Let's see your Outdoors RV Mods

[Trump5]

Originally Posted by Tuquala

Fairly nice day today, so I went outside and did a mod that has been sitting for awhile, waiting for good weather and some energy!!!

Have hated the handles for the dump valves being under the lower valance panel, mostly 'cause my old knees don't like getting down on the wet, shi**y, dirty ground. So here are before (sort of, forgot to take a real before pic) after pics of the mod.

Door is a marine door, best I could find for the needed dimensions. Also still have to get a latch to hold the lid up. Saw a pic on the Campout 2015 site that showed handles sticking through the valance. That works to, and maybe less work, but of course, I like my idea better!!!!!


Gerry

That is one of the best mods I have seen and will be one that I will be stealing. I absolutely hate having to contort my wrist to pull the valves and I wanted something that is a cleaner look than just putting the valves through the valance. What are the dimensions of the door you used?

[Tuquala]

Trump5, yes, the wrists do get a workout trying to pull the handles, at times I have had minor bruises on my forearm after a "dump"!!

The one I bought was on eBay, it is a "INNOVATIVE PRODUCT SOLUTIONS 9X19 POLAR WHITE BOAT DECK HATCH 520-065".

Back when I got it in early Dec, it was one only, and not too expensive. This size may be discontinued, but some are still available from various sellers. There are also other sizes made like 8X14. I was orig looking for a grey one, but no good sizes and much more $$$ for some reason!!

If you do this, measure carefully for the upper edge of cutout. If done right, the upper flange screws will go right into the floor side joist (wood) and really steadies the door. Mine didn't come with a cutout pattern so I made one out of kraft paper, and taped to valance. Used a 1" hole saw for corners, then cut out with a multi tool with fine tooth round blade. Didn't get any grabs or tears in the metal. Machine screws with washers and nuts to attach, except upper edge used wood screws to go into floor joist. I orig thought that a couple of struts like they use to hold the valance steady would be necc, but it is really sturdy and no flex.

Just noticed that you have a 2014, they look to have a taller valance than 2015-2016. That may make it easier to see where the floor is next to the valance from underneath. Mfgs always seem to want to change things!!!

[Trump5]

Tuquala - thanks for the additional details. I am hoping that our incredible weather will continue and I can pull the trailer out and get this done. I will let you know how it goes!

[Lac]

These are old mods..not sure if you have seen them.

Added another drawer where spice rack is
Moved spice rack under sink.

I did not do these...my talented self taught neighbor did. Better use of existing space.

[1bigmess]

There isn't a single spice in my spice rack, but I'm running out of room there anyways.

[harleydu0]

This not really a mod but an addition that I think should be standard on travel trailers. There is a lock on the storage door but one of the most valuable items (or two) is setting right out there in plain site unsecured. Been reading about batteries being stolen. Also need to secure the propane tanks.

[IdahoBob]

Originally Posted by harleydu0

This not really a mod but an addition that I think should be standard on travel trailers. There is a lock on the storage door but one of the most valuable items (or two) is setting right out there in plain site unsecured. Been reading about batteries being stolen. Also need to secure the propane tanks.

Agree. I think I am using the same battery strap as you. It works great. A few years ago I had a pair of brand new golf cart batteries grow legs and wander off from from a winter storage location.

Now being somewhat paranoid, I drilled holes in the propane tank "nut" wing through the U-shaped cross member and padlock those together. And I lock the spare tire...

Mr. Wonderful

[Highway 4x4]

I did the same with the tanks.

[harleydu0]

Weaved this cable through the top on tanks and then down and under the frame. I'd sure like to catch someone stealing my batteries or tanks.
Well, maybe someone that's little. Ok....little and OLD. OH WAIT!! I have a
little gun!!

[DaveA56]

Greetings all,

I just finished installing two Grape Solar 160 Watt panels on my Creekside 20FG. They are controlled by a BlueSky MPPT controller going to two 6 volt batteries. Here's a pic as I was doing the install.
I hope I attached the pic correctly.

[brulaz]

Originally Posted by DaveA56

Greetings all,

I just finished installing two Grape Solar 160 Watt panels on my Creekside 20FG. They are controlled by a BlueSky MPPT controller going to two 6 volt batteries. Here's a pic as I was doing the install.
I hope I attached the pic correctly.

Attachment 121061

Congrats, and welcome to the "light" side.

[UTTransplant]

We finally installed the new foam for the dinette seat cushions. The OEM stuff compressed all the way down to the seat in the dark dreary days of winter when we spent so much time inside. Wrangling the new foam into the covers would have made a great comedy movie - what a wrestling match! The new foam feels much better so far, and it was just over $110 for both seat cushions.

[Highway 4x4]

2 tricks for installing the foam. 1, turn the cover inside out and put it over the foam. 2, but the foam in a large trash bag so it slides into the cover easily, then remove the bag.

[UTTransplant]

Originally Posted by Highway 4x4

2 tricks for installing the foam. 1, turn the cover inside out and put it over the foam. 2, but the foam in a large trash bag so it slides into the cover easily, then remove the bag.

We used the inside out approach. It still was a challenge because the foam was ordered a bit bigger than the cover (1" in all three dimensions, per the recommendation of the foam supplier. The cushions are definitely nice and plump now!