Friday, July 16, 2021

The Mod Squad - Modifications

While we waited for production and delivery we learned a lot of helpful information from other Travato Owners at this Travato Owners and Wannabees (TOW) Facebook page. There are some great technical assistance posts and many interesting modifications (mods) that people have done. I collected up parts and had plans for several mods before we departed. I planned on having at least 4 weeks, but we ended up with just 3 days! The MOD Squad was in overdrive.

I've continued to update this list as we've made more changes. Here are a few of our modifications:

  • Added a Brondell Bidet - Thinline Dual Nozzle SimpleSpa SS-250. Used a Delta Diverter Valve to connect to the shower outlet. This will cut down on toilet paper use, which can gum up the black water tank.
  • Added a King KS1000 Swift Range Extender and WiFiMax Router to help pick up distant WIFI signals and rebroadcast inside the van.
  • Added a Inseego 8800L MiFi Jetpack with a Netgear 6000450 MIMO antenna on the roof for cell data service. We signed up with Visible for their $25/month plan of unlimited (but throttled) data.Check out this page: https://www.visible.com/get/3rdVPp, it has all the info you need to know about joining Visible. When you use my friend code, 3rdVPp, you’ll get your first month of service for only $5!Check out this page: https://www.visible.com/get/3rdVPp, it has all the info you need to know about joining Visible. When you use my friend code, 3rdVPp, you’ll get your first month of service for only $5!
    Check out this page: https://www.visible.com/get/3rdVPp, it has all the info you need to know about joining Visible. When you use my friend code, 3rdVPp, you’ll get your first month of service for only $5!
  • We added a small inverter in case we just want to charge a laptop without firing up the main inverter. We got this BMK 200W model
  • Ambient Weather Station WS-2700 x2 with (2) external sensors. One sensor is mounted outside (on the bike rack) and the other is in the refrigerator. Mounted it on the RAM track.
  • A quick and easy mod was replacing the dump cap with a clear one so you can see if you are about to have a surprise when removing the cap. We go the Valterra EZ Coupler, which also has a nice handle on it.
  • To avoid any electrical surprises, we added a Hughes PWD30 to check power quality before plugging in at campsites and protect from surges.
  • Added an L-Track Tie Down System on the back wall to hang power cable, adapters, etc.
  • One that has generated the most interest is the front windshield cover. It really keeps the heat out of the front. This model fits the Travato perfectly: ADCO 2424 RV Windshield Cover
  • To enhance the dash stereo, we added a powered subwoofer. The Kenwood KSC-SW11 fit perfectly under the driver's seat.
  • Folding Lagun table. We purchased an extra Lagun table leg set: Lagun 06445 Vertical and 06556 Horizontal (from Panther RV); an EZ-reach Tilt-top T-bracket; and a Black Poly board (17"x13"x3/4"). We trimmed the tilt bracket by about an inch and connected them with a 1" wood dowel.
  • For temperature monitoring if our dog is in the van alone we got a Govee WiFi Thermometer. It connects to our WiFi, and we can monitor the van temperature with our cell phones 
  • Two recent additions which I saw posted on the TOWB Facebook Group have been very helpful on our current trip:
    • I never liked the heavy sink cover that came with our unit. I was large and bulky. When someone posted this collapsible cutting board / dishpan we gave it a try. It works great - it's a nice cover over the sink and fits with the pan collapsed or extended. Very lightweight too.
    • I saw a post about a toothbrush holder mounted behind the kitchen sink. This is much more convenient than trying to brush in the bathroom.

Paul

Additional folding table behind passenger seat

MIMO antenna on roof
WiFi antenna on roof

Back Wall L-Track




 
 
 

 
Bidet
Diverter Valve to Bidet

1 comment:

  1. Bidets are SOOOOO underated. I miss it almost as much as my bed when travelling.

    ReplyDelete