Sunstar 27PE Mods/Upgrades

6cwayne · 09-27-2021, 07:21 AM

I have made a number of changes to a 2020 Sunstar 27PE that I purchased new five months ago. Rather than have new threads every time I complete a project I will update this one (I have already posted about an upgrade to the cab radio and speakers in a previous thread).

The first upgrade I completed was to the bathroom. I wanted to add a backsplash and replace the power outlet with one that was flush with the wall. In order to have the power outlet as part of the backsplash I had to shorten the mirror. This required making a new frame (mission creep). The advantage of this was being able to stain the frame wood to mach the other trim.

The backsplash tiles are the peel and stick metallic variety from Home Depot.

The finished result is certainly (in my opinion at least) an improvement over factory.

NB: I had the dealer replace the sink faucets prior to delivery, along with the toilet (I hate plastic).

Cheers,
Wayne

thompwil · 09-28-2021, 05:39 AM

That looks awesome! Is that Schluter trim around the edges of the back splash?

6cwayne · 09-28-2021, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thompwil

That looks awesome! Is that Schluter trim around the edges of the back splash?

Thanks. It's "Aspect Backsplash Vinyl Trim" that I purchased off of Amazon. Same manufacturer as the tile (which I obtained from Home Depot.

Cheers,
Wayne

6cwayne · 09-29-2021, 05:02 AM

The Sunstar certainly has a DIY look to it inside. The quality may be there, the aesthetics not so much. Some things that I decided to fix immediately were the lack of kitchen sink covers, no valence for the cab side window MCD blinds, and the copilot table (colour didn't match the remaining trim).

I used poplar for the sink covers and valence, and English Chestnut from HD for the stain.

Much better.

PS: the copilot table picture shows the MCD blind prior to valence installation (factory).

Cheers,
Wayne

Packfan · 09-29-2021, 02:09 PM

Nice job on these improvements! I have a 2019 Vista 27PE so I will be following your work!

Since picking up our coach used last October, I have made the following improvements:

Sumo Springs front and rear
Supersteer rear track bar
Roadmaster steering stabilizer
MaxxFan's in the kitchen and bath
200 Watts of GoPower solar on the roof
Two 6 volt AGM coach batteries
Added two 6 volt AGM batteries in the storage compartment rear of the door
30 amp auto transfer switch
Surge guard suppressor wired in with remote
Propane quick connect
Water connection at the low point drain for the bathroom

My next upgrade may be replacing the fixed rear window with a slider for more ventilation in the bedroom.

Regards.

6cwayne · 09-30-2021, 05:11 AM

The MaxxFans, Propane quick connect, and water connection are items I will be adding to my list. Am going to wait awhile on any chassis/suspension mods until I have a few thousand miles on the MH, and decide then if they are needed.

Cheers,
Wayne

Packfan · 09-30-2021, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6cwayne

The MaxxFans, Propane quick connect, and water connection are items I will be adding to my list. Am going to wait awhile on any chassis/suspension mods until I have a few thousand miles on the MH, and decide then if they are needed.

Cheers,
Wayne

Hey Wayne.

You are smart to evaluate the ride first as all motor homes appear to have their own personality based on load and other variables.

Before doing the suspension upgrades, my 27PE was just OK on the road. The ride was harsh, I had a lot of sway in turns, and passing trucks really pushed me around. The Sumo springs dramatically helped all these conditions and the track bar and steering stabilizer improved the tracking and aero push- it is still there, but not as bad.

Everyone says the wheel base versus total length is a big factor in driveability. The 178 inch wheelbase and 28'8" total length on the 27PE equates to a 52% ratio and leaves a fairly sizeable overhang past the rear wheels. The track bar is supposed to help some of the affects of this. I think the 18,000 pound chassis also helps (versus the 16,000 pound on competitive units).

I am happy with the way mine drives and rides now and would do it all again. I know others who have done nothing that are happy too.

Packfan · 09-30-2021, 09:28 AM

On the fans, if you have the same OEM ones I had (MaxxFan Mini's), they are a joke compared to the regular Maxxfans. We do a lot of boon docking in hot weather and good fans are critical to our program.

You have to change out the entire fan, but it is a pretty easy swap if you are comfortable resealing the roof. Just make sure you use the recommended sealant. Winnebago specifies NuFlex 311 (available at Camping World). Do not use regular Dicor Lap Sealant as it reportedly will not stick well to the 311 used at the factory.

6cwayne · 09-30-2021, 12:45 PM

I'll probably have the dealer do the work. I'm not a fan (no pun intended) of clambering around on the roof.

Cheers,
Wayne

mikee409 · 10-04-2021, 07:58 AM

Where did you draw power from for the kitchin fan.
We have a 2017 27 PE Vista with no fan in the roof vent opening.
I removed the interior housing & looked for wiring but found none.
That would have been to easy.
Mikee

6cwayne · 10-04-2021, 08:50 AM

In my 2020 Sunstar the kitchen vent came with a factory fitted powered fan.
Cheers,
Wayne

Packfan · 10-04-2021, 09:55 AM

Mine also came with a Mini Maxxfan (see photo) in both the kitchen and bath so it was an easy swap with the power already there in a standard 14 inch opening.

The mini MaxxFan has a small one speed fan that doesn't move much air. Pretty much useless. Unfortunately, it can't be upgraded with something like a Heng's Vortex fan and required a complete replacement.

If you have a simple passive vent (and if you can get power up there), you may be able to use the Vortex fan that doesn't require any roof work.

mikee409 · 10-05-2021, 07:57 AM

I found a fan insert on amazon that will fit with no roof work.
Fishing wires isn't my favorite thing to do in this RV.
Oh well. Was hoping ya'll had an easy fix suggestion.
Mikee

71_340 · 10-05-2021, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Packfan

My next upgrade may be replacing the fixed rear window with a slider for more ventilation in the bedroom.

Regards.

Isn't the fixed rear window your current emergency exit?

6cwayne · 10-05-2021, 09:30 AM

I can't speak to Packfan's arrangement, but the fixed rear window in mine is not the emergency exit. The double window at the head of the bed is the emergency exit.

Cheers,
Wayne

Packfan · 10-05-2021, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71_340

Isn't the fixed rear window your current emergency exit?

Nope. The emergency exit window is in the slide on the side.

I wish the exit was in the rear as I have seen people rig ways to keep the emergency window open and add screens.

Dentkimterry · 10-11-2021, 07:23 AM

My 2016 26he front vent had no fan in it. I bought a replacement vent with fan advertised as a direct replacement. Like you I found no wires in the opening. I tapped into the wire for the ceiling light over the stairwell to power it. The light has to be on for the fan to run but I'm OK with that.

6cwayne · 10-19-2021, 12:53 PM

Decided to recover the valences while MH was in for some warranty work. The factory supplied were bland and almost indistinguishable from the walls. Had to make my own valences for the dinette as those supplied by Winnebago did not have sides to them. They add a nice splash of colour.

Cheers,
Wayne