A Little Problem With The Garage Door

When I got home last Friday from the Iowa trip, after unpacking, I went to get the Jeep out of the garage so I could go down to the post office at the Flying J to get my mail.

Above, the garage door after hitting it and getting it fully opened. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After starting up the Jeep, I started backing. Looking with the rear-view and side-view mirrors, it was clear for me to back out of the garage, or so I thought. Then, suddenly, bang! The top of the Jeep, where one of the roll bars is located, hit the roll-up garage door. I thought I opened it completely, but about 18" of it was still down. That's what I hit. 

The Jeep hit the bottom door crossbar and bent the bottom panel. It knocked the door off one of its tracks. I did manage to fully open the door thanks to a handy crowbar. After getting the Jeep out, I went to the post office and got my mail. There was no damage to the Jeep (thank God).

I decided to keep the Jeep out of the garage and parked the motorhome up near the door so nobody could get in (not counting critters). I then called some garage door repairers and arranged to have one look it over. He came over today and said the door was repairable. He also managed to get the door all the way closed. He will be back to do the repairs in a few days.

When I first called him, he asked me how long have I lived there. I told him over six and a half years. He replied, "And this is the first time you hit the door after six years?!" Apparently, this is a common occurrence. A friend, who shall remain nameless, backed into his garage door twice. 

I then put the motorhome into the GOCO Beast Barn so that it would be protected from the cold night we're expecting tomorrow night. The temperature is expected to go down into the 20s.

Since the garage door is now securely closed, I can go to Gallup for some grocery shopping tomorrow.

Oh, well. Shit happens! 

UPDATE (10/30/24):

The door was fixed this morning for under $100. Whew!

Long-Term RV Storage Options

Above, my RV is protected from snow and cold temperatures in its garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Within a year after I bought a home on two acres in New Mexico, I had an RV garage (dubbed the GOCO Beast Barn) built for my 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R motorhome. 

A year later, I had a 30 amp electric outlet added to it. The RV is protected against weather conditions (I am at 7,000 feet in elevation) during the winter and summer when not in use.

There are those who have the means to build a similar RV garage and others don't. What are their options?

RV Life has posted an article on long-term RV storage options.

They begin it with:

Although some RVs can be used all year round, most people only use them during the warmer months. Once winter rolls around, you need a safe place to store your vehicle until the next time you’re ready to take a trip. Because so many people need long-term RV storage, there are several different options available.

Different storage methods come with their own pros and cons. Some are low-effort yet expensive. Others are cheap but require a lot of work! It all depends on how much you want to spend, how much effort you want to put in, and what type of security/protection you’re looking for.

Some of the most common long-term RV storage options include enclosed storage facilities, covered parking spaces, outdoor lots, campground rental spaces, or at-home options. Any of these options can work. It just depends on which route makes you feel the most comfortable! We’ll explore each of these storage choices below so you can make a more informed decision.

To read more, go here. 

Battery Charging

After yesterday's Jeep problems, I decided to give its battery a charge.

We'll see if it helps.

DIY RV Carport

Above, the GOCO Beast Barn under construction. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Three years ago, I bought a home on two acres in New Mexico and after a few months, I had an RV garage (called the GOCO Beast Barn) built for my motorhome. I had plenty of land for it and it cost $6,000. A little over a year later, I added a 30 amp electrical outlet to it. I deemed it a necessary expense as I am at 7,000 feet elevation and I wanted my RV protected from the elements (heat, cold, snow, wind, etc.).

Above, the finished GOCO Beast Barn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Not everyone can afford a full RV garage and settle instead for a carport. It is basically the same thing as what I have except it doesn't have side walls. One of my friends in New Mexico has a carport for his fifth wheel trailer.

Do It Yourself RV has an article on how to build your own RV carport.

They begin with:

As much as we would all love to use our RVs all of the time, the reality is most RVs spend as much and often more time stored than they do being used.

Paying for RV storage can be a big expense, especially if you have the option of covered storage.

RVs are often too large for garages and building a complete building for storage would be expensive and beyond the skill set for most RVers. 

What is a carport?

Unlike a garage, a carport is generally a roof supported by posts with open sides. Oftentimes, they are built onto the side of an existing structure such as a house, garage, or barn. This gives you one closed-in wall and a roof for protection from the elements.

Carports can be constructed from a variety of materials. Commonly used materials are wooden or metal posts and support beams with metal, wood, or UV-resistant fabrics used for the roof.

To read the full article, go here. 

Are Metal RV Covers Worth The Cost?

Above, my Winnebago in its metal garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I moved to Jamestown, New Mexico three years ago, I knew that I was moving into an area that is 7,000 feet in elevation. The higher the elevation, the more UV rays a motorhome or trailer is bombarded with, along with damaging wind, rain and snow. 

That is why I had a metal RV garage (that I call the GOCO Beast Barn*) built for my 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie. It cost $6,000.

Do It Yourself RV has an article that asks, "Metal RV Covers, Are They Worth The Expense?" 

They begin with:

Many RVers are turning to metal RV covers to protect their RVs while not in use, but are metal RV covers the best choice financially?

Everyone can agree that exposure to the elements is detrimental to RVs. Ultraviolet rays from the sun can shorten the life of the rubber roof, age and discolor vents on the roof and sides of an RV, fade siding and decals, fade or deteriorate interior drapery, cause cracks to form on vinyl dashboards, sun rot tires, and a host of other detriments.

Precipitation falling on your RV can cause water intrusion through seams in the roof, around windows and through joints in the siding, which can be costly. Excessive snow on the roof can result in damage to structural members along with cracked roof vents and/or air conditioner shrouds. Windblown debris can also plug side gutters and result in holes poked in the roof.

There is no doubt that covering your RV can prevent some or a majority of these detriments from occurring, but what type of cover is best?

For me, the GOCO Beast Barn was worth the cost. 

To find the answer, go here. 

*GOCO = Garage of Comparative Ovations.

Garage Find: Joseph Manton Double Barrel Percussion Shotgun

Above, the Joseph Manton Double Barrel Percussion Shotgun after cleaning and oiling. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As a "thank-you" for helping with the swamp cooler today, I went to the garage to retrieve some rifle cases for Nandoh to choose from for his new rifle.

One of the cases had a rifle of some sort inside. I had no idea what was inside as was originally my dad's. I don't remember seeing this gun before.

Above, the stock section. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I brought them out and found that the case had a Joseph Manton Double Barrel Percussion Shotgun. Thanks to Nandoh's sharper eyes, he was able to make out the name "Manton" on the shotgun.

I did some online checking, found this about Joseph Manton on Wikipedia:

Joseph Manton (6 April 1766 – 29 June 1835) was a British gunsmith who innovated sport shooting, improved weapon quality and paved the way for the modern artillery shell. Manton was a sport shooter in his own right and a friend of Colonel Peter Hawker. 

From 1780-1781, Manton was first apprenticed to a gunmaker in Grantham, Newton. He worked under his elder brother John from 1781 onward. He produced around 100 weapons annually, including both cased duelling pistols and shotguns.

Manton's weapons remain some of the most highly sought-after designs of the flintlock age and can fetch more at auction than Holland & Holland's shotguns.

Above, the barrel section. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After dinner, I took out the gun and cleaned and oiled it (love the smell of Hoppe's No. 9 cleaning solvent).

Maybe I'll get a gun rack to display it.

The Great Erection of 2018

Above, erecting the GOCO Beast Barn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Five months after ordering it, the GOCO Beast Barn was finally delivered and erected over at the Barking Spider Acre a year ago this week. Specifically, it was built on September 5, 2018.

Above, the work went pretty fast that day. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I've found that many businesses in the Gallup, New Mexico area have a tendency to "take their time" in completing contracted work. It's not like L.A. where "instant gratification" is the norm.

I remember that during the building, I still was not feeling quite 100% after having 2 stents put in during a trip to Wells, Nevada in July. 

Above, neighbor Scott stopped by as did Nandoh (below). Photos by Armand Vaquer.

The workers arrived with the parts around 7:00 in the morning and it was finished at about 2:00 that afternoon. During this, neighbors Scott and Nandoh stopped by to visit.

Above, assembly of the door mechanism. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It has held up quite well and The Beast has taken residence inside. Since then, I added gravel to the inside as well as from Barking Spider Road to the Beast Barn as well as a gravel ramp from the road. 

Above, gravel was added in June. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With sometimes harsh conditions (sun and weather), The Beast is now protected from them inside.

In The Garage

Above, yours truly with the Jeep. Photo by Nandoh Munoz.

This afternoon, I was paid a quick visit by one of my neighbor friends, Nandoh Munoz. He came to see if I am missing the rear section of the cab cover to my Willys Jeep. He said one was found on the road in the community and it was placed at the community bulletin board.

I told him I wasn't missing one.

Like me, Nandoh is an ex-California (from San Pedro) and retired to New Mexico. He moved here about a couple of years before I did. Usually, one can spot him riding around on his Harley.

We proceeded over to the garage to show him my 1952 Willys Jeep. He hadn't seen it yet and he has a 1962 Jeep.

While in the garage looking over the Jeep and chatting I had him take a couple of photos with the Jeep. One of them is posted at top.

Day Is Done

Above, all vehicles tucked away inside the garage for the night. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After cleaning/straightening out the garage, buying the Jeep and checking the Jeep's fluids, it was around 4:00. The day sped by fast.

By then, I was too tired (and lazy) to do any dinner cooking, so I went down to Denny's at the Flying J for dinner.

The coffee down at Denny's was most refreshing and I proceeded to wolf down the meal.

After putting the Mustang into the garage and taking out the trash can, I can now relax for the rest of the evening.

I've accomplished something my Dad never could: getting two cars into a garage.

Finding and Not Finding Stuff

Above, I found a package of 25 more copies yesterday.

Although it has been over a year since I moved to New Mexico, I am still missing a few things that I know were packed. Some of which are my "formal" Clamper hat and badges.

Yesterday, I went though several boxes in the garage and found several things that I had been looking for and one item that wasn't.

I was missing my shortwave radio as well as my clock radio. I used to have both on my nightstand. I found both of them. I also found the packet of big envelopes that I use to mail out copies of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. I bought some more envelopes as I am still getting orders, but those are a little bigger than the ones I found. The ones I found yesterday are better suited.

I also found a package of 25 copies of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. I thought I had them all in one box in the house. So, now you know I have more available.

I found a few other odds & ends.

But, I still didn't find the Clamper stuff I was looking for.

A Little Stroll

With thunder booming in the clouds around Jamestown, I took a stroll and snapped some pictures of the GOCO Beast Barn, the second acre and around. The walk was a good opportunity to stretch my legs. My cardiologist recommended more exercise. I found that I dropped another two pounds of weight. Now I am down to 208.

The next round of coyote hunting is tentatively set for Saturday morning.

Above, it's raining over the three mesas and Iyanbito. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the house and GOCO Beast Barn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a little wider view of the house and the GOCO Beast Barn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the GOCO Beast Barn and the acre. I guess I can still put up an
apartment complex. That would thrill the neighbors. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the GOCO Beast Barn sits with storm clouds gathering. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

GOCO Beast Barn Test

Above, The Beast in its home. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Beast tried out its new "hangar" today.

It is almost a tight fit, but there's space to play with. I think the length of the garage is a little less than the 25' "leg length" I ordered. The Beast is 23' long. I probably should have gotten a foot or two more in length for the garage. I may not have taken into account the rear bumper or rear ladder, if they weren't within what Winnebago specified as length of the vehicle of 23'. But it fits with 5-6 inches to spare in back.

Above, the passenger side. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The sides were fine as I had room enough to walk down the length of the RV to the rear.

Above, the driver side. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I backed it in a little bit at a time and got out to check on how much room it had. I kept particular watch on the highest point on the RV, the roof air conditioner. It cleared the top of the door just fine as it is 11' high and the top of the door is 12' high. All went well.

Above, the back bumper. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The door closed without being near the front bumper, it has about 8" in clearance.

Above, the driver side looking towards the door. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Beast will be parked in it once the Mustang's door is replaced, which should be done in the next week or two.

Beast Barn or GOCO?

Above, the RV garage at around sunset. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The above is a shot of the RV garage that I took after the builders came back with the weather-stripping that they ran short on earlier and installed it. They didn't let me know when they came back (and I conked out on the sofa) for me to give them their 100' power cord. I'll call them today.

It is either going to be called GOCO (Garage of Comparative Ovations) or Beast Barn. I haven't decided (since Lee Pecue brought up the subject of naming it).

I am going to try it out with The Beast today.

Jamestown Erection 3 - Done!

Above, the completed RV garage. Photos by Armand Vaquer.

The builders of the RV garage for The Beast have completed their work.

While they were working, neighbors Scott (on his Arctic Cat) and Nandoh stopped by for a visit. A few minutes after they arrived, it started raining, so we moved under The Beast's awning.

The workers left around 3:10 this afternoon. They will be back in a couple of hours to bring and install some weather-stripping that they were short of. (They also forgot a 100' power cord.)

The garage looks like a railroad boxcar from the rear.

I am pleased with the results and took some more photos:

Jamestown Erection 2

Above, a wide shot of where the RV garage is in relation to the house. Photos by Armand Vaquer.

The builders are progressing with the erection of the RV garage for The Beast.

From what I can see, the only things remaining after they get the trim done is to install the doors.

Some photos:

Jamestown Erection

Above, the RV garage being built. Photos by Armand Vaquer.

The day I have been waiting for since April, the garage/shelter for The Beast is finally being built on the 2nd acre.

The builders from American Steel Carports got here just after 7:00 this morning and immediately began work.

The progress has been pretty fast for the three builders.

A friend asked me, "What are you going to name it?" My response, "Who names a garage?" Then several name ideas came up. The two I like, so far, are "Garage of Comparative Ovations" (or GOCO for short) and "Beast Barn".

We'll see.

Here's some photos: