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Topic: Most/Least Favorite Modifications, Options, Add-ons and Accessories (Read 1653 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: Most/Least Favorite Modifications, Options, Add-ons and Accessories
Reply #25 –
Karen-Liam,

I am curious about how you mounted your WeBoost antenna on the TV mast.  Do you also have a ground plane for it or is it mounted on the antenna by itself?  Does it live on the TV antenna permanently?  How did you deal with the WeBoost cable?

I like the idea.  It would sure beat climbing up and down to the roof every time we use the WeBoost.  We use the steel lid from the propane campfire as a ground plane and it works well, but it is one more thing to carry up and down the ladder.

Harold
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life
Re: Most/Least Favorite Modifications, Options, Add-ons and Accessories
Reply #26 –

    I am one with the bugs, now Karen is another story!

                              Karen~Liam
                                26 ~ MB
1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags
Re: Most/Least Favorite Modifications, Options, Add-ons and Accessories
Reply #27 –
I want to go back to something Jon said:

"I bought a plexiglass sheet mirror (no frame)  to fill the over-counter wall between the sink and the bathroom. The eye trick really makes the area seem bigger and brighter."

That's a great idea! Adding mirrors is an easy, inexpensive way to make a small RV seem larger and brighter.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Most/Least Favorite Modifications, Options, Add-ons and Accessories
Reply #28 –

Harold
I basically bolted the Wilson Trucker Antenna directly to the TV mast which is a winegard and was installed at the LD factory.  I also left the sensar TV antenna head on in case we wanted TV reception.  I zip tied the cable to the mast and had Karen raise and lower the mast several times to make sure there was free play.  I routed the cable and taped it down with white Duct tape to the escape hatch and drilled an entry hole in the side of the base flange of the hatch and routed the cable to the booster next to the overcab bunk.  This is actually a temporary setup since I plan to reseal the roof and add a central MaxxFan and change the solar panel configuration on the roof which will give me better access through the roof through a sealed box and conduit.   I also have the smaller magnetic antenna which came with the unit which comes in the same way.  I  just change plugs on the booster depending on if the mast is up or down and don't have to go outside.  This setup has worked well and has better reception then the little antenna.  I did not install a base plate so I may be loosing some signal.  My next upgrade would be a highly directional antenna like what Larry uses but would have to go out side to set a mast in back and direct it.  It might be possible to do it on the TV mast but your roof setup with items on it would dictate the length and placement.  If I did not have a mast already installed I defiantly would consider adding one and adding some kind of or combination of trucker and directional antenna for cell reception attached to the same mast.  I have found that with the booster and antenna up we can always get a signal.  Unfortunately it is usually is AT&T and we are Tmo so we will need to buy a AT&T hotspot and pay for data as we need it for long stays.  I will add a photo of the setup later when I head out to our LD.  But Remember if you forget your Mast up you will definitely know it sooner then you think since your setup could easily be higher then 16 feet!

    ~Liam

Amazon.com: Wilson Electronics Trucker Spring-Mount Antenna with 13.5 - Feet...


As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags
Re: Most/Least Favorite Modifications, Options, Add-ons and Accessories
Reply #29 –
Back home and now I can post.  Not in any particular order.
... The previous owner installed a 100+watt solar panel on the roof of my O7 MidBath.  I love the independence having solar affords me.  A couple of years ago I replaced all the incandescent lights with LEDs.  That is a great help because before that we would put a hurt on the battery charge as both Gina and I like lights on.  I got better with time but the wife is still working and does not camp as much as I do and does not fully understand the idea of limited electric power.  She gets the theory but not the practice where as I had more time to learn the lesson. 
... One of my favorite changes is a no cost one.  I flipped the windshield rear view mirror upside down.  This gives a much better view forward.  It also gives me ever so slightly better angle for seeing my car's roof as I tow it.
... When I was subscribed to XM I has used a washer to sandwich the vent screen for the overhead bunk to the antenna head.  The wire is flat and very thin.  I had not trouble routing it through the emergency hatch.  The wire will fit inside the hanger runner for the privacy curtain to the upper bunk and from there it is easy to hide the wire for the antenna all the way down to the dash.  There is not any real loss of signal from the satellite through vent hatch.
... When I purchased the kit for towing the Subie, I had the hookup lines upgraded so the tow car is on a slow charge.
... I upgraded the windshield wipers.  This may not seem like a big deal out west, but when you drive through a tropical downpour on the way to Florida from VA it is nice to be able to see where the road is.  They also don't freeze up in the snow.  I kept the old blade assembly with good blades in the RV for spares.
... A indoor outdoor thermometer for the refrigerator.
... Tireman Valve stems and Doran RV360 TPMS
... Thermorest Camp Rest sleeping pads (the big ones) for under the mid bath's mattress.  These were left overs from our drive in camping in a tent days but they do wonders.
... A nice looking queen size quilt to hang from the overhead bunk to block off the cab on very hot or very cold days.  The bright and cheery appearance does so much more than the old sleeping bag. The down sleeping bag has a better R value, but I don't notice a difference for this application.  This winter the quilt did fine when the temperature outside Denver dropped to single digits.

Added after in edit mode.
a soft close toilet seat.  It only took a couple bangs to change it.
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: Most/Least Favorite Modifications, Options, Add-ons and Accessories
Reply #30 –
Quote from: Karen & Liam  - 
Harold
 Unfortunately it is usually is AT&T and we are Tmo so we will need to buy a AT&T hotspot and pay for data as we need it for long stays.  I will add a photo of the setup later when I head out to our LD.  But Remember if you forget your Mast up you will definitely know it sooner then you think since your setup could easily be higher then 16 feet!

    ~Liam

Amazon.com: Wilson Electronics Trucker Spring-Mount Antenna with 13.5 - Feet...




Reference the AT&T hotspot. A few months ago we purchased an AT&T Mobley. We also purchased a device to power the Mobley using a USB cord which we can plug in to a 12V adapter. I also plug it into the Subaru OBD II port when we are traveling in the car. The cost is $22 per month including taxes. It is unlimited with the caveat that they may "deprioritize" your connection if the tower is experiencing heavy use. We probably used in excess of 30gb last month with no noticeable decrease in speed.

Jim
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Most/Least Favorite Modifications, Options, Add-ons and Accessories
Reply #31 –
Liam,
Thanks for you detailed answer.  You have me thinking about how to do a similar addition to our rig.

Harold
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life
Re: Most/Least Favorite Modifications, Options, Add-ons and Accessories
Reply #32 –
Favorite mod so far- the Canoe rack I built and installed based on Larry Wade’s kayak rack.

My wife’s favorite so far is the cabinet I built that goes across the back wall under the window- this is where a lot of small “stuff” goes that used to float around the lounge.

No, check that, it is the mattress she had made for the rear couch that is now a day bed.

Least favorite, the Safe T Steer.
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: Most/Least Favorite Modifications, Options, Add-ons and Accessories
Reply #33 –
Quote from: paul banbury  - 

My wife’s favorite so far is the cabinet I built that goes across the back wall under the window- this is where a lot of small “stuff” goes that used to float around the lounge.

Any pictures of this cabinet?  Sounds very interesting.
Re: Most/Least Favorite Modifications, Options, Add-ons and Accessories
Reply #34 –
Good question- I looked for one, and realize I never took a picture of the completed project. It was part of the rot removal, repair I did on the rear end a couple of years ago.  I will pull it out later today and take a picture.

In the meantime, a link to the ugly part that made the cabinet a possibility- Repairing The Rot In The Rear | Flickr
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: Most/Least Favorite Modifications, Options, Add-ons and Accessories
Reply #35 –
The cabinet is small, but good for small items. I built in a couple of 12v outlets to make this a charging area. Like all our best ideas, this one was my wife’s.
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: Most/Least Favorite Modifications, Options, Add-ons and Accessories
Reply #36 –
Nice job Paul.  I've thought of doing something similar with the folding backrest on the rear lounges.  That is an area that is not useable for anything right now.  I'm actually thinking of removing it and building a small shelf there.  The backrest doesn't really serve a purpose especially since I have a mattress topper on the cushion.
2004 26.5 MB
Enjoying retirement traveling, Rzr riding, photography, and of course the 2 grand girls!
Re: Most/Least Favorite Modifications, Options, Add-ons and Accessories
Reply #37 –
Here are the photos of the Winegard TV Mast with WeBoost Trucker antenna.  I think if you did not have an TV antenna on-board you could bolt a Trucker antenna and an extension with the directional antenna and switch out cables at the booster depending on which you were using.  You just need the roof space to raise and lower it?

          Karen~Liam
             26 ~ MB



http://www.lazydazeowners.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3891
1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags
Re: Most/Least Favorite Modifications, Options, Add-ons and Accessories
Reply #38 –
We removed that couch back for the same reason. The shelf didn’t happen. There is a ledge the the Mothership screwed in from the outside, so is a MPIA to remove. I was going to use it to mount a little wider shelf, but this was vetoed.

The result is that the couch is now a day bed, we use pillows as the back and the mattress is a luxurious 35” wide so her bed requires no fiddling to be ready.
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: Most/Least Favorite Modifications, Options, Add-ons and Accessories
Reply #39 –
 I expanded our sidewalk side Couch in the rear lounge so it folds out with some extra foam and a topper to make a Queen bed, takes about 5 minutes, although the topper has to be stowed.  The street side couch has remained as is which gives us about 6 inches between the bed and couch.  Karen said recently that she loves our back lounge but with the street side couch it is starting to feel a bit cramped!  We need to rethink the space but I am not willing to give up the storage under the couch and we do use the rear lounge for gropes from time to time. 

       Karen~Liam
           26 ~ MB
1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags
Re: Most/Least Favorite Modifications, Options, Add-ons and Accessories
Reply #40 –
Anybody know if there is a way to reorient photos downloaded to the website?

  Thanks

    ~Liam
1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags
Re: Most/Least Favorite Modifications, Options, Add-ons and Accessories
Reply #41 –
"Anybody know if there is a way to reorient photos downloaded to the
website?"

Can you not reorient them before posting?

   Virtual hugs,

   Judie

Test below.

John's cord by entry door
Re: Most/Least Favorite Modifications, Options, Add-ons and Accessories
Reply #42 –
Quote from: paul banbury  - 
The cabinet is small, but good for small items. I built in a couple of 12v outlets to make this a charging area. Like all our best ideas, this one was my wife’s.
That's very nice, what type of wood is it?

If you don't already know it, Paul is an excellent wood worker, I have seen a bit of his work and it all looks professionally done.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Most/Least Favorite Modifications, Options, Add-ons and Accessories
Reply #43 –
One of the disadvantages of an shorter LD is less interior storage.
The empty space behind the back of the couch was converted into lockable storage.
Two new cabinets, with trays, were built and positioned in the wasted space behind the barrel chairs.


Couch storage tray | Flickr
Open for more photos.

Barrel chair storage | Flickr

Barrel chair storage | Flickr
Open for more photos.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Most/Least Favorite Modifications, Options, Add-ons and Accessories
Reply #44 –
Larry that is steamed cherry. Supposedly steaming mutes some of the character of the grain. I chose this piece because it was very figured and reminded me of the toychests and bedroom furniture of the Roy Rogers era. The finish is Waterlox wet sanded down and finished with a final wiped on coat.

Thanks for the generous compliment. Even if it is hyperbolic! 😋
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: Most/Least Favorite Modifications, Options, Add-ons and Accessories
Reply #45 –
"Thanks for the generous compliment. Even if it is hyperbolic!"

Paul,

After looking at today's pictures, I went back to look at the pictures you posted after re-doing  the rear lounge in your rig a year or so ago. No hyperbole, beautiful work and attention to detail!
Bill
2003 -- 23' FL
 
Re: Most/Least Favorite Modifications, Options, Add-ons and Accessories
Reply #46 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
If you don't already know it, Paul is an excellent wood worker, I have seen a bit of his work and it all looks professionally done.

That's what I thought as soon as I saw the quality of the entire project!   Not just an excellent wood worker, but how about re-building the entire rear of a LD!    I'm very much in awe of someone successfully completing that kind of a project.  And that's no Texas Bull either ... well done.