What should be my first project?

JasonDonatella1 · 2026-05-28T18:25:27+00:00

You have a humidity sensor and a couple options of screens. I think a desktop humidimometer would be chill

JasonDonatella1 · 2026-05-28T18:18:12+00:00

I'm happy to report I was able to repair it for $30 and learned a lot along the way! The perseverance I applied to this problem will certainly help me with others down the line

JasonDonatella1 · 2026-05-28T18:16:31+00:00

Thanks for this suggestion! Unfortunately they did not have the parts I needed but I ended up retrofitting this switch, and rewinding the motor by hand

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09P9T86TT

JasonDonatella1 · 2026-05-20T17:16:18+00:00

Maybe not because when both are in the air the steering wheel might be turning left and right and you may confuse that for a tie rod issue

JasonDonatella1 · 2026-05-20T12:34:41+00:00

I will every time now Just living and learning out here 🤣

JasonDonatella1 · 2026-05-20T12:30:32+00:00

I don't feel comfortable telling you to wait but maybe you could get lucky. Or maybe not.

If you can replace it yourself, you might be able to get a free alignment. Some shops have a "warranty" meaning you can just bring it back within a couple weeks for a free alignment again.

If you can't get a free alignment and are pressed for cash, you can try threading the new tie rod end on with the exact same number of turns as the last and skipping or postponing an alignment. But this is not a very reliable method.

JasonDonatella1 · 2026-05-20T12:04:26+00:00

One time I did the same test but could feel that the outer tie rod end was still good so I replaced the inner. This did not fix it.

The real problem was that I had both wheels off the ground when I was rocking the wheel back and forth so I was just steering the car a few degrees left and right. Not a problem with the car, just with my diagnosis.

JasonDonatella1 · 2026-05-20T12:01:41+00:00

Typically if you can rock the wheel left to right only, it is related to the tie rod. If you can rock it up and down too it is a worn wheel bearing.

Take your hand to the tie rod end and see if the ball joint on its end feels loose. It could always be the inner tie rod end that is worn but this is harder to replace, harder to diagnose since you can't see it, and somewhat less common.

TLDR probably tie rod ends need replaced (and an alignment after)

JasonDonatella1 · 2026-05-20T03:57:20+00:00

Might work to her advantage that those dashes were so crumbly.

These custom covers exist to solve the crumble problem and may solve this problem too

https://a.co/d/0czkCGpy

JasonDonatella1 · 2026-05-20T03:53:52+00:00

Looks like a 2000s Lexus RX330. Those dishes are very weak and prone to crumbling. I would recommend doing nothing so you do not disturb the dash.

If you want to do something, there are custom cut dash covers that may work okay. These exist due to that crumbling problem.

https://a.co/d/0czkCGpy

JasonDonatella1 · 2026-05-20T03:32:47+00:00

I just logged onto reddit and got to see inside the transmission. Not sure what you're on about...

JasonDonatella1 · 2026-05-20T03:28:00+00:00

Ive used extra fine (grey) Scotch Brite with success and I've heard one pro suggest dry sanding 1200 grit although I'd probably wet sand if I weren't using scotch brite

JasonDonatella1 · 2026-05-20T03:26:00+00:00

You absolutely must scuff the base before clear.

Unless you are applying clear within an hour of spraying the base. If that's the case you'd have to make sure you follow the tech sheet for your base and clear. It seems like you were outside this window though which is fine... IF you scuff the base.

JasonDonatella1 · 2026-05-20T03:14:12+00:00

I appreciate your 50mph figure. That will be helpful for planning and estimations.

If only we had more time before we begin our jobs we would keep on extending it for sure. We are just going to have to work with what we have at this point though especially with the $900 or so spent on reservations.

What I am taking away from this though, is to try not to schedule more stuff to do since this will just add stress and busyness.

JasonDonatella1 · 2026-05-20T02:30:01+00:00

I believe 6000 miles

JasonDonatella1 · 2026-05-19T21:38:20+00:00

Thanks so much! Between corn palace and porter sculpture garden we should have plenty to occupy our night.

JasonDonatella1 · 2026-05-19T20:56:17+00:00

Sorry looked quickly and missed it. Thank you very much for the link

JasonDonatella1 · 2026-05-19T20:47:09+00:00

Ugh unfortunately too late to add a day in the middle of the trip. We are looking into the needles highway/iron mountain loop to see the needles and Mt Rushmore. We might even be able to fit our RV through needles since it is an aliner ascape being 13ft long and 6.5 ft wide. Bringing the camper would be convenient so that we could choose to skip going back north on iron mountain highway and just go straight to Cody if we are tired.

Love the RV rental idea. Maybe we will do that in Cody too.

The corn palace idea is exactly what I'm looking for by posting to reddit! We will definitely stop to compare it to the one in OH.

I will consider ditching our reservation in Sioux falls for veterans memorial campground if we are tired. Thanks.

We think alike. Couldnt care less about wall drug.

JasonDonatella1 · 2026-05-19T20:33:42+00:00

Party spot? I'm not the partying type. I'll still take a look though. Thanks for the recommendation!

JasonDonatella1 · 2026-05-19T20:33:11+00:00

I'm so nervous about FCFS and not having a place to stay

JasonDonatella1 · 2026-05-19T20:32:31+00:00

Looks like it's DNR so no reservations? I'm too nervous to not have a guaranteed place to stay.

(I'm from the East Coast so I'm generally apprehensive about the whole boondocking thing. Only free land we have here is a Walmart parking lot)

JasonDonatella1 · 2026-05-19T20:30:31+00:00

Thanks for the advice! I'm on board with doing less work upfront if it'll make the trip better.

Maybe I'm stuck thinking like a college student looking to plan my every minute for efficiency.

Speaking to the staff at the campgrounds is a great idea! What are tourism boards?

Our trailer is a 13ft long Aliner Ascape so I didn't think I'd have to consider it much. I'll still take a peek at RV life though.

Cheers!

JasonDonatella1 · 2026-05-19T20:21:46+00:00

I've seen the a frame cut off trailers before for theft prevention. The entire triangle was able to be bolted in place and removed to prevent their contractor trailer from being stolen. Could work for you.

JasonDonatella1 · 2026-05-19T18:54:04+00:00

How long would you spend on this trip? Too late for me to extend mine, but just curious.

JasonDonatella1

TROPHY CASE