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Deb and Ed M
SW MI & Space Coast, FL USA
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Joined: 06/07/2004
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We all have our biases :-) I walked into the Chateau and swooned over the
bone-white cabinets that made a no-slide 22' RV feel so much more "spacious"...LOL!
(Of course, coming from a pop-up truck camper - ANYTHING feels spacious)
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SJ-Chris
San Jose, Ca
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Joined: 09/24/2017
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About 3 years ago I purchased two Cruise America 2015 Class C Majestic 28a units. I am a moderate DIYer and have made several modifications/upgrades. I enjoy these projects and seem to be a little addicted to doing more (lol). I have fixed many things that broke along the way too, but this post is just covering upgrades and modifications. I thought I would share a list here along with links to several of the projects in case any of you want to make the upgrades....
Added a backup monitor. I'm actually surprised that rental RVs don't come stock with backup cameras as they help drivers so much. Well, Cruise America RVs do not come with them. So, I added one.
Cost was ~$140. It is wireless. The camera is mounted on the rear of the RV and is placed right underneath the center running light near the rear top of the RV and the camera gets it's power from the running light. Here is the one I chose.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078PDH6Z8
Added a 2nd lead acid battery. This doubled the battery bank from 100AH to 200AH which I feel is much more reasonable for the typical weekend warrior RVer. I added the battery in the small external compartment on the driver side closer to the rear. I drilled some 1/2" holes near the top and bottom of this compartment (on the underside of the RV where it isn't visible) to allow for gas venting. Then ran heavy duty battery cables to connect with the original coach battery.
Added a battery monitor. Incredibly helpful for all things battery/power related. Cost: ~$75. Let's me know that my solar, alternator, generator charging is working. Let's me know exactly what the battery capacity is. Let's me test/know the power consumption of any 12v item in the RV. Very useful.
https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/30168196.cfm
New front seat covers. Hard to find ones that fit, but these ones fit like a glove! After a while, the original cloth seats had stains. These covers are a vinyl type that can easily be wiped. They have been holding up great.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084WVK4DD
Added USB charging ports over the dinette, over the couch, and over the rear bed. I installed these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZQJPJMB
Allows for all passengers to keep their devices charged.
If you put them within ~6-10 inches from your under-cabinet dome lights (if you have those), you can tap off the dome light wiring.
I chose these for easy install because with the correct sized drill bit, it is a 10 minute job!
Added a TV and DVD player. This was put on the driver side of the upper cab bed (there is a 120v outlet there already). I had to run a 1"x4" piece of wood immediately above and below the window and then two vertical pieces. I painted them to match the drape color so they were less noticeable. This allowed me to place a long reaching TV mount/arm on the wall so that the TV could be swiveled open and pointed down so people can watch from the couch or dinette. Here is the long-reaching TV mount I used:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XJJKRM7
Upgraded Tires. When the time came for new tires, I feel it is a no-brainer to move up to 225/75r16 Commercial rated tires (121/120 load rating). Gives ~2000lbs extra load carrying capacity on the rear. Before doing this, I had 2 blowouts on my RVs over a couple of years. Since upgrading I have had zero blowouts. Better safety. Helps me sleep better at night.
Tire Pressure Monitor System. Cost ~$80 and took 5 minutes to install. This is a GREAT safety feature to have. Over the years I've had a couple of times when the inner dually was flat and I didn't notice (prior to getting this TPMS). If you don't have one, you should add one. Your safety is worth it!
https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/30305164.cfm
RV roof reseal and caulking. The RVs were 6 years old when I did this project. The caulking around the vents and the front cap needed some attention. I was also about to add solar so I wanted a nice, clean canvas to work on. Cost was only ~$250/RV. I feel like I added an extra 5 years of protection to my roof. Haven't had any leaks. Here is that project:
https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/30201452.cfm
500w solar and 2000w PSW inverter. I'm a huge fan of solar on RVs. Keeps the batteries topped off all the time when in storage, and allows for boondocking. I was able to find an inexpensive way to add 500w which is more than enough solar. Probably only needed 300w, but with this inexpensive technique (used panels), the panels were practically free.
https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/30217540.cfm
Added a Trik-L-Start device. This handy ~$60 device takes a small amount of the charge going to your coach batteries (via solar or being plugged in) and charges/maintains your chassis battery. Keeps everything nice and topped off. Never having dead batteries is so nice...
Changed all the interior light bulbs to LEDs. LED light bulbs use ~1/5th the power. Changing them keeps the RV cooler in the summer months AND uses much less battery power. Cost: ~$15. These ones worked in my RV (verify yours are the same before purchasing):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HRVKQDR
Upgraded the rear bed to a 10" memory foam mattress. Cost was ~$260 and definitely worth it. Here's the one I got...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JRHI0W2
Tornado black waste tank flush system added. This ~$50 project makes it so you can rinse out your black waste tank the best, easiest way possible. It not only pushes out all the waste on the bottom of your tank (...there's plenty left there after a "regular" dumping without a tank flush), but it cleans your waste tank walls and most importantly the SENSORS so that they read correctly. Very beneficial in my opinion.
https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/30315748.cfm
Added Roof Vent cover over the rear bedroom ceiling vent. This ~$30-40 addition allows you to keep the vent open while driving, while in storage, etc. Easy to do. Puts zero holes in your roof during install. I just put it over the bed to try out, but now I think I'll add one over the bathroom vent as well (...nice to be able to leave the bathroom vent open).
https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/30358230.cfm
While you are up there, you might want to also change the rubber vent cover seal especially if yours is all hard, brittle, and cracking. You can order it here, $13 for 2 vents:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08HZCW58V/
Added a fan over the rear bedroom bed. This allows for bringing in air and/or blowing air out. On one of my Majestic 28a units it had a pull handle to open/close the vent (instead of a crank handle). This forced me to get creative and create a custom, quiet vent fan. Cost was about $25. Here is a link to that project:
https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/30361696.cfm
On the other Majestic 28a, it had a crank type opening system. I happened to have a Heng's Vortex vent fan laying around so I installed that one in that RV.
Catalytic Converter anti-theft system and alarm. After having one of my CCs stolen (covered by insurance), I decided to do something to help prevent it from happening again. Even though insurance covered it, that RV was out for about 5-6 weeks (what a pain). For about $40 I was able to put together something pretty good. For an extra ~$60 I was able to install an alarm that covers the catalytic converter, the interior of the RV, and the main rear storage compartment. Here is a link:
https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/30358670.cfm
Added a locking gas cap. I don't ever want someone stealing my gas (...with prices this high, it could happen), or anyone putting anything into my gas tank (unlikely, but you never know). Cost was ~$12.
Adding cooling fans and boiler protection to the refrigerator. This is my latest project and not yet finished. I'll add a link when complete. Adding cooling fans to blow outside air through the back of the refrigerator and out the vent will help keep the fridge/freezer interior cooler (especially in warm months). Adding boiler protection will help prevent refrigerator damage and/or fire.
I think that's most of the upgrades. Hope you find this useful.
Have any of you added anything else that you really enjoy? Let us know.
Happy Camping!
Chris
San Jose, CA
Own two 2015 Thor Majestic 28a Class C RVs
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IAMICHABOD
Sunny So Cal
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Joined: 12/12/2011
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I have had my Former Rental a bit longer than SJ-Chris,I have also made some Mods/Upgrades myself.I am pretty handy,I have done most all of these,plus fixing things that have broken or needed routine maintenance.
So I too would like to share a list with links. Links are also in my posts that may be helpful to any of you.
Oxygenics My Shower Head Post
Vortex Fan for the bathroom.
Swivel Seats My post on that.
New Window In Door My post on that.
Wheel Simulators I like the look better than Hub Caps or the painted wheels.
Valve stem kit
Bilsteins Better ride and and control from leaning and porpoising.
Led Lights to replace all of the old ones.
Converter To replace the ****py WFCO and get a great 3 Stage one.
New Toilet To replace the old unsanitary hand flush with a foot flush.
Black Tank Flush My post on that.
Digital Thermostat To keep things cool or toasty easily.
Awning lock
Maxxair Vent Covers
MaxxAir Fanmate to cover my Fantastic Fan
Fantastic Fan
Backup Camera
Tire Pressure monitor
Put TV in a cabinet My post on that,much nicer to have it there.
A New Mattress sleep much better now.
A Severe Duty Fan Clutch My post on that, to keep that motor running cooler.
New Michelin Tires My post on that.
New seat covers and new foam My post on that, much nicer and more comfortable.
New TV Antenna My post on that, Replaced that old Batwing with The Jack and got much better performance.
New Headlights My post on that.
And then to pretty it up a bit a Billet grill
![[image]](https://i.imgur.com/d56ruQ0l.jpg)
What Upgrades or Mods have the rest of you all made,come on back and tell us all about them
Have a great camping season!!
2006 TIOGA 26Q CHEVY 6.0 WORKHORSE VORTEC
Former El Monte RV Rental
Retired Teamster Local 692
Buying A Rental Class C
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SJ-Chris
San Jose, Ca
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Joined: 09/24/2017
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Good stull IAMICHABOD!
Question about your digital thermometer...Is it connected to just your furnace? Or does it control your heater AND your AC? On my 2015 Majestic 28a, the AC controls are on the unit itself (up on the ceiling). The analog furnace thermostat is on the wall by the kitchen sink. Just wondering if you tied them together somehow.
Regarding the Bilsteins you added...I know nothing about them but often hear about people adding them. What do they do for your ride? How noticeable is it really? Thanks!
-Chris
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IAMICHABOD
Sunny So Cal
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Joined: 12/12/2011
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Hey Chris
My thermostat is hooked to my Ducted A/C unit and also to my furnace,It replaced the old one Like this one which controls both of them.
It can be hooked up to only control just the furnace.As I found out when trying to replace the old one,kept changing wires around until I got the right combo to run them both as the old one did..There is quite a few posts here on the forum,Here are a few That I found using the google search.
As for the Bilsteins,they made the ride much nicer and controlled the leaning and porpoising.With the old ones after a dip the RV would go down then up then down again and up.With the Bilsteins they only make one rotation then settle back to the flat ride.
It also takes out the harshness of the ride.
I have been using Bilsteins for over 30 years,from my off-road vehicles thru all of my other vehicles,trucks,Suvs and other RVs.
I hope this helps,anything else just ask,happy to help when I can.
Happy Camping.
Gary
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Racerboy76
The Twilight Zone
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Joined: 02/24/2021
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Hello fellow RV'ers! Has anyone here towed a small car on a dolly or something comparable in size with their former rental 23A? Were planning a long trip and need to take our car along. A Our Thor is a 25A former rental which is very similar to the 23A. It feels like it would have plenty of power and being the car is on the dolly I would think it wouldn't impact the suspension too much. Any pointers or things to watch out for?
Thanks in advance!
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SJ-Chris
San Jose, Ca
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Joined: 09/24/2017
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Racerboy76 wrote:Hello fellow RV'ers! Has anyone here towed a small car on a dolly or something comparable in size with their former rental 23A? Were planning a long trip and need to take our car along. A Our Thor is a 25A former rental which is very similar to the 23A. It feels like it would have plenty of power and being the car is on the dolly I would think it wouldn't impact the suspension too much. Any pointers or things to watch out for?
Thanks in advance!
On two occasions I used a U-Haul tow dolly behind my Thor Majestic 28a. Each time, the car was less than 4000lbs. Your RV is smaller, but I believe all the Majestics come stock with a 5000lb tow hitch so I don't see a reason why it would give you any issue. In theory, it is very similar to towing a boat (...and I've done that many times). You shouldn't have any problem. Verify that your trailer lights are working correctly with the trailer. Drive a little slower (I think those tow dollies have a max speed recommendation of 55mph). Give yourself a little more braking room.
Good luck!
Chris
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Racerboy76
The Twilight Zone
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Joined: 02/24/2021
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Thanks for the reply Chris! Good thought on the speed and breaking. Maybe ill give it a trial run before the main event to see how it does. Is your 28a an E350 or E450?
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azrving
Oatman
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Joined: 05/17/2013
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eldel
Northern Colorado
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Joined: 09/18/2007
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The 28a is on a 450 chassis. I rather suspect that if you could attach it to Delaware it would tow it. The only thing I would worry about is the rear sway bar. That's going to be a lot of sideways momentum a long way behind the axle.
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