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04-08-2013, 07:14 AM
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#1
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Healdsburg
Posts: 273
M.O.C. #13339
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Adding Accessories to P/U
OK all you old timers. I posted this on iRV2 initially.. but, figured EVERYONE on this forum is into towables.. and no MH's... so, it's likely to be a great place for help. I'm not sure where this fits.. but, was wondering if I can start something to get some ideas.
I have an '05 Chev P/U.. 4x4 Dura-Max with CrewCab and Long bed. Only things I've done so far is to add a rail high tool box after doing a Line-X spray and added my B&W Companion hitch.
What I'd like is some ideas for the console or elsewhere. I want to find a clean way of installing some accessories. What do I have?
Garmin GPS and a tire pressure monitoring system. I'm sure there MIGHT be more in the future.. such as a ham radio and a radar detector.. but, I'm usually never going more than 5 mph over the posted limit. But, it would be fun to have anyhow.
The big issue I have are all the umbilical cords going from the lighter/acc sockets to the accessories. they are unsightly, inconvenient, etc. While I'd prefer not to drill holes in the dash lid.. I'd guess it will have to be done.
Maybe the first step would be coming up with a 'sanitary' mounting method on the dash to put, at least, the GPS and the TMS in place. The next item would be powering them up. I'd guess a separate line thru the firewall to the battery would be the ticket for that.
Any ideas or threads you can point me to?
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04-08-2013, 08:35 AM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ione
Posts: 582
M.O.C. #11371
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You may want to think about airbags to beef up the rear end of the truck. They made a differance in my truck but it is a 2002 Ford F250 4 door short bed.
Frank
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04-08-2013, 08:51 AM
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#3
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Healdsburg
Posts: 273
M.O.C. #13339
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Thanks, i'll probably do that later. I towed a MUCH heavier Hitchhiker with this rig as is and it didn't stress the springs or travel so that headlights were objectionable to oncoming drivers.
Right now, the priorities are in the cab.
Bill
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04-08-2013, 10:11 AM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Waterford
Posts: 3,693
M.O.C. #7500
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You should have some unused fuses in either the fuse panel by the left door or the one under the hood. I wouldn't hook anything up directly to one of the batteries.
Additionally, I would hook up to fuses that were only hot when the ignition was on.
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04-08-2013, 11:36 AM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Roswell
Posts: 627
M.O.C. #12028
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Install a dash mat, run your wires under mat and it will stop you from drilling your dash. Run you wires up the driver side pillar and bring them out on top of dash. Run all off of keyed, except GPS, if you keep it hot you won't have to wait for it to boot up. Some will not kick over to battery mode if plugged in. Also makes it nice when sitting in CG or by the side of the road to look at you route without powering up.
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04-08-2013, 12:43 PM
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#6
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Wilsey
Posts: 18,799
M.O.C. #11455
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On ours we use the multiple 12v outlets (got them at a truck stop) and then if the wires are getting in the way we use some of the black plastic wire consolidating material (looks kind of like a hose with a slit up one side) like you would use in an office.
__________________
Dick, Joyce, Diego, Picatso and Gustav
2017 3720 RL, and 2013 HC 343RL
Pullrite Hitch, IS, Disk Brakes, 3rd AC, Winegard Traveler, Bathroom door mod, Dometic 320, couch for desk swap, replaced chairs, sun screens, added awnings, etc.
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04-18-2013, 06:37 AM
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#8
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Healdsburg
Posts: 273
M.O.C. #13339
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Thanks folks. I could have sworn that someone mentioned adding some shelves for things like I'm wanting to add. Seemed they were added at the top of the windshield between the ceiling console and the attaching point of the sun visors. Dang if I can find them. Possibly I saw it on a different forum.
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04-18-2013, 07:14 AM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Murrieta
Posts: 5,816
M.O.C. #9257
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I think if you do an internet search for a "visor shelf" you should find some sources and options. I understand some companies don't make theirs any more, but their just might be some good sources out there. I have seen shelves that go all the way across and dual shelves that mount on either side of an overhead console.
Regarding the air bags. Just remember air bags will help with headlight aim and making the ride more comfortable but they DO NOT increase any weight ratings, even though many salesmen will say otherwise. These salesmen are wrong!!! In my case, they also helped lessen chucking, sag and completely smoothed out the ride when towing. I love mine (even though I paid too much)!
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