Sunseeker/Forester Mods, repairs, tricks & tips.

[Blank-FRF]

We have had many campers, travel trailers, and one large toy hauler in our traveling careers. When we decided to make the switch to a motorhome, we looked long and hard and found that the 2019 SunSeeker 3010Ds was the best fit for our needs. Like you, however, there are always little changes and improvements that make life a little easier. Here's some of mine....
1. Better ladder for the upper bunk The wife stepped off the other one and fell all the way to the floor, getting injured badly.
2. Bookcase for the end of the top bunk, with a full size cut out for window, but lots of pukas for books and stuff.
3. I reversed the door on the bathroom, for better quiet for the wife at night, and my more frequent trips when drinking and watching TV
4. Added locks to several cabinets for guns, papers, checkbooks or purses

 

[Blank-FRF]

Sorry about turned pics. I forgot this server is not self correcting. Some more mods...
We have also added lower shelves in the closets
A good quality paper towel holder in the bathroom
Shelf above the bed for the wife's CPAP
Got tired of unscrewing the panel for water heater valve, so steel corner brackets and strong magnets glued to the panel corners

 

[Blank-FRF]

We wanted to save our nice sink covers, so I replaced them with cutting boards. Added a nice dish drainer also. The metal backsplash is a simple clean up when frying foods. Cut 4 inches off the dinette table post, so the table doesn't hit you in the middle of the chest when eating. Also easier to load groceries into the fridge.

 

[Blank-FRF]

We like to kayak and take the bikes for riding, so a duplex insert for the hitch came in handy. First I made brackets out of 3/4" pipe nipples to hold the boats. I made a 2 inch square T-post to fit in the hitch, and attach the kayaks vertically to it. Then the boat inspection people can look and wash them to their hearts content. The bike carrier then plugs into the other receptacle. I can attach my small ladder to the RV ladder, without blocking the license plate or stickers also

 

[RVrover]

backsplash

Thanks for sharing, Blank. Good work. I will copy a couple of your mods and post when done. How is the backsplash holding? What did you use to fix it to the wall? Do you have a link to where you bought it from? Thanks!

 

[Blank-FRF]

Hi. Sorry for delay, on the road heading for AZ. For the backsplash, we couldn't find anything we liked at RV stores. Ended up going to Home Depot in the tile section. They already had adhesive backing and just peel and stick. They have held up great to heat and grease and still look good after 4 years of use. They also reflect some light to all corners under the hood

 

[Blank-FRF]

Last ones. Used 1x8" pine and made a little cubby for between the seats for all our iced teas, water, or tonic. Secure and out of way when you set up. With the wife's bad knees she needs a step at the door, and I wanted it to fit in side compartment but be adjustable also

 

[JWallet]

We have had many campers, travel trailers, and one large toy hauler in our traveling careers. When we decided to make the switch to a motorhome, we looked long and hard and found that the 2019 SunSeeker 3010Ds was the best fit for our needs. Like you, however, there are always little changes and improvements that make life a little easier. Here's some of mine....
1. Better ladder for the upper bunk The wife stepped off the other one and fell all the way to the floor, getting injured badly.
2. Bookcase for the end of the top bunk, with a full size cut out for window, but lots of pukas for books and stuff.
3. I reversed the door on the bathroom, for better quiet for the wife at night, and my more frequent trips when drinking and watching TV
4. Added locks to several cabinets for guns, papers, checkbooks or purses

Great ideas! I can relate to the ladder. Nice job!

 

[RVrover]

Mod 34: New MODe of transportation

Happy Spring Sun Seekers! I went electric and got this E-bike beast. It can travel 120+ miles on one charge but weighs 130 pounds! So, a sturdy but low profile carrier was in order. See attached. I will update you if any snafu, but I expect none.

I paired it with this secure hitch pin. I am getting a lock like this among other measures of security to keep my bike where it should be.

Installation video: https://www.amazon.com/vdp/0f37d094...B0CLTT2TQR&ref=cm_sw_tw_r_ib_dt_bo2ApKKux8m4g

Bike Video: https://youtu.be/pfDLWO2gIQ8?si=cG44GhI3jREUeX2o

 

[billwww3]

Has anyone done any mods on the drivers side rear compartment to store tools? i have hoses and cords hanging but that floor is so wonky shaped and i have possibly/probably/definitely overstocked with jack, air compressor, impact wrench, sockets, pliers and the ever growing ETC!! category. along with spare liquids, adhesives, tapes, never ending caulks.
It might be the heaviest corner of the vehicle, excluding the driver. ;-(
I had a toolbox in there but it was most inconvenient with lid and tray. have not found the right fit yet to access most items easily. i cannot imagine it will be perfect but i'm so far from that right now... i need better ideas. I'm going vertical soon with cuphooks on the walls for some of the lighter items.
have entertained the idea of replacing current back wall board with pegboard, although hoses/cords are currently taking up most of that wall.
all suggestions are welcome and appreciated!! photos would be great!

 

[phalexander]

We like to kayak and take the bikes for riding, so a duplex insert for the hitch came in handy. First I made brackets out of 3/4" pipe nipples to hold the boats. I made a 2 inch square T-post to fit in the hitch, and attach the kayaks vertically to it. Then the boat inspection people can look and wash them to their hearts content. The bike carrier then plugs into the other receptacle. I can attach my small ladder to the RV ladder, without blocking the license plate or stickers also

How do you avoid getting ticketed for not having a visible license plate?

 

[kenandterry]

How do you avoid getting ticketed for not having a visible license plate?

License plate attaches to a mounting bracket below the right hand taillight, which can’t be seen in his photos showing the kayaks attached in post #84 and 87.

 

[RVrover]

Mod 34: Update to Bike carrier

I got a new bike and carrier I mentioned before. After many attempts to find the perfect cover for my new E-bike during transportation, I finally found a very good one that checks almost everything I need. See attached how I tied down the bike, covered it, secured the cover using a bungee cargo net, and added lights for more visibility. My setup requires no added light as the taillights are away from the cover. Same for the license plate. If you need the lights, then my setup is a good option. You can also make a photocopy of the license plate and attach it to the cover.

Here is all of the needed hardware, price & links:

• 400LBS Hitch carrier: $165 (It comes with the orange Tie-Down Straps)
• Receiver Lock for 2.0" Receiver: $38
• Bike Cover: $55
  [*]4 x 6 FT Super Duty Bungee Cargo Net: $21
• 60" Truck Tailgate Light Bar: $14
• 7 Pin to 4 and 5 Trailer Adapter: $7
• 5-Pin Flat Wiring Harness with 72-Inch Wires: $11 (extension to the light bar)
• 5 Pin Flat Trailer Wiring Tester: $12 (optional)

I used solder stick wire connectors to solder the light bar to the extension harness. I also added Velcro on the bar and the cover to attach and remove the light bar easily.

 

[JWallet]

I got a new bike and carrier I mentioned before. After many attempts to find the perfect cover for my new E-bike during transportation, I finally found a very good one that checks almost everything I need. See attached how I tied down the bike, covered it, secured the cover using a bungee cargo net, and added lights for more visibility. My setup requires no added light as the taillights are away from the cover. Same for the license plate. If you need the lights, then my setup is a good option. You can also make a photocopy of the license plate and attach it to the cover.

Here is all of the needed hardware, price & links:

• 400LBS Hitch carrier: $165 (It comes with the orange Tie-Down Straps)
• Receiver Lock for 2.0" Receiver: $38
• Bike Cover: $55
  [*]4 x 6 FT Super Duty Bungee Cargo Net: $21
• 60" Truck Tailgate Light Bar: $14
• 7 Pin to 4 and 5 Trailer Adapter: $7
• 5-Pin Flat Wiring Harness with 72-Inch Wires: $11 (extension to the light bar)
• 5 Pin Flat Trailer Wiring Tester: $12 (optional)

I used solder stick wire connectors to solder the light bar to the extension harness. I also added Velcro on the bar and the cover to attach and remove the light bar easily.

Nice neat clean job!

 

[RVrover]

Mod 35: 5 STAR CUSTOM TUNES

I finally took the plunge and bought this custom tune for $420 total after a 10% discount from them. See here for details and some videos.

I am hoping to add maybe more power to the engine, but most importantly better shifting especially over and down mountain passes. I heard and read good reviews about it, but don't have any educated opinions on the subject. Feel free to share your experience and expertise. It is hard for me to judge with accuracy a big difference in performance as conditions change and variables are many unless you test before and after in the same conditions immediately, which I didn't have the opportunity to do. That said, if there is no value in terms of performance improvement while traveling in the Rockies this year, I'll report it.

The little discussed feature in this tune is using the device itself as a gauge/data info center. See the video and photos below.
https://youtu.be/GZ_6nhKaMKg?si=v6CRjuLlI2AlqO1s&t=47

 

[RVrover]

Not a mod, but good to know

I had an issue one time with the bedroom slide that an RV shop wrongly diagnosed as bad motors. No surprise! So, I took the time to research the issue and all I needed is to reset the slide.

I uploaded the manuals and added some helpful videos, if and when you have trouble with the bedroom slide. Happy camping.

 

[RVrover]

Mod 36: Stick-On Style Wireless Entry Keypad

I mentioned that I have Keyless entry to the RV here. I decided to add another Keyless entry to the Ford chassis. There are two options:

1. Discounted, but sometimes available ($90): FORD OEM ES7Z14A626A

2. Current available model ($120): Ford OEM KB3Z14A626A

It is easy to install as seen in the video below. It worked seamlessly on my 2017 Ford E-450. You can lock, unlock, and activate the alarm from the pad, the same as you can from the fob. Now, I dropped the fob from my keychain.

I think the cost is high for the product but okay for the peace of mind of ensuring multiple keyless access points in case I forget my keys inside, which happened once despite being very careful, or when I don't want to carry keys when I am on a hike or bike ride for example.

I used to carry a lockbox to put a spare key inside. Now, having these two keyless options, I don't see the need for it unless I want to leave someone something to pick from there. It is another idea to use if you don't want to spend the money on one or two of those options.

 

[Rbertoia]

From day one, it was apparent that my RV was built too far from the rear axle. I had to put these hitch protectors early on. It got worse with time as you see from the photo. Dragging and getting stuck become an everyday event to avoid. Finally, I decided to bite the bullet and get a lift kit that guarantees up to 6" clearance and promises better handling and steering. It also allows me to install bigger tires, which my OEM rear tires were due for replacement anyway. Bigger tires were reported to give another 2 inches clearance. Homer Vista reported good results and satisfaction regardless of the sticker shock, which I share with him.

This is a $10K mod necessity, not a choice. $5,420 for parts (including an optional $320 steering stabilizer), $650 shipping (and/or taxes if you live in CA) + $170 to ship the core back to them or you will lose $500 core deposit. Installation, drive shaft and wheel alignments plus taxes will run you another $3K. Add 7 new tires (optional) and you make the $10K easily. I'll report back once installed and driven. Mine should look something like the application video below.

Until then, check the following especially if you have similar issues:

- Components: https://youtu.be/v-8GXS12kp4?t=297
- Installation: https://weldtecdesigns.com/wp-conte...a-Grocery-Getter-CPP-Instruction-Manual-1.pdf
- Align the Driveshaft: https://youtu.be/9xX6yal7pCA
- Application: https://youtu.be/8O1IYhBFixo?t=36

It’s been a year since you added the Weldtec suspension. How it working out? I’m considering it for my 2023 Forester 3011ds. I’ve already lost a Snap Pad due to dragging rear end. Thanks !

 

[RVrover]

It was worth it

It’s been a year since you added the Weldtec suspension. How it working out? I’m considering it for my 2023 Forester 3011ds. I’ve already lost a Snap Pad due to dragging rear end. Thanks !

I love it. Its handling, clearance, and bigger tires give me more confidence and comfort than ever before. It is one of the best two options out there to address the suspension issues.

They brought a minor recall issue regarding the Ford leaf spring shackle to my attention even before I noticed it. See the attached photos and PDF. They supplied new shackles, arranged for my appointment with the shop, and paid for the labor, no questions asked.

It is highly recommended. If you overload your RV, ask for the bigger-rated leaf spring when you order.