Rose Rolls - The unathorized Compass Rose autobiography

Sparksalot · Apr 6, 2021

And reply #400 to celebrate 81118 views of the thread.

Y’all are an inquisitive bunch. :thumbsup:

Sparksalot · May 16, 2021

Because a teardrop is never “done” I made some more changes. I’ve recently added a 45l fridge to my tow vehicle, so the ice chest is redundant. Why the TV, because sometimes I adventure without Rose.

At the same time, I recently acquired a 5# propane tank and wanted to find a nice spot to stow it. The configuration allows for adding waterbricks for those times the 11 gallons in the TV might not be enough. Removing the microwave when I’m without shore power allowed adding 3 waterbricks. I can add 2 or 3 more now. Spatially, the weight of the waterbricks is just behind the axle, so no real effect.

Looks so spacious in here.

Tank bracket. It’s really a 20# fire extinguisher bracket without the 3x overland tax added.

Home at last.

Waterbrick tryouts.

Sparksalot · Jul 17, 2022

Since Rose is a teen now, she’s well into acne time.

Her varnish is showing some effects of time. I had planned to refinish her last winter, but storage options didn’t allow me access. So it’s spot finish time.

Sparksalot · Jul 17, 2022

The spot that made me look. This one got wet on the last trip. Ughhhh.

I saw this today. Bears a lot of watching.

bdosborn-SMB · Jul 17, 2022

Water leaks?
Bruce

Sparksalot · Jul 18, 2022

bdosborn":1evibk9l said:
Water leaks?
Bruce

No leaks, just needs the finish resealed.

The corner of the door I think is from water wicking up the screw holding the trim on. Not sure how extensive that one is.

Sparksalot · Jul 18, 2022

Sparksalot":mhw6kgli said:
bdosborn":mhw6kgli said:

Water leaks?
Bruce

Click to expand...

No leaks, just needs the finish resealed.

The corner of the door I think is from water wicking up the screw holding the trim on. Not sure how extensive that one is.

I might need to do some epoxy impregnating there.

As a fallback, I’ve always thought if the wood finish was ever too compromised, I’d look at an OD army tear look.

Sparksalot · Jul 30, 2022

Rose has had an issue for a while with sneak circuits discharging her battery. I’m guessing the added USB outlets and digital voltmeter, etc.

During the year of unpleasantness, the drain was so deep, it destroyed the battery. I had planned to add a master disconnect for a while, so with a new battery in place now is the time.

The dangly down cable is much more taut. The others are power feed from the TV, and feed from the battery to the controller.

Sparksalot · Oct 11, 2022

Recent outing with the crime scene awnings for Rose and thecopcar deployed.

Sparksalot · Apr 9, 2023

Since Rose is now 15, I figured it was a good time for the 4th spar varnish refresher.

I also realized the finish below the fenders had never been refreshed. Note the darker, original, color.

Sparksalot · May 10, 2023

A couple of fresh coats on, then start the other side.

Sparksalot · May 10, 2023

With flash, it’s snowing!

Sparksalot · May 17, 2023

Would you believe…

The sides I soaked in CPES during construction are still rock hard.

https://www.rotdoctor.com/products/cpes.html

bdosborn-SMB · May 18, 2023

I remember there was an EPA mandate and they had to change their formulation. I wonder if the new recipe is as good as what you used? I used it for the wheel wells on the trailer after I saw your tests.
Bruce

Sparksalot · May 18, 2023

I thought I had heard about it being pulled from the market. Sounds like it was a reformulation then. It’s too bad I have none of the original stuff to test against the new on the same piece of wood.