Centex's 2021 5.0 Modifications

[MyronL]

I use mine only as a shelf to deposit stuff. I'm big, so agree a sink in the bath takes up needed space.

[Centex]

Originally Posted by jennykatz

(Fonts) - What is 16926?

It's Handel Gothic Italic, same as the Escape logo text. Sorry, I don't remember the font source, just recall that I paid for the license.

In the low-angle pic it's on a surface that curves away from the viewer at the top, so appears foreshortened.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by Centex

It's Handel Gothic Italic, same as the Escape logo text. Sorry, I don't remember the font source, just recall that I paid for the license.

MyFonts, Bitstream and LinoType are three trust worthy sites. This is LinoType and in US dollars: https://www.linotype.com/672359/itc-...ic-family.html

[Centex]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

MyFonts, Bitstream and LinoType are three trust worthy sites. This is LinoType and in US dollars: https://www.linotype.com/672359/itc-...ic-family.html

Bingo methinks, that LinoType site looks familiar .

Thanks again, Donna, for providing the Escape font info in previous posts, 'twas much appreciated!

[Centex]

Inspired by this thread I installed the LuxPro PSD010B battery powered heat-only thermostat.

Cool enough to test it last night, it works great

[gklott]

Originally Posted by Centex

LuxPro PSD010B

Just ordered one. Thanks for the post.

73/gus

[Centex]

Nothing fancy, they clip/hang on the jack footpad before lowering - a small but welcome convenience for this solo traveler given the landing gear controls are physically remote from the jacks (YMMV).

• 2x6 cedar (for lighter weight)
• 1/4-20 all-thread, washers and nylock nuts
• 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" x 1/16" aluminum angle
• Misc hardware

The pics tell the tale

[oldwave]

Originally Posted by Centex

Nothing fancy, they clip/hang on the jack footpad before lowering - a small but welcome convenience for the solo traveler given the landing gear controls are physically remote from the jacks.

• 2x6 cedar (for lighter weight)
• 1/4-20 all-thread, washers and nylock nuts
• 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" x 1/16" aluminum angle
• Misc hardware

The pics tell the tale

Ingenious

[Clearwater Chris]

Alan, not having the experience of trailer camping yet, how do these blocks help the solo traveler?

[Centex]

Originally Posted by Clearwater Chris

Alan, not having the experience of trailer camping yet, how do these blocks help the solo traveler?

I edited the post, maybe it's just me, there are a hundred ways to approach every task related to trailering / camp setup.

The convenience for me has to do with the blocks being aligned where needed absent my intervention while lowering them. Sometimes that's not the case with blocks/pads set on the ground by my poorly judged eyeball, less an issue if you carry large-footprint pads / blocks I suppose.

[Centex]

I ordered my trailer without the grab handle by the entry door, planning on installing a longer version. I thought I'd find what I wanted in the arena of SS residential grab bars but wasn't having any luck, then inspired by another member's post here I looked to the arena of marine hardware and found joy!

The grab bar is the Sea Dog 254224-1 (25-1/4" overall length), available from a number of sources, Boat ID delivered it promptly for me. It turned out to be a lovely piece of very robust SS, a nice oval cross-section that feels good to the hand, nice shape at the ends to a 'flange base', it's all one piece and seamless. It does not include mounting nuts (5/16x18) or washers - just the bar.

Being back-mounted with permanent 5/16" x 18 studs about 2" long, installation was a bit of fun but not difficult:

1. I removed the screws holding the inside aluminum door trim on the galley-side and across the top - that lets the frame pull away in the area of interest without harm (this piece is just trim - has no role holding the entry door in place)
2. Used a long-blade razor knife to slide along the base of foam-backed wall material so that could be laid back, revealing a layer of ~3/16" plywood underneath
3. Used a 2" holesaw to cut only through the plywood exposing what's below - see the attached pic
4. That exposed a fortuitous gap between the door and cabinet framing, providing backside access to the trailer shell which in this area is very robust at about 1/4" thick fiberglass well-supported by the door and cabinet framing
5. After measuring thrice I drilled from the outside (masking tape on the gelcoat), first a 1/8" hole then a 5/16" hole for the studs. There's wires to the outside light in that gap, tape those aside to avoid nicking them.
6. Then coat the base of the bar flanges and studs with RTV silicone, use a deep socket to install a nylock nut with washer from the inside, pull it all tightly home, and wipe-off the RTV squeeze-out on the outside.
7. Small brads to fasten the holesaw cutouts back in place against the exposed solid wood doorframe, lay the wall covering back in place, reinstall the aluminum door trim, and Bob's-yer-uncle, all done . The restored inside looks just as it did from the factory, thus no pic attached.

The top of the bar projects 2-1/4" above the trailer shell with a 1-1/2" space under. I'm very happy with the outcome, to my eye it looks great, feels nice in the hand, and is very solidly affixed.

A brief diversion from the ongoing extensive electrical mods, now back to that in full force

[sofmerc]

very Nice!

[Jim Bennett]

It does look nice. Good choice for your needs.

We have never found issue with the shorter one though, but we are still only 60 something.

[Grasshog]

Does anyone know if there’s a video on YouTube showing the build of the trailer from start to finish like you can see factory tours of a lot of trailers on YouTube?

[Centex]

Originally Posted by Grasshog

Does anyone know if there’s a video on YouTube showing the build of the trailer from start to finish like you can see factory tours of a lot of trailers on YouTube?

A bit dated but check this out, IMO a worthwhile 15 minutes, with appropriate acoustic music and blissfully absent the distraction of narration or captions:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wi6_KR_n_As

[sameo416]

A note to say thanks for posting this. Just installed a stainless handle and your photo of that door framing was exactly what I needed to get through the job.

And delighted it’s from a 2021 5.0, just like ours.

Thanks! @Centex