Archive - Aluminium Camper Forum

Camplite => Camplite Mods / Upgrades => Topic started by: charliem on March 06, 2014, 10:48:45 PM

Title: Mods to 21RBS
Post by: charliem on March 06, 2014, 10:48:45 PM
[font size="3"]Here's a list of mods I've made to my 2014 Camplite 21RBS. I have/will post descriptions and pictures of some in the travel trailer section. I think this just about completes the outfitting project. Now to enjoy the camper  :).[/font]

[font face="arial" size="3"]1.   Covered entire floor with 7/8" interlocking rubber Yoga mats for thermal insulation.
2.   Installed additional 12V outlets beside bed, on TV table, and in dinette.
3.   Mounted satellite radio and cellphone booster antennas on roof. Brought cables in through running lights.
4.   Installed Voyager wireless rear view camera on roof. Brought cable in through running light. Powered from 12V and added switch in bathroom.
5.   Added 5 foot sewer hose carrier mounted lengthwise under left side. Moved 2 foot carrier to right side.
6.   Installed over-door full length mirror on bath door.
7.   Wife installed Command Strip hooks everywhere.
8.   Installed SeeLevel tank monitor system for fresh, gray, black tanks. No probes!
9.   Installed powered tongue jack.
10.   Mounted Swagman dual bike platform rack on rear bumper. That's why I had the bumper beefed up by Livinlite.
11.   Replaced bed reading lights with LED spotlights. Moved original lights to cabinets under sink.
12. Replaced analog mechanical heater thermostat with electronic battery powered illuminated model
13. Replaced shower head with Oxygenics Body Spa
14. Replaced outside storage CH751 key locks with Combi-Locks
15.   For future installation: ordered custom 32"x39" dinette table top and hardware for attaching to wall. Will provide a large steady surface.


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Title: Mods to 21RBS
Post by: tinkeringtechie on March 06, 2014, 11:24:30 PM
What size combi-locks did you use?
Title: Mods to 21RBS
Post by: charliem on March 07, 2014, 11:27:07 AM
[font size="3"][font face="arial"]I used the 1&1/8"  7850R-L model. The 21RBS required 4 total, but the 21RBH may only need 2. Check first. I think you ordered the dark exterior so you may want the black option.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000W7DBWA/ref=oh_details_o09_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/Combi-Cam-7850R-L-Black-Large-Combinated-Lock/dp/B0048C8TGS/ref=pd_sim_auto_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=07PX8A8WDGA98CMT090Y

Be aware some modifications are necessary. The [/font][/font][font size="3"][font face="arial"]aluminum trim on the door[/font][/font][font size="3"][font face="arial"] interferes with the Combi-Cam dial. Same problem on the RPOD. A little filing on the trim with a Dremel fixes it, but be careful. A little Dremel goes a long way. I used the original SS finger loops, but I had to flatten and reshape them. Not ideal, but they work. Better ones are available from the manufacturer, but they are outrageous in cost and require outrageous shipping since they come from a different supplier. BTW, these are not subject to master microP control  :P.
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Title: Mods to 21RBS
Post by: tinkeringtechie on March 12, 2014, 05:40:57 PM
When you say "filing on the trim with a dremel" are you talking about filing the lock, or filing the trailer? When I installed the locks on my RPod I had to trim the spacer to elevate the lock above the door trim. Is that what you mean?

They may not be subject to microprocessor control... yet :-)
Title: Mods to 21RBS
Post by: charliem on March 12, 2014, 08:03:16 PM
[font size="3"][font face="arial"]I meant filing on the trailer. The aluminum extrusion that runs around the perimeter of the door. It interferes with the edge of the Combi dial. But if you've solved the problem on your RPOD you should be able to do a similar fix on the CL. Same issue.

Charlie
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Title: Mods to 21RBS
Post by: tinkeringtechie on March 12, 2014, 08:11:10 PM
I'll post some pictures once I install mine. If I remember correctly, last time I took the little toothed washer that came with the combi dial, ground off all the teeth, and then notched the side where the trim was. That washer was thick enough so that the dial could rotate freely above the door trim.
Title: Mods to 21RBS
Post by: charliem on March 12, 2014, 08:23:52 PM
[font size="3"][font face="arial"]Sounds like a better solution. Me? I just grabbed the chainsaw (Dremel) and went at it. Brawn, no brains  :P
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Title: Mods to 21RBS
Post by: tinkeringtechie on March 12, 2014, 09:12:24 PM
I'm sure it works just as well. I just cringe at the thought of taking a grinder to my trailer... It's so permanent :-) what if I change my mind later?
Title: Mods to 21RBS
Post by: mdp on March 25, 2014, 02:28:24 PM
All of the mods sound great.  I will be using some of your ideas on my new campsite.
Title: Mods to 21RBS
Post by: charliem on March 25, 2014, 06:53:16 PM
[quote source="/post/290/thread" timestamp="1395768504" author="@mdp"]All of the mods sound great.  I will be using some of your ideas on my new campsite.[/quote][font size="3"][font face="arial"]Maye trains of a feather flock together??? :P Modelers and train buffs anyway.

Good luck with your new CL and keep us posted.

Charlie
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Title: Mods to 21RBS
Post by: pinstriper on March 25, 2014, 10:25:54 PM
Going back to the start...

[quote source="/post/39/thread" timestamp="1394160525" author="@charliem"][font size="3"]Here's a list of mods I've made to my 2014 Camplite 21RBS. I have/will post descriptions and pictures of some in the travel trailer section. I think this just about completes the outfitting project. Now to enjoy the camper  :).[/font]

[font face="arial" size="3"]1.   Covered entire floor with 7/8" interlocking rubber Yoga mats for thermal insulation.[font color="#1b7be8"] Where did you source these ? I bought some at Harbor Freight and they stink like gasoline and benzene all the way to Shanghai.[/font]
2.   Installed additional 12V outlets beside bed, on TV table, and in dinette.
3.   Mounted satellite radio and cellphone booster antennas on roof. Brought cables in through running lights.
4.   Installed Voyager wireless rear view camera on roof. Brought cable in through running light. Powered from 12V and added switch in bathroom.
5.   Added 5 foot sewer hose carrier mounted lengthwise under left side. Moved 2 foot carrier to right side.
6.   Installed over-door full length mirror on bath door.
7.   Wife installed Command Strip hooks everywhere. [font color="#1b7be8"]Done, or in progress. I don't think this ever ends.[/font]
8.   Installed SeeLevel tank monitor system for fresh, gray, black tanks. No probes![font color="#1b7be8"] I've decided to do this, as soon as I can find a vendor and installer.[/font]
9.   Installed powered tongue jack.
10.   Mounted Swagman dual bike platform rack on rear bumper. That's why I had the bumper beefed up by Livinlite.
11.   Replaced bed reading lights with LED spotlights. Moved original lights to cabinets under sink.
12. Replaced analog mechanical heater thermostat with electronic battery powered illuminated model
13. Replaced shower head with Oxygenics Body Spa
14. Replaced outside storage CH751 key locks with Combi-Locks[font color="#1b7be8"] On my list. I'd like to be able to secure these without having to constantly know "where's the keys ?"[/font]
15.   For future installation: ordered custom 32"x39" dinette table top and hardware for attaching to wall. Will provide a large steady surface.


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Title: Mods to 21RBS
Post by: charliem on March 25, 2014, 10:58:46 PM
[font size="3"][font face="arial"]I bought the rubber mats from Rubber Flooring Inc. [/font][/font][font size="3"][font face="arial"]They meet several Gvmt standards for children and I suspect one is for Volatile Organic Compounds (outgassing). [/font][/font][font size="3"][font face="arial"]

http://www.rubberflooringinc.com/interlocking-tile/foam/78-tatami-tile.html



Any decent RV shop should be able to procure and install the SeeLevel sensors. Some thought is necessary for proper placement and operation on the tanks. I can't help much since I don't have a 14DBS. If you decide to go ahead with this I may be able to give you some general cautions.

Charlie
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Title: Mods to 21RBS
Post by: tinkeringtechie on April 30, 2014, 12:48:24 PM
[quote source="/post/119/thread" timestamp="1394665396" author="@charliem"][font size="3"][font face="arial"]I meant filing on the trailer. The aluminum extrusion that runs around the perimeter of the door. It interferes with the edge of the Combi dial. But if you've solved the problem on your RPOD you should be able to do a similar fix on the CL. Same issue.

Charlie
[/font][/font][/quote]Here are the pic I promised. The combi-cams come with a funky washer that looks like this:

[attachment id="79" thumbnail="1"]

On the rpod I actually ground the point off, but this time I tried just flattening them with pliers and it worked just as well with less work:

[attachment id="78" thumbnail="1"]

Then you put the washer on the outside between the cam and the door. It acts as a spacer that raises the dial just above the trim. Just reuse the washer from the cheapo cam locks on the inside and you're good to go. Another interesting finding: cam lock manufacturers must hate each other because all the parts are slightly different sizes. The bolts use different threadings, the nut threading is off by like 1 tpi (you can get it about half-way) and the tabs use slightly different sized square openings. So plan on using most of the hardware from the combi-cams (not a problem, just don't mix them up). 
Title: Mods to 21RBS
Post by: charliem on April 30, 2014, 12:53:50 PM
[quote source="/post/774/thread" timestamp="1398872904" author="@tinkeringtechie"] Another interesting finding: cam lock manufacturers must hate each other because all the parts are slightly different sizes. The bolts use different threadings, the nut threading is off by like 1 tpi (you can get it about half-way) and the tabs use slightly different sized square openings. So plan on using most of the hardware from the combi-cams (not a problem, just don't mix them up). [/quote][font size="3"][font face="arial"]Been there; discovered that.

[/font][font face="arial"]Good tip on the washers.
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Title: Mods to 21RBS
Post by: mdp on May 05, 2014, 11:10:24 AM
Has anyone used screw anchors (small) to hang items on the walls??  Not sure of what outcome would be.

Thanks
Title: Mods to 21RBS
Post by: tinkeringtechie on May 05, 2014, 12:58:31 PM
If the items are light and the screws have a coarse thread then it should be alright. For heavier items I would make sure you hit a stud. Pop rivets seem to work well with the panels if the items are relatively light. Usually I'm too afraid to commit though, so for light items I'll just use command strips. That way I can change my mind without having to make any holes.
Title: Mods to 21RBS
Post by: shovelhead on May 26, 2014, 08:11:37 AM
What thermostat did you use?  I bought a heat only digital. I removed the analog one it has two wires and the digital instructions are calling for 3????  Not a HVAC guy so I may have bought the wrong digital thermostat  
Title: Mods to 21RBS
Post by: charliem on May 26, 2014, 12:36:20 PM
[quote source="/post/1200/thread" timestamp="1401102697" author="@shovelhead"]What thermostat did you use?  I bought a heat only digital. I removed the analog one it has two wires and the digital instructions are calling for 3????  Not a HVAC guy so I may have bought the wrong digital thermostat  [/quote][font face="arial" size="3"]You're probably OK. Just disregard the [/font][font face="arial" size="3"]fan connection. The factory furnace does its own fan control so the thermostat just has to say "heat" or "enough". Send a link to the thermo  you bought and I'll look at it. Does it have its own small battery for its light?
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Title: Mods to 21RBS
Post by: shovelhead on May 26, 2014, 02:14:22 PM
Lux PSD010BF
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FYNCJW/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The digital has 3 connection R W and G but the analog  only has 2 wires?
Title: Mods to 21RBS
Post by: tinkeringtechie on May 26, 2014, 02:29:30 PM
You'll just use R & W since the heater doesn't have a fan only setting. Alternatively you could use the PSD010B model (no fan).
Title: Mods to 21RBS
Post by: charliem on May 26, 2014, 06:37:37 PM
[font size="3"][font face="arial"]I've got the exact same model. Just install per Techie's post. Doesn't make any difference which wire goes to which terminal. Try it; you'll like it, especially at night.
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