Community Forums

dwhee · 02-21-2007, 04:14 PM

OK, I'm fairly new to all this RVing stuff. I just started following the forums last summer, and purchased our first motorhome (a 32 foot feetwood gasser) in September. We used it a total of about 30 days and 2500 miles. Never having been anykind of camper, I became hooked. On our last outing we went to look at a large dealer and made the mistake of test driving a 40 foot diesel pusher. Well, a few days and many thousand dollars later, we drove home with a need for an 8 foot longer storage space

. Now, to the point of this post. I really enjoy seeing some of the innovations that the people that are obviously more imanagitive and talented than I ever will be. I wanna know some of the cool things that you all have done to modify and/or improve your Motorhome. I wanna see some of those things that are out there or that you have devised to improve your MH. I think that some of those "gems" from those that have done it would be cherished by those of us that wanna do it.

Thanks, Dan

dwhee · 02-21-2007, 04:14 PM

OK, I'm fairly new to all this RVing stuff. I just started following the forums last summer, and purchased our first motorhome (a 32 foot feetwood gasser) in September. We used it a total of about 30 days and 2500 miles. Never having been anykind of camper, I became hooked. On our last outing we went to look at a large dealer and made the mistake of test driving a 40 foot diesel pusher. Well, a few days and many thousand dollars later, we drove home with a need for an 8 foot longer storage space

. Now, to the point of this post. I really enjoy seeing some of the innovations that the people that are obviously more imanagitive and talented than I ever will be. I wanna know some of the cool things that you all have done to modify and/or improve your Motorhome. I wanna see some of those things that are out there or that you have devised to improve your MH. I think that some of those "gems" from those that have done it would be cherished by those of us that wanna do it.

Thanks, Dan

JavaJelly · 02-21-2007, 04:25 PM

For starters go to this threas

"Quick Tips & Easy Mods" in the Newmar Owner's Forum.

While Newmare owners have responded, there are many universal ideas.

Gordon · 02-21-2007, 05:01 PM

Hmmmmm.

The only modification I know I am going to do is to replace the Magnadyne M9900DVDS video and radio system with a Pioneer AVIC D-3 unit.

This will give me video that does not freeze up and has a very accurate and easy to use navigation system.

I have the Pioneer D-2 system in my toad - and I use it a great deal.

This system also integrates my I-Pod directly and has a steering wheel remote that is very easy to use for both navigation, video and music.

Pioneer AVIC D-3

GaryKD · 02-22-2007, 03:07 AM

Hi Dan and welcome to iRV2. I hope you enjoy the forum as much as I do.

Click on Quick Tips & Easy Mods to see the thread mentioned in Scott's post.

Roland · 02-22-2007, 03:35 AM

Hello Dan & Kathy,

Congratulations on your new coach. I hope you both will have many years enjoyment from it.

Two items that I have added to our coach, that we would not travel without, are:

Progressive Industries HW-50C combination surge suppressor and electrical management system. When you plug in to a power receptacle it checks to insure that it is wired properly before allowing the power to pass through the unit into your coach. It also monitors the incoming power for high and low power (>132VAC/<104VAC), frequency, and several other improper conditions; such as open ground, open neutral and reverse polarity. It does this 24/7, while you are awake, away or asleep. Any of these conditions will interrupt the power to your coach and keep it off until the condition is corrected. An open neutral (on a 50 amp service it results in 240 VAC going into the coach) at FMCA Brooksville this year resulted in over $1000 damage to an unprotected coach. The unit also performs a surge guard function on incoming power.

The second item is a set of exterior sun screens for the front end of the coach (windshield, driver's and passenger's front windows and the door window). Significantly reduces the incoming heat level during the day and provides privacy (daytime only) while having the front curtains open to enjoy the view. MCD makes an excellent set and specializes in Monaco Corp. products.

Green lights and soft breezes,

Cruzer · 02-22-2007, 04:07 AM

Our first was a 33' gasser. Then we drove a 40' DP and had that for 3 years. Now it's a 42' DP. I can see where you're going because I've been there.

I did plenty of mods to our RVs. They are documented on my RVcruzer website. Take a peak but I have to warn you that some of these ideas might wind up costing you money if you get hooked. That's why you should never look at bigger RVs.

Toby · 02-22-2007, 01:41 PM

Dan
Don't know why you would want to modify the perfect rig. You have what we want a 2006 Knight full slide and bath and a-half with traction control and 8 outside air bags. What else could you want.

I agree about the progressive elec monitor. I put one on both my MHs. Would not leave home without it. I've heard 1st hand horrow stories about those without one. It has saved us several times. Cost about $400.

Here's some things I also "carry" all the time.
* A retracting pole saw ( 10 or 12 feet long)with a clipper you pull with a rope.
* A small folding shovel and an axe.
* A spare 22.5" tire without the rim that I can life and put in the back of our CRV.
* A set of road triangles to put out in emergency.
* A CB radio to chat with our friends when we travel together.
* A laptop with Microsoft Streets and trips with the GPS attachment ($99 for the software and GPS).
* And last but not least. Freshwater and saltwater fishing poles and tackle boxes.
s/Toby

hondo122 · 02-22-2007, 02:13 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by javajelly:
For starters go to this threas

"Quick Tips & Easy Mods" in the Newmar Owner's Forum.

While Newmare owners have responded, there are many universal ideas. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'd be careful viewing that thread, it tends to be addictive and and expensive.

dwhee · 02-25-2007, 06:57 AM

Thanks all, that's the type of information that I'm talking about. BTW, Toby we are really happy with our floorplan, it works quite well with kids. Thanks, Dan

H. Dossett · 03-28-2007, 03:08 PM

One of the greatest things I have done is put in an auxiliary water pump attached to a 5 gallon water jug in the basement. I plumbed it to the goose neck at the sink. I did it after returning from six months in Baja. There we got two 5G jugs and a hand pump. Back in this side of the border, I got a small single 1 GPM pump, FlowJet, I think. Works great. We fill the jugs at the Water Machines at grocery stores. It is a must in order to have consistently good coffee in the morning. And don't have to bother with all those gallon jugs.

My rig has two large slides, but we are trying to fight off a bad case of opposable slide envy!

enjoy
Harold