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Old 02-03-2015, 05:00 PM   #1
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Upgrades and Heads up

I am taking possession of a 2015 EVO 2850 and I am wondering of any upgrades or tips anyone can give me.

I am planning on the Progressive EMS 30 surge protector. I have a Yamaha genny (2000), the Evo has a dual battery setup wired in parallel.

I am handy with a wrench and am not afraid to build/modify stuff, I have also been camping in a 1978 trailer (the last 5 years or so) so I am not new to travel trailers (I am only new to all the options this one has-it has every option your could get minus 12v heat strips).

Give me some tips, pointers and upgrade ideas if you have them.
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Old 02-03-2015, 06:38 PM   #2
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Vent covers for roof vents and bug screens for furnace & HWH.
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Old 02-03-2015, 07:11 PM   #3
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If it has a built in water filter move it outside, less chance of water damage to your new unit.
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Old 02-03-2015, 09:48 PM   #4
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I'll keep these in mind thanks guys. I hadn't thought of the filter. Bug screens will help. We don't have too many in Utah but I plan on traveling and the screens will help with nesting while it's stored.
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Old 02-03-2015, 10:18 PM   #5
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This time of year would warrant a ceramic heater. Later maybe a screen door handle like this.


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Old 02-03-2015, 10:26 PM   #6
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Originally Posted by SuicideSaints View Post
I am taking possession of a 2015 EVO 2850 and I am wondering of any upgrades or tips anyone can give me.

I am planning on the Progressive EMS 30 surge protector. I have a Yamaha genny (2000), the Evo has a dual battery setup wired in parallel.

I am handy with a wrench and am not afraid to build/modify stuff, I have also been camping in a 1978 trailer (the last 5 years or so) so I am not new to travel trailers (I am only new to all the options this one has-it has every option your could get minus 12v heat strips).

Give me some tips, pointers and upgrade ideas if you have them.
Pay the extra money for the Progressive power management system - it is well worth the extra $$ AND since you are handy with a wrench, you can get the unit you install in the camper instead of the portable (and pilferable ) one.
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Old 02-03-2015, 10:27 PM   #7
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To be the bearer of bad news, the tires that will come on that brand new trailer should most likely be replaced immediately. If you're not already aware, search "china bombs" and be prepared to be upset at least a little.
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Old 02-04-2015, 02:37 PM   #8
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Check out eternabond for the roof, it is wonderful on the seams, the roof is the most important part of the camper.
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Old 02-04-2015, 02:47 PM   #9
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To be the bearer of bad news, the tires that will come on that brand new trailer should most likely be replaced immediately. If you're not already aware, search "china bombs" and be prepared to be upset at least a little.

This is something I am familiar with and so is my dealer. The dealer actually changes out the tires at the lot because of this. I just cant remember what he puts on them. I am going to take another look at them Saturday and then stop by Discount Tire first thing Monday if they need further attention.

Thanks for the heads up!
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Old 02-04-2015, 02:49 PM   #10
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Check out eternabond for the roof, it is wonderful on the seams, the roof is the most important part of the camper.
Did you just put it on the seams as a precaution? Or did you order a roll for a just in case scenario?
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Old 02-04-2015, 02:57 PM   #11
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We put it over them seams, it says that it last about 10 years, have talked to other campers who have been very pleased, the biggest issue on our Georgetown has been roof leaking, so we decided to try this approach. so far so good
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Old 02-04-2015, 03:28 PM   #12
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We put it over them seams, it says that it last about 10 years, have talked to other campers who have been very pleased, the biggest issue on our Georgetown has been roof leaking, so we decided to try this approach. so far so good
Ok, thanks for the info. I know I have a 1 piece rubber roof but I will jump up there and take an in depth look and see what I can do and if there are any seems up there. I only looked briefly at the lot and I will look again when I do my walk through this Saturday.
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Old 02-04-2015, 06:31 PM   #13
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China Bombs

Our dealer claimed not to know of any problems concerning our tires-China Bombs - even when I asked why had the tire failed. I believe they were Trail Mates. The first time, we sat out on RT1 between Dover and Rehoboth for 4 hours as the insurance people tired to find someone who would accept their plan as payment. When we found out the issue we said send someone/anyone & we'd pay cash. Oh yea, it was pushing 95 degrees.
Another tire de-laminate a year later as we drove down a narrow country road. Unfortunately we had to drive 1/4 mile to get to a wide spot with the tire whipping against the side of the 5th wheel. This is a popular area with people ridding bikes and horses...thankfully no one was injured.
Even at this point we got no help from the dealership. Our insurance repaired the rig and we bought 4 new tires.
Not happy with the dealer...love the Silverback! We would have paid for "real" tires had we known... grew up with my parent towing an 18' Fan, we had our share of mishaps. If I am taking a risk I like to know it!!
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Old 02-04-2015, 06:36 PM   #14
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Our dealer claimed not to know of any problems concerning our tires-China Bombs - even when I asked why had the tire failed. I believe they were Trail Mates. The first time, we sat out on RT1 between Dover and Rehoboth for 4 hours as the insurance people tired to find someone who would accept their plan as payment. When we found out the issue we said send someone/anyone & we'd pay cash. Oh yea, it was pushing 95 degrees.
Another tire de-laminate a year later as we drove down a narrow country road. Unfortunately we had to drive 1/4 mile to get to a wide spot with the tire whipping against the side of the 5th wheel. This is a popular area with people ridding bikes and horses...thankfully no one was injured.
Even at this point we got no help from the dealership. Our insurance repaired the rig and we bought 4 new tires.
Not happy with the dealer...love the Silverback! We would have paid for "real" tires had we known... grew up with my parent towing an 18' Fan, we had our share of mishaps. If I am taking a risk I like to know it!!
The dealer I bought from changed the tires to Goodyear or something, I just cant remember exactly, they are not stock. That doesn't mean they changed them to good ones but I will check that as one of the first things. I have a real good friend at Discount Tire that gives me employee pricing and free certificates. He will be one of my first calls. I just need to verify what's on there currently.

Thanks
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Old 02-04-2015, 06:42 PM   #15
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I crawled all over the inside of my new (in 2008!) camper with a can of "Great Stuff" and filled in all the drafty holes and spaces around plumbing, wiring, lights, you name it. Also put a piece of 3/4" foam board over the laundry chute.

Makes it easier to keep warm or cool as the seasons go. All RV's will need the Great Stuff treatment.
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Old 02-04-2015, 07:04 PM   #16
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I crawled all over the inside of my new (in 2008!) camper with a can of "Great Stuff" and filled in all the drafty holes and spaces around plumbing, wiring, lights, you name it. Also put a piece of 3/4" foam board over the laundry chute.

Makes it easier to keep warm or cool as the seasons go. All RV's will need the Great Stuff treatment.
Great point, I was looking at different sealents/caulking for the inside and out. I want to do all the storage doors (inside and out) as well as hit the seams and such (as a precaution). I heard it was sealed with putty tape and sealed at the factory but during the walk around it looked like it could be better for piece of mind.
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Old 02-05-2015, 12:47 AM   #17
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If it has a built in water filter move it outside, less chance of water damage to your new unit.
Just curious, you move it to the basement? We have a new to us unit and the filter is under the sink and looks very awkward... but then it's all pink water till the snow melts a bit for us.
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Old 02-05-2015, 07:27 PM   #18
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I have your same unit (as you have already spoken with me) and here are the things I have done.

Cannot find water filter ANYWHERE inside trailer- so buy the ones to screw on the hose.

X2 on the permanent progressive surge unit- I mounted mine on the outside of the box that stores the power cord. Works great and easy to install with all the room in the storage area- i put the display on the cabinet/ bunk ladder where I don't think it will be kicked.

LED's are a must- I went with warm white on the inside and used the flat panel type in the bathroom where more light is needed. Also added an additional light in the shower per DW request and the extendable shower rod is a must! Oh yea, get the oxygenics shower head too.

Put a 400w inverter in the entertainment center to power everything when dry camping. LED tv's use less power than LCD's but the bigger the TV, the more power used. With TV, DVD and soundbar and power loss, it runs about 100w which is about 7amps?

TPMS for the tires, Battery cut off switch, led strip for the awning, hard start capacitor for the a/c, replaced the single power outlet for the micro with a dual and using a 2' power cord for an extra outlet in the kitchen.

Built a bumper mounted BBQ rack- BBQ has it's own container for storage.

I think that's it. Sorry to drag this on so long. Click image for larger version

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Old 02-05-2015, 07:49 PM   #19
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You will want to get a set of awning hold downs from OLD COOT.... Ask him to send you some custom made poles too....

You do not want your awning flapping up and down in the least little wind.... When the awning starts going up in the air because of a gust of wind, it will flash in your mind that it is going to be going over the top of your units and destroyed. not a pretty vision in the mind....
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Old 02-05-2015, 11:09 PM   #20
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Hondaman it seems even though our units are only a year apart there are a few differences that standout, nothing major but mine already has LED lighting inside and on the awning. I have dual plugs everywhere including the microwave. I have 6 power outlets total, 2 in the front bedroom 2 in the kitchen 1 in the bathroom and 1 by the slide and ladder. I also have 2 charging stations, these have a 12v and 2 usb plugs each.

I usually camp at hookups or I boony in the middle of no where and run my dual Yamaha setup.

I just ordered a water filter and pressure regulater and XM radio for it too. Well the XM is for my Truck but I have an extra antenna to run in the camper to hook it to the inside/outside speaker system.
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