177 under sink & dinette space, valance lights
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4926
Printed Date: 05 May 2024 at 10:12am
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Topic: 177 under sink & dinette space, valance lights
Posted By: prg4533
Subject: 177 under sink & dinette space, valance lights
Date 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 http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/aluminum-light-bars/lfd-series-led-linear-light-bar-fixture/1310/ - 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 http://www.eco-worthy.com/catalog/100w250w-foldable-poly-solar-panel-with-solar-charge-controller-free-shipping-p-347.html - folding 100 watt solar panel to charge the batteries.
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Replies:
Posted By: jacqqueandsusan
Date 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. |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2014 at 12:34am
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Nice change to the P trap, definitely opens it up. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: prg4533
Date 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. |
Posted By: WillThrill
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2014 at 1:51am
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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 |
Posted By: jacqqueandsusan
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2014 at 10:27am
| Good to know. Thanks! |
Posted By: yalilminx
Date Posted: 30 May 2015 at 11:35pm
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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 |
Posted By: prg4533
Date 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 http://www.harborfreight.com/15-amp-three-stage-onboard-battery-charger-maintainer-99857.html - 1.5 amp battery maintainer from Harbor freight to keep the batteries charged. |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 31 May 2015 at 9:19pm
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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 ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 01 Jun 2015 at 2:31pm
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 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |