What are your top 3-5 mods or additions?

[Daquenzer]

1. This was cheap but effective. Put plastic hinge clips on the back of European Hinges so they don't come off.

2. TPMS system.

3. Betty for the Bed (way easier making the bed).

4. Weboost system for streaming.

5. Winterization pass through by water pump to put in anti-freeze. Although now I don't need it since I have heated storage.

My next upgrade is to put a nautilus retractable shower door on the shower.

[LilBird]

Originally Posted by switters

Our 2018 Flying Cloud had drawers underneath the bedroom wardrobe closet. Our 2025 Trade Wind has cabinets in those positions, which we find far less useful.

You mentioned a 4-drawer unit for the larger closet. Are you building that yourself or getting it somewhere? I'd like to see if I can replace these cabinets under the bedroom wardrobe with drawers.

Hi, Switters. The drawers were custom built. Basically, they are shelves that are on gliders ( I’m not a construction type, so bear with ) with deep lips on front and side. The person who built them then fashioned a half moon dowel that fastens from the top of the unit to the closet floor for transit. I keep 3 Le Crueset pots (enameled cast iron) on the shelves and they weigh a lot. The dowel thing keeps the shelves from sliding out when we’re on the move. I’m sorry I can’t show you a picture, but the Airstream isn’t close to where I am. For someone who knows how to build stuff, I think it isn’t too complicated

[sooners95]

1) Airkrafter propane generator
2) 3 inch lift
3) Fantastic fan roof cover — allows fan vents to be open during travel to keep fresh air flowing

[ctballos]

A lot of great ideas here. We replaced the 28" tv with a Sylvox 32" 12 volt Android tv. I was able to use the existing mount and 12 volt supply. A perfect swap. It connects via WIFI or BT to our AT&T cellular modem and WIFI to Starlink or campground WIFI, a nice addition, no more connecting the laptop to the tv. We added a grab bar next to the shower and a pair of them on each side of the entrance-exit door, very useful. Added a TPMS system, bought a torque wrench, picked up a Camco Trailer aid to help with tire changing, mattress toper for the queen bed, added some baby locks on the heavy drawers that open during travel, and installed a couple stick on paper towel holders.

2023 FC FBQ Office.

[Bubba L]

A few things that we’re glad we installed was a ducted mini-split air conditioner with a heat pump, converted the old Dometic fridge to a compressor fridge and a flip up sink in the bathroom to give us a little more room.

[KK4YZ]

1) LiFePO4 batteries 100ah x 4, with Victron Multiplus
2) 3” lift ( in process)
3) Froli springs under mattress
4) additional solar (360w total)
5) Aircrafters AC vent upgrade x2.. one per zone
6 smart tv
7) StarLink internet
8) upgraded upholstery (leather) and cork flooring from Ultimate Airstream

[DaveG]

Are upgrades to Interstate and Atlas Vans allowed in this thread?

How about items added to carry along which make the RV experience easier and more fun?

[G8trwood]

Originally Posted by switters

Here are mine for our 2025 Trade Wind:

1. Duxtop 1800w induction burner. We use it both inside and outside (we plug it into the external outlet and set it on a table). Heats water/food quickly and doesn't emit gas fumes. Great to use to cook rice or veggies outside while grilling (see next item).
2. Weber Traveler Grill. It's big and takes up space in the truck bed. But worth it for us—we use it for everything from pancakes (we got the griddle attachment) to burgers to grilled corn on the cob.
3. Blu Tech MR Water Filtration System - MR3 3-stage water filter. This filters the water coming into the trailer. We also use a travel size Berkey water filter inside of the trailer for drinking water. And I love the Blu Tech 50-ft coiled water hose! Best water system we've had.
4. LevelMate Pro app and leveling blocks. Makes leveling so easy.
5. Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine and Breville SmartGrinder Pro. These take up some space but are relatively compact. Worth it for us because we love our coffee!

A very close runner-up would be the CarGenerator. Turns your tow vehicle into a generator that can power your trailer. Quieter and less stinky/polluting than typical generators, and you get 60-80 hours with a full fuel tank.

That is a good list
We had the duxtop before the airstream and it is a great addition
We went with the bambino and an Option O Lagom mini for the size. Espresso is life
3 stage water filter
Lithium
Actually putting screws in the drawer slides and adding marine latches.
Magnetic utensil rack

[KK4YZ]

Originally Posted by G8trwood

That is a good list
We had the duxtop before the airstream and it is a great addition
We went with the bambino and an Option O Lagom mini for the size. Espresso is life
3 stage water filter
Lithium
Actually putting screws in the drawer slides and adding marine latches.
Magnetic utensil rack

Can you provide more info on the marine latches? What latch was used and how installed?
Thanks,
Jim

[RickBullotta]

Microair thermostat. Changing the temperature from bed is AWESOME and it's more reliable than the stock one.

Optical->Bluetooth Adapter to enable streaming smart TV content to the sound system

Mopeka LP tank level monitors

Swapped out locks on the external storage

SnapPad feet for the levelers

Last but not least, upgraded both the inside and outside shower heads/hoses


I didn't include a TPMS on this list because that's simply *ESSENTIAL* and should be standard equipment.

[JeffKim]

Originally Posted by KK4YZ

Can you provide more info on the marine latches? What latch was used and how installed?
Thanks,
Jim

This thread details everything.

[KK4YZ]

Originally Posted by JeffKim

This thread details everything.

Thanks!

[ehubbard]

Many things changed and upgraded and dreams and thoughts of many more but here they are:

3 inch lift
Tempur-pedic mattress- didn’t bother to have a custom cut nor have I pulled out a knife and chopped it just stuck it on there and squeeze around it for queen size.
Removing all televisions – we use laptops, iPads or phones instead
Blueair Air cleaner and de humidifier that works even when it’s cold.
Lithium, of course (and the usual upgraded thermostat and soft starts)
Barely ever use a generator, even though I had converted it to propane…..
Traeger Grill!!
Aero press, coffee maker. So good. Silly good. Smooth yummy good.
DC to DC charging
Hitch on back of Airstream for 1up bike rack! If one can call a bike rack beautiful this is it. Just yesterday I was marveling at it :-)


Planning to do upgraded victron inverter/converter and add more solar. Which probably means more lithium too. :-)

Debating, whether or not I should continue to upgrade our 30 foot flying cloud or go for an upgrade on a 33 foot classic with twin beds. Oh the joys of these tough decisions

OK, so I’ve gone past the 3 to 5. Govee hexagonal lighting and LED strips with 24 V conversion so I can run off of a USB port. Starlink for when we travel out west outside of cellular connection.

OK last one, upgrade from ram 1500 to ram 3500 :-) all the difference in the world. With open pilot software and comma hardware for hand and foot free self driving :-)

OK, I’m sure I’ll think of something in the next five minutes, but this is it.

Sony noise canceling over ear headphones. Game changer for everyone….

Oh, and those funny directional AC/heat directional vents from Amazon not the super expensive ones.

[Fungus]

+1 on an air purifier. We pulled the television from the bedroom and put an air purifier in its place.

[jeffmc306]

Add me to the list of marine latches for drawers opening while underway. No more find the drawers on the floor!

Also, converting the storage doors under the twin beds to drawers \ adding a second tier to the top galley drawer for silverware\utensils.

Installing a Victron MultiPlus II, Battle Born GC3 \ SmartSolar controller \ BVM-712 Battery Monitor.

Froli Bed System \ added mattress support for the twin beds.

Maxim skylights!

[MarkPuljan]

Nice post with the upgrades. We have a 2024 Trade Wind with all the same things except the espresso maker. Other additions wold be the sun shade and the outside floor mat. Both are from Air Stream Supply Company.

[steilkurve]

1) Acuva water filtration system
2) Battleborn lithium battery and Victron MultiPlus upgrade
3) Showermiser
4) Maxxair Deluxe fan
5) Upgraded pillow top mattress

[rodsterinfl]

I have a massive list of changes over the years. As a matter of fact, it has often made me think twice about getting another Airstream!

To your point, 3-5 upgrades, I would have to say that my first priority for change came from experience camping in the Airstream and realizing the limits of my particular model or floorpan.

First limit- AC air flow- I updated my Duotherm unit that only pumped air toward each end of the trailer that made sleeping a breezy affair where people sleep. This was accomplished by the penguin 360 ADB unit (non ducted models). This problem was corrected in later models and even now the ducted models. It made the trailer a comfortable place to sleep.

Second limit - kitchen counter space - a 25' or 28' model has less than a foot wide of work space plus a side flip up (25') to work with when cooking, etc. In my model, there was no dinette, only a side TV console and a flip up table to eat at. I love this layout as it provides the most open floorspace; however, the lack of counter is rough. I created a flip out countertop that provides additional 20"x21" space to work with. It has made a big difference. I end up with about 33" of width to work, even a 33' has 22 inch wide space so I am proud of my humble modification.

Third limit - This came up when others would camp with me- lack of bath privacy. I got the idea of simply adding a shower curtain hook up between the wardrobe and the bath door. The other side was also closed off by the provided bedroom privacy screen/curtain. Several newer models now have two curtains from the factory.

Fourth limit - Secondary bed and comfortable seating. The OEM Jacknife sofa was very uncomfortable to sit on, like sitting on a metal spring. Yet, it was a great choice for providing, a couch, flip out bed and storage area underneath. I still needed all of this. So, I ordered a custom Villa couch from a 2014 Classic design template. Villa couches are used in Prevost RVs and in certain Airstreams. This made the couch an extremely comfortable place to sit. The design allowed for continued under stowage but the couch did not go completely flat. Even so, I was able to improve on that by making the previous twin size lay-flat sleeping become an inflatable queen bed. It was a win win win.

Fifth limit - office space- I was able to overcome a major space problem by creating a portable office. In the past I had to use the only table space I had for the laptop, etc and then had no place to eat and the whole place just stayed cluttered. Meanwhile, I was not using the bedroom space after sleeping. I came up with a way to utilize my other twin bed as an office. I also am able to put my laser printer and Gaggia Superautomatica Espresso Machine there! Granted, this works best when camping solo but it certainly works for me.

I too have purchased lots of stuff updating as many have shared. I remember when I added the rear view camera and shared it years ago, several forum members complimented me on its OEM look and wanted to do it. IMHO, I believe each of us has to look at our camper, how we use it and what limitations we face when camping. I have added many redundant functional accessories- solar, battery power, etc. When I first got the model, I was not always sure I would like it as I was only familiar with the common 25' with dinette, shower in hall, lounge on side, etc but now I really have come to love this layout with all the open space and multi-purpose function- the put away table, the couch facing the TV (have a 40" 5.1 audio), bathroom versus shower in hall and toilet room, twin beds, drawers under one bed, etc.

[chris_kelly]

Originally Posted by RickBullotta

Optical->Bluetooth Adapter to enable streaming smart TV content to the sound system

Can you share what you used and how you did it?

[goldenchase]

My highly modified 2022 Globetrotter was documented here. I have made many more modifications I have not documented on this forum.

If I had to pick the most significant modification to the Airstream, it would be the elimination of the entire propane system from the trailer. By making that decision it forced a cascade of other modifications to support the energy needs of the trailer without propane. It almost every case the modifications to support the trailer without propane resulted in a simpler and lighter alternative.

One example documented in the Electric Globetrotter thread would be heating. The stock propane fired furnace was removed in favor of two seven pound Eberspacher Espar Airtronic diesel heaters. These two little diesel heaters are fed by a 5 gallon diesel tank located in the old battery box. Diesel is easily available and 5 gallons will heat the Globetrotter much longer than the standard propane tanks feeding the propane heater. And the whole system is so much lighter.

Diesel heater conversion documented here.

By the way that black box in the at the top of the image is what the "rats nest" looks like when it is cleaned up and installed in a professional manner.