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Old 04-09-2015, 12:33 PM   #121
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Gonna add an electric out let to the back storage compartment, i have 18v makita vac, blower, drills and stuff, make it easier for charging! Guess ill add a 12v light too. And that awning mod will be sooner then later!
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Old 04-09-2015, 05:31 PM   #122
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That's beyond my skill set. Hahaha.
Dropped in the battery today (had it in my basement on a trickle charger all winter) and loaded it up. Power Jack and lights check out ok. All the other systems will have to wait another day. Supposed to rain tomorrow, but should be really nice Saturday and Sunday... So I'm headed out tomorrow to get her opened up and ready for the season. Of course my tire pressure gauge failed on the second tire I put it on... Starting already... Walmart junk... Hahaha.

FYI... Last time I checked, Old Coot only had a few sets of the awning brackets left. Might be a couple months before he gets more in.


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Old 04-10-2015, 01:06 PM   #123
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Got home backed in all safe and sound! Ill search that bracket now. Just drained the water heater and getting ready to flush the tanks, i added a cast drywell out back for it while patio was getting done a few years back. Got a few more days off, ill be ripping into some other stuff!
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Old 04-11-2015, 04:06 PM   #124
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Ran back storage electric outlet, framed and cut access door from top to shut valves when needed. Piece of cake, 12v wire going through it too will make it easy to install a light. Need help let me know!
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Old 04-12-2015, 01:16 PM   #125
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First post for me!

I appreciate reading this thread. Lots of good ideas.

Without the entire proper loading debate, what do most of you guys use to pull the your 288BHS?

I'm curious about the range of vehicles you have all had success with. I noticed a few comments about the 5.7L Tundras but wanted other input.

Thanks!
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Old 04-12-2015, 02:16 PM   #126
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The camper is 5000lbs i pull with an 08 dodge ram rated for 7400lbs roughly. I dont pack heavy, no way do i load the camper with its 1867lbs max rating. Mine pulls it well but prolly at the max somewhere! Newer half tons seem to tow more weight.
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Old 04-12-2015, 03:35 PM   #127
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Got over to the camper one evening this week. Still can't get the stove vent cover to "unlock" outside so it will exhaust properly. Latches look like this:
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Anyone familiar with this type? I'm about to the point of snapping them off and fabbing something different!
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Old 04-12-2015, 04:35 PM   #128
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Just gotta push up and out, maybe push up and stick a flat head screw driver in there for some assistance!
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Old 04-12-2015, 07:14 PM   #129
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I tow with a 5.7 Tundra... 9800lb tow. We're very light packers... I'm most likely under 6000lbs. Zero issues towing. It's the only TV I've used for the Apex so I can't say for sure about anything else. I did tow a Rockwood 2306 with a Nissan Armada (6500lb tow) and it did just ok... Tranny temps were an issue. I've heard the 9000lb tow cap. Armada's do better.

And welcome to the forum!


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Old 04-12-2015, 07:36 PM   #130
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Finishing up our first trip of the year... And third trip overall in the Apex. 100% operational and ready to roll for the season.
Started the weekend off trying to burn up the hot water tank. Dewinterizing... And explaining to my 10-yo the process we were about to do and I thought I flipped the switch for the water pump... and it was the heater... I turned on a faucet and nothing... Then I heard the crackling of the empty heater. Yikes! All is well... No damage but probably took a few years off its life.
New mattress is heaven... We're back to wanting to camp because the bed is so comfortable! Hahaha.
We've decided on 3 additional mods before our next trip in three weeks (hopefully).
1. Add a pull-bar on the screen door.
2. Replace the bathroom fan.
3. Tear out the horrible shower surround and replace with one that functions.
Edit:
A 4th mod (but not sure if it's possible yet)... Replace existing bed lights with a flex light (one that you can twist and turn in different directions type) above each of the beds.


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Old 04-12-2015, 09:38 PM   #131
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KDH, we put one of these over the queen, and thinking about the bunks. Maybe it might suit your purpose.
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Old 04-13-2015, 05:29 AM   #132
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Yup that shower surround doesnt hold much, im trying to find a corner caddy or just a small caddy to hang from a screw.

You should be able to splice off the bedroom light on the cabnet above and possibly snake it a little further each way. Or maybe find a better light for that location.

I just ordered a piston kit for the under bed storage, ripped out the right side box covering the heater hose for more room! Dont know why they put a heat duct there, i may terminate it.
Ill let you know how the piston kit works out!
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Old 04-13-2015, 09:05 AM   #133
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Checked quick this morning, easy to add some reading lights back and prolly a foot over on each side.
Maybe these type http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=is...rv+led+reading
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Old 04-13-2015, 09:57 AM   #134
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I like those! Just ... I'm wiring challenged, lol. I picture the camper going up in flames and hubby asking "WHAT did you do? "
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Old 04-13-2015, 10:01 AM   #135
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And on the shower - have you guys found gaps like these with no caulk? I imagine there's nothing preventing water from getting under that. What do you recommend as a sealant?
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Old 04-13-2015, 10:32 AM   #136
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It really would be easy to wire a set of lights in! Its only 12v!

The tub does come up higher then the sides so water should not get behind but im gonna use bath caulk just so it doesn't get yucky and i cant clean it.

Also when i used the black tank flush line i found water by the hot water tank compartment, it was hardly tight and had to break the outside seal to get to it! The city water was pretty tight and can be accessed from the hot water compartment. Highly recommend doing the access door so you can check things out!
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Old 04-13-2015, 06:01 PM   #137
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bunkhouse View Post
And on the shower - have you guys found gaps like these with no caulk? I imagine there's nothing preventing water from getting under that. What do you recommend as a sealant?

I think these are supposed to be "caulk free" surrounds. So minimal caulking is needed. I'm not sure I trust it, however. Our biggest beef is that there's only one shelf... And you can't put anything on it because your elbows keep knocking it off. And it makes the small width of the shower even smaller... So we're planning to pull the surround out and replace it with one that has shelves in the front corner. My DW found one online... I think it was like $200... But I gotta have more space.

And thanks Cableman... That list of lights looks like what we're looking for. I think we've decided to do our bed but leave the bunk lights alone for now.


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Old 04-13-2015, 06:51 PM   #138
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I think im gonna get one of those mesh caddy holders and hook that to the wall.
Should rename this thread new owners apex 288bhs mod thread! Lol
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Old 04-13-2015, 08:52 PM   #139
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X2 on that! Good to have alike model owner support, guys, i appreciate it!
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Old 04-14-2015, 02:21 PM   #140
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Pick up my 2015 Apex 288BHS on 4/17!

This is my first post... Looking forward to picking up the new camper Friday! I have really enjoyed all the suggestions for mods! Wondering what kind of sewer hose you guys use in your Apex 288BHS? And does it store in the bumper?

Thanks!!
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