My list

[Ozz]

Here is the list of things I have done to our new 2007 3400 RL Montana.
In completing a modification, often it involved working on other associated structures or parts. I have been working on it for around Two month's now, almost every day. It was slow going when it was above 100 degrees here in the area.
I'm pretty well wore out doing all the work involved with it, but Sue and I are extremely happy with the outcome.
We should be headed out of here Wednesday for Colorado, hopefully we won't leave a trail of parts across Kansas, and also, hope I don't have it so heavy I can pull it!
Mod’s to the Montana;
Second 15,000 A/C unit
Stationary domed satellite dish, 2 cables input to Tivo & Direct Tv
Turn signals on fenders
Tubes mounted under the front for Ladder and Sewer hoses
3,000 Watt inverter
Automatic Transfer Switch for inverter and the Honda generator(s)
Built in pigtail for connection to 30 amp, service in front cargo area
Commercial surge protection for line voltage power
Golf cart 6 volt batteries (2 now, may add more later)
Added insulation under Monte
Sealed all holes and openings underneath
Lights on outside steps (Amber)
Light on inside step, white.
120 Volt outlets in basement, on new 20 amp breaker
Battery charging area for tools in basement
Digital Amp. Gage for 12 volt system
Digital Vena tank monitoring system and battery indicator
Red indicator light showing ‘Scare lights’ operation
Green light showing porch light operation
120 volt built in panel meters; one on main supply, one by steps, branch circuit
220 Volt outlet added for Maytag dryer
Maytag washing machine
Reclining loveseat
80 # air pressure indicator on all tires
Added support; (Nylon webbing) for spare tire
High security tubular locks for hatches
Rear view color camera
Added 120 volt outlet in bathroom for night light
Added 120 volt outlet in the closet, drivers side
Added 120 volt outlet under front overhang
Fresh water filter system for drinking water
Beater brush for built in vacuum
Awning lock
IQ Smart charger for converter
Installed satellite receiver with Tivo
Installed X-Box
Under bed storage expansion, removed plywood cover
Air bags suspension on hitch
Slider hitch
Low profile tool box
Air Bags on truck for overload
Air bag tire leveling system for Monte

[LonnieB]

HOLEY MOLEY!! Thats some list Ozz, you SHOULD be wore out. At least you can head out with confidence in the knowledge you have done everything you possibly could have to avoid complications later. As far as stringing parts across Kansas, I thing they would have to be pried off with a crowbar. My hats off to you, excellent job with the upgrades and the PM.

[Sandymom]

Outstanding additions! We've recently purchased a new 3475 and are looking at many of the same upgrades and Honda generators. Do you have any specifics or pics of the inverter, generator and pigtail connection you added?

Mike

[Ozz]

Hi Mike, I hope you enjoy your new 3475.
Thank you Lonnie.
The inverter is a big boy, bought it cheap from Harbor Freight. I wired it up using flexible heavy battery cables I bought at an auto parts store. I wired in a 250 amp 12 volt fuse at the battery connection, and a Perko battery shutoff switch, bought from a boat supply store. The output 120 volts is split in Two power cords from the inverter to distribute the load from the inverter to a main supply SO cord (like an extension cord, Black in color), to the transfer switch. The 'shore power' runs through the transfer switch as well. There is a Two pole switch that isolates the inverter from the circuit. It is a safety switch for the user.
My generator pigtail is wired through the back of the second 4x4 box in the picture, to the front storage area. I can plug in any type of generator there, the wire is a heavy SO cord.
I felt the transfer switch is a needed safety device, it senses the hot feed and opens a contactor to allow that voltage to feed the panel. One contactor is only allowed closed at a time. The switch has a circuit board that delays the generator or inverter power a bit to allow the generator to 'come up to speed and voltage'.
I installed a commercial voltage spike protection device (around $70.00) to protect my electrical system.
There are Two 6 volt Golf Cart batteries supplying the 12 volt power.
Also installed are Two line voltage panel meters and a digital amp. meter to monitor the low voltage power consumption. I have a digital 12 volt panel meter as part of the Vena tank monitoring system as well. There is some redundancy in the meters.
We have a Honda 2000 generator, I probably won't take it with us on this leg of our journey, as we intend at Rv parks, when boondocking, I will purchase a second unit and twinning kit.
Take care, I wish you luck and hope you enjoy the Montana experience.
Ozz

[Wrenchtraveller]

Well done Ozz, not only did you make your Montana better, you gave a lot of us some great ideas and provided a lot of good reading as well. I look forward to more of your posts and I know I have lots of company. Take care and I hope you guys have a safe and wonderful trip. Don.

[bsmeaton]

Wow Ozz!
That took some work! I hope you don't leave a trail of parts in Kansas too, because I'm waiting here in Colorado next to a big pothole in hopes that some will fall in my lap when you go by!

[Cat320]

I would think Keystone would be interested in your rig...can't be many around outfitted like yours.

Why is it there and what's under the piece of plywood under the bed?

[mfoss]

Whew! I'm just wondering if you hire out----------cheap! They all sound like worthwhile projects!! Marilyn

[Ozz]

Bert, Keystone probably thinks I am a troublemaker for them....
The plywood covers the cylinder for retraction of the slide-wasted space! Some attorney made them put it there.
Marilyn, "Will work for Beer" (and BBQ!)
Ozz

[txkrumm]

Hey Ozz! Found a new project for you.

When we were getting our backpacks out from under the bed this AM, we realized we need a light down there so we can see what we are doing! Is a light that comes on automatically when the bed raises up and goes off when bed goes back down too much to ask?

What do ya think?

Sure would make getting to all the camping gear easier! I told Steve this was a job for you!

Safe trip to CO.
tara

[txkrumm]

Hey Ozz! Found a new project for you.

When we were getting our backpacks out from under the bed this AM, we realized we need a light down there so we can see what we are doing! Is a light that comes on automatically when the bed raises up and goes off when bed goes back down too much to ask?

What do ya think?

Sure would make getting to all the camping gear easier! I told Steve this was a job for you!

Safe trip to CO.
tara

[emdavis]

ozz, where did you hook in the wiring for the side signal lights. I think all rvs should have side signal lights from the factory. I will be installing side signal lights in the spring. also my 3500rl didn't come with back up lights. i spent last saturday installing them. I used 55 watt driving lights. should be able to see when i back up.

[Ozz]

I tied into the wires mid-way back, Yes, it's a good idea. I stole it here on the Forum, wish I could remember who it was, so I could credit them.
I like your thinking on the back up lights. Read your other post.
Ozz

[jsrang]

OZZ, WOW, And you accomplished all of this in what would take a mere mortal 6 months or more to do. I have enjoyed your threads on the mods the past 2 months, and hope to begin implementing some of them when I get back to my home base in FL in a couple weeks. The pics were priceless. Too bad we won't be seeing you for "show & tell" at the rally in Goshen. Your "new" rig would draw a lot of attention, I'm sure (especially from the Keystone folks!)

Jim

[bob n pam]

I'd say you have earned a long vacation!!!

[bsmeaton]

Ozz,
Do your side turn lights serve as running lights as well? What light did you use?

Brad

[Ozz]

Brad, no, just turn signal, I figured they would be brighter with both bulbs lit when turning. I'm not concerned with rolling straight down the road.
How's the weather out there?, looked pretty nice during the game.
Go figure, it's beautiful around here now.
Ozz

[bsmeaton]

Ozz,

So far the weather is holding out nice and sunny - but cool (50 degrees). I didn't take enough jackets for the game and the wind got cool in our faces. I grumbled when it went into overtime but it was worth it after seeing those sorry plays on the 6 yard line.

If we don't get a sharp cold snap, the leaves should be gorgeous!

Happy travels you two,
Brad

[Bluegill]

Hey Ozz, You have some WAY COOL ideas.
Wish we we're neighbors, I'd be at your house EVERY night !!!

Have a great trip.

Blue

[Ozz]

Brad, are there any Roulette wheels in Cripple Creek?
I am an idiot Roulette wheel player........

Blue, I think you would be a great neighbor, I'd be pestering you to sit in your King Ranch. And we could do some serious Mod's to the new 3400RL. I been there already!
Thanks for the kind words.
Ozz