Major Upgrades! Here's what's planned...

[dalefox]

So it looks like I can free up some shop time in the next 10 days to make some upgrades and repairs to Athena, our 280 Classic MoHo. Here are the big ticket items I'm planning.

1. Electronics:

Samlex Charger/Controller/Inverter. This replaces the blown Univolt unit and adds a true Sine Wave 2000 watt Inverter. Autosensing and autoswitching between shore/generator/inverter power. Also 80A charging of primary batts. Normally runs about $1200, but Randy at Best has it for $749. I'll also take this chance to replace my fuse block for about $45. S-2012A 2000 Watt Pure Sine InverCharge (80 Amp Charger)


2. Hot Water:

PrecisionTemp RV-500. Instant on. Propane powered. Fires on demand. 85 degree gain in water temp. Also eliminates need for 10gal hot water tank which frees up space under sink for more storage. ~$1050 PrecisionTemp.com: For Recreational Vehicles and Boats


3. Gauges

I'm going to pull down the "Control Panel" above my fridge and fabricate a new one. I'll probably create a long 1/4" thick aluminum panel and then do cutouts for various gauges. I already have the TriMetric battery monitor (which is awesome) and I'll mount it in there. I'm also planning ona adding the SeeLevel 713-CC. Accurate to within 2% digital gauges for clean, grey, black water tanks and propane tanks. Replaces lame "1/3, 2/3 full" control panel that doesn't work anyway and gives a real measurement of critical systems for camping. About $575. SeeLeveL Gauges by Garnet Instruments Ltd. - Model 713-CC


On top of that, I'm going to do minor expense, but major annoyance items like replacing the loose AC outlets with proper GFCI outlets from Home Depot, getting a properly hemmed and trimmed spa shower curtain with the velcro attached right, chasing down rattles, etc.

What do you think of my plans? Any suggestions on good pricing for the RV-500 or the SeeLevel? And what do you think of Randy's suggestion on the charger/converter/inverter?

(and yes, I'll be sure to post lots of pictures!)

Dale Fox
Athena, an 83% polished '83 280 MoHo

[crashxx]

Would you have any more pictures of your interior you could post? I've just got a 300 and want to do something other than the tv across from the sofa. Two swivel chairs & folding table is what I'm thinking.

[dalefox]

I just added these to another active thread on interiors, but sure...here goes...

/df

[crashxx]

Nice.

[swanky]

I have serious AS envy right now. We are mired in the 80s and 90s remodel and I was happy with in until I saw your interior. Wow, that's all I can say.
I think I'm going to have to put in some hardwoord/laminate/cork flooring. I really can't handle the cream carpeting with three little boys and my husband who manage to forget to take off shoes at least once every trip. I worry about the sound, though. What is your experience with sound insulation? Driving is pretty loud as it is--the diesel is pretty rumbly. Would I regret taking out the carpet?
Anyway, have to say again, your moho is gorgeous!

[Silvertwinkie]

Very, very nice!

[Astrodokk]

Are your cabinets above the stove and couch painted silver? I see that the woodgrain is still on the ones in the bunk area. Would you be able to get a closer photo of the silver ones if that's what they are? My eyes aren't that great anymore.

[Don Landis]

My question is what kind of paint did you use to paint the cabinets above the stove? And what was your repair process (epoxy or fiber glass - kit or personal mixture) and your painting process - primer and paint - roll, brush, or spray (can or gun)?

I want to do the same to my argosy - the front interior roof liner - the front end cap - and the side plastic molded roof pieces covering the lights and view windows of my argosy. I'm thinking Orange and a two tone green.

[dalefox]

Aw, thanks guys. As for the cabinet painting, it was done by the PO. I believe they just used some spray cans from the local Kragen or Pep Boys. I can double check with my mechanic, but I seem to recall a few of them left in the cabinet when I first got the unit. Since it's plastic, most everything adheres well. I doubt you'd need to do much more than use a standard pre-paint degreaser to make sure you get good adhesion.

/df