Mooch Camping

 Mooch Camping at Dana and Tom's Lake House

One of the benefits of mooch camping at Dana and Tom's place is that they have something many RV owners dream about.

A driveway long enough for a 40-foot motorhome.

And even better, a 50-amp hookup waiting for us.

Most people would use such a setup to relax.

Not me.

Apparently, I viewed it as an opportunity to create a maintenance list.

While staying here, I have managed to complete several projects that have been on the "I'll get to it someday" list.

Among the accomplishments:

• Added compartment door covers.
• Built a new work table for the storage compartment.
• Cleaned and lubricated the tow bar.
• Removed the basement air conditioner for a thorough cleaning.
• Remounted the macerator to make it easier to operate.
• Added speakers and a small Bluetooth amplifier to a compartment door for outdoor sound.
• Repaired the Twin Temp exhaust fan.
• And perhaps most importantly, tracked down an electrical problem that had been driving me crazy.
• Replace minature toggle DPDT switches for Red ones.

The electrical issue turned out to be a bad Romex cable feeding the rooftop air conditioner. The damaged cable was causing the automatic transfer switch to kick out unexpectedly.

As with most RV repairs, finding the problem took considerably longer than fixing it.

The challenge with troubleshooting is that RVs rarely tell you what is wrong. They simply wait until you are convinced the problem is one thing, only to reveal it is something completely different.

Fortunately, persistence eventually won.

Of course, while all of this was going on, the VelociLab Puptor was conducting inspections of her own.

Every tool was carefully examined.

Every compartment was investigated.

Every project required puppy supervision.

And by supervision, I mean stealing rags, carrying off zip ties, and attempting to relocate any tool that had been left unattended for more than thirty seconds.

Mocha Teal firmly believes that every repair project is a team effort.

Her contribution may not always be helpful, but it is certainly enthusiastic.

By the end of the day, the RV had several improvements, a few long-standing issues had been resolved, and the Land Shark had successfully inspected everything within reach.

In other words, it was a productive day.

Prichardish would approve.

The Many Eyes of Mocha Teal

Susan, Tilly, Mocha, me and as always Dakota