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G has a "swell" time kayaking

G has a "swell" time kayaking
G has a "swell" time on Lake Michigan in an inflatable canoe

Dawn on the Gulf of Mexico

Dawn on the Gulf of Mexico
Dawn on the Gulf of Mexico

Warren Dunes Sunset

Warren Dunes Sunset
Warren Dunes Sunset

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Chevy 3500 Hood Latch Replacement


Temporary Cable to Latch Hood Closed


Detached Hood Latch Spring

Things break from time to time.  A couple of winters ago the hood latch for the engine compartment would not latch while during a trek.  This was very inconvenient and was a potentially dangerous situation.  If the hood is not properly latched it can open unexpectedly while the vehicle is moving, obstructing the driver's vision and resulting in an accident. I temporarily used a locking cable to hold the hood closed until I could get it repaired. It is show in the photo above.

My 2013 Roadtrek 210P is built on a 2012  Chevrolet 3500 Chassis. I have sufficient mechanical skill to do this type of repair, but doing so takes on certain risk.  Caution: An improper repair may result in a latch failure and that in turn can result in opening of the hood while the vehicle is in motion. That can cause a serious accident with injury or death.   Vehicle repairs are not something everyone can or should do.

For the curious, this post shows what your mechanic would do were he or she to replace the latch.

I accepted responsibility and purchased a new latch part from Tom Auto Parts, Inc. Tolleson AZ. The cost with tax + shipping was $31.88.

Now, I could have gone to a Chevy dealer or a local mechanic, but decided this was something I could do and save a few dollars.  Collecting the tools, doing the repair and cleanup took about an hour and a half.

The most difficult thing was figuring out how to get to the old latch.  I could see a spring was loose, but I couldn't get a tool in to stretch it and re-attach to the catch point. I decided that if I was going to go through the effort to remove the latch to affect a repair that I might as well put that time and labor into installing a replacement.  That's when I decided to order a part and replace the latch. 

To do this required removing two bolts holding the plastic grill against the frame.  I was then able to pull the grill out about an inch, sufficient to get a 3/8 socket to the three bolts holding the latch in place. With the bolts removed I was able to swing the old latch up and out of position.  I was then able to squeeze the clamp holding the release cable in position on the latch. I removed the old latch, and using the new latch I reversed the process, sliding the release cable through the opening in the new latch and pushing the clamp into the hole on the latch. I cleaned the frame and bolts with silicone spray. Then put it all together and using the pull under the dash I released the hood, then closed it and released it again, etc. This to determine it was working correctly.

Here's a few step-by-step photos. I Began by opening the hood and then did the following:

 

Using a 3/8 socket I removed the left bolt holding the plastic grill in place, 
then did the same for the bolt on the right

I pulled on the left of the plastic grill, releasing it from the frame

I did the same where the grill attaches on the right


I then pulled along the grill to release it from the frame


While pulling on the grill, I inserted a 3/8 socket and
removed the 3 bolts holding the latch in place

I then flipped the hood latch up so that the release cable could be removed



I made note of the routing of the release cable so it would be installed
 in the same manner with the new latch .
I was able to release the cable from the latch by squeezing it
with a needle nose pliers where it enters the latch, and then pulling the cable free.


This photo is after I removed the cable.
The old latch is now free and can be removed.


I then laid the new latch above the location to be installed, aligned as shown. 
I slid the release cable through the hole in the latch and into position.
I then pushed the retainer into the hole in the latch.

I was then ready to dop the latch into position, as shown.
I took care to route the release cable 
so it was behind the plastic grill.
The new latch had 3 rectangular holes.
I installed 3 bolts through the center of the holes.


Close-up of one of the hood latch bolts 


I then went to the driver's seat and pulled several times on the hood latch release lever, to ensure that the cable is free.  Then returned to the hood latch and applied silicone lube to the springs, etc.

I closed the hood, and checked to see that it caught properly, and the hood was snug to the frame.

Returning to the driver's seat I again pulled the hood release lever. I then exited the vehicle and released  the latch completely.  I then raised the hood.  It was important to be able to raise the hood.  At this point I decided that the replacement was complete.

Note: If the hood isn't snug when closed, it would have been necessary to slightly loosen the three bolts holding the latch in place and adjust the position of the latch, then I would have retightened the three bolts.  I would then have rechecked the latching mechanism by closing the hood ensuring was snug, etc.

N. Retzke accepts no liability for anyone else doing any repairs to their vehicle after reading this blog.  Do any and all repairs and modifications at your own risk!

(c) N. Retzke 2025
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Monday, March 3, 2025

How RVing extended my life and made it better

 

Accepting the keys to our new Roadtrek 210P, December 2013

Our RVing journey began in October 2013 when we rented a Class B in Las Vegas and used it to tour Utah's National Parks.  This led to treks of about 6,000 miles each year and the establishment of two "lily pads" for longer stays; one at the eastern shore of Lake Michigan and the other in Tucson, Arizona.  I've approached each trek, short or long, as possibly the only time in my life I will do it and the one opportunity I have to visit each location.  As a consequence, I make the most of each.

One of the things about life is finding things that fulfill us, make us stretch, find companions, have a purpose and make a difference.  I like new experiences, too. RVing did that and more for me.  I'm one of those people who likes to leave things in better condition than when I found them.  Think of it as applying "no trace camping" to one's entire life. I also like to tinker and take on projects.  RVing is a perfect fit. 

RVing took care of all of the above and more.  After purchasing the Roadtrek, which has been our primary exploration vehicle, we purchased a 30 ft. travel trailer for a Michigan location and a 41 ft. 5th wheel for the Arizona location.  The Roadtrek allowed us to find the campground and resort with a lot of additional exploration.  I took apart much of the systems of the Roadtrek and have become very proficient.  The Roadtrek gave me multiple purposes and what I've learned I applied to our RVs in Michigan and Arizona. 

Summer in Michigan

Our "lily pad" in Michigan, ready for winter


Assembling the deck in Michigan

Our Arizona "lily pad"

We had reached a kind of equilibrium and were comfortable with our Michigan and Arizona "lily pads".  One was in a mega-resort with all kinds of activities.  Tucson has a lot to offer, too.  After covid fear receded we decided to resume our travel plans of about 6,000 miles each year.  Each year from 2013 to 2019 I reduced my working hours.  By 2022 I was remote working for about one month a year.  

However, things came to a halt in 2022 when I became gravely ill. I was diagnosed with an unusual, rare tumor.  It was an inoperable, deadly cancer with at best a 15% survival rate.  In the fall of 2022 we began planning how to deal with this, became permanent residents of Arizona and I sought medical treatment.  It didn't look good. 

When I was diagnosed with a serious illness, it became a new hobby (just kidding). My life's work and dealing with adversity had prepared me for this fight.  I was mentally ready to take it on, had the financial resources to relocate permanently and we knew where it was that we would domicile. That location would provide better medical care with less stress on my spouse.  Overall, I was in poor shape. In early 2023 my urologist suggested that “It might be best if Norm goes into hospice”. But I didn’t and decided to work my way back to a more “normal” life. At one point my radiologist marveled “You are made of stern stuff”.  It took more than two years and with the grace of God, here I am. Stable. That’s better than the alternative.

While undergoing treatment I did my best to live a normal life.  It was difficult. My weight had fallen from 170 lbs. to 135. At first, I needed a walker to get around. But I continued to do RV maintenance. As time went on, I progressed to a cane and finally was able to get around without such support. I frequented the gym at the resort to use the stationary bicycle, beginning with 5 mile trips.  As time went on, I increased the exertion level. 

While treatment continued G and I discussed future travel plans.  However, there needed to be some changes.  One change was our 5th wheel. I could not maneuver inside, and we spent a month in an ADA compliant room at the resort hotel.  The resort has RV areas and park models, affectionately called "candominiums".  It also has a section with manufactured homes and a section of condominiums.  Friends had been assisting us in finding a "home" on the property.  It isn't unusual for manufactured homes to be sold before the listing goes up. Location, condition and floor plan plays a part in this.  G looked at several but was dissatisfied. Friends gave her a heads up about another.  She went to the real estate office and toured that home the day it was to be listed.  Excited, she and I talked about this, I hobbled over on my walker and viewed the place.  We talked for a couple of hours; it would be a financial stretch, but we tendered an offer, it was accepted and voila' we were soon to be homeowners. We put the site of the 5th wheel up for sale and did the same for the RV site.

We were now down to two RV's!  

Arizona site ready for sale!

As I progressed from radiation therapy through chemotherapy, I began scheming about how to get back into the Roadtrek.  This wasn't possible in 2023.  However, by the time I was in immunotherapy and my stamina improved, this began to look like a real possibility. However, I did have two nephrostomy tubes and a compromised immune system to contend with.  I continued to take on more difficult chores, assembling furniture for the new house, taking on certain repairs and so on. It was a slow, difficult process.  There were setbacks, far too many to list here. Certain physical issues made it imperative that I be within a short distance of a bathroom!

Radiation Therapy Graduation Board - I had made it!

Chemo access prior to the installation of the port on my right shoulder

We are Family RV Association members (FRVA, formerly FMCA RV Club). In March 2024 we attended the FRVA (FMCA) RV expo at the Pima County Fairgrounds near Tucson.  We were with the Roadtrek International Chapter of the FRVA (FMCA).  This international event was local for us and very convenient. We decided to do this short RV trek.  It was a trial; it was a success and got us out of the cobwebs. Links to FRVA, Roadtrek International Chapter and Roadtreks for sale websites at the end of this post.

March 20, 2024 - Pima County Fairgrounds

After months of immunotherapy and several nephrostomy tube exchanges I discussed travel with my oncologist.  I told him I wanted to live as near a normal life as possible.  Let's call it "a new normal".  He agreed that I could skip a session.  That opened the window for a 3+ weeklong trek.  At the appointed time we were off in the Roadtrek! It was a press because time constraints wouldn't allow a leisurely trip.  I did most of the driving, too.   We had been away from Michigan for nearly two years.  On arrival I nervously opened the trailer, half expecting to interrupt a menagerie of critters that had moved in during our absence.  But our trailer was pristine!  We did see a small problem with the roof and I contracted to have that fixed. 

2,000 miles one-way, August 2024

The trek was a success! Upon return to Arizona G and I immediately began planning a second trip.  In September we returned to Michigan.  I wanted to inspect the repairs and prepare it for winter. We had our final campfire of 2024 on September 16.

Final 2024 Michigan campfire September 16

Today, I'm "stable" and we are planning our 2025 adventures.  I’d say working longer and RVing altered my life for the better, in many ways.  My twin died of medical issues 20 years ago, a younger sibling also passed of illness at 50.  My parents both died of illness at 70-71.  I’ve lived the life they didn’t have the opportunity to.  Perhaps I’m the outlier. Working and dealing with adversity may have prepared me for this fight.  Having the purpose of again RVing and everyone's prayers definitely spurred me onward. I don't know how long I'll be in this sweet spot, but I am enjoying it!