Start Date: 04 June, 2007
Report Date: 14 April, 2008
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Route Data
Start Date: 04 June,
2007 Report Date: 14 April,
2008
Route:
Distance to date: ~19,000 miles / 30,578 kilometers
Days to date: 316
Nights in camper: ~276
Roads: mix of freeway, two lane paved, unpaved, gravel, dirt, rock, two-track,
non-maintained, flat and mountains, grades up to 16%.
Temps: 29.4F / -1.44 C to >110 F / 43.3 C
Elevation: sea level to >11k feet / 3,353 meters
Performance and Efficiency:
Deepest water crossing: ~ 46 inches / 116.84cm -
1.168m high
Chassis Miles per gallon: ~10.5 / Kilometers per
liter: ~4.46 / Liters per 100 Kilometer: ~22.4
LP / Propane duration: 4-8 weeks depending on utilization
Black tank capacity: 12 days, 100% utilization
Fresh water capacity: 2-4 weeks depending on utilization (Estimated, this
has not been tested with any rigor or accuracy. We have ~75 gallons fresh
water tank capacity and have never come close to using it all, but have not
been away from sources of fresh water longer than 7-10 days.)
Genset hours: ~140
Reliability / Repair / Maintenance:
Custom fabrication and components failures / defects:
raw water tank corner seam weld split three times (flawed design and
construction), modified and repaired
repaired/rebuilt cab to camper lanyards several times
raw water tank hanger bracket failure (flawed implementation), modified and repaired
exhaust pipe hanger failure, both hangers, bush repaired
added two anchor screws to upper end of TV/DVD mount
corrected wiring for raw water pump cycle relays
Custom lighting, electronics and electrical systems failures / defects:
installed two relays for auto genset start controller (custom
interface design flaw)
genset overheated when ambient temp > ~90˚
F / 32.2˚ C, three additional cooling fans added to genset compartment to solve problems
house bank batteries miswired, rewired and corrected problem
Custom water system failures / defects:
slow drip on direct gravity fill for camper tank if overfilled
(custom connection design and construction flaw)
Custom LP / Propane system failures / defects:
tightened two joint connections due to slow leaks
disassembled and reinstalled float pivot assembly for tank level gauge sender -
was stuck
leaking tank output solenoid, replaced under warranty
Custom compressed air system failures / defects:
compressor has limited output capacity at elevations > 9,000 feet
tightened four joint connections due to slow leaks
currently have another very slow leak but haven't tracked it down
yet
Custom sewage macerator system failures / defects:
zero (0)
Bigfoot camper structural failures / defects:
zero (0)
Bigfoot camper component failures / defects:
cooling unit failure on Dometic refrigerator,
replaced under warranty
screen door latch failure (day 112)
Bigfoot trim and decorative failures / defects:
rear step non-skid adhesive failing
Bigfoot camper and components maintenance:
tighten Phillips screw that holds the bathroom
vent handle (twice)
tightened allen set screw that holds the bathroom faucet on
Bigfoot dealer installed options flaws / defects:
dealer did not seal vent installed above berth - field repair, sealed
with 3M 5200
Mitsubishi Fuso FG 140 failures / defects:
zero (0)
Mitsubishi Fuso FG 140 maintenance / repair:
four (4) oil and filer change, another coming next week
one (1) four wheel alignment (required after installation of custom springs)
two (2) flat tires, both caused by road debris
Systems Utilization:
Water filtration (100%)
LP/Propane (100%)
Inverter (100%)
Shore power / surge protector - often in the U.S. due to use of retail and state
campgrounds when making passages, zero in South America
Genset - daily if dry/wild camping, zero otherwise
TV/DVD - 4 June to 14 September, 2007 < 3 hours, current total hours less than 20
Camper stereo - zero
Cab iPod / stereo - ~50% while in U.S., mostly for listening to books on CD, less than 10% of the time in South America
Tools - minimal in U.S. test, have used about every class of tool in South America doing maintenance and field repairs
Spares & repair parts/supplies - nearly zero, no failures on U.S. test, usual consumables and some adapted for bush repairs in South America
Grill - nearly every day in U.S., minimal in South America
Microwave - once or twice a day, mostly use the timer for coffee press and tea timer, use to warm and cook food in South America
Data array & electronics - 100% if I'm working on a project, occasional
otherwise
Motorcycles - never for stops of 1-3 days, essential mobility &
exploration tools for longer stays
Systems / Items added since departure:
Wireless external and internal thermometer in cab and camper. Need one with a low temp alarm.
Coat hooks in camper
Rolling shade for vent over berth
Dual Rear Wheel (DRW) valve stem extensions. Removed one set of these in South America due to failure.
Folding rear view mirrors on the bikes
Battery monitor/chargers for the bikes
Clips to hold berth storage lids open
Major operational discoveries /
characteristics:
On and off-road handling was dramatically improved
by custom springs, aftermarket shocks and pivot frame shocks
The vehicle is capable of doing more off-road than
we will probably ever ask of it in a non-emergency situation
At altitudes over 5,000 feet and temperatures over
85 F on steep or extended grades chassis engine overheating can be an issue
The chassis is very road-crown sensitive. It will pull to the downhill
side on either slope. Four wheel alignment has been done, with no
improvement or change in this characteristic. 4/14/2008 note: This characteristic has greatly lessened and is hardly noticable now. Cause remains unknown.
Very easy and comfortable to drive. Continues to be eerily quiet in the
cab on paved roads.
At altitudes over > 9,000 feet the air compressor
cannot reach a pressure over ~115 psi
The Skymate system is much more valuable than anticipated for
off-the-grid text communications
Very happy overall with the design, systems and capabilities