Prairie Schooner modifications

[Kent]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Here is the pedestal https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and the hole saw for installation https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Jim, thank you for the info.

[fudge_brownie]

How is the color of the new SMD led lights? Could you give the answer in Kelvin degrees. You must have a Kelvin meter from Amazon in your basement.

[Losangeles]

Originally Posted by fudge_brownie

How is the color of the new SMD led lights? Could you give the answer in Kelvin degrees. You must have a Kelvin meter from Amazon in your basement.

I dont have a Kelvin #, but ETI informed me they were "neutral white"

FWIIW



meaning not warm, not cool.

sounds perfect to me.

[cpaharley2008]

All I know is that they are a lot brighter than the old style lights while being smaller. BTW, Paul, my Kelvin meter broke when I tried to torque the nuts on it a couple of weeks ago in preparation for the torque off.

[Don W.]

Looks Great Jim,

Maybe I can check all these out at the Indy 500. If you are still interested, PM me, I was having some problems earlier just a warning.

Can't wait to take our 21 out this winter and see how it all goes.

Don and Brenda

[56reader]

Hi Jim,

Thanks for sharing this modification. I love the idea of this heater.

I have a 19 foot escape with U-dinette, so where should I place this heater? I was wondering if the front of the dinette by the door would be acceptable? I don't have the cabinet door option. I suppose the middle of the dinette would work, too. You put a switch in to turn it off and on, rather than the knob on the front of the unit?

Having done the install twice, I am sure you have some recommendations!

Thank you.

[jerryandmaria]

The lights may be neutral in the ceiling, but the one in the bathroom is blinding. I plan to get some of that colored plastic translucent foil and line mine. Wish I could dim it.
Jerry

Wonder if I added a resistor- would that do the trick?

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by jerryandmaria

...Wish I could dim it.

Wonder if I added a resistor- would that do the trick?

Probably not, because modern LED lamps usually have a control circuit incorporated so that they work properly - and at the same brightness - over a wide range of input voltage. You can use a dimmer designed for 12V DC use with LEDs.

A possible example:
Buy 12 Volt DC Low Voltage LED Light Dimmer Online

Another example, from a better-known supplier:
LDRF-8A 12~24 Volt DC LED Dimmer w/RF Remote (at SuperBrightLEDs)
This one has an unecessary remote control, but they are availabe with a simple rotary knob, too... it just needs to be for the right input voltage, and not for a specific type of LED driver (power supply).

[cpaharley2008]

I have a 12v led light with a built in dial dimmer, I installed one in my Escape 21, it is thicker than the new style so I will not be using it. But they are available. I also installed red led's that are on at night, just enough light, but I have not yet figured out the new style light connections. Once I install the red night light I'll post.

[gbaglo]

A cheap and easy solution is a Sylvania Dot It puck light. I have one mounted with double-sided tape just inside the bath door so I don't have to search for the light switch in the middle of the night. Runs on three AA batteries, so no wiring.

[Fox hunt]

my trailer has a motion detector type( that Leon put in) its great in the bathroom for night time visits!

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by 56reader

Hi Jim,

Thanks for sharing this modification. I love the idea of this heater.

I have a 19 foot escape with U-dinette, so where should I place this heater? I was wondering if the front of the dinette by the door would be acceptable? I don't have the cabinet door option. I suppose the middle of the dinette would work, too. You put a switch in to turn it off and on, rather than the knob on the front of the unit?

Having done the install twice, I am sure you have some recommendations!

Thank you.

I understand your front dinette is the "U" shape? If you do not have the access door by the exit then that would be an ideal location. You can run a 120v line from the outlet by the front, install a pilot light switch and then the heater. I boxed the heated in with 1x3 anchored around the perimeter. With the heat located there you should get a warmer bath area as the heat circulates out of that area.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Drilled hole for power pedestal, has 2 x15amp outlets and 2x USB ports. Also notched the bottom curb side cushion so that it will fit flat against the wall.

I see you paid attention to the Airstream Basecamp video. I too since ordered one of these pop-up plugs and it sits awaiting my trailer.

[cpaharley2008]

The cord is very heavy duty and problematic to install in kitchen counter and then plug in an outlet, whereas the sliding table seemed perfect for it as it can slide and you only have one plug wire to worry about. In use your wires are on top and not down around your feet.

[Zardoz]

As always, Jim is a true leader in the modification category. However, if you're not as talented as he is (like me) here's an alternative the I use: https://www.amazon.com/Broan-NuTone-.../dp/B00B1SNMYG

[cpaharley2008]

Rich,
I had originally thought about getting the 5.0 TA and even determined the ideal places for this heater install. Notice I said 2 as I was going to place one in the loft and on in the lower section. With the option of cutting the electrical draw to 700 watts, two of these would be about the same for one of the portable ones. Once you do one, you will see how easy they are.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Rich,
I had originally thought about getting the 5.0 TA and even determined the ideal places for this heater install. Notice I said 2 as I was going to place one in the loft and on in the lower section. With the option of cutting the electrical draw to 700 watts, two of these would be about the same for one of the portable ones. Once you do one, you will see how easy they are.

I would definitely not do one in the loft, one down lower would provide adequate heat in the small space of a 5.0. If needed, a small 12V circulating fan could be used. We have actually found in our temp fifth wheel, that we don't want any more heat in the loft, as it would be too hot to sleep. I imagine with the Escape having better windows, it will even be warmer.

A circulating fan also might help with the condensation formed on the upper windows by two sleeping people, though again this will be less with the dual glazed windows in the Escape. I am planning to at least have a 12V drop installed for a fan. Here are some I am looking at.
You searched for 12v - Caframo Lifestyle Solutions
Fans | Marinco

[Zardoz]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

I would definitely not do one in the loft, one down lower would provide adequate heat in the small space of a 5.0. If needed, a small 12V circulating fan could be used. We have actually found in our temp fifth wheel, that we don't want any more heat in the loft, as it would be too hot to sleep. I imagine with the Escape having better windows, it will even be warmer.

A circulating fan also might help with the condensation formed on the upper windows by two sleeping people, though again this will be less with the dual glazed windows in the Escape. I am planning to at least have a 12V drop installed for a fan. Here are some I am looking at.
You searched for 12v - Caframo Lifestyle Solutions
Fans | Marinco

I installed the "Bora" model in my (soon-to-be-gone ) 19' and loved it. Not inexpensive, but built like a tank. Plan on having two 12V drops on either side of foot of bed in the 5.0 to accommodate at least one there.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Zardoz

I installed the "Bora" model in my (soon-to-be-gone ) 19' and loved it. Not inexpensive, but built like a tank. Plan on having two 12V drops on either side of foot of bed in the 5.0 to accommodate at least one there.

Great to hear some feedback on the Bora, Rich. That was one at the top of the list. I guess it is common in some boats to have a few of these to help combat condensation with air circulation. I have to wonder if one in the dinette area might be nice. I guess this all could be done later anyway.

[padlin]

Unless things have changed, there is one 12v'er in the loft, passenger side upper cabinet, by the foot of the bed. Default location of the TV.