Thanks, for the video! I liked the ideas you shared! One idea I wanted to share is an accumulator tank for your water system! It reduces the cycling for the water pump and eliminates pulsing and knocking at low flow rates. These are inexpensive and easy to install! And, they will extend the life of your water pump - because, the frequent cycling on and off is what causes the damage.
These are all awesome suggestions and, as an experienced RV'er, are definitely quick and easy mods that you want to make immediately. I would put swapping out the mattresses on this last, as well.
In our 25+ RV years I fully agreed with your suggestions... one that many people miss though is to UPGRADE the FIRE EXTINGUISHERS 🧯, Also, have one in each sleeping area. Your life might depend on it!
As usual, great suggestions and teaching. We installed a .05 full coach H2O filtration system a few years ago and will never turn back. More than just sediment, a .05 filtration system also eliminates 99.95% reduction of Cryptosporidium and Giardia cysts. Water tests bare out the claimes.
Last 2 campers (including the one we just got) I replaced simple On/Off light switches, for the LEDs, with dimmer switches. Nice to be able to turn lights up and down as needed. I also installed a toilet supply line to my water heater drain so I don't have to pull the plug to drain (and get that water away from the camper when draining)
You done good again AZ man...me too (up north) Only thing I would add on a vent cover make sure it has a screen and it can be lifted (remove pins) so you can clean the vent from the roof. Opps 2 things
Yep I totally upgraded the toilet for a porcelain one with a wood enamel seat. Def plan on getting an Oxygenetics shower head at wallyworld. I added Fantastic fans and two vented rain covers. Also added 360-siphon valves to my vent stacks. Easy fix. I also have a pair of water filters in my kit!
They make a water pure filter that screws right in place of the kitchen faucet aerator or diffuser as you called it. Also we have installed on demand hot water on our RV. BEST UPGRADE EVER!
If by 'diffuser' you mean aerator for the faucet... I'm not surprised that the many RV's do not have those as a stock item. Depending on which RV I buy... certain things I plan on upgrading from the get go.
Absolutely agree but before you install the filler to the water spigot first attach a water pressure regulator. Some RV parks and camp grounds have very excessive water pressure that can blow out water lines causing a lot of water damage and floodings. You can get one at any RV parts place, eBay or Amazon. Can definitely save you on repairs what you spent on the regulator.
I put the vent domes on my vents because a hail storm busted one of my vents and then I had water coming in. The stock vents are not very tough. You totally forgot LED bulbs. You don't have to replace all your cheap incandescent battery killers, just the ones you most use. I replaced the patio light, one main dome, kitchen, bathroom and dinning area 8 bulbs in total and now I have all the light I need and much lower battery draw. Much lower. It used to be the case that if I forgot to turn off the patio light when retiring well that was a 1/4 draw on the batteries with 2-110 amp hour batteries over night. Now it's nothing. Also get rid of that 32 inch plasma TV and buy a 24 inch LED. Turns battery life again on 2-110 amp hour batteries from 1 movie to 4 or 5. Also, add a solar panel and charger. No need to go over 160 watts because the deal is that if it's sunny one is enough but if it's not 2 won't help. But when it is sunny you can go 10 days without pulling out the generator and still charge all your devices, so long as you don't have to do the unthinkable like run the air-conditioner, the microwave, or god forbid a hair dryer. For those things you need shore power or a generator. You simply cannot run an air conditioner on batteries it doesn't matter how many batteries you have.
Water Aerators, most hardware stores carry these, but they are a little hard to find. They need to be cleaned at least once a year, or changed out..Happy Trails !!
the vent covers also protect your vents in hail storms .this may seem minnut but vents broken during a storm that is right above a bed is a lot of work to clean up.
Just a word about the plastic. Plastic came into play in RVs with the push to make them lighter not just cheaper. You always need to consider the weight you may be adding. I use the outside water filter and have a filter on the kitchen sink. I also use a zerowater filter for drinking and cooking. I also recommend a Portable Surge Guard Protector. Could save you a lot of money.
All About RV's Do NOT hesitate on the surge protector! I was handed the case with all of the docs for our rig, and told to read them. In MANY places it recommended a surge guard. Like most, I figured I had this! Yeah, no. Very costly mistake. Buy one. Cheap insurance.
Bob: You are correct with the Surge Protector. It has saved my Rig on 2 separate occasions. Once while plugged in at my RV Shed, and once at an RV Park that was not wired correctly and would have caused serious Damage to my RV. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND the Progressive Industries Surge Protector. This unit is guaranteed for life from Progressive Industries. As I mentioned, I had a major Thunderstorm pass over our property and a large bolt of lightning struck behind my RV Shed. The electrical surge was so strong that it tripped the 60 Amp Breaker in the main power box and also Tripped the breaker in my 50 amp service box to the RV. The Surge was so strong that it actually BLEW the rear cover off the Surge Protector. There is no telling how much damage would have been caused had this gone directly into the RV. Sent the Surge protector back to Progressive Industries and they replaced it with a Brand New one, no questions asked. You SHOULD NOT buy the cheap Surge Protectors offered at Camping World, 1 year warranty and they will not replace them if damaged. This is a MUST HAVE item for your RV.
JFF T Wowww, so good you invested in the quality surge protector. Thanks for your post! ! I got the Surge Guard TRC 34830 30 amp one. Cost 225 dollars on Amazon. We should compare the two. I wonder which is truly better and has the better warranty. I will call them ask of they also give a new one if it gets blown like yours and lifetime too, very nice! !
I would concur with all your upgrades as the first to do. Water filter number one followed by Shower head to Oxygenics. I agree I hate plastic faucets and changing them out makes the world of difference. I also have a china toilet with an enameled wood seat.
Currently, have retired from RV life, cause of medical conditions and small retirement finances. My favorite is a small TOY HAULER; because there's a lot of things you could do in the attached rear garage and if you don't get a fifth wheel toy hauler, just conventional toy hauler, you can always get a new TOW UNIT: Truck or SUV; not out a lot of money compared to the class A or Class C motorhomes. Any types of RV Trailer is having a diversified RV portfolio. I ENJOY the garage portion, great protected garage- patio, plus some have bath tubs and frt kitchen in the floorplan. I hate galley kitchen, traffic flow issues. Garage is great storage for toys, or thro in air mattress, great sleeping. Slide outs are okay, but just another problem, when least expected. Solar panels are must have, better then generator…. Class A Motorhomes okay if you're going to be mobile & lot of bank accounts for infinity of repairs. . They're very expensive to maintain, they have a lot of toys on them, so be ready for breakdowns, warranties are useless. Accessories are known to break break break… If you wreck them, Ins. are very poor to pay out!! Not many mechanics really know how to work on them, expensive $$ beast. Good mechanics are working in union auto garages, not RV garages. Diesels are smelly, both around the patio and smells lurk in to the units interiors. Class C motorhomes are very mobile to get around, sleeper over the cab is a waste of time : either too hot or too cold for good sleeping and if your senior, it's very risky getting in and out of there. Plus if there's two people sleeping up there, the frame over the cab really can't support much activity. Class C is more affordable, less toys on them compared to the Class A & the upkeep is considerable less, plus USA parks are designed to fit class C, not class A. I would prefer a truck frame chassis with a trailer attached to it, because if you don't like the truck frame chassis, always get another one, just remove the trailer, get a new Chev /Ford truck frame, and attach the trailer on to the frame.. Engines are up front, so repairs are much easier. I have: Class A, Trailer and Truck camper. Truck / SUV are the only two of all of the above mentioned units, which have Lemon Law Protections. RV in general, carry no help from the courts and RV warranties, are collection of A-Z products and not insured by one manufacturer. My trailer is great for long length stays in the desert, Class A is okay, but expensive for interstate traveling and my camper has over 500,000 miles on it, as this is my weekend RV and gets a lot of usage. Wish my camper had a Murphy Bed, hate the over head sleeper and most of the time, sleep on floor. Store my units on my property and visit them daily. Ageing, lack of finances, is not our friend for RV’s and traveling. Remember, RV’s are not loved by everyone, there is equal love/ hate for RV’s, as many call us trailer trash. Many cultures invading USA are not warm/fussy towards RV’s. Stellar boondocking is great, when traveling day to day. Prefer to pay to park and received full hookups and use the unit, which is was intended for: FULL HOOKUPS. Remember, there is no LEMON LAW to protect RV units, so off road n boon-dock with caution, as the units are built very fragile & not intended for moon terrain walking. Snow n freezing temps, are not RV best friend, no matter how they are rated, they have no LEMON LAW protection against severe low temps. Here is a question for all RV owners: Do you advertise your bank account finances to the world? Reply: No. So why advertise the cost of your RV to the world, via fancy paint jobs, luxury tow units, luxury tow boats, chrome everything/ anything. RV’s who advertise their wealth, are only advertising to the nation, I have arrived in wealth and heck with your thoughts. Flashy RV’s ruin lifestyles for everyone. Stellar & non-monochromatic downplayed units, fit in everywhere and are less offensive to the nation, which do not have RV’s. We live in a country of extreme biases. Less is really more, when traveling and exploring USA. littlefreelibrary.org/start/ I belong to this free library, allows me to pick up books for free, anywhere in the USA and return to any location. Every city has this and is free and better then internet books. I have spent days in parking lots, using Wifi for free, when many stores and restaurants provide it for free.
Another upgrade that you should consider is a medium sized solar panel and proper charge controller. This will be super usefull when you are not hooked anywhere for a long periode of time, so it do not ruin your battery. Also, if you camp in nature, it allow you to still have power for basic stuff (lights, refrigerator, water pump) without draining your battery (mighty need a bigger panel than medium however). Solar panels ain't that expensive anymore. 50W panel would give about 15-25AH of charge per day if fully under the sun. (calculate 5 hours equivalent of full sun, the power depend on the sun angle...).
That's funny I am doing the same thing. I ended up just changing the head for right now. I think you have to take off the plate that holds the shower 🚿 facets and everything in order to change entire unit. Good luck. I hope we both find an answer soon.
Hack your grill. I see so many grills with 1 and 20 lb cylinders right next to the RV. Take the regulator off your grill, replace it with a quick change, put a quick change on the gas pipe coming from your on board cylinder regulators. Simply plug a quick change hose into the RV and your grill, and never drag cylinders around or run out of 1 pounders again. I love my Q grill running right off my RV.
I just got finished putting in the 55amp version of that you showed in your rig. Mounted it the same way also. It seems to work great. The inline hose filters work great as well. I'm going to be looking into so of the other thinkings you mentioned also. Good video!
The outdoor, cartridge water filters tend to leak at each connection point. The short hose with the coil spring around it does not allow adequate strain-relief. If it's hanging, it's leaking.
I know I am coming in a year late seeing these 5 awesome upgrades, but they are still very relevant. We live in our 5th wheel going on 6 years so tweaks and upgrades go a long way like replacing outr cheap recliners and replacing them with a lazy boy love seat (Sweet Comfort Love).
We purchased a new year-round RV and as you probably know many things were not working well brand new with other things breaking down due to continued use.
Two days ago our furnace went out; thankfully, I was able to use electric heating to buy some time until early spring. Is there any upgrade RV furnace technology out there? Also, my wife and I are tired of 6 gallon water heaters and are thinking about going with an on-demand hot water unit. Any useful information on on-demand hot water systems would be greatly appreciate. I apologize in advance if you have already covered these topics and I missed them. I also appreciate the suggestion of LED bulb replacement by one of your followers.
Since we do a lot of boon-docking our shower head can be turned off. Only problem is hot water rises in the hose so you get a little blast of hot when you turn it back on.
Jim .. Hey, you can do it too. Just go look at some other related videos and then repeat the exact same things they featured and said in your video. For RV's, that the Oxygenics shower heads, water filter, and so on. People never get tired of hearing the same things repeated over and over.
The items you list are among the low grade items one can upgrade... Better upgrades are led bulbs, led outdoor lights, quick change propane lines, Adding in 12v sockets and usb inside and out side. Adding a simple remote solar panel. Adding a maxx air or another like brand fan ( this also include you vent cover. Adding a 12v lcd screen or flip down screen. Replacing your mattress to memory foam. Adding remote tire pressure gauge. Adding back up camera. Adding wifi extender, adding cell phone booster. Upgrading your storage areas. Adding bbq grill mounts or even a mounted griddle.
Water filters, what they filter out and how well they do that varies. I.e. the TastePure filters down to 20 Micron the carbon block we use takes it down to 0.5 micron.
Sandra Stewart that’s true. The smaller or lower the micron of the filter the better filtration. Then of course your shower runs so slow you have to run around to get wet.
I know this is an older video but thought I would comment and let people know that if you put a water filter in don’t use the charcoal filter if you don’t use your camper very often. If you let it sit bacteria will form on the charcoal. We found this out the hard way. We use just the normal string wound filter and if we don’t plan to camp for a while I drain the filter and remove it completely and let it air dry.
Love your vids! Great info and presented clearly with links to the products mentioned. Keep up the great work! Me and my partner are new to owing an RV (I grew up going with the family every year...so, while I'm familiar with living in one, I'm not that familiar with owning one).
thank you...I see a lot of water filters on Rv's. I only use that water for showering, etc. Not drinking. So it would probably be a waster of $ to go with any filter.. Just clear the hose line before attaching to the rig.
Even if you don't drink it you should still have a filter. Wait till you have to replace the heater element in water heater and then you'll know why. I replace mine every six months and that's with two filters.
We use a burkey water filter system. Alas installing a power max battery charger might void the warranty unless you connect to a battery bank by itself. Turn off the converter because it will work against each other. Great vid.
+Jim Davis we just ordered a berkey for our drinking water and looking forward to using it. As far as having to turn off our converter, our power max is a three stage replacement converter compared to the single stage one that we took out that our RV came with.
I actually would like to know the name of the park at the beginning of this video...looks like a very nice one that should go on my list!! Thanks for the great videos by the way...
Thanks for sharing your upgrades! I want to swap out my faucets in Hazel, even though they're not plastic. We already have vent covers for our vents, except for the fantastic fan! Who's idea was that, right? We are definitely getting one for it, too. I love the idea of putting a house filter inline instead of the add-on one we're currently using on our 5th wheel. Thanks!
Just a couple of comments. I certainly agree about buying an RV with an adjustable multistage charger. I also like vent covers. I am not sure I have seen any use for the other recommendations. My plastic faucet has worked well for 8 years of use including a couple of years of full time RV travels. My "cheap" plastic shower head looks just like the one pictured in the video. It works great and enables me to take a complete "Navy" style shower with 1 gallon of water. Try that with your expensive oxygen head. I have never needed a water filter. In years of RV travel I have rarely stayed in any "RV Park". I have never hooked up my RV to a water supply.
F.Y.I The Camco vent cover you cover in your video become very brittle after 2 years of use. Ours fell apart... Your videos are very informative. Thank you!
That’s a bummer that has happened to yours. We haven’t had any issues with the one we put on our rig a couple of years ago, but I’ll keep an eye on it to make sure the same thing isn’t happening to ours.
Love your videos. We are looking to change out the hinges on the cabinets in the RV. Even some of the Latches are not holding up on the rough roads. Any videos and suggestions as to what kinds are better than what comes on the RV?
We are looking to upgrade our 12 year old flat screen tv in our 5th wheel. Do you have to install a 12 volt TV or can we just use a residential 110 volt TV?
Iv'e see a lot of larger storage bins at Walmart for around 8 bucks. I'm just going to cut the end out of one and use the same sealing tape as for installing the vent.
+Tom Wieck the first campground is Pio Pico Preserve Campground (it is a Thousand Trails park) and the second one is Sweetwater Regional Campground (it is a county park in San Diego). These shots were taken shortly after all the rain that California had this past year so everything was green and beautiful. Both of the parks are still pretty but not as green anymore.
Have you added an additional aftermarket pure sine wave inverter or have you experienced that your OEM inverter has been sufficient for your needs? Please advise. Thank you.
I changed my flush toilet to a C Head and if you see how expensive it is to carry all that Black water and Extra Clean Water to flush it, well I saved 700 lbs of weight in my rig just by changing the Toilet My gas ⛽️ mileage is definitely up.
Good to know. I've got a lot of plastic to upgrade. I bought a 23' trailer and I now wished I'd gone for a lot smaller, but I've done signed on the dotted line. I figure I'll try to make the most of it and see where I'm at in 4 years
Put the pressure regulator on first then the filter. I’ve seen where some places have such high pressure it will crack any plastic fittings or filter if they are placed before the pressure regulator.
Yes, you can install any size you like! Just remember, depending on the size of the battery bank, your charge times can be a lot longer, if you get a converter that is too small. For example, if you have four 100 amp-hour batteries and a 25 amp smart converter, it would take 16-24 hours to recharge your battery bank! On the other hand, if you had the same battery bank with a 100 amp smart converter, your charge time is going to be more like 4-6 hours to recharge your battery bank! But, a 100 amp smart converter can charge even small batteries without harming them! So, you can't go wrong by buying a larger smart converter electronically - it's just going to cost more and take up more space!
I bought a Powerdrive PD300 inverter. I was told I have ti use triple 0 gauge wire. Do you think I can add a third battery to shorten the length of the expensive wire? I do not think the truck battery can charge so much.
We just did an install with a 3000 watt inverter and used 2/0 flexible polar wire and kept the distance as short as possible within 2-3 feet. I don’t think adding a battery will help you change the wire size.
John Hicks Sr. Adding a third (or more) battery will not offer any benefit beyond increased charge storage capacity. The reason why both large diameter wire and short run lengths are specified is voltage drop (and consequently, power loss) due to the wire's electrical resistance to current flow. Regardless of how many batteries you have, the electrical resistance of the wire does not change. If you look at the chart on this Wiki page, you can see how dramatically wire resistance increases as wire diameter decreases. For example, 2 gauge wire imposes 60% more resistance than 0 gauge (0.16 milliohms per foot versus 0.10 milliohms/foot) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_wire_gauge To minimize resistance, buy 0 gauge, 100% copper (not copper clad) wire. Also, the terminations can impose more resistance than the wire itself. So it helps if the terminations at the end of the wire are cast or soldered on to the wire instead of being crimped. Lastly, keep the clamped connection points to the wire REALLY clean and tight, as this can impose more resistance than the rest of the circuit combined.
How does your Girard heater like the shower head ? Was thinking about getting one of them but know my heater does shut off if it thinks water pressure is too low. Noticed one is 1.75 and the other 2 GPM. Love the heater though. Got it after watching a couple of your videos. :0)
We don’t seem to have any issues with the tankless and the shower head that we have. The only issue we have had is if the water coming in to the rig is too warm, it has a hard time not heating the water up too much. Other than that though we haven’t had a single issue with it. Hope this helps!
Everything about RV's and Trailers is about GVWR. One lbs over a limit now cost you 10% to 30% more fuel. Its about cutting weight a little here a little there. Some RV/Trailers have so little weight room, or wiggle room in them you can have as little as 500 lbs. Plastic can be very strong and can be 50% to 75% lighter. But adding to many things in will just add more weight and for some big 45' RV's they tend to have bigger weight limits so you can add all that little stuff in to and still have room. GVWR is the most your RV or trailer can have in it, no matter what you add to your unit... My unit has a dry weight of 35,000 lbs dry weight with nothing in it (NO water, propane, gas/diesel, gray water, black water, kitchen things, lugage personal close, computers printers or ever a washer/dryer. RV like coaches you have to add people weight as well that can be 900 lbs). You now have to start adding all this stuff in and you will find very fast that 700 lbs of water, 500 lbs of propane, 900 lbs of fuel, kitchen and close start eating up you limits really fast. Most units have about 2,700 lbs, if you take in peope weight then you take off 900 lbs from that 2,700 = 1,800 lbs, then take off all that other stuff (water, gas and so on) I bet your over the limit... Most are and that comes with a nice fine from the police... You get my point. Add solar will add 40 lbs per panel and more for batterys that can push well in to the 100 lbs each. 4 batterys= 400 lbs... Lighter can cost a lot... 30 lbs batterys can set you back $1000 each but 4 @ 30 lbs = 120 lbs.. huge savings... Plastic is not looking so bad now...
4 years from now I'm still gonna be watching your videos
Thanks, for the video! I liked the ideas you shared! One idea I wanted to share is an accumulator tank for your water system! It reduces the cycling for the water pump and eliminates pulsing and knocking at low flow rates. These are inexpensive and easy to install! And, they will extend the life of your water pump - because, the frequent cycling on and off is what causes the damage.
Great idea!
These are all awesome suggestions and, as an experienced RV'er, are definitely quick and easy mods that you want to make immediately. I would put swapping out the mattresses on this last, as well.
im looking to replace my mattress on my brand new Coachmen. Any suggestions?
Hard to beat this guy on information.
In our 25+ RV years I fully agreed with your suggestions... one that many people miss though is to UPGRADE the FIRE EXTINGUISHERS 🧯, Also, have one in each sleeping area.
Your life might depend on it!
As usual, great suggestions and teaching. We installed a .05 full coach H2O filtration system a few years ago and will never turn back. More than just sediment, a .05 filtration system also eliminates 99.95% reduction of Cryptosporidium and Giardia cysts. Water tests bare out the claimes.
Last 2 campers (including the one we just got) I replaced simple On/Off light switches, for the LEDs, with dimmer switches. Nice to be able to turn lights up and down as needed. I also installed a toilet supply line to my water heater drain so I don't have to pull the plug to drain (and get that water away from the camper when draining)
You done good again AZ man...me too (up north) Only thing I would add on a vent cover make sure it has a screen and it can be lifted (remove pins) so you can clean the vent from the roof. Opps 2 things
Thanks for all the upgrade ideas! Cheap, plastic is definitely a drawback and the RV industry would be wise to listen to your suggestions.
Thank you for the video. Shower head? Damn , that's right. Our's is cracked. I need to change that out.
Thanks for all your videos.
Yep I totally upgraded the toilet for a porcelain one with a wood enamel seat. Def plan on getting an Oxygenetics shower head at wallyworld. I added Fantastic fans and two vented rain covers. Also added 360-siphon valves to my vent stacks. Easy fix. I also have a pair of water filters in my kit!
They make a water pure filter that screws right in place of the kitchen faucet aerator or diffuser as you called it. Also we have installed on demand hot water on our RV. BEST UPGRADE EVER!
I appreciate your videos. I am just starting out and your presentations are clear, concise and practical. Thank you.
Thank you!
BEST upgrade tips EVER! Love that you got to the point, left us links & showed the before & after looks!! Thank you!
+Tarotness thanks!
Our 2nd yr, we added TPMS, LPG tank level scanner, rig LevelMate Pro. Thank you!
I like those 3 better than his 5
@@tbirdracefan back up cameras are awesome
enjoy your channel and the way you present each topic.
I always turn on the water before I hook up the hose. That way I know it runs clear.
GREAT TIP! I bet many people skip this step.
Thanks mate. Nice tips. I like the in-line filter idea. Definitely going to check this one out.
If by 'diffuser' you mean aerator for the faucet... I'm not surprised that the many RV's do not have those as a stock item.
Depending on which RV I buy... certain things I plan on upgrading from the get go.
Tires and wheel balance is a must upgrade most large fifth wheel have crappy 10 ply E you want all steel G 14 ply cant go wrong
Absolutely agree but before you install the filler to the water spigot first attach a water pressure regulator. Some RV parks and camp grounds have very excessive water pressure that can blow out water lines causing a lot of water damage and floodings. You can get one at any RV parts place, eBay or Amazon. Can definitely save you on repairs what you spent on the regulator.
Already ahead of you. I have done all of these things and more.Good advise for new RV owners
I put the vent domes on my vents because a hail storm busted one of my vents and then I had water coming in. The stock vents are not very tough.
You totally forgot LED bulbs. You don't have to replace all your cheap incandescent battery killers, just the ones you most use. I replaced the patio light, one main dome, kitchen, bathroom and dinning area 8 bulbs in total and now I have all the light I need and much lower battery draw. Much lower. It used to be the case that if I forgot to turn off the patio light when retiring well that was a 1/4 draw on the batteries with 2-110 amp hour batteries over night. Now it's nothing. Also get rid of that 32 inch plasma TV and buy a 24 inch LED. Turns battery life again on 2-110 amp hour batteries from 1 movie to 4 or 5. Also, add a solar panel and charger. No need to go over 160 watts because the deal is that if it's sunny one is enough but if it's not 2 won't help. But when it is sunny you can go 10 days without pulling out the generator and still charge all your devices, so long as you don't have to do the unthinkable like run the air-conditioner, the microwave, or god forbid a hair dryer. For those things you need shore power or a generator. You simply cannot run an air conditioner on batteries it doesn't matter how many batteries you have.
excellent video. You are engaging, clear, and very helpful!
Water Aerators, most hardware stores carry these, but they are a little hard to find. They need to be cleaned at least once a year, or changed out..Happy Trails !!
I'm in the process of changing all the bulbs, in my class A to led, saves a lot of battery, if your boondocking
the vent covers also protect your vents in hail storms .this may seem minnut but vents broken during a storm that is right above a bed is a lot of work to clean up.
Very true. That is a good reason to put them on all vents.
Just a word about the plastic. Plastic came into play in RVs with the push to make them lighter not just cheaper. You always need to consider the weight you may be adding. I use the outside water filter and have a filter on the kitchen sink. I also use a zerowater filter for drinking and cooking. I also recommend a Portable Surge Guard Protector. Could save you a lot of money.
+Roy Davis that's a great point and definitely one to consider. We will have to look into the surge guard, thanks for the idea!
All About RV's Do NOT hesitate on the surge protector! I was handed the case with all of the docs for our rig, and told to read them. In MANY places it recommended a surge guard. Like most, I figured I had this! Yeah, no. Very costly mistake. Buy one. Cheap insurance.
Roy Davis really? 3-5 lbs. It's about the money
Bob: You are correct with the Surge Protector. It has saved my Rig on 2 separate occasions. Once while plugged in at my RV Shed, and once at an RV Park that was not wired correctly and would have caused serious Damage to my RV. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND the Progressive Industries Surge Protector. This unit is guaranteed for life from Progressive Industries. As I mentioned, I had a major Thunderstorm pass over our property and a large bolt of lightning struck behind my RV Shed. The electrical surge was so strong that it tripped the 60 Amp Breaker in the main power box and also Tripped the breaker in my 50 amp service box to the RV. The Surge was so strong that it actually BLEW the rear cover off the Surge Protector. There is no telling how much damage would have been caused had this gone directly into the RV. Sent the Surge protector back to Progressive Industries and they replaced it with a Brand New one, no questions asked. You SHOULD NOT buy the cheap Surge Protectors offered at Camping World, 1 year warranty and they will not replace them if damaged. This is a MUST HAVE item for your RV.
JFF T Wowww, so good you invested in the quality surge protector. Thanks for your post! ! I got the Surge Guard TRC 34830 30 amp one. Cost 225 dollars on Amazon. We should compare the two. I wonder which is truly better and has the better warranty. I will call them ask of they also give a new one if it gets blown like yours and lifetime too, very nice! !
Can you comment on water storage, black tank storage and composting toilets for extended boon docking?
I would concur with all your upgrades as the first to do. Water filter number one followed by Shower head to Oxygenics. I agree I hate plastic faucets and changing them out makes the world of difference. I also have a china toilet with an enameled wood seat.
I can't thank you enough for all this wonderful information on your channel. ✌🏼️
Thanks, that is our desire to help anyone we can through our videos
Currently, have retired from RV life, cause of medical
conditions and small retirement finances.
My favorite is a small TOY HAULER; because there's a lot of things you could do
in the attached rear garage and if you don't get a fifth wheel toy hauler, just
conventional toy hauler, you can always get a new TOW UNIT: Truck or SUV; not out a lot of money compared
to the class A or Class C motorhomes. Any types of RV Trailer is having a
diversified RV portfolio. I ENJOY the garage portion, great protected garage- patio,
plus some have bath tubs and frt kitchen in the floorplan. I hate galley
kitchen, traffic flow issues. Garage is great storage for toys, or thro in air
mattress, great sleeping. Slide outs are okay, but just another problem, when
least expected. Solar panels are must have, better then generator….
Class A Motorhomes okay if you're going to be mobile &
lot of bank accounts for infinity of repairs. . They're very expensive to
maintain, they have a lot of toys on
them, so be ready for breakdowns,
warranties are useless. Accessories are known to break break break… If you
wreck them, Ins. are very poor to pay out!! Not many mechanics really know how
to work on them, expensive $$ beast. Good mechanics are working in union auto
garages, not RV garages. Diesels are smelly, both around the patio and smells
lurk in to the units interiors.
Class C motorhomes are very mobile to get around, sleeper
over the cab is a waste of time : either too hot or too cold for good sleeping
and if your senior, it's very risky getting in and out of there. Plus if
there's two people sleeping up there, the frame over the cab really can't
support much activity. Class C is more
affordable, less toys on them compared to the Class A & the upkeep is
considerable less, plus USA parks are designed to fit class C, not class A.
I would prefer a truck frame chassis with a trailer attached
to it, because if you don't like the truck frame chassis, always get another one, just remove the
trailer, get a new Chev /Ford truck frame, and attach the trailer on to the frame.. Engines
are up front, so repairs are much easier.
I have: Class A,
Trailer and Truck camper. Truck / SUV
are the only two of all of the above mentioned units, which have Lemon Law
Protections. RV in general, carry no help from the courts and RV warranties,
are collection of A-Z products and not insured by one manufacturer. My trailer
is great for long length stays in the desert, Class A is okay, but expensive
for interstate traveling and my camper has over 500,000 miles on it, as this is
my weekend RV and gets a lot of usage. Wish my camper had a Murphy Bed, hate the over head sleeper and most of the
time, sleep on floor. Store my units on my property and visit them daily.
Ageing, lack of finances, is not our
friend for RV’s and traveling. Remember, RV’s are not loved by everyone, there
is equal love/ hate for RV’s, as many call us trailer trash. Many cultures invading
USA are not warm/fussy towards RV’s. Stellar boondocking is great, when
traveling day to day. Prefer to pay to park and received full hookups and use
the unit, which is was intended for: FULL HOOKUPS. Remember, there is no LEMON
LAW to protect RV units, so off road n boon-dock with caution, as the units are
built very fragile & not intended for moon terrain walking. Snow n freezing
temps, are not RV best friend, no matter how they are rated, they have no LEMON
LAW protection against severe low temps.
Here is a question for all RV owners: Do you advertise your
bank account finances to the world? Reply: No. So why advertise the cost of
your RV to the world, via fancy paint jobs, luxury tow units, luxury tow boats,
chrome everything/ anything. RV’s who
advertise their wealth, are only advertising to the nation, I have arrived in wealth and
heck with your thoughts. Flashy RV’s ruin lifestyles for everyone. Stellar
& non-monochromatic downplayed units, fit in everywhere and are less
offensive to the nation, which do not have RV’s. We live in a country of
extreme biases. Less is really more, when traveling and exploring USA.
littlefreelibrary.org/start/
I belong to this free library, allows me to pick up books
for free, anywhere in the USA and return to any location. Every city has this
and is free and better then internet books. I have spent days in parking lots,
using Wifi for free, when many stores and restaurants provide it for free.
Another upgrade that you should consider is a medium sized solar panel and proper charge controller. This will be super usefull when you are not hooked anywhere for a long periode of time, so it do not ruin your battery. Also, if you camp in nature, it allow you to still have power for basic stuff (lights, refrigerator, water pump) without draining your battery (mighty need a bigger panel than medium however).
Solar panels ain't that expensive anymore. 50W panel would give about 15-25AH of charge per day if fully under the sun. (calculate 5 hours equivalent of full sun, the power depend on the sun angle...).
Been watching your videos. I purchased an out side faucet to shower off before going inside. How do I figure out where to install it?
That's funny I am doing the same thing. I ended up just changing the head for right now. I think you have to take off the plate that holds the shower 🚿 facets and everything in order to change entire unit.
Good luck. I hope we both find an answer soon.
Hack your grill. I see so many grills with 1 and 20 lb cylinders right next to the RV. Take the regulator off your grill, replace it with a quick change, put a quick change on the gas pipe coming from your on board cylinder regulators. Simply plug a quick change hose into the RV and your grill, and never drag cylinders around or run out of 1 pounders again. I love my Q grill running right off my RV.
I love your videos. I found your channel because I watch KYD. I think your videos are going to help me out a lot as I am an avid DIYer.
water filters are a must
Great advice. You have a great channel for anyone that has an RV.
+Taquito's View of America thank you!
I just got finished putting in the 55amp version of that you showed in your rig. Mounted it the same way also. It seems to work great. The inline hose filters work great as well. I'm going to be looking into so of the other thinkings you mentioned also. Good video!
Best upgrade is a second liesure battery and a solar panel
The outdoor, cartridge water filters tend to leak at each connection point. The short hose with the coil spring around it does not allow adequate strain-relief. If it's hanging, it's leaking.
I know I am coming in a year late seeing these 5 awesome upgrades, but they are still very relevant. We live in our 5th wheel going on 6 years so tweaks and upgrades go a long way like replacing outr cheap recliners and replacing them with a lazy boy love seat (Sweet Comfort Love).
We purchased a new year-round RV and as you probably know many things were not working well brand new with other things breaking down due to continued use.
Two days ago our furnace went out; thankfully, I was able to use electric heating to buy some time until early spring. Is there any upgrade RV furnace technology out there? Also, my wife and I are tired of 6 gallon water heaters and are thinking about going with an on-demand hot water unit. Any useful information on on-demand hot water systems would be greatly appreciate.
I apologize in advance if you have already covered these topics and I missed them. I also appreciate the suggestion of LED bulb replacement by one of your followers.
Since we do a lot of boon-docking our shower head can be turned off. Only problem is hot water rises in the hose so you get a little blast of hot when you turn it back on.
Another 2 big thumbs up for helpful information. Thank you
You are very good at making TH-cam videos. Keep up the good work.
Thank you!
Jim .. Hey, you can do it too. Just go look at some other related videos and then repeat the exact same things they featured and said in your video. For RV's, that the Oxygenics shower heads, water filter, and so on. People never get tired of hearing the same things repeated over and over.
The items you list are among the low grade items one can upgrade... Better upgrades are led bulbs, led outdoor lights, quick change propane lines, Adding in 12v sockets and usb inside and out side. Adding a simple remote solar panel. Adding a maxx air or another like brand fan ( this also include you vent cover. Adding a 12v lcd screen or flip down screen. Replacing your mattress to memory foam. Adding remote tire pressure gauge. Adding back up camera. Adding wifi extender, adding cell phone booster. Upgrading your storage areas. Adding bbq grill mounts or even a mounted griddle.
Water filters, what they filter out and how well they do that varies. I.e. the TastePure filters down to 20 Micron the carbon block we use takes it down to 0.5 micron.
Sandra Stewart that’s true. The smaller or lower the micron of the filter the better filtration. Then of course your shower runs so slow you have to run around to get wet.
@@Iwillnotbepushed Since we run from our tank, not a concern. and flow rate is not all that low...
I know this is an older video but thought I would comment and let people know that if you put a water filter in don’t use the charcoal filter if you don’t use your camper very often. If you let it sit bacteria will form on the charcoal. We found this out the hard way. We use just the normal string wound filter and if we don’t plan to camp for a while I drain the filter and remove it completely and let it air dry.
Maybe add a water pressure regulator to that filter. The absence of one caused me much $ in repairs & flooding.
What me worry ?
Again, ideas are helpful---THANKS!! 🙃😃👣
Love your vids! Great info and presented clearly with links to the products mentioned. Keep up the great work! Me and my partner are new to owing an RV (I grew up going with the family every year...so, while I'm familiar with living in one, I'm not that familiar with owning one).
thank you...I see a lot of water filters on Rv's. I only use that water for showering, etc. Not drinking. So it would probably be a waster of $ to go with any filter.. Just clear the hose line before attaching to the rig.
+c Shep we also only use the water for showers and then for drinking water we refill gallon jugs at an RO station.
So for brushing your teeth you use ...
Even if you don't drink it you should still have a filter. Wait till you have to replace the heater element in water heater and then you'll know why. I replace mine every six months and that's with two filters.
We use a burkey water filter system. Alas installing a power max battery charger might void the warranty unless you connect to a battery bank by itself. Turn off the converter because it will work against each other. Great vid.
+Jim Davis we just ordered a berkey for our drinking water and looking forward to using it. As far as having to turn off our converter, our power max is a three stage replacement converter compared to the single stage one that we took out that our RV came with.
3 months in we are Newbies, thanks for the info 👍
Jantz Road Trippin Have fun! And upgrade your Fire 🧯!
Great tips and easy fixes. Thanks
I actually would like to know the name of the park at the beginning of this video...looks like a very nice one that should go on my list!! Thanks for the great videos by the way...
Thanks for sharing your upgrades! I want to swap out my faucets in Hazel, even though they're not plastic. We already have vent covers for our vents, except for the fantastic fan! Who's idea was that, right? We are definitely getting one for it, too. I love the idea of putting a house filter inline instead of the add-on one we're currently using on our 5th wheel. Thanks!
Em And the Gang Don’t forget to upgrade the Fire 🧯 too!!!
I upgraded my 12 foot travel trailer with a 40 foot toy hauler. And put in a high efficiency shower nozzle.
for the shower head does it have a quick cut off button to save water?
Love the new channel! Great video! Keep 'em coming!
+Dreaming of RVing thank you!
Just a couple of comments. I certainly agree about buying an RV with an adjustable multistage charger. I also like vent covers. I am not sure I have seen any use for the other recommendations. My plastic faucet has worked well for 8 years of use including a couple of years of full time RV travels. My "cheap" plastic shower head looks just like the one pictured in the video. It works great and enables me to take a complete "Navy" style shower with 1 gallon of water. Try that with your expensive oxygen head. I have never needed a water filter. In years of RV travel I have rarely stayed in any "RV Park". I have never hooked up my RV to a water supply.
F.Y.I The Camco vent cover you cover in your video become very brittle after 2 years of use. Ours fell apart... Your videos are very informative. Thank you!
That’s a bummer that has happened to yours. We haven’t had any issues with the one we put on our rig a couple of years ago, but I’ll keep an eye on it to make sure the same thing isn’t happening to ours.
Love your videos. We are looking to change out the hinges on the cabinets in the RV. Even some of the Latches are not holding up on the rough roads. Any videos and suggestions as to what kinds are better than what comes on the RV?
We are looking to upgrade our 12 year old flat screen tv in our 5th wheel. Do you have to install a 12 volt TV or can we just use a residential 110 volt TV?
thanks for all the great tips! keep them coming!!
These are all great upgrades, I still need to change out the plastic faucets and add the roof vent covers but they are on the list.
+CampingwiththeKelly's it's crazy how changing out the faucets makes it feel more like a home as compared to an rv
Iv'e see a lot of larger storage bins at Walmart for around 8 bucks. I'm just going to cut the end out of one and use the same sealing tape as for installing the vent.
Doug Smith chances are the sun will make that brittle.
Great ideas thanks.
THANK U JUST COMING INTO KNOWLEDGE OF TO SpEND NEXT FEW YEARS IN.
K Houseworth Upgrade your Fire🧯 too!
Need to know how to choose the right LED bulb for changing out, since I have an older trailer.
Go on TH-cam lots of videos!!
Your Videos are great! Thank you!
Great info & tips!!!
Keep them coming!!!
Many Thanks!!!
Simple and useful. Thanks!
Very good information and video. Can you tell me what campground/s are at the beginning of your video? They look beautiful.
+Tom Wieck the first campground is Pio Pico Preserve Campground (it is a Thousand Trails park) and the second one is Sweetwater Regional Campground (it is a county park in San Diego). These shots were taken shortly after all the rain that California had this past year so everything was green and beautiful. Both of the parks are still pretty but not as green anymore.
Great job👍🏻
Live your dream!
+Luis Sousa thanks!
Do you have a video on DIY for the roof vents??
Useful information. Thank you.
Thx for sharing!
Great tips, Jarrod; keep up the good work and vids! Y'all Be Safe!
Have you added an additional aftermarket pure sine wave inverter or have you experienced that your OEM inverter has been sufficient for your needs? Please advise. Thank you.
Thank u for ur Video, it’s awesome , may I know if can use sticker for floor.. or it’s better to put wood
I changed my flush toilet to a C Head and if you see how expensive it is to carry all that Black water and Extra Clean Water to flush it, well I saved 700 lbs of weight in my rig just by changing the Toilet
My gas ⛽️ mileage is definitely up.
well said, love & good on ya! thx for the advice!
🇦🇺🦈💙🇦🇺🦈❤️🇦🇺🦈💙
Well the CHead has a few issues so I am using bags in a Lavo
You don't dump your tanks before you roll out?
How about a video to place the kitchen sink!
We would like to do that! We have a new sink to put in ours but we would like to replace the countertops at the same time.
Good information here, Thank you.
Good to know. I've got a lot of plastic to upgrade. I bought a 23' trailer and I now wished I'd gone for a lot smaller, but I've done signed on the dotted line. I figure I'll try to make the most of it and see where I'm at in 4 years
Thankfully it isn’t too difficult to replace the plastic faucets for ones from Home Depot or Lowe’s.
Excellent video. Have done all of these as well!
+CampingFamily that's great!
Nice work, thank you, helpful.
+Northstar7 thanks
Hi. do u connect the rv water filter on the camp ground water connection after the pressure regulator or vice versa
Put the pressure regulator on first then the filter. I’ve seen where some places have such high pressure it will crack any plastic fittings or filter if they are placed before the pressure regulator.
Solar panels and LED lighting
Larry Witte we did the LED lighting in our RV also. Helps greatly in the summer not to mention far better lighting.
if you are using any water from a faucet , you should always run it for a little bit before yoyu fill your tank
5 things I never thought about upgrading.. lol
The smart converter can I install any size (you have I option 35,45,55, 75, 100 amp) I have 33ft Motorhome 2 ac roof units. Thanks.
Yes, you can install any size you like! Just remember, depending on the size of the battery bank, your charge times can be a lot longer, if you get a converter that is too small. For example, if you have four 100 amp-hour batteries and a 25 amp smart converter, it would take 16-24 hours to recharge your battery bank! On the other hand, if you had the same battery bank with a 100 amp smart converter, your charge time is going to be more like 4-6 hours to recharge your battery bank! But, a 100 amp smart converter can charge even small batteries without harming them! So, you can't go wrong by buying a larger smart converter electronically - it's just going to cost more and take up more space!
@@richardowens9061 thank you so much
@@mr.doityourselfandsave4369 You're welcome!
It’s a weight thing too
I bought a Powerdrive PD300 inverter. I was told I have ti use triple 0 gauge wire. Do you think I can add a third battery to shorten the length of the expensive wire? I do not think the truck battery can charge so much.
We just did an install with a 3000 watt inverter and used 2/0 flexible polar wire and kept the distance as short as possible within 2-3 feet. I don’t think adding a battery will help you change the wire size.
John Hicks Sr. Adding a third (or more) battery will not offer any benefit beyond increased charge storage capacity. The reason why both large diameter wire and short run lengths are specified is voltage drop (and consequently, power loss) due to the wire's electrical resistance to current flow.
Regardless of how many batteries you have, the electrical resistance of the wire does not change.
If you look at the chart on this Wiki page, you can see how dramatically wire resistance increases as wire diameter decreases. For example, 2 gauge wire imposes 60% more resistance than 0 gauge (0.16 milliohms per foot versus 0.10 milliohms/foot) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_wire_gauge
To minimize resistance, buy 0 gauge, 100% copper (not copper clad) wire. Also, the terminations can impose more resistance than the wire itself. So it helps if the terminations at the end of the wire are cast or soldered on to the wire instead of being crimped. Lastly, keep the clamped connection points to the wire REALLY clean and tight, as this can impose more resistance than the rest of the circuit combined.
Great video
Thank you for sharing these
great tips.
I'm a new RV I have all them upgrades with a plus in my 2019
How does your Girard heater like the shower head ? Was thinking about getting one of them but know my heater does shut off if it thinks water pressure is too low. Noticed one is 1.75 and the other 2 GPM. Love the heater though. Got it after watching a couple of your videos. :0)
We don’t seem to have any issues with the tankless and the shower head that we have. The only issue we have had is if the water coming in to the rig is too warm, it has a hard time not heating the water up too much. Other than that though we haven’t had a single issue with it. Hope this helps!
Everything about RV's and Trailers is about GVWR. One lbs over a limit now cost you 10% to 30% more fuel. Its about cutting weight a little here a little there. Some RV/Trailers have so little weight room, or wiggle room in them you can have as little as 500 lbs. Plastic can be very strong and can be 50% to 75% lighter. But adding to many things in will just add more weight and for some big 45' RV's they tend to have bigger weight limits so you can add all that little stuff in to and still have room. GVWR is the most your RV or trailer can have in it, no matter what you add to your unit...
My unit has a dry weight of 35,000 lbs dry weight with nothing in it (NO water, propane, gas/diesel, gray water, black water, kitchen things, lugage personal close, computers printers or ever a washer/dryer. RV like coaches you have to add people weight as well that can be 900 lbs). You now have to start adding all this stuff in and you will find very fast that 700 lbs of water, 500 lbs of propane, 900 lbs of fuel, kitchen and close start eating up you limits really fast. Most units have about 2,700 lbs, if you take in peope weight then you take off 900 lbs from that 2,700 = 1,800 lbs, then take off all that other stuff (water, gas and so on) I bet your over the limit... Most are and that comes with a nice fine from the police... You get my point. Add solar will add 40 lbs per panel and more for batterys that can push well in to the 100 lbs each. 4 batterys= 400 lbs... Lighter can cost a lot... 30 lbs batterys can set you back $1000 each but 4 @ 30 lbs = 120 lbs.. huge savings... Plastic is not looking so bad now...
Sounds like the voice of experience and your advice is well taken!
LED lights and solar. That's the most important
Sweet I can’t find your links though!
They should be in the description box area
TY