So, the start of the last solitary rides,maybe, your thoughtst

The wrote:

if you can't safely operate a vehicle

oh no my friend it is nothing like that, that is her scarring herself I am good for at least 8 hours

I love the idea! I'd be tempted to leave the weapons at home. What is your rationale for bringing them?

when I did it in 78 you did not need anything, but today I believe anything can happen anytime anywhere

Are you doing any therapy?

the day after I got diagnosed I joined they gym and hired a trainer so for the last year and a half I have gone 5days a week I was cross training till I bulged to disc flipping the tractor tire 75 time a day, 10 years ago I had a traumatic dislocation of my right should and arm so after flipping the cross fit ropes ate up the rest of the tissue in my shoulder socket so only thing in the socket is the anchors holding my arm on so then I joined a little competition of 100 members guess what I won the leg press lifting 505lbs I am the winner my right knee collapsed, IDIOT IDIOT I showed them just cost me my knee I kick boxed until I hit the bag with my right and could feel the top end of my arm bone contact my shoulder bone My team of doctors say only thing I will ever be able to do is ride the stationary bike and walk, swim Same doctor did Drew Breeze did all my work he said only thing holding my arm on was skin and now anchors I shouldn't lift nothing more than a gallon of milk rest of my life. I can still kick a six foot tall man in the head but feel that knee, Sorry too ramble on but since you mentioned cross fit I wanted to say I am doing all I can do without doing more damage.

I see and understand how you are beating yourself up about some of the above... But I have to say that's pretty amazing ( a big understatement, thats hero stuff at least to me) at the same time. Don't give up and give in.

I've been watching my grandfather go downhill from Parkinson's for years now. He's 90 now just started using a walker over a cane not too long ago. Parkinson's slows you down but it's not the end.

On some of the other lesser topics. Forget being afraid of people. Use eye contact, constant strong eye contact and greeting with sketchy people. Walk away from mouth breathers looking for fights but don't turn your back. Forget the fence hatchet, (I've carried the same with a longer handle btw) Drop ~$20 on a flashlight and get some 18650 lithium ion batteries and charger (they are what come in cordless powertool battery packs for some good ones). If someone walks up at night shine it right in there face holding the reflector end... in case you need to take a swing at an unexpected foul ball. (I get the want to carry but you don't need it if you have common sense. I have worked high crime areas with the sketchiest people the city has to offer right behind me relatively unarmed for years).

Watch some youtube videos about traffic stops. Some places you crack the window with your ID hanging out in a Ziplock and don't talk.

I have talked to cops that suggest locking the doors cracking the window saying you don't drink, do drugs... And then refuse all tests chemical tests especially. Lawyers can get the rest thrown out... (You lose your license either way but not for as long or as harsh a punishment).

You might think about using airbnb when possible and packing light. Inflatable mattress even if just a small one. Look at used us military issue sleep systems. You can't beat them for the money or the practicality.

Oh and avoid pork, beef, (possibly contributes to getting Parkinson's) especially, a plant based diet might help with the symptoms... But you probably already knew that

jere said: I see and understand how you are beating yourself up about some of the above... But I have to say that's pretty amazing ( a big understatement, thats hero stuff at least to me) at the same time. Don't give up and give in.

Jere, you will probably never know what you comments have meant to me, so for those Sir I thank you. Yeah the best thing for Parkinson's no doubt I can tell mentally and physically when I do not go and I have to force myself to go. I had not heard that about Pork and Beef, I wonder if chicken has the same effect. I am suppose to have the premiere Parkinson's doctor here in the South all I get from him is yeah you got Parkinson's but mine is A Typical P and he has not seen or heard of it, OH but the treatment is the same.

Anyway enough of that the prep for the "Grassroots Slow Pokin Junkyard Tour 2017" are accelerating, THE FIRE ARM has been out of the picture a while ago. Tomorrow I going to look at a camper top for the TACO flaptop so I will be able to get in the garage, not the most popular choice but hey Does anybody know if $950 for a aluminum top made by "Jason" is a fair deal? JASON never heard of them, yeah Lear wants 2k I have decided to get some type of AC for the sleeping chamber so if anybody has any ideas on that without me having to start a AC thread. Need to start researching old junk yards 2 and 4 wheel in Florida are there any abandoned race tracks in FL, ANYWAY I NEED HELP ON THE AC ISSUE. Thanks to jere and everybody else.

I'll post some ac options tomorrow as I am. Heading to bed as I type. There are a couple Of newer DC options, but not cheap.

Thanks I can use some knowledge, getting some stuff together. QUESTION OF THE DAY, I just got the new BLACK LED tail lights, maybe I should leave them home, and are they strict on tint down there? Thanks for any help. Remember the pistols stay home with the AR.

Smoked tailights draw attention, don't have smoked taillights, a stock pickup with a cap on it (I.E. Grandpa truck) is practically invisible.

I'm not sure how you'd get AC in the back of a truck without shore power and taking up a good amount of space (portable air conditioner). Pumping conditioned air from the cabin seems like a bad idea (exhaust gas, seemingly unattended idling truck, etc.)

bro said: I'm not sure how you'd get AC in the back of a truck without shore power and taking up a good amount of space (portable air conditioner). Pumping conditioned air from the cabin seems like a bad idea (exhaust gas, seemingly unattended idling truck, etc.)

I have found several types of 12 volt ac still looking they have them for boats some are based on the cool suit you put ice in them but they only say 3 or 4 hours and the ice chest would be in the way, need a roof mounted 112 volt with out the huge condenser and price tag etc

jere said: areas with the sketchiest people the city has to offer right behind me relatively unarmed for years). Watch some youtube videos about traffic stops. Some places you crack the window with your ID hanging out in a Ziplock and don't talk. I have talked to cops that suggest locking the doors cracking the window saying you don't drink, do drugs... And then refuse all tests chemical tests especially. Lawyers can get the rest thrown out... (You lose your license either way but not for as long or as harsh a punishment).

Yes sir I have seen these, crack the window "I don't answer questions" "am I free to go, am I free to go"

12V AC, but $$$$$

http://www.indelb.com/products/truck_air_conditioning/sleeping_well/sw_cube

This is a bit out there, and not the most GRM route, but trading in the Taco on a ridgeline lease and getting small trailer may be a good option.

The reasons are the following:
- warranty service.
- electronic nannies (lane guidance, lane assiste, stability control, etc) to help with the lane sway and reduce risk of getting stopped for it.
- you don't need to break camp to explore. - still has 4wd/awd for exploring.

The trailer will be more comfortable, provide room to stretch, bathroom, etc.

You want to enjoy the trip and not end up feeling like you are just trying to get through it.

In 3 years you can turn the ridgeline in and lease another, or just turn it in. Sure you might go over on mileage, but you can do the math to see how bad the charges would be.

jstand said: This is a bit out there, and not the most GRM route, but trading in the Taco on a ridgeline lease and getting small trailer may be a good option. The reasons are the following: - warranty service. - electronic nannies (lane guidance, lane assiste, stability control, etc) to help with the lane sway and reduce risk of getting stopped for it. - you don't need to break camp to explore. - still has 4wd/awd for exploring. The trailer will be more comfortable, provide room to stretch, bathroom, etc. You want to enjoy the trip and not end up feeling like you are just trying to get through it. In 3 years you can turn the ridgeline in and lease another, or just turn it in. Sure you might go over on mileage, but you can do the math to see how bad the charges would be

j, thank you for your well thought out comments, I get knowledge from every comment. jr

I would get killed trading in a new truck Toyota has a lifetime warranty and 34 hour road side service

the lane deal has not been a problem since I got my meds straight

if I find the photographs and people and get the rest and food I need I will be fine plus I cannot store a trailer at my house HOA

I have owned over 100 car in 40 years and I have never liked the leasing thing STILL LOOKING FOR 12 AC ADDING DASH CAM TACO COMES WITH A MOUNT OB THE WINDSHIELD In the fall be on the lookout for the (Grassroots Slow Pokin Junk Yard Tour 2017) in no way affiliated with GRM unless that want to throw in.

java230 wrote: 12V AC, but $$$$$ http://www.indelb.com/products/truck_air_conditioning/sleeping_well/sw_cube

Whew... you ain't kidding: found a listing on eBay in Europe: about $2400.

ian said: Whew... you ain't kidding: found a listing on eBay in Europe: about $2400.

Yes thanks for finding that, its a tad more than I have in the budget,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Still Need 12 volt AC

In reply to Ian F:

They are available for a bit less iirc, 1800ish I think.

Other 12v options are much much more and permanent install. Trust me I have done way too much looking. The other issue is they draw 100+ amps easily. 12v AC is not an easy task. You will need a large battery bank if you plan to run it long wo/ the engine.

Might look into a fan in the topper roof, right over your sleeping area. I have maxxfans, they are nice.

NoBrakesRacing wrote: Once you can't, look into an amtrak rail pass for a different kind of trip across the nation.

This. Every time I see one of those sleek silver bullets whiz by, I wish I were on it. If you get a chance, head to the Northeast and take the Acela train from DC to Boston. You won't forget it.

As for the road trip, I have a simple recommendation for something to bring: A nice tablecloth and a candle. When you stop at a camp ground or at a park or wherever to have a meal, you'd be amazed at how much better you'll feel with this little extra civility in your meal time.

Throw the tablecloth in the laundry whenever you stop at a laundromat to do your clothes.

EDIT: And, of course, don't forget a towel.

https://www.ebay.com/p/Sunpentown-WA-9061H-Portable-Air-Conditioner/112153009?iid=230952705577 Ultra-Slim Portable Air Conditioner & Heater, Compact Window Vent Room AC + Heat Yeah I would have to be at a campground or park somewhere you could run a drop cord it is not 12 volt but my pack a punch.

Also, THIS:

In reply to The:

Yes if your willing to find plug in's that is a much better option. I would see if you can find smaller!

We use one of those in our Rv, the 8k btu stand up, works great.

java230 wrote: In reply to Ian F: They are available for a bit less iirc, 1800ish I think. Other 12v options are much much more and permanent install. Trust me I have done way too much looking. The other issue is they draw 100+ amps easily. 12v AC is not an easy task. You will need a large battery bank if you plan to run it long wo/ the engine. Might look into a fan in the topper roof, right over your sleeping area. I have maxxfans, they are nice.

This is the one I found (it's in French). Oddly, it only lists the power feed at 12V at 36A, which I agree doesn't compute at 950W. I was also thinking ~100A feed at 12V.

I also was thinking a more standard 120V model and a small Honda-type (quiet) generator.

java230 wrote: I also was thinking a more standard 120V model and a small Honda-type (quiet) generator.

~1000W generators are now around $100. Probably cheaper to go that route than to worry about an inverter and how well your truck's alternator and battery work.

For AC, get a nice insulated dry box type cooler that you can dual use for food/bevs and put a 12v boat well pump in the bottom, plumb some insulated tubing to a small radiator with a CPU fan. Add a timer to pulse the pump so you are not running it 100% and the cold will last much longer. Place the cooler under the open tailgate when you park so it's out of the way and you can plug it into the trailer wiring. Fish the radiator into your enclosure (or plumb fittings into the plastic bed side by the outlets and use the 100/400w outlet in the Taco to run it with a 12v transformer).

Basically - make a large cool suit cooler but plumb it thru a small radiator with a 12v fan or two attached. An old oil cooler or heater core would be a nice size.

AC's, researched the Evaporator Ice Chest Unit, Cheap enough but you have to fill them with ice or water every 4 hours. Solution Chosen 120V 8000 btu $240.00 Home Depot as I plan on staying each night at a campground, state park rtc, where I can run aa drop cord, need to be there for showers anyway 8000 btu is over kill but that is the smallest they have also a 3" hole will be required, I am guessing in the roof of the camper top. And in cold weather, heater solutions are a dime a dozen or you could add heat to the above unit for another $200. This brings to a close the AC problem. Camper Top, I called yesterday and oh yeah got aa beautiful top made by Jason $950 out thee door, go the today, that's gonna run you $1450.00 WHAT!!! you said 950, who told you 950 you! Adios, So looks like a ARE flat top $1400.00

In reply to The:

To touch more on the issues with PD and protein. It's been a while since I came across the new article. It's from a fairly new study if I remember right. Animal protein can be a two part problem. Beef and pork are really bad and possibly causes of PD from all the pesticides (pesticides that are in all the stuff the animals eat, like corn. Farmers that spray loads of pesticides have tons of health issues if not PD too). It's a good idea to stay away from pesticides and food high in pesticides too. ( There are a few that great heavily sprayed down and the stuff becomes part of the fruit/veg. Type "Dirty Dozen" for a list of the most pesticide laden produce ) The pesticides are know to makes diagnosed PD worse.

The second part is the protein interferes with the medications for PD. It's something to do with Euric acid but I forget all the details at the moment. In this case all animal proteins cause issues. (You could probably find out more from Google but probably lots of mis information or old data too). Some say cooked fava beans are a good alternative because they are good for or adds to the euric acid but some say too much with the medications. Other cooked beans are supposed to be beneficial for product the acid.

Have a look at window mount a/C units if you're ok with plugging into mains power. Lowe's has a 5000btu unit for $130 that's 12x16x13, so nice and compact. You could either make a slider type bracket to pull it in and out of the camper shell or maybe mount it into a hinged panel?

I don't have much to offer that hasn't already been said, except to say that it sounds like an awesome trip, and I hope you (safely) do it.

I would leave the gun at home for reasons everybody else mentioned.

Conversion vans are a great option—especially with limited mobility. I'd think long and hard about picking one up for the journey.

Some interesting reading here