DOZENS of Van Mods you can do!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 มิ.ย. 2024
- See dozens of great modifications to owners 2021 Winnebago Travato 59GL that you can do to increase your Van Travel happiness.
MODS
Lift
Suspension
Tires
Wheel
Brush guard
Lights
Tire mount
Brake light
Ceiling lights
Awning switches
Switch guards
Galley sink
Galley faucet
Tire pressure monitoring system
Dash camera
Engine computer
📚 R E S O U R C E S 📚
www.winnebagomotorhomes.com
www.winnebago.com
FREE DOWNLOAD of FULL LIST of MODS
gosmalllivelarge.com/wuw
LIFT & SUSPENSION
Off Highway Van
www.offhighwayvan.com/
BIKE RACK
Chassis Fab, by owner Jeff Moore
www.chassisfab.com
BACK DOOR STOP
By Summit Products
www.summit-products.com/index.htm
WINDOW COVERS
By Van Made Gear
vanmadegear.com
⏰ V I D E O T I M E P O I N T S ⏰
00:00 Intro
00:43 Meet the Owner, Roger
02:39 Van lift, suspension, tires
04:07 Brush guard and lights
07:03 Spare tire and bike rack
07:56 Extra brake light
09:04 Cargo door stop
10:09 Utility closet
12:12 Safety door pull
15:24 DEMO Rolef bug screen
17:23 Interior lights
18:21 Table resized
20:23 Switch guard
22:36 Pantry and trash can
23:43 Galley sink and faucet
27:09 Bedroom mods
29:40 Sink cover
31:05 Patio door pull
33:12 Volta Pure3 lithium energy system
35:02 Chassis cab TPMS, dash cam, computer
38:53 Download list of mods and resources
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FAST FWD using TiME POINTS in video description to your Points Of Interest. ***??? What is your favorite mod made by this Travato owner? DOWNLOAD MOD LIST & RESOURCES gosmalllivelarge.com/wuw More info and in-person events at www.GoSmallLiveLarge.com.
So many great ideas! Especially love cutting off the table on the wall side, so smart!
I'm trying to find a list of every mod and where to get them in the video but I can't find one. Primarily, I'm interested in the lights in the cab, i.e the dimmer option, and also the 3D printing template for the rear camera, I want to protect it from glare and dirt. Thanks. Great video!
Roger is a genius great mods, love that sliding door trick, great video Scott!! 👍😎
roger rocks !
Thank you so much for your generosity! This was an outstanding video. I LOVE Engineers...
Thanks for watching and the complement. Glad you enjoyed the video. Roger
Man, that was an in-depth tour. There were some easy-win gems in there.
Hi AVE team. Agree with you ! See you in Feb in FL for Florida Vanlife Gathering at www.FloridaVanlife.com
Here is a smart old fellow. Damn he has thought of all the little things that make life easier. very helpful. Thanks.
right on
Most of us old geezers are pretty darned smart!😁
This guys mods are so useful and smart! The manufacturers should watch this video!
Glad you think so!
I have watched this video more than once to remind myself of utilizing some of his mods ! Sharing creativity is the most rewarding part of RV'g and I thank you and this 'techi' for sharing !
Hi Janet. Glad you enjoyed. And a HUGE thanks to Roger and Sharon for sharing their mods to their Winnebago Travato GL, Discovery. Journey on !!!
Thank you Roger and Jane. Lots of great mods and ideas. Especially love the tip on closing the slider door. Going to have to try that. Happy travels. Thanks Scott for bringing us another interesting van tour.
Agree with you Cheri on the door closing tip !
Great job, guys. Absolutely great job. Mods were awesome, some genius. Handle on door, brilliant. Well done. Thank you.
Truth well said, J A W
Nice collection of mods by a nice owner! Thanks for sharing.
Truth, well said
Great job you two ! Passionate folks sharing informations and knowledge !! Tks a lot for the ideas
Roger rocks !
Thank you Scott. As always, a great video. My wife got a kick out of Roger. He reminded her of ME. Engineers and Accountants are a stickler for details and overthink on just about everything. Great mods on your van Roger & Jane!
right on ! Thx for wathcing
Enjoyed seeing another van. It was all so good
Thx Melanie !
Love this video! This van is a very good build! Love the ideas! Thank you for sharing!!
Thanks for watching!
Thanks so much for this video - loved it - especially the door mod. I have just bought a ‘new’ van & it has that kind of door & i was dreading wrestling with it - now I’m excited to try it out. Thanks Roger
Howdy. Roger did some amazing Van Mods !
Great video! When I was thinking about the Travato I was thinking about the light color but that walnut looks really nice! Y’all have me really thinking about that spare tire setup, my spare is under the van - glad to have one but not convenient if needed. repurposing the bike rack mount is a perfect spot for it!
Have you ever lifted a spare wheel off the back of a van? Those wheels are very very heavy. The winch under the Promaster is easy to use. Try it before you need it.
Thx Frisco T !
Beautiful video and tips ☺️ thanks Scott
you are welcome Andrea. Thx for wathcing
Well done both!
Thx Patrick, Roger so smart!
Great video review. He had a number of useful ideas. I downloaded his list. Best one was the handle on the sliding door. Im doing that one this week.
Terrific
Great share. Great Discovery....too
Well said Sam :)
Awesome modifications. Hope Winnebago is watching.
Truth, well said
That’s one cool dude. Thanks for your videos.
Thx Mike
Wow! Those are some great mods. There are even some great ideas in there for us K owners.
Indeed. Hi Kim n Tim !!
Hello my friend, this is the best mod video you ever made. Stay thirsty my friend.
Appreciate you TBB
Great show.
Thank you Mike
Cool choices
Agree with you
Thx. Nice mods.
Sherrian !!! Hi Mike
Y’all need to get to the interior more quickly!! 😄 This is so pretty! Who wouldn’t want to travel in this rv?
Understood. Great idea. Have you seen my video about Urban Van Camping video th-cam.com/video/2lh1bNdZHNM/w-d-xo.html
Great idea to close the slider.
Hi Rich !
Double like! Love it.
Yay! Thank you!
I need the glasses holders 😁👍
LOL
Awesome!!!!
Right on !
Now I know exactly where to install that interior door handle that I bought a year ago!
Yes Lynn. roger helped put mine in, video coming soon !
Excellent video Scott! I have a Coachmen Beyond, and got 3 takeaways I plan to use.
1. The black Zero-G black tank hose instead of the very rigid orange hose I have which will save space in my limited "garage" behind the couch.
2. Using a water pressure regulator for the black tank flush. I use one for the fresh water but forgot to consider one for the black tank.
3. How to close the side door. I have a Ford Transit but found the simple push at the back of the door when closing from the outside works, instead of a fast slam! Not sure if I will be able to install a handle on the inside, but that would be great if I could.
Thanks again for such a practical video.
And, Mike, that is the point. We learn… we share… you decided what is best for your mode of Van travel
Great ideas! Thanks Roger for sharing and Scott for bringing it to us. Love the name of the van! Roger, please share more about that rear view mirror. Is it a Winnebago add on or something you added? How does it do with oncoming traffic at night? Is it all washed out due to headlight? I’m trying to find a good solution that auto adjusts for bright headlights.
Hi Richard. Thanks! RAM added the electronic rearview mirror to the Promaster in the 2021 model year. Headlights do wash it out some but still no issue seeing traffic behind you at night. Still mostly use the side mirrors and backup camera when backing up, day or night. The rearview camera wide view makes things look closer than they really are when backing up. It does help see branches or other elevated obstructions that may be an issue when backing up. I really like it. Roger
Hi Richard
Thank you for this amazing video! Great mods, so many great ideas. Do you have a link for the interior light upgrade? Didn’t see it on the list. Thank you!
Hi Kim. Thanks for watching. Unfortunately the list I gave Scott is already out if date :) I purchased the lights from Amazon but it appears they are no longer available. However, I do see similar lights under search “12 Volt LED Ceiling Dome Light, Dimmable Disk Light for RV”. Hope that helps. Roger
Thank you Kim for watching. Roger is amazing !
Thx for watching Kim. Roger is amazing right !?
Love all his mobs. wow
you got it Robb
@32:40 is a really cool thing to know. I've never seen anybody do that.
Great !
Great mods! My wife and I have a 2021 GL and really love those mods. Question: can you please provide more info on the power switch for the awning? Information where the switch can be purchased and a wiring diagram would be awesome. Thank you and take care.
Hi Chris. The Carefree BT12 Control Module has an on/off function built in. Winnebago does not use that function (don’t understand why). The BT12 is located behind the awning control switches. Can access by removing the bottom two drawers under the stove. The violet wire(top right) is the on/off trigger. 12 volt applied is on, no power is off. Winnebago hard wires thus lead to a 12 volt source so awning is always on when Volta (or battery) is on. I cut this wire and installed a lighted switch in between. The switch is a standard lighted rocker switch. Amazon has a wide selection. Need to attach a ground wire to the switch for the switch light to function. All that said, it appears Winnebago will be issuing a recall for unintended deployment. You may want to wait and see what their fix is.
@@janedoran1157 Jane, thank you so much for the info. I just copied the rear door mod. Awesome!
Thanks Chris !
Hello- love your coach! Can you please provide a better link for the back door stop device? The link provided seems to be a rabbit hole. Thx and blessings 🙏🏻
Oh goodness.. were you using this file download, gosmalllivelarge.com/free-downloads Last file on the bottom
Great video and amazing mods. We have 21KL and I'd love to make some of these mods. I really liked the 3D printing mod for the rearview camera (the horn looking mod). I didn't see that on the list. Where could I buy that? I also loved the silicone cover over the stovetop. We currently use a drying mat, but I like the silicone even better. I saw the description in one of the other comments, so thanks for that! Beautiful van!!
I would also like to find out where to purchase the surround for the camera.
Thanks Chris. The rearview mirror camera cover came from alienenterprise,net (Will Phelps - fellow Travato owner). We also have his larger sliding door handle and fresh water tank drain plug. Love them all. Roger
Thanks! Ordered surround just now..
@@janeroger5258 Thanks Roger!
Roger and Jane rock.. Discovery is a sweet ride :)
I know it is cheaper to buy a Winnebago Travato, but I purchased a 2020 RAM ProMaster 2500 HR 136-WB about three years ago, and I am slowly making it into a stealthy RV. I want to add a push bar for aesthetics, but it'll ruin the stealthiness. I added the same broomstick holders to my van as well. They're pretty handy. I am going for stealth, functionality, and minimalism. But yeah, next time, if there is a next time, I'll buy a pre-fab Winnebago Travato. lol
Thanks for watching and commenting. You have a lot more ambition than I :) Love the idea of a stealth van RV. Best of luck with your build! Would love to see a tour on TH-cam :) Roger
@janeroger5258 Thanks! I added the brush guard. I'm considering buying the German-made CAILLY CAMPER VAN KIT (TH-cam it!). I'm an over-the-road expediter, but I also use my van to go camping. This kit allows me to use my van as a work van and RV, at least from what I've seen.
Really great add ons. Question though... what did he use for his glasses holder. I've been searching for what it could be. I have glasses and they end up in my bed every morning... would love to use something like this.
Not sure
Hi Krista. Thanks for watching and commenting. They are MGQFY sunglass holders for car dashboard purchased from Amazon. Simple and inexpensive. Roger
Do Roger and Jane have a website, youtube channel, or etc? Would love to support / follow their journey as well. Great ideas from them, thanks for documenting.
Hi Brad. roger and Jane do not have a channel nor website. You can download their mods list here… gosmalllivelarge.com/free-downloads Last file on the bottom
Great mods!
How does the van handle in strong cross winds with these mods?
Hi Dan. Actually think she handles a little better after the Off Highway Van 3” lift and Bilstein shocks/struts. I attribute this to the heavy duty Bilsteins. Really like the extra clearance and piece of mind the lift provides. Roger
@@janedoran1157 Thanks for the reply Roger. I'm really impressed with your mods. My Amazon wish list really ballooned after this video 😃
Have you looked into adding another lithium battery on the 59gl? Is it possible diy?
Hi Mike. Unfortunately it is not possible to add the fourth battery module to an existing unit. I’m told there are too many changes required to the Volta system. Roger
Mike, as R n J state, adding another battery module to the pack is not possible. Current Travato owners have the option of ordering the 4th model at time of sale from the factory
I really love the tire rack which can put on top of the bike rack. However, the website is no longer available...Is there any other website that I can order the tire mount kit?
Thanks for watching. Purchased ours from Chassis Fab. Don't know if they still make them. I understand Summit (makers for the roof rack) makes a similar mount. Roger
Where did they find the silicone cover for the stovetop? I did not find it in the list. Also, thumbs up for the handle on the sliding door and changing out the mattress using the original cover! Very interesting video…wish we could have seen all the mods on the list.
Hi Sheri. Stovetop cover is a Gasare, Extra Large, Thicker, White Translucent, Silicone Counter Mat from Amazon. Trimmed to length with scissors. Roger
@@janedoran1157 Hi Jane & Roger. 2021GL here... I did not see the mattress change discussed. Went back and rewatched. TY for sharing
@@SCP-SAM Hi Sam. We didn’t want the video too long so didn’t cover all the mods. We really like the layered foam Beloit Mattress installed in the stock Winnebago cover. Very comfortable and inexpensive. They custom made a mattress for our prior class B (Roadtrek 170).
@@janedoran1157 TY Jane...did they have to custom make for the GL or something I can order from thier website? TIA...
@@SCP-SAM The mattress company is local and relatively small. We gave them the mattress and they removed Winnebago’s foam and replaced with their custom layered foam. Very comfortable. We discussed having them make a whole new mattress but they said Winnebago’s cover is pretty good, especially with the way it folds. However, they were not fans of Winnebago’s mattress innards. Shipping cost may be an issue if you have them do it. Maybe there is a company close to you that can do the sane thing. Name of the company we used is Beloit Mattress Company, Beloit, WI.
what about the rearview mirror that is actually a camera... its not listed on the mods... any info on that? we have a van with no rear windows and i am a little unsure about no rear view mirror
Hi Candy. Thanks for watching and commenting! RAM introduced the electronic rear view mirror with the 2021 model year. It was standard on our 2021 Travato. We do really like it. There are various aftermarket electronic rear view mirrors available. Hopefully you can find one that works for you. Roger
Hi Candy. Glad Jane answered your question
Just checked out those shades for my Transit and they look really nice but very pricey.😳
USA 🇺🇸 made is an investment VS cheap china 🇨🇳 stuff maybe?
Are they new or used. I'm looking for a preowned camper van
The owners bought their Travato new. RVTrader.com is a great resource for used RVs
@sondrajoyce I might be selling mine or renting it soon, I'm still deciding. 2022 Travato 59GL
@sondrajoyce8810⬆
Mod list? Where?
The mid-seats look like a mod. Much more comfortable than stock.
Hi Grant. Those were the stock dinette seats. Winnebago changed them for the 2022 model year. Roger
@@janedoran1157 Thanks Jane, I get the 2022 seats may be considered safer, but your seats look more comfortable.
“Old” bench is very comfy and converts to a bed. That iteration has lap belts. Funny thing is current 59G floor plan seats 4 in 3-pt seat belts, but can only sleep 2, maybe, depending on one’s size adn keep patterns
Where can I get the shade cover for the rearview mirror camera that looks like a horn? The owner said some guy prints them on a 3D printer. Who? Contact info?
Thanks for watching. The review camera came from Alien Enterprises. Roger
Why do people use a separate hose for the san-t-flush inlet? Water flows *into* that port, not out; so why would a separate hose be needed?
Thanks for watching and commenting. You are using the back flush hose at the dump station using non-potable water. Not exactly a sanitary environment. Good probability of hose contamination. Also no guarantee you wont get splash back contamination from the tank if the check valve fails. Not worth the contamination risk in my opinion. All RV manufacture tank flush instructions I have seen over the years include the use of a separate hose. Roger
@@janedoran1157 Thanks for your reply. I've only ever used the back flush hose connected to the same tap that I would use to fill my fresh water tank. But I'm a newbie. Am I supposed to be looking for a separate water tap at dump/fill stations to be used for the san-t-flush?
Also if the check valve failed since there is water flowing out of the hose into the san-t-flush what is the mechanism that would cause anything to go from the inside of the black tank into the hose? The hose has positive water pressure during any instant where a splash could occur.
@@zantetsu8674 Hi. Most dump stations we’ve used only have a single water tap slated for black tank flush - most marked as non-potable. Fresh water fill is in another location, many very close by. We have run across a few with a separate fresh water fill at the dump station a few feet from the flush valve. Usually they are clearly marked. We only use fresh water hose connected to fresh spigot to fill our tank. Try to minimize potential for cross contamination. Also use a pressure reducer on both and a sediment filter on the fresh. This is just how we handle dump and fill and our logic behind it. Does not mean it is correct and definitely is not the only way. You should do what works for you. Splash back can happen anytime even while driving, contaminating the water hose connection port. Just not worth the risk in our opinion (again only our opinion). Find a process that works for you and makes you comfortable.
Other replies said it well
The tank valves are EXPOSED? Yikes, that is a MAJOR ISSUE! Frozen dump valves are a pain in the bum, and expensive to repair (if the plastic cracks). Also, it would be nice if the macerator also worked on the black tank as well. I like this RV! Winnebago is definitely upping their game! This mans improvements are wonderful!
You are correct Erin on Roger’s mods. Regarding your valve comment, most if not all RVs, have their waste tank valves “exposed” because gravity is needed to empty the tanks. If in cold weather an RVer would interior their rig and not use those valves. Winnebago makes a fine rig .
@@gosmall.livelarge -- I am not sure what you meant about "RV'ers would interior their rig." Do you mean store it inside somewhere?
Hi Erin. Thanks for watching and commenting. This is really a three season RV. I think Scott meant the the van would be winterized when temps are below freezing. Below freezing for a few hours at night is not an issue as long as it warms above freezing during the day. Our tank and drain lines do have heating pads that will help. Some do use their vans in prolonged sub freezing temps but have them winterized, don’t use the onboard water system, and flush the toilet using antifreeze bottles. Majority of small RVs have their drain valves exposed as Scott noted. Even those with doors are usually open at the bottom. Personally I prefer gravity dump over a Macerator. Gravity never fails :) All our prior RVs were gravity dump. Macerator pump on the Travato G & GL is used to pump the gray water over the rear axle to the dump valve. Roger
Why does the screen door have a zipper and magnetic strip?
Keep tension as the magnets are what give way for entry exit (i think )
@@gosmall.livelarge Perhaps. They seem to follow the same exact path, only an inch or so apart. That’s why it seems redundant.
Hi. Thanks for watching and commenting. Not sure I understand your velcro question. The screen door has a magnetic strip next to the zipper on the reward side. That allows easy entry/exit with the screen down (do not need to unzip/zip). We really like that feature. Please let me know if that does not answer your question. Roger
Hi Roger; thank you for replying. I rewatched to make sure I was clear. I misspoke at first - mentioning Velcro - which obviously isn’t included. :) My questions is: why does it need a zipper in addition to the magnetic strip, since the magnetic strip would let pets, etc., out anyway, as you guys discussed. It seems like the zipper is unnecessary. Without it, you wouldn’t need that little strip between the zipper and the magnetic strip. You could just pull apart the magnets, roll up the screen like you already do, and seemingly have the same functionality. What am I missing?
@@ChrisW228 The magnetic strip is metal (a magnet) and fairly ridged. It will not roll up. Also being ridged makes it much easier to open and close when walking through. It self closes and seals behind you. Hope that helps. Roger
Jane and Roger are awesome. Let me know if you want to do mods on our 2021GL. Lol.
Hi Catherine! Thanks for the complement 😊. Be happy to help you with some mods. Would be fun! Roger
@@janedoran1157 we are pretty close when you are at home base. 😉
@@catherineheidrich2972 Yep. Which mods should we do??
roger may have himself a new biz as a retiree! But please, get in line behind me !!! LOL
Did you forget the bathroom?
Thanks for watching and commenting. So many mods so little time :) We did not want to make the video too long. We did discuss the bathroom mods in the live WuW Jane and I hosted on November 9th. You can check out the TH-cam replay. Roger
So many mods. So little time. As Roger mentioned they added a few during their Guest Hosting of What’s Up Wednesday!? A few weeks back.
Zooming in and out unnecessarily.... is overkill nauseating 🥺 otherwise so informative 🤗
Dramamine tablets on the way to you! Thx for sticking through the video
Did I miss a toilet?
Hi. There is a wet bath with sink, shower, and toilet. It’s behind the silver track door to the rear of the kitchen. It is a nice size bathroom for a class B van. Roger
59G Travato has one of the largest fully functional wet bath bathroom is the camper van space. Thx for watching and commenting
The cameraman moves too much that interferes the viewers.
Sorry about that. Check out my video on Urban Van Camping… th-cam.com/video/DamOaRoTs0Q/w-d-xo.html
Really disappointed in this video. Wanted to see the fridge/freezer. how the bed operates and especially the bathroom. All the technical stuff was a waste of time except for technophiles. Women care about day-to-day operation of appliances, beds & baths.
Thx Joy. Video was about various van modifications, not a general Van Tour video. Thought the video title was obvious? Sorry you felt mislead. Plz give me another chance