Almost Spring...what mods are you doing?

djousma · 03-02-2017, 08:40 PM

Aching to get the Cardinal out of storage, and get camping! To pass some time, I've got a few mods up my sleeve.

Tonight, I converted my WeberQ 1200 grill to quick disconnects, and 25' extended hose to run off of the aux propane connector on the trailer. Pretty easy conversion, couple of fittings, remove the regulator, and done! No more extra propane tanks to haul.

Still to do when I get the Cardinal home:

- Install Mor/ryde wet bolt kit on spring hangers.
- replace whole house water filter with non-proprietary cannister to take generally available filter cartridges
- install snap-pad levelup rubber jack pads
- install ladder mount flag pole mounts
- rewire coax for Directv drop into the outside entertainment center
- Install threaded nipples on the fresh water tank overflow lines, and install drain valves
- replace fresh water tank drain plug with drain valve on freshwater tank drain
- replace low point hot/cold drain plugs with drain valves
- install 12V on/off switch at batteries

I'm sure I will think of more....

What are you all doing?

aeblank · 03-02-2017, 09:32 PM

I have a shower adjustment bar, bathroom faucet, and backup camera to do.

rmac04401 · 03-02-2017, 09:40 PM

Redo my bench seat in TH. With regular furniture springs, install two more stabilizer jacks mid cabin, wire/install soundbar, caulk around new backsplash in kitchen and bathroom. Extend overflow and fresh water drain closer to edge of camper.

Sierra360PDEK · 03-03-2017, 07:37 AM

Shopping for a new Cardinal will be our biggest mod. Heading to Huntsville in the morning to look at one.

timfromma · 03-03-2017, 07:47 AM

This year, all of the mods either completed or planned thus far have been to the TV.

- Upgraded from a Toyota Tundra SR5 to a Chevy Silverado 2500HD diesel.
- Installed a bed cover
- Will be installing towing mirrors and side steps.

I don't know if it's possible, practical or even legal but I'm investigating a way to possibly use my portable generator to power the AC in the TT while traveling to keep our pooches cool during the log road trips we have planned for this summer.

djousma · 03-03-2017, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sierra360PDEK

Shopping for a new Cardinal will be our biggest mod. Heading to Huntsville in the morning to look at one.

Well, that sounds fun! It was about this time last year, that we pulled the trigger on ours. We 'stole' it off the line at the factory. It was started, but not completed, so we were able to add/change some of the options. Love the trailer, just about done working out all the kinks.

djousma · 03-03-2017, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timfromma

This year, all of the mods either completed or planned thus far have been to the TV.

- Upgraded from a Toyota Tundra SR5 to a Chevy Silverado 2500HD diesel.
- Installed a bed cover
- Will be installing towing mirrors and side steps.

I don't know if it's possible, practical or even legal but I'm investigating a way to possibly use my portable generator to power the AC in the TT while traveling to keep our pooches cool during the log road trips we have planned for this summer.

I know folks have run the portable generator from the bed of the truck. I personally would be more worried about the dogs in the trailer while moving. A good slam of the brakes, or unexpected maneuver and they could get seriously injured. We keep ours in the truck with us when travelling.

djousma · 03-03-2017, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aeblank

I have a shower adjustment bar, bathroom faucet, and backup camera to do.

I would be curious to hear more about your backup camera mod. I've got a Garmin GPS that will take the accessory, just don't know anything about them.

timfromma · 03-03-2017, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djousma

I know folks have run the portable generator from the bed of the truck. I personally would be more worried about the dogs in the trailer while moving. A good slam of the brakes, or unexpected maneuver and they could get seriously injured. We keep ours in the truck with us when travelling.

Not possible for the dogs to travel in the TV, allergies and lack of room.

W5CI · 03-03-2017, 08:13 AM

I am having the MORryde Independent Suspension with Disc Brakes Installed in mid March

aeblank · 03-03-2017, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djousma

I would be curious to hear more about your backup camera mod. I've got a Garmin GPS that will take the accessory, just don't know anything about them.

I use Tapatalk, so I didn't really notice or pay attention to what sub forum this was in. So, not sure this will be helpful.

It's the furrion wireless camera that my TT came "pre wired" for. Should take about 5 minutes, 3 of which will be setting up the ladder.

Otegoans · 03-03-2017, 08:33 AM

Upgrading to an on board surge protector.
Upgrading the speakers on the entertainment center.
Looking at A/C units for the bedroom, but I don't think my pockets are deep enough this year!

djousma · 03-03-2017, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by W5CI

I am having the MORryde Independent Suspension with Disc Brakes Installed in mid March

Jealous of that!

glsimms · 03-03-2017, 08:49 AM

I will be adding a Furrion camera to our TT. It is not pre-wired so it will take a little longer then 5 minutes. Also adding struts under the bed to hold the mattress up for storage (don't know why Coachmen didn't add these), and raise the clothes bar in the bedroom closets. They are currently mounted mid-ways in the closets so when I hang pants they dangle on the floor.

And while this isn't a mod, I'm gonna give it a nice wash & wax job! Gotta have it lookin' purty!!

DustyRoads · 03-03-2017, 01:30 PM

I can't wait to pull the trailer out so I can start de-winterizing and to see what I an mod. I bought a new 2500HD just before new years that is the biggest mod.

- redo WDH to accommodate new truck
- the one thing I want to look at is making our tri-fold couch more comfortable for our quest to sleep on. Will see if it can be made more level if not add slopped foam for the top to be more even.
- slide topper purchase and install
- check out behind the TV to see what types of connections are available. Didn't receive any information about what Jensen Model it is.
- find one remote that will work with TV, DVD and sound bar if possible. I hate having 3 remotes. Jensen TV and SONY DVD remotes are not compatible with any other brand remote.
- check out connecting Weber-Q grill to gas quick connects on trailer.

Priority just get out camping more than last year.

Bobf074 · 03-03-2017, 01:32 PM

- led lights
- install a tankless water heater
- replace low point hot/cold drain plugs with drain valves
- install 12V on/off switch at batteries

Im sure as i cross things off the list there will be others added for next year.

Blaster 84 · 03-03-2017, 01:43 PM

Wine guard WIFI Antennae and a layer of wax

Swampy · 03-03-2017, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djousma

Aching to get the Cardinal out of storage, and get camping! To pass some time, I've got a few mods up my sleeve.

Tonight, I converted my WeberQ 1200 grill to quick disconnects, and 25' extended hose to run off of the aux propane connector on the trailer. Pretty easy conversion, couple of fittings, remove the regulator, and done! No more extra propane tanks to haul.

Still to do when I get the Cardinal home:

- Install Mor/ryde wet bolt kit on spring hangers.
- replace whole house water filter with non-proprietary cannister to take generally available filter cartridges
- install snap-pad levelup rubber jack pads
- install ladder mount flag pole mounts
- rewire coax for Directv drop into the outside entertainment center
- Install threaded nipples on the fresh water tank overflow lines, and install drain valves
- replace fresh water tank drain plug with drain valve on freshwater tank drain
- replace low point hot/cold drain plugs with drain valves
- install 12V on/off switch at batteries

I'm sure I will think of more....

What are you all doing?

I plan to install a bed lift kit on the TT bed. I can't get to the storage from inside without help (or risking a hernia!) I hope the gas struts will do their thing!
I also need to do maintenance on the water heater. Had been using electric exclusively, decided to try gas. It lit, but flame was too large and yellow, plus it sent soot up the side of the TT. Probably insects or spiders in the burner tube or in the U tube. Will have to wash off the soot, too.
I will probably find a few more as we get into the season.

Swampy

Charles Allen · 03-03-2017, 02:06 PM

Added Tire pressure monitor to 5th wheel and truck. Adding vent fan to the refrigerator this weekend. Finally found the right bug screens for refrigerator vents.

djousma · 03-03-2017, 02:52 PM

You all, are going to make me add more mods to my list! A lot of great ideas. This time of year gets hard, we start to see some of the warmer days here in Michigan, then 'ol mother nature flips the thermostat back down again.

We're headed down to Raleigh, NC area in late March for a week. I'm hoping to escape Michigan with dry roads and not a snowstorm!

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