[Jon]

In a new coach, would you include a security system?

I removed the old system, but have complete access for running new wires and installing new contacts and devices. Do you use your system? If you had a blank slate, what aftermarket system would you install?

[DON]

Never felt the need in an RV park, but in Camp Walmart or Camp rest Area I’m not sure of the need either because when in those places we never leave the coach.

I’m for simple and wouldn’t add one.

[DON]

I don’t think it’s needed or even helpful. Most security systems now use wireless contact sensors anyways.

Now I would include some cameras and a doorbell camera.

[Andrew]

KISS

[Andrew]

I’m with you fellas. I do prefer simple. I just want to be sure that I’m not missing an opportunity to do now what the market will demand later. I’m glad to see that a security system is not universally desired.

I’m reassembling the sliding step cover today after doing a deep cleaning, and lubricating the slide tracks. The 1/4″ steel plate that covers the slide is a real beast! Then I have to add some 3/4″ plywood filler strips to level the floor where the OTR ducts were removed. At that point, I’m ready to take the interior “before” photos and get to work. The excitement is building.

[Chuck & Katrina]

Cameras both for traffic maneuvering and monitoring. Never know if the footage might be useful to help with an insurance claim.

Otherwise my security system is a notify only system with 4 paws and a vicious tail.

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2000 Featherlite H3-45

2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Leesburg, FL

[Tom]

get her clean.. take a roll of masking tape and do a layout on floor. Walls furniture etc..Questions–Fulltime–vacation—fun time?? Kids? big sinks ,refers,and ovens are for most a waste of space…Toaster ovens. induction cook tops ,microwaves fit a more casual life style. you prob have about 93 inches usable width which narrows with wall height. make sure to keep floor access to engine/air compressor etc from inside(usually under bed frame) Bob

[Dick]

“Rather than create a new topic each time I have a question that begins with “In a new coach, would you,” I thought I’d put them all in one place.”

If it were me … I would start a new topic each time you have a question. Otherwise some of us will get lost.

We’ve had our Liberty for nine years. We’ve parked overnight(s) it at our house, at race tracks, sketchy campgrounds, Wal-Marts, casino campgrounds and parking lots, rest areas, Hilger’s barnyard, really nice places, etc. I’ve never thought of having the need for the security system which I’m not sure I know how to work. When we turn the house power back on after its been off for a while, the siren goes off. No idea why. Once in a while the siren will go off and we don’t know why or how to turn it off or even where it is (probably next to the water system accumulater tank I can’t find either!).

I’d be more concerned about lights on the dash, visible from the salon, and in the stateroom showing me (1) that the pneumatic lock is locked, (2) the electric lock is locked, and (3) the bay doors and engine doors are locked.

Someone mentioned outside cameras along the side and back. I think those would be of value.

I’ll have more responses as you ask your questions. Keep them coming. I’ve really learned to enjoy helping other people spend their money. It’s very exhilarating!

[Jon]

Lots of good input. I don’t want to pepper the forum with a bunch of new threads, but maybe I’ll go with new topics since the Homebuilder section is mostly quiet. You know, until you guys cry uncle!

I bought one of those four-camera bird’s eye view systems off of Amazon right before I committed to gutting the interior. It’s still in the box, but that’s my plan. I’m designing easy access to wire chases along the outer edges of the ceiling, so upgrades are an option for the cameras if that system is junk.

I will retain the engine access in the bedroom. My plan is to have the bed base be easily removable so you can lean the mattress and the base against one wall and lay down to work through that hatch. The Liberty bed base was very stout, but working through the engine hatch was difficult.

I happen to have a pallet of new 24″x24″x24″ cardboard boxes in my shop, so I’m assembling those to build modular walls and cabinets for layout. There are a few key dimensions that will determine my final layout, mainly the aisle width and walking space at the foot of the bed. The kitchen/bathroom transition is somewhat constrained by the existing plumbing penetrations, which I plan to re-use, so my biggest trade off is between the bedroom and bathroom size.

I’m planning a center aisle, because I really disliked the side aisle. It looks like 26″ should work fine if I use pocket doors, or 28″ if any door swings into the aisle. My side aisle was only 22″. Combined with the OTR duct along the floor, that just felt really cramped. 26″ seems spacious by comparison.

I have my engineered hardwoods picked out. Ernie Ekberg’s message group was very helpful in making a flooring plan. Coincidentally, he recently announced on that group that he was retiring from the installation business. I learned a great deal from his posts.

As for my intended usage, I’m trying to keep it flexible. My main goal is to address my frustrations with the old layout. Bedroom size, shower size, hallway layout and size are the main ones. I won’t install an oven, but I do want a large refrigerator/freezer. There don’t seem to be any 30″ counter-depth models, and 36″ is probably too big. That’ll likely push me to a 15 cubic foot or so model, which should be fine. I’ll probably go with a built-in microwave, and then a cabinet shelf for a large convection oven / air fryer. I don’t know if I’ll use a built-in induction cooktop or a countertop model, but induction seems like the way to go.

I’m trying to keep the bathroom on one side of the center aisle so that the opposite space can be used for either bunk beds or pantry and hanging closet space. I won’t build the bunks, but I’ll try to size it so they’re an option in the future. The center aisle will actually end up being off-center, which also works for having a little more wall space at the foot of the bed for a decent TV.

[Mike]

We went with a Frigidaire professional refrigerator only model as it is a much better use of space than other fridge/freezers. We plan on a portable freezer or fridge cooler typer in the basement so we can use based on our trips need. Plus having the ice cream a few feet further surely can’t hurt.

As far as induction cooktop we elected to use a portable 120v type. They’re cheap and we just pull it out when needed, plus can take it outside when grilling. If I was going with a built-in model i would have put it on slides with a fake drawer so it doesn’t take counter space. I’m surprised many manufacturers don’t use this instead of cutting counters.