Finally back to an RV

crash2 · Jul 9, 2016

So my plan was to finally get a camper but I was done with the piece of crap campers that lasted a couple years and fall apart. So Nic (maverick26)had one he was planning to sell. My one thing was something with a bathroom and not too big and heavy (srw). I ran up on a saturday morning and came back later that day and brought it home. 01' 8.6 Lance. It was absolutely perfect.

crash2 · Jul 9, 2016

Nic took great care of it and it had lots of options. Has hit water,toilet/shower,3 way fridge, and a/c.

boxboy · Jul 12, 2016

Nice camper! I have the same thing just an 03. I sure like it.

Totalled · Jul 12, 2016

That's just what I'm looking for too.

crash2 · Jul 14, 2016

This is absolutely perfect for me.

crash2 · Jul 14, 2016

So figured I would start our with some upgrades..

crash2 · Jul 14, 2016

The reason for the type of tv mount I went with was so it could swing from the bed to the table. I found a sweet spot for it but I had to do some work to the cabinet which mean pulling it apart on the inside.

crash2 · Jul 14, 2016

So I made a steel brace thats inside the cabinet that supports it from every angle. Its very sturdy and the tv I got also uses a flash drive and sine all of my media is now digital there is no need for a dvd player.

crash2 · Jul 14, 2016

The one thing Nic had said he was unsure if the inverter/charger unit was working correctly and was more than likely bad. I went and watched the voltage and it started out above 12 volts but after a while it would drop to 12. From what I had read it was low but working.

crash2 · Jul 14, 2016

So I ordered a progressive dynamics and went with a 45 amp version(stock was either 30 or 35). The swap was simple and I had to modify the 12v input leads which was no big deal and it even came with a new fuse panel. Worked out great and will actually sit about 13.4 volts now.

crash2 · Jul 14, 2016

Next was the fridge. It worked on both 12 volts and 110 but I could not get it to work on propane. Since I knew it worked I figured it was something with the burner. I went and pulled it apart and yup the oriface and burner was simply clogged up with rust and crap. A simple cleaning and it started working like a champ.

crash2 · Jul 14, 2016

Another thing I found wrong with the fridge was the dang freezer door not staying closed. Not a real big deal but some research and I found the replacement spring hinges fairly cheap so I replaced both of them. Like new..:cheer:

Glenn · Jul 14, 2016

Is there anything you don't know how to fix??

It looks very nice.

crash2 · Jul 19, 2016

Glenn said:
Is there anything you don't know how to fix??

It looks very nice.

Well---I guess I am just handy at figuring stuff out

crash2 · Jul 25, 2016

So the tv I got can use a flip drive for media and early last year I converted everything I have (over 1000 movies) to digital I don't need a dvd player. Since some times I suspect I will be running on 12v only I decided to get a nice inverter(800 watts). So there was a dummy cover under the cabinet above the since that is for a tv antenna. Well low and behold there was also 12v wires to the same spot. So I went and got one of the those speaker plug covers and mounted the inverter and wired it up (behind the tv)..

crash2 · Jul 25, 2016

Next on the list is privacy. The window behind the sink had nothing so I installed new blinds.

crash2 · Jul 25, 2016

Next was the master bed. There they use curtains and the right side was missing (as is the one for the window into the cab). So I installed new blinds on both windows and moved the curtains to the cab window.

crash2 · Jul 25, 2016

I added an outlet in the cabinet above the since for when I find the microwave that fits the spot

crash2 · Jul 25, 2016

So the biggest consistent drain on the batteries is the lighting so I started looking into going led.

I did a bunch of reading and found these had great reviews which is what 90% of the camper uses.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0148ICY2Q/?tag=hardlinecrawlers-20

I had to replace the switch for the lamp over the stove and used this bulb.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OH021LU/?tag=hardlinecrawlers-20

And for the reading lamps (2 in the main sleeping area)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006CPYN96/?tag=hardlinecrawlers-20

I was really happy with the output of the bulbs.

tobyw · Jul 25, 2016

I just put that same package of 20 LED's into my motorhome over the weekend. I was very impressed at how bright they are, and I'm really hoping the lower amp draw makes a difference because we typically dry camp and unfortunately I still don't have the kids trained to turn off the lights when they should