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desert_connect

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  1. Like
    desert_connect got a reaction from ThatsMyDawg in Whiting out emblems? Or "Blacking out"?   
    I didn't paint mine I removed them for a clean look.

  2. Thanks
    desert_connect got a reaction from money_bagski in 2017 TC XLT simple camper   
    Here are pictures of my simple camper conversion.  I needed a bed for two, a sofa, a table, a place for a cooler, it had to be easy to install and remove. I built this during a week and then we went on a 3 week camping trip spending every night in it. Overall, it works well for us.  3300 miles on the trip and averaged 29.0 mpg.
     
    I have since removed the top half of the folding seat back, it is more comfortable w/o.  The eye bolt thing on the rear door holds the door open a couple of inches for ventilation while at the same time being able to lock the door.  The third cushion fits nicely behind the seat back. The unit is held in place with 2 turn buckles, 1 in rear shown in pics and the other is at the L mid tie down point. I can remove this in a few minutes by myself and have an empty van again.  








  3. Thanks
    desert_connect got a reaction from Marquizzo in 2017 TC XLT simple camper   
    We have returned from 12 more days of van camping, this totals up more than 50 nights in two years. The new sliding door window worked out great for extra ventilation along with the lithium gen/batt powered fan and our new little dog likes it too. As a temporary solution for this trip I gorilla taped a piece of fiberglass screen over the outside of the window and cracked the front door windows an inch when parked. Light rain was no problem and the air moving in though the side window and out the front windows seemed to keep the bugs out. Even with 99% humidity inside, according to the meter, the van roof and walls remained completely dry, no dripping like in the past. I will find a better solution for the screen and tweak the fan placement but overall this arrangement was a success.
     

  4. Like
    desert_connect got a reaction from Marquizzo in 2017 TC XLT simple camper   
    Here are pictures of my simple camper conversion.  I needed a bed for two, a sofa, a table, a place for a cooler, it had to be easy to install and remove. I built this during a week and then we went on a 3 week camping trip spending every night in it. Overall, it works well for us.  3300 miles on the trip and averaged 29.0 mpg.
     
    I have since removed the top half of the folding seat back, it is more comfortable w/o.  The eye bolt thing on the rear door holds the door open a couple of inches for ventilation while at the same time being able to lock the door.  The third cushion fits nicely behind the seat back. The unit is held in place with 2 turn buckles, 1 in rear shown in pics and the other is at the L mid tie down point. I can remove this in a few minutes by myself and have an empty van again.  








  5. Like
    desert_connect got a reaction from Marquizzo in How to remove plastic panel on sliding door?   
    I have the AMA sliding window from Vans Windows Direct. You can see my panel removal and the installation here on page 2;
     
  6. Like
    desert_connect got a reaction from Bean in Intentionally leaving FOB inside my 16 TC XLT and using my other FOB to gain entry?   
    Correct, the chip inside the key placed in the vehicle will allow the vehicle to be started and drivable. In other words leaving a spare key inside will cancel or turn off the electronic anit-theft function. You can disable the chip inside the key by wrapping the key in aluminum foil.........I did this on both my Subaru and Ford Ranger, tested it and it did the job.   
  7. Thanks
    desert_connect got a reaction from jrm223 in Disable Perimeter Lighting   
    I am in southern Arizona. The build date is about one month before (Nov. xx 2016) the BCM update. So, the first dealer updated the BCM but could not turn off the P lights. The second dealer confirmed the first did intact update the BCM but also could not turn off the P lights. I bought a ForScan and worked on it myself, toggling it on/off several times first following procedures posted by others and also several more times following other reasonable possibilities and finally gave up. 
     
    If I am camping I open my drivers door before shutting off the ignition, or flash the hi/low beams after opening all the doors. Then I never fully close the doors, only 1/2 latched. This will keep the P lights off as long as I do not deviate from that procedure. The interior lights are useless for camping also because after 10 minutes the power to them is shut off so I installed my own with live power. I also totally shut off the interior lights and I NEVER use them at all because they don't operate the way I want use them. I have never been so disgusted with a vehicle in all of my life. If this is progress, I am not looking forward to the future.
  8. Confused
    desert_connect got a reaction from jrm223 in Disable Perimeter Lighting   
    I've had my 17' TC to the deal twice to change the perimeter lighting issue and also played with it myself a dozen times with ForScan.  Guess what, they are still on!
  9. Like
    desert_connect got a reaction from OLDSCHOOLFOOL in Disable Perimeter Lighting   
    I've had my 17' TC to the deal twice to change the perimeter lighting issue and also played with it myself a dozen times with ForScan.  Guess what, they are still on!
  10. Thanks
    desert_connect got a reaction from jrm223 in Disable Perimeter Lighting   
    Without a doubt  jrm223 is correct that many more TC's are used in a commercial application than private which brings me to my question.  Why don't the perimeter lights illuminate when the engine is running?  Many deliveries are made w/o shutting off the engine.  I have never understand the logic from all perspectives. 
  11. Like
    desert_connect reacted to OLDSCHOOLFOOL in turn off or shorten duration lights are on   
    They're call Software Engineers. Wouldn't you like to shoot one in the kneecap about right now? I know I would.?
  12. Like
    desert_connect reacted to '14 Connect in turn off or shorten duration lights are on   
    I have the 14 Connect out of warranty do you think this would still be covered?? What Nazi Moron would program any vehicle to make the head lights and tail lights come on when you open any of the doors!! Seriously??
  13. Cool
    desert_connect reacted to mbrint in 2010 Custom Camperized Connect   
    Hello, thought I'd share some photos of my custom camperization for anyone interested/inspired to do the same.
     
    It took me a few months to complete, and definitely learnt a lot along the way. Despite being boxy, there are no straight lines to work off of! Pretty much every piece of wood had to be custom measured and cut (often multiple times).
     
    Since finishing it, I've been on lots of road trips on the West Coast of Canada and US. The TC handles it all!
     
    Feel free to ask any questions about the build or one's about your project. 

  14. Like
    desert_connect got a reaction from Rileuy in GEN 2 ROOF RACKS & TRACKS INSTALL   
    Excellent write up on your roof rack install.
    Thanks!
  15. Thanks
    desert_connect got a reaction from jrm223 in 2017 TC XLT simple camper   
    Thanks, windguy.
    Thanks, jrm223.
    The window is frameless itself but does have the metal door frame around the window inside. An inside screen and magnets could work I'll give that some thought, thanks. 
  16. Thanks
    desert_connect got a reaction from windguy in 2017 TC XLT simple camper   
    We have returned from 12 more days of van camping, this totals up more than 50 nights in two years. The new sliding door window worked out great for extra ventilation along with the lithium gen/batt powered fan and our new little dog likes it too. As a temporary solution for this trip I gorilla taped a piece of fiberglass screen over the outside of the window and cracked the front door windows an inch when parked. Light rain was no problem and the air moving in though the side window and out the front windows seemed to keep the bugs out. Even with 99% humidity inside, according to the meter, the van roof and walls remained completely dry, no dripping like in the past. I will find a better solution for the screen and tweak the fan placement but overall this arrangement was a success.
     

  17. Thanks
    desert_connect got a reaction from windguy in 2017 TC XLT simple camper   
    I purchased and installed an AMA passenger sliding door window with an opening sliding window, 17% privacy glass. 
     
    The installation was not terribly difficult but not easy either. I sharpened the end of a hacksaw blade and cut my way through the urethane caulking on the front side of the plastic panel. Then pulled a .030" ss wire on through using the hole in the end of the blade and wrapped it around the outside of the plastic panel. Tied off the bottom outside wire and with a wooden handle started pulling from the inside to cut the urethane across the top. Top and bottom were easy only having one bead of caulking but struggled with both ends and had to cut most of the outer bead with the blade before the wire would go through. I did not know it then but there are two line up dowels one in each upper corner. Panel off I trimmed the excess urethane off the door using a wood chisel. Then added a vinyl channel trim around the pinch weld. After priming the caulking area on the door and cleaning the glass ! proceeded with a new bead of urethane and this is the second difficult part. I had already anticipated this part and even with warming up the caulking it was quite a struggle to get all around the window let alone a nice V bead. A powered caulking gun would make this much easier and it is almost a necessity. My arm feels like it is 3" longer now! With the caulking done I set the glass in place and bedded it into the caulking. Taped the top to keep it from sagging and wait for it to cure.   
         
     





  18. Like
    desert_connect got a reaction from jrm223 in Now I can see   
    LOL.....yes, the crooked backing parkers are the ones that do not know how to use mirrors. The positive side of backing into any situation at time of arrival is the driver has the most control of and a birds eye view of the whole situation before doing so. Whereas backing afterwards the driver is somewhat blind of whats around them with less control of the situation and with todays high speed drivers a situation can change less than a second. Backing at arrival is in all "defensive driving and truck/equipment driving safety classes". If it were up to me ALL drivers would have to watch a defensive driving video to get their drivers license renewed primarily for on road etiquette and safety........something that seems to have been lost and traded for saving time in todays go fast world.      
  19. Thanks
    desert_connect got a reaction from KevinRollin in 2017 TC XLT simple camper   
    I purchased and installed an AMA passenger sliding door window with an opening sliding window, 17% privacy glass. 
     
    The installation was not terribly difficult but not easy either. I sharpened the end of a hacksaw blade and cut my way through the urethane caulking on the front side of the plastic panel. Then pulled a .030" ss wire on through using the hole in the end of the blade and wrapped it around the outside of the plastic panel. Tied off the bottom outside wire and with a wooden handle started pulling from the inside to cut the urethane across the top. Top and bottom were easy only having one bead of caulking but struggled with both ends and had to cut most of the outer bead with the blade before the wire would go through. I did not know it then but there are two line up dowels one in each upper corner. Panel off I trimmed the excess urethane off the door using a wood chisel. Then added a vinyl channel trim around the pinch weld. After priming the caulking area on the door and cleaning the glass ! proceeded with a new bead of urethane and this is the second difficult part. I had already anticipated this part and even with warming up the caulking it was quite a struggle to get all around the window let alone a nice V bead. A powered caulking gun would make this much easier and it is almost a necessity. My arm feels like it is 3" longer now! With the caulking done I set the glass in place and bedded it into the caulking. Taped the top to keep it from sagging and wait for it to cure.   
         
     





  20. Like
    desert_connect got a reaction from KevinRollin in Sliding door glass add-on   
    For anyone interested.......I purchased and installed a passenger sliding door window with an opening window. I will post more on my build thread, 2017 TC XLT simple camper.
     
     

  21. Thanks
    desert_connect reacted to windguy in CARGO LIGHT REMOVAL   
    @amish soldier and Zalienz - I share the same sentiments about the cargo light. I too paid extra for the LED version.
    No switch and having it stay on for 10 minutes after I close the door was too much for me. Plus in my case, the location wasn't optimal.
     
    As posted earlier, I took the cargo light out and later put up a side panel covering that spot.
    I installed four LED lights wired together and can control them with two switches.
    I have a hanging rack in my van but you can easily mount these lights in other locations.
    The lights come with two sided tape and a pair of brackets with a single screw each.
     
    One switch located in the left rear. The second on the driver's side slider on the right side of the panel.
    The switches are not wired as a 3-way setup, which wasn't really necessary for my use but there are some times when I could have used that option.
    I really like having the ability to control the lights from two locations. 
    The amount of light seems just about right for my needs. Nothing fancy but very practical.
     
    Link below for the LED lights I got.
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CJ634KK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
     



  22. Sad
    desert_connect got a reaction from windguy in ForScan   
    Approach lights "disabled" and the lights still come on.
     
    The whole story;  
    1) Took it to a Ford dealer a year ago. They claimed they updated the BCM and turned the approach lights off, but the lights were still on. The service manager tried to charge me for it with some double talk but when I told him I knew they'd get paid for the update by Ford then he backed off (free).
     
    2) Second dealer last December was happy to check it out for me since I bought the van through one of their area stores. They confirmed the first dealer did in fact update the BCM but were unable to turn off the approach lights.
     
    3) Today......I purchased a used laptop (windows) from a fellow TC owner on this forum and the Forscan adaptor from Amazon. After a bit of time lost linking the extended license to the Forscan I hooked it up to my van. The found the approach lights were "disabled". I cycled through "enabled" and "disabled" 3 times leaving them "disabled" and the approach lights are still ON. This frustrates me to no end. The only permanent solution I know of at this point is the get rid of the van.  
     
  23. Thanks
    desert_connect got a reaction from jrm223 in Sliding door glass add-on   
    It is an aftermarket "AMA" window sold through Van Windows Direct.
  24. Thanks
    desert_connect got a reaction from jrm223 in 2017 TC XLT simple camper   
    I purchased and installed an AMA passenger sliding door window with an opening sliding window, 17% privacy glass. 
     
    The installation was not terribly difficult but not easy either. I sharpened the end of a hacksaw blade and cut my way through the urethane caulking on the front side of the plastic panel. Then pulled a .030" ss wire on through using the hole in the end of the blade and wrapped it around the outside of the plastic panel. Tied off the bottom outside wire and with a wooden handle started pulling from the inside to cut the urethane across the top. Top and bottom were easy only having one bead of caulking but struggled with both ends and had to cut most of the outer bead with the blade before the wire would go through. I did not know it then but there are two line up dowels one in each upper corner. Panel off I trimmed the excess urethane off the door using a wood chisel. Then added a vinyl channel trim around the pinch weld. After priming the caulking area on the door and cleaning the glass ! proceeded with a new bead of urethane and this is the second difficult part. I had already anticipated this part and even with warming up the caulking it was quite a struggle to get all around the window let alone a nice V bead. A powered caulking gun would make this much easier and it is almost a necessity. My arm feels like it is 3" longer now! With the caulking done I set the glass in place and bedded it into the caulking. Taped the top to keep it from sagging and wait for it to cure.   
         
     





  25. Thanks
    desert_connect got a reaction from jrm223 in 2017 TC XLT simple camper   
    I added another LED light. This one is movable by using magnets for mounting at windguy's suggection, both lights live 12v van power. I can reach this light from the driver and pass seat, side door or from in the back. These computerized vehicles are very aggravating some lights are on when you don't want them and others you can't turn on when you do want them! 
     
    I also bought a Caframo Bora 12v marine fan, mounted with magnets and hooked it up to a Webtop 155 wh LED batt/generator. It will run on low for 100 hrs or on high for 50 hrs w/o any worries of depleting the van battery. This fan combined combined with front door window vent shades does add some much needed air movement inside for sleeping. We camped last weekend in the Tombstone Bisbee area. 

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