about every 5 seconds a loud "click" could be heard coming from near the coil and isolator. At the clicking sound, the engine would almost die, but then quickly resume smooth idle. I put my head in the engine compartment and the click seemed to be coming from the coil. Strangely, by the time we got home (about a 50-mile drive) the clicking noise had stopped. I would like to know what was doing this so we don't break down in an isolated area. Suggestions on how to test for this (or links to other posts - I searched a few times, but couldn't find anything similar)? Thanks. Steve

Thanks for the info.

Thanks for the info.

I'll try using those 110v wires...

Thanks! I'll try the coat hanger.

I removed the roof A/C from my 1985 Dolphin and am ready to install a 3-speed Fantastic Fan in the A/C hole as well as replace the middle non-electrical vent with a Fantastic Fan. I think I'm clear on the basic install, but I would like advice on what to do regarding wiring the fans to 12v. There are light fixtures near both holes, so I could wire from the light fixtures. Do I run wire externally along the ceiling or is there a trick to doing it concealed? (I'm fine with both) Additionally, would it make sense for me to use the existing wiring (110v) that powered the A/C? I suppose I could disconnect it from the electrical box and hook it up to the battery. Anyone dealt with these things before? I appreciate any advice. Thanks!

Thanks. I'll check the rad cap and coolant mix. I did the search for "bag awning" and I see that there are lots of options. Thanks!

The awning on our Dolphin was an afterthought - a rather costly one at that (I have the receipt for what it and installation cost). It seems like an awning you would put on a bigger rv. I want something to provide shade in the desert, but something smaller and lightweight. Being able to attach and secure to the Dolphin would be nice, but I also might be nice to have it free-standing. This last trip we ran into sand flees that were small enough to penetrate the Dophin's screens. An attachable/detachable screen house that we could sit in and possibly sleep in on hot desert nights.

I too am going to replace the cast iron steps with something else. Not sure what, yet.