Modifying our RV
We needed to remodel the RV
Modifying our RV became a priority when we realized we had to flip a switch between using the microwave and fireplace. When we purchased our new RV, the surface features such as the layout of the furniture and other visible items are to our liking. However at best, any RV is a compromise in features and functions, and our Rockwood Ultralight 5th wheel is no exception.
These are things we like:
- It is easy to tow because the pivot point is over the rear axle not the back end of the truck.
- The bedroom is spacious with all facilities including bathroom nearby
- The living room has a fireplace and entertainment center.
- Plenty of storage space in the basement which is large enough to easily store our inflatable kayaks.
What we DO NOT like:
- The unit is a single 30A power supply.
- Because the rig is 30A, and the fireplace is on the same circuit as the microwave, you cannot use both at the same time. You need to flick a switch between the two. The switch is by the floor near the door. So, in the morning when making coffee and using the microwave, you cannot use the fireplace unless you keep switching between the two.
- The A/C is only 13.5K BTU, and outputs to ceiling mounted registers. The problem in extreme heat: the A/C is working to cool the ceiling before any room temperature is effected.
- An extension to the counter extends toward the couch, and covers all kitchen drawers. You cannot extend the couch into a bed when the counter extension is in place.
- The old school analog thermostat is terribly ineffective.
- The recliners in the back face 90 degrees from the TV, so after an evening you have a sore neck. Additionally, you needed to turn each 90 degrees to be able to close the slide.
- The dining table is far enough from the area we like to be, it was never used for anything other than a place to pile things.
- The cellular shades have thin strings that easily break.
Our solutions:
- Convert the rig to pseudo 50A by using a 50A RV cable and splitting it into two 30A legs, one to the original trailer input, and a second to a newly installed 30A plug. Once inside the rig, the 30A leg feeds a 20A marine breaker leading to a 20A residential plug and the fireplace.
- Disconnecting the microwave from the fireplace so no more having to decide between the two.
- Modifying the A/C by redirecting the cold air outlet to directly in the cabin, bypassing the ducting system.
- Remove a recliner from the rig and move the other next to the couch. Add a beverage shelf next to the recliner.
- Move the dining table to the back where the recliners formerly were placed, and keep two of the chairs.
- Replace the shockingly cheap 120V outlets with residential quality USB units.
- Moved the counter extension to the side of the bank of drawers to improve their access as well as allow the couch fold-away bed to be extended.
- Replacing the outdated analog thermostat with a residential quality Honeywell digital unit.
- Replaced the frosted glass in the door to clear glass with a cellular shade to improve the view on curbside.
- Purchase an inexpensive 12.5K BTU portable heat pump, install an exhaust vent in a nearby window, and use the newly installed second power supply leg.
- Replaced all cellular shades with almost blackout curtains that are super easy to open/close, and help thermally insulate the walls from the interior.
The result:
Now we are able to use both the rig’s A/C unit plus the heat pump for effective cooling, and the rig’s furnace plus heat pump for extra cooling. If the temperature is moderate, then the heat pump is all we need saving propane in the case of heating, and noise when using it as a cooling unit. Now I can make coffee in the morning while using both fireplace and microwave. We have plenty of USB charging ports. No more sore neck when watching TV, and as a side benefit, we can easily look out the windows to the view. We can now easily see who is at the front door for safety purposes.
