Vintage RV Renovation PROJECT UPDATE! + How Much Have We Spent??
Вставка
- Опубліковано 27 сер 2024
- We're (almost) finished with the overhead sleeping area! So we thought this would be a good time to sit down and talk about our plans for this rv renovation and share what we've spent so far 💸
PREVIOUS VIDEO: ▶ Vintage RV Renovation PART 2! Sleeping Area Rebuild • Vintage RV Renovation ...
Watch More RV Videos! ▶ • RV Renovation Series
★ SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL! ★
Supporters get access to never before seen vlogs, hand-written postcards and more! ► bit.ly/tea-patreon
★ $55 AIRBNB DISCOUNT! ★
We can't recommend Airbnb enough! Use this link for up to $55 off your first Airbnb booking: bit.ly/tea-airbnb
★ MERCH ★
Get Your T.E.A. Merch!! store.theendles...
★ MUSIC ★
Access Thousands of FREE Songs for YOUR VIDEOS with Epidemic Sound! share.epidemics...
== OUR FILMING GEAR ==
★ Camera - amzn.to/2r40yfV
★ Lens - amzn.to/38226rw
★ Microphone - amzn.to/2KYEMCi
★ Drone - amzn.to/2OyYUf6
★ GoPro Session - amzn.to/33vpAle
★ GoPro Hero 7 amzn.to/2rBFyNr
★ Camera Belt Clip - amzn.to/2umw0DU
★ Large Tripod - amzn.to/34BYvye
★ Small Tripod - amzn.to/2u5iZ24
BROWSE ALL OF OUR GEAR ► bit.ly/tea-trav...
Above are affiliate links which means we receive a percentage of the revenue made from purchasing products via those links.
== Follow Us ==
❤ Twitter - / the_endless_a
❤ Facebook - / theendlessadventurers
❤ Instagram - / theendlessadventure
❤ Travel Blog - theendlessadven...
== About Us ==
We're Eric & Allison and we're on a journey to find the most interesting places and unique foods this planet has to offer! We've traded in our steady paychecks and permanent home for a life of travel and adventure. Come along and see the world with us!
Great work guys! Not sure if this will get to you, but as an RV restorer myself, I wanted to add a couple cost saving opportunities for you.
1. Memory foam mattress can be cut to size with a saw. It’s a common RV hack. 2. You can easily make your own couch cushions for the sofa bed. You can buy high density foam at most hardware and craft stores, cut to dimensions and then sew the covers. I recommend a high quality indoor/outdoor rated fabric (more expensive, but washable and lasts longer) which you can get online or through a place like joanns fabric. Even if you don’t sew, you can get fusible seams that as long as you don’t get the covers super hot, will hold up fine. Alternatively, staple the foam and the fabric to the plywood for the couch. 3. Most RV rooftops are not made to hold a lot of weight. So a rooftop deck may require reinforcement to the frame of the vehicle (aluminum) on the top before you install something. Also, be careful where you step!
I had no idea I would be so into your RV renovations. But I am. Epic "cold open," by the way.
What does cold open mean?
Can I suggest a decent quality memory foam mattress and a large knife. Cut it to size and save money on a custom mattress. Keeps the costs down
Definitely works as someone I know did this. It cuts cleanly and to shape. Finding a cover cover however means you need one custom made. You will likely find someone fairly local who is adept with a sewing machine and how to make one.
But use the cooling version of the foam. I love those mattress toppers.
Mr Kate just did this recently in their airstream reno seemed to work really well
i was going to suggest this myself, i have been watching a few camper van renovation channels and this is quite a popular idea and saves a lot of money over the custom mattress .
One wouldn't need a LARGE knife, so much as one would need a SHARP, STURDY knife. A heavy-duty sliding box cutter, the kind with break-away blades, and a steel yard stick to keep the cuts straight would be the way I would do it. Any zippered mattress protector would work as the cover. I, myself, would use natural latex foam rather than memory foam because latex is more durable, lasts longer and doesn't off-gas as many VOCs as memory foam.
I love that you go from worldwide travels to a rebuild on a camper but your video production remains just as game. This is so fun to watch!
RV name suggestion: Sunflower
That's of what it, and Allison, remind me.
Clemmie will be a Hit on the road. The lucky girl missed the junk yard.
Oh I like that one too, and Daisy, but not Clementine, it sounds too much like Chlamydia
Though a radical departure from your usual travel videos, these renovation videos have been, in truth, rather fascinating and captivating. Well done!
Just to add my two pennies worth: when you fit a new mattress make sure there is plenty of room around it as you will be causing condensation from your breath etc... to collect at the point the warm air meets the relatively cold van sides, and rotting wood would again be a consequence. Try to get a mattress you can remove easily for airing outside (or try two that zip up the middle). I renovated a boat and had the same issues, getting into a stale bed is never restful. Good luck and adventurous traveling!
They make mattress stands I guess you would call it, that allow air to circ under mattress. Would also help with this.
Never thought about this before. That’s such a great and helpful tip! Is there a mattress material that’s best as well for this?
Not sure if it would work, but I have been looking at a coir mat to go under my mattress on a platform bed.
So right about the condensation issue. Try to keep the vent, a little open, above the bed.
You can buy a moisture removing mat that goes under mattresses it was made for boats in particular, but no reason why it can't be used elsewhere.
Slats work the same way too!
You two are doing a cracking job
But i did notice your steering wheel is on the wrong side ha
Steve
United Kingdom
Clementine is such a good name for her! Good ol’ Clemmie. It’s fun watching y’all work on it
I agree, Clementine is way cooler than Daisy!
This project is such a joy to watch! Really enjoying your videos! As an Interior Designer I am actually very impressed with your level of care and time spent doing everything right! Good job!!! 😊
Loving the current RV series, a different direction during these difficult times and all the better knowing its been a long term ambition for you both. Best wishes from the UK.
Third that! With the RV you’ll have a whole new chapter - exploring America
You guys deserve more RV sponsors. HEY SPONSORS, HIT THEM UP!!! WE WANT MORE OF THESE TWO 💖
A big symbol for The Endless Adventure on the RV maybe ?
Or adverts for your sponsors. Like NASCAR, but on an RV.
Yessssss
I can't say I don't miss the travel vids, but I am pleasantly surprised how much I am enjoying the videos about rebuilding an older RV.
You guys are adorable. You make me proud to watch your channel. My wife and I have been married for 27 years. The secret is communicate and never go to bed upset. You inspire me to look at projects around our house. Yo make me smile.
I can so relate. I'm working on a 1985 Class C. I had never before seen wood so rotten that it looked burned. So far I have been able to acquire a lot of free materials for the rebuild and salvaged as much as possible while gutting. My original cost was $2K...no further costs yet.
From my experience with old RV, roof maintenance is a must to do. You may want to seal it even when it's not leaking, especially around the seam and the opening like skylight, AC etc.... And another accessory that you cannot miss is the generator. You may have one already. But Honda inverter generator is the one to have.
Inverter should be True Sine, not Modified Sine.
This coment is sponserd by honda inverters
Just kidding😂😂😂
@@user-os9to6qr1v COMMENT, not COMENT.
SPONSORED, not SPONSERD.
Honda, not honda.
It is well known that Honda makes very quiet and efficient generators. No need to be sponsored by Honda to recommend a good product.
@@user-os9to6qr1v I used it for my RV for years at night. I mainly used it for computer, lighting, microwave. My refrigerator and freezer were used pure propane. My honda inverter did not use much gas at all. And it was really quiet. I bought another brand later on. It was cheap. And cheap it went. By the way, my RV also had working Onan generator, which I rarely used. It drank too much gas.
I grew up in the 70s...best time ever! I knew there wouldn't be any asbestos in it. My first camper was from the 70s...I bought it when I was 18. They where better built and heavier back then. I had alot of fun with that camper! Yours has see alot of time...it was really nostalgic to see it in original condition, but, it was hiding ALOT of water damage. Best of luck with this extensive repair. I bet it will be cute when it's done! 👍🏻
I am totally obsessed with this RV renovation series you two have got going on now!!! I can't wait to see the finished result :)
It's great to have a place to park the RV while you work on the renovation as well as some great looking power tools and a garage to use them in. Those expenses can escalate your overall reno costs very quickly. And let's not forget Adam, I'm sure a wealth of knowledge ( would love to see his van progress as well). I'm so happy that "Daisy Mae" has not been an overly expensive girl. Can't wait to see her complete and out on an adventure. Beers on the roof-top terrace anyone?
Nice job on the work so far Eric and Ali. You never know what's going to show up once you start peeling back the layers of an old RV. Glad to see your excitement about renovating your new baby & Eric, LOVE the Buc ee's shirt. 🥳🥳🤙
My wife and I have been enjoying your renovation videos. I am a retired flooring installer/ carpenter of 45 yrs. We also have been kicking around the idea of purchasing a similar project such as yours. When you get to your flooring project, have you considered installing a “ floating floor”? I think a vinyl plank would work nicely in this situation. Of course you would need to repair any damaged underlayment. Use your existing vinyl flooring for your water barrier and lay the vinyl plank right over it. Water resistant, easy peezy maintenance and just add throw rugs where ever you like. Looking forward to further videos! Dan & Tracy NM.
Wow, great improvements so far. I really like the name Daisy. I'm a child of the 70s and daisies were very much the flower of the "Love Generation." 🤣🌼✌
I watch RV renos and your doing good getting all of the old wood out. They're known for mold and mildew. Good job. Can't wait to see it done!
Plan B for you guys....RV Renovators! So impressed with what you've achieved, I know I'd be totally useless!
Love the update on how things are going. Looking good. I probably would paint everything wood related that may see moisture with that mold resistant paint just to play it safe. 👍😁
l'm impressed with your work so far and you look like your doing your best to make this the best. I'm currently doing a cargo trailer conversion and the thing that I tell myself is whatever the cost, I'm doing it my way, myself, and there is alot of pride in that! When you look back on the cost and the effort you put into it, nobody will be able to deny your achievement!
Wow, that is so much cheaper than I thought! You can't even get a good car for that cheap. Work on the bathroom next! Then you could at least use it on short trips while fixing the rest.
I am so impressed by your commitment to hard work and the skills you have gained so far !! Thank you for sharing the journey with us !
My husband and I are renovating a truck camper and our oldest son is renovating a travel trailer right now. This channel is really an inspiration for is. Keep up the great work!
Whatever age of RV would have had the potential for some rectification work but, doing it this way, you know it has been done thoroughly...and you know which bits you haven't done yet.
Really love watching your RV renovations and your learning along the way. Please keep these videos coming! Can’t wait to see how it turns out and to see your future adventures in it!
"You ain't so dumb after all!"
That cracked me up hard 😂
Yes, Daisy! That’s the name I suggested when you bought her! Great job on her so far! We had an old motor home a few years ago and I really miss it!
You are doing such a solid job. That RV is going to be better than the day it was built when you finish. I'm super impressed.
I had no idea you guys would be so handy!! And you look like you’re enjoying the process too. Good for y’all! 🚌
You both have a great sense of humor~ always make me laugh! Daisy is a perfect name for your vintage treasure~ who knows how many flower children passed through her doors? Keep up the hard work, it’ll pay off!
Hi Keith from the UK love your channel you are both doing a great job keep it up
OMG! I'M overwhelmed by this project! Given that you are doing a thorough demo/rebuild/replacement, it seems what you 'bought' was an engine, chasis, and some aluminum siding. Wow. I admire your fortitude.
I have a 1977 Chevy C-Class with the 350 engine. I paid $2,000 for it back in 2010. When I bought it the engine ran, the transmissions on those are bullet proof, all the appliances worked perfectly. So like you guys I basically started rebuilding from there. I love my love my little 22 ft C-Class. It is just as reliable as my new A Class motorhome I bought in 2018. I have put around $20,000 into it with every electronic, mechanical, improvement and upgrade you could think of. Replaced the entire front and rear suspension (including new rear axle) installed air bags on the back suspension. I replaced all my 16.5 tires with 16 inch tires. The rear 16 inch trims will fit no problem. The front 16 inch rims rubbed slightly on the brake caliper. So I just took a grinder the brake caliper to knock down the area it was rubbing. It was not a lot at all. I went ahead and bought the bullet on the tires and rims because I did not want to have to be stranded somewhere it is impossible to get 16.5 tires. One thing while you have everything open, run as many wires as you can possible think you might need EVER. I mean regular romex, coaxial cable for TV, Ethernet, low voltage wire, the works. You will be glad you did later when you want to move tvs around or computer monitors around. The paint on your front cab looks in pretty good shape. I had to have mine repainted which was $2,000. I could not find a replacement for the front grille which is chromed. All I could find was plastic with chrome paint as a replacement. So I took my grill and headlight bezels to a chrome shop and had them rechrome them all. It was not cheap but it is original equipment and they look great. Alarm system, cruise control, power door locks (having the power door locks installed was cheaper than if they were just to fix the one door that was not working properly). Like I said I have a list of every single thing I put into my C-Class. It was my project for about 7 years. If you want more information on what I have done (if you think I might peak your interest) just let me know.
I thought you were going to say tens of thousands so what you ended up with isnt so bad in comparison! Good luck guys!
Vinyl planking is a great flooring for RV's. Its easy to install - snaps together, weather resistant, nice wood look and is not glued down so its easier to update later.
Kara and Nate be like nope. We will buy one done and just fix it up for how we need it. Good luck guys!! I hope you are back on the road soon. 😘
Allison and Erik. I have been an avid fan of your posts, for a very long time. I am so impressed with your actions in rising to the Covid19 challenge; that so drastically changed your lives. I have loved every Vintage RV renovation videos. Your energy and drive is inspiring. Very best wishes to you both, from Vancouver Island, BC, Canada.
Love the idea of a roof deck! Sounds like you’ve got a lot for your money! Great effort, excited to see Daisy or Clementine all finished😊
The thing about vintage RVs is that if you don't pay attention you could wind up spending more on renovations then simply buying one that was in better shape to start with. No matter how it goes you guys will learn a lot and have the ability to fix some of the problems that will show up down the road.
It's your budget. If it fits, then it's all good! Having lived in a house that was gutted down to the subfloor, I'm really enjoying watching someone else do reno work LOL!
I like Daisy!
Short and sweet...
Totally fits!
If you go with Daisy, the decorating options are unlimited! Looks great so far.
Been LOVING watching this renovation! A bit different from all the usual camper conversions. We can already see that Clementine (or Daisy!) is going to look so beautiful!
I vote for naming her “Clementine”! Also, I vote for the bathroom to be the next project :)
that is what we had named ours
As a former owner of a new 2008 Itasca Class A and a 19 foot travel trailer we have found that if you want to avoid major expenses you will soon realize a travel trailer is the best bet. We now upgraded to a 26 foot travel trailer and paid $14,000. in perfect condition. Owning a travel trailer is like a boat with an outboard motor. If the tow vehicle has a problem you go to any repair shop, a boat with an inboard has to be taken out of the water or a mechanic brought to the marina. I think you are doing a great job and we all have to have learning experiences. I hope you have good luck and that that carb is not an issue. Being retired I think you will someday see the options you may have. If you need a great family tow vehicle and not a pick up look for a VW Touareg or Dodge Durango. They are both beasts and will get you up to nearly 8000 lbs. Have fun.
You could borrow a few ideas from European caravans. Have vinyl flooring with removable carpet over the top (like hallway carpet runners). You can then shake dirt off the carpet outside. Have double-glazed, acrylic, tinted windows - helps with regulating the temperature, lighter and safer (search for campervan windows). Have a campervan awning to double your living space. I agree with others that you should focus on the seams to prevent leaks. Unless you're connected to a mains supply, I don't think you'd use the bath. A shower would make more sense. And birch or beech are both lighter and brighter than pine.
Just a note to keep in mind from this owner of an older RV, many campgrounds now are not allowing RVs older than 10 years into their campgrounds. That does not apply to state and national campgrounds though, nor does it apply to KOA’s. However, from the way you’re setting up your camper it looks like you’re going to want to do a lot of Boondocking which is the most fun we have camping anyway! And as a new subscriber I look forward to your new camping adventures!
I just love you kids to pieces. Reminds me of my late wife and I when we were your age. I wish you both the very best and the RV is looking amazing..
Love seeing the progress!! Thanks for letting us see the good, bad and scary😆 can't wait to see what happens with the roof!
Both names are great and would suit her! For the mattress and possibly also the sofa you could get memory foam mattress (as long as it's foam all the way and not just foam topper on spring) and cut it to the right size. We did that for some safety mats for my gym and its worked really well and much cheaper than a custom mattress. Then all you need custom is covers which you could get made fairly cheaply. Might not be what you want but it's an idea
This is very cool! Not only are the renovations cool to watch, y’all are funny too! Can’t wait to see it finished!
Clementine for sure! That way you can travel down the road singing 'Ole my Darling, Clementine'! 😂😂😂
Brilliant
Except the words of the song are *"OH* my darlin'" and do not call Clementine old! Also, My Darlin' Clementine is actually a terrible song! I don't know why they still teach it to children. It's about a miner's daughter that drowns, and it's from the perspective of her grieving boyfriend, until he forgets all about Clementine when he kisses her little sister!
Love Daisy. That's what I named my first plane. She had a yellow and blue paint scheme. :)
I would do the entire inside in light gloss grey with dark cushions, Modern on the inside, traditional on the outside. Blow your budget!
Daisy sounds a great name and your RV is certainly being reborn !!! "Daisies symbolize innocence and purity. This stems from an old Celtic legend. ... In Norse mythology, the daisy is Freya's sacred flower. Freya is the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility" - well done guys, loving watching the progress you are making.
"In Norse mythology, the daisy is Freya's sacred flower."
The only places I've ever seen that claim, is on new age sites, have you got a reputable source?
@@MsAnpassad I searched Daisy in Google and was given the following result. www.ftd.com/blog/share/daisy-meaning-and-symbolism
A good solution for the hole at the door might be converting the whole area to an extended doormat / wet area. So you can enter with your wet shoes, put them somewhere to dry off without taking all the dirt into the main living area.
Adam is clearly the hero here!
I love that you guys are doing this awesome project and RV's aren't cheap and you are re-doing it with all your own choices awesome!
Clementine is the perfect name!! Then use that as inspiration for the interior colors too!
I recommend a WiFi extender for use at campgrounds. We love our ALFA WiFi Camp Pro 2 in our RV. Nice power options of either cigarette or plug in and the antenna is small and super easy to move around if the signal is a little wonky. Many campgrounds charge you for each device you connect. This thing counts as 1 device, then all of your personal devices connect to it. Save tons of $$. The signal also keeps steady and limits drops. Also for your top bed, consider sewing your top sheet to your bottom sheet. that over cab bed is so hard to make up properly. I worked with a seamstress to stitch a top sheet to the top'ish area of a fitted sheet. The fitted parts goes under the mattress and the flat sheet is right there. Don't skimp on the mattress thickness, but watch out for the height. The space up there is tight and too tall on the mattress and it gets really small fast. Don't make the wood base too thick or you'll already start at with a height clearance problem. Happy travels and we'll look for you when you get to the west coast.
Suggestions: How about setting up a "foyer" type of entrance so you can take off muddy/dusty shoes or boots without messing-up the rest of the RV? Next, upgrade the broadcast radio with a Sirius/XM system having the antenna on the RV roof? I've had it on all of my cross-country roadtrips and it's very handy. Finally, how about a small broadcast TV in the living area with a suitable King antenna on the roof? Good luck!
Your brother is doing a great job. Definitely fit new insulation the same way. Should cut down on any rattles and squeaks. Drafts too.
Your motorhome brings back memories. My dad had a 77. Enjoy it, Coachmen motorhomes were classy back in the day. We had a lot of fun.
Love this latest video. We have an RV and want to do some renovations. So it’s very informative to see what you all are doing. I loved the costs listed at the end.
For the bed highly recommend a foam mattress! You can cut it yourself so you don’t have to worry about getting one custom made.
Space Odyssey 2001 intro = immediately hitting the like button
you all know exactly what you're doing like you've been doing it for years !great job congrats !
You can save a lot of money on the mattress, if you just buy a standard double memory foam and use an electric kitchen knife to cut it down. You can just reuse the over that the mattress comes in when done, it can be easily taken in with a sewing machine or just left larger.
Get a roto zip. Cut halfway up by entrance. Wall fix. Floor with marine plywood then add same wainscotting on side walls with trim
Thanks for sharing - looking good so far! Name wise - I don't see a problem using both names - she's a classy lady - give her a middle name :D - Miss Daisy Clementine Endless-Adventure
I was thinking _almost_ the same thing: Ms. Daisy Clementine Bieler, the same as Eric and Alison's last name.
That is a LOT of work. Good luck and get back on the road soon!
Aww, I love the name Clementine so sweet. Good luck with the reno.
You guys are doing great! It's always hard to decide what project next & what's most important. But you are definitely smart to replace all that wood. Something you may consider is pan head screws over staples on that aluminum. Then you won't have to worry about them backing out with the vibration.
Cheering for you guys! Keep up the great work! You will learn so much together!
Erin + Brian
Someone I watched recently took a nice mattress, opened up the seams and cut the interior foam to the template of the sleeping space. Sounds like that would be more comfortable and cheaper than getting a custom made mattress for the overhead.
love the buccees shirt, the roof deck is such a cute idea!
Wow! That mobile home is perfect for your endless adventure. :)
Suggestion regarding the customized cushions. Look around locally for a woman or man who sews and will make the covers for the cushions. Obviously measure the cushions and look online and at local stores who sell the inside stuffing. You may be able to purchase that on the cheap and cut to size. Sometimes a local lady will cost a lot less than an upholstery store. Also go to fabric stores and compare prices for the fabrics you like. Make sure the fabric is thick, durable and that you can treat it to be stain resistant. Put zipper type covers on the cushions. Easy to remove and wash. Also easy to replace the stuffing if need be. I like the name Daisy for what it's worth. :)
I believe u did great. I heard that money pit remark a lot 8 years ago when my RV was given to me. I have spent around 7 to 8 thousand in the last 8 years on my 1985 Chevy Allergo RV tires twice, maintenance whenever necessary and other RV stuff my RV is awesome and she runs great. I Love her ♥️👍♥️👍😇
Thanks for keeping the RV series going. I'm really enjoying ...watching you...work lol. No it's fun to see the level of detail you are giving to this RV. Great job.
You know you can DIY a composting toilet? Several videos on it. Easy. Cheap.
Paint/refinish the tub. Its a good feature.
You did a great job on the overhead!👍 That's a difficult job.
You may wish to remove the roof material. It is only designed for 20 yrs & you're way beyond that. It will likely be easier and more permanent than trying to reseal a deteriorated substrate. With all you've done dont cut corners. Do it right, do it once!
The floor rotted from a door leak. Just cut out a section & lay in new plywood. Oil primer both sides. Undercoat under with Herculiner truck bed liner. Seal with good caulk.
For roof deck, go aluminum tube. Wood or faux wood will add too much weight unless reinforced.
2 cents: Get rid of the front window in bunk area, it's a known weak point for leaks and no insulation, you'll just end up putting reflextix in it anyway, also look into Dynamat for your walls and anywhere you can stick it also absolutely needed for your engine cover.
What I suggest for the roof of the RV are Solar Panels. That will run some of the stuff inside your RV.
We refinished an RV and re did the bath tub and sink. We learned a lot! We used TOP Side sail boat paint, it's UV resistant , rubberized and flexible, waterproof. You have to order from Home depot. We used white. It was awesome! We have photos if you are interested.
Also, it would be fun to say your are driving Miss Daisy!!
My first car was a yellow Mini it was already named "Buttercup". A very common field flower here in the UK. I bought Buttercup in 1970 and it was a rust bucket, lasted me two years before it went to the scrapyard in the sky.
My goodness, Eric, you look like my brother-in-law...when he was about 100lbs lighter & 30 yrs younger. I really am enjoying watching your project.
Daisy is a perfect name! Put a big Daisy decal on the back too. :)
Excellent work so far! Can't wait to see the details on reattaching the aluminum skin back to the wood frame and edge banding while keeping it leak free. Definitely reseal the roof. I would focus on making the engine and suspension reliable, then take on a short test trip to look for other items that might need addressing before tearing apart the bathroom.
I love this series and I'm grateful for it too as it's made me realise I'm not suitable for an RV XD I'd never have the patience for all of it. It's making me anxious seeing how much work needs doing!
For a job well done is priceless like the old saying says “buy once,cry once”😉👍🤘🤙
Good job you guys but you should continue painting with kills before you put back the metal pieces to avoid any rotting in the future
Hey guys just a suggestion you can get most of your parts from a camping /RV dealer like camping world also you might want to check all your water and sewr tanks and lines if they never winterized unit they may all be bad or cracked then you will have to take everything back apart to replace them
My wife and i are building a skoolie! I'd highly recommend spray foaming. Getting it insulated is really important!
Taking notes! Love it!! You guys are rock stars ♡ the engine sounds much better! Solar is a definitely plus.