Our mods...

[mikeandclay]

Hey y'all, just got back from a weekend at Jetty Park in Port Canaveral, FL. Wanted to share some of the mods we've done to make our a-frame camping experience more comfortable.

We picked up these great solar lights at IKEA and used some command hooks to hang them from the roof line. I should mention that the hooks are not on the area that overlaps when the roof is closed. Somehow it works.

I took the mounting attachment it came with and added some magnets so I can move it around to catch the sun on the trailer hitch.


Like many others we were not happy with the mattress the camper came with, so we upgraded. BUT it left us with a 7" gap at the foot of the bed. So, I built three cubbies for additional storage. I made a shelf for the top of one of the cubbies which solved the eternal struggle of where to put the tv without permanently mounting it into the wall. And you can turn it to watch from the banquette.

Speaking of the tv, I used some Velcro command hooks and have made several spots to mount the antenna where we can move it for better reception. Also used some Christmas light command hooks to keep the wire nearly in place. Theres also some baskets on the wall too, because storage.


The dining table was way to big for the two of us and was super cumbersome, so we replaced it with a small cafe table. Also, we found this great lamp at IKEA - it's basically a light socket and a cord that you add a lamp shade to. It's held in place with command Christmas light hooks. We just pop the wire out to take it down for travel. We've started collecting patches when we travel, so that's what's glued to the shade. And the basket on the wall keeps the dogs leashes in one place.


Like many others, we built a storage shelf. We picked up these greats bins at Target. They're a perfect fit and keep all the pots, pans, dishes, silverware, utensils, coffee maker, crockpot, games and dust buster in one place, but easily in reach. We also tuck a fan under the table to help keep the air moving. (It was SO hot this weekend!)


Accessing our clothes was always a challenge under the bench seat. So I repositioned the hinge so the lid opens in a different direction. I had some scrap wood and a hinge laying around, so I made it into something to hold the lid up while we try to get to everything. It really helps to make everything easily accessible!


I found this great led battery powered light at Walmart and really helps when you're trying to find something in the front storage compartment in the dark. It's also removable so you can pop the wand out if you need to.


Hope these are helpful to someone! They've really helped make our camping easier. I got home from work on Friday at 4:00. We were packed and on the road by 4:30 and set up at our campsite by 6:00. Can't beat that!!

[JoArt]

I like the IKEA solar light attachment to the hitch. Did you glue magnets to the back side of the triangle piece?
The shelf is very handy. Even with the factory table in place, which I like for spreading out fabric projects I bring along to work on at night times.We put a U shape cut-out for the factory table leg to fit into.

[fella10]

neat ideas and great results,...... to some of us, modding is an enjoyable pastime in itself and it certainly makes our trailer time much more enjoyable/comfortable, keep up the good work....................

[mollypcb]

We are headed out for our first few days in our new T12BH. We haven't made any mods yet...but love seeing what others are doing. I already know the table is too big and will be replaced, we may use some vintage TV trays we have.
Question: Do the command hooks cause any issues when folding up the side walls? What size did you use? And what did you use for shelving between the bench seats?

Thanks for sharing, it really is helpful and fun to see ideas!

[mikeandclay]

Originally Posted by JoArt

I like the IKEA solar light attachment to the hitch. Did you glue magnets to the back side of the triangle piece?
The shelf is very handy.

I glued them in with gorilla glue and heavy duty clamps - they kept moving around.

[mikeandclay]

Originally Posted by mollypcb

Question: Do the command hooks cause any issues when folding up the side walls? What size did you use? And what did you use for shelving between the bench seats?

No issues at all with the hooks and the walls folding. We take every down though and just put it in place when we arrive. I've used several sizes - but usually the clear ones because they're less obvious.

For the bench I cut a piece of stock pine down and stained it. The measurements were 33 7/8" x 10 3/4".

[chuck9997]

Hey mikeandclay can u post some close up pics of where you attached the hooks for your lights? And what kind of hooks? How do they attach? I understand that the hooks stay attached and don't interfere with closing the roof panels, right?

[mollypcb]

Hey,
Could you also post some close ups of the interior Command hooks?
Thanks!

[PaCamper63]

Wow... great ideas for us newbies... I always go home with a list of "things to do" for next time.

I, too, am interested in the hooks and how they stay on the wall.

Like the different table idea. The factory table is a bear to take up and put down. It still has to go, though, as that's our dogs' bed at night.

Found out today that those blasted LEDs in the ceiling lights are soldered in; so the lamp over the table looks like a great solution....

keep the ideas coming!!! love to see what everyone else is doing.

paula

[mikeandclay]

I'm so sorry For my delay in posting photos of the command hooks. We've hit the rainy season here, and everything I thought about photos, it was raining.

Here's how the hooks look around the existing lighting fixture:


Here's how it looks with the cord clipped in (I take it down for travel):


Hope this helps and inspires!

[mickrock]

Enjoy your camper and camping!

[Mama]

Thanks for these ideas - I've implemented a couple of them!! Very creative!