Legacy mods and improvements

[srappleby]

Originally Posted by necasperaterrent

Hi. I installed this lock in my Legacy without any problems.



Electric Motorhome Door Lock

Catalog Item # 77586

Is the manufacturer AP Products? That's where a Google search took me.

[ernest917]

Picture???

[necasperaterrent]

check out the camping world catalog

[srappleby]

Ahhh, yes. I found it. And those who have installed this....Did it completely cover the unpainted door surface under the OEM lock? How much, if any, metal cutting or grinding did you have to do to get the new lock set to work correctly?

[necasperaterrent]

yes it does...I installed mine on a Legacy

[srappleby]

Awesome. Think I made my decision.

[W4JJ]

I installed a Renogy 100-watt solar panel kit for the house batteries for the main purpose of keeping the batteries topped off and maybe running a few things like radio or TV a few hours a day if ever needed.

I discovered a product during research called Sikaflex-252 that bonds the panel to the fiberglass top without holes. I cleaned the area very good, so the panel brackets would bond on the roof without any holes. I purchased the larger plastic mounting brackets to form a platform for the sealant.

I punched two holes in the very back section for the wires to drop down. This back section is hollow for the lights and engine compartment. I even used the Sikaflex to seal the holes for the wires. The bond this stuff creates is amazing. It feels like I'd end up tearing the panel or roof if I tried to pull it off. I learned later that Sikaflex makes a black color sealant that would have been better for the junction box for the wires. My white colored sealant does stand out at this location. While my glue beads started with a nice look, I began to get a little sloppy; I decided to pour on the glue for the bond and forget about the beautiful bead. I just could not keep the hand steady. Key is to clean the area very good.

I mounted the controller on the back panel in the battery box. I will provide a later update on how well the charge works.

[formerFR]

congrats!

I did something similar on my 'twin' Palazzo - two 100w/5.8amp panels, 20a charge controller, and 20' included wiring [kit] ordered from HQST Solar(amazon) for about $280...https://www.amazon.com/HQST-Polycrys...rds=hqst+solar

I did not want to install them on the roof, though, for various reasons, so I came up with a way to use my 'old' reese 4-bike articulating carrier - I lowered the rack 'arm' and installed a panel on both sides for traveling.
I can raise the 'arm' to allow the rear panel to face up, when parked, or also bring the front panel face up and rest it on the radiator cover.
I can also pull the lower 'pin' on the rack and lower the whole setup to the ground, and then use four installed pivot-points(clevis pins) to TILT the panels left, or right.
The two panels are held together by two removable hinges, so that I can separate them if needed, but also to keep them together for better traveling security.

I used several c-channel and L angle aluminum parts(HD or Lowes), as well as the clevis pins, and several 'lynch/hitch pins' for the bike rack modifications...

works well so far, anywhere from 8 to 10amps of incoming power to the batteries when good sun... should be enough to provide off-grid support and limit the amount of time and how often the generator needs to run, especially when we head to the Yukon and Alaska in the next month or so. Almost 24 hours of daylight will not hurt!

[W4JJ]

I like your setup and the versatility it provides. I especially like the two panel setup. Thanks and please share any future updates you may have with your experiences. I studied a portable option, but decided a more permanent setup was best for my Rig being that it is stored 18 miles from my home.

[formerFR]

I may even add two more panels since I should be able to form a 'W' with the panels, allowing them to not only travel together on the same modified bike rack setup, but also 'unfurl' into 4 side-by-side panels when deployed....

each one of these panels weighs less than a typical bicycle, so it should be able to handle the travel easily... my concern is only that the 'wobble' while traveling - so I've installed several 'anti-rattle' devices on the end of each of the receivers - coach hitch, inverted drop hitch, and bike/toad hitch.

I just came back from a 1,200mile spring break vaca at both StAndrewsSP in PanamaCityFL and FDRstatePark at PineMtGA - the travel mode worked perfectly, even with the toad attached, and at FDR we were receiving 10amps for several hours off and on during the day with the two panels...

oh yea, we also had a overnight 'parking lot' stop mid-week at ColumbusGA at WhitewaterExpress for whitewater rafting on the Chattahoochee Wednesday, and one son also had a zipline ride across the river... great time... they also hosted the US Freestyle National Kayak Championship on Saturday.

i'll let you know if I add the additional panels before our Yukon/Alaska trip : )

[W4JJ]

Update: April, 27, 2017. I checked the batteries after having 5 days of cloud coverage and very little sunshine. The system was in float charge at 13.2 volts and producing 0.8 amps under cloud coverage. The batteries were at 12.5 volts on the day of install two weeks ago. I still have not had the opportunity to check amperage under direct sunshine. So far, I am pleased with the results.

[Blacknchromehd]

been away for a period of time but still working on many things to do. RV stays inside in the winter in a heated building which allows me to do many items and stay warm.

Rear stone guard is going on this weekend..

We have the driver and passenger window tinted with Home tint and last time out I was amazed at the reduction of sun and heat...this is more of a heat reduction tint than a dark tint.

Added a mini frig in the side compartment....now nice and filled and keeps me out of the inside..

Added battery operated lights in all the compartments with out lighting...makes a big difference at night..

[captnrick3]

Originally Posted by linchat

I am upgrading from my FR3 to the Legacy 2017 38c. Does anyone else use a steering stabilizer like the SafetyPlus in diesels (this is my first diesel)?

Anyone else with the 2017 Legacy. Any problems to look out for?

Thanks

I see some folks have done something with a steering stabilizer, however, my 2015 Legacy handles great without it, been on many mountain roads and some wicked wind. I'm very happy with the chassis as it is. Just my two cents.

[srappleby]

I found a nice little organizer on Amazon. Put one on the wall near dinette for TV remotes and the other on the wall near driver's seat to put all my "stuff" when traveling.




Umbra Cubby Wall-Mount Entryway Organizer with 2 Hooks, Espresso/Nickel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001MWSQZ6..._X8hLzbRNRMB6K

[captnrick3]

Originally Posted by W4JJ

Update: April, 27, 2017. I checked the batteries after having 5 days of cloud coverage and very little sunshine. The system was in float charge at 13.2 volts and producing 0.8 amps under cloud coverage. The batteries were at 12.5 volts on the day of install two weeks ago. I still have not had the opportunity to check amperage under direct sunshine. So far, I am pleased with the results.

We are leaving for a bluegrass festival in Southern Ca in a few minutes, our solar system will be working hard over the next week or so.

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by psw757

We have had our Magna Shades since day one with our legacy and we love them and make a huge difference in cooling the coach.

For the installation just make sure your windows are clean and use rubbing alcohol or solution they give you. On the front window when you do your routine cleanings don't use any rejex or slippery waxes around the perimeter because your magnets will slide on the outside, the front cover is pretty heavy.

I see you have these shades listed in the classifieds. Any problems?

[psw757]

Originally Posted by wmtire

I see you have these shades listed in the classifieds. Any problems?

No problems with the magna shades, perfect condition and make a incredible difference in the summer keeping the coach cool. Add some privacy too because you can see out but not in.

Only selling the since we are trading the coach, didn’t want to give them away to the dealer. Figured I try to pass some saving onto a fellow Legacy owner.

[captnrick3]

Originally Posted by psw757

No problems with the magna shades, perfect condition and make a incredible difference in the summer keeping the coach cool. Add some privacy too because you can see out but not in.

Only selling the since we are trading the coach, didn’t want to give them away to the dealer. Figured I try to pass some saving onto a fellow Legacy owner.

Trading the coach, wow

[psw757]

Originally Posted by captnrick3

Trading the coach, wow

Yeah, what started as shopping for tires, a sofa and possibly new captains chairs for more comfort turned into my wife saying would we be happier just getting a new coach, lol!

My Magna Shades are still available if anyone is considering them.

[srappleby]

Originally Posted by psw757

Yeah, what started as shopping for tires, a sofa and possibly new captains chairs for more comfort turned into my wife saying would we be happier just getting a new coach, lol!



My Magna Shades are still available if anyone is considering them.

What are you buying?