Mega_Mod: Concept to Reality

Further down was the conceptual layout. Here are now a few pics of the real deal:

Starting from the back - here is the camera mounted to view - slightly tilted - towards the center and the hitch ball. There was no other place other than to drill through the licence plate (not allowed). So unless I get me one of the licence plate cameras it will stay here.



Here is the connector to the Camper. This is the same as described in one of the previous posts.




From there the camera and the connector terminate in a junction box, notice the silicone to seal of the environment:



The junction box mounted to the bottom of the truck bed.




I followed the original cable harness and tugged the cables into the plastic protector as best as I could. I used some heat shielded tape in some areas to really keep them protected.





From there I made my way into the engine compartment. Going through the firewall is always a problem. I used the plastic cover where usually the clutch pedal goes out. I drilled a hole, used a rubber grommet and then used more of the heat shielded tape.







Ones inside I routed everything to the center console and added a main switch next to the steering wheel.



Overall this took me a full Sunday due to my efforts to get the cables protected as best as I could.

Mega_Mod: Back Up Camera 1 & 2

After I lost my back up camera on the Excursion I really started missing this feature. I tried to install the 7" screen from the Excursion but I could not find a place for it. So I moved away from the Laptop setup from the Excursion and I purchased a Garmin Nuvi 5000 large screen GPS.



I decided for the Garmin 5000 because I like the features of Garmin GPS systems and this unit has a Video In.

So here is my set up:

As you can see I use the Garmin as a video display. It turns on automatically whenever video starts streaming (i.e. when I reverse). From there I connect to a video splitter/switch. This allows you to typically switch between three video sources to display on a TV. I tested the unit and it allows also to switch power at the same time the video is switched. So I really use it to switch power and video at the same time from the Camper Cam to the Truck Can or visa versa. It allows you to connect to a third video source as well. This is currently not used as I don't want to stream movies while driving. But maybe one day this is set up for the co-driver.

From there backwards I have a regular on/off switch which gets power from a toggle switch. The toggle gets either permanent power or power from the Reverse Light circuit.

My EX is gone, here is my MEGA love....

Today I traded in my Excursion and got me a 2007 Dodge 2500 Megacab with a 6.7L Cummins diesel and 6 speed automatic. Sweet....

Camper Mod: Magnet Board

My wife likes to collect the fridge magemts from the parks we go to. Over time this is now some nice collection and does not fit on the range hood anymore. I bought a magnet board from IKEA for a few bucks and mounted it to the wall next to the entry door.

Camper Mod: New Matress

This is probably out best modification by a long shot. We ditched the old matress and got us an RV-Queen size from Bed-in-a-box.

Price OK, S&H free, quick delivery. We can recommend this company and have since then purchased another matress for our daughter.

Camper Mod: Flag Post

Here is our set up for a flag post.

We use the weight distribution clamps with the metal pipe (lever) as the basis. We use a standard length PVC pipe that goes over the metal lever. The top of the PVC pipe has receivers for the flag.



This is a very easy set up, no screws, no attachments, all items are on board - just add a PVC pipe.

Camper Mod: Bunk Bed Guard

We have bunk beds in our trailer and typical for kids, they always want to sleep on the top bunks. Not a problems for older one but for our little one it was always dangerous especially as he turns in his sleep. So we had to construct bunk bed guards. My challenge was to complete this w/o any visible holes or screws as I wanted to keep the trailer nice and 'sell able'.


I got me four 90 degree angled metal stripes that I attached to the bottom of the bunk beds underneath the mattress.

Then I used light oak wood to build a wood frame. This frame stands on the floor and has a very small air gap on the ceiling. The bottom and the top of the oak struts have carpet glued to it for reduced rubbing friction against the floor and the ceiling.
The frame was then attached to the metal from the behind. The screws are low so they are hidden by the mattress.

Before I continue - pardon the mess on the first picture. The bottom bunk becomes more a storage location than a bed. These are the two only shots I have.

My lovely wife with the wood frame in the back. It also holds everything nicely in the bunk when we are travelling.

Camper Pics: Pedernales Statepark 12/07

Perdernales Falls State Park - December 2007

Camper Mod: Sewer Tote Storage

Since I purchased the blue tote I was not happy with storing the it in the front camper compartment. I just did not seem right.

I thought about various locations - in the front and on the back bumper but did not like the idea of displaying this ugly thing in full sight.

So here is what I did:

1) I created a frame of stainless steel supported by flat aluminium spreaders. I then attached this frame to the stairs. When its raised into top position the whole frame is at the same height as the stair housing. I then attached a light weight plastic plant support to provide the bottom of the frame.



2) the tote rolls right into place.


3) I had to leave the totes cover off to fit it nicely around the existing gas line.


4) It sits in this position without any other fasteners. It's not moving at all as it pushes slightly against the bottom of the trailer.


Since I have installed this I have traveled about 1000 miles and I have not experienced any loosening or moving of parts. I am happy that the tote is out of sight. The only improvement project left is the raising of frame. I might need to think about something else as it requires me to sit in front of the frame, raise it with one hand and fasten it with the other.