Hunting Washington Forum
Equipment & Gear => Power Equipment & RV => Topic started by: asmith on February 05, 2022, 05:22:48 PM
-
The wife and I bought our first travel trailer today. Will pick it up in a couple weeks once they finish some custom work I wanted. Went with an upgrade to lithium batteries, second AC, slide toppers, second solar panel and putting a max fan in the kitchen/living area.
Now comes the fun of figuring out all the needs for one, that most forget or don't know about. Anyone have some good info on what to get and whats needed? Already planning an EMS system and a dehumidifier. Looking forward to hearing everyone's ideas.
-
Addional USB ports near the dining and sleeping areas, electric tongue jack. Receiver on rear for cargo carrier.
-
Get 3 or 4 of those short, adjustable, spring loaded curtain rods for the fridge. Put them in front of the milk, beer and whatever else will come falling out when you open the door, they keep stuff in place.
-
Good info
https://www.jeff-z.com/rv/amods/amods.html
-
Get a few small bubble levels and mount them on the corners, so you can always see where you need to level.
Leveling blocks (many options to choose from) get the ones that pack up small and take up the least amount of space.
We used those baby proof cabinet locks to keep the cabinets closed. there may be better options now.
-
Receiver on rear for cargo carrier.
Check with the manufacturer before you do this. A lot of the rear bumpers are not built to handle the cantilevered load.
Buy one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/Frigidaire-EFIC117-SS-Pound-Maker-Silver/dp/B07JBJWP2W/ref=asc_df_B07JBJWP2W/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242029716474&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8357084512616477761&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033280&hvtargid=pla-553644395260&psc=1
-
Some good ones so far, appreciate it all.
I should have said the trailer i bought, but my mind is too old, haha. Its a 2022 rockwood ultra lite 2606ws.
The rear hitch has a 300lb capacity, so ill have to get a cargo carrier for my generator.
-
If it didn’t come with interior led lights swap them out. Standard bulbs use to much juice.
-
I use these every camping trip.
https://www.amazon.com/Leveler-Andersen-Minutes-Levelers-Leveling/dp/B01LYQ1Z8S/ref=asc_df_B01LYQ1Z8S?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80607997944586&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584207577022541&th=1
-
Nitrile gloves & hand sanitizer for when you need to empty the tanks :chuckle:
-
Look into a pair of X-Chocks. Just remember to remove them when you take off. A bad noise will occur. A friend of mine told me that.
-
Look into a pair of X-Chocks. Just remember to remove them when you take off. A bad noise will occur. A friend of mine told me that.
Came to post this . Using these are way better then the crap plastic ones . You should also grab a 22" Blackstone griddle . :chuckle:
-
Inlet water pressure regulator, even if the trailer has one internally.
-
Good surge protector for shore power cord.
-
Good surge protector for shore power cord.
Thats what the EMS is for.
-
Get one of these for you're poop shoot. It's really nice where you have a dump out at you're site :
https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Feet-43031-Sidewinder-Support-10/dp/B000EDQQJ2/ref=asc_df_B000EDQQJ2/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198056825273&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14522266494734664322&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033280&hvtargid=pla-380792586610&th=1
-
Multiple plug adapters so you always have power.....30 amp three prong to 110, etc.
We also always had a batter charger that would run off the generator to charge the batteries.....We would fill the generator with about 1/2 tank of gas and start it when we left to go hunting. It would run out of fuel before we returned and the batteries would be topped off. The trickle chargers they put in trailers is not enough depending on your lighting use. Sounds like you have solar panels which we did not so that will likely help a lot.
Lots of chains and locks to chain everything to the trailer or to a tree. I also chained my tires together and to the axle if I was going to be hunting all day.....Make it as hard to steal as you can.
-
Many great Mod's already mentioned.
Here is a list of mods I have performed to my RV.
Mod’s performed.
1. Wet bolt suspension kit
2. Shimmed bolt heads holding FWT, added 1 support strap and replaced damaged FWT.
3. Reinforced bedroom drawer rails.
4. Reinforced kitchen drawer rails.
5. Added 1 kitchen drawer, bottom.
6. “T” into furnace LP gas line, added “ball valve”, installed flex hose with quick disconnect fitting for Mr Buddy heater.
7. Added on/off switch for fridge/freezer heat strip
8. Added on/off power switch for Stereo. My stereo has a blue back light that is always on. Switch allows it to be turned off. Every amp counts when Boon-docking.
9. Reinforced floors in rear storage areas with laminate
10. Replaced anti-syphon value under bathroom sink with a brass straight through. Home Depot. Original plastic one are a known failure item.
11. Added a “T” and valve for winterizing the water pump.
12. Replaced all interior lights w/LED.
13. Added range top cover.
14. Replaced cheap plastic kitchen sink and faucet with stick built house quality units.
15. Sealed slide out seams with Eterna-bond tape
16. Reinforced rails that hold dining room table when used as a bed. Also installed 3” PVS pipe for same.
17. Bulldog 500188 3500lbs Electric tongue jack. Amazon 5 May, 2015
18. Slide out awning, installed by TacomaRV when purchased TT new.
19. Originally the breaker for the WFCO converter also powered all AC outlets… so I Installed an AC breaker for AC outlets. Now the Converter breaker can be turned OFF and still have power to AC outlets through their own breaker.
20. 6-Volt golf cart battery = GC2 size Bought at Costco. May 2019
21. Progressive Industries HW30C 30 Amp Hardwired EMS-HW30C RV Surge & Electrical Protector from Amazon. Aug 3, 2019
22. Filter and valve for toilet water supply. Amazon
23. On/Off Valve for fresh water tank drain.
24. Painted frame with Rustolium black paint July 2019.
25. Replaced the stiff OEM shower hose and head with a Jakarda 60-inch brushed nickel 304 stainless hose with brass fittings, a KES shower head cut-off valve K1140B3, and an Oxgenics 26481 Brushed nickel spa RV shower head. Amazon.
26. Installed Micro-Air EasyStart 364 into the air conditioner. Bought from MicroAir.net
27. Installed aluminum flashing in the well wells and sealed with Geocel 28127V Pro Flex Bright White RV Flexible Sealant from Amazon.
28. Amazon: BougeRV 600D Polyester Electric Tongue Jack Cover RV Accessories Universal Trailer RV Electric Tongue Jack Protective Cover Camper Accessories for Outside,
29. Amazon: HUSKY TOWING 81497 UNIV Connector Storage KIT for 7-pin connector. 3/21/21
30. TST 507 tire pressure monitor system
Numbers: 1, 7. 8. 10, 21, 26, and especially number 30 would be my priorities.
YMMV
Lee
-
That’s lots of upgrades
-
Indoor place to store it or at least a covered area to store it.
Washington state is not kind to RV's just sitting outside year round and those cloth covers do little.
They all might leak at some point, you may not even know it and if guys think manufactured homes are not built very well you don't even want to know the quality of a trailer build :rolleyes:
I worked next door to an RV repair place for 20yrs and got to see a lot, even brand new stuff.
Oh, and wholly crap you guys do a lot of stuff to your Rvs, in almost 40 yrs of trailers i have never done even 1/2 the stuff listed, but will say LED bulbs are a great trade out.
Oh have a good jack and star wrench, and a few bricks of .22 stashed for when you run out
-
Many great Mod's already mentioned.
Here is a list of mods I have performed to my RV.
6. “T” into furnace LP gas line, added “ball valve”, installed flex hose with quick disconnect fitting for Mr Buddy heater.
Lee
Lee, are you supplementing your RV heater with the buddy?
-
Forgot, make up a tool kit
Ammo can works well, basic tools and a few vise grips, zip ties, elec tape, duct tape, fuses, some sealer, etc etc you get the idea.
-
Replace your tires, straight away, with USA made LT's. You probably won't do it for the expense but at least check your tires, they are probably ST's and have a speed rating 65mph or so. At a minimum, carry one of these with you.
https://www.amazon.com/Trailer-Aid-lbs-Features-Lift-Yellow-21002/dp/B07ZPJCHN5/ref=sr_1_4?crid=392K69EIYS002&keywords=trailer%2Btire%2Bchanger&qid=1644162940&sprefix=trailer%2Btire%2Bchan%2Caps%2C338&sr=8-4&th=1
-
Many great Mod's already mentioned.
Here is a list of mods I have performed to my RV.
6. “T” into furnace LP gas line, added “ball valve”, installed flex hose with quick disconnect fitting for Mr Buddy heater.
Lee
Lee, are you supplementing your RV heater with the buddy?
I reluctantly answer this with "Yup". I say reluctantly because it usually starts a long list of posts about how I will wake up dead from CO poisoning. Been using it ~ 8 years. It's designed for indoor use. I crack a window up front and the vent in the bathroom in the rear. Also added 2 extra Smoke / CO detectors. They have never alarmed. I exclusively "Boon-dock" camp and not having to run the battery killing furnace helps tremendously.
-
Many great Mod's already mentioned.
Here is a list of mods I have performed to my RV.
6. “T” into furnace LP gas line, added “ball valve”, installed flex hose with quick disconnect fitting for Mr Buddy heater.
Lee
Lee, are you supplementing your RV heater with the buddy?
I reluctantly answer this with "Yup". I say reluctantly because it usually starts a long list of posts about how I will wake up dead from CO poisoning. Been using it ~ 8 years. It's designed for indoor use. I crack a window up front and the vent in the bathroom in the rear. Also added 2 extra Smoke / CO detectors. They have never alarmed. I exclusively "Boon-dock" camp and not having to run the battery killing furnace helps tremendously.
Roger that. I have done the same a number of times to save the battery power for multi days boondocking adventures. I like the thought of Ting off a hose for it instead of having a propane tank inside taking up floor space. I’ve also yet to wake up dead though I hear if often though I’ve never heard of someone actually croaking. It is a little nerve racking when the kids/family are in there with me.
-
Replace your tires, straight away, with USA made LT's. You probably won't do it for the expense but at least check your tires, they are probably ST's and have a speed rating 65mph or so. At a minimum, carry one of these with you.
https://www.amazon.com/Trailer-Aid-lbs-Features-Lift-Yellow-21002/dp/B07ZPJCHN5/ref=sr_1_4?crid=392K69EIYS002&keywords=trailer%2Btire%2Bchanger&qid=1644162940&sprefix=trailer%2Btire%2Bchan%2Caps%2C338&sr=8-4&th=1
:yeah: I’ve changed two of mine, not by choice! In fact, while they still have your trailer, have them take those china bombs off and put on good tires!!! Trust us! Second real important action, get that thing under cover, that sun and weather are really bad on trailers. Also read you talking about a generator, do yourself and the neighboring campers a favor and buy a quiet generator!! Honda or other, just quiet. Also, have the tools necessary to change a tire. Don’t forget to winterize during the winter, pull that plug on the hot water tank.
-
Tires are E rated goodyears, that come on it.
Anyone have advice on slide toppers in the wind? Ive been told that if the wind kicks up pretty good that they can get very noisy and have a good chance to rip. Besides disconnecting them, is there any tips or tricks to helping this?
-
Many great Mod's already mentioned.
Here is a list of mods I have performed to my RV.
6. “T” into furnace LP gas line, added “ball valve”, installed flex hose with quick disconnect fitting for Mr Buddy heater.
Lee
Lee, are you supplementing your RV heater with the buddy?
I reluctantly answer this with "Yup". I say reluctantly because it usually starts a long list of posts about how I will wake up dead from CO poisoning. Been using it ~ 8 years. It's designed for indoor use. I crack a window up front and the vent in the bathroom in the rear. Also added 2 extra Smoke / CO detectors. They have never alarmed. I exclusively "Boon-dock" camp and not having to run the battery killing furnace helps tremendously.
Roger that. I have done the same a number of times to save the battery power for multi days boondocking adventures. I like the thought of Ting off a hose for it instead of having a propane tank inside taking up floor space. I’ve also yet to wake up dead though I hear if often though I’ve never heard of someone actually croaking. It is a little nerve racking when the kids/family are in there with me.
If you are at all worried about CO, get a CAMCO Olympian Wave Catalyst heater.
https://www.camco.net/olympian-wave-3-3000-btu-htr-57331
I run 2 in my rig an 8000 and a 3000 and have never detected CO levels above the low teens (PPM) when running them (I used a TESTO 310 to test).
-
Many great Mod's already mentioned.
Here is a list of mods I have performed to my RV.
6. “T” into furnace LP gas line, added “ball valve”, installed flex hose with quick disconnect fitting for Mr Buddy heater.
Lee
Lee, are you supplementing your RV heater with the buddy?
I reluctantly answer this with "Yup". I say reluctantly because it usually starts a long list of posts about how I will wake up dead from CO poisoning. Been using it ~ 8 years. It's designed for indoor use. I crack a window up front and the vent in the bathroom in the rear. Also added 2 extra Smoke / CO detectors. They have never alarmed. I exclusively "Boon-dock" camp and not having to run the battery killing furnace helps tremendously.
Roger that. I have done the same a number of times to save the battery power for multi days boondocking adventures. I like the thought of Ting off a hose for it instead of having a propane tank inside taking up floor space. I’ve also yet to wake up dead though I hear if often though I’ve never heard of someone actually croaking. It is a little nerve racking when the kids/family are in there with me.
If you are at all worried about CO, get a CAMCO Olympian Wave Catalyst heater.
https://www.camco.net/olympian-wave-3-3000-btu-htr-57331
I run 2 in my rig an 8000 and a 3000 and have never detected CO levels above the low teens (PPM) when running them (I used a TESTO 310 to test).
I seriously considered that unit. They have a great reputation. Really the only reason I went with the Mr Buddy instead is due to the fact I can use the small LP bottles as an option. Also, the unit comes with a quick disconnect fitting for attaching a line to.
-
Tires are E rated goodyears, that come on it.
Anyone have advice on slide toppers in the wind? Ive been told that if the wind kicks up pretty good that they can get very noisy and have a good chance to rip. Besides disconnecting them, is there any tips or tricks to helping this?
Hi,
My Trailer came new with a slide topper installed. I've never had a wind issues. Only issues I have had and also read about are snow related. I have heard of some owners sticking a beach ball in-between the slide out roof and the topper to prevent flapping noise and also snow load. Trouble is,... this requires a ladder. Snow gets to thick on the slide out awning, I just bring in the slide out, which dumps the snow and then re-extend it.
Lee
-
Beach ball might just be a good trick. I was just speaking to a coworker who makes some concoction with pool noodles as well. I guess it will be a learning process
-
I have no problem using Mr. Buddy heaters from a CO perspective. I am way more concerned about fire than CO with propane devices. Just think of all the homes and cabins with gas heat, gas hot water, gas stove, gas dryers and there are incredibly few issues with CO. The only way it's possible is through an abnormal condition where there is a lack of oxygen which creates other problems like breathing. It's fairly hard to have something sealed up tight enough, but it is possible. Buddy heaters have low oxygen shutoffs as a backup.
It's a huge issue with charcoal, wood, vehicles etc which produce it in large quantities during normal operation.
I had a CO issue in my house and had guys out measuring stuff. They stuck the probe in the exhaust stack from the water heater and furnace and it read zero. It ended up being from the vehicle in the driveway 10' from the garage and CO would travel into the garage and a tiny bit into the basement.
That said, I still have a CO detector but I don't worry about CO coming from the heater. If you are concerned, create a bit of additional ventilation.
Buddy heaters will readily ignite stuff around them, so they aren't without their dangers.
-
Winterize properly and best thing to do is store under cover. Use it on trial run, maybe backyard before "camping". This will clue ya into whatya are missing and needing.
-
Another spare tire. Also a spare hub and extra bearings. Dedicated pioneering set. And chains with common locks for everything. For generator, I found a 2k WEN. Solid little power pack, quiet as a Honda, less than half the price.
-
Lots of good info so far;
My :twocents: Once you get your packing list finalized have it laminated. We hung our list by the door with a grease pencil and checked things off when added.
-
I always thought I'd get the slide toppers, but how do you get any water or pine needles that blow under the topper? I found it easier on my mind to just get on the roof before I slide in and broom it off. :twocents:
-
I always thought I'd get the slide toppers, but how do you get any water or pine needles that blow under the topper? I found it easier on my mind to just get on the roof before I slide in and broom it off. :twocents:
In the three years we've owned ours, with the topper, camping every other weekend in the NFs or Wa, Or and Id, I have never got things under the topper and on top of the slide out. I checked every time the first year, every other time the second year and don't even remember checking on the third. It keeps it super clean and so nice to not have to worry about getting up there and cleaning before sliding in.
-
Did you get the suspension flipped for better clearance. Make a difference for the places you can get into. Have fun 👍
-
Sorry yall, just got back from a last minute round trip to cali for an uncles celebration of life. Died at 56 due to heart attack from blood clot, after receiving the damn shot. But thats another topic.
I should be able to pick up my new trailer this weekend. I did not flip the suspension yet, as it has decent clearance for stock. I already planned to get the scissor chalks for the wheels, they do work great. Ill be using some 2x6's for leveling blocks. I dont think ill be doing any modifications as it is new and under warranty, except for maybe swapping out the queen mattress for a call king. Which will include making the little night tables smaller. We will see how that goes.
We plan to take two small weekend trips soon after getting it. One with full hookups and one boondocking, to get a feel for what we will need.
-
How are you going to get a king mattress in a trailer.
-
To keep the slide topper from flapping in a strong breeze: Keep in your tool box a length of rope long enough to go all the way around the slide. Extend slide, then toss one end of the rope over the slide while holding the bitter end. Wrap it under the slide then snugly tie both ends of the rope together, snugging it so that the topper is pulled tight against the top of the slide. Voila, no flap in breeze.
-
How are you going to get a king mattress in a trailer.
Through the door I would imagine. When I was down in Yuma last month, I spoke with a mobile RV mechanic who had a new rockwood mini, almost the same floor plan that im getting. He said he cut the side tables in half and out a Cal king bed in there just fine.
To keep the slide topper from flapping in a strong breeze: Keep in your tool box a length of rope long enough to go all the way around the slide. Extend slide, then toss one end of the rope over the slide while holding the bitter end. Wrap it under the slide then snugly tie both ends of the rope together, snugging it so that the topper is pulled tight against the top of the slide. Voila, no flap in breeze.
Thats a simple yet excellent idea. Ill have to see if there is enough fabric on the toppers to do this. Im not sure if what is rolled out with the slide is all there is or if there is extra not rolled out.
-
And there she is. Completed walk through today and she is now in my driveway. Time to fill it up now
-
There is a guy making rv foam mattress on Amazon. He makes rv kings and any other size you want. USA made. Do not open until in the rv and in place, it’s vacuum sealed in a bag, just like all the new foam mattresses. We got his 8” thick king and freaking love it. search "Travel Happy mattress".
-
Funny, that's one of the first things we did with ours was to upgrade all the foam. Mattress and all seats.
-
There is a guy making rv foam mattress on Amazon. He makes rv kings and any other size you want. USA made. Do not open until in the rv and in place, it’s vacuum sealed in a bag, just like all the new foam mattresses. We got his 8” thick king and freaking love it. search "Travel Happy mattress".
there’s quite few that sell rv beds on Amazon. Which one did you buy yours through?
-
There is a guy making rv foam mattress on Amazon. He makes rv kings and any other size you want. USA made. Do not open until in the rv and in place, it’s vacuum sealed in a bag, just like all the new foam mattresses. We got his 8” thick king and freaking love it. search "Travel Happy mattress".
there’s quite few that sell rv beds on Amazon. Which one did you buy yours through?
Travel happy
https://www.amazon.com/Graphite-Mattress-Premium-Textured-Stretch/dp/B07V2BMSY2/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?crid=36BZCSHEPX8QO&keywords=travel+happy+mattress&qid=1645918779&sprefix=travel+happy%2Caps%2C137&sr=8-5
-
There is a guy making rv foam mattress on Amazon. He makes rv kings and any other size you want. USA made. Do not open until in the rv and in place, it’s vacuum sealed in a bag, just like all the new foam mattresses. We got his 8” thick king and freaking love it. search "Travel Happy mattress".
there’s quite few that sell rv beds on Amazon. Which one did you buy yours through?
Travel happy
https://www.amazon.com/Graphite-Mattress-Premium-Textured-Stretch/dp/B07V2BMSY2/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?crid=36BZCSHEPX8QO&keywords=travel+happy+mattress&qid=1645918779&sprefix=travel+happy%2Caps%2C137&sr=8-5
right on thanks!
-
Got my new RV generator in today. Decided to go with the Westinghouse igen4500. Has 4500 peak watts and 3700 running watts, at only 52 decibels. And it has a 3.4 gal tank on it. Impressed so far.
-
:tup: