Debbit

Thank you, i will go back to walmart and have them order other tires. If they will. And yes, they are only on the front.

What would be the right size? And rating. The toyota manual suggested a p195/75 14 or p205/75 14.

Finally got out to verify. They are Douglas, 205/75R14. The max load rating is 1621#. They are not a truck tire, doing tire research in the walmart parking lot on one's phone is an exercise in frustration. I did call every tire supplier in the little town, there was nothing else. I know on my westfalia, the proper sidewall ply is extremely important, but I couldn't find information about the best tire for the 84 dolphin anywhere.

I'm thinking of some kind of bumper or frame mounted shelf off the back. We took dog crates, what a pain! My small Cobb grill fits in the cabinet space under the stove. Charcoal is stored inside the grill lid. Tools and lynx levelers fit in the side compartment. On this shelf, I'd put dog crates, battery pack, chairs, maybe a bike. On my westfalia it would interfere with the hatch, but on the toy, it would work.

Well, we got the only tires we could, and they feel pretty good. I don't know if they are the best tire, but really, we had no choice. The tires that were on it were actually 2 different sizes. I'm surprised we, or anyone else didn't notice! Anyhow, it handles much better now.

On the way home, I felt a wobbly feel in the steering. We kept checking tires, steering bushings, had the lug nut checked, didn't know what it was or what to check next. Finally had a blowout about 3!hours from home. Rt front. Changed the tire, and the spare was flat too. (I'd aired it up about a month ago). Used our roadside assistance for a tow. So camping in a walmart lot again, will get tires when they open, I hope. Plastic welding on Wastewater tank is holding.

Plastic welding seems to be working. We will see. Pump seems to be sucking air, still need to find the source of that problem. So no water. I guess that makes a split wastewater tank less of a problem, anyway. One of our dogs got pretty sick, found a vet and spent some money. Not the relaxing trip I'd envisioned, but other than a dead battery, no real vehicle problems.

Thanks! Going to attempt a mending job.

Well, somewhere along the way, the waste water tank really cracked. It had bedpan patched before, we could tell, but this is a serious crack that runs almost the length of the back edge. We will attempt to patch it to get home without grossing anyone out, but I wonder how realistic it is to patch such a large crack. Can we replace our tanks? Just wondering what to do..

Thanks again for all the help and advice. Got a new deep cycle battery. We will avoid plugging in, as coach battery charges while driving. If I'm going to be plugged in for a while, (air conditioner only reason I can think of) would be good to simply disconnect deep cycle?

While we were getting ready for our trip, I kept the dolphin plugged in to shore power. The converter on ours has a red and a brown switch. I kept the brown one on to use the lights while working out there at night. I did read that the battery can be damaged by overcharging. I think that happened, as we had to buy a new one the first stop on our trip. Now I'm confused. If you are plugged in for an extended time, how do you prevent overcharging and damaging the battery? The lights don't work unless the switch to the inverter is in the on position, right? Should the switch on the converter be on or off while driving, or does it matter? Both cab and cabine batterie pies seemed to be below power even after a long shop charge. Does being plugged in also charge the vehicle battery? Sorry for all the questions!

Yeah! I think we were buffeted less than I expected, but it was just impossible to accelerate very much. I suppose it changes with the direction of the wind though.

So far, so good. Waste water tank is still leaking, battery went dead and was replaced, terrible wind the first few hundred miles had me in doubt if we'd ever take it anywhere again. But very comfortable, capable little rig.

So today's the day. Late start, of course. But on our way out for our first trip in the toyota. I imagine the westfalia left lonely at home and I feel a little sad. Hope we have a trouble free and fun trip.

Thanks ya'll. the rv store also said I'd probably not be able to put the motor in it in either. We have a big old really hot thermex heater, but I don't want it taking up floor space and running propane to it. I think mr buddy this trip. Furnace later. And I will let it run a while too.

Our furnace lights, wall thermostat works, it blows lots of hot air. It squeals like a banshee though. I've tried to get some lube in the shaft of the squirrel cage, but it only helps a little while. Rv store says the motor needs to be replaced, bearings are not replaceable. I'm trying to decide if it would be worth it to replace the motor, or spend the money on a mr buddy. We usually don't camp where there is shore power, and I'm concerned the blower would drain the battery even if it were replaced. So, how fast do the furnace motors drain the house battery?

No, it is laminate and thicker than vinyl. I put the long vinyl tile strips in my coffee shop kitchen. Because of the sticky overlap edges, it is pretty water proof, and not as slippy for dogs. The 12 v cooler is an igloo and I got it second hand. I don't know how well it will work. We plan to use the fridge with ice too.

Well, we are camping, but also some long days driving. Cruces to Santa Fe to camp with kids, then road trip to tulsa, ok and back. Pizza sounds delish! We also are taking a Cobb grill.

Ok, I agree, thanks! Was considering a 12 v crockpot, but they say they get pretty hot on the outside. Canned stew, here we come.

This is probably a strange question, but I've been thinking a lot about it, and I just don't know the answer. Is it safe to cook food in the oven while traveling? Of course it would be turned off while fueling up, but other than that, I just can't see any danger...

thanks for the nice comments all! it is called glueless laminate floor. it is manufactured by traffic master, it was on sale at Home Depot for $16+ a box. (24 sq ft) it was kind of tricky, and we did have to put in a few nails where they don't show. I like it too.

That looks great!

Thank you! As you know, it's a lot of work, but fun for the most part.

We are almost finished with our toyota dolphin. Plan to leave on a trip on Friday morning. Much to do with business, etc. on the toy, just a few more seams, a leak in waste water tank, oil change and a couple of other checks. But here's some pics.

Kitchen, just have some touch up paint and trim to finish..