First mods on a new hybrid

[the8re]

April 4 is the big day. That day, the WDH will be installed while we perform the PDI on our new 233S. I also had the Power Jack installed.

Once we get it home, what are some of the first mods I should consider doing before our first trip? The last camper was a pop up trailer, so the hybrid world is completely new to me!

[Shado]

IMO none. Go camping with it first. Just a short weekend and start to get a feel for what you need.

We have 2 daughters and we ended up getting a spring rod for the area between the fridge and the bathroom on which we have a large curtain. Creates a little more privacy for us and keeps it darker for the girls.

We also added shelves to the pantry near the rear bunks but we did this with a material shelving set that velcros around the upper pole. Still allowed for larger storage underneath.

We added wire shelving into all the lower cabinets to allow use to increase our storage capacity.

Last thing we did, which we saw someone else with, was bought 2 small ottomans that we keep a bunch of stuff in. They also allow you to put your feet up while on the couch. Great little storage addition

You won't know what you need till after you use it and figure out what you really need.

Our next mod will be with the shower...need to find a way to actually make it convinient and usable (oh buy an actual shower curtain as the one FR provides isn't waterproof)

[KMP44]

Originally Posted by Shado

IMO none. Go camping with it first. Just a short weekend and start to get a feel for what you need.

Good advice - there are lots of things you can do, but get a feel for which ones you really want.

For me the one must have was actually to modify my Coleman grill to work off the low pressure quick connect hose on the Roo. No more propane cylinders thanks to some advice found on frf

And not really what I would call a mod, but we quickly found we absolutely needed a portable tank to empty the grey tank. Fills up quick when you don't have sewer! Also got X-chocks for Christmas as the camper tends to shake quite a bit. Haven't been able to try yet though.

Solar panels & a hard wired inverter are the next project if winter ever ends - snowing again - weather man says 12 inches today

[Wiscampsin]

Congrats on your new new 233S! Couple things you might want to think about.

1. On your popup did you have tent end covers and do the Reflectix mod for the bed end window areas? We just retro fit them both from our popup to HTT. If you didn't the covers really help in keeping the tops clean and the Reflectix helps keep the heat/cool in.

2. Consider a surge protector. Progressive Industries is the brand of choice. Progressive Industries

3. Covers for your roof vents. Airxcel | Maxxair | Maxxair II

[Ws98ta]

Originally Posted by KMP44

For me the one must have was actually to modify my Coleman grill to work off the low pressure quick connect hose on the Roo. No more propane cylinders thanks to some advice found on frf

How did you do that? I have been wanting to do that for a while now.

[KMP44]

Originally Posted by Ws98ta

How did you do that? I have been wanting to do that for a while now.

Here is the thread that I found most helpful. The picture in post #12 shows you what to do. As long as your grill has the detachable regulator, it should work. Not sure if the newer Coleman's work like this.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ect-43938.html

After several false starts, this thread solved the issue. You can't run the low pressure feed on the camper through the grill's pressure regulator and get enough heat to actually cook anything. So you need to remove the grill's regulator but there isn't anything I know of to connect directly to the grill if the regulator is removed - the fitting that connects the regulator to grill burner is some type of custom fitting. But if you look closely at the regulator assembly, it is actually 3 pieces. You can unscrew the portion that connects to the grill from the actual pressure regulator. When you do this, be very careful - there is a spring and some small parts inside. They are very hard to find after you drop them Then its just a matter of connecting the 1/8" npt connection on the piece from the grill to the quick disconnect on the trailer. I bought a second regulator from an aftermarket parts place. That way I still have the original to use cyclinders when tailgating. And I added a 12 foot extension hose to keep the grill away from the camper. Seems we get an occasional bear looking for leftovers. Prefer not to hang the grill on the camper.

[Triguy]

X3 on waiting until after your first trip to do most mods. A paper and pencil is good so you can list the things you need/want.

But, there are a few things that many people do if you really want to get to work.

Not mods, but good things to have right off the bat...

• Surge protector as mentioned.
• Buy a decent awning mat - one that allows rain and dirt to drop through.
• Bring two door mats. A heavy duty one for the outside and lighter-weight one for the entryway - otherwise you will be sweeping constantly.

Some of the things that people seem to add sooner or later:

• X-chocks to control trailer movement when set-up
• Vent covers as mentioned so you don't need to worry about open vents in case it rains.
• Oxygenics shower head
• Good sewer hose like the Rhinoflex
• Two stick on levels for the camper so you can better level it.

[bikendan]

#1 Hybrid mod is getting PUGs(Popup Gizmos)or the generic 5x7 solar blanket versions.

Reflectix in tent windows is probably the next most popular mod.

i installed a hard-wired 400w inverter for dry camping, along with a dual battery setup.

definite yes on the most popular and easiest RV mod, the Oxygenics shower head!

did the homemade tandem wheel chocks for about $12.

[hockeytownmom]

I am the only one who doesn't like the Oxygenics shower head?

[force]

Welcome to the Roo family!

I tend to agree, go camping once or twice, then start to build your mod list out.

That said, my 23SS mod list is here if you'd like to them out

I have another one here regarding the popup gizmos a few folks have mentioned

And if/when you consider a camper cover, check my feedback on Adco covers here

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by hockeytownmom

I am the only one who doesn't like the Oxygenics shower head?

You're definitely one of the few that I've ever heard not like it. In fact, you might be the first.

It's not as nice as our home shower, but we have pretty rocking water pressure and a nice shower head. But, for RVing- it's a world better than most that I've seen and it keeps me out of the bathhouses.

[hockeytownmom]

I think it's because I'm short and it hits me in the face! LOL. Maybe I'd like it more in a camper with a slightly larger shower. I'm holding onto it just in case we upgrade.

[Terier]

Originally Posted by Triguy

X3 on waiting until after your first trip to do most mods. A paper and pencil is good so you can list the things you need/want.

But, there are a few things that many people do if you really want to get to work.


Not mods, but good things to have right off the bat...

• Surge protector as mentioned.
• Buy a decent awning mat - one that allows rain and dirt to drop through.
• Bring two door mats. A heavy duty one for the outside and lighter-weight one for the entryway - otherwise you will be sweeping constantly.

Some of the things that people seem to add sooner or later:

• X-chocks to control trailer movement when set-up
• Vent covers as mentioned so you don't need to worry about open vents in case it rains.
• Oxygenics shower head
• Good sewer hose like the Rhinoflex
• Two stick on levels for the camper so you can better level it.

X4
As you camp you will be able to determine your camping style. Triguy, Mtnguy and the others have provided great suggestions.

[Byrd7806]

Originally Posted by hockeytownmom

I am the only one who doesn't like the Oxygenics shower head?

No you are not. Brother-in-law decided to surprise us and changed out our shower head last Easter and we went back to what we had. We have the "rain shower" head and like it a whole lot better. 2 no's here.

[rockfordroo]

I am the only one who doesn't like the Oxygenics shower head?

The jury's still out on ours.

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by Byrd7806

No you are not. Brother-in-law decided to surprise us and changed out our shower head last Easter and we went back to what we had. We have the "rain shower" head and like it a whole lot better. 2 no's here.

Do you have a link to the shower head? I'm always open to better showers for my long luscious mane...

[rockfordroo]

Do you have a link to the shower head? I'm always open to better showers for my long luscious mane...

The newer versions come with the shutoff valve. Don't get the older version without it.

- Oxygenics - Camping World

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

The newer versions come with the shutoff valve. Don't get the older version without it.

- Oxygenics - Camping World

Sorry, I mean this "rain shower" head.

I have an Oxygenics. Actually doesn't have a shutoff, but I added this one right above the shower knobs:

[Shado]

Our next upgrade....

https://www.lacrossetechnology.com/308-1412s/

Or something similar. We use a smaller one to monitor the temp inside the fridge but we would like something like this to know how cold it's going to be when I go out to make bacon and eggs. Also will work nicely as a wall clock

[cpd1343]

You will want to add an extension with a valve to the fresh water tank drain so you don't need to crawl under the camper to drain the tank.

I used this to monitor refrig/freezer/outdoor temps:

Amazon.com: Ambient Weather WS-05-X3-KIT Wireless Easy-to-Read Adjustable Thermo-Hygrometer with Three Remote Sensors: Patio, Lawn & Garden