Season 2 Episode 1

[cheeseheadjim]

Finally got the 2017 camping season underway. Rainy and chilly all day yesterday so I used the time to change out all of the interior ceiling lights with lights that have a switch in the center. That way we can turn on only as much as we want. Having all 8 on is a bit too bright.

I also changed out the thermostat with a digital one.

I see the sun poking through now so we can get outside today.

Jim S

[cheeseheadjim]

Here are pics of the old lights; new lights; and thermostat

[bgncypress]

Originally Posted by cheeseheadjim

Here are pics of the old lights; new lights; and thermostat Attachment 138615Attachment 138616Attachment 138617

Great idea on the light swap and the thermostat replacement! Can you provide a link where you purchased both?

Much appreciated
Bgncypress

[cheeseheadjim]

Here is link to the lights:
https://www.bonanza.com/listings/10-...m_source=email

Here is link to thermostat:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/r.html?C=2...XCJDQCPKKIL8OA

[bgncypress]

Originally Posted by cheeseheadjim

Here is link to the lights:
https://www.bonanza.com/listings/10-...m_source=email

Here is link to thermostat:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/r.html?C=2...XCJDQCPKKIL8OA

Jim,
Great thanks for the quick response!

[bgncypress]

Originally Posted by cheeseheadjim

Here are pics of the old lights; new lights; and thermostat Attachment 138615Attachment 138616Attachment 138617

Cheeseheadjim,
A couple more questions when you get the time. Could find the info on the web site.
1). Will the existing screws work on the new lights?
2). Are the new lights the same size as the existing lights?

Thanks again,
Bgncypress

[cheeseheadjim]

Originally Posted by bgncypress

Cheeseheadjim,
A couple more questions when you get the time. Could find the info on the web site.
1). Will the existing screws work on the new lights?
2). Are the new lights the same size as the existing lights?

Thanks again,
Bgncypress

Howdy bgncypress !

Yup- the existing screws fit the new lights.

The new lights are four inch diameter like the existing lights. They are the same thickness too. So they look like the existing lights when you install them.

The only thing I had to do was drill new mounting holes. This was because the new lights had a slightly different mounting hole pattern. They use the same screws but in slightly different locations.

I had originally planned to only replace half of the lights but then I found the ten pack of lights for $40 so I decided to swap all of them. I even have a couple of spares. Of course I kept all the old ones too so I really have lots of spares now.

Jim S

[bgncypress]

Originally Posted by cheeseheadjim

Howdy bgncypress !

Yup- the existing screws fit the new lights.

The new lights are four inch diameter like the existing lights. They are the same thickness too. So they look like the existing lights when you install them.

The only thing I had to do was drill new mounting holes. This was because the new lights had a slightly different mounting hole pattern. They use the same screws but in slightly different locations.

I had originally planned to only replace half of the lights but then I found the ten pack of lights for $40 so I decided to swap all of them. I even have a couple of spares. Of course I kept all the old ones too so I really have lots of spares now.

Jim S

Jim, Thanks for confirming! Sounds like a good deal, appreciate your feedback.

Have fun camping!

[RooBert]

Was the thermostat a direct swap? My solaire had a digital one and it was great. My 2017 IKSS really should have one.

[cheeseheadjim]

Originally Posted by RooBert

Was the thermostat a direct swap? My solaire had a digital one and it was great. My 2017 IKSS really should have one.

Hey Roobert !

If you are asking if the wiring colors are the same between the new and old thermostats, I think that they are, but I really don't remember. There may have one or two that were different.

I just made a table that listed the thermostat function (like 12V negative or fan on...) for both the new and the old units (this info is on the datasheet for each unit). For each function, I then listed, for each function, the color of existing thermostat wire, and the color of the new thermostat wire. Then I swapped each trailer wire (one wire at a time) from the old thermostat wire to the new thermostat wire, being sure that the function were kept the same.

I hope this is clear.

Jim S

[Restcure]

Nice mods!

[Roo-minator]

Originally Posted by cheeseheadjim

Finally got the 2017 camping season underway. Rainy and chilly all day yesterday so I used the time to change out all of the interior ceiling lights with lights that have a switch in the center. That way we can turn on only as much as we want. Having all 8 on is a bit too bright.

I also changed out the thermostat with a digital one.

I see the sun poking through now so we can get outside today.

Jim SAttachment 138614

I see you have some Awning tie downs installed. Was this a kit? Are the poles to the ground removable and set up each time? How do the attack up top?

I also noticed that you have one side of the awning real low, does it hit the slide like mine does if I go that low? If it does have you had any problem with it?

Thanks.

[AquaMan]

Contact Turbs for awning poles. Pretty much a bolt on installation.

[cheeseheadjim]

Roo-minator,

The awning poles were a kit I bought from a fellow forest river forum member. His name is Turbs, so you can get ahold of him for details. The poles are bolted to the awning frame, and are easily bolted on. They remain on once installed, and fold up for travel or when not in use. They are quality made out of powder coated aluminum.

The awning does contact the slide when it is deployed, but since it is anchored with poles and tie-downs, it does not have constant movement, it simply lays on the slide, so it doesn't wear.

Jim S.

[Roo-minator]

Originally Posted by cheeseheadjim

Roo-minator,

The awning poles were a kit I bought from a fellow forest river forum member. His name is Turbs, so you can get ahold of him for details. The poles are bolted to the awning frame, and are easily bolted on. They remain on once installed, and fold up for travel or when not in use. They are quality made out of powder coated aluminum.

The awning does contact the slide when it is deployed, but since it is anchored with poles and tie-downs, it does not have constant movement, it simply lays on the slide, so it doesn't wear.

Jim S.

Thank you for the info. I like them and will add them to the RV wishlist.