| Author | Message | ||
| Peter River (Whitebus)
Registered Member Username: Whitebus Post Number: 104 Registered: 4-2009 Posted From: 208.54.14.105  Rating: N/A |
I heard from a RV salesman that you can never have enough storage space. I tend to agree. I have overhead compartment with built in lights and air conditioning vents on both side of the bus, complete with TV monitors built in. (not much use, since we've gone digital) Keep it or trash it? opinions please. Pro: they look quite nice, color coordinated, uniform, better than I can ever hope to build. air vents are built in, so I can direct it to location desired. Con: they take up a lot of space. because of the built in stuff, the storage compartment is 1/2 of the space they occupy. | ||
| marvin pack (Gomer)
Registered Member Username: Gomer Post Number: 530 Registered: 3-2007 Posted From: 71.53.155.14  Rating: N/A |
Peter; I read somewhere that if you have a satelite dish you can get the channels. I don't know what the cost is tho. Gomer I have a unit that I will probably trash also, so don't feel bad along with who know how many. | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 808 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 75.209.72.10 Rating: N/A |
Interesting subject...Linda and I purchased an "HDTV "...Magnavox...a couple of years ago for the front of our coach. LCD, speakers on the side, 17 inch...just right for us. Also had AV for the backup camera, could use from a PC, DVD, etc. We weren't out to buy a TV...just happened to walk by it. We knew the HD era was coming soon...did not know the date at that time. Short story, we bought it. Today, I went out to the coach to see if it worked due to the change yesterday....  . It didn't. Called Magnavox/Phillips..."...we are sorry Mr. Bishop, even tho it says HDTV on the front, it is not.......sorry, you need a converter box..." Magnavox and Phillips both were first class products in my past. My, how times have changed. Any wonder this country has it's "problems"? Deception, misleading and erroneous sales hype...to snag a customer....Indeed! And they want to keep their bonuses and wonder why business is bad....and and and... Thanx for letting me me "vent"!@#%$*! RCB | ||
| Tim Brandt (Timb)
Registered Member Username: Timb Post Number: 366 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 74.244.14.221  Rating: N/A |
RCB, It can be confusing. HDTV refers to the resolution of the picture and some have digital tuners like you thought and some don't. My HDTV at home is analog but since it's hooked up to satelite I'm OK. Hmmm now I am going to have to test the one in the coach because I don't know which it is. | ||
| John MC9 (John_mc9)
Registered Member Username: John_mc9 Post Number: 926 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 74.162.75.100  Rating: N/A |
The converter box changes the digital signal to analog so you can keep using the same old crappy TV and see the same old crappy TV shows. It's only about 40 bucks, fir crissakes..... I just spent more than that to top off the diesel in my van. You'll need a digital antenna to get a decent pix, but they're cheap as hell. If you're using satellite, this is a non-issue anyway. Like Tim said, some sets came with a digital tuner (extra $$$), and some came with analog (cheaper). The HDTV is good, and if your set has an analog tuner, just get the converter box and enjoy. Ya'know... They were charging so much more for a set with a digital tuner, that you're actually saving by having spent less up front, and now only having to spend a lousy 40 bucks! And if lightening hits it, maybe you'll just lose 40 clams. Hey RC.... "Caveat Emptor" (let the pockets be emptied) | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 839 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 76.216.70.120 Rating: N/A |
"You'll need a digital antenna to get a decent pix, but they're cheap as hell." Where ? Checked at radio shack and their claim was the old frequencies were not changed , just the transmission style and frequency width given to TV.So the old antenna is fine. WE use Sat at homes , but the local TV is the best weather picture for a small area . And at election time the local political adds are hysterical!! FF | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Registered Member Username: Jackconrad Post Number: 1127 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 74.4.53.29  Rating: N/A |
"You'll need a digital antenna to get a decent pix" Maybe we were just llucky, but we have had no problems receiving the new digital signals from our local stations on our 8 year old Winegard "batwing" antenna. This antenna is connected to a LCD digital TV. Jack | ||
| Bob Shafer (Michigander_bob)
Registered Member Username: Michigander_bob Post Number: 65 Registered: 2-2005 Posted From: 76.221.70.171  Rating: N/A |
can you post or link to a picture of the cabinet? that would be a big help. you could make a door for the opening and maybe some shelves, but if the cabinets angled on the front might make it a bit more challenging. as far as dtv the any antenna will work and the gooberment didn't require manufacturers to dump the analogue tuners till last year....sooo any tv you've bought in the last year will be digital. | ||
| Perry &Jeanne Blanch (Perryaw3)
Registered Member Username: Perryaw3 Post Number: 12 Registered: 5-2004 Posted From: 67.204.41.225  Rating: N/A |
Hi Peter, I believe your question related to keeping the original storage compartments that run the length of the bus. We kept ours throughout the forward section on both sides and are very happy with them. They do not interfere with the couch or facing seats insofar as headroom is concerned (although the padded edges have been appreciated on a few occasions  . We use the lights and play radio (XM) through the speakers. We didn't have monitors to deal with so you'd need to devise a filler piece for them, probably can just steal a panel from the extras at the rear. I'd certainly miss the storage without them. | ||
| John MC9 (John_mc9)
Registered Member Username: John_mc9 Post Number: 929 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 74.162.82.108 Rating: N/A |
HAH! The uhf/vhf antenna on our roof worked, but the smaller portable "digital" antenna inside managed to get more stations! I guess whatever works for youse guys, works. Bottom line: Don't spend it iffn' ya'don't hafta'. | ||
| Chuck Newman (Chuck_newman)
Registered Member Username: Chuck_newman Post Number: 366 Registered: 1-2005 Posted From: 99.0.41.3  Rating: N/A |
Check my post on the appropriate thread. "Digital" antennas, amplifiers, and coaxial cable are a total scam. Save your money. | ||
| Nellie Wilson (Vivianellie)
Registered Member Username: Vivianellie Post Number: 245 Registered: 11-2008 Posted From: 4.249.210.177  Rating: N/A |
Hey Peter - Seems like the TV angle sort of took over this thread. Maybe I'm wrong, but wasn't your primary question: 'Shall I keep the existing overhead storage?' Even if it wasn't, that's the one I'll answer (maybe since I could care diddly about TV). YES! KEEP THE BINS! Or at least the portions that suit your interior design (they might crowd the galley, bathroom, etc.). I couldn't help but notice your comment, "better than I can ever hope to build." That's been my thinking too. I mean, I cannot even HOPE to improve on the original bus... so if something can work for me, why try to re-invent the wheel? Truly, if I could do it over, I would never have bought a bus already hacked up by some "PO." And what I MOST regret is the storage bins being sripped out - I would love to have retained that aircraft type module: beautiful lighting and ventilation and audio. And, yes, even the TVs. FWIW Nellie Wilson | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 844 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 76.216.70.120 Rating: N/A |
"so if something can work for me, why try to re-invent the wheel?" We simply kept the stock GM overhead racks as our storage needs are short term , not forever. They were EZ to modify in the galley area. One switch on the dash turns all of the std lights on which does a nice job at night for general illumination,end to end , as built. The reading lamps were replaced with pointable "aircraft " style (in the RV catalog) so a bright light can illuminate any specific area. As long as it fulfills your requirements , reinventing the wheel is seldom useful. FF | ||
| Nellie Wilson (Vivianellie)
Registered Member Username: Vivianellie Post Number: 248 Registered: 11-2008 Posted From: 4.248.62.157 Rating: N/A |
Amen Fred - I sure agree with your approach... given the chance, I would have done much the same! I hope Peter tunes back in before tearing stuff out... he could travel with the overheads awhile and see if they suit, right? No urgency to rip them out... and once gone there ain't no comin' back (sounds kinda country, don'cha think?) Nellie wilson | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 846 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 76.216.70.120 Rating: N/A |
"and once gone there ain't no comin' back (sounds kinda country, don'cha think?)" You would be amazed! When I tuned up the galley overhead racks I didn't figure the boxy shape of the microwave / Baking oven , and the modified rack would not hold it. Luke at US coach let me remove an overhead rack (far easier to do the second time !!)from one of the 06's being scrapped. Claimed in 20 years I was the only guy looking to find , not scrap , one. FF | ||
| Peter River (Whitebus)
Registered Member Username: Whitebus Post Number: 107 Registered: 4-2009 Posted From: 208.54.14.14 Rating: N/A |
mine looks like this. http://brightstoneriver.com/bus/overhead.jpg i've hit my head on the TV monitor so many times, I think I've got a permanent dent on my head. strange thing is that doors don't have a locking mechanism, so everytime I turn fast everything comes falling down. these days, I cram it with clothing bags, and that seem to work a little better. | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 847 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 76.216.70.120 Rating: N/A |
What you need are push or touch locks. When you close the OH cabinet , it locks shut. By a push against the closed cabinet door a 1/4 inch or less of inward movement unlocks the door face. At your RV dealer , maybe $3.00 a set since the end of 1950's. Look in the oldest camper or trailer you can find to see how well they work. FF | ||
| Peter River (Whitebus)
Registered Member Username: Whitebus Post Number: 111 Registered: 4-2009 Posted From: 208.54.14.100 Rating: N/A |
really? in airplanes, the locking mechanism is near where the handle is. I didn't see any place near the handle that can accomodate a mechanism. I searched for push locks and touch locks and came up empty. if you know of a website that has a pix or PDF describing how these locks works I would appreciate it. | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 853 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 76.216.70.120 Rating: N/A |
No handle is required for push or touch locks, will look thru what few catalogues I have here to find them for you. FF | ||
| S Davidson (Sdh3)
Registered Member Username: Sdh3 Post Number: 14 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 32.178.61.158 Rating: N/A |
We took ours out because we wanted more view and I am so glad we did. It makes the bus feel bigger inside, and we have been able to see some great views while standing up. We have found that you dont need as much stuff as you may think, and those bins may end up just holding junk anyway. Be creative and include space in other areas of the bus. You really need to think about your needs and wants though. |