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Topic Closed177 under sink & dinette space, valance lights
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prg4533 View Drop Down
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Posts: 4 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: 177 under sink & dinette space, valance lights
    Posted: 04 Jul 2014 at 2:00pm
I was shocked to see how badly used the space under the kitchen sink was. I removed the panels that formed the cupboard space, then moved the P trap, wires, and gas lines to the side. This increased the space by about 5x! 

Here's a shot with the panels back in place. Storage now goes all the way to the back wall!

I cut out the side panel of the dinette seat by the door and installed a sliding drawer. We decided to just convert half the space to a drawer. 

Under the other dinette seat, I covered the mass of wiring with a 1/4" plywood panel that sits on 2"x2" wood blocks then added 1/8" plywood panels to segregate the power center and other wires on the refrigerator side. 

I added an LED light bar above each dinette valance. A dimmer control was installed below the dinette seat next to the power center. 

I'm currently installing a backup camera with wireless module to send video to a rear view mirror monitor. I also swapped out the stock group 24 battery with two 6 volt GC2 "golf cart" batteries from Costco. Such a deal at $85 each! I've ordered a folding 100 watt solar panel to charge the batteries.
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jacqqueandsusan View Drop Down
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Posts: 14 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Jul 2014 at 4:18pm
Looking forward to seeing how you hook up the solar panel.  Are you just going to plug into the ZAmp Plug.
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Jul 2014 at 12:34am
Nice change to the P trap, definitely opens it up.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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prg4533 View Drop Down
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Posts: 4 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Jul 2014 at 1:19pm
Yes I'll use the Zamp plug.  It looks like the wires go directly to the battery though there was zero information provided when we bought the Rpod.  I'll have to contact Forest River or the dealer to be sure.  I don't see any way that it could be connected to the power center. 
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WillThrill View Drop Down
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Posts: 298 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Jul 2014 at 1:51am
I just checked mine today, and the Zamp plug does go straight to the battery. One of the lines going to my batteries (2 actually, you know ;)) actually says Zamp Solar on it.
"Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien

2014 Hood River 177
2005 GMC Envoy XL
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jacqqueandsusan View Drop Down
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Posts: 14 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Jul 2014 at 10:27am
Good to know.  Thanks!
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yalilminx View Drop Down
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Posts: 14 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 May 2015 at 11:35pm
I am curious - Did you have any problems plugging in the solar panels to the z amp connection?? Also, Are you going to use the panels to keep the battery charged while not in use??
2015 rpod 176t
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prg4533 View Drop Down
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Posts: 4 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 May 2015 at 1:12am
No.  I connected 20' of 16 gauge speaker wire to the panel, and connected a two pin male connector that I got at an auto parts store. It plugs right into the Zamp port on the rear of the trailer.  I bought a 1.5 amp battery maintainer from Harbor freight to keep the batteries charged.
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 May 2015 at 9:19pm
You would do much better with 10 gauge wire over that 20 foot distance.  You'll get more charge for your buck with that one change.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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fwunder View Drop Down
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Posts: 1676 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Jun 2015 at 2:31pm
Originally posted by prg4533

I was shocked to see how badly used the space under the kitchen sink was. I removed the panels that formed the cupboard space, then moved the P trap, wires, and gas lines to the side. This increased the space by about 5x!

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Consider yourself flattered! And imitated. Great mod. Thanks for the idea. It was a good and cheap rainy day project. Next may come the slide out basket/drawer ensemble.

Thanks again!

fred
2014 RPod 178 => MyMods and Buying Habits
2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6
Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks!
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