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Old 04-09-2014, 12:40 PM   #1
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Changes you have made to your Meridian or Journey??

There are a number of items I have completed (or will soon complete) on our 2013 Itasca Meridian 42E (same as the Journey 42E). I have thought about listing them, and then providing detailed description of each one. But, before I publish them I was wondering if there are other people on Irv2 that are even interested in them?? Many would apply to the 36 or 40 foot models as well. Please let me know if there is any interest?? Do you have others?

For example here are my completed projects:

1. Install CB and Firestick Antenna
2. SMI Brake System
3. Toad Charge for “topping off” batter on toad
4. Remote control locks for all the compartment doors
5. LED Light inside plastic door handle at entrance
6. Silverleaf VMSpc system to monitor engine and transmission
7. Tophat for mirrors and now replacement (Tour/Itasca) mirrors
8. Replaced failed propane regulator
9. Replaced failed auto transfer switch
10. Changed Traveler from Direct to Dishnet
11. REK (Ride Enhancement Kit) from Source Engineering

ITEMS NOT completed:

1. Smartwheel or Headlight flasher
2. LED lights

I have not finished all the documentation but wondering if I should just start this thread and maybe you could include things you have done to your motor home. (For example, I know some people have installed new hangers for their TV in the outside entertainment center.)
So, what have you done to your Meridian or Journey??
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Old 04-09-2014, 12:59 PM   #2
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Dennis; would be interested in 1)Firestick install, 2)LED light in door handle, 3)REK, and why you felt you needed the kit. Our unit is in my sig block. So these should be common between the units. Dana
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Old 04-09-2014, 02:40 PM   #3
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We would be interested in the LED light inside plastic door handle at the entrance modification.
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Old 04-09-2014, 04:58 PM   #4
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If you want you can sent it out thru a PM.
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Old 04-10-2014, 05:31 AM   #5
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I've installed a Dirt Devil central vac system. I would love to get the "Door Handle" lit up. I would appreciate any details you could supply....
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Old 04-10-2014, 08:54 AM   #6
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Hi there
Would like to hear about remote control compartment door locks.

Has anyone done the following ?

Added Electric Hose Reel
Added Electric Power Cord Reel
Added SeeLevel Gauges

If someone has, would like to know more

Thanks
Paul & Debbie
2013 Journey 42E
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Old 04-10-2014, 06:16 PM   #7
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I have a similar list, with the below already done on my 07 Journey (owned it since new):

1) Firestick Antenna
2) Winegard Trav'ler converted from DirecTV to Dish
3) New 32" LCD TV in front and 19" LCD TV in BR
4) LED lighting inside
5) SMI AFO on Toad
6) Koni Shocks, MCU's, SS Bell Crank
7) Central Vac
8) HDMI Cable run from front matrix switch to rear BR TV

Maintenance Improvements
1) Change rear trans-axle to Synthetic
2) NOW running 10W-30 semi-synthetic in Engine (CAT C7)
3) Rust abatement issues under wheel wells, around compartment doors, and rear of coach

On my to-do list:

1) New tires
2) New tires
3) (you get it....)
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Old 04-10-2014, 07:45 PM   #8
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The most popular request is the lighted door handle. Here is my draft but I am having trouble with the photos:

In order to light the handle, you need to insert an LED bulb into the existing handle at the top. You first remove the handle from the motorhome and pull the top chrome piece off the plastic. The bulb sits on top of the plastic with the wires running through the center of the top chrome piece. A hole needs to be drilled (that will be covered by the chrome piece) from the outside of the motorhome to the inside cabinet to the left of the door. For some motorhomes the cabinet is directly behind the handle so the drill hole would be straight into the cabinet. In my case I had to drill a hole at a 45 degree angle in order to get the wires into the back side of the cabinet. I wanted to get into this cabinet so I could connect these light wires to the back of the switch that turns on the outside porch light above the door. In other words, you are running the wires from the handle to the porch light switch. One wire will go to any white ground and the “hot” wire will be connected to the hot wire at the back of the switch. (If this does not make sense, call me and I will provide more photos.)
Door Handle

LED Bulb

The bulb (LED) is placed at the top of the round plastic. You first have to remove all the screws from the door handle bar. You will see the chrome piece on the top is hollow to allow the wires to come “out of the handle” and into the hole that is drilled through the wall. This hole starts at the center of the chrome piece and runs to the inside of the cabinet to the left of the door.


The ebay site below is the LED I ordered:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LED-Lighted-Assist-Grab-Handle-Replacement-Bulb-Illumagrip-RV-Camper-Trailer-/181298502031?pt=Motors_RV_Trailer_Camper_Parts_Acc essories&hash=item2a363b998f&vxp=mtr

Photo of drilling
?? I cannot find this photo……..


This is a photo of the cabinet with all the wires pulled out to allow me to drill the hole from the outside to the inside of the motorhome.
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Old 04-10-2014, 07:51 PM   #9
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Paul,
The compartment door locks was the biggest, hardest, and most complex of the projects so far. In short, it was not easy. Send me a PM and I will send you lots of documents.
>> Dennis
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Old 04-10-2014, 08:05 PM   #10
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audvid1,
I was going to install an electric hose but I found that I save space by curling all my 50 Amp and 30 Amp extension cords on top of each other, along with the house cord. I had the electric hose on my Vectra but it took a lot of room. This way I have four cords in the same space.
I also was going to install an electric water line but I am using a water softener so I really do not need a long line from the softener to the motorhome, so I didn't bother with it.
John Canfield installed the SeaLevel gauges. Mine still work fine, ever since I put Calgon water softener (from Walmart) in the tanks. I can get you John's website if interested.
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Old 04-10-2014, 08:08 PM   #11
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HI Pusherman,
Long time since we have talked. I would be interested in which "chemical" you used for rust abatement?
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Old 04-10-2014, 08:32 PM   #12
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Ground down the rust, used a rust-converter, then 2-part epoxy primer, with a finish coat of black paint.

I hear you put on a mean rally in Tennessee.
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Old 04-10-2014, 08:40 PM   #13
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Dennis, I would also be interested in the firestik install and coax routing. Did the Direct to Dish conversion on my 2014 34B a few weeks ago. It was a PITA until if found the Direct splitter and power supply and got rid of them. 😊
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Old 04-11-2014, 07:03 AM   #14
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Hi Dennis
My sensors work OK, but on my last motor home we installed the sea level sensors and i loved the accurate display, and it was a challenge on last motor home for black tank. I have kind of looked at tanks and it seems it will be a lot easier, just have not looked good enough to see how to get wires up to central control panel from basement area.

Thanks
Paul
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Old 04-11-2014, 08:13 AM   #15
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Oh Boy!

Quote:
Originally Posted by dengraham View Post
There are a number of items I have completed (or will soon complete) on our 2013 Itasca Meridian 42E (same as the Journey 42E). I have thought about listing them, and then providing detailed description of each one. But, before I publish them I was wondering if there are other people on Irv2 that are even interested in them?? Many would apply to the 36 or 40 foot models as well. Please let me know if there is any interest?? Do you have others?

For example here are my completed projects:

1. Install CB and Firestick Antenna
2. SMI Brake System
3. Toad Charge for “topping off” batter on toad
4. Remote control locks for all the compartment doors
5. LED Light inside plastic door handle at entrance
6. Silverleaf VMSpc system to monitor engine and transmission
7. Tophat for mirrors and now replacement (Tour/Itasca) mirrors
8. Replaced failed propane regulator
9. Replaced failed auto transfer switch
10. Changed Traveler from Direct to Dishnet
11. REK (Ride Enhancement Kit) from Source Engineering

ITEMS NOT completed:

1. Smartwheel or Headlight flasher
2. LED lights

I have not finished all the documentation but wondering if I should just start this thread and maybe you could include things you have done to your motor home. (For example, I know some people have installed new hangers for their TV in the outside entertainment center.)
So, what have you done to your Meridian or Journey??
While there is still some ongoing discussion, I posted this http://www.irv2.com/forums/f101/elec...-197210-2.html
I would like to know of your "failed transfer switch" and what you did to rectify the situation.
I am also keenly interested in several of those modifications you mentioned. Especially the remote locking compartment doors.
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Old 04-11-2014, 11:59 AM   #16
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Dennis: Our 2012 Tour is pretty complete with no mods.

The absolute best work was to have the front tires balanced using a Hunter "Road Force" balancing machine. ($32.00 per tire) That the same machine used for balancing Indy 500 tires. Ride is smooth as glass!!

See you at WIT, Kerry
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Old 04-11-2014, 02:30 PM   #17
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Dennis

I would be interested in the info on the compartment locks. Miss that from my Vectra also.
I just completed the install of a fireplace in our 2013 36M and am getting ready to order LED's.

Thanks, Bill
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Old 04-11-2014, 08:38 PM   #18
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I have completed:

ICC light switch.
Silverleaf VMS 240.
Cockpit jotto desk for laptop.
SeeLevel II tank gauges; inside & wet bay displays.
Auto-charging of all battery banks from any source; shore power, generator, or engine.
Charge Wizard and PD converter.
Surge protector.
Electronic igniter for cooktop burners.
Upgraded fresh water pump.
Oxygenics shower head.
28" HD flatscreen LED TV in bedroom.
Basement freezer on slideout tray.
Rust control/treatment behind bay doors and chassis rails, engine oil pan.
Mounted spare tire suspended between frame rails.
Full body paint.

I am interested in info on remote bay door locks.
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Old 04-12-2014, 06:37 AM   #19
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Modified tru air thermostat to start second compressor based on time first compressor on (20 minutes) instead of the 2 degree increment. This avoids the first compressor staying on "forever" if thermostat stays in the 2 degree zone on hot days.
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Old 04-12-2014, 09:04 PM   #20
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Hi Kerry,
I sure hope you return to GNR. I think you have independent suspension on the front, so you have a different beast. I agree with a front end alignment and wheel balance. You should also have the tag air pressure adjusted to put more/or less weight on the front. You should have 2/3 of the weight on the duel and 1/3 on the tag. Most 2012's are not balanced correctly.
Are you going to GNR this year?
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