Cheap and Quick Improvements to Make My RV Dash Better for only $35

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 11 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 184

  • @J.Cameron.Stuart.Adams.
    @J.Cameron.Stuart.Adams. Рік тому +4

    You could add USB and 12v chargers in the coin slots to give it more functionality. Looks great! A dab of black paint will mask the green led.

  • @cedriccromwell4049
    @cedriccromwell4049 10 місяців тому +2

    I love your RV. I think that your RV is the best. When you are ready to sell your RV, it will deserve a good price, because all of the upgrades you've done to the RV and it is a “James” RV!!!!

    • @1Seriouslyserious
      @1Seriouslyserious 9 місяців тому

      People will be fighting over it!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

  • @2AZSUN
    @2AZSUN Рік тому +17

    This was pure genius. The best part of having an RV tech that does UA-cam vids is being able to learn great tricks for mods and how to make them work. Making these is a lot harder then it looks in the final vid, so the effort you put into them is greatly appreciated. Thanks James!!

  • @anthonylawlor9130
    @anthonylawlor9130 Рік тому +3

    Beautiful rig…old cup holders got to go, I know you’ll figure something else to plug the holes. Great updates.

  • @Premier-Media-Group
    @Premier-Media-Group Рік тому +1

    James, have you done any work with a local cabinet maker to do mods to a factory coach? I've seen both some very good...and very bad...design and woodworking skills.
    Also - you absolutely NEED a dash camera. We've had great luck with our Nextbase 522GW after going through several other models - even in the AZ sun.
    Remember, it's better to "have it and not need it, than to need it, and not have it".

  • @DaveDrawing
    @DaveDrawing 11 місяців тому +2

    Just a tip from a fellow Garmin user: When taking it off the mount (4:10), push the button on the bottom rear of the unit, and the part that goes on the ball will stay behind, along with the power cord. This will not only leave the power cord attached to the mount instead of dangling from the unit, it will prevent wearing out the ball mount socket.
    Great video as always, Sir!

  • @MrKpax10
    @MrKpax10 11 місяців тому +1

    I'll say, Kudos to a good wash ! @:32 - I mean, who doesn't like a clean Beaver?! It sparkles! Good QoL (Quality of Life) updates to the dash area too. Enough can't be said for the 'KISS' principle. We've got an older rig too - a 2002 Holiday Rambler Scepter w/ 56k on it, and the Speedometer gauge is showing a bit of hazing on the glass. Whilst it's not obtrusive, I'll want to update or change it out. Have you a video on changing gauges and what to look out for?

  • @h5mind373
    @h5mind373 Рік тому +1

    A trick a general contractor buddy showed me years ago: attach the cap of your Sharpie to a lanyard to hang around your neck- never rummage for one again.

  • @NelloCambelli
    @NelloCambelli Рік тому +2

    When my T210N acquired Garmin 430 & 530s I had a dream in which there was a fire due to all the electrical mods prior to my purchase. 100 pounds of wire was dispatched with my new avionics installation - 100 pounds with a useful load of 1600 pounds.

  • @markdemedeiros3239
    @markdemedeiros3239 Рік тому +1

    Great video James.....But I'll just bet you still don't have CUP HOLDERS by the bedside. LOL.😂😂😂😂

    • @AZExpert
      @AZExpert  Рік тому

      You are correct. It's on the list

  • @terry3193
    @terry3193 Рік тому +6

    That’s awesome and very clever. This was a fun video and I love watching you work on your rig. Always so clever. I too need to do something because I’m also a Polar Pop XL guy and my ‘07 Navigator has similar plastic slideout cup holders that are too small plus they are sort of in an inconvenient spot so there kind of useless for me. My wood console also has two cup cutouts but they too are too small. If I had your console configuration, the only change that I would have considered would have been to place the plastic cup holder unit all the way to the right of the drawer therefore leaving room on the left side for my hamburger and fries or other fast food stuff. Ha! Great video and take care!

  • @robertcollins373
    @robertcollins373 Рік тому +1

    As you spend time in each Rig this thought comes to mind for switches and Gauges. " What were they thinking?"...

  • @larryrogers6503
    @larryrogers6503 8 місяців тому +2

    My Monaco has a drawer that has two cup holders from the factory the problem I had was the same plastic latches and I put in the magnetic and it works a lot better

  • @lmfadventures1441
    @lmfadventures1441 Рік тому +2

    I could see an awesome 3d printed part would be awesome for the latching thing. You could also get a 3d printed cup holder

  • @scottdonnelly2561
    @scottdonnelly2561 Рік тому +1

    I low light added to the dash lights in your drawer would be a nice add. Great work :)

  • @ggallant1
    @ggallant1 Рік тому +4

    I love inexpensive mods!

  • @1Seriouslyserious
    @1Seriouslyserious 9 місяців тому +1

    The screw heads that come down to catch the magnet are genius! 🤩

  • @mmanut
    @mmanut Рік тому +1

    ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL BUS‼️‼️ MOST IMPORTANT MAINTENANCE YOU CAN DO IS CHANGE THE ENGINE OIL FREQUENTLY, TRANSMISSION FLUIDS AND FILTERS ARE A MUST DO‼️‼️ LOVE YOUR BUS‼️‼️👍👍 HAVE FUN‼️‼️ Vinny 🇺🇸

  • @SlimShady771
    @SlimShady771 Рік тому +8

    I have a classic RV. 1990 safari Serengeti 34 foot. Aluminum framed body with riveted sheet metal walls and painted exterior.
    Still super solid and straight compared to the wood junk their building today.

  • @wonderingtimesllc7203
    @wonderingtimesllc7203 Рік тому +2

    James, I truly appreciate your tips and tricks. I have added magnets to a filing cabinet drawer that would always open and aggravate me to no end. Thanks pal.

  • @vinorojo5150
    @vinorojo5150 Рік тому +1

    Hook and Loop or Velcro would have been my choice. LOVE YOUR CHANNEL, THANK YOU!

  • @RebeccaRaven
    @RebeccaRaven Рік тому +3

    MOAR Power! In the right places, of course!

  • @carltonhinote2247
    @carltonhinote2247 Рік тому +1

    A mobile RV technician came out to me because my refrigerator died. So while on the phone he told me what residential refrigerator to order, which I did . On the morning the new refrigerator arrived, I signed for it, and maybe 15 minutes later the Technician arrived . The first time he went into my Coach , his comment was oh you have a side by side . So I’m stuck with a smaller one then what could have gone in there . I’m not happy at all, we were on top of a mountain for a three month vacation so we had to have a refrigerator . We have a 2000 Beaver Patriot Ticonderoga, and I hate what he left us with, it’s a disaster . He also took all my wood trim around my old one and he kept all my wood trim . If we brought our Beaver there would there be someone willing to help us put in a full size refrigerator so there’s not a big hole on both side or another RV refrigerator and help us trim the refrigerator out nice so it looks like a Beaver is supposed to ? This happened in North Carolina, and we are home now in Florida, so what he did is a done deal .

  • @orvjudd1383
    @orvjudd1383 Рік тому +1

    Great improvement you v CNN oilfield have used an angled shim so that you get a magnetic surface to surface contact instead of a point contact.

  • @gregmgm06
    @gregmgm06 Рік тому +3

    I have 2 of those plastic organizer/ cup holders. A larger one that sits in my truck passenger seat, and smaller one sits on my SUV floor. An inexpensive solution that works great.

  • @roberthennel
    @roberthennel Рік тому +5

    The magnet/screw-head latch is ingenious, I have a similar sliding drawer with a door for my small printer/scanner at my office setup at home, it sliding around has been driving me bonkers, and such an easy solution never came to my mind, thank you for the inspiration! Even me with my clumsy hands will be able to put one together for a few bucks. As my dad always says: Experience cannot be inherited

    • @AZExpert
      @AZExpert  Рік тому +1

      Hope it works for you!

  • @ThePeopleVerse
    @ThePeopleVerse Рік тому +1

    Very good video.
    This is one good thing about owning a 20+ year old coach.... UPGRADES.❤

  • @deanh7190
    @deanh7190 Рік тому +2

    Nice Beaver mods & motorhome! Makes me feel kinda guilty 😐for my 80's era bumper sticker which read, "Save A Tree, Eat A Beaver". 🤔...🤣🤣🤣 ....🙄

    • @AZExpert
      @AZExpert  Рік тому +1

      I mean, it would be pretty funny on here

  • @Mstred
    @Mstred Рік тому +1

    My son told me about your channel and I really like it. I have subscribed!

  • @MitziCopass-eo5hn
    @MitziCopass-eo5hn Рік тому +1

    Thanks for the tips !! I love this RV.

  • @stewartdunkley4108
    @stewartdunkley4108 Рік тому +2

    I agree with you about those plastic catches. They are both fragile and expensive so I have been using Rare Earth magnets for quite a while now. In Canada we have Princess Auto (like Harbor Freight) and for $15.00 you can get 48 magnets. A forstner bit and some epoxy and a screw ground down so all you have is the head with a little point to use as a marking punch and you are in business! Keep up the great content!

  • @SharonTravel-u4o
    @SharonTravel-u4o Рік тому +2

    Loved your video. We bought a 2006 Dynasty 42' tag axel 3 years ago and have driven it about 22k miles. We love it. The coach did sit in storage for a couple of years before we bought it so we knew it would need some work but in general it's been a fantastic experience for our first RV. Today I was on UA-cam looking at newer coaches to upgrade to and you have really made me rethink that idea. The only addition I would love is a half bath, but for the quality of new coaches and the price point it makes me think I should just hang on to this one as long as we can. Thanks so much for the insightful video!

  • @normtann2096
    @normtann2096 Рік тому +1

    Loved the blooper , know what that's like put things down and they disappear .

  • @bass3587
    @bass3587 Рік тому +2

    Pure genius on the way you can design and fabricate things in your head and make them come out so well. Awesome job!

  • @cullenmiller8170
    @cullenmiller8170 Рік тому +9

    It’s interesting to see the slight differences between your Patriot and my Marquis. They are the same year. My slide out switch is in the location you moved your switch too. I have a slide out drawer with built in cup holders in the center console. On top it has a compartment with a roll top cover like an old desk. Looks like the dash is flipped with stereo and hvac controls. I get lots of compliments on my coach and most people don’t believe it’s age when they find out that it’s a 2001.
    You should do a side by side comparison between the Patriot and the Marquis. I’m not to far away if you should be interested.

  • @erniedavis8893
    @erniedavis8893 8 місяців тому +1

    Definitely thinking outside the box! Nice!

  • @sissinoklahoma2057
    @sissinoklahoma2057 Рік тому +1

    Damn, that screw head catch was genius!

  • @Dobbo2958
    @Dobbo2958 Рік тому +2

    I really like to see you making these small but ingenious upgrades to your RV. Thank you for all your video's...

  • @billlambert4153
    @billlambert4153 Рік тому +1

    I do enjoy videos on your coach!

  • @lorrieleaver2447
    @lorrieleaver2447 Рік тому +2

    I learn so much by watching your videos James. Buying an RV= speak with James and book an inspection.
    Learning what to avoid = watch your videos
    I trust you more than anyone else in the industry. I’m definitely going to buy a low mileage, excellent condition RV and preferably a Newell, Beaver or if I can find the right one it’s going to be a Country Coach 😊 I do want 1 1/2 baths or even 2 full bathrooms with the potential for two bedrooms and a small office. I love to cook so the kitchen both inside and out needs to have potential and space. I’m going to need your help James but I’m sure we’ll have some fun doing this whilst I learn the basics for common repairs and maintenance from the best in America. That’s you James 😉!
    Keep up the good work and stay safe please ☺️✈️💫

  • @gamitro
    @gamitro 3 місяці тому

    I always liked Beaver RV's when I saw them at the FMCA convention back when they were being produced and now I'll be looking at Beavers online to see if I find one that I like.

  • @CozyLivingMachine
    @CozyLivingMachine Рік тому +1

    I'm not exaggerating when I say you're my hero. 😂

  • @stevendunn264
    @stevendunn264 Рік тому +1

    Watching your mind and hands work is what makes your videos great.

  • @DdDd-pk4pu
    @DdDd-pk4pu Рік тому +1

    AWESOME RV🥰 You Also Have a SECRET 🤫HIDEING PLACE COMPARMENT Underneath NICE‼️🤫👏🏼🥰

  • @ianm3343
    @ianm3343 Рік тому +3

    Great idea! I think if I was doing it I would bias the cup holder towards the driver.

    • @AZExpert
      @AZExpert  Рік тому +1

      I'm not completely OCD but I doubt I could live with it off center, and the co pilot uses it too.

  • @panthersblow
    @panthersblow Рік тому +3

    You could use black door edge trim around the bottom of the plastic cup holder to clean the edges up.

  • @setag54321
    @setag54321 4 місяці тому

    You were in FULL ON PIDDLE MODE for this project...considered Therapy for some of us :)

  • @bengorrell2658
    @bengorrell2658 Рік тому +1

    Thanks for the Ideas James, I always enjoy your bloopers at the end of the videos, safe travels my friend 😊

  • @lavernedofelmier6496
    @lavernedofelmier6496 Рік тому +1

    Happy your making to your liking, after 20 years makes no difference on value just enjoy it.

  • @robbielitt9232
    @robbielitt9232 2 місяці тому

    Heat gun! Make it soft on the back and then push it into position and let it cool

  • @WanderToGetLost
    @WanderToGetLost Рік тому +2

    Nice work!

  • @wayneroyal3137
    @wayneroyal3137 Рік тому +2

    Yes, you’ve already made spend money on mine! I want to redo the center console.. it was made by the previous owner so I am making a new one.. I am adding the cubbyhole phone charger. Very funny, i fly a corporate jet and engineers were not that interested in cup holders. So I have one of those plastic ones right behind the center console. Works fantastic! Thank you for all of your videos

    • @AZExpert
      @AZExpert  Рік тому +1

      Cupholders are so necessary!

  • @icare7151
    @icare7151 Рік тому +2

    Turn the dash door & slider to a 12v drink cooler.
    Nothing like a cold beverage while driving down the road.
    Non alcoholic of course!

  • @KevinCoop1
    @KevinCoop1 Рік тому +6

    Beautiful work James! I’m buying the magnets. Been trying to figure how to hold bathroom sliding door. They will be perfect. Might buy the console piece too. Out cup holders suck too!

  • @brucegenest7012
    @brucegenest7012 Рік тому +2

    That's stinkin' thinkin'!

  • @gratefuldude7511
    @gratefuldude7511 Рік тому +2

    Very cleaver and solves the issue for your new cup holder.

  • @johnp.6770
    @johnp.6770 Рік тому +3

    Thank you for another great video! Finished replacing the factory the 12 volt storage compartment lights on a 2017 Fleetwood Pace Arrow 33D with the Amazon strip lights from your previous video. They look awesome and the lighting is such a difference! Looking to add some USB outlets and this helps! Remember, I am just here for the outtakes - keep them coming!

  • @kevinplunkett6393
    @kevinplunkett6393 Рік тому +2

    Little customizations make a huge difference!

  • @phred.phlintstone
    @phred.phlintstone Рік тому +1

    super clever. genius and experience inspired.

  • @michelmichael8957
    @michelmichael8957 Рік тому +1

    Awesome. Thinking outside the box. Nice job James. Your old school. Great work ethic.

  • @philw7174
    @philw7174 Рік тому +3

    Great, I love seeing you upgrade your RV. Looks terrific and ergonomic. Happy trails!

  • @hoppy2515
    @hoppy2515 Рік тому +7

    Yeah let's get this Beaver perfect😅😅😅

  • @MD-ci3sr
    @MD-ci3sr Рік тому +4

    Really enjoyed this video. As always you’ve done a great job giving us ideas and showing us ways to think outside the box. Keep up the great job. Thanks

  • @JimmyShawsTidbits1
    @JimmyShawsTidbits1 Рік тому +1

    Great upgrades!!!!

  • @hillbillyrv
    @hillbillyrv Рік тому +1

    Nice mods James.

  • @hddm3
    @hddm3 Рік тому

    Magnets would work Awsome on that bottom door to hold it from sliding.
    Ok I said it to early. I didn’t watch it all before commenting but so cool we thought of the same idea!

  • @timandpatstephenson2638
    @timandpatstephenson2638 Рік тому

    When I play with plastics I find using my propane torch cleans the cut edges. Just a quick wave over the cut produces a clean, shiny cut line. Cheers fro Winnipeg

  • @johncasor9698
    @johncasor9698 Місяць тому

    i just learned something that will change my life... Thank You so much... i to am a service Tech,,, appliances...

  • @paulshannon4576
    @paulshannon4576 Рік тому

    On the Wago’s and small wire I just make the striped wire longer and fold them over several times.
    Just an FYI but being a truck driver I’ve had trouble keeping the phone mounts and GPS mounts on the dash. I take a little clear RTV silicone and smear it on the suction base and glue it down. Once it dries the mount will stay put.

  • @dikd4019
    @dikd4019 Рік тому +1

    I like the 12volt outlet and usb. Gives me some ideas for my 06’ Monterey. My slide switch is in the passenger side overhead cabinet.

  • @michaels8775
    @michaels8775 Рік тому +1

    U give me hope for buying a older motorhome

  • @wannabetraveler6595
    @wannabetraveler6595 Рік тому

    Next will be the Bluefire for Motorhomes adapter. Unless you already have an engine monitor. Always thinking James. Love it.

  • @papabapyro
    @papabapyro Рік тому

    I need to build some kind of folding console for my sprinter based rv. some place for my snacks. Cheers

  • @bradrehnstrom1068
    @bradrehnstrom1068 Рік тому +1

    Cup holders in old RVs is certainly a problem. Did nobody drink on the road 20+ years ago? lol Our problem on the center console was the opposite with cupholders. Our wooden cupholders are nearly mini-bucket size, but very shallow, so you hit the brakes or gas a little, drink goes flying. We did something similar, in that we bought hanging already manf. cupholders, cut off the hanger part, and thus created inserts that go halfway up and hold them snug.
    These kind of issues are fun, like you said, think out of the box on, but maybe if these companies coulda done a little IN THE BOX thinking in the first place, we wouldn't have to all be RV MacGyver's to just have a drink!

  • @us1fedvet
    @us1fedvet Рік тому

    Making the perfect coach perfected

  • @jeffsteele1295
    @jeffsteele1295 Рік тому +2

    Great video loved all the options ! Did I tell you I purchased a 2007 Western Alpine coach 40' . The would is light Oak wood and yes it has AquaHot 400 unit.. Did you know the basement doors on with hydraulic as does the Generator. It only had 29,000 miles on it .

  • @moegeek
    @moegeek Рік тому

    Magnets for the win! Nice job!

  • @phillipcustance1618
    @phillipcustance1618 Рік тому

    The products, tools and info are awesome. Thanks for sharing your progress with us.
    I plan on going full time in a few years, different set up though, your videos really help for the build.
    Happy travels and keep em coming....🍻✌

  • @EfficientRVer
    @EfficientRVer Рік тому

    Great work. You can always swap out any 12V outlet or USB outlet for something having more outputs. Multiple USB, USB-C PD, voltage display (even with hi/lo voltage alarms you set), or anything else you want. Could also tuck a 300W Bestek pure sine inverter behind there and have a low-power 120V outlet for charging tool batteries, laptop, or hatever. Whatever fits and looks good to you. Maybe not needed if passenger is near other outlets.
    Super magnets are so useful, I keep a supply of various sizes, on rear seat window frames inside my Prius. Perfect magnet holder, just like anything else made of steel.

  • @jancash2944
    @jancash2944 Рік тому

    That's a very functional design that you came up with great job sir. !!!

  • @QLFProductions
    @QLFProductions Рік тому

    Great Job, my 2003 Newmar Dutch Star has one small cup holder for the driver and you can only fit a small 16 oz water bottle in it. My previous gas RV had a nice center console on top of the dog house, so I could set all kinds of stuff on it (mainly food). So I haven't figured out how I'll be able to use my favorite YETI cup and have a place to set my forbidden on the road junk food on. I really have no place to set food in this thing while driving. I have two very shallow draws up front that I may end up blocking with some kind of wooden console. I know there are people who make these somewhere.

    • @AZExpert
      @AZExpert  Рік тому +1

      Well now you can make your own

  • @TimothyMichaels
    @TimothyMichaels Рік тому

    Your coach is showroom condition, really nice. 🙂

  • @robertcollins373
    @robertcollins373 Рік тому +1

    A man needs to his limits.

  • @johnpalmer5131
    @johnpalmer5131 Рік тому

    Neat trick, thanks for sharing … will remember for a similar project. WRT the finish issue you have, try a liquid furnish refinish like .

  • @YallAintRight
    @YallAintRight Рік тому +1

    Yay! I love your beaver!

  • @Mark_Lawler
    @Mark_Lawler Рік тому +5

    What an ingenious project! You can never have enough cupholders and the production rigs have far worse solutions.

  • @robertburgess6100
    @robertburgess6100 Рік тому

    Very nice James.

  • @darrelahles9522
    @darrelahles9522 5 місяців тому

    James- I have really become interested in the older more classic motor homes. I have watched many inspections which is very useful. My question is how does a engine and chassis inspection and evaluation work? Is there a formal procedure?
    Love your rig. Thanks for all you do.

  • @LayloNewt
    @LayloNewt Рік тому

    Great job James. Very clever. Enjoy watching all your videos

  • @MaryWehmeier
    @MaryWehmeier Рік тому +1

    Put a piece of drawer liner in the bottom with your keys. It will cut down on drawer noise.

    • @lsruch
      @lsruch Рік тому

      Or if you don't want something visible under your cache of trinkets, you can spray loctite foam on the back side to absorb noise. It removes that hollow sound of mold infected plastic (luxury car trick). Just don't put it in the path of the adjustable cup slides.

  • @timk.9827
    @timk.9827 Рік тому

    Nice job James, Those upgrades turned out nice.

  • @212caboose
    @212caboose Рік тому

    They do make locking drawer slides if the magnets don't work out on the road. Should be able to find a set that matches the factory ones.

    • @AZExpert
      @AZExpert  Рік тому

      I have really found locking drawer guides to be less than reliable over time.

  • @Premier-Media-Group
    @Premier-Media-Group Рік тому

    To REALLY snazz up the plastic cup holder base mod cuts, add some trim molding (like Onan part# 508-1155).

    • @AZExpert
      @AZExpert  Рік тому +1

      LOL Thats a lot more extra work

  • @coreymerritt7742
    @coreymerritt7742 Рік тому

    Nice modifications James 👍

  • @DavidHBurkart
    @DavidHBurkart Рік тому

    Much improved. Why those factory cupholders were ever installed in the dash as they were is one of life's great mysteries... 😂
    Excellent ingenuity and execution James!!
    PS: Especially loved the outtakes from tgis video 😅😅😂

    • @AZExpert
      @AZExpert  Рік тому +2

      They are such trash too! Who wants to dump a 32oz soda on the carpet in their RV?

    • @DavidHBurkart
      @DavidHBurkart Рік тому

      @@AZExpert Right??? Absolute trash... like so many of the cupspillers of the day

  • @sueprostko3222
    @sueprostko3222 6 місяців тому

    Man I need you closer to WI

  • @russthompson7994
    @russthompson7994 Рік тому

    Nice job! I about spit my Guiness out my nose when you said Yeet! Ha!

  • @garycoley6858
    @garycoley6858 2 місяці тому

    He really reminds me in his appearance and mannerisms of Hoovie from UA-cam's Hoovies Garage. He could be Hoovies older brother.

  • @Julian-do7bv
    @Julian-do7bv Рік тому

    I love all the changes but I hate the plastic cup holder I would have built my own cup holder on top of the existing slide out tray

  • @carmencolon3520
    @carmencolon3520 Рік тому

    Nice job, I understand what you mean about keeping the elegance of the RV. If my hubby come to me with a bunch of cables on his hands; I will surely panic😅.
    What can you tell me regarding the Monaco Vesta? Been looking at one.