CCC
06-15-2013, 06:26 AM
EDIT: We've started the mods. Pics in post #5 and below.
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Love the bunkhouse floorplan! The dedicated bed for our child means I don't have to set up/break down a bed for him each day. I've seen this floorplan in several brands, but in my opinion, this Passport model got all the details and quality right. I thought I'd post my initial impressions and planned mods for anyone else looking at this model.
The PROs for me are:
double bunks vs. single bunks will work better as my 11-yr-old grows older/taller
solid surface kitchen counter
kitchen sink is not at a 45-degree angle, but 90-degree. So there is adequate counter space
pull-out spray nozzle on kitchen sink faucet
aluminum framing = light weight (our TV is 1/2 ton gasser: F150 4x4 w/factory installed tow package, Eco-boost)
privacy glass / frameless windows
swivel TV for living room AND Master Bedroom
no step-up on the slide
outdoor shower
leather couch = a lot less of the interior decor pattern, which gets old fast, and is way too busy for my taste.
windows on both bunk levels cut down on claustrophobia
bunks in the living space lets our child feel like he's part of the action, not relegated off in a corner
the outside door in the bathroom allows it to be used like a mud-room and keeps us from trekking through the unit just to get to the toilet
I also am a huge fan of the table and chairs rather than the "ooch-around" banquette. I think there are a lot more options when you can move the chairs around, and it's easier to sit down IMHO.
The CONs for me (which we haven't found a way to modify) are:
The long tables down the sides of the Master bed. I can't throw my legs over and stand up. I have to ooch down the bed to clear the bedside table before standing.
The stovetop range doesn't vent outside. No idea why anyone thought this made sense. :confused:
EDIT: I've cooked on the stovetop twice now (once making pancakes--and no, I didn't burn them-- and once frying sausage), and both times it set off the fire alarm, so hubby has to stand there waving the air in front of the alarm cover while I finish cooking. This is unacceptable. As a potential workaround, I'll ask the dealer about installing a fan on the vent in the kitchen (hoping there is power wired there).
EDIT: As advised on pg. 2 of this thread, I can simply point a small fan at the smoke alarm to prevent it from going off. Worked like a champ!
There were three mods I initially thought I'd want ASAP, but decided against after the shake down:
1. Taking off the outside door gas strut so it opens 180 instead of 90 degrees. I actually like not having to open the door as far out as I need it. When I'm carrying something outside, it's a great help, in fact. I thought I'd want the extra view by the front door, but there are plenty of windows. I don't need the door fully open to see what I need to, and I'm not hanging out by the front door looking around anyway. I'm typically in, or out.
EDIT: Downside of door assist explained in post #6
2. Wood Blinds. There is a lot of wood detail/effect inside. From the floor, cabinets, table, doors, bunk bed ladder, and the blinds. I thought it was a bit much at first, but I've gotten used to it. I initially wanted to replace them with cloth shades, but those have their own limitations with the pleats eventually coming out. I'm not sure how much privacy they offer at night, either.
3. Doors on Master Bedroom. Again back to the overload of wood effect. I thought taking these off would open the space and get rid of some weight as well. But, I found I really liked being able to shut the door behind me. Privacy and keeping the dogs out of the bedroom were big pluses.
Here are the mods we are working on. I'll post pics in a week or two when we have them complete.
1) Glass tile backsplash. We bought two squares of tile from Home Depot and will mount it to a backer board and screw that into the wall behind the stove top. That should keep the tile/grout from cracking due to flexing of the RV wall itself as it rolls down the road. Done. Pics in post #12
2) Widen the bunk bed steps. Right now the steps are about 1.5 inches wide, and you have to balance on the ball of your foot. That is dangerous. We'll widen them to about 3 inches. Done. Pics in post #6
We'll also add a handle at the top of the top bunk, to grab onto and heft yourself off the ladder and onto the mattress. There's no pivot point right now and it is awkward to get up and down. Done. Pics in post #9
3) Remove bottom mattress, reinforce the lid underneath (it bows with just the weight of my 35 lb. dog), and put down a piece of carpet. This area will be the dog's space. It gets them out of the way and off the kitchen floor, and gives them a window to look out. Win-win. Done. Pics in post #9
4) Install towel rack above toilet. I don't want a TP holder since I plan to just keep the TP in the cabinet. Done. Pics in post #6
5) Little-to-no countertop in bathroom leaves no room for hairdryer, curlers, etc. Wanting a shelf or extension of medicine cabinet.
EDIT: My husband said there is no easy way to do this, so I reconsidered the importance of having electric curlers on hand when we are camping.
EDIT: For serious...NO space at all. I have face soap, makeup remover, etc. and really need to set a bag of things down. Have convinced my hubby to make a hinged countertop extension shelf that folds down when not needed. Pics of this to come.
Done. Pics in post #18
6) Replace bathroom faucet for a nicer version. Whoops! Turns out the spare faucet we had on hand doesn't fit. So we'll keep the faucet that came with.
7) Put plexiglass at the bottom of the screen door so dog claws don't destroy it. Done. No pic
8) Install gas shock under Master Bed for easy access to that storage. EDIT: Still on the to-do list
9) Paint an accent wall. Everything is very beige in the Master Bedroom. I think a pop of color would be nice. Done. Pics in post #12
10) Replace metal blinds in kitchen with curtain with tie-back away from stove, and re-cover that kitchen valance. Have fabric, just need to sew it.
Done. Pics in post #18
11) Make a new table runner. Have the fabric, I just need to sew it.
Mods I'm still considering:
a) Replace toilet with porcelain version.
I really do want this, but have to justify the cost/effort somehow.
b) Some way to cut the light/heat from the bathroom skylight.
c) Peel off the vinyl decal "chair rail" boarder. Done. Pics in post #9
EDIT: I did decide to do this. RV decor gets dated *very* quickly, and what looks fine now will look 10 years old in just a few years. Since we have the leather sofa and table/chair option (see attached pics below from our shakedown trip), after removing the wall border, only the couch throw pillows and the valances will have a pattern. I like just changing out pillows/rugs/candles/pictures for a quick and easy style update.
EDIT:Finally got the last bits of this off. Some were extra sticky and left a tremendous amount of residue behind, some very little. I took a cotton ball with goo-gone after the walls, and with a bit of elbow grease all vestiges are gone.
---------------------
Love the bunkhouse floorplan! The dedicated bed for our child means I don't have to set up/break down a bed for him each day. I've seen this floorplan in several brands, but in my opinion, this Passport model got all the details and quality right. I thought I'd post my initial impressions and planned mods for anyone else looking at this model.
The PROs for me are:
double bunks vs. single bunks will work better as my 11-yr-old grows older/taller
solid surface kitchen counter
kitchen sink is not at a 45-degree angle, but 90-degree. So there is adequate counter space
pull-out spray nozzle on kitchen sink faucet
aluminum framing = light weight (our TV is 1/2 ton gasser: F150 4x4 w/factory installed tow package, Eco-boost)
privacy glass / frameless windows
swivel TV for living room AND Master Bedroom
no step-up on the slide
outdoor shower
leather couch = a lot less of the interior decor pattern, which gets old fast, and is way too busy for my taste.
windows on both bunk levels cut down on claustrophobia
bunks in the living space lets our child feel like he's part of the action, not relegated off in a corner
the outside door in the bathroom allows it to be used like a mud-room and keeps us from trekking through the unit just to get to the toilet
I also am a huge fan of the table and chairs rather than the "ooch-around" banquette. I think there are a lot more options when you can move the chairs around, and it's easier to sit down IMHO.
The CONs for me (which we haven't found a way to modify) are:
The long tables down the sides of the Master bed. I can't throw my legs over and stand up. I have to ooch down the bed to clear the bedside table before standing.
The stovetop range doesn't vent outside. No idea why anyone thought this made sense. :confused:
EDIT: I've cooked on the stovetop twice now (once making pancakes--and no, I didn't burn them-- and once frying sausage), and both times it set off the fire alarm, so hubby has to stand there waving the air in front of the alarm cover while I finish cooking. This is unacceptable. As a potential workaround, I'll ask the dealer about installing a fan on the vent in the kitchen (hoping there is power wired there).
EDIT: As advised on pg. 2 of this thread, I can simply point a small fan at the smoke alarm to prevent it from going off. Worked like a champ!
There were three mods I initially thought I'd want ASAP, but decided against after the shake down:
1. Taking off the outside door gas strut so it opens 180 instead of 90 degrees. I actually like not having to open the door as far out as I need it. When I'm carrying something outside, it's a great help, in fact. I thought I'd want the extra view by the front door, but there are plenty of windows. I don't need the door fully open to see what I need to, and I'm not hanging out by the front door looking around anyway. I'm typically in, or out.
EDIT: Downside of door assist explained in post #6
2. Wood Blinds. There is a lot of wood detail/effect inside. From the floor, cabinets, table, doors, bunk bed ladder, and the blinds. I thought it was a bit much at first, but I've gotten used to it. I initially wanted to replace them with cloth shades, but those have their own limitations with the pleats eventually coming out. I'm not sure how much privacy they offer at night, either.
3. Doors on Master Bedroom. Again back to the overload of wood effect. I thought taking these off would open the space and get rid of some weight as well. But, I found I really liked being able to shut the door behind me. Privacy and keeping the dogs out of the bedroom were big pluses.
Here are the mods we are working on. I'll post pics in a week or two when we have them complete.
1) Glass tile backsplash. We bought two squares of tile from Home Depot and will mount it to a backer board and screw that into the wall behind the stove top. That should keep the tile/grout from cracking due to flexing of the RV wall itself as it rolls down the road. Done. Pics in post #12
2) Widen the bunk bed steps. Right now the steps are about 1.5 inches wide, and you have to balance on the ball of your foot. That is dangerous. We'll widen them to about 3 inches. Done. Pics in post #6
We'll also add a handle at the top of the top bunk, to grab onto and heft yourself off the ladder and onto the mattress. There's no pivot point right now and it is awkward to get up and down. Done. Pics in post #9
3) Remove bottom mattress, reinforce the lid underneath (it bows with just the weight of my 35 lb. dog), and put down a piece of carpet. This area will be the dog's space. It gets them out of the way and off the kitchen floor, and gives them a window to look out. Win-win. Done. Pics in post #9
4) Install towel rack above toilet. I don't want a TP holder since I plan to just keep the TP in the cabinet. Done. Pics in post #6
5) Little-to-no countertop in bathroom leaves no room for hairdryer, curlers, etc. Wanting a shelf or extension of medicine cabinet.
EDIT: My husband said there is no easy way to do this, so I reconsidered the importance of having electric curlers on hand when we are camping.
EDIT: For serious...NO space at all. I have face soap, makeup remover, etc. and really need to set a bag of things down. Have convinced my hubby to make a hinged countertop extension shelf that folds down when not needed. Pics of this to come.
Done. Pics in post #18
6) Replace bathroom faucet for a nicer version. Whoops! Turns out the spare faucet we had on hand doesn't fit. So we'll keep the faucet that came with.
7) Put plexiglass at the bottom of the screen door so dog claws don't destroy it. Done. No pic
8) Install gas shock under Master Bed for easy access to that storage. EDIT: Still on the to-do list
9) Paint an accent wall. Everything is very beige in the Master Bedroom. I think a pop of color would be nice. Done. Pics in post #12
10) Replace metal blinds in kitchen with curtain with tie-back away from stove, and re-cover that kitchen valance. Have fabric, just need to sew it.
Done. Pics in post #18
11) Make a new table runner. Have the fabric, I just need to sew it.
Mods I'm still considering:
a) Replace toilet with porcelain version.
I really do want this, but have to justify the cost/effort somehow.
b) Some way to cut the light/heat from the bathroom skylight.
c) Peel off the vinyl decal "chair rail" boarder. Done. Pics in post #9
EDIT: I did decide to do this. RV decor gets dated *very* quickly, and what looks fine now will look 10 years old in just a few years. Since we have the leather sofa and table/chair option (see attached pics below from our shakedown trip), after removing the wall border, only the couch throw pillows and the valances will have a pattern. I like just changing out pillows/rugs/candles/pictures for a quick and easy style update.
EDIT:Finally got the last bits of this off. Some were extra sticky and left a tremendous amount of residue behind, some very little. I took a cotton ball with goo-gone after the walls, and with a bit of elbow grease all vestiges are gone.