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In our previous post, we talked about why some RVers, including full-timers, sometimes stay North in the winter. Today we’ll show you exactly how we installed a special mod to make winter RVing better than ever!
If you saw our last video, we talked about planning a new secret weapon for staying warm while wintering on a 30-amp campsite without propane readily available. Now we’ll show you the step-by step DIY tutorial of us installing one of the best mods we’ve ever done. It’s a simple way to increase the available power in our RV, allowing us to keep warm without burning through our propane, and without juggling electrical loads.
If you’re a competent DIY RVer, but a little skittish about handling electricity, you’ll like this project. Even though it involves working with 110-volt household power lines, there is basically zero risk of getting shocked. You don’t even have to turn off the power while doing the entire job, and it’s perfectly safe to touch all the wires!
Are you wondering how such a thing is possible? Watch the video to find out how! (hint: you can’t get shocked when your electrical project isn’t connected to anything). ;-)
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Featured & Related Products & Services:
- 1,500W Digital Space Heater – with digital thermostat and remote control – digital controls mean this heater will shut off and won’t turn back on after a power outage… but the remote is nice! ;)
- Heavy Duty Extension Cord
- Dewalt Cordless Drill
- 1/2″ Spade Drill Bit (Set)
- Safety Glasses
- Dremel Tool
- Outlet tester
- Wire stripper
- Romex 10/2 Cable (25-feet)
- Hammer staples
- 20-amp Power Cord (NEMA 5-20P)
- 20-amp Inlet (NEMA 5-20P)
- 20-amp Outlet
- 20-amp switch plate
- Old Work/Remodel Box
- Surface Mount Electrical Box
- PVC Cement
- Strain Relief – couldn’t find these on Amazon, so we picked ours up at a big box hardware store
- M4 Rechargeable LED Utility Light (save 5% with Discount Code “RVGEEKS5“)
Other “Winter RVing”-Related Products & Services:
- Kozy World Heater
- Water Hose Heat Tape
- Utility/Trouble Light
- 60W Incandescent Bulbs – needed for the Utility Light so it actually generates heat (LEDs won’t work!)
- 30A-male to 50A-Female Adapter
- Extend-a-Stay
- Propane extension hose (12 feet)
- 15psi Propane Regulator
Even though we're handy RVers, we're not professional technicians. So although we're happy with the techniques and products we use, you should be sure to confirm that all methods and materials are compatible with your equipment and abilities. Regardless of what we recommend, consult a professional if you're unsure about working on your RV. Any task you perform or product you purchase based on any information we provide is strictly at your own risk.