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Old 03-05-2016, 09:12 PM   #1
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kchinth's Apex 288BHS Mods

We recently upgraded from a 2011 Coachmen Catalina 22FB to a 2016 Coachmen Apex 288BHS. It's too cold to camp, so I've been working on some modifications while the camper sits in the driveway.

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First modification was to add the Progressive Industries EMS-HW30C. Pretty easy install. Just needed to remove the dinette cushion and cut the power wire.

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Old 03-05-2016, 09:16 PM   #2
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Second mod was to add an outlet in the back storage compartment. This will allow me to charge my cordless drill battery for use on the stabilizers.

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Old 03-05-2016, 09:18 PM   #3
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Next mod was to add an LED light strip to the back storage compartment. You can see the light in the picture on the previous post.

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Old 03-05-2016, 09:20 PM   #4
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Next mod was to drill a hole in the propane knob to add a lock. Never had an issue with theft, but better to be safe.

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Old 03-05-2016, 09:22 PM   #5
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Next mod was to add a battery disconnect and battery lock. The battery lock is from B & D RV Battery Lock For RV travel trailers and popup campers.

I also ran a cable through the spare tire and locked it to the same padlock as the battery.

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Old 03-05-2016, 09:30 PM   #6
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Favorite mod so far, adding a propane quick connect outlet so I can hook up my Weber Q grill.

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Luckily there was an open spot on the propane manifold under the camper. I used a propane hose with a 3/8" female flare fitting to connect to the manifold and a 1/4" MIP fitting to connect to the quick connect valve.

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I mounted the quick connect under the side of the camper.

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Closer view of the quick connect. I used a metal fence piece I found at Menards to mount the valve with some self-drilling screws. I also used a 3/4" pipe holder to keep it stable. It worked really well.

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Old 03-08-2016, 10:56 PM   #7
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Was the grill setup to us the1# tanks ? If so what did you have to do at its end ?
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Old 03-08-2016, 11:22 PM   #8
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Mods look good
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Old 03-09-2016, 09:59 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Doctarie View Post
Was the grill setup to us the1# tanks ? If so what did you have to do at its end ?
Yes, the Weber Q has a regulator and is setup to use 1# tanks. It was pretty easy to modify

There are 2 screws that you need to remove and then you can unscrew the regulator. This leaves a 1/8" male thread.

You can attach this fitting:


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Sioux Chief 1/4 in. x 1/8 in. Lead-Free Brass FIP x FIP Coupling-931-13100201 - The Home Depot

And then attach a quick connect fitting with 1/4" male threads:


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http://amzn.com/B007HG7WUQ

This leaves you with a quick connect valve on the grill and you can buy a hose like this to connect the grill to the camper:

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http://amzn.com/B00CPYC9BC

I also bought this hose and adapter so I can still connect the grill to a 1# tank or a 20# tank. This is handy for using the grill when we're not camping.

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http://amzn.com/B0014JI6R0

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http://amzn.com/B00480BWA0
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Old 03-09-2016, 05:12 PM   #10
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Ok thanks i thought they had a regulator for the one pounders . Thanks for the info !
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Old 03-09-2016, 11:20 PM   #11
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I like the idea of the lock on the propane I'm going to do that thanks
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Old 03-10-2016, 07:44 AM   #12
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Congrats on the new rig. Here's a thread that has a few additional mods and info on the 288BHS.
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ad.php?t=68413


2015 Coachmen Apex 288BHS
2014 Toyota Tundra 5.7L CrewMax

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Old 03-10-2016, 06:12 PM   #13
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A bit off topic but I saw in one of your pictures your Anderson wheel leavers. Have been thinking about getting a set are the worth the money?
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Old 03-10-2016, 08:54 PM   #14
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A bit off topic but I saw in one of your pictures your Anderson wheel leavers. Have been thinking about getting a set are the worth the money?

I haven't really gotten a chance to use them camping yet. There are some other threads about them, and they seem to get positive reviews.
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Old 03-20-2016, 08:18 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jc furnace man View Post
A bit off topic but I saw in one of your pictures your Anderson wheel leavers. Have been thinking about getting a set are the worth the money?
I don't want to steal your thread, But I've had my Anderson levelers for 3 years now and they are one of the best camping investments we've made.

Now back to our regularly scheduled topic!
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