I just finished my first (all work done by me) coach upgrade. It took a little longer and cost more than I expected but I do have a better understanding of my coach's wiring, etc. The previous owner was a "jury rigger" and did not follow good engineering practices.
Anyway,
Installed the VMSpc system. I replaced the old in-dash radio/CD with a 7" Lilliput touch monitor that displays my engine diagnostics. I got the one that was set up for double din installation. I am using a refurbished Dell GX620 FSS desk top ($85) for the VMS. It fits nicely in the electronics cabinet and runs XP. A wireless keyboard/mouse make it easy to program and set up.
Installed a new Vizio Smart 32" HDTV. This one is full 1080p and is very light. I used a swing arm wall mount because I wanted to have access to the back of the TV without having to take it down. The jury is still out on the sturdiness of this set up.
I removed the old DHS sound system (no Bose in mine) and installed an Onkyo 2.1 system. I did not like the sound from the DHS and especially did not like how it's speakers got in the way of the wall lamps. The new 2.1 system uses a controller that simulates true surround sound and a wireless sub woofer. The sound is great and the wiring is simple. Used HDMI cables and Tosslink cables to all devices
Installed a new Samsung BluRay that replaced an old DVD player and VHS player. Was nice to get rid of this outdated equipment.
Removed the old Cobra CB and replaced with a new Uniden Bearcat AM/SSB/Weather radio and new antenna. I mounted it on the driver side wall that gives good access to the radio.
Installed a wireless router while I had everything apart. I ran Ethernet cables to all devices also.
Ran spare HDMI, tosslink, and Ethernet cables to the passenger side overhead cabinets for future devices. I still need to add a cell booster and modem. I have not decided on make/model yet.
Lessons learned:
Be patient
Most of the screws heads are stripped or in the process of being stripped. I need to find better screws.
Dropped screws truly disappear
Mark all wires, to and from
Foretravel builds one heck of an MH
Reassure the DW that I can and will put it all back together.
Thanks to the forum, especially Roger and Scott, for the guidance.
Also, I retired last week.
Old Hippie
Going back up to the top or your post...all this stuff is the 1st upgrade. That would have taken several days or weeks and a lot of posts for the rest of us. Spread it out as this gives those of us who don't intend to do any work if possible to vicariously enjoy your progress for several posts. I'm not lazy, I will read anybody's posts!
Congrats on your retirement.....But don't get all your projects done at once or you will find yourself sitting in front of the new tv drinking beer, like me. :P
Way to go! Projects seem to on and on. Each gets finished and they open up opportunities for more. The best thing I do working on each of them is try to understand how each system works and how it works in conjunction with other system. (Engineer's curse) Be sure to take lots of time in between projects to travel, anywhere, everywhere.
Congrats on retiring. I am seven years into my second retirement and am busier than ever with projects at home, volunteer work with HFH and everything else that keeps me getting up every day. And every day we spend away in Home2 is a day for a different pace, time for relaxing, biking, hiking, reading and everything else there never quite seems to be enough time for at home. Now that 1.0 is done it is your time to enjoy your hard work.
Roger and Susan
This sounds like a great addition, do you have any photos?
@Old Hippie, Congrats on your retirement. Enjoy!!
@Larry
LOL, Good One!!
Congrats on the retirement!
Definitely do post photos of your VMSpc setup - it sounds pretty slick.
Probably the PO or someone previously working on the coach not realizing FT uses primarily square drive screws (and not realizing this, they tried to force the issue with a Philips head). And yes, FT uses LOTS and LOTS of screws ;)
The Robertson screws that FOT used all over were a surprise to me when I found them, as these are a Canadian invetion and till just recently( maybe a few years) most places in the US I looked could not find them. They are a far superior design screw head, and stay on the driver to put in an awkward place easier than the Philips style (which I hardly ever use any more). Here you hadly ever find a flat head screw unless it is a Machine Screw (with nut).
John H
Hi John H,
Does this type of screw have a name/style? Where can we find them?
Thanks,
Raymond
In Elkhart when I was growing up all the trailers were build with 'clutch head' screws. We loved them because the head would never strip out using power drivers...
I have always heard them referred to as Hatteras drive screws and I remember our old Hatteras had them throughout. I guess we could call them Foretravel screws?
Robertson head (after the designer/inventer)
John h