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Old 05-23-2017, 10:10 PM   #1
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Sandpiper Upgrades and Updates....

I refuse to use the word "mods" in the title (and I am a millennial)! But how about a thread for upgrades and updates to the 'Pipers out there....?
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Old 05-23-2017, 10:21 PM   #2
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As most know, I have added a third AC. I have also installed the Progressive Industries hard wired unit. I recently had a "triple" hitch installed.

Today, I complete the install of a Winegard Trav'ler for DirecTV.

Not a hard install, just took some planning. I wanted the cable to enter the roof in the bedroom bookcase area, but I didn't have sufficient space and clearance there for the dish.... this thing is larger than I thought. I ended up mounting the dish "midship".

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I then drilled a hole from the book case access through the roof (small hole) to determine feasibility.

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Once all looked good, I used a 1" drill bit and drilled from the top down into the book case access.

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From there, I simply routed the cables and used cable clamps to secure them to the roof. I then secured the Winegard cable surface mount plate...

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I ended up with a working dish. The control unit is currently sitting in the book case, as I didn't have enough of the power cable to get it to its ultimate destination (in the front closet). I will order the extension and take care of that when we return from our trip.

The cable is ran from the book case into the basement. From there, it is connected to my DirecTV splitter that is mounted on a wall in the basement. The signal is split from there....

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Old 05-24-2017, 09:24 AM   #3
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yesterday i completed installation of my Progressive HARD wire EMS and a new PI 70 amp convertor. They both fit quite nicely under behind the fuse panel in a half cabinet space.

They should keep my new Duracell 6v batteries in top notch condition for when i boondock in Glacier later this year

Sorry no pics right now... later Mods will contain them
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Old 05-24-2017, 03:11 PM   #4
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Nice!

I managed to get the trailer plug wiring ran to the new hitch today. Also pulled it out of the shop and tested the satellite. Signal in about 2 minutes! Best of all.... don't have to carry the tripod and tripod mounted dish anymore. We do most of our camping at the beach and could only wish for a tree.


Before the wiring....
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Locked on to all three DirecTV birds.
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Old 05-25-2017, 10:21 AM   #5
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def not as exciting as your mod, but here is a picture of how the front looks with the EMS pendent installed under the fuse panel. Both the EMS and the new charger are in the cabinet behind the panel

next thing to do, spray paint the awful brown furnace return in the bottom right corner to something that matches like black (mocha like the cabinet accents)
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Old 05-25-2017, 04:42 PM   #6
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I hooked up and pulled to Ocean Lakes today. Had the golf cart trailer in tow behind the Sandpiper. No problems towing, but I did have to get a tow from the neighbor to get out of the driveway. I haven't connected my shop driveway to his yet and we have had allot of rain. No problem.

Made it to my site about 4pm. Setup (minus stinky slinkys) by 4:30. That includes unloading the golf cart and unhooking its trailer. The third AC seems to really help. Was 79* in all three zones when I arrived. They ran for about 30 minutes set on 68 and turned off. It is only about 80 today so tomorrow and Saturday will be the test.

The satellite worked like magic.

About to ride the golf cart to Walmart to stock up on beer. The family won't be here until tomorrow night....
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Old 05-25-2017, 04:42 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mountndream View Post
def not as exciting as your mod, but here is a picture of how the front looks with the EMS pendent installed under the fuse panel. Both the EMS and the new charger are in the cabinet behind the panel

next thing to do, spray paint the awful brown furnace return in the bottom right corner to something that matches like black (mocha like the cabinet accents)


That looks good. I need to mount my pendant. I just keep in in the cabinet near the entry door.
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Old 05-25-2017, 10:31 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by head gamez View Post
I hooked up and pulled to Ocean Lakes today. Had the golf cart trailer in tow behind the Sandpiper. No problems towing, but I did have to get a tow from the neighbor to get out of the driveway. I haven't connected my shop driveway to his yet and we have had allot of rain. No problem.

Made it to my site about 4pm. Setup (minus stinky slinkys) by 4:30. That includes unloading the golf cart and unhooking its trailer. The third AC seems to really help. Was 79* in all three zones when I arrived. They ran for about 30 minutes set on 68 and turned off. It is only about 80 today so tomorrow and Saturday will be the test.

The satellite worked like magic.

About to ride the golf cart to Walmart to stock up on beer. The family won't be here until tomorrow night....
You didn't stock up on beer before you left???? Shame on you! Dang Millennials.....
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Old 05-25-2017, 10:32 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mountndream View Post
def not as exciting as your mod, but here is a picture of how the front looks with the EMS pendent installed under the fuse panel. Both the EMS and the new charger are in the cabinet behind the panel

next thing to do, spray paint the awful brown furnace return in the bottom right corner to something that matches like black (mocha like the cabinet accents)
What is an EMS?
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Bob
2011 Ford F350 Lariat
2016 Sandpiper 381RBOK with an extremely CRAPPY A/C!!!
Nights Camped: 2010 = 14/11 = 27/12 = 13/13 = 10/14 = 30/15 = 47/16 = 30/17 = 21/18 = 11
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Old 05-25-2017, 10:36 PM   #10
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Electric management system

https://www.rvupgradestore.com/Progr...p/emshw50c.htm
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Old 05-31-2017, 08:10 PM   #11
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I'm thinking about adding an Awning over my outdoor kitchen as my next upgrade. Still trying to decide if I want to do that or find a replacement for the crappy party sofa. That thinks sucks to sit on!
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