Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 08-20-2018, 06:39 AM   #1
Site Team - Lou
 
Herk7769's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Eastern PA
Posts: 23,268
2019 Flagstaff 8529FLSC Modifications - Herk

In this thread I will document the modifications I make to our 2019 Flagstaff 8529FLSC.

Luckily, many of my "must haves" (like LED lights and sturdy stairs to name a few) were incorporated by the Flagstaff/Rockwood factory!


To get started, my camper was but a few days old when I replaced the hand rail with a larger handle from Amazon. FYI there are 3 holes in the new hand rail attachment blocks and the right two fit the OEM holes perfectly (top and bottom). The 3rd hole in both blocks will not find aluminum in the 8529FLSC. I drilled a pilot hole and filled the hole with Marine Sealant and installed the 3rd screw into the siding and marine sealant. The installation seems quite sturdy (about like the original). It will not support your full weight pulling on it (just like the original), but as a support to steady you on the stair it is perfect.

As an FYI, though it will work with the extended handle very well in most campers, don't buy the MORryde step handrail for the 8529FLSC. It requires 33 inches of space from the inside door frame to the closest obstruction. The bathroom door is 28 inches away and will not work.

I investigated lowering the OEM rail by cutting off some of the metal and drilling new holes, but the bend occurs where the bottom rail top bolt threads are and misses the 3rd support bolt. It will not be stable with only 3 bolts. Additionally, due to the swing inside, you need to shorten it by over 5 inches. Removing it and reinstalling it every time seems a bad solution.

I may be making a substitute and will document that build if I do it.

I will post here or add links to dedicated threads for each mod as I progress.

Please refrain from posting to this thread so it can be more like a blog. I will photo document as much as possible. If you have a suggested mod, just PM me and I will take a look at it.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	8529FLS floorplan.jpg
Views:	748
Size:	123.4 KB
ID:	183808   Click image for larger version

Name:	Extended Lend-a-Hand Rail.JPG
Views:	868
Size:	46.3 KB
ID:	183809   Click image for larger version

Name:	stair rail.JPG
Views:	743
Size:	18.3 KB
ID:	183810  
__________________
Lou & Freya the wonder dog
2008 GMC Sierra 3000HD Allison Duramax
2019 Flagstaff 8529FL
Herk7769 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2018, 10:46 AM   #2
Site Team - Lou
 
Herk7769's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Eastern PA
Posts: 23,268
2nd Mod

So our old dog Bella was having trouble getting the courage up to navigate the new aluminum steps. Putting on stair covers was complicated by the factory installing a "toe catcher" on the top step and it was a tight slip fit on the top stair.

I needed to drill out the pop rivets and remove the toe catcher and then install the top stair cover. I could no longer install the toe catcher because the metal was too hard to bend around the double thickness of stair cover and the original aluminum. So, I just pop riveted through them both. I added another pop rivet to the top frame.

It worked like a charm and Bella navigated the steps without trouble.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	DSCN1177.jpg
Views:	660
Size:	274.8 KB
ID:	184422   Click image for larger version

Name:	DSCN1175.jpg
Views:	755
Size:	329.4 KB
ID:	184423   Click image for larger version

Name:	DSCN1176.jpg
Views:	664
Size:	362.9 KB
ID:	184424  
__________________
Lou & Freya the wonder dog
2008 GMC Sierra 3000HD Allison Duramax
2019 Flagstaff 8529FL
Herk7769 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2018, 10:53 AM   #3
Site Team - Lou
 
Herk7769's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Eastern PA
Posts: 23,268
3rd Mod

Well, not sure if the installation of our bedroom 13.5K AC at the Rally counts, but it is really nice having a Coleman Mach 15 15K in the main area and a 13.5K Coleman Mach 3 feeding the common ductwork.


What does count is the installation of a Micro-Air Start Kit in both.


The installation was easy as pie and just as I documented on my old trailer.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...5k-154435.html

I am going to finish up the roof AC mods to include sealing the air handlers similar to the "Pimp My Mach 3" thread, but I will be using R-3 self adhesive roll insulation by Frost King instead. I also bought the 1/2 inch tube insulation for the suction lines. You will see this later.



Both AC's were on HIGH COOL. You can actually see the fan come on first and a few seconds later, the compressors start to pulse rotate and come on speed.
At no time did the current needed to start exceed 12 amps on the 13.3 (continuous) rated Honda 2000i.
__________________
Lou & Freya the wonder dog
2008 GMC Sierra 3000HD Allison Duramax
2019 Flagstaff 8529FL
Herk7769 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2018, 11:01 AM   #4
Site Team - Lou
 
Herk7769's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Eastern PA
Posts: 23,268
4th Mod

Re-mounted our "Blue Boy" Thetford 42 gallon tote on the back of the camper using a Thetford ladder mount since there was no room on the bumper for my home brewed mount.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The mount went up easily (though the supports are "handed" and not marked). That resulted in a false start, but was easily corrected.

I found out why the tote's (mod'ed) pneumatic main tires had stopped holding air.

Thanks to Road King for this tip!
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...mod-29831.html

The tire and inner tube had dry rotted in the sun over the years. A quick trip to Amazon fixed that.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	DSCN1170.jpg
Views:	575
Size:	318.6 KB
ID:	184425   Click image for larger version

Name:	DSCN1171.jpg
Views:	575
Size:	261.1 KB
ID:	184426   Click image for larger version

Name:	DSCN1174.jpg
Views:	576
Size:	271.5 KB
ID:	184427   Click image for larger version

Name:	DSCN1172.jpg
Views:	606
Size:	298.6 KB
ID:	184428  
__________________
Lou & Freya the wonder dog
2008 GMC Sierra 3000HD Allison Duramax
2019 Flagstaff 8529FL
Herk7769 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2018, 11:58 AM   #5
Canadian Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Eastern GTA, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 6,233
That's a very easy way to store the sewer tote. So, obviously you don't have any concerns about the weight on the ladder.
__________________
2023 Rockwood Signature 8262RBS
2016 Ford F-250 XLT SuperCrew, 6.2L, 4x4, 6'9" bed
2019 Rockwood Signature 8290BS (2019 - 2022)
2011 Rockwood Signature 8293SS (2015 - 2018)
2010 Rockwood Roo 23SS (2012 - 2014)

itat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2018, 12:58 PM   #6
Site Team - Lou
 
Herk7769's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Eastern PA
Posts: 23,268
5th mod

We loved our washdown sprayer so much and missed it our first camping trip (the Goshen Rally). It was high on my list of "Must Have's". Tracking down the fittings turned out to be more challenging than I thought.

FYI - The "Bidet kits" available at the home stores WILL NOT work. They require 7/8 inch fittings and will only work with home toilets. Our RVs use 1/2 inch pipe fittings. I was back to the original concept but was forced to use brass fittings vice lack of PVC ones.

PS to itat - No, the tank weighs way less than the 50 pound limit on the tote carrier and the ladder supports MY way heavier weight up and down the roof. I will keep an eye on the ladder mount screws as time goes on to make sure they stay secure.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	DSCN1179.jpg
Views:	565
Size:	346.8 KB
ID:	184547   Click image for larger version

Name:	Wash Down Sprayer.jpg
Views:	571
Size:	313.4 KB
ID:	184555  
__________________
Lou & Freya the wonder dog
2008 GMC Sierra 3000HD Allison Duramax
2019 Flagstaff 8529FL
Herk7769 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2018, 01:05 PM   #7
Site Team - Lou
 
Herk7769's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Eastern PA
Posts: 23,268
6th Mod

Added equipment shelf behind Living Room TV and installed the NUC Windows machine, BluRay DVD burner, printer, and 5 drive movie and TV server.

The reef tank goes over well at gatherings.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	DSCN1180.jpg
Views:	495
Size:	280.1 KB
ID:	184549   Click image for larger version

Name:	DSCN1182.jpg
Views:	492
Size:	213.1 KB
ID:	184550   Click image for larger version

Name:	DSCN1181.jpg
Views:	483
Size:	153.8 KB
ID:	184551  
__________________
Lou & Freya the wonder dog
2008 GMC Sierra 3000HD Allison Duramax
2019 Flagstaff 8529FL
Herk7769 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2018, 01:06 PM   #8
Site Team - Lou
 
Herk7769's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Eastern PA
Posts: 23,268
7th mod

Something old …
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	DSCN1183.jpg
Views:	477
Size:	228.4 KB
ID:	184553  
__________________
Lou & Freya the wonder dog
2008 GMC Sierra 3000HD Allison Duramax
2019 Flagstaff 8529FL
Herk7769 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2018, 02:57 PM   #9
Canadian Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Eastern GTA, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 6,233
Quote:
Originally Posted by Herk7769 View Post
PS to itat - No, the tank weighs way less than the 50 pound limit on the tote carrier and the ladder supports MY way heavier weight up and down the roof. I will keep an eye on the ladder mount screws as time goes on to make sure they stay secure.
Thanks, Herk. I'll keep this in mind if/when we eventually move to a 5th wheel!
__________________
2023 Rockwood Signature 8262RBS
2016 Ford F-250 XLT SuperCrew, 6.2L, 4x4, 6'9" bed
2019 Rockwood Signature 8290BS (2019 - 2022)
2011 Rockwood Signature 8293SS (2015 - 2018)
2010 Rockwood Roo 23SS (2012 - 2014)

itat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-31-2018, 07:59 AM   #10
Site Team - Lou
 
Herk7769's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Eastern PA
Posts: 23,268
Not a mod; but

So I took the rig to the shop for a PA inspection and while I was out took a ride CAT scales. All well within limits!

I even weighed each camper axle on its own platform to make sure one or the other was not carrying more than its fair share. They were pretty close and well within their max limit.

Ordered parts for installing an inverter and dedicated inverter outlets. Will install the horst probes when I run the Romex. This will be needed for Florida this winter.


Herk
__________________
Lou & Freya the wonder dog
2008 GMC Sierra 3000HD Allison Duramax
2019 Flagstaff 8529FL
Herk7769 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-07-2018, 08:05 PM   #11
Site Team - Lou
 
Herk7769's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Eastern PA
Posts: 23,268
Misc upgrades and work

Figured out how to get my MP4 collection to the NUC file server.
I am using Resilio Sync to keep the camper's file server synced to the main computer's movie server in the house.

Replaced the Bedroom TV with an LG Smart TV that will play the MP4 files on the NUC server directly using the WiFi Ranger as the internal network. The dumb Toshiba is now a "TV" in the spare bedroom at the house. Needed to buy "legs" since the camper dealer tossed the ones that came with the bedroom TV.

Organized the storage areas and pantry using clear totes.

Hinged the rear storage area panel so I can access the water heater winterization valves and the rear of the 50 amp socket. Waiting for the volt/ammeter displays to arrive by China Packet. Plan to install them right above the main power panel in the hallway.

Ordered 2 - 6 inch wide x 10 foot rolls of Eternabond and a can of spray primer to go with the 4 inch roll left over from our old camper's install. The roof and air conditioner mods are waiting on cooler, dryer weather.

Horst Probes and running Romex to inverter outlets in the Bedroom is another "fair weather" project.
__________________
Lou & Freya the wonder dog
2008 GMC Sierra 3000HD Allison Duramax
2019 Flagstaff 8529FL
Herk7769 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-10-2018, 11:21 PM   #12
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Gainesville, FL
Posts: 4,549
Quote:
Originally Posted by Herk7769 View Post
Added equipment shelf behind Living Room TV and installed the NUC Windows machine, BluRay DVD burner, printer, and 5 drive movie and TV server.
I have an under-utilized HP Stream Mini that I could configure similarly. Can you elaborate on the software setup? How do you control it remotely? Or do you just walk 3 feet to start it before sitting down with your popcorn?
__________________
TV: 2021 Ford F-150 4WD XLT Crew w/ 3.5L EB & HDPP, payload: 2,416#.
RV: 2020 Rockwood Mini-Lite 2507S, Propride 3P hitch w/ 1400# spring bars

Camping nights: 2021, 52; 2022, 99; 2023, 88; 2024, TBD (Est: 80+)

chriscowles is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-11-2018, 06:28 AM   #13
Site Team - Lou
 
Herk7769's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Eastern PA
Posts: 23,268
Quote:
Originally Posted by chriscowles View Post
Can you elaborate on the software setup? How do you control it remotely?

I am using a Bluetooth Keyboard and mouse from the theater seating. Buetooth seems to have better range. I am running Windows 10 and VLC as the MP4 and MP3 player when watching in the living room (just switch inputs from ANT/CABLE to HDMI).

When watching remotely (32 inch LG Smart TV) bedroom TV or outside on hanger mount, I serve the MP4s with UMS (Universal Media Server). I like that better than PLEX because PLEX needs a solid internet connection and UMS does not.

PLEX has better features, but being able to serve movies without internet is sort of the whole idea of bringing them in the first place.
__________________
Lou & Freya the wonder dog
2008 GMC Sierra 3000HD Allison Duramax
2019 Flagstaff 8529FL
Herk7769 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-12-2018, 10:12 AM   #14
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Central Texas
Posts: 13
I use one on my 2018 Rockwood 2906WS. Been using this level for a long time. I can level from my rear view mirror in the truck/1 Very reliable!
olwogo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-12-2018, 02:47 PM   #15
Site Team - Lou
 
Herk7769's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Eastern PA
Posts: 23,268
So the AC voltage displays are installed and working perfectly.

The hardest part of this install was wrestling the 50 amp wires out of the breaker, slipping the donuts on, and replacing them in the breaker. The signal wires were too fine to reliably coexist with the 50 amp wires, so I utilized the next breaker over to supply voltage for the volt meter to monitor.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Tester-AC13...53.m2749.l2649


On to the front storage compartment and the inverter install. The weather may not cooperate before we need to leave for the Grand Canyon.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	DSCN1185.jpg
Views:	387
Size:	355.2 KB
ID:	186268  
__________________
Lou & Freya the wonder dog
2008 GMC Sierra 3000HD Allison Duramax
2019 Flagstaff 8529FL
Herk7769 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-12-2018, 04:17 PM   #16
Broken Toe
 
Cowracer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Imperial (St. Louis) MO
Posts: 3,745
Got a bit of a phase load imbalance going on there, Herk! LOL

Tim
__________________
FROG Member MO-0008-571 Since 20124444444444My Project Blog: https://cowracer.blogspot.com/

"Camper" 2016
Rockwood Signature Ultralite 8329ss
"Casper" 2017 Ram 2500 Laramie Diesel
..ProPride 3P Hitch - "Yeah. It's worth it."
Cowracer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-12-2018, 04:52 PM   #17
Site Team - Lou
 
Herk7769's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Eastern PA
Posts: 23,268
All the same to me. As long as they don’t add up to more than 20 amps I am happy at the moment. Need to upgrade that circuit to 30 amps on the dogbone.
__________________
Lou & Freya the wonder dog
2008 GMC Sierra 3000HD Allison Duramax
2019 Flagstaff 8529FL
Herk7769 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2018, 07:55 AM   #18
Site Team - Lou
 
Herk7769's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Eastern PA
Posts: 23,268
Will try to install the front compartment before we leave.
I chose this inverter for my standby power.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1'

It has a 20 amp internal solar controller and I will route the ZAMP panel input directly to the solar controller so all I will need is a panel or two.

The remote will be routed to the living room in a convenient location. I found access to the area behind the TV is difficult without removing the front cap.

One day I may try to wire fish and pull a Wire Fish tape so getting wires back and forth to that area is easier in the future.
__________________
Lou & Freya the wonder dog
2008 GMC Sierra 3000HD Allison Duramax
2019 Flagstaff 8529FL
Herk7769 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-14-2018, 05:51 PM   #19
Site Team - Lou
 
Herk7769's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Eastern PA
Posts: 23,268
Fridge is done.

I insulated the pantry walls and boxed the coils with high temperature R3.5 aluminum faced foam board (2 layers facing the pantry).

https://www.homedepot.com/p/R-Matte-...4404/100572981

I added two 140mm computer fans and patched them in to the thermostat controlled button switch. They come on when the tiny single fan at the bottom comes on.

As I was closing up I took a look at some water that was collecting on the floor of the fridge compartment. It does not appear to be coming from the drain (which is piped outside like its supposed to). There may be a hole in the tubing.

There was already a lot of corrosion on the screws and connections. I covered everything with 100MPH tape and made a channel to the outside so it can drain away.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	DSCN1186.jpg
Views:	391
Size:	262.5 KB
ID:	186450   Click image for larger version

Name:	DSCN1190.jpg
Views:	321
Size:	281.7 KB
ID:	186451   Click image for larger version

Name:	DSCN1191.jpg
Views:	311
Size:	243.1 KB
ID:	186452   Click image for larger version

Name:	DSCN1189.jpg
Views:	302
Size:	318.0 KB
ID:	186453   Click image for larger version

Name:	DSCN1193.jpg
Views:	296
Size:	270.5 KB
ID:	186454  

Click image for larger version

Name:	DSCN1192.jpg
Views:	368
Size:	337.3 KB
ID:	186455   Click image for larger version

Name:	DSCN1194.jpg
Views:	305
Size:	331.6 KB
ID:	186456   Click image for larger version

Name:	DSCN1195.jpg
Views:	302
Size:	350.1 KB
ID:	186457  
__________________
Lou & Freya the wonder dog
2008 GMC Sierra 3000HD Allison Duramax
2019 Flagstaff 8529FL
Herk7769 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-14-2018, 05:53 PM   #20
Site Team - Lou
 
Herk7769's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Eastern PA
Posts: 23,268
Found a home for my FROG tag.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	DSCN1196.jpg
Views:	290
Size:	317.3 KB
ID:	186458  
__________________
Lou & Freya the wonder dog
2008 GMC Sierra 3000HD Allison Duramax
2019 Flagstaff 8529FL
Herk7769 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
flagstaff, modifications, cat

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Forest River, Inc. or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:36 AM.