F350 CCSB

Finished the propane connections and fired up the Blackstone!! How glorious it is to smash a Venison/bacon, onion, poblano and mushroom provolone goodness!!

Remember, fast food is just a running herbivore!
 

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My cutting board finally came in! So my prep & clean drawer is finished. I added plexiglass to cover the wood and edged it with aluminum 90 angle then silicone sealed it! The bonus is that my cutting board fits and I don’t have to take it out everytime like I originally thought!

Getting closer!!
 

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Ok…opinions wanted. Oh boy I can’t believe I just asked for that

I’m too cheap to buy a 270 awning so I’m thinking of building something like this…

Would you buy or build? Does anyone have this type of shade? I have one of those 10x10 canopy tents but don’t really want to lug that around…

What say you?
 

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Ok…opinions wanted. Oh boy I can’t believe I just asked for that

I’m too cheap to buy a 270 awning so I’m thinking of building something like this…

Would you buy or build? Does anyone have this type of shade? I have one of those 10x10 canopy tents but don’t really want to lug that around…

What say you?
I have a light weight tarp with poles, an arb 6.5 foot straight awning and room attachment, and a 270 awning.

I've not used the 270 yet, but it'll be amazing when I camp in the rain with the trailer.

My arb with the awning room is awesome. We've used it many times to protect from wind, bugs, and provide privacy. Weve also used a heater in there many times, and it's lovely when it's cold.

The tarp is fine, but not my preferred setup. But it does have it's advantages. More mobile, lightweight, and very versatile. It's also cheap.
 
Ok…opinions wanted. Oh boy I can’t believe I just asked for that

I’m too cheap to buy a 270 awning so I’m thinking of building something like this…

Would you buy or build? Does anyone have this type of shade? I have one of those 10x10 canopy tents but don’t really want to lug that around…

What say you?
I have one of those and I really like it. I don't use it every time I'm out but if it's raining or I want some shade it's been great, also it's bigger than I was expecting it to be. They're very versatile since you can attach it to your vehicle like the ads show or to a couple of trees, I've even hung it vertically to act as a wind block. With a couple of correctly sized rip stop tarps you can enclose the 2 sides and just have one end open. The downside to them is setup, one person can do it but having another set of hands makes it easier for getting the poles placed and tied down. For $125 on Amazon I think it's a good buy and I would recommend it if you're not looking to do an attached awning.
20200523_081753.jpg
 
Ok…opinions wanted. Oh boy I can’t believe I just asked for that

I’m too cheap to buy a 270 awning so I’m thinking of building something like this…

Would you buy or build? Does anyone have this type of shade? I have one of those 10x10 canopy tents but don’t really want to lug that around…

What say you?
I have one of those and I really like it. I don't use it every time I'm out but if it's raining or I want some shade it's been great, also it's bigger than I was expecting it to be. They're very versatile since you can attach it to your vehicle like the ads show or to a couple of trees, I've even hung it vertically to act as a wind block. With a couple of correctly sized rip stop tarps you can enclose the 2 sides and just have one end open. The downside to them is setup, one person can do it but having another set of hands makes it easier for getting the poles placed and tied down. For $125 on Amazon I think it's a good buy and I would recommend it if you're not looking to do an attached awning.
View attachment 290545

Appreciate your view. I like what you said about adding the sides. Agreed that I won’t use it every time. My idea was to use a basic tarp, poles and paracord, then clip to my roof rack and extend it and it just didn’t go well. I knew that I would have to cut/sew a seam or two but once I start adding straps and such, the cost overwhelms purchasing one. If you can, send a link for the one you bought.
 
Another task completed. Made a 2” memory foam sleeping pad from scratch! With much help from the web site www.sailrite.com, the fabric calculator (bottom of page) and the videos were spot on. He said 30 minutes but it took me 4 hours… who knew¿
32”x72” fits nicely on top and next to the fridge!

Cool to see another overlander here who also likes doing DIY stuff with the sewing machine.
 
Busy day on all fronts! My 9 year old Lab, Mateo has old dog vestibular disease. Which is basically vertigo. He is a trooper but not doing well.

Finalized the water heater bracket, made the decision to extend the diesel heater exhaust above the cap instead of by the truck exhaust, testing a usb trail cam to see those midnight visitors!! All the while my pal, Luna was enjoying the sleeping pad!
 

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So they say don’t buy a Chinese product because of getting parts, for the most part I absolutely agree. Yet, Vevor has impressed me of late. Diesel heater fuel pump was DOA, got a new one in a week. Then I got a 10cfm air compressor from them and after I ported it with larger fittings and a pressure switch, the first time melted the piston seals. I can’t return so I asked for new seals and they sent me 2 sets! Got them in 3 weeks from mainland china. Pretty impressive and will be sold on the company if this air compressor functions as expected!! We will see but something positive to end the day!
 

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Making the call! Build is complete.

Sure it will change over time, adjustments will be made, but it’s high time to hit the trails!

What a long 10 months it has been! What a lesson learned about the “cost” of this hobby! I am reminded about a long held truism that I have had since my first diesel in 2008. I dont drive a diesel for the gas mileage or complain about the cost, I drive it because I like it and it’s who I am! So I will continue to think this way about this hobby, I like it and I won’t complain about the cost because it’s Who I Am!

Now on with the adventures! I look forward to meeting you all on the trail!

I leave you with this pearl of wisdom that I have adopted and it’s crazy to think it came from a movie. Get busy living, or get busy dying !!!!!!!
 
The setup!
 

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Ok, let the jeers and sneers flow! But I just had to do it! I got this super duper air fryer at Sams...I wanted to see how my batteries held up under a large amp draw. And they handled themselves marvelously!! At 400 degrees hot, it took 18 minutes to crisp some french fries! The batteries started at 94%, the fryer drew 344, 355 and 358 watts from each battery. That's basically 29 amps per battery. Specs say 1000watts (83amps) so it drew a little more than advertised (if the onboard battery meters are accurate)

At the end it only used 8% of the batteries. The best part is that in a short 15 minute drive, they were back to 100%! Love the Renogy 50amp dual charger!!

Now I don't plan on having FF often but when I do, Oh what a joy they will be!
 

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So badass. Nice work man. I'm your doppleganger I guess. Don't have a lot of money so build it myself and it works.
We're planted now with a new house so back to work on the truck after 3 years. It's been fun but it's also in need of help. Water pump, upper radiator hose, pinion seal and redoing the electrical in the back. Oh, and the roof rack.
It's never over.
Zim

Should you ever want to come to the Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri, you have a great place to stay and a tour guide.
Spring is awesome here so we might miss this year but summer is great for fresh spring water floats.
You can check out my thread here.
910 days, 15 States, 26 Camps, 56,275 miles | OVERLAND BOUND COMMUNITY
 
So badass. Nice work man. I'm your doppleganger I guess. Don't have a lot of money so build it myself and it works.
We're planted now with a new house so back to work on the truck after 3 years. It's been fun but it's also in need of help. Water pump, upper radiator hose, pinion seal and redoing the electrical in the back. Oh, and the roof rack.
It's never over.
Zim

Should you ever want to come to the Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri, you have a great place to stay and a tour guide.
Spring is awesome here so we might miss this year but summer is great for fresh spring water floats.
You can check out my thread here.
910 days, 15 States, 26 Camps, 56,275 miles | OVERLAND BOUND COMMUNITY

I appreciate your comments. Thank you. I put a lot of time thinking/building (10 months) my rig that I might have overdone it! I just wanted to build it myself and be proud of it! Which I am!
 
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Ok, maybe I will never be complete. ..................:sunglasses:
I started the process of making a magnetic bug screen for the 3 openings of the cap. Due to the aluminum cap, I cut 1" metal strips and screwed them on 3 sides. The bottom strip I used fuel line as stand off spacers due to mounting bolts of the cap being in the way. The top edge will be permanent and velcro straps will be used to hold the rolled netting up!

Tomorrow, I will install the metal strips for the other sides and start the sewing process! I will be using 2"x1/4" rectangular magnets sewn in a reinforced edge banding. I have left over cloth from the bed cushion which is a perfect fit! If all goes well, I will post the finished product soon!.
 

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