Besides cars and other Fix Up Fleet content, I’m into vintage audio and upgrading my setup. I’m a bit of an audiophile, and while this isn’t about that, the philosophy of Fix Up Fleet shines here. It’s about small upgrades that make a huge difference. The Current Setup I have three main listening areas: my…
It’s December in the Pacific Northwest, and it’s been a wet one. We’ve been spared any flooding, but we’ve had a foot of rain in two days, plus another weather system with the same again, and a couple windstorms mixed in. Needless to say, it’s been impossible to wrench. And so begins the annual Fix…
If you’ve been wrenching for a while, you already know the truth: the right shop setup upgrades don’t just make the job faster — they make the job possible. Whether you’re working on trucks, equipment, or property projects, these are the compact, high-impact upgrades that transform a basic garage into a real shop. Everything on this list…
We bought our first RV trailer in 2021 knowing next to nothing–and it showed. Two trailers and 50+ trips later, we’ve figured out what actually matters when you’re setting up camp. After plenty of trial, error, and gear swaps, these are five must-have upgrades that have made every trip smoother, safer, and a lot more…
We recently bought a 2015 Subaru Outback with 125,000 miles. The car is in great shape, but one issue stood out: the liftgate would open, sag, beep, and then rely on the electric motor to keep it in place. The culprit? Worn-out liftgate struts. Why Liftgate Struts Matter Struts are common in two main places:…
Before you spend a dime, start with the things you can fix for free. Some of the best progress on any vehicle comes from time, patience, and a good look around. Part of the fun in wrenching is solving a problem, fixing something, or improving an item. I also find joy in those “free” fixes…
Recently, a friend was cleaning out a shed and I spotted a red Troy-Bilt rototiller that looked like it hadn’t been used in years. Mike said it had been at least 30 years, and he was just going to scrap it. I stepped in and had him help me load it into my truck. This…
A 15-year-old RV trailer and a moment of desperation during Covid taught me an expensive, unforgettable lesson about maintenance. Buying Trouble During Covid During the depths of Covid, my wife and I bought a 15-year-old travel trailer. It started a trend of frequent camping for us, including to neighboring states. Looking back, buying a teenage…
You might be wondering why I invested in a tiny Japanese Honda Acty kei truck, sometimes called mini trucks. The short answer: I needed a small, versatile workhorse that could handle my property without destroying it. The long answer? Let me explain. Tackling Timber on Our Land Just over a mile from our house, my…
For a few months now, I’ve gotten the occasional check engine light on my 2001 Outback. Every time, it was a code for a misfire in cylinder 1. I’d reset it and be on my way, until it would reappear a couple weeks later. It was time to investigate. Causes of Subaru Misfires There are…
