Modification and Changes

Modifications and Changes

We decided on a truck switch for a fresh start on the road and the 2013 Chevy 3500HD with 6.6 L Duramax, fit the bill. It is equipped with B&W flip ball hitch with a Companion 5^th wheel hitch (which comes out in two pieces) for easy removal. Also added was TST tire pressure and temperature monitoring system for the trailer. Bed, rail to rail tool box, 40 gallon of additional diesel capacity tank. Front hitch rated at 9,000 lbs tow with 500 lbs hitch weight, this is for the bike rack.

 

 

Modified Bike Rack to 2" square stock instead of flimsy 1"

All though you will see that we changed 5^th Wheel models most mods were done to New rig.

1. Added shelving, as delivered, the shelf spacing is nuts, one wall mounted cabinet was 5 feet wide by 4 feet high, with one shelf in the center, great if you are storing blenders, not so much for plates and glasses. We added two more shelves to 2/3 of the cabinet to increase storage by a bunch. Left side is stock, center and right modified.

Replaced all lights with LED lights, no heat and much lower amp draw. Along with longer life. Win,win,win.

 

Backsplash around stove top. The wall paper is not going to last long with cleaning due to grease splatter and such.

 

 

Replaced the twist and spark stove and oven ignition system with a battery power push button.

 

We replaced the mattress really quick, with a SLEEP NUMBER, dual control mattress, so much better. But it required a modification of its own

Due to the SLEEP NUMBER mattress needing a compressor (120 volt), I figured if we did any boone docking or overnighting in a Casino or Walmart parking lot, and didn’t want to run the generator, we needed an inverter to convert the 12 volt batteries to 120 volt. I installed a dedicated plug in the bedroom for the inverter power.

Of course you have to have fishing pole storage.

 



We took the junk China tires off the trailer and replace with Bridgestone Durvas, just for the peace of mind.

 

The bed room slide has windows on each side of the bed with pull down shades and decorative curtains. We need to darken the room for those mornings when you want to sleep in and those afternoon naps. Janice used blackout curtain material to sew new curtains and they work like a charm.

 

The bedspread that came with the rig was pretty, but it weighs a ton, very uncomfortable for us to sleep under. Janice made a quilt that matched the décor of the rig and is way prettier and much more comfortable, plus you have the love factor that it takes to put in the time and effort to make such a large beautiful quilt.

 

 

The rig came with typical 3 step entry, we choose to replace with a 4 step model, makes the up and down trips a little easier on the knees, when packing groceries and such.

Replaced the shower head with a Oxygenics unit.

Fire extinguishers and Emergency Exit Window sticks, to hold window open while you escape, you can never have too many fire extinguishers, in the truck, in the propane bay for outside access, inside by kitchen, and in bedroom. This one is in bedroom, under emergency exit window.

Added 2, 2000 watt generators with phasing cable for 4000 watts of off grid power. Some Solar power may be in the future.

 

Vent covers were added on the roof for those raining days and for hail protection.

 

We found a nice desk, for Janice’s sewing table. Desk is 6 feet by 3 feet. Lots of drawer space.

Added shelving to closets in bunkhouse area.

 Added this keyless entry this morning, about a 10 minute job. Think it might help with the grand kid not having to have a key to get back in. Also for me, so I don't have to go back into the house to get the key all the time.  :-)

 

 

Check back, additional modification are forth coming