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08-20-2018, 03:16 PM
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#1
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Commercial Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Bristol, IN
Posts: 18,878
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M2 Dash Suggestions
There were a few threads here referring to the M2 dash and various switch locations. A few of them, I think depend on how tall you are and what gets blocked.
I had my frightener rep out today to discuss a location for a separate back up monitor. What I would like to do is have a (4) display screen at ALL times. No left/right trigger. At the very least, I would have Left/right/Back up, but ideally I would have Left/right/Hitch View/Horizon View. You could cycle through how you want them displayed and the only trigger would be reverse. So when in reverse, it would display just reverse (I assume hitch view) full screen. beyond that, the default would be a 4 way split screen.
In doing so, I thought about clearing some dash space.
1. Does anyone use that clock? Bout the time I delete that clock, someone comes on here and says that was THE MAIN reason they bought the coach.
2. I am trying to figure out what is behind that awning sticker...if I can move that up to the visor, that would really clear some real estate.
3. Other than what I have up, is there any other switches that make sense to be moved? And no...steering wheel controls are not an option.
I feel like if we can get rid of the sticker and the clock. Then move some switches to below the brake and below the USB's...I might be able to fit a 9" screen there.
The other option I am looking at, is to get rid of the multiplex switches next tot he CB. Move the CB mount and then put the monitor there. Up high where you would normally look for a rear view mirror anyway.
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08-20-2018, 03:44 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 888
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I like the 4 way split screen idea but with a second monitor up where the CB and multiplex switch panel is. Leave the new 9" in dash monitor for radio and navigation functions.
That clock can definitely go. Did you know it has an alarm on it...that likes to go off at 3am after your girls fiddle around with it...what the hell???
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2018 DX3 37BH
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08-20-2018, 03:54 PM
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#3
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Commercial Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Bristol, IN
Posts: 18,878
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The plan was to leave the radio for nav and radio. I'm talking on the dash panel itself (woodgrain area). I was just told it had an alarm today.
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08-20-2018, 04:01 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 222
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Yea, the clock can go, there's a clock in the radio.
What about seeing if the window controls can be moved to the driver door like in most cars and pickups? This would then allow a 3x3 design with the remaining switches, and put the extra under the brake control. I do like your idea of swapping locations of the engine brake and diff locks. More use on the brake than the diff lock.
To me a screen near the CB is a bit high, a lower screen works. I'm thinking of also in the passenger seat, lower might be a bit better where they could assist if needed. I can see an upper screen needing to be tilted down & to the left for a driver, where the lower is similar to the radio and both could see it.
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Aaron
2019 DX3 36FK
All Electric w/Cab Over
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08-20-2018, 04:05 PM
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#5
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Commercial Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Bristol, IN
Posts: 18,878
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vansteenburg
What about seeing if the window controls can be moved to the driver door like in most cars and pickups?
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I should have added this to the steering wheel control thing too. No option for the door right now.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vansteenburg
To me a screen near the CB is a bit high, a lower screen works. I'm thinking of also in the passenger seat, lower might be a bit better where they could assist if needed. I can see an upper screen needing to be tilted down & to the left for a driver, where the lower is similar to the radio and both could see it.
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Right now, we're exploring both options simultaneously. If I can't make the dash work, we would have to move the screen up.
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08-20-2018, 04:42 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,990
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1. That clock is only good for accidentally setting an alarm. It can go
2. There's a metal bracket that runs the whole height of that panel in line with the parking brake. It's what the valve behind the dash mounts to. Where the sticker is there's another opening for what I assume would be the trailer brake. Not necessary on ours, but may cause interference with switches as there's not room without modifying that bracket. Side note: I mounted my TST display in that area and it works great
3. I dont see any, but I've never been too bothered by where they are. The exhaust brake does make more sense up there though.
I can definitely say I love having my TFT mounted up by the cubbie. Even when I'm not towing I leave it on (during the day) because it feels so much like a rear view mirror. I think either the cubbie area or the CB area are prime for additional displays.
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2016 Dynamax DX3 - Big Blue
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08-20-2018, 05:56 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Western Arizona
Posts: 387
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We swapped the jake brake & mirror heat switches, use jake switch more. Also swapped the cruise control on/off & speed up/down switch, they work much better for us that way, no more hitting the head light switch when changing speed setting.. Really like our camera monitor mounted over the driver sunglasses holder hole. It shows the camera (rear or sides) or radio navigation screen, two separate switched inputs . It is very useful in that location as a quick look up and minimal eye refocusing to read the screen. Never use the clock. The area under the parking brake is all brackets for the trailer brake as Fourwhl has stated above, can't do much there. We mounted our cell phone holder there. Removed the ash tray and made a mount for the trailer brake controller or tow car brake controller in that spot.
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Cindy & Walt
2018 DX3 36FK
2015 JKHR - toad
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08-20-2018, 06:18 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Harrisburg, PA
Posts: 831
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This is how I have my dash organized. If you made the center console standard the you could eliminate the USB ports and power ports from the dash. You could even eliminate the OPT switch since it's not used.
This would open up the whole right side of the dash panel to mount a monitor. That wouldn't work for me as I'm using one of my power ports for my RVi Brake. I actually took up more room on the dash and added an on/off switch for the power port being used for the RVi Brake. I also added a switch to allow my to use the radio on the house batteries. That way you don't need to mess with the ignition to have some music going or use the house speakers for a movie.
Personally, I like my extra monitor I added for the side and rearview cameras up where you see it in the picture. Mine is suction cupped to the windshield, but you could permanently mount it to the dash if you wanted to. Problem there is each owner may want it in the different spot based on height and what not. Either way you don't have to look down or up to check the camera.
The other option is to use the ash tray area for another switch panel or USB/power ports. It can go out the window just like the clock. Speaking of windows, I do like the idea of moving the window switches to the driver door. That would create some more room too, because FOURWHL is right, there's metal in the area behind the warning sticker.
Nice to see you rethinking the dash though and looking for areas to improve...and coming to your owners for suggestions.
Thanks Brian! :-)
__________________
Andy & Debbie Shultz
Harrisburg, PA
2021 Dynaquest XL 3801TS
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08-20-2018, 08:17 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Denver NC
Posts: 394
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Here’s what we did. Moved the clock up besides the CB with dock lights and front grille light switches. (No multiplex). Completely replaced lower metal dash and installed 7 inch quad camera screen. Then wrapped complete dash. I don’t have photo of CB dash complete. I will upload once I get back home
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08-20-2018, 09:42 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Kaysville, Utah
Posts: 475
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I plan on putting the class liquid spring controller under the air brake handle in that space. If you are ever thinking of that as an option you might want to consider that too.
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08-20-2018, 10:27 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Franktown, Colorado
Posts: 939
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Lose the dash clock. Add a bank of 3-4 "upfitter switches' (like Ford trucks have) in place of the ash tray. I can live with everything else as-is.
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Randy & Dee
2018 DX3 37TS
"Orange Crush"
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08-20-2018, 10:41 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Franktown, Colorado
Posts: 939
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Take that little dash clock and alarm and install it somewhere convenient in the bedroom.
__________________
Randy & Dee
2018 DX3 37TS
"Orange Crush"
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08-20-2018, 10:56 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Kaysville, Utah
Posts: 475
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CSWVK
We swapped the jake brake & mirror heat switches, use jake switch more. Also swapped the cruise control on/off & speed up/down switch, they work much better for us that way, no more hitting the head light switch when changing speed setting.. Really like our camera monitor mounted over the driver sunglasses holder hole. It shows the camera (rear or sides) or radio navigation screen, two separate switched inputs . It is very useful in that location as a quick look up and minimal eye refocusing to read the screen. Never use the clock. The area under the parking brake is all brackets for the trailer brake as Fourwhl has stated above, can't do much there. We mounted our cell phone holder there. Removed the ash tray and made a mount for the trailer brake controller or tow car brake controller in that spot.
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Great idea on swapping cruise controls. Thank you!
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08-21-2018, 02:08 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 491
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Left Hand side: Lights should be top switch, Cruise Control on/off middle switch, Resume/Accel should be bottom most switch...much easier to reach Resume/ Accel Switch this way...Sportchassis has this setup...much easier to see if lights are on/off as well...Cruise is always on...
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08-21-2018, 09:13 AM
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#15
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Commercial Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Bristol, IN
Posts: 18,878
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We're going to proto a back up screen in over the drivers head, above the visor. That would be the quickest way to get the screen in place. Changing the dash would take quite a bit of time from Freightliner and even then, I think it might only fit the 7" screen and I would like the 9". Other switch changes we'll look at.
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08-21-2018, 09:39 AM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,990
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I think that’ll be great. The sunglass cubbie is nice but not a necessity. There’s a decent amount of room to work with up there if you use it for a screen instead
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2016 Dynamax DX3 - Big Blue
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08-21-2018, 10:46 AM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 171
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Thank you Brian. At least someone is trying to update the cab.
I know that Freightliner has a good market for these things and as long as they are selling they don't feel the need to modernize the cab but when you compare them to pick-up cabs these days, their design is at least 20 years behind.
I hear what everyone is saying about inconveniently placed switches and useless clocks but my main gripe is the lack of storage. Apart from the two cubbies above the seats, there is nowhere to store "stuff" in the cab area. I know that there is a whole living area behind me to store things but at least a glovebox would be nice.
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08-21-2018, 10:55 AM
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#18
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Commercial Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Bristol, IN
Posts: 18,878
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ETF
Thank you Brian. At least someone is trying to update the cab.
I know that Freightliner has a good market for these things and as long as they are selling they don't feel the need to modernize the cab but when you compare them to pick-up cabs these days, their design is at least 20 years behind.
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There are pros and cons to change. On the bright side...if you cracked a windshield, you can have it replaced for about $300. If you crack a windshield on a Class A...that keeps updating and changing with the times, you're can be out thousands, just for the low volume glass. IF, they even make that glass anymore.
Same thing for vehicles. When my wife got her Armada, it was a new body style. There were not aftermarket replacements yet, so when we the windshield cracked first week, it was about $1200 for just the glass and it had to be shipped from the OEM. First 2 broke in shipping.
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08-21-2018, 11:01 AM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,990
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I love the simplicity of the FL dash! It’s a pleasure to work on and modify/add to. You can keep your fancy moldings and infuriating plastic clips from modern vehicles!
__________________
2016 Dynamax DX3 - Big Blue
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08-21-2018, 11:35 AM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Akron, OH
Posts: 3,284
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Brian, if this works out as a prototype do you think it would be easy enough for us to purchase the parts and switch over older units? I would love to get an extra screen and use the radio for the Apple Car Play, not the cameras.
I just have not found anything I liked yet for the screen.
I will keep an eye on what you come up with.
__________________
2023 Dynaquest XL 3700BD
Had...2018 Force HD, 2016 Force, 2014 Thor 33sw
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