Better Than Stock A/S Mods.

[Caffeinated]

Originally Posted by J. Morgan

For me one of the better than stock changes was pex plumbing with BRASS fittings.


Superat stultitia.

Tomorrow my unit is going to the dealer to get a pex joint leak fixed. So the brass fittings are better?

Mike

[dkottum]

None of our original equipment failed in five years 1400 nights camping, but we did some upgrades along the way to suit our own travel needs. We spend a lot of time on the road.

For reliability: Sendel 16" wheels and Michelin LTX tires.
Barker 3500 lb tongue jack.

For towing comfort/safety: ProPride hitch.

For interior comfort: Two swivel recliner chairs w/folding expandable side table.
Select Number rv queen bed mattress.
Dyson Hot space heater.
Maxim vent covers.

For appearance: Full set exterior stainless steel upgrade covers.
Classic clearance light bezels.
Flagpole holder, poles, variety of flags.
WBCCI red number 1211 and benefits of membership.

[GMFL]

You can definitely my an Airstream better than new. Many of the custom upgrades and Mods I’ve done to our unit would not be possible to do on the production line.
http://www.airforums.com/forums/blogs/105870-gmfl.html

[RFP]

Well, I know that nobody is going to read this list, but, I have been busy making our 23D "better than stock" Most of these items have been shown and discussed in the dedicated 23D thread.

1. Change from factory 12-volt batteries to 6-volt 'Golf Cart' batteries. Custom made 'extender' allowed conversion to taller batteries
2. Replaced factory 14" wheels and tires with 15"
3. Maxim skylight
4. Fantastic Fan "ultra Breeze" covers on both fans
5. Replaced bat wing television antenna with King Jack
6. Added television amplifier/signal strength meter
7. Added second television (with DVD player) in rear bedroom area
8. Installed custom television remote holder in bedroom
9. Made new vanity countertop with curved front
10. Relocated original vanity sink 2" farther to the front
11. Replaced factory vanity faucet with Moen (directs water to center of the sink)
12. 'Hardened' two vanity wall cabinets through more secure fastening
13. Replaced factory magazine rack in bedroom with custom rack with folding 'coffee shelf'
14. Installed Dirt Devil built-in vacuum cleaner system
15. Replaced factory upholstered cushion behind curb-side dinette backrest cushion with custom made cabinet/back support
16. Replaced factory dinette table with custom folding table
17. Installed panel under curb-side dinette seat to conceal bench legs and provide more finished appearance
18. Ran HDMI cable from lounge television to bedroom television
19. Removed vacuum breaker from black tack flush plumbing
20. Installed triple cool fans in refrigerator
21. Replaced factory refrigerator front panel with Wilsonart 'Asian Sand' laminate (to match factory cabinet laminate)
22. Added curtains to side windows in lounge area and rear bedroom area. Used all factory fabric and hardware.
23. Installed Oxygenics shower head
24. Built new foam-support and strap hold-down for water heater
25. Made 1/2" filler panels for under front (lounge area) cushions when in 'bed' configuration
26. 'Pull out' shelf built in to pantry for additional counter space
27. Upgraded electric converter
28. Smart Plug shore power connector
29. Replaced factory foam in dinette seat bottom cushions with firmer foam
30. Wrapped all seat bottom cushions with Dacron
31. Re-Installed air conditioner using proper "two gasket" method
Installed lighted water pump switch

[SteveSueMac]

RFP - didn’t you also fix your screen door to avoid any problems with the lock locking you in from the inside? I really want to do that to mine. Maybe over the winter....

[J. Morgan]

Whole trailer inverter is better than stock. #JustSayin

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by SteveSueMac

RFP - didn’t you also fix your screen door to avoid any problems with the lock locking you in from the inside? I really want to do that to mine. Maybe over the winter....

Here’s the link to Rob’s Door MOD

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f453...ml#post1786439

[wulfraat]

Here are a few mods we did that should be options from the factory....

Converted hallway pantry into a usable pantry

Swapped dinette bench for a flat seating area / extension of the couch, with additional storage

Large mirror in bathroom and matching corian to match kitchen counter top

Added shelf to storage next to couch

[skyguyscott]

I think you would get shorter lists by asking what doesn't need fixing in a new AS.

In fact it is almost a requirement for AS trailers. Often "fixing up" a new AS really means just "fixing" it.

[FloydCoVa]

Rob, just courious why would you remove this breaker. Did it leak or something?

19. Removed vacuum breaker from black tack flush plumbing.

[RFP]

Originally Posted by FloydCoVa

Rob, just courious why would you remove this breaker. Did it leak or something?

19. Removed vacuum breaker from black tack flush plumbing.

Yep, tiniest crack (no doubt, destined to get bigger)... Out it went. Apparently a common failure and fix. There was not enough of a "seep" to get anything wet.

[FloydCoVa]

Thanks Rob, yours must have been plastic mine is brass.

Also I think you forgot another mod on your list. Reversing the fantastic fans. This is on my short list to do. Did you make it variable speed.

Scott

[RFP]

Originally Posted by FloydCoVa

... I think you forgot another mod on your list. Reversing the fantastic fans. This is on my short list to do.

Well dang... so I did

Originally Posted by FloydCoVa

Did you make it variable speed.

Scott

Nope, it would have been easy enough, but the factory speeds (3 or 4, I can't remember which) work just peachy for us. It really is a useful mod... it's surprising how much are you can pull through the trailer with one fan set "in" and the other "out."

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by RFP

Well dang... so I did



Nope, it would have been easy enough, but the factory speeds (3 or 4, I can't remember which) work just peachy for us. It really is a useful mod... it's surprising how much are you can pull through the trailer with one fan set "in" and the other "out."

done so much we can’t keep up with it all

Fans are 3 speeds.

[switz]

We swapped out the two stock Fantasatic fans in the 23D for two Maxxfan 7000 units that are ten speed, reverseable and have remote control capability (just one control needed for both units). The first three speeds move air extremely quietly, while there is a ruckus at the fastest soeed, but the air is sure moving.

We also replaced the Fantastic Fan on our Classic with the same model MaxxFan and we use the bathroom exhaust fan opening in the center of the bath room area as the air inlet at the back of the coach for flow through air movement.

[AlinCal]

Originally Posted by FloydCoVa

Thanks Rob, yours must have been plastic mine is brass.

Also I think you forgot another mod on your list. Reversing the fantastic fans. This is on my short list to do. Did you make it variable speed.

Scott

Our 2011 had a plastic VB that failed so I eliminated it.
Our 1991 Still has the original AFAIK brass unit that works fine.

[sgschwend]

A truly leak proof exterior.

Frame strength "designed and published" to handle today's users, with superior coating; provided with extended warranty.

[ROBERT CROSS]

....all mods are better that stock. 😂👍

Bob
🇺🇸

[Mollysdad]

My best mod yet, now that I'm, ahem, older.
A grab rail inside the door. There was nothing to hold when entering or exiting.