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06-15-2008, 04:41 PM
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#1
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3 Rivet Member
2023 23' Flying Cloud
2008 27' Safari FB SE
Forney
, Texas
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 119
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Suggestions? - We bought it, now what?
Hi -
We picked up our 2008 27FB two weeks ago. We have been camping (fairly close to home) for the last two weekends.
I have checked it over pretty well and made a couple of small repairs -
* Installed a ground loop isolator on the sub-woofer to eliminate the extraneous noises coming from the electrical system and CD changer.
* Replaced one rivet that popped out of the bedroom ceiling
* Tightened up a few screws here and there
* Trimmed some caulk that leaked out of a window frame forming a nice blob the size of a large grape on the glass.
* Made a floor liner for the front outside storage compartment.
What now? I am particularly interested in modifications / additions that will make the trailer safer, more reliable or more functional. I am certainly not averse to making a change for purely cosmetic purposes either.
I am pretty comfortable with "do it yourself" type activities and projects. Things that are FREE or low cost are always great!
Ideas??
Wayne
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06-15-2008, 04:46 PM
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#2
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Retired.
Currently Looking...
.
, At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
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You asked for it...
Do you have a second Fantastic Fan in the bedroom? If not, you can put another one in with the thermostat and rain sensor like the rear one.
You can swap the converter for an Intellipower converter, if you don't already have one, it will help your battery(s)'s lifespan.
An AGM battery (or pair) will also help if you plan on Boondocking, as will a solar charging setup.
The expanding wheel chocks (the ones that wedge between the tires) would be a good idea as well. Personally, I hate going to bed in one spot, and waking up in another campsite (or town).
Do you have window awnings on the street side of the trailer? It would help the a/c when plugged in, and help keep things cooler if you aren't.
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
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06-15-2008, 06:09 PM
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#3
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1996 34' Classic
1996 34' Excella
Culpeper
, Virginia
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 392
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Wife is obsessed (well, maybe that's a little strong) with storage. That's why we've got the same model as you instead of the 28W.
Even with the Pantry to the left of the range, she felt the need for more storage for food items, specifically canned goods and such.
We measured the wardrobe between the lounge and the shower, followed by a trip to WallyWorld.
We bought 5 stacking storage units (link below) and I used a couple of drawdown straps to secure the stack of containers. Sorry, don't have any pics for you.
Sterilite - Storage#
Item Number 1704
These storage units only took up 1/2 of the wardrobe so we still have room for hanging stuff
__________________
FordTruck
2016 GMC 2500HD Denali (Betsy 4)
1996 34' Excella 1000 (Arvin3 as this is our 3rd AS)
Fair is where they put ribbons on pigs.
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06-15-2008, 06:15 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master
1963 16' Bambi
1962 22' Safari
Yreka
, California
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,937
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What now? Get out and on the road! Camp, camp, camp. This will really help you choose what you want to do to improve your overall rig and modify things to your lifestyle. Nothing like experience!
Go enjoy, that is what you bought it for! You might be sure and check out the rally schedule and go to a few, it is rally season! You will find lots of ideas and discussions at the rallies from others!
Mrs. NorCal Bambi traveling in S Tardis ~ from the Great State of Jefferson
My new blog: Yreka History
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06-15-2008, 06:15 PM
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#5
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3 Rivet Member
1983 30' Airstream 300
Plantersville
, Texas
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 238
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I would assume that you bought new so you wouldn't need to work on it.
SUGGESTIONS:
1: Go Camping more.
2: Find you a nice vintage unit that needs your tender loving upgrades.
All kidding aside, you have a nice unit. go - see - enjoy - slow down and relax.
Texas has some great State Park campgrounds in any direction you want to travel.
You need to get a book from Texas Park and Wildlife with info on all areas of our great state. We have been in state campgrounds all over the state. Sometimes to see or do something specific and sometines to just get away from the phones and relax.
Kay
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06-15-2008, 07:35 PM
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#6
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4 Rivet Member
2007 27' Safari FB SE
LONDON
, ON
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 276
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wayner61
Hi -
I am pretty comfortable with "do it yourself" type activities and projects. Things that are FREE or low cost are always great!
Ideas??
Wayne
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We've had ours a year and here is what I can remember having done:
1) put plumber's putty under the sink in the bathroom to keep water from seeping into the vanity
2) put in a flush kit for winter so I can fill from a bottle of pink antifreeze
3) changed the screen door pull handle from that horrible thing I could not get my fingers in, to a regular one like the rest of the handles with the brushed stainless rod on the two posts (~$7 at Home Depot)
4) bought the brushed stainless steel paper towel holder at Walmart for just above the sink. It matches the interior perfectly and is curved. Mounted it with blind screws ~$5
5) put mesh in the furnace exhaust to stop wasps
6) put balled up screening in the 2 beams of the A-frame at the front to stop mice
7) caulked (with the proper stuff) all holes under the trailer to stop mice and water
8) put a double magnet on the drawer under the dinette seat to stop it from opening all the time.
9) put in some brushed stainless coat hooks in the bedroom - mounted on the mdf, NOT the aluminum walls
10) put some hooks across the kitchen interior (again in the mdf) joined by a nylon rope on a diagonal to let towels dry while we are gone for the day
11) putting in a propane access point for the BBQ and generator
12) bought a weather radio ($30)
That's about all I can remember right now.
Get out and enjoy your trailer
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06-15-2008, 09:33 PM
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#7
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Rivet Master
2006 25' Safari FB SE
St. Cloud
, Minnesota
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,280
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Very nice list, SilverCottage! I've done a few of those but you've given me some ideas.
I installed our paper towel holder on the inside of the cabinet door over the stove hood (thanks Pahaska). It's out of sight until needed. Mount it high enough toward the hinge and you get paper towels with very little interference from dishes in the overhead cabinet.
And here is another Pahaska trick I still intend to do: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f197...d-fan-838.html
More how-to on the same fix: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f37/...itch-5553.html
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06-15-2008, 09:53 PM
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#8
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3 Rivet Member
2023 23' Flying Cloud
2008 27' Safari FB SE
Forney
, Texas
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 119
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Wow!
Lot's of great ideas here. I can't wait to try a few of these next weekend.
Thanks much!
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06-16-2008, 06:26 PM
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#9
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4 Rivet Member
2007 25' Safari FB SE
Dexer
, Michigan
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 314
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SilverCottage
We've had ours a year and here is what I can remember having done:
1) put plumber's putty under the sink in the bathroom to keep water from seeping into the vanity
2) put in a flush kit for winter so I can fill from a bottle of pink antifreeze
3) changed the screen door pull handle from that horrible thing I could not get my fingers in, to a regular one like the rest of the handles with the brushed stainless rod on the two posts (~$7 at Home Depot)
4) bought the brushed stainless steel paper towel holder at Walmart for just above the sink. It matches the interior perfectly and is curved. Mounted it with blind screws ~$5
5) put mesh in the furnace exhaust to stop wasps
6) put balled up screening in the 2 beams of the A-frame at the front to stop mice
7) caulked (with the proper stuff) all holes under the trailer to stop mice and water
8) put a double magnet on the drawer under the dinette seat to stop it from opening all the time.
9) put in some brushed stainless coat hooks in the bedroom - mounted on the mdf, NOT the aluminum walls
10) put some hooks across the kitchen interior (again in the mdf) joined by a nylon rope on a diagonal to let towels dry while we are gone for the day
11) putting in a propane access point for the BBQ and generator
12) bought a weather radio ($30)
That's about all I can remember right now.
Get out and enjoy your trailer
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#11 - where are you doing this? DH is distressed that there isn't a grill outside....
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06-16-2008, 06:27 PM
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#10
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4 Rivet Member
2007 25' Safari FB SE
Dexer
, Michigan
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 314
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What made you decide on the 27' AS? Nice rugs BTW!
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06-16-2008, 10:30 PM
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#11
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3 Rivet Member
2023 23' Flying Cloud
2008 27' Safari FB SE
Forney
, Texas
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 119
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tksbaskets
What made you decide on the 27' AS? Nice rugs BTW!
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Thanks for the compliment on the rugs. My lovely bride picked them out.
As for why the 27 - We were really looking at the 25 for a bunch of different reasons. I really liked the floorplan. The overall layout seemed pretty nice. When we actually saw it in person though, the ability to actually get around the bed as well as the additional storage made the 27 more attractive. The weight wasn't hugely different and was within the capabilities of our TV. There are some trade-offs - The extra length may limit us in a few camping areas such as some national park sites, but overall I think it was the right choice for us.
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06-17-2008, 05:53 AM
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#12
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4 Rivet Member
2007 27' Safari FB SE
LONDON
, ON
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 276
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tksbaskets
#11 - where are you doing this? DH is distressed that there isn't a grill outside....
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While at Jackson Center last month I spoke to the tech's and they suggested an access point with shut-off valve just below the A-frame at the front of the trailer on the curb side. I am still waiting for the propane carb kit, but as soon as I get it, I'll get the hoses and fittings I'll need.
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06-17-2008, 08:46 AM
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#13
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4 Rivet Member
2007 25' Safari FB SE
Bozeman
, Montana
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 253
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Good purchase! We got a 25 last year like it. We also did most of the mod's listed in the post. Also sealed up the rear bumper compartment, so it doesn't get so dusty inside.
__________________
Hank
WBCCI 1489 AIR 20708
2015 Chevy 3/4 ton 4 x 4 gas; 2007 Safari FB SE
"Its better to light just one candle than to curse the darkness,
Unless you're blinded by the light..."
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06-17-2008, 01:09 PM
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#14
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Cyclist
2007 28' International CCD
Windermere
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 457
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1. Check all seams and seals, top and bottom.
2. Check for any early signs of corrosion on frame.
3. Add an inverter.
4. Memory foam for mattress top.
5. Cloth shoe racks from Camping World velcroed to bedroom wall.
6. Hooks in bedroom, bathroom, closet, under kitchen cabinet.
7. Second TV.
8. Add a bathroom shelf.
9. Add hanger bar to closet if room for additional.
10. Good coat of clearcoat protectant.
That's all I can think of right now.
__________________
2007 28' Int CCD.
2011 F 250 Big Honking Diesel
DTV 5lnb on a tripod.
Wilson wired repeater with YAG.
Two big screens
15dB Backfire WiFi antenna and WaveMagnum
Centramatics.
Hawkshead Tire Monitors.
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06-17-2008, 01:26 PM
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#15
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Cyclist
2007 28' International CCD
Windermere
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 457
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Oh, and consider Centromatics and an Air Safe hitch.
__________________
2007 28' Int CCD.
2011 F 250 Big Honking Diesel
DTV 5lnb on a tripod.
Wilson wired repeater with YAG.
Two big screens
15dB Backfire WiFi antenna and WaveMagnum
Centramatics.
Hawkshead Tire Monitors.
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06-17-2008, 01:29 PM
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#16
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Rivet Master
1959 26' Overlander
Putnam
, Connecticut
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,064
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We have spring loaded bars for the fridge. Nothing falls out when you open the door. Camping World has them. Could also get spring loaded curtain rods. If you plan on being off the juice some LED's to replace the halogen's would be nice and they don't heat up.
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06-17-2008, 01:52 PM
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#17
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,000
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Try These
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
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06-17-2008, 04:29 PM
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#18
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4 Rivet Member
2004 25' Classic
West Chazy
, New York
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 276
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I have to agree with Robert. I installed the stainless vent from Roger Williams last year and just last week installed the stainless furnace and water heater covers. WOW, what a difference over those faded painted steel parts!
__________________
Ron
2004 Classic 25 - The Silver Sausage
2008 Silverado LTZ CC 2500 4x4 Duramax - Brutus
WBCCI 2623
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06-26-2008, 07:13 PM
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#19
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2 Rivet Member
2008 25' Safari FB SE
Schaumburg
, IL
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 29
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Add ons to new AS
Wow, good list of suggestions, we are still trying to figure out what to add to our new 2008 25' FB
We made curtain tie backs out of double sided velcro from Walmart.
We also added a towel rack to the inside of the door under the kitchen sink
Judy
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