@lorriemelko1285 We don't actually remember the type of wood, but almost anything would work. I believe it was a soft wood, but I don't think it was pine. We drilled holes and attached it with small bolts. Not sure the exact measurements but just short of the length of the bed. About 18" above the surface of the bed.
That stone backdrop is genius! Beautiful! On the shower, if those are separate panels (left/right sides and back) you NEED to replace those ASAP. RV’s shake rattle and roll down the road and the silicone bead they use will separate causing water to be where it should not be. Your goal is to find a one piece, no seams, shower surround cover. You can add a secondary covering if you don’t like the appearance.
The shower is a one piece surround thankfully. We wish they would have just gone with white rather than the fake marble pattern. The stone backslash is actually a peal and stick from Home Depot, and boy does it stick. We have used it before with no issues. It's about an 8th to a quarter inch thick.
@ricktanner9817 you might want to install self adhesive waterproof tiles of your preference to your shower walls as well? Or any waterproof vinyl sheet? I would also replace the restroom round door handle with a lever style one for easier use.
Sorry for the late posting I am subscribe to you guys but for some reason I’m not getting any notifications. Oh well, thanks for the complete walk-through of your motorhome.
Yeah, I really liked the 20xg when they were coming out in 2021. I was transitioning from a travel trailer to the motorcoach and needed to sell it. In the intermeeting time the 20xg AWD went up from 80K to 100K. At this point they did not have the extreme package. So that given, I had a leave of absence to use in 2023, I just bought a forester 2351 on a e-350 and did the following upgrades: 1. Quigley 4X4 conversion, f-series with 4wd low 2. Limited slip diff 3. BFGK02 tires 4. 600 amp/hr of smart heated lithium 5. Lithium BIM 6. 600 watts solar 7. 60 amp solar charger 8. 3000 watt inverter Would still like the nimbleness of the Transit chassis, but the f-series 4x4 is a beast
I have been trying to get Sherri to do that. No luck so far. We are currently caring for 5 young foster children, so pressing the issue would put me in the dog house we don't have.
Great overview series and mods! IMO, this RV is an EKKO killer at it's lower price point and the much better bed/storage configuration. Would you happen to have the measurements of the large rear storage compartment openings? Thx
I believe it's in the comments someplace. We are currently on a cruise. Otherwise, I would get those measurements for you. Thanks for watching, and thanks for the great comments.
@@ricktanner9817 I like the bedroom in the Granite Ridge and Ekko and the table in your Coachman. Because it makes into a bed and I like the old style feeling of the table with a view out the window! My husband and I are glad that you have connected with Bob and Hillary. We love their channel!
Are there locks for your garage doors and other outside compartments? You've done a great job. Whener you're ready to move on to a different motorhome, could i purchase this one from you? LOL
The engine is still in the break-in period, so it should get a little better with a little time. Currently, I am getting about 16 mpg on the HWY. There are a few tradeoffs that do work against better mileage. Namely, the AWD, lift kit, all terrain tires, and dullies. As much as I want the best mpg I can get, these are things that allow us to go further than most to the places we want to be. All the other features allow us to stay longer. Thanks for the comment.
Nice setup and I love the chassis and floor plan. I didn't see a lock on the garage door. Is it secure or can someone enter the coach through the garage?
Short answer is yes. We only drycamp so fresh water is our greatest challenge to staying out there longer. We do carry another 10 gallons for drinking and washing dishes so the 30 gallons is used mainly for showering and flushing the toilet. We can go about 6 days before needing to fill up on fresh water.
Great question and one I searched for prior to buying, unsuccessful. In good conditions (not windy and no steep hills) I get about 16 mpg. Keep in mind I am pretty loaded and the RV is lifted with all wheel drive and all terrain tires. In addition to that, there are dual 250 amp alternators to feed the house batteries. 16 mpg is actually pretty good when you consider all those factors.
I feel like your sleeping in a garage.....how does the heat and cold feel with those storage doors.....also do you feel safe...can people force themselves in with those little turn locks?
We had the same concerns before buying, but could find no answers. Our answer is two big thumbs 👍. We sleep with the bed higher than a normal bed, and for me, it feels very cosey and comfortable. As this is a very well insulated 4-seasons RV, we have not noticed and temperature issues. I agree the locks can be easily broken. But that would be pretty noisy, so by the time someone got it open, they would be looking at a twitchy 9mm. Just like any RV, take precautions, consider very carefully where you overnight, and always be on guard. Finally, I would add the we have full bins on one side, meaning you would have to unload at least 3 of them to get in. On the other side, we installed a headboard, so you would need tools and good light to take that apart. There again would be the 9mm to deal with. Not in Canada, of course.
Almost all RVs have the same little cheezy locks on the storage doors and such. Unfortunately for the 20XG, one set of those locks does give access to the interior space. They are quickly and rather inexpensively replaceable with something more robust.
Crime is everywhere, you can take precautions and think ahead to mitigate the risks, and prepare for the possibility. I use security cameras, and keep a huge 3’ long screwdriver 🪛 in the vehicle.
Hi Sir looking to pick up a cross trail mid 2025 you said the changes from 2023 vs 2024 worth finding the 2024 for you do you know of any changes 2024 vs 2025 Thank you keep learning from you this will be our first RV enjoy all your adventures
I have not seen a 2025 in person but have seen a few videos and spoken to a few new owners. The changes seem to be minor. For example, the battery bank was mover from outside to under a bench seat. The kitchen window shade improved, and the propane tank moved.
Very easy. Generally, they will just peal off by hand. If not, I will use a hair dryer to warm them up, and they they come off super easy. I should add that I removed them to make the RV look better. Nothing at all against Coachmen, I just didn't like some to the fonts and graphics. Also, it was just too much. Sometimes less is more.
Nice job. We have the same RV may steal some of your ideas.... What did you use for the door on the additional storage area underneath the dinette seat?
What size gauge wire wire do you use from your Nokio solar panel controller to your plug on the RV? I have a Nokio and I'm using 10 gauge wire and it's not recognizing the solar panel. Although the solar panel is working fine into the controller, but not from the controller into the RV. Do you use 12 gauge from Nokio controller to rv plug? Thanks.
I do believe it is 12 Guage wire, but I will have to confirm that. I did recently overload my charger and have to replace it. Turns out 800 watts on the roof is max when the sun is high on a SE Texas summer. That experience will be my next video.
@@ricktanner9817 thank you, that would be great! I'm having difficulty hooking up my 300 W Dokio to rv... not showing a charge on inside rv panel. My dealer in Sacramento California told me that the 2025 can handle 1600 W of solar.
My wife and I are considering buying the same rig. One question for now is did yours come with a spare tire? If not what is your opinion on the need for one?
Ours did not come with spare or jack. Even if it did a flat on the dullies I could not change it. I have seen it done and it is a huge amount of work for a professional with the proper tools. I do carry a tire repair kit with air pump and I have successfully used that before without removing the tire. This will only work if you find an accessible nail/screw in the tread and have use of a jack. Other option is roadside assistance.
I will take this opportunity to correct some misinformation in my last video. First I neglected to say we do have a generator. I forget we have it because we never have to use it. On the solar, Coachmen installed 2 panels that were 200 watts each. We added 2 more for a total of 800 watts. To answer your question, Coachmen installed 2 lithium batteries at 400 amps each for a total of 800 amps. Hope this helps.
Sherry is amazing. A video with the details of how she made those storage modifications would excellant!
That might be in the works.
Great reviews - nice to have non salesy reviews and see your mods, thanks!
My pleasure! Next video will be on the mistakes we think Coachmen made.
Ok.. Love the headboard idea! I was going to ask if you made it or purchased, but JUST watched your latest video and you answered my question!☺️.
It wasn't very difficult but makes a huge difference. Both when sleeping and watching TV.
@@ricktanner9817 I agree!! What material did you use? How did you attach it? Dimensions? Sorry for so many ??’s 👍
@lorriemelko1285 We don't actually remember the type of wood, but almost anything would work. I believe it was a soft wood, but I don't think it was pine. We drilled holes and attached it with small bolts. Not sure the exact measurements but just short of the length of the bed. About 18" above the surface of the bed.
@@ricktanner9817 Many thanks for the reply Rick!! Another one for the “ honey do list”😉
Loves the changes
That garage is perfect for cat boxes and cat supplies. You can put a divider so you still have storage. Thank you!
Great idea!!
That stone backdrop is genius! Beautiful! On the shower, if those are separate panels (left/right sides and back) you NEED to replace those ASAP. RV’s shake rattle and roll down the road and the silicone bead they use will separate causing water to be where it should not be. Your goal is to find a one piece, no seams, shower surround cover. You can add a secondary covering if you don’t like the appearance.
The shower is a one piece surround thankfully. We wish they would have just gone with white rather than the fake marble pattern. The stone backslash is actually a peal and stick from Home Depot, and boy does it stick. We have used it before with no issues. It's about an 8th to a quarter inch thick.
@@ricktanner9817 - Good to know, thanks!
@ricktanner9817 you might want to install self adhesive waterproof tiles of your preference to your shower walls as well? Or any waterproof vinyl sheet? I would also replace the restroom round door handle with a lever style one for easier use.
Sorry for the late posting I am subscribe to you guys but for some reason I’m not getting any notifications. Oh well, thanks for the complete walk-through of your motorhome.
I actually have not done a video in some time. It wasn't the plan, but we bought a house in Texas and are nearing the end of renovations.
Yeah, I really liked the 20xg when they were coming out in 2021. I was transitioning from a travel trailer to the motorcoach and needed to sell it. In the intermeeting time the 20xg AWD went up from 80K to 100K. At this point they did not have the extreme package. So that given, I had a leave of absence to use in 2023, I just bought a forester 2351 on a e-350 and did the following upgrades:
1. Quigley 4X4 conversion, f-series with 4wd low
2. Limited slip diff
3. BFGK02 tires
4. 600 amp/hr of smart heated lithium
5. Lithium BIM
6. 600 watts solar
7. 60 amp solar charger
8. 3000 watt inverter
Would still like the nimbleness of the Transit chassis, but the f-series 4x4 is a beast
Wow, those are some impressive MODs. I want to add another 400 watts of solar but the GoPower ones are still pretty pricy.
Love it! ❤️👍. Thank you for sharing!!
You are so welcome!
Awesome! Any chance you can do a link where you purchase your items, totes, plastic shelve on wall etc thank you
I have been trying to get Sherri to do that. No luck so far. We are currently caring for 5 young foster children, so pressing the issue would put me in the dog house we don't have.
Great video you guys did a great job with mods. Love this coach
Thanks! We are actually uploading a new video now. This will be a 5 month 10,000 mile review.
Great overview series and mods! IMO, this RV is an EKKO killer at it's lower price point and the much better bed/storage configuration. Would you happen to have the measurements of the large rear storage compartment openings? Thx
I believe it's in the comments someplace. We are currently on a cruise. Otherwise, I would get those measurements for you. Thanks for watching, and thanks for the great comments.
Smart mods. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you like them! More on the way.
Oh I can't wait to see the review! The Coachman is what we want to move up to from our Thor Tellaro.
My hope is this model will continue to improve. We do like the dinette in the Jayco Granite Ridge and the bathroom in the EKKO.
@@ricktanner9817 I like the bedroom in the Granite Ridge and Ekko and the table in your Coachman. Because it makes into a bed and I like the old style feeling of the table with a view out the window! My husband and I are glad that you have connected with Bob and Hillary. We love their channel!
Daughter bought a Thor Tallero 20 J. We now realize the J is for junk with a 10 year mortgage!
Good job to both of you 👍👌 I liked your mods👍👌
Thanks so much!
Are there locks for your garage doors and other outside compartments? You've done a great job. Whener you're ready to move on to a different motorhome, could i purchase this one from you? LOL
Yes and yes. We actually upgraded the locks to more secure ones.
Great videos! One question I have is what are the measurements of the garage doors? I'm wondering if I'd be able to get a motorcycle in the garage.
The rear cargo doors are 39" wide by 43" tall.
Hello, we really like the changes/upgrades that you made. Where did you buy the curtain track?
Amazon, it's a stick and peel. No screws and it has not come down.
@@ricktanner9817Thank you! Where did you get the headboard from?
We built it. @@MrsAdAstra
@@ricktanner9817Thank you!
One more thing your thoughts of a tandem bike fitting in the garage of your RV? Thank you
Not something we did but I believe it would fit. Just depends how tall it is.
Congratulations for your RV it looks beautiful. May I ask what is the gas mileage per gallon ?
The engine is still in the break-in period, so it should get a little better with a little time. Currently, I am getting about 16 mpg on the HWY. There are a few tradeoffs that do work against better mileage. Namely, the AWD, lift kit, all terrain tires, and dullies. As much as I want the best mpg I can get, these are things that allow us to go further than most to the places we want to be. All the other features allow us to stay longer. Thanks for the comment.
Nice setup and I love the chassis and floor plan. I didn't see a lock on the garage door. Is it secure or can someone enter the coach through the garage?
There is a lock on each door, but they were basic. We recently upgraded them while at the Quartzsite RV Show.
@@ricktanner9817 Thanks Rick, you have an awesome channel - keep up the good work!! 👍
Has the 30 gallon fresh water been a problem for you? Thanks! Love this rig, and your videos are packed with great info for someone comparing options.
Short answer is yes. We only drycamp so fresh water is our greatest challenge to staying out there longer. We do carry another 10 gallons for drinking and washing dishes so the 30 gallons is used mainly for showering and flushing the toilet. We can go about 6 days before needing to fill up on fresh water.
This is a very nice RV, whats the gas mileage you get on the road ?
Great question and one I searched for prior to buying, unsuccessful. In good conditions (not windy and no steep hills) I get about 16 mpg. Keep in mind I am pretty loaded and the RV is lifted with all wheel drive and all terrain tires. In addition to that, there are dual 250 amp alternators to feed the house batteries. 16 mpg is actually pretty good when you consider all those factors.
I feel like your sleeping in a garage.....how does the heat and cold feel with those storage doors.....also do you feel safe...can people force themselves in with those little turn locks?
We had the same concerns before buying, but could find no answers. Our answer is two big thumbs 👍. We sleep with the bed higher than a normal bed, and for me, it feels very cosey and comfortable. As this is a very well insulated 4-seasons RV, we have not noticed and temperature issues. I agree the locks can be easily broken. But that would be pretty noisy, so by the time someone got it open, they would be looking at a twitchy 9mm. Just like any RV, take precautions, consider very carefully where you overnight, and always be on guard. Finally, I would add the we have full bins on one side, meaning you would have to unload at least 3 of them to get in. On the other side, we installed a headboard, so you would need tools and good light to take that apart. There again would be the 9mm to deal with. Not in Canada, of course.
@@ricktanner9817 Im glad it works for you.....I like this unit very much....I just had that sleeping concern.....
Almost all RVs have the same little cheezy locks on the storage doors and such. Unfortunately for the 20XG, one set of those locks does give access to the interior space. They are quickly and rather inexpensively replaceable with something more robust.
Crime is everywhere, you can take precautions and think ahead to mitigate the risks, and prepare for the possibility. I use security cameras, and keep a huge 3’ long screwdriver 🪛 in the vehicle.
We also keep bear spray by the door. Not that we expect to see any bears.
Brilliant modifications! Were your other RVs as organized as this one?
Sherri says yes, some were even better. She really gets all the credit. I just enjoy it.
Hi Sir looking to pick up a cross trail mid 2025 you said the changes from 2023 vs 2024 worth finding the 2024 for you do you know of any changes 2024 vs 2025 Thank you keep learning from you this will be our first RV enjoy all your adventures
I have not seen a 2025 in person but have seen a few videos and spoken to a few new owners. The changes seem to be minor. For example, the battery bank was mover from outside to under a bench seat. The kitchen window shade improved, and the propane tank moved.
Question: How do you remove all the vinyl stickers on the outside of the Coachmen without harming the paint? Beautiful job with this vehicle!
Very easy. Generally, they will just peal off by hand. If not, I will use a hair dryer to warm them up, and they they come off super easy.
I should add that I removed them to make the RV look better. Nothing at all against Coachmen, I just didn't like some to the fonts and graphics. Also, it was just too much. Sometimes less is more.
Awesome video!!
Glad you enjoyed it. Still wondering just why this one got so many views.
Nice job. We have the same RV may steal some of your ideas.... What did you use for the door on the additional storage area underneath the dinette seat?
Great question. It was the piece of wood under the sink where another MOD happened. The hinges are from the silverware drawer.
What size gauge wire wire do you use from your Nokio solar panel controller to your plug on the RV? I have a Nokio and I'm using 10 gauge wire and it's not recognizing the solar panel. Although the solar panel is working fine into the controller, but not from the controller into the RV. Do you use 12 gauge from Nokio controller to rv plug? Thanks.
I do believe it is 12 Guage wire, but I will have to confirm that. I did recently overload my charger and have to replace it. Turns out 800 watts on the roof is max when the sun is high on a SE Texas summer. That experience will be my next video.
@@ricktanner9817 thank you, that would be great! I'm having difficulty hooking up my 300 W Dokio to rv... not showing a charge on inside rv panel. My dealer in Sacramento California told me that the 2025 can handle 1600 W of solar.
My wife and I are considering buying the same rig. One question for now is did yours come with a spare tire? If not what is your opinion on the need for one?
Ours did not come with spare or jack. Even if it did a flat on the dullies I could not change it. I have seen it done and it is a huge amount of work for a professional with the proper tools. I do carry a tire repair kit with air pump and I have successfully used that before without removing the tire. This will only work if you find an accessible nail/screw in the tread and have use of a jack. Other option is roadside assistance.
In a past videoI think you said you have an 800 amp hour battery. Do you have one 800 battery or two 400 amp batteries?
I will take this opportunity to correct some misinformation in my last video. First I neglected to say we do have a generator. I forget we have it because we never have to use it. On the solar, Coachmen installed 2 panels that were 200 watts each. We added 2 more for a total of 800 watts. To answer your question, Coachmen installed 2 lithium batteries at 400 amps each for a total of 800 amps. Hope this helps.
@@ricktanner9817 Thank you! Yes that does help a lot!
Product links to Amazon or wherever would be nice.
I will have to figure out how to do that 🤔
No ladder on the back to get to the roof?
There is an attachment for a specific ladder. We bought it with the RV. It is the collapsible type with hooks at the top.
Hello, Where did you get the caddies?
Amazon
@@ricktanner9817 Do you know by chance if the RV has wood or aluminum frame? Thanks
@@MrsAdAstra Aluminum
@@ricktanner9817 Thank you!
The curtain should be standard
Couldn't agree more.