Got a Durango Gold 380FLF?
My wife and I are about are considering upgrading our TT to a fifth wheel. We are smitten with the Durango Gold 380FLF. Would love to hear from anyone who has one of these units. We are not ready t...
Forum Discussion
Yeah, the DW is one of those that "Every place has a thing -v- every thing has a place". :R. I do need to check on my weights so I can explain that we can only take so much because of the design of the rig. We'll see how well that works, haha.
Back to the 380FLF. I have made a few upgrades/mod's already. If you want pics or details, feel free to contact me here or PM me.
Mod #1: Upgrade batteries
If you're going to do anything more than 2 days/nights off the chord, I suggest that make this mod. I went from the stock two 12 volt batteries, to four 6 volt Trojan T105's. Or, a better way to look at it is, @78 amp hours to @450 amp hours of power.
Mod 2: Upgrade Thermostats to Honeywell Programmables
I did not like the Coleman stock t-stats. For one thing, I couldn't see the switch settings or temp without my glasses or turning on a light (old and blind). The new ones can be programmed to warm the rig before getting up in the morning. Also, with the digital display you can see the exact temp and settings. Easier to control power usage.
Mod 3: Install Cellular Router with Wifi
I wanted the ability to work from the road, so I installed a Mofi Router and carry sims for AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon. I use which ever one has best coverage for a particular spot. I still need to install external antenna to improve bringing in the signals.
Mod 4: Improve Outdoor use in Weather
Ordered a Carefree 291800 Vacation'r Screen Room for 18' to 19' Awning. Should be here next week. We like going to the beach and having a way be outside when there is wind/rain will be nice. I picked up a Mr. Heater F274830 MH18B Big Buddy Grey Indoor-Safe Portable Propane Heater to keep it cozy.
Mod 5: Improve finding TV stations
With the stock setup, it's like hunting for Easter eggs with blinders on. Installed one of these, Winegard RFL-332 SensarPro Black TV Signal Strength Meter and now it's easy to lock on to what's available quickly.
Mod 6: Add Awning Side Water and Ice Maker
We figured the mini fridge behind the outdoor TV would not see much use other than BBQ sauce since we're not beer or soda drinkers. We thought a better use of that space was to install a hot/cold water port and an ice maker. I removed the mini-fridge (2 screws) and plumbed in a Quick Disconnect Faucet with this coil hose and a sprayer. What's nice is the plumbing for the kitchen sink is up in this same area, so tapping in to hot/cold water was easy. We use lots of ice and this Ice Maker pumps out ice like crazy. It's really nice having water and ice where we usually set up the outdoor cooking area. Just swing the TV out and and its' all right there.
Mod 7: Improve shower head and water usage
Stock shower head was not quite adequate. Felt like you'd never get the soap rinsed off. We were using far too much water during showers. Also, having the ability to shutoff the flow while lathering stunk. I replaced the stock unit with these items: Flow Control Valve, extra long shower hose and a OXYGENICS Shower Head. Now its much better when rinsing off and we're using less water for each shower. The long hose also allows you to spray/rinse the toilet bowl after cleaning it.
Mod 8: Install TPMS
A TPMS is a must. I installed this system - CARCHET Tire Pressure Monitoring System as an immediate fix. However, I want to get a system that will report to the system my truck has. Just waiting for some after market systems to come out which hopefully will be better priced.
Planned next mods. No particular order:
Install wireless backup camera.
Install 480 watt solar, 3000 watt inverter and 50 amp switch.
Add 2 more T105 batteries and move all to wet-box (center the weight).
Install macerator system.
Install keyless entry.
Install dimmers in bedroom, kitchen and living room.
Install 12vdc to 5vdc (2 amp) converter and phone charging station by pantry counter.
Back to the 380FLF. I have made a few upgrades/mod's already. If you want pics or details, feel free to contact me here or PM me.
Mod #1: Upgrade batteries
If you're going to do anything more than 2 days/nights off the chord, I suggest that make this mod. I went from the stock two 12 volt batteries, to four 6 volt Trojan T105's. Or, a better way to look at it is, @78 amp hours to @450 amp hours of power.
Mod 2: Upgrade Thermostats to Honeywell Programmables
I did not like the Coleman stock t-stats. For one thing, I couldn't see the switch settings or temp without my glasses or turning on a light (old and blind). The new ones can be programmed to warm the rig before getting up in the morning. Also, with the digital display you can see the exact temp and settings. Easier to control power usage.
Mod 3: Install Cellular Router with Wifi
I wanted the ability to work from the road, so I installed a Mofi Router and carry sims for AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon. I use which ever one has best coverage for a particular spot. I still need to install external antenna to improve bringing in the signals.
Mod 4: Improve Outdoor use in Weather
Ordered a Carefree 291800 Vacation'r Screen Room for 18' to 19' Awning. Should be here next week. We like going to the beach and having a way be outside when there is wind/rain will be nice. I picked up a Mr. Heater F274830 MH18B Big Buddy Grey Indoor-Safe Portable Propane Heater to keep it cozy.
Mod 5: Improve finding TV stations
With the stock setup, it's like hunting for Easter eggs with blinders on. Installed one of these, Winegard RFL-332 SensarPro Black TV Signal Strength Meter and now it's easy to lock on to what's available quickly.
Mod 6: Add Awning Side Water and Ice Maker
We figured the mini fridge behind the outdoor TV would not see much use other than BBQ sauce since we're not beer or soda drinkers. We thought a better use of that space was to install a hot/cold water port and an ice maker. I removed the mini-fridge (2 screws) and plumbed in a Quick Disconnect Faucet with this coil hose and a sprayer. What's nice is the plumbing for the kitchen sink is up in this same area, so tapping in to hot/cold water was easy. We use lots of ice and this Ice Maker pumps out ice like crazy. It's really nice having water and ice where we usually set up the outdoor cooking area. Just swing the TV out and and its' all right there.
Mod 7: Improve shower head and water usage
Stock shower head was not quite adequate. Felt like you'd never get the soap rinsed off. We were using far too much water during showers. Also, having the ability to shutoff the flow while lathering stunk. I replaced the stock unit with these items: Flow Control Valve, extra long shower hose and a OXYGENICS Shower Head. Now its much better when rinsing off and we're using less water for each shower. The long hose also allows you to spray/rinse the toilet bowl after cleaning it.
Mod 8: Install TPMS
A TPMS is a must. I installed this system - CARCHET Tire Pressure Monitoring System as an immediate fix. However, I want to get a system that will report to the system my truck has. Just waiting for some after market systems to come out which hopefully will be better priced.
Planned next mods. No particular order:
Install wireless backup camera.
Install 480 watt solar, 3000 watt inverter and 50 amp switch.
Add 2 more T105 batteries and move all to wet-box (center the weight).
Install macerator system.
Install keyless entry.
Install dimmers in bedroom, kitchen and living room.
Install 12vdc to 5vdc (2 amp) converter and phone charging station by pantry counter.
