I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve been known to go a little “over the top” in my RV modifications. I’ve taken hacksaws to refrigerator doors, gutted entire galley cabinets in search of a better fridge, and rebuilt entire electrical systems, all in the name of improving the RV. But not all mods have to be epic. Not everyone wants to buy 3D printers and CNC routers just to make someplace for their cat to go to the bathroom! Well, in this video, we show you that there are plenty of mods you can tackle without needing $30,000 in tooling. Behold!
Most of the mods in the video are pretty self-explanatory, and don’t require more than a drill, screwdriver, and maybe some denatured alcohol. So I’m guessing you’re not here looking for more instructions. I’m willing to bet you’re here looking for a link to that cool whatever-it-was you saw in the video! So, below are the links to everything I can remember that we used or showed in the video. Where we link to Amazon, those are affiliate links, so if you choose to buy something, we’ll get a small commission. But that doesn’t change the fact that these are the actual things I chose to put in our own RV. Here we go:
Slim Beam Wireless Motion Sensor LED Light (2 Pack)
These are the battery powered lights that will keep Mel’s litter box illuminated, and keep our storage compartment lit up so we can find things.
3M VHB Tape 5952 – Heavy Duty, Industrial Mounting Tape
I had this tape for RV projects before this video, but this is the stuff I use when I want something to stick with tape and not come down.
Denatured Ethyl Alcohol
This stuff is a commodity, but there’s a link. Probably quicker and cheaper to get this at your local hardware store by the gallon.
Squirt Bottle for Denatured Alcohol
I use this stuff all the time, so I keep a bottle around. Unfortunately, the exact bottles I’m using don’t seem to be available anymore. Something like this would be a good approximation.
12″ x 36″ Acrylic Mirror
This is the mirror you see in the video. I liked that it had rounded corners, and that I didn’t have to try to cut it.
Command Picture Hanging Strips, Large
And these would be what you see me using to hang the mirror with. Used ’em before with no issues. Don’t expect any this time around.
Perfect Tear Paper Towel Holder
This is the one you see us mounting in Number One. The ratcheting action really does help when you want to tear off a sheet one-handed.
Digital Calipers – mm, decimal inch, and fractional inch
These are the same calipers I’m holding in the video. If we can believe my Amazon purchasing history, I’ve been using them since 2016 with no issues whatsoever. I’ve changed the battery once.
SPST Switch
This is *not* the switch you see me using in the video. Because the one I’m using came from my giant pile of miscellaneous RV parts. But literally almost any Single Pole Single Throw switch would work. It only needs to handle 12 volts and about 2 amps.
Klein Wire Cutter and Stripper
Had this one for years as well. It’s probably been in about 30 videos by now, but I don’t think I’ve ever linked it before. Now I have.
Titan Ratcheting Wire Terminal Crimper
Believe it or not, I have more than one “Ratcheting Wire Terminal Crimper”. This is the one you see in the video. I use it for the insulated terminals, but NOT for the heat shrink terminals. What can I say… I’m picky like that.
SeaChoice Stainless Steel Friction Hinges
These are the ones I tried. They didn’t work in this application. But if you have someplace else where they might, it’s a good hinge.
Retractable Stainless Steel Cable Clothesline
Again, this is the one in the video. We’ve used others in the past, but I like that the “string” in this one isn’t “string”. It’s cable.
Hospeco Feminine Hygiene Receptacle
This is the actual one you see in the video. It’s the second one I’ve purchased, but I’m still just calling it a trash can.
Hospeco – GID-HOSKL-260 KL Waxed Kraft Feminine Hygiene Liner Bag with Gusset ,10.25” x 7.5” x 3.5”,(Case of 500)
OK. So it’s not 5,000, it’s 500. But we’re still working off the same box of liners I purchased in 2015!
Better Living Products EURO Soap Dispenser
Forgot this in my initial posting, but here it is. I can’t remember if we got the chrome or the satin. But thinking about it now, the satin would be less likely to show hard water stains or soap residue, so I’d recommend the satin. I’ve linked that one above.
10 inch Gas Struts
These are the gas struts I used on the bedroom overhead cabinets, and also on the galley overhead cabinet.
7 inch Gas Struts
I used two of these to hold open the large cabinet door in the dinette area.
Snap Cap Screw Covers
These are the snap-on screw covers you see me using in the video. They come in all kinds of colors, so you can pick something that blends in, or something that stands out. I’ve used them going all the way back to our Das Bus days, and I always keep some on hand.
Our Crystalline Window Tint Test
I mentioned that I had tested the Crystalline film before, and here’s the experiment. Ever since that time, we’ve continued to get it on all our cars and RVs.
Whew! So there you have it. All the links to almost all of the products that we used in the video. None of these links were over a thousand dollars, so I feel like I’m doing pretty good!
I’m sure that someone will find something I haven’t linked, so if you do, please leave a comment and I’ll update the links as best as I can.
That’s it for now. Happy Modding!
Great video as usual. We finally installed our first gas strut in our Ekko after the magnet came out of the ceiling. The only problem is that the cabinet door doesn’t pop up like yours. We have to lift it up and then it falls slightly back down again. Any suggestions on what we need to do differently?
It sounds like maybe the gas strut you used isn’t quite strong enough? That’s my first guess.
Second guess is that the geometry of its anchor points is off somehow. Maybe double check the install locations?
Personally, I plan to take the Molle panels off the rear cargo doors. The holes left behind concern me though. If I fill them in with drywall putty, is that going to cause any problems or is there something else you’d suggest?
I took off the panels and simply put the screws back in the holes.
If you wanted to do it “right”, look into fiberglass repair. The boat guys have lots of videos.
Hi guys,
What is the long term verdict for the acrylic window film please?
Thanks,
Falko
On the windows on the sides of the RV, it’s holding up great. No scratches, and I’d do it again.
We also tried a piece on the windshield, and that did NOT go so well. It scratched terribly, and was a major pain to remove. (I suppose, on the plus side, we never got any rock chips while the film was on the windshield…)
Thé 8 inch strut link goes to a 7 inch strut – les big e wondering if that is correct and/or if the 7 inch would work ok?
Weird.
The link goes to the product I purchased. I changed the text in the post to match.
Can you post the link to the new window covers you have in #1? Also, what’s attached to the screen door at the top right?
The screens are not yet available as a product. We’re still working on it.
We will be posting a video when we can announce something.
We have not attached anything to our screen door at that location. Anything there (bumpers, most likely) came from Winnebago.
How does one get the VHB tape off the shower wall if needed? I need to . Sorry to say I was so focused putting the piece upside right that I didn’t notice I attached it to the wall backside out (trash container holder). Yes, pls don’t say “what were you thinking” because I obviously wasn’t.
I honestly don’t know, since I’ve never done it intentionally. Heat does seem to degrade the bond.
If that fails, you could always try here:
https://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+remove+3m+vhb+tape
I’ve added the struts for all the overhead cabinets except the “tiny” one you mentioned that you used for the bathroom cabinet. Could you provide a link for that one? (Thanks for all the great mod ideas!)
I ultimately wound up removing the strut in the bathroom. Every strut I found was far too strong for the tiny door and was stressing the hinges too much. So I don’t have a recommendation.
(Other than to put a sticker or something over the magnet in the ceiling so it doesn’t hold so hard.)
Hi again Jame and Stefany, Since we picked up our EKKO, we’ve been working through the relatively easy mods you’ve shared. Not sure which video we saw this in, so forgive me if this isn’t the one (although I should know, as I’ve watched them a squillion times!) — how hard was it to open up the space where the Entertainment System (TV) is for those that ordered it? That looks like another good storage area! Are you considering a video of that mod? Thanks again for sharing all your advice!
Awesome! Just hang tight – we have another video coming shortly where I dig into that space.
Should be sometime within the month.
Excellent! It’s so great to follow your lead — very efficient. We feel so productive!
Which strut did you use in the bathroom cabinet. In the video you say small, but no spec. TIA
I ultimately wound up removing the strut in the bathroom. Every strut I found was far too strong for the tiny door and was stressing the hinges too much. So I don’t have a recommendation.
(Other than to put a sticker or something over the magnet in the ceiling so it doesn’t hold so hard.)
As I need to use a wheelchair what is the inside dim. of the coach entry door ?
Chris
Possible Bathroom door solution…on my Revel, I used Command hooks and a short Bungee Chord to keep the accordion style shower/storage door open.
Hi,Our Ekko has just arrived and firstly I wanted to know is there a place to fit a dirtbin and secondly I would like to move the TV from the front standard position to the Bedroom Wall-Do you belive this is possible?I’m also ordering your Americaniser which I belive is a must,Thanks
I’m sure the answer to both is YES!
We’re excited to see what you come up with.
Your Ekko is on the Ford Transit with dual rear wheels. The valves for monitoring and adding air on these wheels is not simple since the valve stems are between the tires. Are thinking of adding valve stem extensions, or have another better solution?
Nope. Not planning on valve extenders. We got a proper trucker’s tire chuck, and haven’t had any difficulty in checking or filling the tires.
We actually got it as part of our Viair Compressor Kit (which we’re loving, btw).
Wonderful mods, as always! For the clothes line, did you use screws or tape? If screws, any tips on install as I am assuming the walls are some type of plastic as it’s the shower? Thx!
That wall in the bathroom was 15mm plywood, so I just used screws.
Just got our Americanizer!!! It fits perfectly to our camper cassette! Thank you for making the cleaning sooo much easier!You have a very creative mind! You guys are the best!
I’m so glad you got it already… one of the very first batch, woot!!! Can’t wait to hear how it works for you on your trips. Hope you’ll swing by and leave a review on Amazon if you do love it! Happy travels Lynda! ❤️
Why did Winnebago stop at 90% brilliance by not installing a leveling system, either standard or as optional equipment on the Ekko? Enjoy watching your videos that always inform and create smiles.
We’re looking to install a leveling system ourselves. We’ll post a video when we do!
The Coachmen Beyond comes with a paper towel holder, from factory, standard.
Russ and Jane
That’s two rigs now! Where have these been all my life! lol.
Great video, as always. For the bathroom door, how about a magnet catch, that is of you only want to hold the door open on one position. Another thought is I have used Bansbach Springs for work and they are an amazing company, there might be a locking gas spring that is available. Thanks again for all the great content. Gene
The gas spring is one of the leading contenders when I pick that back up.
I thought of a resistance toy box closure hardware, or check out Lowes item#311976, model #S890-400.
Mount it above the door, it looks like there is clearance for the pivot point.
I’ve considered something like that, but there’s a 3 inch gap between the door and the ceiling, where I’d have to mount it.
The search continues…
James, time to geek out on cleaning solutions. I carry 91% isopropyl alcohol for cleaning electronic parts, plugs, and walls before attaching double sided tape. It cleans things like fiberglass and gelcoat without destroying the surface. So what is the difference between isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol that you can buy at the pharmacy and denatured ethyl alcohol (stove fuel) that you get at the hardware store? Which is safer, which is better to use in your vehicle?
Chemically, there’s probably not much difference. (Other than the extra carbon atoms and whatnot.) I doubt it would make much difference as far as command adhesive is concerned.
I just get the denatured alcohol because it’s sold by the gallon!
Will, Thanks for asking the question because Denatured Alcohol of the stove fuel variety is not available in California. I came back to this blog to find an alternative and found the Amazon link to a laboratory on that can be shipped to me and now I will look up 91% ISO alcohol. Thanks James!
Thank you both for the video on these mods. I really like the gas struts you put in the Ekko and want to put them in our Solis PX — especially since we’ve already had 2 magnets pull out of the ceiling. I worry I’m going to get hit in the head with a cabinet door one day. James, what is your recommendation on determining which size gas strut to use on each cabinet?
I went by the weight rating for the struts. I got the lighter ones for smaller doors, and heavier-rated ones for the larger doors.
In addition to that, you always have the option to use just one strut instead of two.
Don’t over-think it. You’ll probably be fine.
I have just decided , that I must have pop top, which I think is not possible for the EKKO ,because of ac unit? I do like this color scheme a lot more than the red countertops, and like the basic mods, and the coming induction stove setup.I think with the double wheels in back and what I expect are serious insulation
thy at this will do very nicely in cold weather, the only thing is I want to use this primarily in nicer warmer weather. you 2 are funny and I enjoy your teasing one another, . I can tell you dont totally love this coach yet, what do you see adding that might change that.?
The pop-top is still a planned option for the EKKO, as far as we know. It should be available at a future date.
It will take a special coach to replace Lance. We’re still working on making Number One ours, and plan to duplicate many of the mods we had made in Lance.
James, Stefany, thanks for the time spent making these videos!
Question, how do you determine, based on an opening/door, the required length of the gas strut and here to position it? I have a couple openings in my van that I’d like to put a gas strut to keep them open, but I’m afraid that I won’t be able to close them (too long) or that I’d have to make multiple holes to mount them while trying to find the right location.
Great video! What 3M tape did you use to mount the “trash receptacle” in the bath? I believe you said it was water resistant…
We used the VHB tape linked in the post above.
I have a Ekko on order. Don’t know if I will ever get it as it keeps getting delayed.
I really like all your mods. Do you have the link for the exact gas struts you used because I want to put them on for sure.
Thank You,
Gary
The exact struts I used are linked in the post above.
Kinda geeking out about the 20k install. Could you please post the weights, measurements (batteries) of things while you’re doing that vid? Have my sites set on a Super C for travel and a pretty much stationary 5th Wheel Base Camp and want to load those things down with batteries maybe 50% and up to 100% more than your 20k project.
As for the friction hinges, why not use another gas strut? High enough the shower won’t really be a factor and it will stay where you set it.
Cheers
Leaning toward a gas strut, or something like you’d see on a screen door.
That would probably work but there are add on automatic door closer hinges. Works similar to the hydraulic door closers but is a spring hinge mechanism with rod that lays flat against the door.
While, have you considered using pop-rivets on the holes? Or Aluminum brazing?
James what was make of shades for cab Transit? Thanks Congrats on Ekko
The cab shades we are using are by Vanmade Shades.
Great video! I’d like to get more information on the film that you added to the acrylic windows? Is it more of a cling, or did it attach with an adhesive?
It’s more like a clear bra type material. So there’s water involved in the application.
Oh, that sounds safe for the windows. Do you know exactly what the material they used was?
The product was STEK Dynoshield. At least according to the receipt.
Hi James, We just picked up our EKKO today – yeah!
We have a pile of parts ready for mods to start tomorrow — following the lead of you and Stef!
An additional mod we’re very interested in is the acrylic window film, as we go down lots of forest roads. Now that you’ve been on the road for awhile, how do you like it?
You know – we don’t think about it much. I suppose that means it’s working?
We don’t notice any scratches or dings in any of our windows, so that’s good.
But would we have noticed if we had no film? That’s honestly impossible to say.
I can tell you the film still looks fantastic, and hasn’t started to peel off or anything, so that’s a plus.
Thanks for your quick reply, James. We appreciate your experience — we plan to get the coating soon.
I can’t tell how much distance there is between your bathroom door and ceiling when the door is open but maybe one of those magnetic door stops would work. All the ones I saw are about 3 inches.
It’s further than I would want. (There’s a gap at the top of the bathroom door to allow venting.)
Plus, I’m not too excited at the prospect of mounting things to the ceiling. The “wood” there is only about an eighth of an inch thick, and the door would make one heck of a lever…
Thanks for the ideas. One thing I swear by is 3M Outdoor mounting tape. It’s a lower adhesive value than VHB but better than Command. It and I find it works extremely well when combined with short screws. As a bonus, it can be peeled off wood work if you are careful. https://www.amazon.com/Heavy-Duty-Exterior-Mounting-Tape-Holds/dp/B00004Z4BV
Good tip about something that can peel off of woodwork. I’ve also tried some sort of “Velcro EXTREME” in the past – which I used to keep the fairing on Lance connected to the the roof.
2020 Winnebago View we have does have a paper towel rack. Behind the TV over the sink.
I’ll have to check it out!
Thanks again for sharing your mods with all of us! We really appreciate your experience and all the mod details.
Would you mind adding the soap dispenser to the list?
Looking forward to your next video!
Ahh. I missed one. I’ll have to look it up. Should have it on there today.
Thanks James — I’ve already ordered one! We’re following your example and have a good pile growing with your recommended parts! All set for when our EKKO arrives, hopefully sometime in the fall.
Sounds like you’ll be ready!
Most times it’s the little mods that end up making a big difference. Have you come up with a scratcher mod for Mel … before he discovers the straw looking floor or the dinette chairs?
We’ve been traveling with cats for over 20 years, you don’t have much time!!!!
Andy & Kim
I’ve already got one planned… 😉
Friction Piano Hinge? A standard piano hinge is what’s there now.
That’s what I started my search looking for. The only ones I could find have two problems. First, they’re much thicker than what’s there now, which means I’d likely have to make some more clearance between the door and the wall side so it could fit. Second problem was – it’s not a simple piano hinge there now. It’s got an “L” bend on the door side so that it wraps around two sides of the door.
Great job as always guys! Which soap dispenser was that. I’ll probably place a second one in the external water bay compartment. Trivia alert: the Safari Condo Flex XL you reviewed is the only class B I know of with a built in paper towel holder.☺
I’ll find the link for the soap dispenser and put it on there today.
Will you be doing the leveling system mod like you did in Lance?
(I don’t remember if the Ekko comes with a leveling system)
Well, yes. But that hardly qualifies as “easy”!!
(The EKKO does not come with one.)