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Old 04-08-2015, 07:04 AM   #1
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If you own/ buy an older Class A. Do you upgrade some of the systems or use it as-is

I generally buy older used MH, My latest is a 13 year old Coachman Mirada.

I enjoy doing this and like to personalize it with features and also upgrade some of the older systems.

LEDs to replace incandescent bulbs
multi-stage converter to take care of the coach battery.
TVs and radio.
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Old 04-08-2015, 07:27 AM   #2
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The nicest thing about an older, less expensive MH is that you are much freer to improve it and make it your own without concern about "resale value".

Paint the walls, pull up the carpet, tear out the dinette; many would feel uncomfortable doing that in a new rig.
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Old 04-08-2015, 07:39 AM   #3
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I put new tv's in if needed, change all the beds (mattresses), and other little things that I can take with me. I try to make it mine but not over personalize it so that it won't sell later.
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Old 04-08-2015, 07:56 AM   #4
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I leave the tube TV's and just bring my flatscreens with me and set them up on a shelf or counter. Unless you are planning on keeping it long term I just don't see wanting to spend a lot of money on something that already has everything you need.
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Old 04-08-2015, 07:57 AM   #5
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I bought brand new, changed tires, shocks ,sofa, stereo, and mattress,.

fixed, front door, hood, dash, bedroom door, microwave , side storage doors ,tp holder , exhaust pipe, buffed out paint, day nite shades,
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Old 04-08-2015, 08:33 AM   #6
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The LED lamps and 3 stage charger save you in the long run. If you are planning on a fast turnover use easily replaceable parts so you can put back the old one's.

New flat panel TV's are cheap enough that tossing that heavy CRT and putting a flat panel in it's place is worth it as then you can do over the air TV again.

Nothing has changed in the radio market that warrants a replacement.

Any repairs should be done better than the original because if the original was good enough it would not have broken/worn out. Often that just means adding some kind of bracing or reinforcement that makes life easier anyway.

Redecorating is a judgement call.
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Old 04-08-2015, 10:36 AM   #7
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On our ole Toyota, we looked, and looked, and looked, trying to get a reasonable match on the wall paper.

Finally realized, "HEY, WAIT A MINUTE, We don't need to match any wall paper, I can just paint it and it will look great."
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Old 04-08-2015, 11:41 AM   #8
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I have done quite a bit, in fact it is my hobby working on it. I installed a SAT system and new flush mounted Jack Antenna. Installed sensor to measure Lift pump pressure. I am thinking about putting slides on the generator and removing the front cabinets and redesign them completely with big screen TV. Just finished re-doing the damaged floor. Will apply Poly-Glow or Zep soon. Whatever comes to mind, that I can afford, I do. I make sure it's fun! I try to stay away from the 100per/hour guys. I do lots of preventive maintenance checks and repairs so I can enjoy my trips.
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Old 04-08-2015, 11:47 AM   #9
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What is a "jack Antenna" I've seen several people mention this.

I have one of those crank up wingard that works ok, but was wondering about the other one.
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Old 04-08-2015, 11:57 AM   #10
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I did agm batteries, solar, 40" tv, carry-out sat dish, hd reciever, bluray player an induction cooktop, a macerator pump and a few led lights so far, up to now everything else is GREAT. I have been in here for a year now, got it 4/5/14.
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Old 04-08-2015, 12:00 PM   #11
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OOPS just seen it. I'll need to look at this some more.
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Old 04-08-2015, 12:09 PM   #12
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two new roof a/c s
fantastic vent
new floors
new kitchen sink
new stove
new microwave
two flat tvs
new propane tank
new stero
new sofa
corion counter tops
coion dinning table plus two in bedroom
re did dinning chairs
re did captains chairs
new hedlinner
and a bunch more
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Old 04-13-2015, 10:22 PM   #13
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Oh yes, some of us like to tinker.

Replaced useless fog lights with driving lights
Upgraded satellite dish to 3LNB system
Doubled battery capacity with 4 LS-16 (125 lbs each) AGM batteries
Added 840 watt solar system ( I use about 225 amps a day, bit of a hog, but prefer dry camping)
Replaced all TVs with flat screens
Disassembled and rebuilt LP gas lines to stop leaks
Replaced inside lights with LEDs
Replaced radio with XM radio
Replaced TV antenna
Covered all roof seams with eternabond - That stuff is fantastic, everything finally dry as a bone.
Replaced water pump with higher pressure pump (louder though)
Replaced vent fans
Added CB radio (why?)
Replaced B/W backup cam with color, added side cams

Next on my list is replacing the 68 gal fresh water tank with something bigger, at least 100 gal. Also planning to add solenoids to fresh water vents to prevent water loss when running down the road. New tires are due this year as well. Rears are 10 years old.

I'd have done more, but this is just my third summer with this 2005 Coachmen.

And yes, I did that myself. I let my shop do the oil changes and lubes. Not enough room under there for me to work without a lift.

Charlie
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Old 04-14-2015, 04:11 AM   #14
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The only things we did were replace the mattress, the old TVs with flat screens, added iTV and new tires.
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