JdFinley.com

Fulltime RV Living Adventures

Payback of a Solar Charging System

Solar charging system cost vs. payback is a constant topic for some folks. I really do not understand why but that does not matter – there are many things I do not understand. I am providing my system information and cost to give the folks that are curious about this another data point and possibly… [Read More]

Back in the Boondocking saddle again!

I am boondocking again and it feels SO VERY GOOD to be back in nature!! As previously noted, I’ve been very spoiled by some very dear friends for the last several months while undergoing multiple arm surgeries. I am very, very thankful to them.  That said, I really love being out here where I can… [Read More]

Diesel Pusher Motorhome Fuel Mileage

I recently purchased and installed a ScanGaugeD (here).  This past week I did a bit of driving and had a chance to play with my new toy.  I find it very interested to see the data being reported. One of the really interesting items is fuel mileage.  I’m not sure yet how accurate it is… [Read More]

Tool Love – Snake

You know how guys are – tools a sweet! The list of tools that I’d really like to have is about fourteen pages long!  This past week, I had the opportunity to cross one more off the list. This one is a very simple tool but one that is worth every penny when needed. An electrical wire… [Read More]

Battery Temperature Sensor

This past week I finally got around to installing the battery temperature sensor that I have for my house battery bank and solar charge controller. I purchased the sensor months ago and I have just been waiting for the arm surgeon to give me the ok to return to normal life. Batteries require a slightly different… [Read More]

New Juice – New Batteries – Happy Camper

The age of the house batteries in my RV/home (JBAM) was unknown. They were in the coach when I purchased it and there was no indication of when they went into service.  They have served me very well for about a year and a half. However; they have some swelling and use a lot of water…. [Read More]

Diesel Pusher Engine Scanner – ScanGaugeD

The engine instrumentation is most diesel pusher RV/Motorhomes is pretty sparse.  About like an automobile – speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, coolant temperature, voltage, and fuel level.  There are a couple of other items – front and rear air pressure gauges.  All analog (in my case) – not a lot of detail. I’m not sure if… [Read More]

Speaking of speakers

JBAM (my motorhome home) has two stereos but not nearly enough speakers! Stereo #1 is the 110 volt surround sound system receiver for the A/V system. It uses five ceiling mounted speakers that do just fine for me and movies. I am not a “loud” TV watcher but I do enjoy surround sound. Stereo #2 is an… [Read More]

Diesel Pusher Maintenance – Air Filter Change

Combustion engines rely the air filter to provide a good supply of clean air. Obviously, any dirt and debris that gets into an engine is a less than good thing. For some reason though, one hears that diesel engines are very particular about getting clean air. Since an air filter is a pretty easy thing to… [Read More]

Battery Truths

Whilst sitting around doing nothing, per my doctors order (ok, as little as possible), I find myself perusing the RV and boat forums.  There are several VERY recurring themes, some of which are comical, some not so much.  The one about a battery being depleted and/or going “dead” for no “obvious” reason is a tiny… [Read More]