How do your make your TC your own?

[hedgehopper]

What does it take for you to feel that your newly acquired TC is uniquely yours? For me it's improvement projects. Since getting our 2002 Northern Lite 10-2 CD last year, the projects are:

(1) built a jig to keep the camper from sliding around in the truck box.
(2) upgraded the converter from single stage to multi-stage.
(3) replaced the countertop microwave with one in the overhead cabinet.
(4) built a jig to secure the microwave in place.
(5) installed a digital DC voltmeter that also serves as a night light.
(6) replaced the wall-clock movement with an atomic (radio controlled) one.
(7) installed a digital thermometer beneath the analog thermostat.
(8) replaced bulbs with LEDs.

And, I might add, other forum members have been a big help with information for some of these projects. Thanks.

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

Grit dog wrote:

Deb and Ed M wrote:
In MY case - I gutted it. Tore out the non-functioning fridge; and the furnace I would never use even if it DID work. And since the gas line was damaged (not by me) - I took out the stove. I now have GOBS of kitchen storage, a huge pantry and a wardrobe; plus an outside cabinet to hold all the hookup equipment. Mine is probably a one-of-a-kind popup.

Lol. Yep it's unique. Now it's just a heavy tent!

And that's pretty much what I wanted!

[wvabeer]

I searched and found the exact TC with the options that I wanted. I did peel all the warning and advertising labels off too. The part that makes my truck camper uniquely my own, is me making that darn payment every month.

[jimh406]

We've done a few different things. Some time, I will document them all. Here's a partial list that isn't in a particular order.

Added a 2000watt inverter that sits on synthetic wood in the battery compartment.
Built and added a shelf/divider in the outside compartment.
Added shelf liners for all shelves.
Added a foam topper to the bed and mattress pad.
Changed sheets and added pillows, quilts, blankets, etc.
Tinted the Windows.
Added vent covers (it rains a lot in our area).
Replaced the existing table with a minitable that I made that uses the existing bracket for easy removal.
Added a magazine rack under the dinette.
Added d-rings to hold kennels in place that sit under the dinette cushions.
Add d-rings to keep the screen door shut. Provides a bit more security than the spring loaded latch.
Added foam to change the dinette cushion angle.
Added a cover of the foam above.
Added pillows for the dinette.
Covered various aluminum with wood finish contact paper.
Replaced the convection oven with a new one that is more efficient.
Added vents to the walls adjoining the convection oven for more ventilation.
Added adjustable shelves to the inside cabinets.
Made a tv bracket to hang a tv in the kitchen area.
Added d-rings to hold the tv in place in the closet.
Changed bulbs to LEDs.
Added organizers and containers to drawers/cabinets.
Added cloth wraps for the wires going to the bedroom tv and routed them.
Added a blu-ray player.
Added a small inverter that works off the 12v plug in the bedroom.
Bought dishes/pans/towels especially for the TC.
Added a first aid kit.
Added dually brackets.
Added a better sewer hose and adapted the storage compartment to fit.
Added a sewer hose adapter for hookups and store that in a zip lock in the black/grey/electric compartment.
Added a mount for a small glass grill.

Of course, this doesn't include truck modifications. 🙂

[kerry4951]

I ordered my TC too, and ordered all the factory options. The problem is they didnt include the 67 other options that I had to add to make the thing mine.

[Bedlam]

The last three vehicles were ordered and the last two RV's were also ordered. There is a balance between cost and time - You have to decide what you want done and what you are willing to pay. I bought a RV to get away. Others have an RV to mod and keep themselves busy. Days I am working on gear are days I am not making another trip.

[hedgehopper]

Bedlam wrote:
I ordered mine the way I wanted.

Wow! You can do that?

[Bedlam]

I ordered mine the way I wanted.

[hedgehopper]

trailgranny50 wrote:
Don't know what I'm going do for entertainment between trips when I'm finished.

Don't worry. It's never finished.

[trailgranny50]

Ours is a long list of things from installing roof air unit, replacing dead hot water heater and bathroom black tank/shower pan and toilet, fantastic fan and shroud in bathroom, microwave, TV and satellite receiver, new converter and shore power cord, re-orient dinette table, carpet, chairs, counter extension, drapes and insulation, gray water tank in space where spare tire used to be under the truck, storage rack on back, cargo tray/steps and awnings. Just finished a grill table for Coleman grill stove and installing gas line extension to it from propane compartment with quick connects. Yup, she's really ours now, no one else would want her, but there's no leaks or rot and she and the old Duramax get along fine without truck mods. Best of all they're all long paid for and 95% of the work was done ourselves so no huge expenses there. Satisfaction of knowing how stuff is put together and exactly how old it all is. Everyone does some little things like we did that aren't mentioned here as well. Just using it and putting your personal things in the TC makes it your own. One doesn't need to go to the lengths we did unless it's needed or you just like to tinker. It's all good fun and a real learning experience. Don't know what I'm going do for entertainment between trips when I'm finished. Can't imagine the time and work some folks put in rebuilding and modernizing some of the really old ones but I'm sure it's a labor of love and rewarding in the end.

[Kayteg1]

When I got mine I was occupy with dryrot for couple of seasons.
Than I add foldable steps.

[kerry4951]

I agree....adding mods gives the TC that personal touch and makes it yours. If I sold my TC it would take me a few hours to show the new owner all the stuff that I did to it.

[Grit_dog]

Deb and Ed M wrote:
In MY case - I gutted it. Tore out the non-functioning fridge; and the furnace I would never use even if it DID work. And since the gas line was damaged (not by me) - I took out the stove. I now have GOBS of kitchen storage, a huge pantry and a wardrobe; plus an outside cabinet to hold all the hookup equipment. Mine is probably a one-of-a-kind popup.

Lol. Yep it's unique. Now it's just a heavy tent!

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

In MY case - I gutted it. Tore out the non-functioning fridge; and the furnace I would never use even if it DID work. And since the gas line was damaged (not by me) - I took out the stove. I now have GOBS of kitchen storage, a huge pantry and a wardrobe; plus an outside cabinet to hold all the hookup equipment. Mine is probably a one-of-a-kind popup.

[languiduck]

I know people like to mod their TC and that's fine. Different things are necessary for different folks. I consider anything uniquely mine when I own it by paying cash upfront, or finishing paying something off early. It ain't yours if there's a lien on it, so I choose to not spend much money on mods.

[Vinsil]

I pulled at LEAST 12 lbs of stickers and warning labels off mine. lol