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This year I picked up a sandstorm toy hauler and I'm quite excited to get some use out of her this year if the weather ever warms up in these parts. I have been looking around in the sandstorm post and decided to share pictures and post some of the things that I am doing.
First the modifications that I have done so far...
- I have replaced 24 #921 bulbs throughout the trailer including the range light and the basement light with 36 light LEDs that has been talked about in all other posts. The lights are very bright and also reduces the load on my battery. All of the exterior lights are led except the "scare lights" outside which I will upgrade with the led assemblies. The only objection that some would have with lights is over the vanity as the fairer sex may look unnaturally pale.. Another issue is the reading lights over the bed, the light would be too bright and too direct for reading. But even with the old bulbs the location of the light is not optimal.. I am thinking of replacing the two reading lights with a small light with a shade on a flexible arm.
- I have put a PVC sewer pipe/storage container under the trailer... I just don't wand that hose in my basement storage! I will post pictures when I get a better shot.
- I have installed 2 100 watt mono solar panels on the roof and a mppt charge controller you should be able to see the charge controller under the led tv beside the entrance door. (Green) during the installation I left room for more panels if I choose to expand the system. I have only beed playing with this system for a few weeks and initially I'm impressed but I am going to see how this system performs in use... Installation was a pain as I tend to be quite fussy. The system was purchased in eastern canada.
- installed max air vents.
- My truck is a 2010 Silverado has the trailer package Alison transmission with heavy duty transmission cooler with a 5.3. I have just put firestone airbags to level my ride. The truck seems to pull the trailer fine (remember I'm in Alberta) but I'll see how things work when I head for Jasper. I am considering upgrading to a 3/4 ton Silverado crew when the 2016 year comes out.
- I have installed a tv mount and purchased a led tv for the trailer. I have insured to get the power cord brick that regulates ac to the dc power that the unit requires.. I measured the input voltage and amperage to the tv it is 13vdc and uses 2.5 amps the box says 12 vdc 3 amps on the power supply cord. (Ok don't get any ideas that you can just plug in direct to the battery to run tv because battery power will fluctuate during charging and discharging) I am installing a dc/dc booster/reducer that is adjustable plus or minus .1vdc from 3 to 18 vdc (in there some where) with a supply up to 3 amps. This way I can adjust the power using a multimeter and have a steady dc power without worrying about power fluctuating between 12.6 to 14.5 which could damage the tv and I can run it on my batteries. I will supply pictures on the final installation of new power supply.
As for my to do list.
- I have ordered a 16 foot led strip to put under awning with a remote control with dimmer total cost 25 bucks on eBay.
- currently I am using a Honda 3000is generator for power (microwave,air conditioning) hoping panels can recover battery charge during day.. However trailer is prewired for Onan 4000w generator and I am thinking of installing one anyways.. I like the idea of having the generator built in with remote inside the toy hauler and using the build in fuel station for fuel supply.
- I need to upgrade the battery that is supplied with the toy hauler 2 or 4 six volt batteries...ouch... I will have a better idea of my requirements once I start using the unit. I realize that what you think you are gonna use, and what you really use may be 2 entirely different things! This may also change my solar panel requirements.. Hey it's like a gas tank. You produce solar energy(fuel) and you have to store that energy in a gas tank (battery) so how much to I need to produce and and how far can I go on a "tank" at night when I am not producing solar power.
- I would like to put a extend a room on the ramp of the toy hauler. I will have to do some research on what is available and options or possibly upgrade the awning to a screened room. Good company in a screened room free of Mosquitos is always enjoyable.
- the cabinet have a lot of wasted space I will be picking up the white wire shelves from home hardware and installing the shelves upside down so the lips are up to stop the things on the shelves from falling off the shelf. (Especially when you open the cupboard doors.)
I will supply a few more pictures of the projects that I have done as well as future ones. I also will expand on details with the pictures. Any input as always is appreciated.
Dan
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