Our TOP 10 Trailer Upgrades
So you have a new, or new to you, trailer and now you want to customize and upgrade a few things. Here are some ideas based on what we have done, along with what our learning curve was. Also, some might not be considered technical upgrades, but they definitely make life easier on the road.
Let’s play a game… How many face palm moments do we have below? Most face palms led to a much better idea for what we were trying to achieve, so here we go. Also, if you like what we had to say, click on the below links to help us pay for gas.
If you are looking for more technical details to anything below, keep an eye on new posts, or leave a comment below. Even better, hit up our email group on the Contact Page.
1.
Dual Propane Tanks
Cabana
Boy took on this challenge. We installed a conversion kit and dual propane valve and proceeded
to strip the main nut that held on the tank brace. Face palm. The cover that we purchased also does not fit the new
brace, so someday we’ll add the necessary equipment to make that happen. Face
palm. And I don't like the white, so maybe I'll sell it on OfferUp and get a pretty black one that actually fits, or not use one at all like we've been doing for the last year...
2.
Dual Deep Cycle Batteries
Another
Cabana Boy project. There was a battery tray already built into the hitch and it
was large enough for two batteries. He said this one was easy. Lucky him.
3. Reflectix EVERYWHERE
My turn! We do hot weather camping and found a tip to cover all the windows with Reflectix. Well, I didn’t want to completely cover because I like the fresh air of open windows, so I measured all the windows and cut to size. I also covered the interior of the front door and the back cargo door. The difference is that we are now waking up at 10am, instead 7am, in 90+ degree weather and no shade. SWEET!
4. Faucets
The
fixtures in our trailer are cheap AF. The first one I upgraded was the kitchen
faucet. I installed a rotating nozzle on the
kitchen faucet. Easy… Unscrew the standard one, screw in the new one. Washer
fit, so I left as is.
After our first 3 week tour, I decided to bite the bullet and get the fancy Oxygenics shower head. DAMN! What a difference in water pressure. I didn’t even have to install the whole thing. Everything seemed to fit accordingly, so I only replaced the actual shower head and left the hose, fittings, etc. original.
5. Warm Lighting with USB ports (Amazon link)
Not
my bright idea… Get it? And we have a Dad Joke, kids! One of the first things
we noticed was the harsh lighting. Although LED is very efficient, I would cower
away like a vampire to sunlight whenever we turned one on. A friend who stayed
for a short while in the trailer bought himself a bedside lamp that had enough light to see in the
cabin, but not enough to wake anyone up. BRILLIANT! So, I got one at Walmart when he moved
on. Yay, us! Total bonus was the one I found had USB ports that actually work.
WHAT?!?
What’s a camping trip without a TV? Honestly, I could care less. But, Cabana Boy wanted one and I have to admit that it’s pretty cool. We got a hand me down smart TV with speakers and a bluray player. DON'T FORGET THE HDMI CABLE! We just had to get an arm attachment to stick it to the wall. Install was fairly easy since we already knew where the stud was and I'm not talking about Cabana Boy. Cabana Boy used some serious elbow grease for some serious lag bolts and now we have a TV, bluray and Apple TV. FANCY! It’s a fraking anxiety attack waiting to happen anytime the possibility of drilling holes into the walls comes up.
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7. Hooks, Hooks, Everywhere Hooks (Sing it like “Signs” and you’re welcome for the earworm)
I know you’ve seen this everywhere you’ve looked. “I love my Command hooks.” “I can’t live without them in my RV.” Blah, blah, blah. B’s know what they are talking about. A Command hook is my first thought when I need something. I use them for the broom in the bathroom. And the random places where we hang hats and towels and a banana hammock. I use them for utensils next to the stove. I’m working on figuring out an eye pleasing way to keep the stupid back cushion in place in the dinette and now thinking a command hook might be in order. Face palm! Warning: The little wire utensil hooks fall off all the time, but they are the only hook I've found that works (and isn't a permanent install).
Update: I ended up using velcro for the cushions, but had to sew it on to the cushion because the sticky wasn't sticky enough.
8.
Tension Rods
This
is another unoriginal idea. These suckers have come in handy in different sizes.
I use a shower rod over the shower for hanging storage. I bought half a dozen at
a dollar store and use them in the fridge, the cabinets for organization and to keep the cabinet doors open.
9.
Drawers
If you don’t already know, storage is a premium in a trailer. I upgraded
from the cabinets to a hanging shelf in the shower and then to some handy stacking drawers that fit PERFECTLY in the upper bunk space. And I use the tension rods to keep them
closed during transit. BOOM!
10.
Demolition
Remember I mentioned our trailer was a little on the cheap side? We have discovered nooks and crannies behind “important” panels. Don’t be afraid to see what’s behind panel #1, #2 and #3. You might find some extra space. If you are still scared and need reassurance, check out our experience here.
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Check out our Archives for reviews of products we’ve purchased and a few other Top 10 lists and who doesn’t love those, right?
PS: If it's not there yet, it will be. Oh, it will be!
If you didn't click the links above to buy, here they all are nice and neat for ya.
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