Technical ArticlesTechnical
RV Living Area Renovation
Tuesday, 15 July 2008 08:02
After owning our 2002 Dolphin motor home for over 6 years and living in it fulltime for almost 4 years, we were tired of the layout of the front living area. We like the entire layout of the motor home, but the living area could be improved for our style and comfort. Many people change RV's when they get tired of one, but that's not financially prudent. We plan to keep this motor home for many more years, so we'll just keep improving it. Much like you would a renovate or change a regular sticks and bricks house. In addition to not liking some of the layout, some of the upholstery was wearing out.
When we started planning this renovation, our goal was to repair or replace the worn upholstery, move the television to a more pleasnat viewing angle, create a more comfortable television viewing experience, and have a better computer work area. Like many class A motor homes, our TV is mounted high above the front windshield. Sitting on the couch, you need to twist your neck sideways to view the TV. Our computer station consisted of a recliner with a fold-up table. This heavily used recliner had HUGE wear holes in the upholstery, as did the passenger seat. Connie also never liked having carpet in the living area, as it was always dirty and worn. She preferred a wood floor with an area rug.
RV Solar System
Monday, 14 April 2008 17:49
Prior to August 2004, our motorhome didn't have an inverter or solar charging system. Without electrical hookups, we would have to run the generator even to watch TV. I did start using a small 300 watt inverter on the television, but this was very limiting. When we sold the house, I used some of the profits to install a complete photovoltaic electrical system, which includes:
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Our Homemade RV Bar
Monday, 14 April 2008 17:25
We use to carry a few large bottles in the cup cabinet above the sink. These are the large 1.75 liter bottles that Rum, Gin, etc. come in. They took up quite a bit of space in the cabinet and rattled around. So we designed and constructed a bar to securely hold the bottles. Luckily, we have a large counter in the kitchen and there was room behind the sink for the bar. We were able to move 4 large bottles out of the cabinet, and also include a pole to hold a roll of paper towels. With some non-slip material underneath, the bar stays in place while traveling.
The Golf Ball Game
Monday, 14 April 2008 17:14
Friends introduced us to "The Golf Ball Game" while staying at a RV resort in Colorado. We were there for a week of Square Dance "summer camp". The game folds down to about the size of a folding camp chair. (2008 update: since we first made this game, we're now seeing it being sold for $40+. They call it "Bolo Toss")
PVC Drying Rack
Monday, 14 April 2008 16:34
Although our motorhome has the hookups for a clothes washer and dryer, we elected to not have them. We prefer to have the 4 large drawers for storage instead. To do laundry, we just use a local Laundromat. But at times, there are some clothes and shower towels that we would like to air dry. We looked at various drying racks, but none of them fitted our needs. So we made one out of PVC piping. For about $20 in parts, we have a large clothes drying rack that hangs on our rear ladder when needed, and folds apart for easy storage.
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