The #1 RV/Auto Tool Harbor Freight Does NOT Have and you Must.
Вставка
- Опубліковано 7 сер 2020
- This tool came in handy more than any other and Harbor Freight Doesn't have it.
Buy Folding Bamboo Table here: amzn.to/3fh4sFb
Buy Jackery 240 Solar Generator here: amzn.to/2leJssr
Buy Renogy 50w solar panel mono here: amzn.to/2jNKICu
Buy Reflectix here: amzn.to/2laCwfM
Buy Twin Mattress here: amzn.to/2lfIoEH
Buy Portable RV shower here: amzn.to/2lh06aX
Buy Ozark Trails 26 Qrt Cooler here: amzn.to/2jLH7or
Buy Gas One camp stove here: amzn.to/2ldJFMo
Buy Olimpiafit Bath towels here: amzn.to/2lgmzVz
Buy Trainiac 1/2 gal jug here: amzn.to/2lh0Vk3
Buy MC4 to 8mm for Jackery 240 solar: amzn.to/2jMZRDX
Buy 12vdc fan here: amzn.to/2jLPY9H
Buy USB light here: amzn.to/2leKGnx
Buy Lunatec washcloth here: camzn.to/2XJFLbH
Buy Shower cabana here: amzn.to/2leLQPV
Buy Collapsible camp chair here: amzn.to/2jLMWCj
Buy Clothes storage zipper bags here: amzn.to/2leMKMj
Buy 7gal Aquatainer by Reliance waterjug: amzn.to/2leN6m7 - Навчання та стиль
Having original manuals that came with the vehicle is priceless.
Yes, keeping all that paperwork filed together will always save time. Excellent idea. As for your non-functioning marker lights - check the bulbs first. The theory of checking the simple stuff first has absolute validity and has saved me time repeatedly.
I did the same for my Class A, only my manual binder is six inches, lol, but I can put my hands on any product or part number I need. I also kept the service and any upgrades in it like you did, makes life easier. Thanks for another informative video.
You're an outstanding spokesman for Harbor Freight. I know I shop there more based on your videos.
well done, you're pretty organized.
Given your well stocked shop, I was surprised you did not have a battery charger. Shortly after I got married, my father-in-law (who had a garage full of tools) gave me Montgomery Wards 10 amp battery charger. Montgomery Wards? For you young viewers, Wards was a a competitor of Sears. This made in the U.S.A. charger still works like new after 40 years! And yes, I still have the owner’s manual. Thanks for another informative and entertaining video.
In the age of AAA it is rare for anyone to have a charger. I could have easily called them to come start the vehicle but the one time investment is handy.
Young viewers probably dont even know what Sears is.
This One01 You’re right. Geez, I must be old.
Thanks, Steve. Gonna have to get me one of those for the truck
Estate sales and swap meets are a great source for older, American made Craftsman tools.
I have a nice set.
On that same aisle as the charger are the HF jumper packs. Not the Lithium ones, the lead-acid ones. I have at one time or another started every single vehicle, boat, generator...you name it, that I own with one of those.
Good to know.
When you enter HF - music should start playing & employee’s should greet you with all of the coupons!!!!
I just ask. If you're cool to the people who work there, they'll help you with coupon barcodes.
Like the Wizard of OZ .
Fun to watch! The thing about manuals is that they are all going on line for newer vehicles. My 2013 Chev Impala and 2015 Dodge Dart both have online manuals from aftermarket sources. This is the most economical way to provide them. I chose Mitchell, but there are others. $35 gets me a 4 years subscription. I print as I go. Not super convenient, but it's working for me. You can still get printed manual, but they come in several volumes and they are super expensive.
I noticed your electronic battery splitter. I went over those trying to figure out what I considered best. The standard splitters work but at the cost of .7 voltage drop due to semiconductors in the switch circuit. There was the Perfect Switch brand that had no voltage drop but the price was pretty high. I decided to simply use a constant duty solenoid switch with 4 gauge wire direct from alternator to the truck camper batteries. It has worked great with no voltage drop other than I/R loss over the length of the wire which is minimal. The solenoid uses about .3 amps, a small load for a 160 amp alternator. The manual is definitely a smart thing to have. I carry one in my tool kit. I'm setup to repair almost anything that can happen on the road short of machine work. I can get the machine work done and reinstall. I suppose an extension to having the manual would be to have internet access and check for how to videos on UA-cam.Lots of help there if you can find it. It also helped you had a second expedition vehicle to venture off safely from the Van Cave and get the stuff you needed. Take care Steve.
Good info.
Great advice, thank you!
I have 3 different battery banks on my RV and to each of them I attached a quick connector to them (SAE). Now I just use a Battery Tender and my batteries are always topped off. This also has the benefit of never letting the lead acid batteries from going below 50% SOC (state of charge) which can greatly degenerate them.
One of the things I always asked when I was looking for a Class B RV was “do you still have all the manuals”. But alas, the one I bought did not, so I have been collecting model numbers and manuals as best I can for my future use.
They should give you a life time discount for how you promote Harbor Freight. There is one close by me and I also frequently go there too. I keep a trickle charger on the RV all the time. Your local store is much nicer and bigger than mine.
I have bought a Haynes manual for every car I ever owned, so naturally I got one for the Dodge B-series van that forms the bones of my Xplorer. Luckily, the previous owners passed along manuals for the RV side, though the Xplorer manual appears to be from an earlier model year, and is not precisely representative of "ground truth". Since I've run into that sort of thing before (mostly in the form of jury-rigging and other unauthorized alterations), I know how to get around it. Since all the RV and appliance manuals are punched for three-ring binders, I bought a nice 3-ring organizer that keeps everything together so it can come along with me, in case I need to do repairs in the field. Flat batteries can be a real headache, especially in an RV, possibly stranding you at a remote campsite. I'm surprised you don't have a "jump pack". I have successfully started my Xplorer with a 900 peak amp Duracell portable jump starter, so yes, that can get you out of a tight spot if your battery dies far away from any electrical outlets.
If the battery jump can start a "completely dead" battery, that's good. Most have success with slow crank etc.
@@XplorerSteveDIY In the garage, it's a useful troubleshooting aid to, since you can inject 12v power to test circuits, and you would have immediately learned it was something other than the battery.
How did you get the overhead shot of the van at the beginning of the video? Did you use a drone ?
So true, all my 'R' series Bemmers have been through at least two Haynes Manuals each..never retain component manuals or boxes to my detriment.
Great interesting video!
Before I had my 230 xplorer I had a 224 xplorer and lived in vagas at eastern and warm springs at Albertsons spent my day's at Sunset Park Best time ever it was my only home at the time
As a teen, I lived near Maryland Parkway and Tropicana. I have fond memories of Sunset Park.
I like harbor freight’s icon wrenches a ton. For combination wrenches, get the anti-slip grip on the open end. Otherwise their ratcheting double box end wrenches provide a ton of leverage and are very comfortable beams to wrench with every day.
Do you use Cosmo in the carpool lane ?
Great video with a great do it yourself tip on the Haynes manual, Steve. Chilton's is another good one. I bought the same battery charger, and a similar logic tester. I've had them both for a couple of years now and they work still work great. I also recently acquired their cheap battery load tester. It worked just as well as Firestone's fancy, high dollar, digital one. I also noticed how you stuck with the hand basket to keep the purchases down to a minimum, haha. Mr. Headly hasn't aged a day, btw!
Great video and information Steve..
👍🇺🇸
Does Steve scribe his name or initials on new tool acquisitions along with the date of purchase? How about filing the owners manual with the receipt taped inside? Or outline the new tool's silhouette on the wall where it will be stored or label the space on the shelf it sits?
Maybe harbor freight jump packes are not that great, but my 2009 Jeep Patriot has an extend warranty and to keep it you can not jump start with it. I purchased a jump pack from an auto parts store over 5 years ago and now have one in both our vehicles. They work great. You do have to make sure they are maintained, ie plug then in 2xs a year to top them off. For me a verticality challenged older female I won't leave home in my vehicle without a jump pack. The bonus of a jump pack is it is a good sized battery pack so you can run a USB fan or charge your phone or tablet. Thank you for the video I really enjoy your projects.
My battery was completely dead. No lights, no ding ding. Nothing. I ran it all the way down. If it can start from that dead, I would like to know what type it is.
@@XplorerSteveDIY when my husband gets back, I will get the brand off the oldest jumppack. I have started 2 big gas trucks, v10s I believe. One was totally dead. The other had left his lights on. Neither of those vehicles had an alarm or any fancy electrical systems though. I work as an inspector in heavy construction so if you have an issue sometimes AAA won't even come out.
Ok, my jump pack is going on 5 years old and looks like it is made in the USA. It is an Allstart Micro-Boost. I had a coupon and it was on sale so I paid $35 for it.
Wow what kind of lapel body mic do you use? sounds really nice and its corded too with hardly any distortion
In the car, generic lapel mic. everything else is the camera mic.
I know you went thew wheel well for diesel heater but I don't remember the muffler location
Long time no see. I hope you're doing well. Good to see you again. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and videos Rodney
Actually, I been posting pretty regularly lateley.....
Thanks for the video, Steve!
For the time I actually use tools, harbor freight generally pretty good. I just can't stand that it is all made in China. Politicians on both sides of the aisle speak of all the wrong China does, but do not do enough to stop the import of product. Do something to encourage more manufacturing in this country. Even a lot of the protective equipment the world needs due to corona is made there. They hold a lot of our debt, yet they are the enemy? Can't over, I like your videos, thank you for sharing.
Yes, Politics and monied interests.
Harbor Freight and Walmart are two huge suppliers of Chinese made products however when I was shopping for the popular 12 volt diesel heaters I found the Chinese made ones were just a fraction of the European made ( none are American) $89 for a 5 KW heater that are sweeping the RV world as we can camp in the fall/winter and be comfortable without the smelly propane buddy heaters also made in China.
I think you should have shown how you rest the alarm system so someone else could benefit from it.
Only if they have a 20 year old Viper system. ha. Most will have to tow to the dealership. Get a manual.
Love your channel
When I see the impeccably organized Van Cave, I envision the beating I would endure should I misplace one tool or item into the incorrect location. By the way, there was a Tribble on your shirt at 2:00. Oh, the trouble with Tribbles!
I am in a tin can without the tribble on a GoPro.
Very informative Mr Steve.
Will you be doing anymore neighborhood motorbike tours?
No. Motorbike is bye bye.
There is a harbor freight coupon app that some independent person created. You'll find the same coups they print in the newspaper and the in-store circular. It can be found in Google play store. IDK about Apple store. Helps cut down on paper waste. HB does honor the app.
Yes those jump packs are usually garbage after 2 years. The batteries inside are junk. Wasteful and not eco-friendly.
Are those "icon" tools made in USA? I know that sounds like a silly question but, I found my car ramps at HB, about 7 years ago and they're made in USA.
Yes, even as a former ASE cert master tech, I kept a small library of Haynes/Chilton's manuals for certain vehicles. You can find them at most car parts stores.
Another great vid!
I like AAA and could have called them. I needed a shop charger though. . The ICON are not USA made. Even Snap On doesn't put USA on their tools anymore...
Hey Steve can you explain your curtain rod please? I'm making one right now for my sienna camper and need some bright ideas. Thanks in advance from Canada!
See build video
@@XplorerSteveDIY Thanks! I had watched it in the past and didn't even realize you talked about the curtains there. Thanks Steve, will do something similar soon.
I absolutely agree!
Love the video 💙💙💙
hey steve, how did you override the alarm? Or is it confidential? Still waiting for you to collaborate with Wonderhussey.
I had the manual for this aftermarket system. VIPER. You couldn't do it yourself on a modern car now days. It would be a dealership trip and would likely throw a code for the security feature. Wonderhussey is cool. I am what she would term a "square" though.
Question.. so is it good to have one of those portable battery chargers in your vehicle? I have been told to have one for emergencies but I wonder what your views are on this.. and if you agree, any recommendations.
I have AAA, but I think about getting one because I camp in the boonies. They work if you have a partial charge and slow crank for the small ones.I don't have experience with them. I read reviews. AAA is a good deal, towing and all.
@@XplorerSteveDIY as always, thanks! Talk to ya in the next vid comment..
A 40-60 amp charger is nice so one can get the battery hot for an hour or so occasionally to keep the sulfates off the plates. A boost function would be nice to jump start your van in that 60 degree below weather you experience so often down south there Steve 😁
Just go two isles over get wheels and trailer lights and you can tow Tool cabinet .
Where did you get the Toyota repair manual?
Ebay. Cost roughly a Benjamin.
So alarm caused it not to start? What a headache.
a battery load tester is great to have in the Shop. I carry small lithium jump starters in my main vehicle and motorbike. Where's the Grom?
Sold the Grom.
I love harbor freight!
I got the RV manuals but use UA-cam university and rv forum boards more.
I would love to see you do a video on the evolution of Harbor Freight. All the new brands, higher end stuff and far fewer (if any) coupons. I am indifferent as long as they keep the Pittsburgh/Central Pneumatic, etc--their cheap brands of stuff.
I am not sponsored and buying everything is out of the question. Thanks for your input.
@@XplorerSteveDIY I meant at a higher level, like the store's direction, has it changed? If it has, is it better worse?
My local stores seem to carry less of the cheap stuff and are more geared towards higher end tools. And of course, no more coupons or free items.
Disclaimer: I saw your video 9 hours ago but it took me that long to think of this joke! "That's not a manual, that's a coloring book!" (OK! Y'all can "boo" me now) HAHAHA
It"s a personal choice for sure. I like pictures and will likely color them.
Harbor freight should pay you for being a spokesman for them
True, once he gets a deal with Harbor Freight, I want to get him a deal with Princess Auto in Canada (our version of HF). Of course, I want a 15% cut.
Steve, you may be the most interesting man in the world!
Actually tied with Linescrew for that Honor
@@khunopie9159 I resent that honor! LOL. Carolyn's RV Life is the most interesting man in the world!
My TAC-Life compact jump starter has worked perfectly to start cars with three dead batteries. You just have to invest in a better brand than Brand-X.
Harbor Freight is the opium den of tools .
When entering Harbor Freight, what happened to the Pink Panther theme song?
?
I would like to be entered into the contest for the Jackery 500
Me too.
Check out HOBOTECK on YT
Wow you bought something made in America???
Yep. LOL
Should've bought 200 amp model. Big charger you see in auto shops. Buy once, Cry once.
I need to get a car battery charger too.
Dude- these are all online nowadays. You don’t even have to leave the house.
Would you want an online woman or an in real life in your hands woman?
Depends on how much of a hurry I was in...
@@ziggystardog Nothing beats reaching for a book and turning a page as opposed to booting up, doing a search, printing pages then throwing away pages.
Theres a saying "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush"
The disintegrating HF rubber gloves.
harbor freight and the instructions to the rescue, that is surely the woke people.
Ha! "Truth be told, I look for excuses to go to Harbor Freight!" -Don't we all! The only thing that is holding me back is I don't have a 20% coupon! My local mail flyer stopped printing them
Yeah, I haven't gotten a flyer in a year so I have to ask them for my Inside track club catalogue when I walk through the door. The 20 percenter I just down load online and they scan my tablet at the register.
Harbour Frieght short-changed me! I will never shop there again! Total ripoff!!
You can't be short changed without your permission.
first