Reflexit™ End Covers Perhaps the greatest single improvement in the trailer is fitting the bed tents with covers made of Reflexit™. I don't remember for sure where I got the idea from, there are several sites on the web which talk about the coverings. I had rigged a nylon tarp to cover a bed end before, and found that it did make an difference. In the south Florida summer time, the AC needs all the help that it can get. When the bunk ends are covered with the Reflexit™ material, we rarely have to run the AC at anything over a medium adjustment. Initially, the covers were about 6 inches larger than the tenting top and were fastened with bungee cords down to the beds. Although this worked, there were several problems. Even a moderate wind can gather under the cover unless you have it down pretty tight. Having it tight was placing undue pressure on the bed end canvas giving it a saddle back appearance. I have now cut them to size and use metal clips from office supply store. That looks and works so much better. I use a clip about every 12 to 15 inches. The Reflexit material is tougher than it looks. A few tips about construction. If you have to piece the Reflexit together, use the silver duct tape, not the regular gray duct tape. The sun quickly melts the glue on the regular tape. Before taping together, make a hinge out of heavy string every 12 inches or so (I used lacing twine). Then tape over it. This takes some of the strain off the glue on the tape. Old New

 

Front Storage Box Since my Coleman Fairview did not come with a front trunk, I added a toolbox purchased from PEP Boys. The box is 31"W x 14 1/2" d x 13 1/2" h and has a cheap lock to keep it closed (do not depend on this for security) After moving the propane bottle over as far as I could, I built a pretty sturdy frame using aluminum and 5/8" plywood, probably much more than it really needs. I fastened the box to the plywood frame using threaded rods mounted through the molded handles and through the plywood. The box sits away from the trailer about 1" to allow the top to open. It can be opened with the camper up if you don't mind stooping over. The box can easily be removed and stored at home. I really tried to turn hard enough to contact the tow vehicle, both in the forward and reverse direction, but it safely clears. I use it to store mainly hoses, misc tent stakes, 1 lb propane bottles, axe, shovel etc.

 

Shelves I added shelves made with a combination of wood and pre-made wire shelves from KMart. I lined the top of the shelves with rubber paper to keep things from sliding around. Also have fasteners for a bungee cord but don't think it is really necessary. We haven't even had a can tip over yet.

 

Microwave Yes, we carry a small microwave (700 watts) and really enjoy having it along! Great for quick starting baked potatoes, soup, popcorn etc.

 

TV/VCR We also carry a 9 inch TV/VCR combination unit. We bought the 9 inch version because it will work on 12VDC. I also carry a small set of battery powered computer speakers which I plug into the TV's earphone jack via a extension and place by our heads if we want to watch TV at night laying on our bunks. We can hear well, even over the AC, but it can't be heard at all by our neighbors.

 

Artificial Carpet Carry a piece of the cheapest artificial carpet to place outside my camper. Covers the area under the awning. Really helps to keep dirt, especially sand, outside of the camper. A quick rinse with the hose is all that's necessary to keep it clean. My wife is Japanese and following the Japanese custom, wearing shoes inside the camper is strictly forbidden. She is not too happy about wearing shoes on the carpet , but she tolerates it! If you visit us, be careful and don't stumble over all the shoes outside!

 

Egg Crate Foam One of the first things my wife did was add the egg crate foam mattress to our stock Coleman foam mattress covered by a mattress cover. Really helps to get a good night's sleep. We leave ours on the bunks all the time and have no trouble closing the trailer. We placed ours on top of the stock mattress.

 

Pop Up Gutter: I originally used the pop up gutter as described by Donnie on his website, and it mostly worked good. I had a problem with it though. We do a lot of camping close to the beach and the wind is always blowing. It always seemed to blow the run off drip right back on to the tenting material. This was defeating the whole purpose of the pop up gutter. I used his basic idea except I made mine to fit around the corner, and attached a small connection for a clear vinyl tube to drain the water to the ground. I can place this on any corner and put an extension on either arm. Here's a  picture, it works!

 

Visible Turn signals: I was experiencing an intermittent problem with my right turn signal (turned out to be on the truck) but I hooked these small marker lights to the turn signal circuits and put them on the front of the camper. They are easily visible in my side view mirrors so I can continuously monitor the connection and make hooking up and checking the lights a breeze. I used red sidemarker lights, about $3.00 each at the local autoparts store

 

Back Up Lights and 12VDC Jacks: I installed these back up lights to help mainly getting into campgrounds late when we're traveling. I usually get to the primary destination early enough not to need any extra light. They are wired to the trailer battery, so I can operate them via the switch on the front, even if I'm not hooked up. The 12VDC jacks front and back provide a convenient location to plug in an air pump to check the tires out. Right now everything is wired through the same switch. I'll probably break off the 12V outlets to a separate circuit later. We'll see how it goes.

Rear Bicycle Rack: I know, I know. Bicycle racks are not recommended for the rear of the trailer, but I just couldn't resist giving it a try. When I take my little Jon boat on a camping trip, the motor and safety equipment take up a lot of room in the truck beds, and the bicycles never really fit too good anyway. The bicycles on the back reduced the tongue weight by about 40 lbs. The thin tissue paper bumper on my Coleman definitely needed reinforcement. I fitted a 2X6 inside the bumper and added braces to the main trailer frame. I can extend the rear bunk without taking off the rack, but I do have to remove the bicycles. I'll report later after long term use.

Flag Pole: Rather than constructing some elaborate contraption, I use one of those fiber glass poles made to display a pennant on a bicycle. It just fits perfect in the catch which holds down the roof and extends just high enough to fly a small flag.