Potential new Apex owner/Apex 288BH info

[KDHfan]

Sorry to hear about the fridge. That would really put a damper on the weekend. Hopefully you can pinpoint the issue and the dealer can get it fixed up straight away. Everything went well on our end. We did notice that the new fan on low has kinda of a warble sound to it... But goes away at higher speeds. Really moves the air, however. Really like that.
We have on our blue lights as our "party lights"... For s'mores and mountain pies and such (funny how the term "party" has different meanings as you age)... And then we turn on the Orange light late night... The orange attracts less bugs too.
The PA state parks we've been to have bigger campsights... With grass! But most still only have electric, no water/sewer. But with the Marcellus gas money coming in, the parks are getting some needed attention. Some are slowly getting full hookups too.
Nothing planned for next weekend... Heading to Raystown Lake in two weeks.


2015 Coachmen Apex 288BHS
2014 Toyota Tundra 5.7L CrewMax

Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums

[KDHfan]

By the way... I averaged 11.1 mpg on my trip this weekend... About 1:45min each way. I was completely surprised by that. Never came close to those numbers in my 500lb lighter Rockwood.


2015 Coachmen Apex 288BHS
2014 Toyota Tundra 5.7L CrewMax

Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums

[UmptySquat]

Originally Posted by KDHfan

By the way... I averaged 11.1 mpg on my trip this weekend...

I averaged 10 mpg (140 miles total) on the quick 4 day weekend trip. It's quite hilly but I was pleased.


2013 Toyota Tundra 5.7L
2015 Apex 288BHS

[UmptySquat]

What containers are you guys using in the outside storage areas? Every container I measure is just too tall. I don't want to have to resort to the under bed storage height but need to get things organized under there so I can reach it all.


2013 Toyota Tundra 5.7L
2015 Apex 288BHS

[Bunkhouse]

We browsed the shelves at our Signature Kroger and came up with a nice variety. I'll have David snap some pics to post so you can see his layout.
Inside the camper overheads, i used those fabric folding cubes, they fit perfect and cushion the crockery, plus they have a handle to just tug them out and get what you need.

[Cableman]

Milk crates fit perfect in the outside storage compartments, i use them for my hoses and what not

[Bunkhouse]

As a followup, thanks guys, we did finally got the nerve up and forced the vent open. All guidance much appreciated.

[KDHfan]

Originally Posted by UmptySquat

What containers are you guys using in the outside storage areas? Every container I measure is just too tall. I don't want to have to resort to the under bed storage height but need to get things organized under there so I can reach it all.


2013 Toyota Tundra 5.7L
2015 Apex 288BHS

In the front pass-through, I do use two under the bed totes stacked on top of each other. That lets me also store a collapsible garbage can on top of those. I keep water toys, footballs, wiffleball balls and such in one, and citronella candles, lighter, axe, starter logs in the other. I use one Ziploc 60Qt Weathertight tote for my grill... and one standard cardboard box for my outdoor TV. That Ziploc tote just fits through the opening, so gives you max storage. I also have a smaller tote for my silicone sprays, level and smaller tools. I use one of the Ziploc totes for the water hoses and such in the rear compartment.


2015 Coachmen Apex 288BHS
2014 Toyota Tundra 5.7L CrewMax

Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums

[Cableman]

What you guys think about opening up the panel behind the bunk stairs? I even thought about dropping the top bunk 2"s. The top bunk matress is right at the window while the bottom has some room to use the window crank.

[Bunkhouse]

Our storage set up.
Interesting idea, Cableman. But you'd lose the headroom for the bottom bunk, wouldn't you? We store our zero gravity chairs on the top bunk, bottom's for guests/kids. (They're grown)

[Cableman]

Looks good, mine are packed! My rear compartment holds my hoses, toolbox,10x10 tent, 4' table, patio mat, wood blocks, lynx levelers and some other miscellaneous stuff!

As far as the top bunk ya if i dropped it dwn a tad, bottom would loose headroom. My kids are10 and 8 though. Ill prolly only open the ladder part up if my son complains hes stuffy in there from lack of air flo.

[KDHfan]

If you open up the ladder area, you'd also have to make a new curtain and extend the slide mechanism for it.
I would have been in favor of dropping both bunks about 4" to give the top bunk more head room to sit upright. My 8yo daughter has smacked her head a few times in the night.


2015 Coachmen Apex 288BHS
2014 Tundra 5.7 CrewMax

[Cableman]

We dont really use the curtains too much, just my 8yo dwn there. Bathroom door is always open at night too so that closes in that bunk from air flo for us.
I think im slowing down for now, cc bill always has too much on it lately lol
Still wanna caddy corner the bathroom mirror! 6 day work weeks put a damper on alot of things!
Next trip may 21st!

[KDHfan]

Originally Posted by Cableman

We dont really use the curtains too much, just my 8yo dwn there. Bathroom door is always open at night too so that closes in that bunk from air flo for us.
I think im slowing down for now, cc bill always has too much on it lately lol
Still wanna caddy corner the bathroom mirror! 6 day work weeks put a damper on alot of things!
Next trip may 21st!

Hahaha... I hear ya... The wife said the other day If Amazon hits their projections this quarter, she knows why. I think the final mod for now will be the Fantastic Vent cover. We were just informed we needed a new a/c unit at the house... Current one was only 9 years old... Bummed. So, going to put the shower surround and other smaller things on hold.



2015 Coachmen Apex 288BHS
2014 Toyota Tundra 5.7L CrewMax

Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums

[UmptySquat]

How difficult is the fantastic fan upgrade? I'm thinking of pulling h trigger on that one before our Memorial Day trip. I'll probably add the cover too.

Maybe take a look at the stove exhaust hood mod too...


2013 Toyota Tundra 5.7L
2015 Apex 288BHS

[KDHfan]

Originally Posted by UmptySquat

How difficult is the fantastic fan upgrade? I'm thinking of pulling h trigger on that one before our Memorial Day trip. I'll probably add the cover too.

Maybe take a look at the stove exhaust hood mod too...


2013 Toyota Tundra 5.7L
2015 Apex 288BHS

The actual "Fantastic Fan" brand upgrade requires pulling out the entire housing, including pulling up the roof caulking. That was too much of a risk for us (it would probably void warranty, in our opinion).
The Heng's Vortex fan replacement requires just pulling the fan and motor and replacing it with the new system. It can all be completed from inside, but it's much easier if one person can work from the roof (once you have it wired up) to hold the fan and tuck wires in.
I found a thread on here where someone gave their step-by-step on the install. Between that and the instructions, it wasn't too bad. On a scale of 1-10 (1 being easy)... Technical difficulty of disassembling the current fan and reconnecting the Vortex, I would put at 1. It's just combining a few wires with two wire nuts... I used weatherproof wire nuts from Home Depot. Now... As for lining up the holes, getting the wires tucked in, holding it and getting the screws put back in, I'd put that part of it a difficulty of 8, if you're alone. Reinstall with a partner... difficulty would have been a 2 or 3. About an hour project.

Installation of the Fantastic Vent cover is pretty easy too. We put one on our last camper and it went no problem. About an hour project.


2015 Coachmen Apex 288BHS
2014 Toyota Tundra 5.7L CrewMax

Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums

[UmptySquat]

Thanks KDHfan!


2013 Toyota Tundra 5.7L
2015 Apex 288BHS

[KDHfan]

After replacing the burlap bag filled with foam (mattress) with a full length queen, ultra pillow top from Sam's Club, the wife still wasn't happy with her nights sleep... So we added the 3" memory foam we used in the Rockwood. Wow... Awesome nights sleep. We're back to looking forward to camping to get a good nights sleep.
Anyone else replace their mattress?


2015 Coachmen Apex 288BHS
2014 Toyota Tundra 5.7L CrewMax

Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums

[KDHfan]

Purchased one of these guys a few weeks ago. Perfect for those of us without a slideout awning. Sweep off the awning before brining it in, and get to the roof anytime you need to.

Professional Heavy Duty 10.5 ft Aluminum Extension Telescopic Contractor Ladder Type 330 lbs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B1WQQRM..._FkGtvb0NEH05Q

And this compliments the ladder well to clean off the top of your slide... A brush on one side for leaves, sticks and dirt... A squeegee on the other side in case there's some water laying.

Hopkins 2610XM Super Extender 52" Snowbroom - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0016GRTVU..._soGtvb1J1AH5D


2015 Coachmen Apex 288BHS
2014 Toyota Tundra 5.7L CrewMax

Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums

[UmptySquat]

Originally Posted by KDHfan

Anyone else replace their mattress?

We're planning on it. Tried the topper first but it's still not good enough. Did you get standard queen length or short? I want the extra length. Does it need an extension at the bottom to support it or just let it hang.


2013 Toyota Tundra 5.7L
2015 Apex 288BHS