Easy RV Storage Upgrade: Automatic Storage Lights
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- Опубликовано: 15 янв 2023
- While my 2001 Beaver Patriot Thunder was built as a luxury High-Line RV in 2000, with incredible features, basement storage lights were not on the list. I decided my next project was to upgrade the pathetic camper lights to automatic high visiblity LED lights that I am surprised more modern RV manufacturers still do no add. Here is a video describing my thought process, why I made the choices I made, and how I did it. Please check my math!
Thanks for watching!
magnetic door switches: amzn.to/3HHAOdR
led light: www.amazon.com/dp/B09QYBZRJQ/...
Note: the lights I installed are now unavailable so these were pretty close 
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"Like an animal, I have to reach down underneath to turn it on" 🤣 Such great videos!
Thanks for watching!
Perhaps peasant would have been a better analogy? Such a uniquely hysterical comment! 😂
I don't know if this has ever happened to you but I've gone back in the bay days later only to find out I left the light on. Duh
@@AZExpert I'm not sure if you will receive my earlier message as there are so many for you to read. Wow! Therefore, when I stumbled upon replying to you directly, I thought I would take a chance that you will indeed see & perhaps read my message.
I have a 2002 Beaver Patriot which I purchased in 2012. She was garage kept and looked as if she just came off the showroom floor. With only 59,000 miles, she really does look like a classic & I agree is the " Best RV ever made."
However, after 10 years of inexperienced technicians, she has rendered herself as a very expensive privacy fence. I would like to revive this classic antique as she is still in very good condition. I know what you said, there are no classic RVs but if there was one, it would have to be the Beaver. So, I was hoping you would be so kind as to refer me to a knowledgeable & reputable technician, if you know of one, in my area of central Fl. While I am no RV technician myself, it is my belief that the last tech I took her to, to replace the batteries, did so but hooked them up backwards, according to the diagram in the Beaver Packet. The frig went out, the large slide motor went out, the inverter is out & now she will not start. I'm afraid to just take her anywhere as I fear I will just end up with more of the same. During an emergency stop at Camping World in Ocala, a hydraulic hose was replaced for one of the sliders. When I went to pick up the RV from them, they had neglected to put all the pieces back together again. Prior to that, also in Ocala, where the tech said he had worked for Monaco Beaver, somehow managed to render the surround sound system useless. This is where I had the TV's upgraded to flat screens & put in a dish or King dome for dish network. Which has never worked properly from day one. I don't know if this is the experience most RV er's receive, but I simply can't afford this kind of nonsense anymore. Is it really so hard to find good help these days?
My Beaver's floor plan is just like your Beaver Thunder with all the same fixtures with the exception of the bathroom faucets. Also the fabric is slightly different on the walls & chairs. When I saw this RV, I simply fell in love. Compared to the $300,000 & up RV's of 10 years ago, this was a no brainer. However, it has been sitting in my back yard for over 5 years now. 2 years even before the pandemic hit. After sitting so long, I'm not sure she is worth sinking a bunch of money into. Cosmetically, she is still in very good condition. Mechanically though, is so uncertain. I would highly appreciate your professional opinion on the matter if would please. She has a 400 Cummins Diesel & nearly a full tank of fuel. I know I'm looking at roughly $5000.00 on tires, $2000.00 for an inverter, $1500.00 for the slider motor + labor. About $3000-4000 for batteries & solar panels as I want to upgrade her for off grid. I would like for the King Dome & surround sound to work but not necessary. I watch Roku most of the time anyway. But what about this motor? Are the seals all dried up? Will it need to be completely overhauled. Will the fuel need to be drained? So many questions regarding this engine not to mention the transmission & how much it should all cost. But with so many bad experiences in the past, I know not who I can trust & who is knowledgeable & whom is reputable. Please, if you know of anyone you would trust in my area, please, please, please let me know. By the way, I also had to replace the skylight above the shower stall. But get this, the wood was damaged & the mobile repair tech took out the damaged wood, but never came back to replace it. Just took the money & ran. Does this kind of stuff happen everywhere? Or just here in Fl.
Thank you for any help you can render in this matter & thank you for taking the time to read this. I know how knowledgeable you are & I would trust you explicitly with my RV. Only problem is, it would cost more money than I have to tow my Beaver Patriot all the way to your shop in Arizona. Thank you for sharing your ideas & videos on RUclips & for making them informative & fun to watch.
Sincerely,
Kelly Frey
@@kellyfrey994 That's a lot of information. I can't say how the seals in the engine have held up or the interior surfaces from Florida's humidity. I would probably dump the oil and replace with new, same with the fuel and start it up and see how it does before I put any money into the rest.
I don't know if you understand how useful and helpful these upgrade vids really are. Your explanation of how you decide to do what you end up doing really walks through your thought process and lets us see what makes the most sense, either for you or our own project. I also now know what to do if my Newmar switches break or stop working. I honestly would not have thought about the magnet switches, but they are a great idea!! Thanks yet again for another fantastically useful vid, James!!
I'm midway through a roof replacement on my RV and I watch these at night! You've inspired many to take on RV projects and your videos have helped immensely!
Wow! Those magnetic switches are much better than the mechanical. You're not the "expert" James, you're the Genius. 👍🏻
James - really like your videos. Here’s why the amperage you calculated was high. At 6:26, you show the LED light spec. label. The wattage shown is 9.6 W/m (meter). Under quantity it says the light is 0.3 m (long). If you multiply the two together you get the wattage for that light and can find the correct current draw. Hope that helps.
As an alarm guy, I like your thinking, you can always get switches that have a much wider gap, thereby you have more play in what you’re trying to open and close as a switch.
Like sliced bread, such a nice convenience
Boy!!!....you sure put a lot of effort into making your videos. I have a 2003 Bounder and I will change those lights. Great job.
Thanks 👍
Sweet addition to the perfect motorhome! You are like a kid in a toy store. Love the passion you have!
Nice setup, even a Beaver switch for the TV light. Hope you have a great New Year.
I did a total rebuild of a 1967 silver streak travel trailer and put LED lights that in all of the cabinets and closets that come on when opened. Its great. good job.
Very well thought out and installed. Great light for your basement compartments.
Very interesting to watch what you do. I have an old 2003 pace arrow I've been working on you have given me good ideas. I live in AZ not far from shop maybe 8 miles. You're a fantastic technician
Thank you!
My storage compartments have motion and love them. As soon as the door opens the lights turn on and i like that the lights don't stay on all the time if i leave the doors left open.
Your coach hits the sweet spot between affordability for the average earners, the most power to weight ratio, and full fiberglass moulded roof, semi monocoque welded frame, air suspension, quality cabinets and finishes, and no Def. Perfect.
Hi James, I really appreciated this video and the thorough explanations of what you wanted to accomplish and how you wanted to do it!!! The nerdy joy you had/have regarding to the period correct Beaver switch reminded myself of me. I was kinda glad you didn't sweat the fact that the light was a bit crooked. This will be helpful for me going forward as I probably would have nerded out about that. Hey, and also please keep us updated on the Mango. Because of your original video I have become a distributor. Take care!!!
Hello but where are. The lights
Hi James🙋♀️🇨🇦😍❤️‼️Wow! 58k subs😍‼️ to think I was a sub before you hit 1k🏆👍🏼hubby and me still luv the "riding the dog" your daughter made, so glad you keep that, its your trademark❤️
Great & Easy Upgrade James!
Found the link. I plan to do the same upgrade to our 2011 Winnebago Journey. I’ve watched several of your other videos about the Winnebago roofs. All great videos. Thanks for your videos. Keep it up.
I love that you’re making this video! Thank you!
You’re so excited after it’s all done. Loved it.
What a great, easy to understand, and useful DIY video. Keep 'em coming! Love that you share why you do what you do from an RV repair perspective!
Quality work as always! Thanks for the videos!
Definitely the best coach ever made!
Wow, thanks!
Glad to seeing you making time to work on the rv.
My OCD went off the charts when you mounted the first light not parallel with the frame of the door. 😶 Another great video with fantastic ideas for upgraded lighting!
it's not bad, mostly a fisheye lens issue
WoW! what a great upgrade 👍
Thanks, I love this idea, your simple approach, and I love how much you love your RV.
Great job !!! You are making the Beaver the best Motorhome ever !!
Great upgrade!! Thanks for sharing!
Excellent job..as always 👏 👌 👍
Another great job and Upgrade James, Nice Job.
I need to this to my 2002 Marquis. You make me feel like I own the best motorhome out there. The more I have it the more I think you are right.
Thanks James. Always enjoy your videos. And I’ve notice something that you do that no one else does. Your always smiling. 😊.
Very clean install. Looking forward to more Beaver vids this year!
Very cool hook up easy and simple!
You really do a nice job and your videos are so helpful. Really Nice 🙂!
This style DIY video really helps out, grateful you also showed the wiring and connection process because I’m still a beginner. Please more videos like these if you can
Absolutely, WELL DONE! I've saved this as I want them, too, in my RV basement bays! ☺
great upgrade as usual you did a great job ,the Beaver switch plate was a plus👍
Very nice. I’ll have to update mine soon. You’re motivating me to do some upgrades with my entertainment center. Thanks cheers
You are my type of guy! This video is awesome! I was literally just looking for a way to relight the basement on our 2003 Rexhall! Love the video
Great video as always sir! Word of your good work and solid advice is spreading; I really expect to see your sub numbers climb and climb! To-the-point videos, great humor, and most importantly a positive attitude! Because after all, the RV life is all about embracing challenge after challenge, and you make it look "easy...too easy!"
Now look at you. Getting all fancy and stuff. Great explanation of the job.
As always, another great informative video. Great use of that dead space where you installed the bug magnet and rv park neighbor annoying device (the soundbar).
This is an AWESOME Upgrade! Thank you for sharing your ideas. I've ordered the parts for my upgrade from your links. Thanks again. -Todd
Very nice! Way better than the mechanical switches.
James, my wife and I have been watching your videos for a couple years now. Really enjoy the education. This one was no different, think I might upgrade my Dolphin. Keep up the good work.
Awesome video James, it was like watch paint dry getting to the solution. love it. You have made me a believer in beaver coaches.
Bravo James, The magnetic switches are the better choice, well done.
Good upgrade for your perfect coach. Now on to mine.
Hi James took your advice, went to Cassone to have my slide adjusted in my class 3 motorhome. They did a great job!! thank you.
Definitely like the lighting upgrade . My 1999 Gulf Stream has pin switches with old 1157 light bulbs so I may have to use your system for basement lights 👍
Bite size, easy to digest small upgrade. Nice as always.
Perfect. I like it. I was going to update my 2001 Travel Supreme basement lights as well. Quite a few things need to be updated on my 2001 and that's one of them. Now I don't have to figure it out since you did. Awesome!!!
Such a good video, thank you man
Great advice. I absolutely hate my lights in basement in my 22 year old class a. Thank You!
❤ I second the effort for simple!
That is a nice Beaver. Those lights being anemic is right, especially on the nicest RV ever made. Really like this video James. Your plan and execution was fantastic. It's the best, I love it! Great tips. That was fun right? Well done, dang, that looks good! Happy trails!
I will definitely be doing this upgrade.
A very boring subject made entertaining and informative. Great job, James !
Great job. Now I think that’s just what my 08 Tiffin Phaeton needs now. Hopefully can still get the lights you showed on notes
That is awesome. Going to do the same for 2000 Country Coach.
I like the upgrade and I’m going to use this light upgrade on my Georgetown 364ts. Thanks.
You know we have to give you some crap about mounting the light crooked James! Great job, and keep up the good work on modifications to make the worlds best RV just a little bit better! 🤠👍
Hi James, I just received my LED strips and mag switches today! Going to light the area in my RV’s pullout drawer area so I can ditch the flashlight when checking my fresh water tank level. I even ordered extra for my kitchen under cabinet lighting. Thanks for the detailed video.
Happy new year!
Great job. 👍 Link's for the part's please and thank you 😊
Great upgrade. Thanks for making a video. I will be doing mine now. Thanks for spending my money😂
Great job with the install, now I'm thinking of doing my 06 Beaver PT. See what you started!
Thanks for sharing James - we replaced our bathroom faucet with the same one you used - the Trust mi brand. We love the faucet and are considering the same brand for a shower head replacement. We have a similar SMC made coach- a 96 Sahara 3530. Not as fancy as yours but lots of similarities- including the poor basement lighting. Pretty sure these lamps are on the horizon for our coach too, among the many things on the to-do list. The lights you installed in the basement look awesome- great work.
Great Video !!
Love the video I had used the type of reed switch years ago when I did alarm systems. My 2010 Tiffin Allegro bus 43QGP has the same kind of old light and bulb as yours did at first. So changing will be easy just the reed switch pair ( reed switch with magnet ) it should go together about the same. Thanks so much for sharing I will be doing my very soon thank you ! ! ! !
I used cheap LED strip lights when I did this to our trailer a few years ago. Ran 3 strips across the bay, tons of light. I put in a manual switch, but I really like this magnet switch idea more. I'll change that over soon as the RV comes out of winter storage!
Very enlightened solution! I am happy with my Tiffin Allegro Bus set-up that features a switch marked 'cargo lights' on the entry door multi-plex panel, motion activated lights in each bay that are LED and that each light pod has it's own integrated switch that can be placed into the auto-on (motion sensor), off, and steady on positon.
Has anyone told you that you might be a genius
I've crawled into my compartments when they were full of stuff many times, luckily I wasn't too distracted when my wife came out and started closing the doors....
Great idea, thanks for the links to the lights and switches.
It’s on my list of to dos.
Glad you switched the ground, just a safer way to do it.
FYI the blueish lights are cheaper led chips, good quality lights are white.
Thanks for sharing, and your coach looks awesome with the upgrade
Good job very well done appreciate the video on how to
Great addition to your Beaver. Our coach doesn't have any basement lights, so would have to wire the whole thing. I could live with on/off switches, but the wiring would be a lot of work. Going to have to do some pondering.
Those first switches closed(turned on) when they came together, which would turn off when you open the door and on when you close the door. Or did they also have the comm, N.C., N.O., like the ones you ultimately got. I like this idea, definitely going on my project list for our 2003 Newmar Dutch Star DP. I'm probably going to go with the glue on strip lights because their easier to get(your link said unavailable) and cheaper. I bought a bag of 50 clips that use one screw and hold the strips up if the glue let's go. Super cool. Thanks James.
Hi James, what an awesome video. Very helpful. I too have the cheap lights in my ‘07 Navigator and will have to change them out. I had to laugh 🤣….we have such first world problems….I mean, the pain and agony of having to physically turn on a switch on our 1/2 million dollar coaches….where’s the humanity?! When you look at your 2001 coach, you’d never know it is 22 years old…..beautiful and amazing quality! Thanks and take care!
Pretty decent upgrade.
Another great ideal... I have to get down on my knees to turn mine on
OMG .... James James James, the "world's best RV ever made" just keeps gettin' sweeter! Sheesh, did that ever make for an epic upgrade! I mean, the difference in light is remarkable! Plus, the way you found those exact magnetic reed switches was keen too, man! They really worked a treat, didn't they. Plus, your rationale for why you chose the setup you chose ... top notch! Kudos, I was waitin' for the video on how you'd approach this upgrade and you certainly delivered! Sorry to gush, but this was a brilliant upgrade, indeed! Love it!
Oh, and the Beaver rocker switch, God love Chad! He's a great dude, ain't he!
Nice video and upgrade. My 2001 Marquis has the same crappie lights. I guess I will add that to the to do list.
First I have to replace my passenger side mirror that was knocked off by a dump truck the other day on I-10 in Palm Desert. Luckily the driver was being pulled over by highway patrol for an uncovered load when he swerved into my lane and I had the perfect witness.
My 2021 Forest River has tiny motion sensing light in each bay. Upgrading to your idea next week. Thanks.
Great upgrade, nice work! "Does Size Matters" just listed their prestine 2005 Patriot Thunder you'll have to check it out.
I've been trying so hard to get the drive to install basement lighting in my 2000 cc Allure still working the fire restoration thing even though min at 68 its a drag ...love your channel and content...
You can do it!
Very Awesome!!!!!
Awesome video just bought a fifth wheel toy hauler and your videos help with the technical parts im not sure of
Nice Job James!! While you were showing the plunger switches I was saying No, no, no..... then you brought out the magnetic reed switches. 👍 Wago connectors are NOT the way to go in any case. IMO they bad connections waiting to fail and are only good for service calls. Butt connectors with dielectric grease work best and in wet environments the adhesive lined shrink-wrap connectors work better. Anywhere you need to have have a pigtail, bullet connectors work the best or for waterproof connections Deutsch connectors can't be beat, albeit more $$ and time to make up. I also liked that you went with a more yellow light. It's easier on the eye and when illuminating things shows colors correctly. The reed switches duty cycles are higher and if you need to control a larger load, a relay can be controlled by the reed switch. Awesome job! Nice upgrade to your Beaver. 👍👍👍
I love to salvage beavers too
*wink* *wink*
but seriously, another great vid.
LOL
You do a great job explaining everything! Ordered supplies needed for our 2004 Beaver Monterey.
I think this would be a good upgrade for the interior lighting as well.
Appreciate the videos from one RUclipsr to another I know the time involved.
Thank you
great idea thank you
Need to play some PRIMUS big brown beaver when you present this rig😊
very cool!
Thank you James for sharing all of your videos, especially those of the best RV ever made. I too own a Beaver Patriot. Unfortunately, it has been my experience that not many RV techs have much knowledge or experience with them. I purchased mine in 2012. It was 10 years old at the time but had been kept in a climate controlled garage. With only 59,000 miles, this 2002 Beaver Patriot looked like it came straight from the show room.
I too felt like it was my duty to take exceptionally good care of it.
Unfortunately, 10 years & several inexperienced hands later my Beaver has turned into a very expensive privacy fence. This is heart breaking. Would you be so kind as to recommend a reputable technician, if you know of one, in and around central Fl. I thank you in advance for your consideration in this matter.
Great idea. I’m looking to do something similar in my 16’ Thor Challenger 37LX. My lights are each separate turn on, but, I’ll come up with something.
Also, you could have put your switches at the hinge assemblies. They would definitely be out of the way.
Keep the vids coming.
Thanks for this video… we have a Discovery and I’ve been looking a doing this same thing… I’ve already used the same mag switches to light up interior cabinets, used a 9v battery for power so I didn’t need to run wiring…
And now you can watch TV at work. :-)
James
Check out the 12 volt oval pancake LED lights from Dream Lighting. The have on/off switch or auto motion detect mode, they work great.
Nice job James your remotes put some Velcro on them and mount them on the wall or sound bar 😊