Northern Lite Camper modifications/add ons

[Travelin_Jim]

I'd like to get Northern Lite owners to discuss what they are doing to improve their camper/camping experience. I have a 2019 Northern Lite 8-11 EX that I am trying to improve the efficiency of the space that we have. Please add photos as you can. Thank you & Happy Camping!

[PhilR]

I'm considering putting 2 Battleborn 100 ah Lithium batteries in my 2016 8-11 SE Q and am advised by the factory of the need to replace the solar regulator and power converter to LI units. Has anyone done this modification and can tell me what units they used? Thanks.

Phil

[SideHillSoup]

Deleted post.
Soup

[Travelin_Jim]

I am in awe of you guys. I don't know how to do most of what you have done. Thanks for the input. I am still getting used to the camper...fixing stuff that came wrong from the factory.

[Tizi]

Replaced converter/charger with 4 stage unit
Installed 600 watt pure sine wave inverter for entertainment system
Installed new stereo system with HDMI/Bluetooth and sub woofer out
Upgraded TV to hi-def (21 inch - going to go to 27 inch soon)
Installed USB charging in cabover
Installed group 27 batteries
Upgraded the mattress to foam
Installed new mini blinds
Installed LED lighting
Upgraded thermostat to electronic
Replace shower head with Oxygenics
Installed flat antenna for OTA broadcasts
Installed 2 magazine holders
Installed shelving in cabinet by bath with roll out drawers
Re-caulked entire rig

[Siletzspey]

Swapped out the slow Emerson thermostat for a Honeywell model TH1100DV1000.
Swapped out the 12V car charger port by the sink for another dual USB outlet.
Swapped out the main plush white carpet (arrggg!) for a low-profile indoor/outdoor polypropylene carpet.
Upgraded to a heavier shower curtain, and trimmed the left side bottom up so when it all gets shoved behind the toilet, the bottom portion doesn't bunch up as much.
Went all out on a first wash, orbital-clean/deoxidize/grind and wax job. Plan to do minor touchups for the next 2 years, then go all out again.
Will be swapping out the remain plushing carpet on the step-up and under the dinette.
Will be installing an internal Progressive Dynamics electrical management system (EMS).
Will be doing the basement tray lip ramp like burningman.
Will be replacing the o-rings/seals on all the exterior cam locks, as the factory ones are falling apart.
Will be upgrading to Lithium Iron batteries. Will require upgrading the solar charger and the power/circuit pack within the AC/DC console.
Maybe replace the "751" keyed cam locks with something more secure.

[burningman]

Added on/off switch for Happijack control unit. There are reports of it randomly activating a jack and toppling the camper. Seems it should have an on/off anyway.
The HappiJacs are unreliable failure-prone junk. I’ll be removing them soon and converting.

Added a wedge shaped piece on floor just inside the basement access door, so the tray doesn’t beat up the door flange when you pull it out.
Stuck little rubber bumpers on the folding step so it doesn’t scratch the bumper all up.
Glued dimes under where the set screws go to hold the extra rear step, so they don’t gouge out the aluminum.
Added Froli adjustable mattress spring setup, to allow air circulation below the mattress and prevent condensation and potentially mold. It’s also more comfy. The factory Hypervent they started including isn’t nearly as good.
I’m gonna upgrade the outside shower with a removeable, quick disconnect hose and sprayer.

[covered_wagon]

Things I've done to mine, may be of some value to you

insulated the floor between basement and cabin.
Added 12 volt recepticle to cab over area
Insulated outside shower
Insulated behind the tail lights
changed noisy bath fan to a muffin fan.
Changed noisy range hood fan to muffin fan.
Changed toilet paper hanger to marine so no more unrolling by
itself.
Added Blue Sea volt gauge
Added support to the drawer guides
Changed the water fill door outside to higher quality door.
Mounted water pump on back wall with flexible pressure approved line on the
inlet and outlet to kill noise.
Added backsplash to kitchen counters.
Added actual sewer storage tube in rear overhang so when gaining access to the fitting it is right next to the sewer outlet. Drilled holes in tube to help rinse and drain.
Changed sink strainers to stainless strainers
Made access door to the cab over step for more storage under step.
Added bicycle cable to Generator handle cabled and locked to boat hook and thru bolted inside gen box side.