JdFinley.com

Fulltime RV Living Adventures

Solar Success

The initial run with the new solar power system has been a success! To start the trip, I was faced with 25 mph headwind on the Interstate.  Even with the headwind, gusts of wind, and semi’s passing and buffeting Shaneeda; the PV panels stayed firmly attached to the roof. I found a nice spot at… [Read More]

Basement Doors

When I purchased Shaneeda, several of her basement doors were in bad shape. In RV/motorhome parlance, the basement doors cover the storage area under the living space. These basement doors consist of an aluminum frame made of angle, channel, and such and an aluminum sheet “cover” or face.  The face had come loose on most… [Read More]

Motorhome Handling

If you follow this blog, you’ll already know that Shaneeda is no spring chicken (if you don’t, check out this page to learn more about Shaneeda).  As such, she didn’t exactly handle like a race car – or even a car.  Some handling improvements were in order. There is a great deal of conversation regarding… [Read More]

Reflectix Window Shades

I’ve learned that occasionally, in the heat of the summer, some “powerful” window shades are necessary. With summer coming quickly, here is a little tip! A little research uncovered the fact that many people are using “Reflectix” insulation.  This shiny, panel like stuff with the little air bubble padding type material in the middle. Ha… [Read More]

Solar Charging System

Note from JD: Note that the entire system listed below was removed and re-installed on my new Newmar Dutch Star – here.  Also, I have recently completed the installation of a 1720 watt system on Missy, my current home (May, 2017). I am so excited!!  I have working solar charging system running in my RV!!… [Read More]

Review: Nashbar Duro Pro Road Tire

I’ve been running Continental Gatorskin tires on my road bicycle for the last 1000 miles or so. It was time for new – especially after the last goat head season.  I had a couple flats due to goat heads puncturing the sidewall. During the last repair, I removed about half a dozen thorns from the… [Read More]

Dry Water Leak

Ok, first off, I’m not as dumb as I look. At least I didn’t think so… maybe this event proves that I am wrong. Water leaks can be elusive! A couple days ago, my water pump started cycling on for just a couple seconds about every thirty seconds.  Having had a water leak last fall,… [Read More]

Roof Cleaning – Part 2

I agonized over this project long enough. A roof cleaning for Shaneeda was necessary and I was the only one that was going to do it. Why was roof cleaning needed?  Well, because every time the least little bit of rain fell, that rain would drag white chalky junk off the roof and onto the sides… [Read More]

Roof Cleaning

I’m sneaking up on this job. Shaneeda’s roof is quite chalky and needs cleaned to stop the white streaks forming on the exterior every time it rains. Cleaning a roof is no small job and I certainly do not want to attack it with too much vigor. I performed online research looking for information on… [Read More]

RV Leveling Jacks

My leveling jacks stopped working!  Argh! No, this is not the end of the world – not even a catastrophe actually.  Just a bit inconvenient. Possibly the two most significant problems that this causes is 1) it is reported that the refrigerator should only be ran when level and 2) the RV rocks when the… [Read More]