We have been asked over and over again what we have done to the coach and what products would we suggest.  Here is a list of products we have added to the coach that we felt may also improve your experience.  Links are also provided with the product name.  We will continue to add to this page as it is a work in progress.

Note…We have not been paid to endorse any product.  All products where purchased by us.

Updated 12/5/2011

DRIVING

SuperSteer MOTION CONTROL UNITS – This has to be hands down one of the best finds we have made for ride comfort. Some call it the “Wal-Mart Wobble” — the huge sway when your motor- home enters or leaves a parking lot. This Motion Control Unit instantly counteracts roll, sway & side-whip of your coach.

KONI FSD SHOCKS - When we first got our coach the road always seems not only bounce us around, but also everything else.  Well, we came across the Koni FSD shocks and our comfort changed.  The FSD automatically adjusts to road conditions and greatly improved our ride.

SAFT-T-PLUS – Steering control. We replaced the above TruCenter with just the standard Safe-T-Plus unit for our coach.  This again helps with driver fatigue and also helps in a number of ways with the steering of the coach.  From wind sheer, pot holes, and passing semi’s to the all important tire blow out.  This unit will help with all of them.

SuperSteer TRIM UNIT – If you added a Safe-T-Plus above, you would want to consider a Trim Unit for it.  The reason… is is used to allow you to correct the center line of the coach.  How many times have you had heavy winds or a bad crown in the road?  When this happens you need to always hold the steering wheel to the right or the left to keep your straight.  This over time tires you out.  With the Trim Unit you can push a button and the unit holds that as the new center line.  More or less it resets your alignment (Not really messing with your actual alignment but holds the tie rod into a different position). This equals to less fatigue and a more comfortable drive.  See it in action with me driving our couch in 20 mph side winds CLICK HERE.

SMI Air Force One TOW VEHICLE BRAKING SYSTEM – Ok, if you tow a vehicle, you need a breaking system for it.  I will tell you right now, look no further.  I have tired the robotic system that you need to connect and then remove and went though three of them with 1) Failure, 2) Not being able to help brake enough, and 3) got tired of putting it in and taking it out.  I then started to research systems that are installed into the car that just required you to hook into the coach like you would any other cable.  The SMI system by far is the best thing out their in my humble opinion.  It is just outstanding and you can feel the difference from the first time you step on the brakes.

TST 507RV TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM – If you drive a coach and tow a car or trailer, you will want to look into a tire press monitoring system.  Let me put it to you this way, 32,000 lbs coach, pulling a 4600 lbs SUV.  The SUV blows a rear tire…will you know it?  Nope, you will more than likely never feel it as the mass of the coach and the power of it more or less would mask any resistance you would feel.  But besides that, I really would want to know if I was loosing air due to a nail or something while driving or even before I pulled out.  And thus the tire pressure monitor system comes into play.

And you know what…It worked so well on our first trip with it as I was actually able to see that my front driver side tire of my Saturn Outlook was running hot.  When I stopped I used my IR Heat Reader and took a reading to be sure it was not the sensor sending a bad reading. Sure enough, the tire was 14 degrees hotter than the other tires.  I looked at the brakes and sure enough, they were thinner than the others and more brake dust was on the rim.  This is a sign that the caliper was not releasing all the way after the brakes were applied.   So, it will be going in next week for service and the TST 507RV TPMS may have just saved us from a future braking issue.   Note though, even though it was not OVER HOT etc to make an alarm sound on the monitor, the system did allow me to see an issue that the brakes were making based on the the increased temperature reading.  Other systems do not allow for this.  The TST 507RV does as it nicely scrolls though tire by tire every 5 seconds giving you pressure and temp readings.  (I also tried the TireTraker/Hawkshead and it failed to deliver continued proper results.  I am replacing an much older PressurePro as it lacks features such as rapid air loss and live display.‎  The TST 507RV was purchased from Plug It Right after searching the net for pricing and feedback.)

COMMUNICATIONS

CRADLEPOINT WIRELESS ROUTER – If you already use the internet on the road with a cellular data card, then why not make it so you have a wireless access all the time?  The CBR400 is simple to use and setup and can be used inside your entire coach and even outside the coach within reason.    More or less, you just take your USB data card and plug it into the CBR400 and you create an instant WiFi hot spot.  (We use the MBR1400 as it allows us to also do a WAN connection which we needed for the G74 system mentioned below.)

WILSON CELLULAR AMP FOR 3G DATA CARD – Do you have a G3 data card for internet when you are traveling?  If so, you have then also been in areas where their is poor reception.  You can help solve that with the use of a Wilson cellular amp with an antenna and right cable to connect to your data card.  First thing you need to check is your data card, does it have an external data jack on it?  If so, you are all set now you just need to get the right cable for it and you can have increased reception.  I used the company 3GStore as they have it all spelled out and deal with just 3G and 4G systems.  (Amps, repeaters, routers, data cards, antenna, etc)

MOTOSAT G74 SATELLITE INTERNET DATA – Now this is costly.  Not for the faint of heart.  But for those who must to be able to have internet access once they get somewhere, then this is the way to go.  In our travels we have found a number of places our cellular data card just would not work.  So I researched an researched and found my way to Bill Adams of Internet Anywhere.  Bill is one of the best in the busniess and is always there to help.

WINEGARD TRAVLER HDTV SATELLITE DISH -  When you want to use satellite for your TV viewing, you must consider the Winegard Traveler series of dishes. Be it Dish Network or DirecTV, they have an automated dish that fits this need.  When we arrive at a stopping point, once we level, the turn the unit on and it goes to work deploying the dish.  It automatically finds and locks on to the satellites needed based on the provider you choose to use.  It usually does this within 5 minutes.  If using Dish Network, all three satellites needed are locked on and if using DirecTV, all 5.  It really is a quick and easy system that has been very reliable. Oh, when it is time to move on, one more press the power button and it stows the dish for travel.  It’s really is that easy.

WILSON CELLULAR REPEATER – How many times have you been in an area where you needed better cell coverage?  Or you were outside your coach and had good signal and then came inside and the signal dropped off?  The use of a cellular repeater can help with this.  We install the one that is linked above.  Now mind you, the one we installed is shown for home use, but out coach is 42 feet and thus large.  As such, I wanted to be sure I had the coverage.  Now what you will need is a Dual-Band SOHO Cellular/PCS Amplifier, in this case the model 801245, an outdoor antenna and an inside antenna.  You will also need cable to connect it all.  Now I went with that internal antenna as it offed the most Db gain which is important.  I mounted the outside one all the way on the back of the coach and mounted the inside one, which is directional, facing forward mid coach.  Complete kits can be found here.

ELECTRICAL

PROGRESSIVE INDUSTRIES EMS-HW50C -  When it comes to power, you need protection!  Trust us, when you come across a RV park that has substandard power, you are putting yourself, and your coach, at risk.  From brown outs to high voltage, you need protection.  That does not even take into account though a post that may have been wired wrong or if a neutral was dropped or even crossed.  Even spikes can and does make for issues!  You need protection.  Don’t have any, GET SOME!  Be it the hardwired unit we installed or an external one, this can be one of the best safeguard investments you make.

HUGHES AUTOFORMER RV220-50 – Ok, picture this…Hot, hot day.  Everyone is running their A/C units.  As a result, the power output of the shore power from the poll drop to 103 volts. (should be 120v)  What happens?  You A/C and anything else with a motor draws more amps and also strains under the load trying to keep up.  Thus in turn ages the motors more quickly and failure is more likely.  Enter the Hughes Autoformer.  In a nut shell, it will boost the voltage as needed based on what it seems coming in from the post.  It will do so in 5%, 10%, and 15% intervals based on how low the voltage may be and more importantly, the demand needed.  You can actually run more than you normally would be able to.  It is more or less like carrying your our transformer for more stable power.

SMART LIGHT 1000 – Not something someone things about often, but the outside night time light is one of the most used devices on any RV or motor coach.  We came across the Smart light by Star Lights Inc back in June of 2008 at a rally.  What makes this light different is that it has a motion detector built in.  Yes, just like at home where you may use a motion detection light for the driveway, some idea here for the RV.  And it is “smart” as it knows if it is day or night out and thus you can leave it on all the time and it will only turn on at night when motion is detected. (Remember to turn off when driving at night.)  It also has a bright LED on it that flashes that not only tells you the status of the unit, but can act as a deterrent as it looks like a flashing LED security alarm warning like on the dash of a car.  So someone who does not know what the light is, may think it is the notice for a security system.

INSIDE

LED LIGHTING – Switching out some of the lighting that came in the coach adds a lot to dry camping and heat inside the coach.  The little 20 watt bulbs eats up voltage and thus can drain your batteries faster when dry camping.  They also produce a large amount of heat.  Replacing them with LED bulbs will greatly reduce both!  70% to 80%  reduction in power use alone! The link provided is to an eBay dealer who I have found to be very friendly and some very good prices. Please let him know I directed you for your needs.  Oh, you also would want the WARM LED color to best match what you see now with your bulbs.

Adding other LED’s, like strips of LED’s, including waterproof outdoor OUTSIDE LED’s for under your coach, you want to go here…LED LIGHT KIT.  Our coach is actually on their site HERE.  To put on the outside under the coach ones, I used a strip of silicon, let it tack some, and then pressed them into place.

QUICK LED STRIP LIGHTS – We found these lights on-line with a simple search. Quick and easy to install.  You can stick them anywhere.  We added them under the kitchen counter, above 2 side windows and to the front end of the coach.  We purchased the MULTICOLOR ones as you can change the color to any color and also do some effects, though I am not allowed per Brenda.  Now they do come with a 110v plug in transformer, but that transformer outputs 12v.  So, you can, as we did on one set, cut that out and connect it to a 12v source of power.

MCD Innovations Day/Night Shades – Oh my!  What a find!  The American Duo Shades from MCD.  No more fighting with the dual honeycomb shades.  No more issues if the string breaks or frays.  NO MORE PIN HOLE LASER SUN LIGHT!  These shades are just fantastic.  In the day mode, you can see out, others can not see in.  In the night mode, it just stops the light and the inside looks great.  One hand can open and close the shades or you can even get them motorized.

LED LCD Flat Panel TV’s – If looking to upgrade your TV, suggest looking into the LCD Flat Panels that use LED back-lighting.  The set will run cooler and also use less energy vs the normal fluorescent tubes used.  They also are thinner and lighter.  I use the Samsung sets.  Again, not just LCD, but LED LCD.  Their is a difference.

12v CEILING FAN – We added a 12v ceiling fan in the bedroom.  They are low profile so they the bedroom slide does not have an issue coming in an out.  But be sure to check how much room you have.  Seeing it is 12v, you can usually find a wire in the wall for the lighting and tap into that.  It really helps keep the bedroom cool even without using the A/C.  The link provided is a Google search link as their are differnt ones and differnt people selling them.

WATER

WATER SOFTENER – If you travel around the country, you surely know how you can run into water issues.  If you have been to say Yuma, you surely know how bad the water is.  One of the things that we find is a must is a water softener.  This will remove a lot of the hard minerals out of the water. You know the white scale buildup you may find in your shower, on the shower head and even on the walls?  Yup, hard water!  So adding one of these will make not only less work for cleaning, but you showers will feel so much nicer.

WATER SEDIMENT FILTER and CARBON FILTER – We also added to the coach a water sediment filter and carbon filter.  These are located after the water softener and before the water enters the coach. (Water path…water tap, softener, sediment filter, carbon filter, enter coach.)  This provides filtering of the water coach wide for cooking, cleaning, and showers.  Again, this is something that is a really good idea as you never know what you may run into water wise.

REVERSE OSMOSIS for Drinking Water -  Reverse Osmosis (RO) is a remarkably simple process of purifying water and is well-suited for use in RVs. As the name implies, RO reverses the natural process of osmosis, which is a very important process utilized by living organisms.  It WILL make your drinking water better than bottles water and will pay for itself over time.  We went with a 2.5 gallon tank unit under our kitchen sink.  It can produce 50 gallons a day, but you store it in a 2.5 gallon tank.  Again, this really is a must if you want clean drinking water for not only you, but your pets.  We no longer buy bottled water and not only does this save us space, but costs.  We are always assured to have pure water to drink.  (Water path…water tap, softener, sediment filter, carbon filter, enter coach, RO system under sink for drinking water only.)

OTHER

SANI-CON WAIST DISPOSAL – “The cleanest, most sanitary and convenient way to empty your RV holding tank!”  That is what sold me on this.  And it is wonderful.  No more dealing with 3″ sewage tubes!  No more dealing with needing gloves. No more mess that can be caused.  I purchased the box mounted version so it is always hooked up.  Note that it does state that it is a self priming pump.  That is true, but I took that to mean I could place the pump anywhere.  The unit itself needs to be level with or under the height of the out ports of your gray and black tanks as it does rely on gravity to get it to the pump for the most part.  Their are also portable version that you connect when you are going to pump out.

WINDOW AWANINGS by ShadePro - If you have been considering to purchase or not purchase window awning for your RV, the simple answer should be YES.  Window awning not only look nice on your coach, but they help A LOT with the heat!  And I mean a lot!  How does a 30 degrees difference on the window surface sound?  In my simple test with a surface temperature meter, I found a 30 degree difference on a 93 degree day from a window that had an awning, to one that did not.  Please see the following blog entry for the video… VIEW VIDEO HERE.

WashWax Kit – Tired of cleaning your RV for 3 hours or more with soap and water.  Then do what I did, discover the joy of the Waterless Wash Kit from WashWax and Aero Cosmetics.  Now it is not cheep to start with mind you for the complete kit, but it will quickly pay for itself with the time you save.  It now takes me just under an hour to clean our entire 42 foot coach with this system.   For those of you that have met us, you surely have noticed the shine as not only does it clean the surface, but also waxes it.  It is outstanding to say say the least.

NOT RECOMMENDED!!!

Blue-OX TruCenter – REMOVED – NOTE: DUE TO MANUFACTURING ISSUES WITH THE CONTROL SOLENOID, I HAVE REMOVED THE TRUCENTER.  I TRIED 5 OF THEM!!! It JUST STOPPED being able to readjust the center point thus it could have be stuck pulling left or right based on where you had it set last.  I am waiting on them to advise and yet I still see them selling them.  Pondering and scary.  See full write up here… iRV2 Community

SURGE GUARD 21260 TRANSFER SWITCH -  UNIT NOW REMOVED AS I WOULD BE GOING ON TO MY 3rd OF THESE.  CURRENT ISSUE, IT WILL REPORT A OPEN GROUND WHEN ONE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE PRESENT.  COMPANY THINKS THE UNIT IS TOO SENSITIVE TO THE OPEN GROUND READING.  We actually had to pull out of a park we pulled into as we could not power up the coach as their is NO BYPASS on this unit. Replaced the switch with a standard PD52 as I already had protection from the Progressive Industries unit mentioned above.