Another option might be put an extension to bring the handle out side the compartment and it would be free to go completely around as you turn the drum.
It seems like if you place it more to the center and elevate it, you would still have storage on either side of the reel and be able to use the handle normally. Also, raising it with legs would allow storage under the reel for something small.
Agreed. Some people don't have as much grip strength and need the handle for better leverage, or in my case some arthritic knuckles that don't like to grab as much as they used to.
Thank you for supporting first responders! I retired after 30 years a Rescue Captain and Lead Paramedic up here in Central Texas! Thank you for making these videos I am learning a lot about RV's before I buy one that I will live in full time! I've learned so much from this channel!
The pocket is awesome, and thanks for highlighting the pizza idea it will help to get more folks thinking about ways to thank folks doing jobs that we can never thank enough. My mum used to go to the local bakery, get the largest sheet cake they made, I don’t ever see them that big anymore! Literally take up most of a normal dinner table! She’d take it to our military hospital to thank the corpsmen, nurses, and doctors who not only served our country but our service men and women and their families. So heart warming to see the fun they all had gathering around that giant cake. I was so proud mum would do that. I hope others will think of some creative ideas for giving first responders and front line medical workers a high five.
I've done this very thing for our local police, fire and ems. I live in a town with no local police or ems. We rely on the neighboring town for ems and state police. We have a volunteer fire co. Its a good feeling to show support. It also opens the doors for dialogue and get to know the people behind saving and protecting lives.
JD, thank you for supporting your local First Responders. I also have family who are in this field and love them dearly. They sacrifice so much for their communities asking for nothing in return. As far as the cord reel, this was the second upgrade (behind my slide tray) on my Chappy. Using this now for a few years (and HOW I use this), I'm guessing you'll be looking for a way to modify the handle to include the nub. My 50 amp cord and the tension of the reel would render mine useless without the handle nub. I love the videos and congrats again on the new Brookstone!
Great video. I can't remember where I see it (maybe on an air hose) but I think they elevated that and put in on some kind of swivel to bring that straight out. Don't know if it would would but just a thought.
Very generous act. Please remember people liKe EMITs, ER workers, Docs and Nurses, local emergency management will always be there for you as well and a simple word of thanks to them all goes a long ways.
Just a thought. Hang it upside down. Block it down from the top of the opening so you can use the crank with the handle and you may end up with enough space for your compressor underneath.
I thought of that, but the assembly is rather heavy and I imagine that even if it appears attached well, it would be likely to tear out or damage the wood structure it's attached to over time.
As a retired police officer and firefighter with 28 years of service, I applaud and thank you for your support of my brothers and sisters. In these harrowing days we need more people like you in our society. Why don’t you leave the plastic handle on and just not bolt the arm to the unit? If you slide the unit to middle you could press the arm on and crank when you need it then take it off when you don’t.
I pulled my fireplace out of my Momentum 380th and I have a 10" to 12" of waited space behind and beside it this would be a great idea for that space. I'm going to make the side spaces a cabinet for the sink covers. I have that drawn up and be working on it next weekend
I would vote for an extension piece to move the handle away from the RV. I would also consider a nut or something that you can get a socket on and use a drill for fast work
First, it's total BONUS space- just suddenly available. I would NOT try to go in deeper, but instead- use the gift well. Perhaps a 2nd manual cord reel- if it leaves enough space for the Viair compressor. A shelf would allow for soft sided, open topped buckets for collapsible H20 line, manual slide spinners, etc... It's a great usable space- just maximize it with a shelf. One man's opinion, I suggest you listen to others!
If you could fabricate an extension bar to extend the crank assembly outward away from the RV, once it cleared the side you could crank it normally, just remove the extension before closing the door.
I have this real and it’s really nice but I’d never mount it the way you did ! Some campers just aren’t set up with this in mind and this is definitely one of them!
A 4”-6” extension made out of aluminum, or steel 1” solid bar stock would be easy to fabricate. Two drilled holes on the side that mates to the reel would mimic and fit the double-d shaft, and the other side where the handle mates to it would be a simple trace the hole shape and grind it down to fit. Probably take you 15 minutes EVEN WITH THE EXTRA TIME TO FILM IT FOR THE TH-camS. Just a thought.
Maybe have an extension for the reel-handle to the axle? Possible an detachable extension. So that the reel-handle could be used but the cord reel could be where it is now. If more leverage is need to reel in the cord, that is.
Might have to find an extension or make one or even a socket with extension for the cord reel. If you lifted it 4 inches you could put storage under it too.
Mount the extension cord to the back of the wall there, up just a bit.. or mount some sort of hook to the wall that you can remove it out of there and hang it out of the way when not needed
What you need for the handle is something similar to a socket extention. Why do you need fireplaces in the RV'S? Getting rid of them would give quite a bit extra space.
I would be looking for a way to use my drill versus that handle. It might take a trip to a CNC shop but it would be well worth it. Keep handle for backup.
Since the storage compartment is so tall, if you attached the reel to a shelf, not only would you be able to use the handle but you would also be able to use the space below the reel.
Definitely think the more value for your buck on items that will make the camper pull better, safer and have a longer life and more usable are ways to go instead of low return high cost comforts. And glad the pricing of the camper sounds like it will be an attainable unit to purchase. What roof material did you choose for your unit?
Drill a hole in the flat bar to reinstall the handle to clear the compartment door, and just remove the handle when you are not using the reel. As easy as it spins, you should have plenty of leverage. Like your ideals for what to include in a trailer, not fancy, but reliable. Keep up the good work.
Would be neat if they made a ratcheting handle kind of like a ratcheting wrench that goes directly onto that square socket the handle normally attaches too so you can have the leverage needed with it being removable but also useable
I would have welded a socket to the shaft and used my cordless impact to rewind the cord reel. I rarely use a cordless drill but I always carry an cordless impact, a 1/4" drive for drilling/driving screws and a 1/2" for bolts and lug nuts.
I'm thinking there must be a way to make an arm extension to bring the handle outside of the space. That is a great use of that storage area. What about installing a second reel on top of it for the 30amp cord. Is there enough space? If not on the other side.
You could have put block underneath AND a swivel mount above that to mount the reel. You could then rotate the whole reel so you shouldn’t need to hand feed the cord.
What if you had a bracket that lifted the cord box both up & in like 3”? Could still store stuff inside & on top of it in transit...or better yet, what about a couple inch extension for the arm?
I think I’d adapt a nut (weld maybe) to the reel that’s the size of standard stab jack drill adapter so I could use a cordless drill/driver to reel the cord in.
@@BTBRVReviews I agree on with drum brakes that the oil can compromise, but so can over greasing also. On disc brakes the oil should be a very small possibility of compromise, but very little maintenance
Fire fighters run "into" things everyone else runs "away" from. Bless each and everyone of them. Since being only a HAZMAT trained technician I learned one "very small" area of response compared to what this group is trained to cope with. Incredible folks. IMHO their not doing it for money that's for sure. Thank you all first responders!!!!!!
Question.... Why are the rear leveling legs so far forwards? Stand back and look at the placement and the leverage the 3 sets of jacks provide. Seems the rear of the trailer would bounce and the center jacks aren’t doing much at all.
You're a class act. Thanks for supporting first responders, especially police. Up here in the crazy PNW they're "defunding" police and our crime rates are skyrocketing. It's a damn shame. Keep up the great work. Love your vids!
How much room are you actually saving by using the cord reel? Seems like just rolling it up and using one of those stiff twist tie things would be just as effective . Also, have you thought about adding an onboard 12V air compressor to your camper, say up front? I saw a 12V one on the Alliance Valor , so why not add one to a residential camper?
Thank you for your support. I've watched many of your videos. Subscribed today after seeing this. Thank you again. Also., how do you get the model you have? I am very interested in that model. I am only seeing the models that have the door to midbunk coming out into kitchen.
Why not put two reels in there. The other one for your 30 amp, then you can put the shelf on the top of both units. It would support a lot of weight. You could still put the compressor on the bottom between the two reels.
Another option might be put an extension to bring the handle out side the compartment and it would be free to go completely around as you turn the drum.
Agree with you Idaho Rider!
yes, my thought exactly. an extension and get the rotating crank out of that compartment. 4"-6" out. could be easily machined for $20-$30.....
I’m with you fellars. Thought the same thing.
Another option is too make a custom socket, and a drill / impact bit attachment..
Came here to say this.
use your drill on the cable spooler with a adapter. then you have a power cord reel. no handle issues at all and much more friendly to use.
Thougt the same thing!! 👍
Yup, put it in reverse and crank it in.
Just what I was thinking
That was my first thought as well. 👍
I came here to say this too!
Could you attach a socket and use a cordless drill to wind it up?
Thank you for supporting your local first responders. 22 years in law enforcement, and it gets tougher every day.
Thank you for your service to your community!
I hope you work in a jurisdiction that supports you. Too many are unfortunately going "woke". Be safe!
Thank you for your service!!!!
It seems like if you place it more to the center and elevate it, you would still have storage on either side of the reel and be able to use the handle normally. Also, raising it with legs would allow storage under the reel for something small.
Agreed. Some people don't have as much grip strength and need the handle for better leverage, or in my case some arthritic knuckles that don't like to grab as much as they used to.
Thank you for supporting first responders! I retired after 30 years a Rescue Captain and Lead Paramedic up here in Central Texas! Thank you for making these videos I am learning a lot about RV's before I buy one that I will live in full time! I've learned so much from this channel!
The pocket is awesome, and thanks for highlighting the pizza idea it will help to get more folks thinking about ways to thank folks doing jobs that we can never thank enough. My mum used to go to the local bakery, get the largest sheet cake they made, I don’t ever see them that big anymore! Literally take up most of a normal dinner table! She’d take it to our military hospital to thank the corpsmen, nurses, and doctors who not only served our country but our service men and women and their families. So heart warming to see the fun they all had gathering around that giant cake. I was so proud mum would do that. I hope others will think of some creative ideas for giving first responders and front line medical workers a high five.
Cordless drill with one of those "fit any size sockets" and you're good to go!
I've done this very thing for our local police, fire and ems. I live in a town with no local police or ems. We rely on the neighboring town for ems and state police. We have a volunteer fire co. Its a good feeling to show support. It also opens the doors for dialogue and get to know the people behind saving and protecting lives.
Love the outside storage compartment backing onto the fireplace. Perfect size and location.
JD, thank you for supporting your local First Responders. I also have family who are in this field and love them dearly. They sacrifice so much for their communities asking for nothing in return. As far as the cord reel, this was the second upgrade (behind my slide tray) on my Chappy. Using this now for a few years (and HOW I use this), I'm guessing you'll be looking for a way to modify the handle to include the nub. My 50 amp cord and the tension of the reel would render mine useless without the handle nub. I love the videos and congrats again on the new Brookstone!
Great video. I can't remember where I see it (maybe on an air hose) but I think they elevated that and put in on some kind of swivel to bring that straight out. Don't know if it would would but just a thought.
Very generous act. Please remember people liKe EMITs, ER workers, Docs and Nurses, local emergency management will always be there for you as well and a simple word of thanks to them all goes a long ways.
Thanks for your suppyto first responders!! I’m a volunteer firefighter/Ems and a big truck driver! Love your channel and all your helpful reviews.
They make an extension for the handle, you would just have to remove every time. 🍻
Good problem solver. Like the paint job and graphics on this 5th wheel. Have much confidence in your ideas.
Great idea! Being in the fire service myself, I appreciate what you and your wife did for the local fire department.
Just a thought. Hang it upside down. Block it down from the top of the opening so you can use the crank with the handle and you may end up with enough space for your compressor underneath.
I thought of that, but the assembly is rather heavy and I imagine that even if it appears attached well, it would be likely to tear out or damage the wood structure it's attached to over time.
@@BTBRVReviews Could put the ViAir bag on top of the cord reel.
As a retired police officer and firefighter with 28 years of service, I applaud and thank you for your support of my brothers and sisters. In these harrowing days we need more people like you in our society. Why don’t you leave the plastic handle on and just not bolt the arm to the unit? If you slide the unit to middle you could press the arm on and crank when you need it then take it off when you don’t.
I pulled my fireplace out of my Momentum 380th and I have a 10" to 12" of waited space behind and beside it this would be a great idea for that space. I'm going to make the side spaces a cabinet for the sink covers. I have that drawn up and be working on it next weekend
Cool looking Frameless Windows. This reminded me of Trial and Error, except the Error might even be prevented. Good job. Thanks.
That space is great. Even if it’s just that size it helps a lot
I would vote for an extension piece to move the handle away from the RV. I would also consider a nut or something that you can get a socket on and use a drill for fast work
I like that space for storing cables
That was awesome. I love that storage area. It's accessible. You can see what is there. Long, narrow and high makes great storage.
My right ear really enjoyed this video.
I said I'm dropping off a pizza!!!!
Use both 🎧 s. Haha. Well I'm here answer the door man!!!
In my application I used a $20.00 air hose reel from Harbor Freight and it works great. So much so that I added another for my 50’ water hose.
Thank you for supporting our first responders!
1
You can add an extension to the handle and crank from outside the compartment
Thanks for doing what you do ,28 years at Detroit fire we appreciate all you do
Thank you for your dedicated service!
First, it's total BONUS space- just suddenly available. I would NOT try to go in deeper, but instead- use the gift well. Perhaps a 2nd manual cord reel- if it leaves enough space for the Viair compressor. A shelf would allow for soft sided, open topped buckets for collapsible H20 line, manual slide spinners, etc... It's a great usable space- just maximize it with a shelf. One man's opinion, I suggest you listen to others!
Thanks for supporting the community. 👍🏼
What is you thoughts of installing the real in the over head position or sidewall?
Maybe devise a connection to where you can use a drill to spin the spool?
What about adapting a socket to the stud, and using a drill/impact driver to spin the reel.
Thank you for supporting your local first responders!
Underrated comment
You could get a folding handle grip and raise the box up enough for the grip to clear the bottom of the compartment frame.
What a great thing to do for your emergency services, nice job on the cable reel as well, if only we could have R.Vs this size in the UK,👍👍👍
Attach a block of wood under the reel so you can use your crank handle.
If you could fabricate an extension bar to extend the crank assembly outward away from the RV, once it cleared the side you could crank it normally, just remove the extension before closing the door.
I have this real and it’s really nice but I’d never mount it the way you did ! Some campers just aren’t set up with this in mind and this is definitely one of them!
Like the idea, and glad it works. Wish that I had a compartment like that on my 5th wheel
A 4”-6” extension made out of aluminum, or steel 1” solid bar stock would be easy to fabricate. Two drilled holes on the side that mates to the reel would mimic and fit the double-d shaft, and the other side where the handle mates to it would be a simple trace the hole shape and grind it down to fit. Probably take you 15 minutes EVEN WITH THE EXTRA TIME TO FILM IT FOR THE TH-camS. Just a thought.
Maybe have an extension for the reel-handle to the axle? Possible an detachable extension. So that the reel-handle could be used but the cord reel could be where it is now. If more leverage is need to reel in the cord, that is.
Mount your reel on top of a spacer that will give you room to use the handle fully.
Might have to find an extension or make one or even a socket with extension for the cord reel. If you lifted it 4 inches you could put storage under it too.
I'd probably raise it move it to closer to center like other fellow said and have storage on either side of it.
Independent pizza shops deserve the love
Mount the extension cord to the back of the wall there, up just a bit.. or mount some sort of hook to the wall that you can remove it out of there and hang it out of the way when not needed
Hook the drill to it as your lever. I’m sure some socket would fit it tightly ish. Or one of those universal sockets with the springy things inside.
What you need for the handle is something similar to a socket extention. Why do you need fireplaces in the RV'S? Getting rid of them would give quite a bit extra space.
Make a short removable extension for the handle. A couple inches would clear the outside.
I would be looking for a way to use my drill versus that handle. It might take a trip to a CNC shop but it would be well worth it. Keep handle for backup.
Since the storage compartment is so tall, if you attached the reel to a shelf, not only would you be able to use the handle but you would also be able to use the space below the reel.
I'd use a drill and once mounted firm it would work flawlessly
Wish I would of had one of those on my fifth wheel. I have Fibromyalgia and dragging that 50 A cord was a workout. Enjoy your new fifth-wheel.
Totally Badass JD, € Thank you sir for your kindness to those who sacrifice their lives everyday!
Make a shaft to extend the handle out. You can store it in the gap between the door and reel.
Definitely think the more value for your buck on items that will make the camper pull better, safer and have a longer life and more usable are ways to go instead of low return high cost comforts. And glad the pricing of the camper sounds like it will be an attainable unit to purchase. What roof material did you choose for your unit?
Cordless drill and a socket that has the pins in it for any size bolt
Drill a hole in the flat bar to reinstall the handle to clear the compartment door, and just remove the handle when you are not using the reel. As easy as it spins, you should have plenty of leverage. Like your ideals for what to include in a trailer, not fancy, but reliable. Keep up the good work.
Mount it on a block to raise it up to center it and the handle will work
Why no levelers on the rear end?
Would be neat if they made a ratcheting handle kind of like a ratcheting wrench that goes directly onto that square socket the handle normally attaches too so you can have the leverage needed with it being removable but also useable
You could also use a drill or something
I would have welded a socket to the shaft and used my cordless impact to rewind the cord reel. I rarely use a cordless drill but I always carry an cordless impact, a 1/4" drive for drilling/driving screws and a 1/2" for bolts and lug nuts.
Cut the handle down and weld a socket to the center. Then, you can use a drill with your left hand while you spool cable with your right hand
I'm pretty sure you have the same wedding ring as me haha Great video as always!
I looks like ti would be reasonably easy to rig up an attachment to an impact wrench or drill to spin the takeup real.
Have you considered removing the handle and making it a nut drive you can use a cordless drill to wind up?
Make an extension. Like a socket wrench extension. Removable.
I'm thinking there must be a way to make an arm extension to bring the handle outside of the space. That is a great use of that storage area. What about installing a second reel on top of it for the 30amp cord. Is there enough space? If not on the other side.
You could have put block underneath AND a swivel mount above that to mount the reel. You could then rotate the whole reel so you shouldn’t need to hand feed the cord.
What if you had a bracket that lifted the cord box both up & in like 3”? Could still store stuff inside & on top of it in transit...or better yet, what about a couple inch extension for the arm?
Build a wooden platform to lift it up high enough to clear the door frame. Then you end up with extra storage cubby underneath.
I wish all manufacturers would take any dead space there is and make a storage spot for it. Way to go coachman.
I think I’d adapt a nut (weld maybe) to the reel that’s the size of standard stab jack drill adapter so I could use a cordless drill/driver to reel the cord in.
You got the heavier axles and the disc brakes, all good. But why didn't you get the oil bath hubs along with the upgraded axles?
I've made a video on this topic. Oil bath is not my preferred method due to the risk of a seal failing and compromising the brakes.
@@BTBRVReviews I agree on with drum brakes that the oil can compromise, but so can over greasing also. On disc brakes the oil should be a very small possibility of compromise, but very little maintenance
Make a short extension to get handle outside, one you can take on and off
Fire fighters run "into" things everyone else runs "away" from. Bless each and everyone of them. Since being only a HAZMAT trained technician I learned one "very small" area of response compared to what this group is trained to cope with. Incredible folks. IMHO their not doing it for money that's for sure. Thank you all first responders!!!!!!
I always maintained that Peter Piper>Chuck E Cheese.
Definitely not the first to mention it, but drill adapter and/or swivel mount would be key!
Love your videos!
Could you mount the cord reel to the top of the storage area?
I don't trust the wood above to support the weight over the road long term.
Question....
Why are the rear leveling legs so far forwards?
Stand back and look at the placement and the leverage the 3 sets of jacks provide.
Seems the rear of the trailer would bounce and the center jacks aren’t doing much at all.
JD ? What would a high torque drill with the correct bit door you. Just me wondering. Have a great day. Luv your channel. :-)))). :-))))
WOW! A couple of rare glimpses of elusive JD! 🤣
for second 30 amp cord get a Velcro with a d hook and put a eye hook at top and hang cord up
Couldn't tell in the video...where the lever for the handle fits on to the reel. Is there a nut or screw ? Was thinking of like a cordless drill .
Try making a custom bit for your drill or impact and than you'll have an eletric reel😉
Well, at least they could make the electric cord reel an option. By the way Cordpro makes an XL model that is perfect to roll up a 30 amp cable.
You're a class act. Thanks for supporting first responders, especially police. Up here in the crazy PNW they're "defunding" police and our crime rates are skyrocketing. It's a damn shame. Keep up the great work. Love your vids!
Can you make an adapter and use the dewalt instead of the handle?
How much room are you actually saving by using the cord reel? Seems like just rolling it up and using one of those stiff twist tie things would be just as effective . Also, have you thought about adding an onboard 12V air compressor to your camper, say up front? I saw a 12V one on the Alliance Valor , so why not add one to a residential camper?
An adapter and fit with a nut, then a cordless power drill to reel it in? Then you,’d have a powered spoiler.
JD, use this if fits, eh :
"Universal Socket Wrench Set Tools Multi-Size in One Self Adjustable for Regularity or Irregularity Screw"
Does Moreride make an electric cord reel? That would solve all of your handle problems and make it much easier to wind up the cord.
Would have been too wide
Could you not get an extension bar like a ratchet and use the handle from outside the door??
Make a socket to fit it and use your drill
Regarding your reel, can you come up with an extension shaft to get your handle outside the wall of your coach??
Thank you for your support. I've watched many of your videos. Subscribed today after seeing this. Thank you again.
Also., how do you get the model you have? I am very interested in that model. I am only seeing the models that have the door to midbunk coming out into kitchen.
Why not put two reels in there. The other one for your 30 amp, then you can put the shelf on the top of both units. It would support a lot of weight. You could still put the compressor on the bottom between the two reels.
The 30amp cord is tiny and the reel seams like it would be too large. I might put a hose hanger for that one
Put a lil dowel rod in there, as long as the front of the box to wlthe wall. Cram it down there so the box don't scootch.
As soon as i wrote this, you screwed it down lmao