While I'm in There

It's February 1st, gearheads - time to stop staring at the snow-covered driveway like it's personally offended you and start plotting the great thaw-out. If your garage queen has been hibernating under a blanket of frost and regret, the calendar just slapped you with a reminder: Vixen season is loading.

Here's the latest dispatch from the front lines of my own slow-motion Vixen refresh project. Grab a coffee (or a Red Bull if you're still running on 1989-spec pre-ethanol optimism) and let's dive in.

SE Recoveries - Bringing Back the Wedge-Shaped Unicorns

After years of scheming, I finally yanked one of my long-lost SEs out of storage. This one's a gem: a well-preserved 21 SE that's been sitting pretty (and dry) in El Paso, Texas for the last 17 years. No rust apocalypse, no rodent Airbnb - just a time capsule waiting for some love and modern horsepower.

The tow was a cool 1,000 flat miles, and my new tow rig - affectionately dubbed VIRA (Vixen Integrated Recovery Assistant) handled it like a champ. No drama, no overheating, no 'why did I think this was a good idea' moments. Solid win.

Seeing the slick LS4 swap work on another SE over at https://vixenls.com/projects/0598 has me fully infected with the upgrade bug on this one. That original Buick 3800 V8 gas engine was cool in '89, but let's be honest: 165 hp and praying for tailwinds and salvage yard parts gets old fast. The plan is to yeet in a proper LS4 and join the dark side of cheap torque and readily available parts. Stay tuned - it's already happening on 0589.

I've also got a second SE (my 3rd overall) that was straight-up gifted to me. Current location: a Lake Charles Louisiana storage facility. Current condition: 'saw better days in the Clinton administration.' I'm making weekend pilgrimages to patch, lube, and cajole it into towable shape. Think of it as court-mandated community service for a neglected motorhome.

Diesel Coolant Heater — The Winter Heartbreaker

The hydronic diesel coolant heater I installed back in 2019 finally gave up the ghost this winter. No start, no glow, just a smug little circuit board failure. I dropped $444 on that Chinese Eberspächer/Webasto clone at the time - back when the market had more options than a Summit Racing catalog. Fast-forward to now: good luck finding parts for the old ones. The aftermarket basically ghosted it. After some swearing and research, I pulled the trigger on a new HLN Aquano coolant unit from https://hlnind-shop.com. $659 delivered to the door, and - crucially - they actually have a U.S. presence and sell individual replacement parts instead of telling you to buy a whole new heater when just one part dies. Pro tip from the trenches: these Chinese diesel heaters (air or coolant) are 90% the same hardware. The real difference is the electronics and controllers. My air heater - still my favorite mod ever - ate a board once, but I swapped it and keep a spare digital controller on the shelf like a spare set of points for a '72 Chevelle. Still love 'em. They heat like crazy, sip fuel, and cost a fraction of the Euro originals. HLN seems to be the survivor with actual support, so that's where I'm planting my flag. Installation video/blog post coming soon - assuming I don't cross-thread anything spectacularly stupid.

Winter Projects — The 90% Club

I've got a laundry list of projects that are all sitting at that tantalizing "90% done" stage: solar array upgrade, fresh house batteries (because nothing says "adventure" like 640 Ah of lithium that actually charges), new headlights that are aimable) and a few tasteful interior refreshes

Everything is buttoned up except the final warm-weather touches. Because nothing completes a wiring job like 38°F fingers and swearing in three languages. So that's the state of the union. If you've got a Vixen buried in your driveway, under a tarp, or in someone else's "I'll get to it" storage unit - now's the time. Dust her off, check the tires, curse the PO who "parked it for a few months," and get ready to roll.

These little wedge-shaped weirdos still turn heads and get 25+ mpg when you treat them right. What's your Vixen (or weird RV) resurrection story this year? Drop it in the comments - bonus points for torque figures or embarrassing tow failures.

Stay greasy, stay warm, and see you on the road soon.

Vixen Newsletters Are Hitting the Brakes, But the Blog's Revving Up!

Alright, Vixen fanatics, it's time to pop the hood on some big news: this is the last newsletter I'm sending your way via email. Yeah, I know, it stings like a bad spark plug, but hold off on the tears--this ain't the end of the road. Thanks to a genius suggestion from one of you fine folks, I'm shifting gears and moving my ramblings to a shiny new Blog feature on the Vixen RV Network website. So, let's burn out with this final email and talk about what's coming down the interstate.

Why I'm Ditching the Newsletter

For more than a year and a half, I've been pouring my heart into these newsletters, waxing poetic about the Vixen's life-extending re-power, my road trips, and every wrench I've turned. But newsletters are like carburetors in a world of fuel injection--time to upgrade. The Vixen RV Network's new blog setup is gonna let me keep sharing the love for our favorite low-riding RV, but with more flair and fewer inbox clogs. Plus, it's not just me yappin--you'll be able to join the party, too.

The Blog: Your New Pit Stop

I'm putting the final polish on the Blog feature as we speak, and it's slicker than a freshly waxed hood. Here's the deal: not only will I be migrating my weekly(ish) rants to the site, but anyone can have their own blog with a custom web address. That's right--you can spin your own tales of Vixen mods, epic campsites, or that time your rig decided to throw a tantrum in the middle of nowhere. More details are coming once the feature's live, so keep your eyes glued to vixenrv.net like it's the finish line at a drag race.

The Road Ahead

This newsletter's pulling into the barn for good, but I'm not done revving my engine. The blog's gonna be the new home for all my Vixen love--expect the same snark, the same gearhead gospel, and maybe a few more stories about dodgy fuel pumps or LS swap heroics. If you're not the type to hang on every discussion post, I want you along for the ride, so swing by the website, check out the blog when it drops, and maybe even start your own. Got a story or a mod you're itching to share? Let's keep this Vixen convoy rolling. Catch you on the digital blacktop at vixenrv.net. Keep the rubber side down, and let's make some noise in the blogosphere!

Vixen 0227 Hits the Pit Stop: A Full-Tilt Tune-Up for the Long Haul

Alright, Vixen crew, it's time to pop the fronk on Vixen 0227's latest chapter. After a wild 3,500-mile romp through nine states this July and August, powered by that sweet LS swap, my trusty rig's earned a breather. I'm parking her for the rest of 2025 to tend to some family matters, but don't think I'm just kicking back with a cold one. This downtime's all about tearing into some overdue maintenance, juicing up the setup, and getting 0227 ready to roll for another six years of full-time RV glory. Buckle up, because I'm spilling the details on what's next for this low-riding legend.

The Road So Far

Six years ago, I dove headfirst into the full-time Vixen life, and man, has 0227 delivered. From desert highways to mountain passes and multiple power plants, this rig's been my co-pilot through it all. Dotty says 'hell yea.' But after chewing up the most recent 3,500 miles this summer like a hot rod at a drag strip, it's time to show her some love. Think of it like sending your favorite muscle car to the shop for a full rebuild--necessary, overdue, and about to make her even meaner.

What's on the Lift

I'm diving into a laundry list of upgrades that'll have 0227 purring like a V8 with a fresh tune. First up, the front-end steering and suspension are getting some serious fixes--because nobody likes a rig that handles like a shopping cart with a bad wheel. I'm also going green with some slick solar panels and new batteries to keep the juice flowing off-grid. The house AC system? Annoying and obnoxious. It's getting swapped for something modern that'll keep me cooler than a polar bear in a snowstorm, and on solar and batteries to boot! Every change is being documented on vixenrv.net, so you can follow along and maybe steal a few ideas for your own rig.

The Game Plan

While I'm playing family caretaker for the rest of the year, 0227's getting the VIP treatment in the garage. This ain't just maintenance--it's a love letter to the next six years of full-time Vixen adventures. By the time I'm back on the road, this rig'll be ready to smoke the competition (or at least the campground Wi-Fi). Wanna see how it's all coming together? Swing by vixenrv.net for the full play-by-play, from suspension tweaks to solar installs. Got your own Vixen mods or maintenance tips? Drop 'em in discussion posts or your own blog when the feature's live, and let's keep the gearhead gospel going.

Here's to wrenching, recharging, and hitting the highway harder than ever. Catch you on the blacktop!

Long live the Vixen!

-Dwayne

Post FRVA Convention Wrap-Up: Road Tales and New Sails

Listen up, you campsite-conquering, horizon-chasing gearheads! The vanCrevelds rolled outta Gillette, WY, with a shiny new Cummins heart growlin' under their rig's bed, while Dotty and I pointed our trusty steed eastward. From the ashes of a breakdown rose some damn fine times. AFAB and the Cummins crew played the heros, hooking them up like grease-stained saints, and the company? Top-tier, like a V8 symphony at full throttle. Bonus points: free parking with juice to keep the AC purring--talk about a nomad's dream! I was so impressed that I had Nicoli at Cummins refresh my front bearings, rotors and brake pads. He was a true professional, giving me some expert advice on the overall state of my front end, the report of which was good.

Oh, and don't sleep on the brews at the Gillette Meadery--smoother than a freshly paved highway--and burgers so good they'd make a California In-N-Out joint blush. Onward and forward, brothers and sisters of the blacktop--never look back unless it's to admire your dust trail!

There's a Memories section to the website to immortalize epic road trips like this.

LS Swap Update: Humming Like a Dream, Except for That Pesky Vapor Lock

Alright, motorheads, let's talk shop. My LS swap is still singing sweeter than a warm mead on a hot night, cruising at a lazy 2100-2600 RPM in 4th or 5th gear--barely tickling half its redline. It's a beast that makes this RV nomad's heart race faster than a drag strip showdown. But, here's the fuel suck: that external fuel pump is still throwing a tantrum, vapor-locking when the mercury climbs past 90F. Tried slapping on some cooling fins, but no dice--like trying to cool a V8 with a paper fan. For now, I'm dodging those scorching days like a smart coyote. The final resolve is dropping a fuel pump in the beast's tank to use the fuel to keep her cool.

The other two LS swaps are still in the garage, moving slower than a traffic jam on I-80, but progress nonetheless. Check the progress at vixenls.com/projects. Early adopters, you know the drill--patience is the price of perfection, but when these beasts fire up, it's the start of a whole new road-trip religion. More updates when the wrenches stop turning. I am in awe of their goals.

Vixen RV Network App: Built for the Road Dogs

Gearheads, the Vixen RV Network App is nearly ready to roll out like a freshly built rig on its maiden voyage. I'm in the testing phase now, and--brace yourselves--I caved and bought an iPhone (yeah, I know, send help) to make sure this app and the website run smoother than a diesel on a cool morning. It's gonna be the ultimate tool for you full-time Vixen warriors to find updates, swap road stories, get help (we all need it), and keep your rig's soul singing. Stay tuned for the launch--this app's gonna be your co-pilot on the endless highway. No apologies to the real co-pilots.

Sturgis Bike Week: A Quick Pit Stop in Motorcycle Mecca

I wasn't planning to roll into Sturgis, SD, for Bike Week--my rig's more about campsites than choppers--but the road gods had other plans. Passing through, I snagged a shady city park spot to let Dotty chill (good dog, better co-pilot) and strolled into the strip to soak up the two-wheeled madness. The rumble of Harleys, the gleam of chrome, the beautiful ____'s, and the vibe of a thousand motorheads living their best life--it's like Burning Man for folks who bleed 10W-30. Check out the chaos I captured on video: YouTube link. Short stop, big vibes--now it's back to the open road. Turns out I left her lead in the park, and she now has a new, pretty pink rope leash. Next year, we camp for the week. Wanna join me?

That was a lot, but that's all for this report.

Long live the Vixen!

-Dwayne and Dotty. Think of us as 2x2 wheels each...

Hey Vixen enthusiasts, buckle up for a quick pit stop update from the road--sadly, not the kind of news that revs the engine.

Spoiler alert: it wasn't the engine letting me down this time. The LS was performing beautifully.

Cruising along I-20 just outside Dallas, my Vixen hit a snag. Something in the transaxle gave up the ghost--most likely 5th gear, not sure, but as of this writing I'll be tearing into it. I was just humming along at 65 mph, around 2150 RPM, no trailer in tow, no hill climbs, and definitely not channeling my inner hot rodder. Just a happy camper... until I wasn't.

Now, before you start penning sympathy cards, let's keep it in perspective. This Vixen upgrade journey is all about discovery, pushing the limits to see what works (and what doesn't) for the benefit of our tight-knit community. Failures? They're just data points on the road to perfection.

Here's the kicker: If it is 5th gear, I'm not alone in this gear-grinding saga. Word on the Vixen grapevine is a Cummins-upgraded rig recently shredded 5th gear, too. Meanwhile, another Cummins-equipped Vixen has a slick electronic throttle limiter tied to torque output--probably to dodge this exact issue. Coincidence? I think not.

So, what's next? We'll - stay tuned as I dive deeper into this transaxle mystery. For now, it's back to the garage for some wrenching and learning. Keep those Vixens rolling, and we'll keep you posted on confirmation and whatever fix is needed!

Until then, keep the rubber side down and the glassy side up!

Long live the Vixen!

More LS Swaps

Hey Vixen road warriors, friends, lurkers, and enthusiasts, the LS swap craze is picking up speed! Last week, I spilled the beans on one Vixen owner tearing into an SE LS swap--pics and juicy details coming soon! Now, another Vixen owner has jumped on the bandwagon, sparked by my LS posts from years back on the now defunct VOA website. His TD's original engine's been patched up one too many times and is ready for retirement. He's scouring the local salvage yards for a donor LS engine. A Corvette 5.7 LS1 is already in the running. He's also savvy on the conversion options offered by https://lsdelorean.com. If he rolls with the DeLorean-swap-favored LS4, he'll grab their adapter parts. But if he takes my advice and picks the LS1, I've got his back with my own adapter kit--mine's about $1,200 a pop right now (my cost) versus the $4k commercial sets. That's for single orders, folks! I expect the bulk costs to be lower and am planning a co-op order in the future.

Here's the techy bit: my adapter parts are built for the DeLorean bell housing, so I've got some tinkering to do for the Vixen's setup--they're not twins. I had figured most TD owners would stick with their Vixen transaxles for an LS swap, but this guy's throwing a curveball, eyeing a DeLorean transaxle instead. They're close cousins internally, but the bell housings, shift levers, and front end caps? Different beasts. I'll be dishing more details on vixenrv.net--stay tuned!

That's two more Vixen LS swaps revving up--time to crank the excitement and get those driveway queens on the road again!

Social Media is going into Overdrive

As I write this, I was set to burn up the blacktop again, but some work and non-Vixen curveballs have parked my plans for another week. No sweat--plenty of action's still brewing! I've also shifted gears on social media, so buckle up for the new route. Want to keep up? Kick things off by following my shiny new page:

https://facebook/RetroDadAstra

If you've been tailing my personal Facebook profile, make the switch to this page for all the Vixen vibes and travel tales. It's your main hub for now, but I'm revving up to add more--think Instagram, YouTube, and beyond. Stay tuned for the full throttle rollout!

That's all for this week.

Long live the Vixen!

-Dwayne

Gillette, Wyoming FRVA Convention

I'm revving up for the 111th FMCA/FRVA Convention in Gillette, Wyoming, July 16-19, 2025! Wanna roll in style with me? Let's park side by side, fly our Chapter banner (we actually have one), and hit the events together. If you're down for the ride, drop me a line--let's represent!

LS Swap's First Big Win!

Vixen crew, hold onto your lug nuts--TD #027's LS engine swap just aced its maiden voyage! Okay, calling it a TD (Turbo Diesel) is a stretch now--no turbo, no diesel, just pure V8 glory. It's a Vixen LS now! Here's the hot-off-the-highway report.

This beast roared across 900 miles of Texas two-lanes, hauling a UHaul trailer packed with my tools and gear. Headwinds clocked 19 mph for half the trip, then central Texas's rolling hills tried to slow me down. No dice! The LS powered through all 5 gears like a champ, cruising mostly 55-65 mph (trailer's fault). I flipped between 4th and 5th, and at 65 mph in 5th, the tach danced around 2150 rpms. Smooth? You bet--I'm grinning like I just won a cross country endurance race. Cannonball anyone?

Fuel-wise, I clocked 18 mpg on the only leg that I measured. Not bad, but there's room to rev up. My GPS speedometer was on the fritz, so miles driven were a bit fuzzy. Plus, the vehicle speed sensor reluctor wheel's MIA, and my forward O2 sensors were throwing tantrums. Both are key for the engine computer to dial in max mpg. I'm betting on 22 mpg once it's all tuned up--stay tuned for the victory lap!

Roadside Radiator Remix

My LS swap road trip was mostly smooth sailing, but I hit a speed bump 200 miles past the New Mexico/Texas border--my primary radiator fan called it quits! I'm running two 12-inch fans behind the radiator and one 16-incher up front, so I limped to the nearest auto parts joint and snagged a budget replacement. Problem? Its CFM was a bit wimpy, so I played it cool (literally) and stuck to night driving when temps dropped. Since then, I've upgraded to a beefy 3000 CFM fan--ready to keep things chill!

Flashback: with the old BMW engine, I added a second radiator (driver's side) to tame the heat, and it worked like a charm. For the Cummins, I yanked it since it wasn't needed. Now, I've slapped it back on but haven't hooked it up yet. I'm testing if the single radiator with top-notch fans can handle the job. If not, I've got the plumbing gear ready to roll. Stay tuned for the next cool update.

Fuse Fiasco Foiled!

Picture this: I'm cruising sweet with the LS swap, when--bam!--the engine cuts out, and I coast to a roadside pit stop. A peek behind my mid-cabin fuse panel door reveals a glowing red LED--trouble in paradise! Years back, I swapped those old-school glass fuses for modern ones with slick circuit boards that light up red when a fuse blows. The culprit? The fuel pump fuse.

But here's the twist: when I nudged the fuse, the light winked out. Not blown--just a bad fuse with a wiggly spade playing hard to get. I popped in a fresh one, and vroom--I was back burning up the blacktop! Those LED fuse boards? Total game-changer for a speedy roadside save.

Road Trip Part Deux!

Vixen crew, strap in--I'm hitting the highway again next weekend for the next adventure! Over the next 4-6 weeks, me and the LS swap are gunning for 3,000+ miles of pure road glory. The route? Swinging back through New Mexico, tearing up the blacktop to Las Vegas, then cruising to San Diego for one final West Coast joyride before returning to my new home base, briefly, then pointing the nose North and Northeast this summer. Wanna ride shotgun (virtually)? Subscribe to the Travel Logs on the Vixen RV Network--every twist, turn, and triumph will be spilled there, leg by leg!

Well, that's all for now.

Long live the Vixen!

- Dwayne (and Dotty), #227 Vixen LS

Georgia Pit Stop Skipped

Hey Vixen crew, my pup Dotty's surgery threw a wrench in the gears--I couldn't roll out to the FMCA event in Georgia. Traveling with her (or without her) just didn't feel right, so we stayed put. I know my road warriors are bummed, and I feel ya! But don't worry--my wheels will be spinning to tons of FMCA shindigs this year, and I'll bring back all the juicy scoop. Still stoked to be part of this awesome crew--oh, and heads-up: FMCA's got a fresh name, Family RV Association (FRVA). Same vibe, new shine!

Inaugural Vixen LS Trip

My Vixen gearhead friends, as you're eyeballing this, I'm probably peeling out of Tucumcari toward my new "home base" in South Louisiana. I've scored a massive garage/shop down there--plenty of elbow room to wrench on my Vixens and turbocharge my LS swap experiments, for free! That means more funds for Vixen R&D. The open road's calling, and I'm ready to roll!

Guess what? I'm firing up an old-school gem on the website--the Travel Logs! Tag along for every mile, twist, and LS V8 triumph (or hiccup) right there. Want in on the action? Flip on notifications under People tab #1 My Information #8 Notification Preferences. You'll get a ping every time I drop a new leg of the journey. Or cruise by anytime--check 'em out under Vixens tab #4 Travel Logs. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!

In case you forgot: http://vixenrv.net.

A Zoomie, Worth Watching

I don't usually tune into VOA 'Zoomie' recordings (do any of them actually Zoom in their Vixens anymore?), but seriously folks, this one came with a hot tip--and now I'm passing the keys to you! It's a YouTube gem--just click the link below to watch. (Heads-up: you might need to be signed into YouTube to rev it up.) Anyone with the link and a YouTube account can roll with it!

https://youtu.be/kjsDNjDWxLQ

This one's a blast from the past featuring Bill Harrington, the VP of Marketing from VMC's early days. If I stumble across another VOA video worth a spin--beyond 'Sustainable Living' or 'Healthcare by a Naturopath Doctor'--I'll give you the green light. Happy viewing!

That's the freshest buzz--Vixen LS mania's ready to tear up the track, burn up the blacktop, blaze down the byway, and cruise with some juice: spring's shaping up to be a total blast, or at least interesting!

Know a Vixen Nut? Point 'em my direction so they can hitch a ride on this newsletter and join the fun!

Long live the Vixen!

-Dwayne

Lost and Found: Vixen #046 Hits the Market!

Hey Vixen fans, buckle up for a wild ride down memory lane! Before the world hit pause, I teamed up with Chelsea Winters in Las Vegas to resurrect VIN #046--a gem that'd been snoozing in her garage for 20 years. By 2020, we had this beauty purring again. Then, poof--Chelsea vanished to Chicago to hang with her sis, and I lost the trail. Fast forward to now: #046's popped up on Facebook Marketplace in Vegas! Supposedly bought from Chelsea for $7,500 (bill of sale only), it's been chilling in a driveway ever since. The current owner's tossing the keys up for grabs at $15,000. It's a very nice Vixen. I think $7-10k could nab it.

Back when I was wrenching on #046, this original-owner Vixen screamed 'time capsule.' She had Polaroids from her visit to the factory when she bought it! Chelsea racked up about 42,000 miles before parking it. We jazzed up the brake and clutch lines, popped in a new timing belt, then cruised in it to the tire shop for fresh rubber. This isn't just any rig--it's a rolling relic begging for the right owner. Letting it continue to bake outside unloved or fall into the wrong hands would be a tragedy!

Got cash burning a hole in your pocket or know a Vixen lover who does? Let's keep #046 in the family! Hit me up if you're interested, or pass this hot tip along. The seller, Chilo, is ready to chat at 702-410-4652.

More Vixen SE Dreams: LS4 Power Unleashed?

I've been eyeballing my bare-bones Zombie Vixen SE, and I'm pumped--this baby's screaming for an LS4 V8 upgrade! Pair that beast with a slick, modern take on the SE's rear-mounted FWD transmission, and we're talking a near-perfect fit and plenty of zoom-zoom. Even some big-name pros have tossed me killer ideas to rev this up. After I drop an LS into #092--my all-original, non-running Vixen TD--Zombie's next in line for the LS swap treatment. It's my test-track guinea pig, and I'll be spilling all the juicy updates over at vixenrv.net/library. Stay tuned--this is gonna be a wild ride!

Co-pilot Update

Dotty, my Belgian Malinois, is scheduled for surgery tomorrow, March 10. Hopefully the tumor is either benign, or if not, they can remove all traces of it. Fingers crossed and paws up--stay tuned!

FMCA/FRVA Convention

I'm just a few state lines from the Perry, GA FMCA/FRVA convention next week--practically smelling the exhaust already! I'm gunning to swing by for a day, but my pup's recent drama's got the pole position right now.

REMINDER: Some of our FMCA/FRVA memberships are expiring soon. Here's a reminder to renew yours, and when you have a new membership card, download it from the FRVA website, then on the vixenrv.net website, under the People tab, use menu #1, My Information, then #6, FMCA/FRVA to upload your new membership card pdf file. Alternatively, you can just reply to this email and attach your membership pdf file. This is required to maintain our FMCA/FRVA Chapter Status.

That's the latest, crew--Vixen fever's roaring full throttle. This spring is going to be great!

Got a buddy who'd dig this Vixen newsletter action? Send 'em my way to hop in the driver's seat!

Long live the Vixen!

-Dwayne

Vixen LS Swap: A Joyride in Progress!

Hey gearheads, buckle up! I've been cruising Tucumcari in my LS-swapped Vixen, and it's a total blast. I haven't pushed past 3rd gear yet--highway dreams are on hold (more on that later)--but wow, this thing purrs! Words like 'effortless' and 'ice-skating smooth' come to mind. From a dead stop, #227 leaps to life in 1st with barely a tap on the throttle, and 2nd and 3rd are just as silky. The LS's horsepower and torque? Absolute game-changers. Tach's not dialed in yet so I don't have data, but stay tuned--more fun's coming!

Oil Leak Speed Bump

After some local spins, I spotted a hefty oil leak where the transaxle kisses the engine. Fresh Royal Purple in both, so I can't tell who's crying--engine or trans? The rear main seal looked pristine on the stand, but my dyslexia might've flipped the trans shaft guide tube. If the weep hole's pointing up instead of down, that could explain the seepage. Normal or not? I'll dig into it back at the shop!

New Vixen Buddy Rolls In!

Post-test drive yesterday, a shiny Thor RV pulled up to the garage. Meet Eric--semi-retired RV hauler extraordinaire! He's driven it all, just snagged a Vixen XC, and couldn't resist stopping to chat. Nothing beats connecting with fellow Vixen fans!

SE LS Swap: Revving Up a New Project

With three Vixen SEs in my stable--all sidelined since the 2000s--I'm kicking off an LS swap for one. Why? The LS's power and availability are unbeatable. The SE's a TD glow-up with a Buick 3800 V6 and 440T4 trans magically slid to the rear. I've heard of a supercharged 3800 swap (shoutout Dave Lawson--wiring chaos!), but I'm eyeing the LS. Early measurements suggest those extra cylinders might just squeeze in. Rumor has it the SE drivetrain drops as a box with four bolts could make this swap a breeze compared to the TD. Check the project list at https://vixenrv.net/library drop your thoughts there!

Dotty's Pit Stop

You know Dotty, my Belgian Malinois co-pilot. After a park fetch session yesterday, she started limping. A hard mass on her hind leg has us in my car racing to a trusted vet in South Louisiana. 227's highway debut can wait--Dotty's my VIP. She'll be fine, but I'm not risking any delays with any treatment needed.

That's the scoop, folks--Vixen vibes are alive and kicking!

Know a fellow road warrior who'd love this Vixen buzz? Tell 'em to hit me up and join the ride!

Long live the Vixen!

-Dwayne (and Dotty)

Vixen LS Swap

Last week I reported that there was a wiring issue on my LS swap that had eluded me. Well, that's fixed now and my V8 engine from a 2004 GTO is purring like a kitten. I'm very excited about having a Vixen with the heart of a GTO. The 2004-2006 Pontiac GTO's were the last generation of GTOs made, and 2004 re-introduced the GTO to the world with the 5.7 liter V8, the same engine that kicked off the LS revolution in the 1997 Corvette, with 345 horses and 350 lb-ft of torque. By 2004, that was upped to 350/365. For reference, the original BMW Turbo Diesel was 115 hp and 162 on the torque. I DO NOT plan on racing or doing any burnouts.

It's been a long and winding road (pun intended) to get back on the long and winding road again. I have about a week worth of tasks to button up, like reinstalling the radiator, fender wells, and tie wrap and cover the wiring. Then I will do the first test drive. Fingers crossed.

VixenRV.net

I had paused my Google ads for the winter, but plan to start them again soon. We've had a consistent stream of visitors, but few signups. I think this is primarily due to the fact that nearly all of the content, such as discussion posts and photos, is open and free for anyone to view without registering. Some personal information such as usernames and profile photos is also public but other personal information is visible only to registered users and users with whom you confirm as friends on the site.

Duane Durbin produced a summary of the 2005 Quartzsite gathering. You can find a PDF Document, as well as a short video in the Library section. Thank you Duane and Patty for this report.

FMCA Chapter

I realize there has not been much activity over the winter, but there's still more work to do, such as setting up a 501(c)(7) not-for-profit social club, and holding a few virtual meetings. I'll be back on that task starting in March, as well as attending the convention in March.

That's all for now.

Long Live the Vixen!

-Dwayne

The Cold, Hard Winter

Things have been very slow across the board for Vixen minutiae and sine qua non. But that doesn't mean a lot isn't happening. Here's my "quomodo accidens."

VixenRV.net

We've had a few signups and my winter Google ads are under-performing. According to ChatGPT, I need to expand my grass-roots marketing effort, and that means getting out there and promoting and educating the public (and more importantly, automotive enthusiasts) about the Vixen, and directing them to the website. That is my primary goal for 2025.

Vixen LS Swap

My LS 5.7 litre V8 swap is in the last mile of implementation. I'm down to a wiring issue as of today. I chose to use the stock 2004 GTO wiring harness because I didn't think there was enough time to understand the whole Australia Holden GTO wiring harness (unique among GM LS engines). I think now that the GTO 5.7 swap will be an outlier, not the best LS option for the Vixen crowd. But no worries, the differences are minute. As I've mentioned before, I plan to LS swap my '96 original stock Vixen (non running) with a common and low cost LS 4.8 litre engine. With that project, I'll make the components needed (adapters, motor mounts, wiring harness) designs public for any and all.

3D Printing to the Rescue

Some of you may have seen my social media and other posts about 3D printers. Suffice it to say that when you venture away from the stock parts of the min-1980's Vixen there are few options for the 'last mile.' 3d Printers to the rescue. My $500 3D printer has solved so many problems with customization and upgrades that it's hard to know where to begin. But I do know this: to keep Vixens road worthy, and updated for modernization, there's no contest. The only limitation is the cost of materials and printing, and that is, like most tech, lowering every year. Metal printing is around the corner. Technology will save the Vixen.

FMCA Expo

I plan to attend the 110th annual FMCA expo in Perry, GA from March 12-15, come hell or high water. We received our FMCA/FRVA vinyl banner and it's amazing. I'll be flying it proudly at the event. Hope to you see you there with or without your Vixen.

That's all for now.

-Dwayne

Long Live the Vixen!

2025 FMCA Convention

I am planning to attend and represent our chapter at the FMCA's 110th International Convention, March 12-15, 2025 in Perry, GA. Please let me know if you have an interest in attending.

Website Update

The google ads are starting to get traction. It will take some time to perfect the process but the results are positive. We've had a few new accounts, and at least one that responded to an ad, registered, and used the Vixen AI feature to ask a question (How to find Vixens for sale). Although the website content contributions are still primarily by myself, the platform is solid and will be enduring. Soon I will expand the marketing to include Facebook ads.

Call for Pictures

Of course, a picture is worth a thousand words. I've noticed that website visitors look for Vixen pictures. There are several ways to add images to the website. 1) Write a post topic and attach images, 2) answer a topic and attach images, 3) upload images by themselves under the Library menu, or 5) email images to me! I'm happy to do the posting for anyone.

VixenLS Progress

My 2004 GTO 5.7L LS1 is mated to the transaxle and in place. I have two more medium tasks now that the engine is in place. Design a cross member to support the engine, and design the exhaust system. Big thanks to Dustin at AFAB for sending me some bare crossmember mounting brackets. I expect to have these done next weekend.

That's all for now.

-Dwayne

2025 FMCA Convention

The 110th International Convention and RV Expo is in Perry, Georgia March 11-15, 2025. I've asked for details about what options are available for us, such as group camp/parking spots and a meeting room. In the meantime, can I get a show of hands by replying to this email if you're interested in attending. More details are here:

https://www.fmca.com/fmca-event-registration

Also if you have some ideas of how we can promote the Vixen at the convention, please let me know. I'm thinking maybe we could have a small booth at the Expo, and just hand out some info brochures, or the 1st issue of Vamp Magazine? The FMCA will be providing us with a chapter banner, in the works now.

VixenLS Progress

I finally have a break from some family responsibilities and am back in Tucumcari to hopefully finish my LS swap. I have the engine running on the engine stand (and all of the wiring worked out), all of the adapter parts and pieces, and am beginning the install as I write this. Look for updates on the website. This has been a long road and I'm excited about many new beginnings.

FMCA Challenges

The FMCA is experiencing some challenges. They include stagnant or dwindling membership, a print magazine that is costing too much (sound familiar), and some vocal criticisms of the current administrations (sound familiar). I think as we get to know some of the officers we could offer some help. On the FMCA website forums, I echoed this statement from another member:

(sic) Paul, i appreciate that you will be atrempting to revive this club, so here is a small suggestion to get you on your way: In the magazine, how many articles have there been recently on converted coaches? My guess would be little to none. why should you try to appeal to this small subset of RV owners? because there is a large number of social media influencers out there writing about "van life" and converting schoolies into tiny homes. You know what all those people need? advice, and parts. where can they get the advice? in the magazine. where can they get parts? from advertisers in your magazine. this is how FMCA got started, and this is one small piece of the puzzle to helping it grow.

Website Status

My google ads are still being perfected. So far there's been 10,000 impressions (ads shown), 300 clicks to the website, and possibly 2 signups. I've not linked the ads to signups yet so I am not sure. In researching google trends, the terms 'Vixen RV', 'Vixen Motorhome', etc. are very small numbers. 'DeLorean' is a bit more, but still not large search numbers. I will be expanding the search keywords beyond Vixen and DeLorean. It takes a while to get this right. The trick is going to be finding the right search keywords, like 'RVing' and attract those that have a genuine interest in niche motorhomes.

That's all for now.

-Dwayne

Long live the Vixen!

FMCA Convention

Robert and Barbara attended the FMCA Convention in Redmond and posted a discussion on the website about their experience and added a few pictures. They met with RoDger Donnelly, VP of the INTO (International) Area of the FMCA, of which the Vixen RV Lovers chapter is a member.

A big thank you to Robert and Barbara for sharing.

Website Advertising

I'm beginning to experiment with Google Ads to bring new users to the website. It will take a few months to get the ads to the point where they are effective. I'm in learning mode for this and self funding the ads. My experience will be beneficial for all of my websites. I've discovered that there are 10x more web searches for DeLorean than anything Vixen related, so I will be adding some DeLorean content to our website (only as it relates to Vixens). I've already sparked some interest from the DeLorean crowd and I think they will help spread the word.

Chapter Formation and Dues

We still have to create our non-profit organization for the Chapter, and a few other details. I'll be working on that soon. I've been asked about our $10 dues. Lets not worry about that right now, we can collect at a later time after we get the org and checking account setup.

LS Swap

Once again, I am away from the Tucumcari garage to help with some family member health issues. I had my 2004 GTO 5.7L V8 running on an engine stand before I left, and will begin the actual install as soon as I get back.

That's all for now.

Long live the Vixen!

-Dwayne

FMCA Application

Our FMCA application has been received and they are processing it. Exciting!

The vixenrv.net website is running and alive and well, and here are our signups so far:

If you haven't signed up so far, please do so this week. What you see above is what is public and visible. Also, upload a profile picture of yourself. This builds confidence in the leadership team to outside visitors.

Invite Friends

I will be inviting trusted Vixen owners, my friends, and others that I know would have an interest in getting to know the Vixen. If you use the New Friends Request button under the Friends tab, then after they sign up they will have the option to be your friend on vixenrv.net.

Being friends has a few additional benefits, such as seeing each other's private information and being able to message each other in the web app.

You can unfriend anyone at any time.

Discussion Topics (formerly Forums)

I've started a few discussion topics to get things started (and testing features). You can like, reply, or start your own. Now would be a good time to get your feet wet since there is not much activity, and I can easily undo, delete, or fix anything. There are a lot more features than before, so explore and have some fun. I'm available anytime for help or hand holding.

That's all for now and long live the Vixen!

-Dwayne

FMCA Chapter Status

Our signature document has been completed and is on its way to me. Thank you everyone! I'll be scheduling our initial Founders Meeting soon. You can begin thinking about the following topics to discuss: Officers, Chapter Name, Member Acceptance criteria, Annual Renewal Date, Member Cost, and a few other items. These are all in the Chapter Formation Kit document, which I've attached for your review.

I have reviewed the main meeting tools (Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams). I will likely go with MS Teams. It's free, does not require any software download, and works on every type of device, and with any email account, and has been the best out of the 3 that I have used. I've used it in the web browser (nothing to download) and it works well. Like Zoom, there is a time limit. The MS Teams time limit is 60 minutes.

Website Status

The new website is in final testing now, and should be launching soon. One thing to think about when signing up (again) is this: Your real email address is only exposed to people that you accept as friends, and our FMCA Chapter members. The new website has an internal 'messages' system where you can communicate with other users on the site inside the website, without having to use your email address, kind of like Facebook Messaging. If some of you have used alternative email addresses for privacy and keeping random communication to a minimum, you no longer have to use a separate email address just for the website (but you can if you want to).

LS1/GTO Swap Update

Most of my attention for the next few months will be on my new engine swap. The 4 adapter parts have been made and I've received 3, and the last part is on its way to me. I am currently attempting to rescue an abandoned TD for the purpose of doing a low-budget LS swap and work out the changes needed to the adapter kit to fit a stock Vixen UN1 transaxle (instead of my DeLorean version of the UN1). Stay tuned.

My next step this week is to start my LS1 on the engine stand to ensure everything is good. I did have a video from the seller of it running in the car before it was pulled and crated. Of course, all of this will be documented in a video for Fast TV Network and on the new website.

Thank you all and long live the Vixen!

-Dwayne

LS Swap

I have some terrific news relating to my project of installing a GM LS engine in my Vixen. GM has produced more than 20 million LS engines since its introduction in the 1997 Corvette. Sooner or later, all Vixens with the original BMW Turbo Diesel will need to be upgraded. Thanks to Duane and Dustin, the Cummins remains a proven, high-end option. I've obtained the engineering design files for the adapter to mate a V8 LS engine to the Delorean UN1 transaxle, originally created for the Delorean crowd. With some relatively minor modifications, the adapter can be modified to fit the Vixen version of the UN1 transaxle. Based on my initial order of having the parts made, I believe that the adapter kit will cost UNDER $1000 in small quantities. This puts an engine upgrade within range of anyone's Vixen budget.

GTO Power

LS engines range from $400 salvage yard pulls to $20k performance racing engines. With my budget savings on the adapter kit, I've upgraded my plans to a 2004 GTO 5.7L LS engine. My engine will cost about $3,500. Call it a tribute engine. As a teenager, my favorite of all my hot rod cars was my 1968 GTO. I don't know about you, but the idea of a GTO engine in my Vixen sends chills up my spine. Call it 'Full Circle'.

New Website

I'm making one last pre-launch addition to the new website. Officers of our FMCA chapter will have the ability to make posts and upload pictures and videos as Vixen RV Network 'Staff' instead of with their personal account. Hopefully this will deflect any personal attacks away from individuals. As officers, we will be able to see which of us made a staff post.

Fast TV Network

What to be famous? Fast TV Network (https://fasttvnetwork.com/) is on Amazon and Roku. Mike and Melissa Beasley-Lee, good friends of mine, run this TV network dedicated to automobilia, route 66, and racing. They have 30 million viewers. I'm working with Mike to film my Vixen LS Swap. If you would like to be in the very first TV show of its kind, contact me soon. Come to Tucumcari or possibly we could visit you to film.

Lastly, our Chapter documents are moving along. I expect that our initial Zoom meeting will be in June.

Thank you all and long live the Vixen!

-Dwayne

Vixens Sold

1986 Vixen TD #0280 (Daniel Perez) just sold on BringATrailer.com for $35,000. The previous Vixen was a 1987 TD sold on 12/5/2023 for $23,000. The more exposure Vixens have, the more appreciation, and therefore... appreciation we will gain. I believe that openness, transparency, and availability of content is the key.

The number of public comments for both sales was 95 and 130, respectively. The most recent sale was public for 7 days. Conversely, in 2more than 2 months the 'new' old VOA website has had 102 comments, 90% of which are from the officers.

New Website Status

The new website will be launching soon. I'll notify everyone when it is ready. Just doing testing and small tweaks right now.

That's all for now.

Long live the Vixen!