Hello. I thought it might be helpful if I list a bunch of things I've added or modified to my RV here to help anybody out who might be wanting to do similar things to their RV and has questions about any of the brands I've used or how-to's.
I'm new to forums like this, so if this post is annoying or awful please tell me, I'll take it down.
1992 Toyota Motorhome- Itasca Spirit - 3VZE V6 3.0L
105,447 miles
Everything works. This RV is setup for boondocking. The only thing I have never even attempted to use is the hot water heater. I've never wanted or needed warm water to come out of the faucet. I've owned this RV since 52,000 miles on the odometer (6 years-third owner). I've driven across the US 4 times in it. I lived more than a year straight in it in California, so when I say everything works and nothing leaks, I mean it. I never get less than 11.9 MPG and the highest I've gotten with a full load including a motorcycle on the rack is 15.7 MPG on the highway. Anybody who tells you they get better than that in one of these Toyota motorhomes is probably full of ****. OR really smart and I'm interested in hearing what they've done (driving under 55mph does not count)
There's an inside and outside shower. I use the inside shower for storage. I'm just going to list everything I've repaired or added or changed to the original RV:
First off, I just finished tearing apart and rebuilding my entire roof/ceiling. I posted pics of that in another topic. If you're interested in that, check it out.
-new Dicor Diflex ii TPO roof- This gets installed texture side UP. If you're like me and bought the material and then had no way of telling which way to install it, after calling dicor I got an answer and hopefully they'll amend their website installation instructions.
-new O2 sensor (denso OEM)
-new fuel injectors (denso OEM)
-new valves and timing belt etc. #6 valve was out of spec and knowing that the timing belt could be changed and the head gaskets, i had it all done at once less than a year ago around 95,000 miles on the odometer. 2 year / 20,000 mile warranty on the repair work. Best mechanic I've ever had.
-height marker lights are all bright LED bulbs
-Taillights and reverse lights are LED bulbs
-all of the interior lights are LED bulbs
-the two roof vents are new.
-the holding tank vent tops are new
-the roof top AC is a brand new Dometic 13500 BTU duo therm brisk 2 (installed in may to save weight and replace older coleman AC)
-rear leaf springs recurved and springs added by Deaver Springs in California. They are the best suspension company in the US. this motorhome drives like a car.
-all new brakes, calipers on rear and new brake lines and new caliper on front left.
-hankook tires with good tread left, 8 ply for heavier weight than this motorhome would ever carry
-removed the 2k generator and replaced with 2 deep cycle 6volt Vmax Tanks 235 Amp Hour for solar power
-3 Renogy 100 Watt solar panels (the solar system powers everything except the A/C. it would turn the A/C on and run for a bit, but you can see the battery losing power on the charge controller screen. i keep the fridge on Gas setting unless I've plugged into shore power, which is 30 Amp)
-8020.net Aluminum grid built on roof so none of the solar panels penetrate the rooftop. Nice to have a grid to install components onto and yes, I mounted it to the roof, but I will never change where it's mounted. Beats putting 20+ screws into the roof for the solar panels alone.
-1000 Watt AIMS inverter/charger True Sine Wave, best for computers and sensitive electronics.
-top of the line Renogy Charge Controller. I've never killed the batteries completely. This charge controller is great
-WIFI rear video camera (turns on / off with a little switch and transmits signal to my iPhone or Android phone up front in the cab)
-replaced the cooling component of the Dometic fridge with one refurbished by Amish through eBay. I keep it at 4 or 5 on the dial and have to be careful because it will freeze eggs at that temp. it stays below 40 degrees no problem on electric or propane. I've left town and kept the fridge running for as long as 25 days without refilling propane tank.
-this RV has its own WIFI network using a Bullet M2 Titanium with 8.5 DBI antenna and a WIFI router. All of this turns on with the flick of a little switch and then I use my laptop to choose and login to a WIFI network. It can reach unto 2000 feet with clear line of sight. I would go to the beach along the california coast and have no problem repeating WIFI signal from hundreds of feet away. google this setup and you'll find other people reporting using the Bullet to do the same thing. I love having it.
-battery on/off switch for Solar Bank
-battery selector switch between the 2 6volt batteries connected to Solar Power system or the 12 volt Deep cycle marine battery that charges off the Toyota's alternator. switch has batt 1, batt 2, or OFF selection.
-bilstein shock absorbers for Toyota Motorhome
-replaced the original airbags on the rear axle with the same type. they are helper bags, not necessarily weight bearing. I keep 40 PSI in both regularly. Maybe 50 with the motorcycle on the rear rack.
-carpet removed and bamboo flooring installed. one of the best things I could've ever done.
-front upper window was replaced after original tempered glass one shattered on the highway. replaced with a plexiglass one. it's been great.
-dinette table was replaced with a custom tempered glass top. I keep a nautical chart under the glass, but it's easily removed with 4 screws and anything could be laid under the glass, photos, maps, etc.
-fridge vent fan with automatic thermal sensor for on/off function. also switches on/off with e little switch. this helps the induction fridge about 5 degrees cooler under operation.
-new ceramic Dometic toilet, not that cheap plastic one like so many others have
-all new plastic blinds in coach windows
-rear bumper is reinforced with steel plate and rectangular channel to carry the extra weight of motorcycle.
-11.5 foot long Carefree Awning. This awning is custom made and so awesome. the easiest awning I've ever tried. everything is self-contained when put away. very smart design. and color matches the blue colors on the outside of the RV.
-CD player/radio/USB port
-exhaust
-trailer tongue crank for taking pressure off the rear suspension and stabilizing the RV when I'm camping. This has proven to be handy on several occasions. When the motorcycle is on the back, I like to take the weight off of the suspension. it's very handy.
-new impeller blades on the heater, which works great and I've used it many times. this RV is efficient at heating/cooling.
-12v 6" oscillating fan. great for comfortable sleeping in full size bed over the cab.
-30 Amp Relay Transfer Switch switches between solar and shore power automatically so fast nothing turns off.
-front cab window cover for the inside. adds more security to the RV and allows you to enter the cab area without giving up your privacy.
-MaxxAir fan with 10 speeds and MaxxAir vent cover with the speedy clips for tool-free installation and removal for access to vent. such a great fan.
-I reinforced the closet walls and permanently installed wooden shelves.
My Xtend & Climb telescopic ladder fits in the closet perfectly. These ladders are a must-have. Mine's about 12' tall and I've used it for all kinds of things while camping.
