Mini Lite 2504S bunk removal & backup camera

[Ggimlick]

We’re about to pull the trigger on a 2504s and have a couple questions for anyone with experience. We plan to remove the upper bunk, the factory rep said it’s not hard to do...so, has anyone done it?

The dealer wants $500 to include and install the backup camera. Can I save some money by doing it myself and buying it elsewhere? What kind of a job is it? It looks to be simple if I buy the Furion system.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Greg

[Jay2504]

I have a 2504s. I don’t think the upper bunk would be too hard to remove, I cannot help with the camera. Jay

[Max the Mini]

We have 2304KS that was pre-wired for the Furrion camera. The cover plate for the camera mount will say which model to install. We ordered from Amazon.

Easy to install. Remove the cover. Plug in the wire. Four TINY screws. Pair the monitor. For ours, we have to turn on the running lights to power the camera. We installed the observation and back up model.

[Ggimlick]

Thanks, I figured that camera was one place I might save some money. It looked to be easy from what I found online. Just a matter of getting the right model

[Ggimlick]

An email I got from the factory rep said they had to install the bunk so I couldn't order one without, but it would be easy to remove.

[Jay2504]

After thinking about this, I am wondering what you are going to do with the tv wall that is hooked up to the end of both bunks? Are you going to leave that part alone and just remove the upper bunk “floor” and. The sides? Or do something else with that end of those bunks. Jay

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by Ggimlick

We’re about to pull the trigger on a 2504s and have a couple questions for anyone with experience. We plan to remove the upper bunk, the factory rep said it’s not hard to do...so, has anyone done it?

Check this thread:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...al-149769.html

[Ggimlick]

Originally Posted by Jay2504

After thinking about this, I am wondering what you are going to do with the tv wall that is hooked up to the end of both bunks? Are you going to leave that part alone and just remove the upper bunk “floor” and. The sides? Or do something else with that end of those bunks. Jay

My plan is to leave the half wall with the TV just the way it is. I’ll remove the upper bunk frame and have the lower bed area open to the top. Since it will be an adult sleeping on the lower bunk, it makes it less claustrophobic.

[Ggimlick]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

Check this thread:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...al-149769.html

Nicely done, thnaks for that link. The work will be slightly different since the coachman was wood frame instead of aluminum, but the idea will be the same. I had thought of doing a shelf of some sort.

[Tripinbillie]

Regarding the backup camera, I just purchased the furrion camera from Amazon (~$300). Google furrion observation camera to get the model. This assumes the camper is prewired, but you can by the kit to wire it if your so inclined.

[Ggimlick]

Looks like the jury is in and doing the camera myself is the way to go. It is pre-wired so it appears to be an easy install if we buy the trailer.

Thanks for all the quick replies.

Greg

[Semperfi24]

Definitely do the camera yourself. You can find the Furrion camera on Amazon or ebay and its literally a 30 second job (also check the classifieds on this forum, occasionally you will see someone selling one). But, be aware, there are 2 different cameras. One is just for backing up and is designed to turn on when you put the vehicle in reverse, you dont want that one. The one you want has "48" in the model number. That is an "observation camera", its color, good picture, and it turns on when you turn your lights on

As for the bunks, our 2015 was very small in the bunks, but the 2018 is significantly larger. You can certainly remove the bunk when you take possession, but me, I'd test it out with the bunk first. The 2015 bunk was too small, but I think the 2018 is a very comfortable size (though I'm not a large person - 5'10", 200). I'm trying to say, if you dont need to remove the bunk, dont waste the time. We got the bunks because we intend to have kids, but apparently we are doing it wrong, hahaha, so we just use the upper bunk as inside storage (which is very convenient). We put the top bunk mattress on the bottom bunk (and I slept there once for a few ours at a truck stop, comfortable) and the top bunk is perfectly sized for our coolers, inflatable kayaks, etc. But back to your main point, I would think you could remove the top bunk and not impact anything else

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

Check this thread:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...al-149769.html

Originally Posted by Ggimlick

Nicely done, thnaks for that link. The work will be slightly different since the coachman was wood frame instead of aluminum, but the idea will be the same. I had thought of doing a shelf of some sort.

Search for "bunk removal" in the FRF search field at the top of the page and you'll find some more. I think most are wood, not aluminum; it's just the first one I found.

[Stlcaly]

Check out Tadi Brothers web site. I have been using their wireless camera for three years with no problem

[67L48]

Just be aware that there are two versions of the Furrion camera: backup and observation.

Backup is only designed to work when you're doing just that: backing up. The observation camera is designed to work at all times when you're towing. It has a stronger transmitter and is more expensive.

Many people try to save money and buy the backup camera ... then try to use it during regular towing and are upset.

Buy the correct camera system for your needs.

You can find the observation system for $330-$360 at most places. $500 would be a rip-off. Installation should take about 3 minutes. The bracket is already there and the power plug is already there.

Good luck.

[Doxies in the Rockies]

As has been said, definitely go with the observation model and do it yourself!

Semperfi24 - I love your idea of putting the top mattress on the bottom. We use the top area for storage also.