Upgrades

[hghsl]

I just purchased new to me, a 2017 5.0ta, to replace my scamp 19 deluxe. I want to do some upgrades, mostly electrical.

1. Sound system. (am/fm antenna also)
2.Upgrade to more solar panels.
3.High mount stop lights
4. Back up camera with side cameras.
5. Cell phone and wifi repeater.(booster)(antenna)

Now, I can handle most any electrical problem that comes along, But how do I route the wires and cable without destroying the fine fit and finish of the headliner? How difficult is it to take down parts of the head liner and make it look like new again? How are people doing add ons and keep everything looking pretty?


Hugh

 

[Ron in BC]

Hi Hugh and welcome to the forum,

There's a ton of information here and while searching can be a little frustrating at times there's likely several threads dealing with issues that you might want information about.

2. It's easy to add more panels. I prefer to through bolt them and it can be done without any bolts showing on the interior.

3. It's easy to run wires vertically. The batten in the corner is held on with one screw. This gives an easy and hidden path to run wires vertically.

5. Funny you should mention those items. I just commented the other day that I was thinking that I might junk my wi-fi booster because of being able to hot spot my phone with lots of data and much better cell phone coverage.

I also have a cell booster but I've also found that the need to use it has diminished because of more cell coverage. Your location of use and needs may be different than mine.

Ron

 

[rcsb]

#5. I use this cell phone booster from Wilson called WeBoost Drive X RV http://www.wilsonsignalbooster.com/products/weboost-drive-x-rv-kit-471410?srsltid=AfmBOor1Am6FxQGqTOHoRPfaVgqrjiJEQZVX2cZmC5iqBahQFAppxfN_ It works very well if you're in remote areas. I've used mine for over 8 years now in my Casita & Escape 21C trailers with no issues. These boosters need to have a slight cell signal to boost because if you're in a dead signal area it won't work. I've been able to stream videos, email & do phone calls when other campers in the same campsite near me could not if they didn't have a booster. The height of your external antenna will make a difference, the higher up the better if you were having a weak signal.

 

[Ron in BC]

I use this cell phone booster from Wilson called WeBoost Drive X RV campers in the same campsite near me could not if they didn't have a booster.

The height of your external antenna will make a difference, the higher up the better if you were having a weak signal.

I have a WeBoost also. We used to use it a lot when travelling all day. We'd stop close to places like Burger King, pull in some wi-fi, sometimes from a bit of distance, and move on. But now we rarely have to do that because the phone does it all.

Yup, no substitute for height. My WeBoost and TV antenna share a pole. And while I'm at putting things up in the air I put my portable panel up high so I can maximize its' output.

Ron

 

[rcsb]

I have a WeBoost also. We used to use it a lot when travelling all day. We'd stop close to places like Burger King, pull in some wi-fi, sometimes from a bit of distance, and move on. But now we rarely have to do that because the phone does it all.

Yup, no substitute for height. My WeBoost and TV antenna share a pole. And while I'm at putting things up in the air I put my portable panel up high so I can maximize its' output.

Ron

That's a really nice set-up you have Ron, well done.

 

[GinoandLinda]

I have a WeBoost also. We used to use it a lot when travelling all day. We'd stop close to places like Burger King, pull in some wi-fi, sometimes from a bit of distance, and move on. But now we rarely have to do that because the phone does it all.

Yup, no substitute for height. My WeBoost and TV antenna share a pole. And while I'm at putting things up in the air I put my portable panel up high so I can maximize its' output.

Ron

I was wondering why there was a picture of cell tower on this thread, then I realized it was Ron's Escape Just kidding. Nice setup, Ron.

 

[Jim Bennett]

I have pulled my WiFi booster out of the trailer, along with the antenna pole. A good setup that I almost never used. When trailer travelling we find we just don't need or use it. I have not had much trouble with cell phone service and where I have I doubt a booster would work.

Upgrading solar can be a good thing. I had my portable stollen when my trailer was broken into, but have not replaced it yet, though do think about it. For the most part my 320W of Lensun panels are more than sufficient. The only times I have had a bit of an issue is late in the year when the sun it low, days are shorter, and especially if I am in tall trees. Not a lot more solar panels would do in that situation, though the odd time a portable might help.

All the best in your travels, you have yourself a wonderful trailer.

I have had a built in stereo system before. The problem with it is that it was inside the trailer, whereas we are more commonly outside. I have a great UE Boom3 bluetooth speaker that works great outside and inside when needed. For us, this is the best solution.

I have not found a need for a rearview camera and am curious as to what the side camera idea is and why it is wanted.

 

[Mike Lewis]

Ron- how did you attach the WeBoost antenna to the flagpole? And do you leave it on there or take it off when towing?

 

[GinoandLinda]

I
I have had a built in stereo system before. The problem with it is that it was inside the trailer, whereas we are more commonly outside. I have a great UE Boom3 bluetooth speaker that works great outside and inside when needed. For us, this is the best solution.

I have not found a need for a rearview camera and am curious as to what the side camera idea is and why it is wanted.

Agree about the Bluetooth speaker. Technology for these has advanced faster than surface mounted speakers. We had inside and exterior speakers on our Rpod and they were junk. We used a Bluetooth paired with a phone most of the time. If you like radio, most stations have live streaming.

I like rearview camera to have a rearview. Is it necessary, nope but I like seeing behind me when I am backing up like in a tight gas station for instance. I camp solo sometimes and don't always have a spotter.

 

[vermilye]

While I have a WeBoost, I haven't used it in a couple of years. I carry two cell modems (Jet Packs), one for Verizon & one for AT&T. Unlike a cell phone, both have 2 antenna inputs. I have a pair of cell antennas mounted on the upper rear sides of the trailer & feed them to which ever cell modem I'm using.

This increases the gain, both because the antennas provide 9db of gain & are outside & higher than the cell modem. It also provides a MIMO feed to the modems that increases data speed.

I also carry a WiFi repeater so that when I travel with friends they can connect to my WiFi network from a nearby site. Without the repeater the range of the cell modems's WiFi is only about 40' - 50'. With it around 500'. The Vonets repeater is a bit of a pain to set up, but works well.

 

[Ron in BC]

Ron- how did you attach the WeBoost antenna to the flagpole? And do you leave it on there or take it off when towing?

Hi Mike, it's just a clamp on bracket that I remove when travelling.

I'm expecting that sooner or later the only thing on the pole with be a Starlink Mini. But I'm not holding my breath. Sometimes by the time something gets to Canada it's not as reasonable as it is in the States.

Ron

 

[mresseguie]

Upgrading Audio

I just purchased new to me, a 2017 5.0ta, to replace my scamp 19 deluxe. I want to do some upgrades, mostly electrical.

1. Sound system. (am/fm antenna also)
2.Upgrade to more solar panels.
3.High mount stop lights
4. Back up camera with side cameras.
5. Cell phone and wifi repeater.(booster)(antenna)

Now, I can handle most any electrical problem that comes along, But how do I route the wires and cable without destroying the fine fit and finish of the headliner? How difficult is it to take down parts of the head liner and make it look like new again? How are people doing add ons and keep everything looking pretty?
Hugh

Hello, Hugh.

I have been pondering an upgrade of my sound system, too. The original 5.25" speakers above the dining area in my 21C suck. I haven't tried listening to the outside speakers yet, but I assume they suck as well. The head unit is dead (except for the clock that always reads 1:1. If I want to keep things simple, I'll likely buy a pair of JL Audio 5.25" C3 coaxial speakers for the inside of the cabin and an Alpine (or similar brand) head unit. There are low profile JL subwoofers (8" or 10") at a local shop that I suspect will fit nicely inside the seating cabinet.

I doubt I will bother to replace the outside speakers as I tend to not listen to music while I'm outside.

Michael

 

[Drives1937]

Hi Mike, it's just a clamp on bracket that I remove when travelling.

I'm expecting that sooner or later the only thing on the pole with be a Starlink Mini. But I'm not holding my breath. Sometimes by the time something gets to Canada it's not as reasonable as it is in the States.

Ron

I just installed a We Boost system on my Escape 19. Placed the antenna and the module in the left forward upper cabinet then ran the cable down behind the corner panel under the seat. I was able to fish the cable through from behind the bathroom wall the under the closet and the refrigerator. I attached it to a receptacle that has a cover over it in the center of the rear trailer wall. I use the reiver hitch to mount my flagpole which holds the antenna at the top. I ran the cable through the inside of the flagpole which allows me to still fly the flag. I am very pleased with the We Boost system.

Ken in AZ

 

[Ron in BC]

I am very pleased with the We Boost system.

Ken in AZ

Yes, it worked well for us in places where cell coverage was spotty, like the Yukon, Alaska and Baja. Even a lot of places in BC. When travelling and coming towards a small town with cell service we could pick up a signal earlier and hang onto it longer. With improve cell coverage I think that we've only used it once this year.

Ron

 

[Rossue2]

#5. I use this cell phone booster from Wilson called WeBoost Drive X RV http://www.wilsonsignalbooster.com/products/weboost-drive-x-rv-kit-471410?srsltid=AfmBOor1Am6FxQGqTOHoRPfaVgqrjiJEQZVX2cZmC5iqBahQFAppxfN_ It works very well if you're in remote areas. I've used mine for over 8 years now in my Casita & Escape 21C trailers with no issues. These boosters need to have a slight cell signal to boost because if you're in a dead signal area it won't work.

According to information from WeBoost, the Drive Reach is considered a significantly stronger amplifier compared to the Weboost Drive X RV, with the Drive Reach boasting a much higher uplink power and generally providing greater range and signal strength in weaker coverage areas; making it the more powerful option between the two.

It is the one with the red metal case with cooling fins similar to their original 3 watt booster before the FCC outlawed them. You can get variations of the Drive Reach. In the link below one can see them, however one that may not be readily apparant is the OTR antenna cable choice. One is one long connected cable and the other is a short one with a male end that connects to a coax cable designed for that purpose. I have the one long cable for my Escape 21 and the coax version for my van application.
https://www.wilsonamplifiers.com/we...M1QKxwB1yrSJOPYm-WQyJ_oN7j-rA5axoCks8QAvD_BwE

 

[Rossue2]

Yes, it worked well for us in places where cell coverage was spotty, like the Yukon, Alaska and Baja. Even a lot of places in BC. When travelling and coming towards a small town with cell service we could pick up a signal earlier and hang onto it longer. With improve cell coverage I think that we've only used it once this year.

Ron

Cell service is improving, however not only do we have our WeBoost amp for our Verizon signal, we have AT&T In-Car Wifi and Wireless Internet Service. For $15/mo. it is well worth it to us. Not all cars are capable, however many are. Both my Ford Expedition and T-250 Transit has it, however two friends with F-150's don't as it is a trim level option.

Often at home when out and about the Verizon network is so jammed with users that I cannot open a page to research something when wanting to buy something at the hardware store. I get into the vehicle and it is like being at home on my Spectrum wifi connection.

 

[Janettefu]

I just installed a We Boost system on my Escape 19. Placed the antenna and the module in the left forward upper cabinet then ran the cable down behind the corner panel under the seat. I was able to fish the cable through from behind the bathroom wall the under the closet and the refrigerator. I attached it to a receptacle that has a cover over it in the center of the rear trailer wall. I use the reiver hitch to mount my flagpole which holds the antenna at the top. I ran the cable through the inside of the flagpole which allows me to still fly the flag. I am very pleased with the We Boost system.

Ken in AZ

Hi Ken,

I was thinking of installing Weboost on my 19. Can I trouble you to elaborate more in detail where you set up the inside antenna? Do you mean the upper cabinet in the front (dinette side) of the trailer? Then you ran it under the seat on the side where the battery disconnect is, then the bathroom, then the refrigerator? So that you could connect to the outside antenna which you mounted on the rear on the hitch receiver? How does the cable from the outside antenna come in? Did you drill a hole? Thanks much.

Best,

Janette

 

[Selkirk]

I was thinking of installing Weboost on my 19. Can I trouble you to elaborate more in detail where you set up the inside antenna? Do you mean the upper cabinet in the front (dinette side) of the trailer? Then you ran it under the seat on the side where the battery disconnect is, then the bathroom, then the refrigerator? So that you could connect to the outside antenna which you mounted on the rear on the hitch receiver? How does the cable from the outside antenna come in? Did you drill a hole? Thanks

FYI - Here is how I installed a Weboost in my 19....

What did you do for your Escape today.....

I use the impact wrench to set the lug nuts before the torque wrench routine when I rotate or get new tires. Once in a while I want to take the nut off of a trailer hitch ball, I use the impact there too. I have nothing against them, I just have my way of doing things. Sometimes I don’t feel...

www.escapeforum.org

 

[Janettefu]

FYI - Here is how I installed a Weboost in my 19....

What did you do for your Escape today.....

I use the impact wrench to set the lug nuts before the torque wrench routine when I rotate or get new tires. Once in a while I want to take the nut off of a trailer hitch ball, I use the impact there too. I have nothing against them, I just have my way of doing things. Sometimes I don’t feel...

www.escapeforum.org

Very interesting, thank you. I didn't get the cable TV port. But still interesting to see the different solutions.

 

[Drives1937]

Hi Ken,

I was thinking of installing Weboost on my 19. Can I trouble you to elaborate more in detail where you set up the inside antenna? Do you mean the upper cabinet in the front (dinette side) of the trailer? Then you ran it under the seat on the side where the battery disconnect is, then the bathroom, then the refrigerator? So that you could connect to the outside antenna which you mounted on the rear on the hitch receiver? How does the cable from the outside antenna come in? Did you drill a hole? Thanks much.

Best,

Janette