Favorite Mod Under $100

[blkmagikca]

About 2 years ago the water pump died. Naturally it was on a Sunday as I was pulling out to meet up with friends in Quartzsite. I managed to get a repair tech who had a used pump that he could install and I was back on the road. As a result of this inopportune failure, I made it a point to always carry a spare water pump (packed near the one in use). About 2 weeks ago I heard the pump working, and found that the water level was that low that the pump did not bring the pressure up enough to cut it off. After filling the tank, I noticed that there was water leaking around the pump - the pump itself was defective and needed to be replaced. Fortunately, I had the spare, so in it went. I then ordered a new spare pump - got it for $69 off Amazon. At the same time I bought a battery-powered moisture alarm, which I stuck to the floor right beside the pump using double-sided tape. Given the location of the pump under the floor of the wardrobe, the alarm would alert me to a problem before it becomes a big issue. Pictures attached:
http://www.vsquare.com/howard/photos...m/P000042s.jpg
http://www.vsquare.com/howard/photos...m/P000043s.jpg
http://www.vsquare.com/howard/photos...m/P000044s.jpg
http://www.vsquare.com/howard/photos...m/P000045s.jpg

[m.hony]

Our name on the door and propane cover.

[blkmagikca]

Here are the photos:

[vswingfield]

Originally Posted by blkmagikca

Here are the photos:

Love the big stainless accumulator.

It's too pretty to hide by the water pump, though. You should have it proudly on display.

[ddruker]

The 200mm fan described above worked great during our trip last weekend. No heat related issues and it was silent. I don't think it pushes the same volume of air as the stock fan, but it was silent, and it clearly was evacuating lots of steam, hot air, etc... You could visually see this inside and feel the exhaust outside at the vent.

The led light swap turned out to be a huge upgrade. Makes the counter space much more usable.

Here is the fan I purchased. Amazon.com: Cooler Master MegaFlow 200mm Black Computer Case Cooling Fan R4-MFJR-07FK-R1: Electronics

There are other 200mm fans on amazon with higher CFM ratings that are still very quiet - I would buy one of those if doing this again.

Any led pads with leads will do to replace the stock incandescent bulb.

[blkmagikca]

Originally Posted by vswingfield

Love the big stainless accumulator.

It's too pretty to hide by the water pump, though. You should have it proudly on display.

Thank you! It makes a huge difference when using the shower.

[twinkie2]

I have a question about the accumulator. Our previous AS, a 34 footer, had one, but our new one doesn't. When I asked about it, they told me that you don't really need one. You said that it helped with the shower, so how? What is the function of one? I always assumed it was like the pressure tank on my home water well and helped to keep the flow/pressure even and to reduce the cycling of the pump.

[ddruker]

I recently upgraded to the new Shurflo Revolution pump - the directions in the box are explicit that you do not need an accumulator when installing this pump. I was prepared to buy and install an accumulator until I saw this in the directions - figured they would not say this since they make money on accumulator's too.

Amazon.com: SHURflo 4008-101-E65 3.0 Revolution Water Pump: Automotive

I expect other pumps do benefit from the presence of an accumulator...

[Wazbro]

Originally Posted by twinkie2

I have a question about the accumulator. Our previous AS, a 34 footer, had one, but our new one doesn't. When I asked about it, they told me that you don't really need one. You said that it helped with the shower, so how? What is the function of one? I always assumed it was like the pressure tank on my home water well and helped to keep the flow/pressure even and to reduce the cycling of the pump.

That is the main purpose of an accumulator.

A second purpose is on trailers with the new electric and propane heaters that heat the water to a much higher temperature then other RV water heaters, which causes the air pocket it the water heater to be absorbed quickly so the accumulator allows a place for expansion to prevent damage to the plumbing.

[blkmagikca]

My AS is a 1987 Excella - it's vintage. The water pump is a plane-Jane Shurflo 2.8 gpm pump (the replacement spare I am now carrying cost me $70 at Amazon). The accumulator allows the flow to stay even, just like being connected up to city water.

[palmtreegirl]

Hello Experts and Friends!

I've been looking for some sort of corner shelf to install in the bedroom under the electrical outlet and 12v receptacle in the corner (I don't have a bedroom TV). There is approximately 9" from the corner to the window so the shelf can't be larger than that.

I searched high and low and finally came up with this - An 18" baltic birch lazy susan top with a lip (to keep things on the shelf). It is sold on ebay. I paid $20 including shipping. I see the guy raised the price by $5 after I bought it. Still - $25 is cheap for this!

1 Lazy Susan Turntable Serving Spin Tray 18" Round Baltic Birch Wood New | eBay

I had my carpenter friend come over and cut it into 4 perfect quarters.




After that, I bought a 1"x2"x4' poplar board and used it for cleats - the shelves are attached ONLY on the plywood wall side so they 'float'. They are very solid and very handy






I've also wanted to put a folding shelf under the TV to 'catch' extra things (like dog food and dishes, etc). I found the perfect shelf at a thrift store - a laminated bamboo cutting board. I purchased the brackets from ebay. I think it's awesome! The board was $8 and the brackets were about $15.





Additionally, I wanted to find some way to make the trailer's running lights come on without having the vehicle attached - no problems! Ebay to the rescue with this awesome plug!
Camperlite | eBay

So, those are my wonderful modifications for under $100!

[Hoonanea]

Looks awesome, Palm, very, very clever!

[SteveSueMac]

VERY creative!

[palmtreegirl]

This is something else that I did yesterday - changed out the bathroom faucet (two handle) to a single handle. This was about $40 on Amazon.

It was fairly easy to do - the worst part was trying to work in the tiny cabinet on the floor. I'm not getting any younger and I was positive about that after this job!

[Masondood]

The lazy susan shelves look like they were designed to be there by AS! Great stuff!

[palmtreegirl]

One more thing I did - just above the key rack inside the door I installed a Doo Dad basket (found at Office Max for $12). It is great for catching wallet, change (holes are too small for it to fall through), etc. Here is a picture:

[Masondood]

Another great idea- you should be with the AS interior design team! These are all good examples of maximizing the space!

[Skatiero]

This may be my favorite thread ever! Such great ideas!

[Alphonse]

Originally Posted by m.hony

Our name on the door and propane cover.

Where did you get the decal made?
Thx

[palmtreegirl]

Hello Friends!

SHOE STORAGE
Brian and I did one small project. The problem was shoes gathering at the door. We removed the drawer and hardware just inside the door (under the dinette seat). We just happened to have a Sterilite Tote that fits exactly in the space between the bench supports (the U shaped legs) - The tote will easily hold at least 4 pairs of shoes. I still need to put dividers in the tote. Note: the tote is WAY bigger than that little drawer!









Besides the dividers in the tote, I need to fill in the approx. 1" between the floor and top of the U brackets so the tote slides in and out easily.

This is an A+++ upgrade - shoes scattered around the door drives me crazy! Cost: FREE! - I already had the tote!