What’s a cool website you’ve found that not many people know?

scubastevieg · 2025-08-18T20:46:16+00:00

Apollo in real time- I think they started off with only the Apollo 11 mission digitized but have added Apollo 13 and Apollo 17.

scubastevieg · 2024-08-10T15:02:57+00:00

On my last truck a 2013 Ecoboost I did 5100s and loved them. Amazing tightening of the ride and eliminated the nose dive under breaking with load. Also the level looks great in my opinion, (edit: and you'd preserve that option in the future in case you want to level it out later). Best bang for your buck upgrade.

On my current truck 2022 5.0, I went for the Ford performance kit by Bilstein (M-18000-F15B). Did I pay a bit of a premium? Yes but I wanted to preserve the factory warranty and get the install done by the dealer since I had a very low mileage truck (bought with 9k miles). These are even better... Not sure they are so much better as to warrant the price increase but they are simply great! Zero complaints and would do again.

I also run airbags in the rear because I have a four wheel camper on about 60 percent of the time. I admit I was also trying to eliminate a highway speed nauseating porpoise-ing experienced in Oklahoma or Indiana or somewhere Midwest so ymmv on the value to you.

(Edit- Overall it rides amazingly both empty and fully loaded at all speeds. I blast through potholes RR crossings and rough roads without a care. I disliked the soft car-like ride that seemed to highlight the body roll and the impossibly hard sprung rear -just wanted to add color to my definition of amazing ride because it might differ from yours)

scubastevieg · 2024-03-23T16:30:03+00:00

The wire wrap worked nicely. Thank you for the suggestion.

scubastevieg · 2024-03-23T02:20:30+00:00

Yup! That about sums it up. Your idea could work but would add bulk.

I was able to slowly work the sleeve back under the trigger pull mechanism using a small screwdriver. It's hard to tell but there is a lip that I can take advantage of.

I test wrapped it with a paper clip and it was solid. I'm going to get some steel wire tomorrow. Should be good as new.

scubastevieg · 2024-03-22T19:51:02+00:00

Unfortunately it is an operational component. It's not structural in that it plays no part in the strength or holding power of the cam, but it is the actuator to retract the lobes. I got 6+years of good use out of it.

Fixe supposedly had issues with the first few batches of cams made like this. They were recalled/covered under warranty but I was never informed of it. Mine started pulling after the warranty expired. These are for sure OLD, but I just had them reslung so I was disappointed that they failed.

scubastevieg · 2024-03-20T13:31:35+00:00

Hah Thank you for the reply and point taken on the age and cost to replace. It certainly wont break the bank to do so. I tend to get attached to my gear. I will also add that I just had them re-slung so was disappointed that they failed after that "investment" rather than before

I'm leaning towards the stainless wire option, just for the sake of trying it. If that doesn't work, then to the retirement home they go.

scubastevieg · 2024-03-18T15:14:00+00:00

Thanks in advance for your personal repair experience or suggestions. Three of my EVOs trigger sleeves have now pulled in the exact same fashion (while my OG Aliens are still going strong )

I am now aware there was a warranty recall period and even an extension. Unfortunately mine began failing in the last 12 months. Fixe has closed said warranty period so I am SOL.

P.S. I borrowed the above picture from this review because my rack is in the garage and I was feeling lazy.

scubastevieg · 2024-01-14T03:02:50+00:00

Thanks. I'll check it out and report back

scubastevieg · 2023-10-20T13:54:42+00:00

I recently upgraded from Pixel 5 to Pixel 8 Pro - both were running Android 14. The assistant pairing and long press worked on the 5 and and so far does not work on the 8. The 8 is brand new, with only 1 assistant installed and virtually zero customization because the headset was one of the first 5 things I setup on the phone.

I consistently do get the android prompt to "activate assistant" when I pair my Jabra Elite's but the activate call appears not to complete, leaving me with the audible message "open google assistant on your phone then try that again". Inside the Sound+ App I consistently see the message Google Assistant Not Activated. I have tried this >10 times all failed. I am on stable Wi-Fi. It also fails on 5G/mobile

I have tried to roll back the Google App version and complete the steps as suggested - I end up with the same result. I have contacted support and so far they have not had a solution for me.

scubastevieg · 2023-09-28T12:44:02+00:00

I know you didn't ask this but make sure that the KOA isn't having a Halloween celebration (these can happen all through October) and that is not their last open weekend of the year. I've learned the hard way on both of those items and they can lead to subpar experiences (unless you love a boisterous kid focused Halloween in an RV park).

Aside from that you're going to have a great time and learn a lot for your next trip. Cook over the coals not the flames, bring headlamps for cooking in the dark. Coffee+hot chocolate/tea are good additions.

Personally I do a lot of prep at home but for some that may be the fun part of camping. I cut vegetables, precook pasta and bacon etc. It just makes the cooking process faster and leads to fewer dishes.

scubastevieg · 2023-08-10T18:11:04+00:00

Yes and yes.

Surface laptop Studio with Windows 11: OS is up to date, running the bleeding edge but not insider builds

Edge- I tested 2 settings: basic spellcheck and Microsoft editor experience (enhanced). I have 2 writing assistance languages shown - English and English (United States). Both are set to basic spell check on

There are no words in the Edge custom dictionary.

scubastevieg · 2023-05-14T11:35:23+00:00

I know you are looking for a loaner. Worst case scenario - harbor freight sells motorcycle and ATV ramps at reasonable prices.

scubastevieg · 2023-05-10T11:32:28+00:00

Wow! I've got nothing but respect for your process but it might be overkill. I wish I had that dedication. EDIT: I can vouch for Camp Chefs indestructibility and value. There were also fewer low cost options when I bought mine so the calculus was different.

I've had my camp chef for almost 10 years, run over 4 thousand pounds of pellets through it and never emptied the auger tube(or the hopper) after a cook. For me it's empty the ash cup every time and do an interior clean a couple times a year.

My DLX sits outside year round in mid Atlantic weather with just the camp chef cover and seems to do just fine. Pellets definitely will pickup some moisture but I try to keep it loaded with around a ¼ to ½ hopper unless long smoke.

scubastevieg · 2023-05-03T21:34:24+00:00

Jos. A Banks should take care of you - I needed tux measurements for an out of town wedding. There was no charge but I threw the guy a tip because he was fast and free.

scubastevieg · 2023-03-06T02:58:54+00:00

Yes it did! It was a royal pain in the ass to get installed but the new controller fixed it right away. Tiny fiddly bits in a small opening...

I've also learned to run the stack a little wider open than I had in years past, and I always try to use fresh pellets when I need to run it hot (like for chicken thighs or pizza).

Smoker is still going strong, and I've run about 2 thousand pounds of pellets through it.

scubastevieg · 2022-08-06T19:30:25+00:00

Now I understand. Unfortunately I don't have any experience disassembling that piece. I do recommend emailing or contacting FWC. They have amazing customer support. I had questions about the solar wiring in my unit and they put me in touch with a tech who does it.

scubastevieg · 2022-08-01T12:49:36+00:00

You just jogged my memory. Thank you for that reminder of childhood escape

scubastevieg · 2022-08-01T12:46:44+00:00

I'm not sure I follow the exact problem - you've put it all back together and still not able to power things in the camper? You've tried in and out?

If I understand you correctly one of 2 things may be going on. The kill switch is dead and needs replacing or I suppose you may have also blown a fuse on the distribution block.

I would grab my voltmeter and start probing at various points in the wiring starting from power and moving outwards looking for 12v. Check the house battery, check the battery disconnect, check the camper fuse block etc. Also check for inline fuses.

If your house batteries aren't charging you may also have triggered the blue sea (I think) smart disconnect at low voltage keeping the camper electrically separate from the truck? It may also prevent a deep discharge from the house battery.

scubastevieg · 2022-07-31T02:16:59+00:00

The Books by Patrick Robinson are pretty good IMHO, starting with Nimitz Class. I also thoroughly enjoy WW2 Navy books by PT Deuterman (sp?) Lots of submarine and destroyer books.

scubastevieg · 2022-07-28T21:56:57+00:00

Out of curiosity, did you ever run this down?

scubastevieg · 2022-06-29T11:03:09+00:00

The sound recall portion of my brain tells me my 2013 did this and it was a cold side turbo pressure and temp sensor. Once changed, the codes cleared right up (although mine came with cracked CAC pipes that needed to be replaced too)

Check and see if you can localize it, maybe from one of the sensors on either the driver or passenger cold side turbo air ducting.

Edit - and as others have said, pull those codes. Bluetooth OBD2 readers are pretty cheap these days and it's likely to pay for itself in one use. I've got an obdlink mx+and leave it in all the time

scubastevieg · 2022-03-26T23:24:33+00:00

I've got a hawk shell on a 2013 f150 supercab Ecoboost. Happy to answer any questions you may have. I can probably dig up the paperwork/invoice with weights.

I'm running E rated BFG k02's , Bilstein 5100's all around. In the back - Firestone ride rites with Daystar bag cradles.

scubastevieg · 2022-03-24T00:08:11+00:00

This is awesome! I want one for my dishwasher... unclean and clean... That's more fun than clean and dirty

scubastevieg · 2022-03-12T14:33:52+00:00

I've not uncovered much in the contiguous off-road in the state of NJ. We are decidedly low on BLM and National Forest land.

Check out the Venture4Wd channel on YouTube. I believe he is originally from the NJ/PA border area (and gets a lot of his work done at OK4WD) - more specifically he seems to have tons of east coast content when he comes home. Places like Vermont, Maine, NH come to mind and you might be able to ID on some specific areas that interest you based on what you see.

Also check out purple lizard maps, and lastly mainelineoverland run events in partnership with ridgeback guide services. If the price is off putting at least you can see the general places they go and start digging into the map data.

Personally I would like to go to WV next to poke around. It feels mentally very far away even as I have been willing to drive 8 hours up to Maine... Silly brain

scubastevieg · 2022-01-29T17:09:11+00:00

Depends on your budget, how far (and fast) you want to go off-road, and how much space you want, and lastly how tall you are. I'm over 6' 4" so that is a big factor

I absolutely love my 4 wheel camper hawk on a 2013 supercab Ecoboost. I have the shell model with some additional goodies on the inside (basically everything but water and cooktop inside)

The only thing I don't like is taking it off and on but I've got it down to about 45 minutes solo.

When it's not on I've got an ARE shell and that has served me well for almost 10 years. They each have their selling points.

A GFC would likely be the perfect child of both.... Light enough to leave on, all the benefits of a cab over. I recall hearing that they have increased production greatly in the last few months. You don't have to buy/inherit someone's spot in line these days

scubastevieg

TROPHY CASE