Blue View - Repairing the Fuel Filler Door on Blue

Blue View - Repairing the Fuel Filler Door on Blue

The fuel filler door on Blue is rather unique. It is located just aft of the driver’s door, and can’t be opened without first opening said driver’s door. I like the arrangement except for one teeny-tiny detail - the little tab on the edge. It’s put there to make the door easier to open when it’s time to fill up, but it has a tendency to catch on my pants pocket as I exit the driver’s side, especially when we’re parked in a tight space and I can’t open the door all the way. On at least one occasion, I’ve exerted enough leverage to actually break the hinge that holds the filler door.

It’s not cheap to repair… the dealer wanted $485. As it turns out, the repair is quite simple and a whole lot less expensive to do it yourself, once you discover a couple of little disassembly tricks. Watch our video that describes the process…

Read More

Blue View – Do Cetane Boosters Really Work?

Blue View – Do Cetane Boosters Really Work?

There are a number of companies that sell “Cetane Boosters” - additives that are poured into the tank of a diesel powered vehicle and which supposedly not only improve the MPG and power, but also clean and lubricate the injectors, remove water from the tank, make the exhaust sweet smelling, make your teeth whiter and your hemorrhoids shrink. Okay – I made up the last three, but you get the point. So, are these really worthwhile or just snake oil?

Read More

Blue View – Top Ten Reasons to Use Trekking Poles

Blue View – Top Ten Reasons to Use Trekking Poles

On one of our hikes a few months ago, someone had left a nice walking stick at the trailhead that was fashioned from a piece of green willow, presumably for the next hiker to use. Marcie picked it up and used it during the day's hike. She liked having it so much, in fact, that she kept it. Unfortunately, it didn't fare well as it dried out, so we decided to get a set of trekking poles.

After hiking with them for quite a few miles, we’ve found them to be quite useful - despite my initial reservations. Here is our list of the top ten uses we’ve found for trekking poles.

Read More