The 5 Stitches Garage.

[Bob Heine]

Here’s some picture of camper set up.

Gerard, I think your camper is bigger than the first house we rented after getting married.

 

[taumac]

Nice rig! You got them fancy electric awnings. I might go there when my manual finally dies.

Here’s my 1st camper with manual awnings.


What a pain in the *** those things where. It’s no fun feeling entire camper move with the wind picks up and running out to roll it in before it get ripped off the camper. Setting them up was no fun either. I can say since my 2004 to my 2024 camper the best single improvement was overall was electric awnings. I looked into a set for friend I sold camper 2 to and only about $700. In my opinion they worth every penny.

 

[taumac]

Gerard, I think your camper is bigger than the first house we rented after getting married.

I can probably fit my first camper in the living room/kitchen of my current one. I admit it’s definitely big camper but in camper world it’s still pretty small. I could have gotten a 45’ toy hauler with a garage. That would have given a new meaning to “moving my garage around”.

 

[M.Brane]

Our toyhauler is 31' so yeah it is our mobile garage + hotel room. We wanted to be able to live in it with the bikes loaded.

 

[taumac]

Georgia trip

Well, things don’t always go plan. We drove up Saturday, set up camper, and went to go see property. The rain and snow left our property a muddy mess. Even a week of no snow or rain and there was still standing water. The concrete crew was there doing some prep work. The guys F450 dually and trailer was stuck. They used the skid steer to push him out and push him up the driveway. Wife and I went right after to get muck boots I waited until Tuesday to do anything on property. These where pics from Tuesday and I was still sliding around.

 

[taumac]

I didn’t really accomplish much on Tuesday. It didn’t help got late start and forgot transfer some tools camper tool box to my tool bag. Next day we spend day at camper.


I can’t wait until I can leave theses here. Not best solution but better then in bed of truck.

I opportunity to tweak my equipment. I bit the bullet and purchase all new saw chains. I used picnic table as my workbench.


I brought along a vise this time.

 

[taumac]

Friday… this was last day to get stuff done since leaving in Saturday morning. I concentrated on cutting down more trees. My focus was opening up upper road and making path to park the camper. I initially just cut down what was needed to build barn and I’ll deal with rest later. Today was later



I originally figured I’ll bring camper up off middle road to well but more I looked at it it wasn’t a good angle. I could make it work but better opinion was parking it from same road as the double roll up doors.



I decided that I needed a way to move the trees I’m taking out so decided to turn my truck log skidder.



This was pretty effective at moving trees. Brush pile number 2 grew pretty quick.

 

[taumac]

There’s a grouping of bushes by my gate that I really hate. The reason is they protrude into the road so much. This is what it looked like when we bought property.




The last trip up I attempted to attack this area. I made a small dent. I decided to cut the main trunks and see what happen. Not much first one in line died. It took other day to get all my stuff in top notch condition and made attempt 2. I used everything from saw, pole saw, brush cutter, hedge trimmer. The only thing I’m missing the tank that took out the hedge rows back in WWII. After about 2 hours a made some progress.



Getting frustrated I decided a different plan of attack. Time to some sketchy ****… do da do da.







I did break the tow strap hook clip and the rope once using truck. Made good dent in it.





I didnt push my luck too much as I didn’t want to take out tail gate or back window. Next trip I’m bring some good tow chain or dynamite .

 

[taumac]

CONCRETES HERE!!!

This the day we been hoping for FINALLY. Unfortunately, we were heading south back to Florida. Picture courtesy of neighbor Mr Bob.







3 concrete trucks got stuck in mud. This was one of them.



I’m happy they got it in today because there rain in forecast and that would just be more delays






The plan is for them to start enclosing the main 40 x 60 section next week. The concrete crew will be back to form and pour all the ramps at later date.

 

[M.Brane]

If only there was a big paving project nearby that needed a place to dump their asphalt grindings. Still good progress despite the mud bog.

 

[Bob Heine]

Getting frustrated I decided a different plan of attack. Time to some sketchy ****… do da do da.

Gerard, I see nothing sketchy in that photo. I did the same thing with my 1971 Lincoln to make sure the tree fell exactly where I wanted it to. In fairness, I did install a Class III hitch on that Lincoln so it didn't damage the body or bumper.

 

[jbmatth]

I'm with Bob on this one, nothing too sketchy there, now when you start breaking 3/8" chain (3/8" is the diameter of the rod bent to make the chain) pulling stumps, that's when things get exciting.

JB

 

[taumac]

If only there was a big paving project nearby that needed a place to dump their asphalt grindings. Still good progress despite the mud bog.

I don’t know if any offhand. I’m not ready for the cost of putting gravel down especially when it comes to ingress and egress to my property. They are trying to contact the owner about possibly buying it.

 

[taumac]

Gerard, I see nothing sketchy in that photo. I did the same thing with my 1971 Lincoln to make sure the tree fell exactly where I wanted it to. In fairness, I did install a Class III hitch on that Lincoln so it didn't damage the body or bumper.

I'm with Bob on this one, nothing too sketchy there, now when you start breaking 3/8" chain (3/8" is the diameter of the rod bent to make the chain) pulling stumps, that's when things get exciting.

JB

I agree… definitely not a hold my beer moment. I’ve just seen too many videos of people killing the tailgate to blowing out back glass when rope broke and snapped back. I broke rope once and and tow strap was definitely under rated when tried to pull out from roots. Definitely not strong enough but that what I had with me. I’m gonna get some 3/8 chain per JB recommendations. I’m gonna need it anyway for things I got planned.

 

[jbmatth]

There are different grades and ratings for chain, worth some research before buying just don't use it in a kinetic way, that's a good way to have a bad day.

JB

 

[M.Brane]

The reason to use chain vs. cable or rope for pulling is when the chain breaks it tends to just drop rather than whipping back toward the puller/pullee. It's also easily repaired or extended with a double clevis link. This is assuming you're using the proper grade/size chain for the task.

Downside is it's heavy, and bulky.

 

[taumac]

Barn 55 update…

With concrete finally done the build crew was back out to start framing or add the gurts. Once again we got rain which made everything muddy again. I did have grass here at one point.







This is going to be great covered work area.




Front side with man door.



Some view of inside layout with doors.


I did verify that he was framing for 16ft high doors. He sad he was but doesn’t look 16ft. Will wait and see. I’m guessing now the upper road it now torn up and muddy now. Looks like he got trailer stuck or had to drop trailer there. Hey I’ve been looking at equipment trailers. He can just leave it there.

 

[taumac]

Chainsaws…

For years I had a McCulloch 3214 it’s been a good little saw. I found a bigger 3218 at curb. It ran for little until it blew up. I stole some parts and case for my 3214. When dad passed I got a Poulan Pro 4218 from his shed. I started it, it ran ok and put in my shed. Well hurricane came this passed year and went out to run saw like normal and both started fine. Hurricane Milton came and go to use them and the McCulloch ran then stopped. Fuel lines shot. I got Poulan and it was running like ****. WTF!!! I swear you look at them wrong and **** breaks. Now with the property I’m finished and looking at more professional saws. There’s so many and not cheap especially at pro saws with 20in plus bars. Plus when looking into pro saws I found ton of videos about chainsaw mods. Poulan is owned by Husqvana so the Poulan pro is probably worth a second chance. I know how to tune 2 cycle stuff but found bunch of guys that fully modded Husqvana saws. So I tuned the Poulan and did simple muffler mod to it.







Saw was clean until I used it today. So once again going down this rabbit hole with saws I decided to fix the old McCulloch. I found a carb rebuild kit and got some fuel line. Can’t complain about $8.00 gasket kit. So rebuild carb and go ready to redo fuel lines.



Here’s my rant… why do they make saws soooo difficult to work on. You shouldn’t have to break down a saw this far just to replace fuel lines.







I gonna buy a big saw eventually just haven’t decided on a Husqvana, Stihl or Echo. Once barn is finished I’ll bring Poulan to Georgia and keep McCulloch in Florida for hurricane clean up.

 

[M.Brane]

We have Stihls at work. Beat the **** out of them, and they keep going. The only one I've seen that died was because somebody put straight gas in it.

I got tired of the HD/Low weed whackers so I bought a Stihl probably 10 years ago. Not a single problem. It will still be going long after I have stopped.

 

[taumac]

We have Stihls at work. Beat the **** out of them, and they keep going. The only one I've seen that died was because somebody put straight gas in it.

I got tired of the HD/Low weed whackers so I bought a Stihl probably 10 years ago. Not a single problem. It will still be going long after I have stopped.

I lean more towards commercial equipment when I can. It definitely holds up better. I’m been leaning towards Stihl chainsaws. That’s until I found Echos chainsaw X series. I had few Echo string trimmers and power heads. I recently got PB 9010T backpack blower and looking into Echo pole saw. They have a 5 year warranty for home owner 1 year on commercial. I never had an issue with any echo products plus hard to beat that warranty.




This is my Echo HCA226. My father-in-law bought this back in the early 90s. It was a hedge trimmer that I converted to a string trimmer. My father-in-law used it, my dad used it and I’ve used it. It’s sat in a shed for a year or so put fuel in it and it would start right up. It’s still even has the original spark, plug, original fuel lines, and never been tuned. This thing never ceases to amaze me.

I guess the problem with buying equipment is that it’s always a couple bucks more for something better. I started with 262 then 362, then 400, then 500. Definitely looking for something I can put a 24 or 28 inch bar. I follow this one YouTube channel and he runs 30 inch bars on everything. I got some big diameter trees that have fallen over the years on the property so gonna need the saw to get rid of those.

 

[shortykorte]

Shop is looking good.

On the heated hose, how does it get power?

 

[taumac]

Shop is looking good.

On the heated hose, how does it get power?

There’s a 110v plug on it.

 

[taumac]

Well, there has been progress. The tin is on the barn and doors installed.





You can really see how tall the doors are next to the man door. . There’s one big glaring issue…. The doors are WHITE!!! To make a long story short the doors are supposed to be BLACK not WHITE. Somewhere something got messed up in all the text and emails. We been in talks with the building supplier to get this solved.

 

[taumac]

Today the ramps were poured.



The front lean too has a ramps on both sides to pull camper on and off. The back lean too I didn’t do extra ramps. It might been something I look into in future. As of right now im not sure exactly how I’m gonna use back lean too. It will be a covered work area but that will be a temporary basis while working on project.

 

[M.Brane]

Pretty awesome!

As of right now im not sure exactly how I’m gonna use back lean too. It will be a covered work area but that will be a temporary basis while working on project.

I'm sure you'll find something to do back there. My last garage had a covered patio on the side. Used to do a lot of messy work out there (cutting,grinding,sawing,sanding, etc). Need to have a spot like that here, but have **** masonry work to remove first.

 

[Craptain]

As of right now im not sure exactly how I’m gonna use back lean too. It will be a covered work area but that will be a temporary basis while working on project.

Without the hassle of a HOA you can do anything you damned well want.

 

[rharman]

I like the white doors trimmed in black. Given the size, I'd think the all black doors would be overpowering.

 

[taumac]

Pretty awesome!


I'm sure you'll find something to do back there. My last garage had a covered patio on the side. Used to do a lot of messy work out there (cutting,grinding,sawing,sanding, etc). Need to have a spot like that here, but have **** masonry work to remove first.

That’s the kinda work I do plan out there. Keep the mess outside as much as possible. It’s gonna be nice to have a place to actually blow apart say a toolbox sand and actually PAINT it. The running joke is I never paint anything.

 

[taumac]

Without the hassle of a HOA you can do anything you damned well want.

You got that right. I had the concrete crew put no lips from the enclosed area to lean toos. I should have no problem rolling things between shop and outside spaces.

 

[taumac]

I like the white doors trimmed in black. Given the size, I'd think the all black doors would be overpowering.

Believe it or not the white doors are growing on me especially with black trim. Im big fan of the white and black color combo. I like the contrast. When the camper is stored under the lean too the colors would all match. I also picked black because I’ve seen how dirty our roll up doors get at work. The black seals/ track guides would leave black marks on them.






In design I prefer the black over the white. Now when you looking at it in person (photos from Mr Bob) the white doesn’t look bad at all. It probably look even better once I add the black lights over the doors. I got huge sign planned too. We are still in discussions with building supplier. It’s long story but either of us are claiming responsibility even though I have proof I asked for black doors.

 

[slik560]

Keep the white - but ask for a discount since they made a mistake and you have proof.

 

[Bob Heine]

Gerard, if it were South Florida, the black doors would be splashed with the white limestone dust and sand all the time so white doors would make sense. In Georgia I suspect the only color that won't show the clay dust and dirt would be red oxide.

 

[madison069]

Gerard, if it were South Florida, the black doors would be splashed with the white limestone dust and sand all the time so white doors would make sense. In Georgia I suspect the only color that won't show the clay dust and dirt would be red oxide.

You mean Alabama's state color..... Parent's was from Alabama and usually if there was primer involved, we painted it the Alabama state's color. It hid the Hematite very well on cars and trucks.

 

[madison069]

Believe it or not the white doors are growing on me especially with black trim. Im big fan of the white and black color combo. I like the contrast. When the camper is stored under the lean too the colors would all match. I also picked black because I’ve seen how dirty our roll up doors get at work. The black seals/ track guides would leave black marks on them.



In design I prefer the black over the white. Now when you looking at it in person (photos from Mr Bob) the white doesn’t look bad at all. It probably look even better once I add the black lights over the doors. I got huge sign planned too. We are still in discussions with building supplier. It’s long story but either of us are claiming responsibility even though I have proof I asked for black doors.

I can go either way, but i understand the desire to need to hide the marks and dirt. That red clay will eventually stain the white walls and I'm sure it will give the black doors a reddish tint over time. Not a lot you can do unless you get a wide apron all around the building to keep the dirt from splashing on the building.

 

[taumac]

Gerard, if it were South Florida, the black doors would be splashed with the white limestone dust and sand all the time so white doors would make sense. In Georgia I suspect the only color that won't show the clay dust and dirt would be red oxide.

I think the only combo of colors that would work would be tan or brown. IMO those kinda boring but did want something traditional barnish color scheme. Wife and I like watching Yellowstone. I settled on same kinda color scheme.

 

[taumac]

I can go either way, but i understand the desire to need to hide the marks and dirt. That red clay will eventually stain the white walls and I'm sure it will give the black doors a reddish tint over time. Not a lot you can do unless you get a wide apron all around the building to keep the dirt from splashing on the building.

I’m talking to neighbor Mr Bob about trying to get some grass growing. I did have grass everywhere but with all the traffic it got all torn up. Thinking of doing some gravel/stone around building. All that should help with water splashing.

 

[taumac]

Barn 55 update.

Last weekend was first weekend I was able to visit the property since being enclosed. Felt real good to pull my truck into barn for first time.



The goal was to drop some things off and run water from well to barn.



Unfortunately, where not in Florida no more and fill material they brought in and compacted is as hard as concrete.

This weekend I once again made the trip up but this time to bring one big item up. I cleared enough to get my truck down but definitely needed more clearance
When I finished.


I

It just barely fit.



Well here’s to seeing if all the planning actually worked out. Could the camper and truck fit






I’m real happy the worked out. Now time to set everything up.

 

[taumac]

I was gonna keep camper in the drive thru but decided better to keep in on work bay side and keep drive thru open. Eventually, it will go outside on lean too. I backed out and pull it in other door.



The camper set up.



Finally can get this out of the bed of truck. I ratchet strap to a dolly to make it easier to move.



I decided to put stuff over on other side of camper. This is my extra stuff I will leave up in Ga.



I brought a table up for area next to door. Nice drop area for stuff and area for trash can.


Another table I brought up. This is area I can put tools I bring up that are coming back home with me. It’s also area for parts for projects I’m working on.





End of day one and was rewarded with clear skies and nice view off back porch to enjoy a beer.

 

[taumac]

My truck was up for an oil change so checked out local dealer in Ga. Hard to believe almost 15k on my truck already. After that I went to check out a FB marketplace ad 2 hours away. This is what followed me home literally.





I’ve been looking at tractors since I brought property. I’ve been putting in the research and narrowing it down to something that was gonna for my needs. It needed to lift at least 1000lb, be 4x4, have a hydrostatic transmission, minimal or no electrics like CPU or ECMs, no emissions and have reliable dealer and aftermarket support. Once I narrowed it down just waited for right deal to come along. I narrowed it down to Kubota and TYM. I liked TYM but really wanted a Kubota. It’s also a plus I have few Kubota dealers really close to the property. This is what I got. It’s a 2020 Kubota L2501 with a LA525 loader. It has a 25 HP engine. It has lift capacity of just over 1100 pounds. It’s a series 3 tractor but in Kubota line it’s actually a 4 in the line up. There’s Bx,B,Lx then the L so it’s a heavy compact tractor.

The deal came with tractor, rotary cutter/ bush hog, box blade, landscape rake, a winch and the trailer. The tractor only had 154 hours on it. One of reason I needed the tractor came into play as I unloaded the trailer. I couldn’t get box blade lined up with 3 point to get it off trailer. I just chained it up and lifted it off trailer.



To store attachments for time being I put them in “fab” area on some pallets.



This is trailer at sellers house. I ended up putting the trailer on back porch. Trying area out as trailer storage which in one of the ideas I had for area.



I’ll be honest this isn’t the trailer I wanted. It’s a 2021 18ft deck that’s rated for 7k GVWR. It has 3500 axles and can load 5200k on trailer. I really wanted a 14k 20+4 which is a 20 ft deck with a 4ft dovetail. I also wanted attached ramps or mega ramps and If all possible with it being a gooseneck. I know my truck can pull my 14k 35ft 5th wheel fine. I wanted something to fit all my future needs. If saw a piece of equipment it would be nice to pick it up with capable trailer. What’s good about this trailer? I did want a small trailer to use on property, something to pick up rental equipment, and future projects. I have a sunbelt rentals about 10mins from house. This is something I can also do mods to and not be to concerned Im cutting and welding on a new trailer. So even though it’s not the dream equipment trailer I wanted it’s definitely something I can put to use immediately and work on making it bullet proof that I can run it back and forth to Florida.

 

[krcoomer]

The new place is looking great and I bet it didn't take long to figure out that GA clay digs much different than FL sand. You know the trailer you want and got close to it. Keep your eyes open for a deal and it will usually happen then you get to decide if you need two or want to let one go.

On another note, when I first saw this I had to wonder how many boxes it would take to have a Giant Wall of Craftsman! Thanks for taking us along for the ride.