Apex 193bhs Modifications

[WI Margbabe]

I'm creating this thread in hopes that fellow 193bhs owners post modifications they have made or hope to make.

Mod's for us;
* Doors under Dinette -*One done, other almost done (not perfect match on stain) LOVE the space so far!
* Switch out blue awning lights to multi-color RF remote lights
** Hoping above awning mod will lend to installing remaining 4' of lights to 'basement' space (under bed storage)
* Make sink covers
* Make stove cover so it covers most of stove/counter space so it's all level
* Took out paneling in lower bathroom cabinet-SPACE!! *done
* Took out paneling in lower cabinet under sinks-additional SPACE!! *done
* Slide out awning
* Electrical outlet to right of kitchen sink
* Install Leveling Bubbles - ordered
* Raise rod in bathroom cabinet - *done
* Install 'cheat' opening lever to screen door (no need to slide panel each time you open screen door then) - Will be done this weekend
*Install Screen Door Cross Bar Handle - ordered
*Install Winterizing kit

Possible Future Mods:
* Install USB outlet in the headboard
* Venting for the cabinet above fridge-get's hot up there :-(
* Battery Kill Switch
* Bicycle Fork Mounts on Dinette seats OR make PVC frame
* Convert space under bunk (backside of outside storage) to useable space inside
* Black tank flush
* Portable Surge Guard - just not sure which one 2 buy

Would LOVE to hear of other suggestions you have made!!

[WI Margbabe]

**

Originally Posted by WI Margbabe

I'm creating this thread in hopes that fellow 193bhs owners post modifications they have made or hope to make.

Mod's for us;
**URGENT repair-looking for suggestions. Dang Dinette legs stink! One base into the table has never stayed on the table (found screws on the floor), now hubby has 2nd one broken apart also (screws in base out) so now table has major issues.... The 2 pipes are sooo tite in the bases :-(
* Doors under Dinette -*One done, other almost done (not perfect match on stain) LOVE the space so far!
* Switch out blue awning lights to multi-color RF remote lights-DONE, LOVE!!
** Hoping above awning mod will lend to installing remaining 4' of lights to 'basement' space (under bed storage)-YES this totally worked and was easy to do. Very awesome lighting in the storage area... pictures below....
* Make sink covers-DONE
* Make stove cover so it covers most of stove/counter space so it's all level-DONE
* Took out paneling in lower bathroom cabinet-SPACE!! *done
* Took out paneling in lower cabinet under sinks-additional SPACE!! *done
* Slide out awning
* Electrical outlet to right of kitchen sink
* Install Leveling Bubbles - ordered
* Raise rod in bathroom cabinet - *done
* Install 'cheat' opening lever to screen door (no need to slide panel each time you open screen door then) - DONE!
*Install Screen Door Cross Bar Handle - ordered
*Install Winterizing kit
*Install Battery Kill Switch

Possible Future Mods:
* Install USB outlet in the headboard
* Venting for the cabinet above fridge-get's hot up there :-(
* Bicycle Fork Mounts on Dinette seats OR make PVC frame
* Convert space under bunk (backside of outside storage) to useable space inside
* Black tank flush
* Portable Surge Guard - just not sure which one 2 buy

Would LOVE to hear of other suggestions you have made!!

[WI Margbabe]

Picture of Stove cover and sink covers we made....

[kfergiez]

I Love the stove cover.

We actually very rarely cook inside. I have a tiny little table we set up outside and we cook on our Camp Chef stove.

I'm weird, and I don't like to have the smell of sausage baked into my upholstery.

[mjones12]

As for electrical protection, I'd suggest Progressive Industries, which is much more than surge protection, and with lifetime warranty.

[cityfrank]

Thanks for the pics. The lights look great in the storage area.

May I ask what you used to make the sink covers and how you went about doing it?

Also, what is this "cheat" screen door opening? I am not aware of it. I am interested.

Our latch broke on a recent trip and my wife rigged up some elastic bands to make it work, but basically the handle would no longer 'spring' back into place.

Thanks!

[jennyzichterman]

The main mod we have done so far is adding solar and a dedicated outlet in the camper that runs off the solar when not using shore power. My husband's genius idea was to install a black outlet so it is easy to tell which outlet runs off solar instead of electricity. We have a surge protector power strip in the storage area for charging devices, but can run my husband's CPAP while boondocking.

Has anyone found a way to add some counter space? I made a cutting board cover for the sink and the stove, which do help some. We cook in the camper so when making coffee or pasta, we are very short on counter space. We were considering having a removable or slide out extension to the dining table as a place to put food as I'm prepping it. Any thoughts?

We plan to add shelves to the bathroom tall cabinet this summer and add the doors to the dinette for easy-access storage there. I would love to see the doors others have made!

[legger99]

Originally Posted by jennyzichterman

We plan to add shelves to the bathroom tall cabinet this summer and add the doors to the dinette for easy-access storage there. I would love to see the doors others have made!

I added the doors last spring and it was the best mod to date. I ordered the doors, hinges, and handles right from Forest River. I think it was around $100 total. I can't get you any pictures as my camper is in storage til spring. I can dig up the contact info if you are interested.

[jennyzichterman]

Thanks! The contact info would be great. Did you add a slide out drawer or just put bins under the seat?

[legger99]

Originally Posted by jennyzichterman

Thanks! The contact info would be great. Did you add a slide out drawer or just put bins under the seat?

I didn't add any slide out bins, we put stuff we don't use towards the back and the front is used for more frequent used items. I will send you a PM.

[thechamper]

I just joined as we are picking up our 2015 193BHS this weekend and looking forward to adding some more posts on here! I'm also part of the tacomaworld.com forum and we have a saying "pictures or it didn't happen", It's always nice to have the visual!

[Hwkscr]

1) Re-pipe waste lines to eliminate bends and raise closer to unit. Allows better cleaning of black tank.
2) flip up counter top cutting board
3) sink cover/cutting board
4) door limiting strap
5) not pictured rooftop siphon spinning vent

[kfergiez]

Originally Posted by Hwkscr

1) Re-pipe waste lines to eliminate bends and raise closer to unit. Allows better cleaning of black tank.
2) flip up counter top cutting board
3) sink cover/cutting board
4) door limiting strap
5) not pictured rooftop siphon spinning vent

Hwkscr!

YAY! I did some of these too.

I loved re-routing the wastelines, did we talk about this last fall?

Which cover/cutting board did you get?
Why did you feel the need for the door strap? I've got the gas strut on the bottom

We never use our microwave, and I was thinking of just eliminating it and putting in drawers. Do you use yours much?

[Hwkscr]

Originally Posted by kfergiez

Hwkscr!



YAY! I did some of these too.



I loved re-routing the wastelines, did we talk about this last fall?



Which cover/cutting board did you get?

Why did you feel the need for the door strap? I've got the gas strut on the bottom



We never use our microwave, and I was thinking of just eliminating it and putting in drawers. Do you use yours much?

Here is the cutting board and brackets I used. Only had to drill one hole on each side of the microwave frame, used one of the existing holes.

I added the limiting strap bc people like to let the door fly open. Even though the gas strut is on the bottom, it was starting to wiggle with swinging open. Cheap insurance to protect the awning arm.

[phantom_fury]

Replaced my blue awning lights and blue light speakers with warm white awning led strip and amber led light speakers. Looks much better and shouldn't attract s many bugs next season.

LED strip: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K1SVZV8..._rcoyCbV0H0MZT

[jennyzichterman]

I just received the four cabinet doors I ordered from Forest River! We will add doors and drawers under the dinette seating and doors under the bed to access to the storage there. Since we usually run off solar, it will nice to be able to access the inverter and addtional outlet without going outside of the camper.

Hwkscr - thanks for posting pictures! I like your fold-up cutting board solution and may have to copy that.

[kfergiez]

Originally Posted by phantom_fury

Replaced my blue awning lights and blue light speakers with warm white awning led strip and amber led light speakers. Looks much better and shouldn't attract s many bugs next season.

LED strip: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K1SVZV8..._rcoyCbV0H0MZT

Where did you get the amber lights for the speakers?

[EMCal]

Hi everyone,

Just getting started. Really appreciate this thread. Here are a few cosmetic mods we've made so far.

[EMCal]

Here are the product links:

Bathroom faucet: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DWT4N1G/

Kitchen faucet (I had to do some cutting to get it to fit, but nothing major): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016EE589I/

Backsplash adhesive tile (plan is to frame it with thin brushed nickle framing strips): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074J9LHN2/

We also purchased peel and stick barn wood for the front feature wall next to the bed. Finding we're probably going to need to use Liquid Nails to get it to stick right, but the end product should look really sharp. I'll post photos when we're done with that project. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FRKRLSG/

[Twisterbret]

Originally Posted by WI Margbabe

Picture of Stove cover and sink covers we made....

do you have the dimensions? I was hoping to fine a butlers tray and avoid having to make one.