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Dusty Traveler

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If you have an RV, New or used, what have you added or modified on your Motorcoach, Trailer, fifth Wheel, etc.?

We have owned several recreational vehicles throughout my life. Within the last year, I was happy to deliver our newest GrechRV. My wife soon noticed I was under the hood working on something. My smiling wife said to me, "You broke something?" I stated NO. I added some new hood struts to keep the hood up while checking things out. She said, "So they sold you an RV with nothing to hold up the hood?" I pulled my head out from under the hood and said they would not sell me an RV without something to HOLD THE HOOD UP! She asked why are you fixing or replacing a new part for a new vehicle. I was laughing at her questions, saying you know me so well. I just wanted something to make opening the hood a little quicker for adding DEF or checking the engine. But you also know I like my new RV and have to buy gifts to show my affection for having a newer RV. She then said I know. I just wanted to hear you admit you like your new toy.

So, my fellow RVers, how fast after taking delivery of a new or used vehicle do you find yourself adding something?
 
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Almost immediately on taking delivery of a new 5th wheel. We rewired a lot of the rv to eliminate questionable electrical stuff, installed an inverter we trusted, and replaced the batteries with true rv deep cycle batteries. The manufacturer couldnt provide the charging specs for the oem batteries so i didnt think they were appropriate for an rv battery bank
 
So, my fellow RVers, how fast after taking delivery of a new or used vehicle do you find yourself adding something?
Perhaps a week or so.

Stuff such as this. I also removed the countless USB charge thingies. I replaced them all with 12V sockets as I can plug USB chargers into them anyway, along with numerous other 12V items (GPS, rechargeable 12V flashlights, etc).

Also, several little modifications such as finding a way so drawers won't fly open when I drive and things like that.

Also, adding a TPMS. No doubt many other things that I forget about--but did before my first long trip. To the Everglades of FL.

-Don- Reno, NV
 
I made changes almost immediately. I added a hard wired EMS and TPMS before our first trip. The complete list must be 30 or 40 items long. Residential Fridge, Inverter, Li batteries, upgrade bathroom fan, added USB and 120V receptacles, Keyless door lock, mattress upgrade, TV upgrade, Attached levels, onboard water filters, onboard water pressure regulator, and on and on. There are always two or three more times on my list.
 
replacing the entrance door lock is a good idea. There aren't that many keys to the oem locks on these things. we tested that at a campground once and you'd be surprised how many RVs a single key opened. Of course most RVs are ridiculously easy to break into so it's debatable how bad the lock thing really is
 
There aren't that many keys to the oem locks on these things. we tested that at a campground once and you'd be surprised how many RVs a single key opened.
Yep. You can buy the keys on Amazon and RV parts places ready to open almost any newer RV. All cut and ready to open just about any RV.

I am surprised that with today's technology, we don't have what I use on my motorcycles. A programmable fingerprint lock, with a cable, in my case. And can be programmed with one or ten different fingers. We can get them with or without backup keys. And the keys are all different. You can get these as door locks or just about any type of lock.

OTOH, a cheap lock could save you a window, broken door, or whatever.

-Don- Reno, NV
 
On our longer trips, we enjoy some down time at the campground. The DW will often read and I will tinker on the RV. So far I have replaced some of the window blind anchors and installed an LED light strip in the storage bay. Last trip I swapped out a few of the single function puck lights with ones that independently dim and have a blue light option which is a great night light
 
We planned and purchased many of the items required for our RV modifications a year before we picked up our RV. And we made many of these RV modifications during our 3 month RV pickup trip.

We also provided detailed documentation and photos of all our RV modifications in our Casita Trip link to hopefully assist those who follow in our wake. Our RV goal and usage case is to economically travel far and fast with our cats to remote and beautiful places and be able to dry camp comfortably and securely for as long as we desire.
 
I don't believe that I have ever owned an RV that I didn't at least modify some of the storage cabinets and spaces. We have change out the window coverings, replaced the foam in cushions, added to the mattresses', rerouted a heat duct, added or replaced wood trim, and probably some things that I haven't thought of.
 
Perhaps a week or so.

Stuff such as this. I also removed the countless USB charge thingies. I replaced them all with 12V sockets as I can plug USB chargers into them anyway, along with numerous other 12V items (GPS, rechargeable 12V flashlights, etc).

Also, several little modifications such as finding a way so drawers won't fly open when I drive and things like that.

Also, adding a TPMS. No doubt many other things that I forget about--but did before my first long trip. To the Everglades of FL.

-Don- Reno, NV
WOW, that was a Nice read, Don. It has some good information for members. I tried to find your model 5th Wheel RV, but I was unable to locate it. I liked a few ideas and may incorporate a few of your own for myself, like replacing the charger with a cigarette plug, as I can see more uses.
 
I made changes almost immediately. I added a hard wired EMS and TPMS before our first trip. The complete list must be 30 or 40 items long. Residential Fridge, Inverter, Li batteries, upgrade bathroom fan, added USB and 120V receptacles, Keyless door lock, mattress upgrade, TV upgrade, Attached levels, onboard water filters, onboard water pressure regulator, and on and on. There are always two or three more times on my list.
Man, no dust under your feet. Thanks for your reply as this may be helpful to other members. Thanks for sharing.
 
On our longer trips, we enjoy some down time at the campground. The DW will often read and I will tinker on the RV. So far I have replaced some of the window blind anchors and installed an LED light strip in the storage bay. Last trip I swapped out a few of the single function puck lights with ones that independently dim and have a blue light option which is a great night light
YES, even as more of a GLIMPER these days myself, the GRECHRV came complete with inside Blue lights for the few times we stopped for a pretty cool night of reading or watching Starlink TV. Now that I'm almost 75, I will sometimes stop at midday for a cat nap before the last 100 miles to a Hotel. This is a good post and informative, with lots of plus changes for better enjoyment while camping. Thanks for sharing your feedback with us.
 
We planned and purchased many of the items required for our RV modifications a year before we picked up our RV. And we made many of these RV modifications during our 3 month RV pickup trip.

We also provided detailed documentation and photos of all our RV modifications in our Casita Trip link to hopefully assist those who follow in our wake. Our RV goal and usage case is to economically travel far and fast with our cats to remote and beautiful places and be able to dry camp comfortably and securely for as long as we desire.
YES, liked your read and would it be possible to share the link on your post? Thanks. I am excited to read and check. Thanks for your reply.
 
WOW, that was a Nice read, Don. It has some good information for members. I tried to find your model 5th Wheel RV, but I was unable to locate it. I liked a few ideas and may incorporate a few of your own for myself, like replacing the charger with a cigarette plug, as I can see more uses.
OH YES, I once replaced some kitchen cabinets in our old Trailer in the 1970s. However, they were too heavy for the wall I had mounted them on, and part of them came down on me. A friend showed me a better way to attach them, and I should not have ordered them through a hardware store as this was way before HOME Depot or Lowes, and even then, I wonder if they would have worked inside the trailer. The wood is much lighter. This is why I like the cabinets in our Grech RV, as the upper and lower cabinets are mounted metal to metal with wood framing, which is very strong.

I enjoyed your post and re-felt the pain of my first venture into my mounting cabinets, which failed in my first modification. For myself, it was hard to learn from my bit of costly mistakes. If this were your first go at it, you would have done a much better job than I did. Seeing them up gives you a true pride when they work and perform as designed. Congratulations, fellow RV; I hope to see a photo of your workmanship. Thanks for sharing. Be safe.
 
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WOW, that was a Nice read, Don. It has some good information for members. I tried to find your model 5th Wheel RV, but I was unable to locate it. I liked a few ideas and may incorporate a few of your own for myself, like replacing the charger with a cigarette plug, as I can see more uses.
Not a 5th wheel. My 2022 Class A motorhome.

BTW, I made some small changes since then to the high-power system. A bit neater now also and easier to use.

And it is handy for other things such my VIAIR 450P-RV - 45053 air compressor. No need to keep the engine running to use it with my 300AH Lifep04 battery. I modified my compressor cables so it will plug into either of my motorhomes (Anderson Connectors) but can also use all the stock cables it came with.

-Don- Auburn, CA
.
 
I love the viair but not the supplied cables. They are a pita to deal with cause they tangle easily and i hate that you cant use the extension as the main cable. Not the fastest air compressor but the only 12v one i could find that can get my tires to 125lbs. Viair rebuilds them at a reasonable price when they get old too. I use a standard air hose with quick disconnects on mine
 
YES, liked your read and would it be possible to share the link on your post? Thanks. I am excited to read and check. Thanks for your reply.
Yes, of course...that's precisely why we created it! We had hoped to find useful info on doing these modifications BEFORE we actually did these modifications ourselves from the Castia Travel Trailer Forum, but it quickly became apparent that we were far ahead of that largely small-minded herd. We found way more useful info here and on IRV2 forum, but we still ended up discovering and solving many of the modification associated issues ourselves anyhow. Here's our current modification list from our now 246 page document linked in our signature:

 Electronic Monitoring Devices
 Entertainment, Internet and Radio Communications
 Generator Purchase, Propane Conversion & Propane System Expansion
 Entry Closet Organization
 Air Conditioning System Reduced Startup Power Modification
 Casita Trailer Decal Removal & Custom “Los Gatos Casita” Artwork
 Custom Mattress Sleeping Area
 Custom Dining Table Area
 “Los Gatos Casita” Floor Plaque
 Custom Cat Bathroom & Storage Cabinet
 Bathroom Ceramic Toilet & Toilet Bidet Seat
 Bathroom Teak Shower Mat
 Cat Scratching Post
 Improved Hot Water Heater Control Panel Location/Functionality
 Improved Battery Disconnect Location/Functionality
 Improved Potable Water Pump Switch Functionality
 Improved Potable Water Tank Functionality
 Power Inverter and Additional Electrical Receptacle Outlets
 Floor Passageway Lamp
 Hepvo Sink Drain Valves
 Corrected Casita Trailer Black Water Tank Plumbing Deficiency
 Dimmable Chandelier Light
 Interior/Exterior LED Lights
 Entry Door Double Step
 Solar Panels
 Access Hatch Thumb Locks
 Awning, Accessories & Security
 Curtains
 Scissor Jacks
 Sewer Hose Carrier
 Lithium Battery Upgrade
 50A 120/240VAC True Split-Phase Service Capability
 Casita Shock Absorbers
 Casita Trailer Cover
 Electric/Propane Kitchen Cooktop
 Additional Windows
 Electric/Propane Tankless Hot Water Heater
 
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To the best of my recollection:

New dash radio. The original was a POC and sounded like it.
New TVs Front & Back.
Added DIRECTV receiver
Added Blu-ray home theater system
Replaced all interior bulbs with LEDs
Updated in wheel TPMS to Hawkshead
Modified overhead fluorescent fixtures to use two colors of SM5050 strips to give natural mixed spectrum lighting.
Installed manual fuel pump for changing secondary filter.
Added a 12V macerator pump.
Sold Hawkshead TPMS and replaced it with EEZRV system.
Replaced ugly steel wheel simulators with Alcoa aluminum rims.
Updated Norcold 1201 to 12V dual compressor cooling unit.

These are the things that were modifications/updates. There have been far more repair items. More than I can keep track of.
 
The list of modification made on my current Fifth Wheel (in my signature below) are simply too many to list. Suffice it to say, probably 90% of the modifications made were necessary because of the shoddy craftsmanship from the original manufacture. Today, after 6 years of ownership since brand new, I have made so many, (absolutely necessary) changes and improvements, the trailer hardly resembles what it looked like when it was new.

The very, very first issues was on our maiden voyage when the entire bedroom closet collapsed, shelf, clothing bar, and all. That resulted in rebuilding the entire closet and reinforcing everything. It took several attempts before it finally worked.

Perhaps the "best" modification I did was adding the washing machine and dryer. But, before installing, I had to rebuild the cabinet that held them so it would not collapse under the weight, especially bouncing down the road.

Yep, too many to list. Too many.
 
My first mod to our Aspen Trail 1900RB was to remove the panel under the fridge, that led to our power cable storage area. Added a hinged door for access to install our permanently mounted EMS and managed to store my toolbox in that area as well.

Next ripped out the dinette and with the help of a very talented friend of mine, constructed a Credenza with a drop leaf table attached. Also installed two duplex 120 V outlets with usb ports, on each end of the credenza.

Added two reclining office chairs and voila very comfortable seating and extra room when needed.

Next I added a couple of ELFA wire drawer storage racks to 2 of our pantries in the rear of the TT. They fit perfectly and provide a fantastic set up for organizing pots, pans, canned food and dry goods etc.

Last but not least I added a cabinet setup on the wall over the pantries in the back of our TT. It not only provides storage and a modest liquor cabinet, but a spot to store and operate our counter top ice maker.

Lots of other minor things as well.

Safe travels and all the best.
 
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