Rv upgrades and customs

[^v^Tinda wolf^v^]

I have a couple upgrades I'd like to do to my fifth wheel holiday trailer and was wondering what others have done to make a more enjoyable experience.

So far these are my plans

1) slide awnings best brand I'm not sure yet
2) install a cell phone booster and radio frequency booster
3) switch out the factory junk thermostat for a digital
4) roof vent covers for hail damage and rain
5) install hd cable to the bedroom tv with a y type adaptor as it only has 1 plug from back of tuner for living room
6) septic breather roof fan for those long stays in the bush
7) motion activated exterior lights
8) new fifth wheel hitch for my box
9) tint windows

[calgarygringo]

So far these are my plans

1) slide awnings best brand I'm not sure yet-good option, ordered with my unit.
2) install a cell phone booster and radio frequency booster-only good if you camp near phone service which we don't so not a great option for me. Get rid of the stock radio and buy a nice one at a car stero shop. Great to have nice sound on a crappy day inside.
3) switch out the factory junk thermostat for a digital-Agreed
4) roof vent covers for hail damage and rain- One of the first things to do. You can keep the vents open when it is raining too.
5) install hd cable to the bedroom tv with a y type adaptor as it only has 1 plug from back of tuner for living room- That much TV watching camping?
6) septic breather roof fan for those long stays in the bush. I have thought of it but not tried it.
7) motion activated exterior lights. Flicking on the light switch isn' too much work?
8) new fifth wheel hitch for my box. Nice. Check out the slider hitches if you have a short box.
9) tint windows. Ordered mine with but make sure you have lots as they do cut out a lot of light inside.

[bat119]

I swapped out my white blind things for pull down blackout blinds.
The best thing I bought is a macerator sewage pump it allows you to dump down a toilet instead of a trailer dump station. I have 150' of hose never need to go dump or pay $40 for a pump out. I used the blue cart for a few seasons it was really a pain.

[jcrayford]

Originally Posted by ^v^Tinda wolf^v^

I have a couple upgrades I'd like to do to my fifth wheel holiday trailer and was wondering what others have done to make a more enjoyable experience.

So far these are my plans

1) slide awnings best brand I'm not sure yet
2) install a cell phone booster and radio frequency booster
3) switch out the factory junk thermostat for a digital
4) roof vent covers for hail damage and rain
5) install hd cable to the bedroom tv with a y type adaptor as it only has 1 plug from back of tuner for living room
6) septic breather roof fan for those long stays in the bush
7) motion activated exterior lights
8) new fifth wheel hitch for my box
9) tint windows

Upgraded the exterior lights on my trailer last year to a string of LED mounted 1" under where the awning attaches to the side. The LEDs are remote controlled and change colors, as well as having brightness control. Cost me about $35 and mounted it myself after purchasing from Amazon.

Also purchased from Amazon LEDs for the interior light fixtures. By running all LEDs on the trailer, I've extended the life of my batteries when boondocking. LEDs use about 1/10 of the power needed for normal bulbs and produce almost no heat compared to standard bulbs.

J.

[^v^Tinda wolf^v^]

All great up grades !
I installed LED and did notice my battery lasted way longer
I think I'm going to go with the thermostat posted in the link below
I have no current issues with the one I have but the salesman did mention to be gentle with them as they seem to crap out when you need them
Here's the link

http://www.loveyourrv.com/update-rv-thermostat-tip/

[Shekka]

Originally Posted by jcrayford

Upgraded the exterior lights on my trailer last year to a string of LED mounted 1" under where the awning attaches to the side. The LEDs are remote controlled and change colors, as well as having brightness control. Cost me about $35 and mounted it myself after purchasing from Amazon.

Also purchased from Amazon LEDs for the interior light fixtures. By running all LEDs on the trailer, I've extended the life of my batteries when boondocking. LEDs use about 1/10 of the power needed for normal bulbs and produce almost no heat compared to standard bulbs.

J.

I did the same thing to our trailer last summer. The LED light strip outside improves the lights a ton. I wired it into the outside light power source and can turn them off and on anytime I want from the remote. The kids love playing with it and it seems to usually be on the "random" setting most often..

Having all LED lights inside made a huge difference. The only one I didn't change out is the light over the stove in order to keep a brighter light there. We have a cell booster also mounted beside the window under the awning so that the phone can sit on the outdoor table and take advantage of the wireless booster I have.

If you do a lot of random camping, install a solar panel as well, with a good solar panel installed you will only need to run a gen to watch TV or use AC or the nuker!

[^v^Tinda wolf^v^]

This was a innovative idea I wish I would have considered
The fella up grades his utility trailer into a hunting camper


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QE2E-Thhm50&sns=em

[Clgy_Dave2.0]

Originally Posted by Shekka

I did the same thing to our trailer last summer. The LED light strip outside improves the lights a ton. I wired it into the outside light power source and can turn them off and on anytime I want from the remote. The kids love playing with it and it seems to usually be on the "random" setting most often..

Having all LED lights inside made a huge difference. The only one I didn't change out is the light over the stove in order to keep a brighter light there. We have a cell booster also mounted beside the window under the awning so that the phone can sit on the outdoor table and take advantage of the wireless booster I have.

If you do a lot of random camping, install a solar panel as well, with a good solar panel installed you will only need to run a gen to watch TV or use AC or the nuker!

Did the same. Awesome lights!! Remote. All colours. Able to dim them to a soft glow or bright enough as a working light outside.

[StringTheory]

Consider using two 6V golf cart batteries wired in series instead of one 12V. I found them at costco for $85 each and they have a capacity of 230 amp hours a piece. Compared to a standard 12V deep cycle marine battery of maybe 120 amp hours.

[dbcooper]

Originally Posted by Clgy_Dave2.0

Did the same. Awesome lights!! Remote. All colours. Able to dim them to a soft glow or bright enough as a working light outside.

Going to love reading this thread all winter! Could you guys show a pic or explain how these light strips are wired into your RV.

Dave

[Xbolt7mm]

I put a porcelain toilet in ours,, love that

[chadyaz]

Solar panels and inverter

[Stinky Buffalo]

Like Runamuck says, the 2 6V batteries are a great setup. I have portable solar panels and mostly LED lighting. Works great.

I also put in a Fantastic Fan because our unit doesn't have A/C. Works great, especially when you need to vent the unit quickly (like those "Oh DADDY! Was that you?" moments...)

[nast70]

I will be going the twin 6volts when my current 12 go. I have also added acouple extra 12v outlets one specifically in the mb for my cpap.
Also changing the standard bulbs to leds.

[Clgy_Dave2.0]

Originally Posted by dbcooper

Going to love reading this thread all winter! Could you guys show a pic or explain how these light strips are wired into your RV.

Dave

The LED strips comes with a double-sided tape, but it tends to let go. I used 3M auto double sided tape. Then I drilled a small 1/4" hole into the trailer, right above a 12V outlet where the TV used to go. Ran the wires down the wall and tied into that 12v plug. The remote control is very handy. This is the unit I bought:

LED Lighting strip

I've also permanently wired a 1000 W Inverter underneath the master bed, and wired it into the two house batteries. So now I have constant AC power into the bedroom. CPAP machine, tablets, phones, etc.

[Fishfri]

I think there be more to do then upgrading lights to leds, solar panels, etc.
What do you all think?

[Rumtan]

Originally Posted by Fishfri

I think there be more to do then upgrading lights to leds, solar panels, etc.
What do you all think?

That should just buff right out !

[Stinky Buffalo]

Originally Posted by Rumtan

That should just buff right out !

Rats! You beat me to it!

[^v^Tinda wolf^v^]

Originally Posted by Fishfri

I think there be more to do then upgrading lights to leds, solar panels, etc.
What do you all think?

Yowzers ! I think that I've seen the tree that guy hit last season. Ouch

Has anyone made any upgrades to their truck for hauling ?
I'm considering dual exhaust and cold air intake on my dodge but I'm not sure if it would help much.
If the gains were substantial it would definitely be feasible.

[Duramaximos]

Where are you guys buying your led bulbs to replace the standard 1156 twist ons?

The few I have found are ridiculous $$$.

[^v^Tinda wolf^v^]

Originally Posted by Duramaximos

Where are you guys buying your led bulbs to replace the standard 1156 twist ons?

The few I have found are ridiculous $$$.

Yes they are rather pricey, I got mine from the rv dealership just because I didn't want to run around to see who has cheaper prices, could have called I guess and now days probably would call around.
I really couldn't believe how much power I save now, I've fallen asleep reading with the lights on and still had 3/4 bars left in the morning

I'm also slowly replacing all the bulbs in our house as well
Next are the pot lights mounted in the roof and they are super pricey but shouldn't have to change a bulb again for the next ten to fifteen years and hopefully save or pay for themselves over time. Costco is cheapest

[Clgy_Dave2.0]

I bought mine from ebay. Worked out around just under $5/bulb.

[jcrayford]

Originally Posted by Duramaximos

Where are you guys buying your led bulbs to replace the standard 1156 twist ons?

The few I have found are ridiculous $$$.

Www.amazon.ca

I looked for LEDs that were a direct replacement for my original bulbs, but wound up buying 2 different sets as the first ones I bought had a blue tinge that the DW didn't care for; the second set were "warmer" and much better.

I seem to recall that I bought 10 LED bulbs for about $25 (a quick search of Amazon returned this: amazon bulbs and we're delivered within 7 days.

J.

[Clgy_Dave2.0]

Originally Posted by jcrayford

Www.amazon.ca

I looked for LEDs that were a direct replacement for my original bulbs, but wound up buying 2 different sets as the first ones I bought had a blue tinge that the DW didn't care for; the second set were "warmer" and much better.

I seem to recall that I bought 10 LED bulbs for about $25 (a quick search of Amazon returned this: amazon bulbs and we're delivered within 7 days.

J.

Those bulbs are quite a bit cheaper than the 1156 type Durimaximos is asking about.

[jcrayford]

Originally Posted by Clgy_Dave2.0

Those bulbs are quite a bit cheaper than the 1156 type Durimaximos is asking about.

Yep, I realized that, but thought I'd show what I bought and where.... In case Durimaximos wanted to search for his own type of bulbs.

For reference Durimaximo, the same bulbs I listed in my post above were ridiculously priced at RV stores, Canadian Tire, etc....

J.

[cruiserheads]

Originally Posted by Duramaximos

Where are you guys buying your led bulbs to replace the standard 1156 twist ons?

The few I have found are ridiculous $$$.

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Car-W...031545187.html

I bought these last year. They work great.

Neil.

[dbcooper]

Originally Posted by Clgy_Dave2.0

The LED strips comes with a double-sided tape, but it tends to let go. I used 3M auto double sided tape. Then I drilled a small 1/4" hole into the trailer, right above a 12V outlet where the TV used to go. Ran the wires down the wall and tied into that 12v plug. The remote control is very handy. This is the unit I bought:

LED Lighting strip

I've also permanently wired a 1000 W Inverter underneath the master bed, and wired it into the two house batteries. So now I have constant AC power into the bedroom. CPAP machine, tablets, phones, etc.

Awesome thanks for the info and link.

Dave

[PINEHURST-PIKE-FREAK]

I have a bighorn titanium ti32,it has hydraulic over elec front jacks,insane fast!!

another good upgrade is adding a "smart charger" ,they plug into your inverter and have several diff charging levels,like rapid charge,trickle and every 24hrs?? it gives a higher voltage boost to burn off sulphates.Makes your batteries last 2-3 times longer and you can leave it plugged in yr round if you check the acid/water levels.Also 2x6v batteries.A solar system is ok I guess but big $$$ and you need 3-400lbs worth of 6v batteries and they wear out.

[jcrayford]

Originally Posted by PINEHURST-PIKE-FREAK

I have a bighorn titanium ti32,it has hydraulic over elec front jacks,insane fast!!

another good upgrade is adding a "smart charger" ,they plug into your inverter and have several diff charging levels,like rapid charge,trickle and every 24hrs?? it gives a higher voltage boost to burn off sulphates.Makes your batteries last 2-3 times longer and you can leave it plugged in yr round if you check the acid/water levels.Also 2x6v batteries.A solar system is ok I guess but big $$$ and you need 3-400lbs worth of 6v batteries and they wear out.

^What kind of 6V batteries are you carrying that are 3-400 pounds? My 2 6V batteries *maybe* weigh in at 50-60 pounds each (that's a guess) but certainly not 150 pounds each. I've been running the 2 6V for the past 5 years and they haven't skipped a beat yet (I've probably just jinxed myself though)

I've also got a solar panel and controller to keep the batteries topped up - works fantastic! And a backup generator as well (hardly ever used)

J.

[^v^Tinda wolf^v^]

Originally Posted by jcrayford

^What kind of 6V batteries are you carrying that are 3-400 pounds? My 2 6V batteries *maybe* weigh in at 50-60 pounds each (that's a guess) but certainly not 150 pounds each. I've been running the 2 6V for the past 5 years and they haven't skipped a beat yet (I've probably just jinxed myself though)

I've also got a solar panel and controller to keep the batteries topped up - works fantastic! And a backup generator as well (hardly ever used)

J.

I switched out my 12 volt batteries for two six volt and I'm quite happy with them and they should outlast my 12 volts considerably. The only batteries I can think of that would weigh in a bit more would be the large industrial size batteries. If they are available in 6 volt I would be interested.

My friend spent a good $1200 putting solar panels on his trailer only to have them stolen and his ruff damaged in the process. I was considering this upgrade but have second thoughts now unless I can store and stand them outside the trailer which I assume wouldn't be too much of an issue. Hmm