What are your favorite additions or improvements?

[Idalogger52]

I see lots of you have went to disc brakes..... who makes the kits? How hard to install?
Thanks for the info

[Loneoak]

Originally Posted by OutlawPilot

We just ordered our 381TH and don't take possession until April but I've already made plans to replace the door lock with a keyless entry like the one we just love in our traded-in class A.

Bauer EM Keyless Entry

We ordered the same thing from https://www.rvupgradestore.com/Bauer...-p/bauerem.htm

The lady at Bauer suggested we buy it that way, it was cheaper.

[beeje]

I think most have Kodiac disc brakes including myself. Let me tell you what, I do not fear stopping in time any more. I would not say I can stop on a dime but defiantly MUCH faster.

As for cost, I think a dual axle kit is in the neighborhood of $1700 for parts.(google it). If you are a mechanically inclined person the install should be no problem. I think installed would be around 3500-4000

Fortunately the previous owner of the unit I bought used had already had them installed along with the level up system and more.

[mlh]

I think my favorite is the 50 amp plug in on the front of my HC and the transfer switch I made that is in the convenience center. Flip one leaver forward for the front plug in to use the generator while traveling and to the rear when in parked. I used 2 Square D 50 amp commercial 220 breakers on a 1/4 inch fiberglass board hooked together with a single leaver so only one can be on at once. It’s simple, safe and will never go bad.
Lynwood

[beeje]

MLH, the previous owner of my 3455sa installed exactly what you have. The factory rear plug in runs through the EMS and the front plug in does not with a transfer switch to select between the 2

[mlh]

Originally Posted by beeje

MLH, the previous owner of my 3455sa installed exactly what you have. The factory rear plug in runs through the EMS and the front plug in does not with a transfer switch to select between the 2

Not exactly what I have. I’m a tight wad machinist. I made my own transfer switch.
Lynwood

[beeje]

MLH, LOL your set up sounds very similar. Mine line from the back goes into a small panel box with a breaker that when switched transfers to the plug in the front of my camper so a generator can be used without going trough the built in EMS. The panel looks store bought and switches 2 breakers at once with one trough.

[Golfmedik]

Next on the list is disc brakes, not sure of the IS yet. Doesn't mean I don't want it, but the expense of it.
Mods include:
Lexan storm door
Onboard water filter
5x5 sewer hose storage
TPMS
TrailAir pin box
Aluminum backsplash in kitchen
Hardwired surge protection
MaxxFan covers
Painted the outside skylight to reduce heat, yet light comes in
MorRyde cord reel
SnapPad RV pads
LED stop/turn/tail lights

[OutlawPilot]

Originally Posted by beeje

I think most have Kodiac disc brakes including myself. Let me tell you what, I do not fear stopping in time any more. I would not say I can stop on a dime but defiantly MUCH faster.

As for cost, I think a dual axle kit is in the neighborhood of $1700 for parts.(google it). If you are a mechanically inclined person the install should be no problem. I think installed would be around 3500-4000

Fortunately the previous owner of the unit I bought used had already had them installed along with the level up system and more.

I've been looking into disc brakes for my triple axle 381TH but I think I'm going to back off. It looks to be about a $6000 upgrade. I can't justify spending almost 10% of the value of the whole trailer to rip out a brand new drum system.

Maybe if I have it long enough to need to replace the drums I might just upgrade then. But I tend to flip things.

[WeBeFulltime]

Originally Posted by OutlawPilot

I've been looking into disc brakes for my triple axle 381TH but I think I'm going to back off. It looks to be about a $6000 upgrade. I can't justify spending almost 10% of the value of the whole trailer to rip out a brand new drum system.

Maybe if I have it long enough to need to replace the drums I might just upgrade then. But I tend to flip things.

I did our 2012 3585SA myself last Spring for $1550.00 including new Timken made in USA bearings, Kodiak brakes, Kodiak lines, and Carlisle actuator. $2000 should cover a triple axle with no problem. 6000 lb axles on yours? Easy do it yourself project.

[mtlakejim]

Golfmedik,
Real curious how you did the hose storage. Can you give us some details please.


The 381TH comes with real cheap looking white plastic (fake tile) backsplash. I plan to install glass mosaic tile in it's place....

[mtlakejim]

Originally Posted by OutlawPilot

I've been looking into disc brakes for my triple axle 381TH but I think I'm going to back off. It looks to be about a $6000 upgrade. I can't justify spending almost 10% of the value of the whole trailer to rip out a brand new drum system.

Maybe if I have it long enough to need to replace the drums I might just upgrade then. But I tend to flip things.

I am with you Outlaw. Besides between the diesel engine brake and a 1 ton dually I just can't justify the upgrade. BUT it will be something I consider on my next unit as an add from the factory.

Considering the popularity of the 380/381 floor plan, I fully expect that Keystone will have the wisdom to offer it in a premium fully decked out version before long. I also tend to flip units and vehicles every few years so I will likely be standing in line with you for the upgraded unit.....

[OutlawPilot]

Originally Posted by mtlakejim

I am with you Outlaw. Besides between the diesel engine brake and a 1 ton dually I just can't justify the upgrade. BUT it will be something I consider on my next unit as an add from the factory.

Considering the popularity of the 380/381 floor plan, I fully expect that Keystone will have the wisdom to offer it in a premium fully decked out version before long. I also tend to flip units and vehicles every few years so I will likely be standing in line with you for the upgraded unit.....

My guess is Keystone wanted to be as competitive as possible with Grand Design so found as many ways to get the cost down as possible. As for brakes though, my dealer said all but the very highest 5ths come with drums so maybe a premier version of the 380/381 would have a better pin box but probably still drum brakes.

[OutlawPilot]

Originally Posted by mtlakejim

Golfmedik,
Real curious how you did the hose storage. Can you give us some details please.


The 381TH comes with real cheap looking white plastic (fake tile) backsplash. I plan to install glass mosaic tile in it's place....

I think they refer to that backsplash as "Subway." It makes sense if you look at it with that in mind. But it doesn't, of course, change how it looks!

[OutlawPilot]

Originally Posted by WeBeFulltime

Easy do it yourself project.

Beyond an oil change (which becomes more of a project than it should) I wouldn't trust myself to too much mechanic work. ESPECIALLY BRAKES!

[twindman]

Originally Posted by mtlakejim

Golfmedik,
Real curious how you did the hose storage. Can you give us some details please.
...

I think my setup is the same as Medik. Just buy an 8 ft (I think) corner post at Homedepot or Lowes. I think there are different models so also check the diameter. I looked around and found a rain gutter that fit inside. Just make sure the hose connections on the end will fit in the gutter. Then on the ends, use a short piece of PVC with end caps and drill a hole thru the gutter and the PVC. Makes for a nice handle and also helps stabiize the gutter.
Edit: Oops forgot installation. I used some long bolts and a piece of angle iron. Drilled holes in frame underneath and just bolted on with the iron as a cross piece underneath. Drilling the holes was very hard to do tho, as the frame is hard stuff! I maybe didn't have the best bit when drilling tho.

[Golfmedik]

Originally Posted by mtlakejim

Golfmedik,
Real curious how you did the hose storage. Can you give us some details please.


The 381TH comes with real cheap looking white plastic (fake tile) backsplash. I plan to install glass mosaic tile in it's place....

Originally Posted by twindman

I think my setup is the same as Medik. Just buy an 8 ft (I think) corner post at Homedepot or Lowes. I think there are different models so also check the diameter. I looked around and found a rain gutter that fit inside. Just make sure the hose connections on the end will fit in the gutter. Then on the ends, use a short piece of PVC with end caps and drill a hole thru the gutter and the PVC. Makes for a nice handle and also helps stabiize the gutter.
Edit: Oops forgot installation. I used some long bolts and a piece of angle iron. Drilled holes in frame underneath and just bolted on with the iron as a cross piece underneath. Drilling the holes was very hard to do tho, as the frame is hard stuff! I maybe didn't have the best bit when drilling tho.

I am sorry to be so late, but have been away from the computer a few days. As twindman stated, they are 5'"x5" vinyl post from Home Depot. Lowes doesn't carry these. Then bought the 5x5 caps and used old drawer pulls as the handles. The gutter inside is symmetrical gutters from Lowes, Home Depot doesn't have these. I have mine held in place by 1" aluminum tubing and 7" long 5/16" bolts with washers and nylon luck nuts. I cut the aluminum tubing to around 18" and clamped them to the underside of the outer flange of the frame and drilled through the center of both about 2" from each end. This way I know the holes line up. Slide the bolts in and barely start them. Do the other side the same making sure they are straight across from each other. I used the spring shackles as the starting point. Once the other side is done, slide the tubes into place and tighten them up. I painted mine to match the outside of the camper. Just on the ends as the center will never be seen.

[mtlakejim]

Nice job Golfmedik

[twindman]

Good idea on the handles GolfMedik! To hold on caps, I used some very skinny bungee cord type material and attach to mounting bolts. Then I can just pull off the end slightly and let it hang when in use.

[sola123]

Built cabinet over wall switches
added storage under refrig
wine rack inside cabinet..added more shelves in cabinets where necessary
changed to LED lights
added triangle table between chairs in rear slide
electric dump valve for kitchen tank
plexiglass screened door
wooden wine glass holder under cabinet above countertop
paper towel holder for 2 roles in kitchen