Making a Home for the FR3

Luckily, we have a 1/2 acre yard, so there is room to put this 30' motorhome we acquired for some reason. Unfortunately, the back yard is all mud when it rains, and getting the FR3 in and out during bad weather created some interesting tire tracks. We also had a rather narrow gate at the end of the driveway, so there was literally just inches to spare when I backed her thru the gate.

So..........

We decided to widen the gate, put in a concrete pad to park it on, and add some roadbase/gravel to get from the driveway to the parking pad.

Here are our pictures so far of this new project.

 A BIG hole was first dug for the concrete pad. Pad is 9' by 22'.

I really want  one of these. 

Concrete Pad with our FR3 resting peacefully.

We dug a 2' path around the pad for decorative gravel.

Next, we extended the driveway into the back yard.

Then Jan and I built a 12' double gate.

View from the back yard. We used steel 4x4 posts for the gate.

All finished.

Next set of pictures shows the area between the extended driveway and the parking pad. Jan and I shoveled 6 cubic yards of roadbase into two 4' by 22' paths. We hope to get gravel delivered next week to put over the roadbase and around the parking pad..

We first put down weed-blocker. Hope it works.

Then raked out 6 cubic yards of roadbase.

Waiting on gravel to finish it off.

4 cu yds of rock has arrived

 After shoveling the rock for about 4 hours, we finally got it spread out on the sides and driveway area.Looks like we need one more cubic yard to finish it off.

Finished views

FR3 30DS - One Year Old

We bought our 2015 FR3 30DS back in August 2014 from Motorhome Specialists in Alvarado Texas. It has now been one year, and the warranty period is over. We have logged over 12600 miles in this past year, with three trips being over 3000+ miles each. From Texas, we have been thru Louisiana, to Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Illinois, and Indiana.

First, lets get the bad stuff out of the way. In the main coach area, there is a Furrion 32" TV. I find the Furrion a very inferior product compared to other brands out there. On one of our trips, this TV lost all video capability. Returning home, we took the FR3 to a local dealer to get the TV replaced. It took almost 4 weeks for a new one to arrive at the shop, and once it arrived, I removed the old TV and swapped it out at the repair shop with the new one. I wanted to install the TV myself, since I knew I could do it better than they could. Well, of course, the new 32" Furrion did not quite fit the mounting brackets that held the old 32" TV. So after some drilling and rearranging, I got it mounted and working.

One of the common problems with the FR3's is a leaky windshield. Mine of course, had this same problem. So when I took the FR3 into the local dealer for the TV replacement, I had them fix the windshield as well. They told me that they were going to have a regular windshield company out to seal the windshield, but once I returned to get the FR3, I found out that the local mechanic just sloppily applied caulking around the top.  Crappy job, so once I got it home, I cleaned the mess off the windshield myself. The only positive thing is that the windshield has not leaked since.

The last problem I had the dealer fix was the windshield wipers. Apparently the driver side wiper needed some tightening and it is now working as intended.

Another problem that we have not taken in for fixing, and it is too late now, is that the aluminum strip that is on the side of the window above the couch came loose off the glass itself. Looks like it is press fit onto the glass via a rubber strip. Try as I might, I cannot get it all the way on. So at the moment we have to be very careful opening that window.

So much for the bad stuff. Now, the enhancements we have done. Note a lot of these have come from reading the forums and seeing the enhancements other folks have done.....

One of the first things I added was a chrome valve extension kit to the rear duallys. I took the FR3 into a truck tire shop and had these put on the rear tires. These are more reliable and more sturdy than the flexible valve extensions that came on the rear tires. I then ordered a Tire Safeguard TPMS system that would monitor the tire pressure and temperature of all 6 tires of the motorhome, plus an additional fours tires on my toad. Don't leave home without it.

The second upgrade we added was a 7" pedestal for the driver seat instead of the 10" that comes standard. This lowered the drivers seat 3" making the driving a heck of a lot more comfortable.

Lately we have replaced the king size 7" thick mattress that came in the bedroom with a very nice queen size Posturepedic. Much more comfortable.

We have converted the broom closet that is located just as you walk into the door to a 5 shelf pantry. We have also added shelves to the bathroom cabinets and the kitchen cabinet next to the 32" TV.

We picked up some Elfa shelving and converted both bedroom closets into something more usable. The hanger rod is a bit lower, with a shelf above for storage baskets.

After driving over 12,000 miles in this 'truck', we  finally decided to try to smooth out the ride. Some of the roads we have traveled were horrendous. So taking the advice of the good folks on the FR3 Forest River forum, we ordered the Koni front shocks and a Safe-T-Plus front stabilizer. The shocks for comfort and the stabilizer for safety. I hope to get them all installed this weekend, and get her out for a test drive.

Additionally, I installed a GoPower TS-30 Transfer switch so I could easily transfer power between shore power and generator without having to always plug the 30-amp power cable into the generator plug. The only outstanding work is to try and figure out how to add in the SurgeGuard Power protector into this setup.

For some odd reason, the 'engineers' at Forest River, if that is a good name for them, decided to add only one air conditioner on this 30' coach. They also did not install any fans in the ceiling, but I have to give some credit for at least adding pre-wiring for them. So, my next project will be to add something like a Fantastic-Fan so we can get some air flow on the days we do not need the A/C.

We also added some foam padding in between the ceiling and the roof where the air vents blew into dead space at the front and the rear of the coach. It was relatively easy to pop out the plastic air vents on the ceiling, add foam padding, and then pop the vents back on.

We added dark windshield tint to all the windows to help block out the sun's heat. We also bought a roll of  R21 unfaced Reflective roll Insulation and cut to size for each of the windows. This really helped to cut down on the sun's heat during the day.

As others have done, we also added wire to the front grill to keep out rocks and such from destroying the radiator. I also like the look.

Wife wanted backsplash, so we added backsplash behind the stove and in the bathroom. Also added some decorative tiles to the overhead bed frmae that faces the coach all day long. I would much rather just remove the overhead bed and get rid of it. I just can't figure out how to remove it.....

The dinette seats have storage under them, but getting to the items stored is a chore. So we built a drawer and mounted it on rails to make it much easier to retrieve the stored items.

Overall, we are pleased with this FR3. Hindsight makes me wish I had waited tho to buy one with a few more amenities that other coaches have. Of course, they would have been a bit more. But this coach did not come with:

• Black Tank Flush
• Ceiling fans, not even in the bathroom
• Transfer Switch

These are some of the things we were used to from much less costly travel trailers. But after a year of driving this beast towing our 2014 Jeep Cherokee, we have had a blast, and hope for many miles to come.

Branson, Missouri

Branson was our next stop on our way home. We normally stay at Table Rock State Park just south of Branson. While out riding our bicycles, I noticed an unattended campfire in one of those little firerings. While riding past a Park Ranger picking up trash at a campsite, I informed him of the fire left unattended at campsite such and such. He was rather un-interested, and more interested in the amount of trash left behind at this particular campsite. I guess trash is much more important than fires left unattended.

This trip we bought tickets to see the Acrobats of China. We enjoyed the show, even tho there were a few instances where there were a few flubs. These performers were amazing to watch. It was hard to imagine that the body could perform such extraordinary feats. Well worth the ticket price.

For lunch we went back to Mel's Diner. This place has singing waiters and waitresses. We certainly enjoy the music, and always pick up a CD performed by our waiter.

After a full day of shopping and picking up a few hard to find items we have been looking for, we retired back to the RV around 5PM for drinks and dinner.

Tomorrow,  we head to Oklahoma to visit family, before finally heading home after three weeks out on the road.

St Louis, Missouri

Leaving Louisville, we headed down the highway to St Louis, Missouri. Actually we stopped in East St Louis, Illinois at the RV park at the Casino Queen. This RV park is nothing more than an overpriced parking lot with cable, wi-fi, laundry, and a great view of the St Louis Arch. No trees, no grass, no picnic tables, and no level lots. But hey other than that, we did have a pull-thru, and easy access to the casino and Metro that took us across the border into Missouri.

Here is a shot of Frances Rene 3rd with the arch in the background.

That night we headed to the casino, and Jan found a slot machine that just kept giving her money. We both walked out with more than we entered with. That was fun.

The next day, we headed out on the Metro railway into downtown St Louis. We had tickets for the Arch for 12:40 pm, so we visited the old courthouse and downtown area. For lunch we had some of those famous St Louis ribs.

This arch is an interesting architectural and engineering feat. Riding the little cubicle elevator up to the top is an experience I will not forget. The views were spectacular. Here are a few shots from the arch.

Old Courthouse with Arch in background

Waiting for the Capsule to take us to the top

View of Downtown from the Top

Observation Area 630 Ft Up

Louisville, Kentuckty

Don't be a stupeed-do like me, and call it Louis-ville. It is pronounced Loouie-ville. Anyway, during our extended Bourbon trail travelling, we headed up to Louisville to visit two more distilleries.

First stop was Bulleit distillery where we got our stamp in our Kentucky Bourbon Trail Passport book. but did not take the tour. We were not ready for a taste of bourbon that early in the morning. I know, what's wrong with me?

After the Bulleit distillery, we headed down the road to find Church Hill Downs. This is where they run the Kentucky Derby each year. So we signed ourselves up for a tour. The tour and the museum was very interesting. Here are a few photos that we took of Churchill Downs.

 After Churchill Downs, we headed downtown to find the visitor center.  After parking, we upon Fourth Street. This is very much like our Austin's Sixth Street, except it is nicer and cleaner with lots of fine places to eat.

We ordered a 12" pizza at Sports And Social Club restaurant, and when it came out, it was more like 16". Almost did not get it all eaten, and it was very delicious.

We headed down the street to find Evan Williams Distillery to get another stamp. This distillery is right downtown in a high rise building. When I asked about their distillery process, they told me they get about 1 barrel a day here. Hmmmm. Not very much. But they have a much larger distillery outside of town.

A few more blocks down the street was the Louisville Slugger factory. They make those famous Louisville Slugger baseball bats. So we had to go in and get a peek thru the windows to see how they were made. They even had a batting cage inside where you could try out different bats. Outside the building had to be the largest bat I have ever seen. I dunno, maybe Paul Bunyon's bat?

Tomorrow morning we head out for St Louis, Missouri.

Makers Mark - Loretto Kentucky

I have been enjoying Makers Mark Bourbon whiskey for a few years now. Back in 2010, I signed up as an Ambassador for Makers Mark to help spread the cheer. As part of being an Ambassador, Makers Mark placed my name (along with 30 others) on a plaque that is attached to a barrel of the good stuff. My barrels birthday is Nov 1, 2010. It is now as of this date 4 years and 8 months  aged. The expected maturity is somewhere between Nov 2016 and May 2018. Once it is uncorked, I will get a chance to get a bottle from this barrel.

So, anyway, I have been wanting to get to the distillery for some time now. In July 2015, we finally got the chance. This place in Loretto, Ky is not easy to find, but we drove thru some beautiful rolling hills full of fields of corn.

Entrance to Makers Mark

 Normally these distilleries charge a nominal fee for the tours and tastings, but luck was with us today. Computer was down, so the tour was free. Can't beat that. However, they still made a killing off me in the gift shop.

Courtney was our tour guide, and she did a good job explaining the process during the tour. This was the only tour we have had so far where we were able to see the complete process. From cooking the mashbill to aging the final product to labeling and bottling.

One part of the distillery had large vats where the mashbill was being cooked. We were invited to dip out fingers in each of three vats to taste the difference. Certainly did not taste like anything I would want to drink later.

From there we went into one of the Rickhouses where the barrels are stored for aging. My barrel is in there somewhere with my name on the plaque attached to it.

The labeling room is where the labels are printed, cut and laminated. This is all down by ladies feeding the old machines by hand.

Then it was off to the bottling plant where we saw the 1 liter bottles get unpacked, rinsed with a small amount of bourbon (not water), then filled, capped, and labelled. Four ladies were then hand-dipping each bottle into the hot red wax.

At the end of the tour, we were led into the tasting room where we were treated to four different tastings. One was what they called Makers White. This is normally called 'white dog', which is the final product before being put into the barrels for aging. It was good enough that I had to buy a bottle. This is not sold in any retail stores.

Makers White - Dipping by Doc

In the gift shop I bought a bottle of the Makers White, a bottle of Makers Mark Cask Strength (113 proof), and a commemorative bottle signed by Bill and Rob Samuels.  The Makers White I got to dip the bottle myself into the red wax. The lady helping me told me to dip it all the way down, instead of just the neck of the bottle.

Autographed Commemorative Bottle

Dipped Sipping Glass

All in all, it was worth the trip.