View Full Version : Mods On My 2017 177LHS
So I made a thread with my battery inverter install, but I figured maybe people would want to check out the other things I've done.
I got them to put 2 6 volt batteries in it from the dealer, but I wanted to add 2 more and an inverter. I bought 2 more Interstate 6 volts and a Xantrex HF1800 Inverter/Charger. I also removed the stock converter and the crappy DC fuse panel. I replaced it with a Blue Sea fuse panel. I mounted the batteries in an atv box I found in scratch dent on Amazon. I found a thick rubber mat at Tractor Supply and cut that into pieces to line the box and space the batteries. I used weatherproof DC Circuit Breakers for the DC going to the inverter as well as the DC going to the fuse panel. (200amp and 100 amp) For AC wiring I used 10/3 cord to run from the back of the trailer to the front basement and back. Probably 40' total. I ran 4 gauge for the DC panel and 0 gauge for the inverter.
Here are some pics
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I added a red LED light above the step so I can find the door easier after a long night at the campfire. :)
I did not want to tear into walls to run wiring and a switch, etc so I kind of took an easy way out, but I am happy with the result.
I bought the light from here.
https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/le...ment/3042/6105/ (https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/led-light-modules/led-ground-effect-light-kit-replacement/3042/6105/)
The switch is a sealed toggle I got at West Marine.
Here is a quick video.
https://youtu.be/t3jnvq7VMN4
I swapped out the single step for a double so my weiner dog can get in easier. I also put some carpet on the steps held on by bungees. That way I can remove it easily for driving.
Old step
https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5577/30271640346_7fa615371e_b.jpg
New steps
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I put in a paper towel holder.
https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8560/30271638756_cdca6e69d8_b.jpg
This trailer did not come with a black tank flush, so I figured now would be a great time to deal with that since the tank has never been used.
I got the Valterra No Fuss Flush nozzle. I drilled a hole and installed it, now just waiting for the silicone to setup so I can add the hose and test it. I know the location is not ideal, but there is really nowhere else to put it unless I go low on the tank which can't be better than where it is now.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5769/30234454881_5a82035d2b_b.jpg
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fourfourto
10-14-2016, 10:43 AM
Nice battery set up,i don't do much boondocking.
tongue weight is high to begin with that has to add some weight to it.
I cant go anymore im maxing out at 500 it has to bring you up maybe over 600.
I like the double step with the door in the front I noticed the one step is a little high in some camp spots and in my driveway as its backed up to a hill.
where did you get it, I guess a easy swap.
Check out my thread under warranty section is your # 6 fuse battery charging circuit a 15 or 30 ? did you get a letter in the mail ?.
Nice battery set up,i don't do much boondocking.
tongue weight is high to begin with that has to add some weight to it.
I cant go anymore im maxing out at 500 it has to bring you up maybe over 600.
I like the double step with the door in the front I noticed the one step is a little high in some camp spots and in my driveway as its backed up to a hill.
where did you get it, I guess a easy swap.
Check out my thread under warranty section is your # 6 fuse battery charging circuit a 15 or 30 ? did you get a letter in the mail ?.
I am ok up to 900lbs tongue weight with my TV, so I think it will be ok.
I got the double step from Etrailer. It is a lippert model. Bolted right in place of the other one with the same hardware and everything.
My fuse in that spot was 30 amp, but I removed the convertor/charger, the fan, and that fuse panel. I replaced the 6 gauge wiring to the batteries with 4 gauge and installed a 100amp DC circuit breaker up by the batteries.
This is kind of a silly mod, but it was done for free with stuff I had sitting here.
The stock tail lights on my trailer leave a lot to be desired. They have not much for a reflector and make little use of the large red lense. There was a plastic divider right above the light. This is likely for another added bulb for a blinker or backup in another application. In mine it was just blocking light so I cut it out. Then I used some spray adhesive and aluminum foil and covered the surface behind the bulb. It is not a night and day difference, but I would guess 25-30% better. I have also ordered some much brighter LED's to drop in there, just waiting for them to show up.
https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5575/29766936254_0d7d0e613d_b.jpg
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The porch light has an orange lens, and the light was an incandescent 2056. Basically a dim single filament bulb. It is terrible for anything other than locating the trailer on the stumble back from the bonfire.
I found the same light, but with a clear lens, on etrailer.com for like $6. You can buy the lens only, but it isn't really much cheaper than the whole light. I bought some 1157 sockets from superbrightleds.com for a few bucks. Then I bought a 3 way 12 v switch on ebay. I had some switchback 1157 led bulbs sitting around from another project.
The idea is to put it all together so it will be the original porch light, with a clear lens instead of orange, and mount 2 1157 switchback leds in there with the 3 way switch. The switchbacks are orange on one circuit and white on the other. So I should be able to flip the switch one way for white light, and the other for orange.
Today I removed the 2056 socket, and mounted the dual 1157 sockets. I am waiting for the switch and the clear lens and will post more pics once I get those on there.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5744/30490649192_d9c976064d_b.jpg
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Put the 3 way switch in today. Here is a pic, and a video of operation.
https://c4.staticflickr.com/6/5462/30540184491_0de4b2cb07_b.jpg
https://youtu.be/LXbrHxrCptE
the sodfather
10-28-2016, 06:09 PM
Nice! Is that switch water proof/resistant?
Nice! Is that switch water proof/resistant?
I don't think it is, but I don't think the one it replaced was either. Based on where it is, I don't think it will be an issue, but I did buy 2 just in case.
Finally got the clear lens.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5333/30684130816_b51b60df74_b.jpg
And this is what the light looked like inside before I messed with it.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5738/30420614240_6f21e7ae6c_b.jpg
Here is the next project. LED marker lights.
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They were only like $16 for 5 of them on Amazon. I will finish the other 10 this weekend.
So the newest mod I am working on is a larger fresh water tank, and the grey water recycling system from USI RV. The stock fresh water tank was 20 gallons, and the grey and black are 30 each. I decided I wanted more fresh water, but with only 30 gallons of grey I either couldn't add too much, or I needed to find a way to move water from grey to black when grey got full first. That's where the grey water recycling comes in. It is a system with valves, check valves, and an extra water pump. It uses the water from the grey tank to flush the toilet, but not before it goes through a big *** filter. I have about 9 hours into it right now and probably an hour left to make it complete. Today I mounted the larger tank, filter, new pump and valve. I just need to wire it up and drill into the grey tank for the feed line. Here are a few pics, I will get more when I am done.
Original 20 gallon tank under the bed, next to the flip up storage.
https://c6.staticflickr.com/1/590/32061532005_8f09ded185_b.jpg
New 50 gallon tank vs old 20 gallon tank.
https://c5.staticflickr.com/1/664/31913297692_f881d9bccb_b.jpg
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New tank in place, barely fits.
https://c3.staticflickr.com/1/443/31686478490_fd0157bb26_b.jpg
JRTJH
01-02-2017, 03:29 PM
Impressive (and ingenious) mods, but be careful !!!!!
Your trailer specs are:
Empty weight: 3245
Max Cargo: 1230
GVW: 4475
So far, you've indicated about 400 pounds of battery/battery box to the tongue, a Xantrex inverter system, larger steps, and now a pump/filter system for the gray tank and a significantly larger fresh water tank. It looks like you're close to approaching your GVW (without any camping gear in the trailer).
The Hideout 177LHS is a single axle 21' lightweight trailer. I'd urge you to not add too much more or you're going to be looking at things getting "rough to keep together" should you hit a bump on the way back to Glamis... :hide:
Yeah, I don't have anything else to add. I know I have to be close if not slightly overweight. With that said I also tow this trailer much more cautiously than I have others in the past. I am also very hands on and am always inspecting things. Not to mention, I might tow it 1500 miles a year. I do appreciate your concern though as it is very valid and I promise to do my best to minimize the risk. :)
Here are a few more pics. The system is in and working great.
grey water pump
https://c5.staticflickr.com/1/526/31245889684_bffbe19df5_b.jpg
filter
https://c2.staticflickr.com/1/298/32087228105_6692aeb93c_b.jpg
valve and switch with status LED
https://c7.staticflickr.com/1/468/31245892174_97c7d8b700_b.jpg
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