No matter how nice things are it is human nature to want to improve. Listed here are some of what I consider to be "improvements" to our Phaeton.

1. Computer Desk - Since Joan and I are both computer users we had a problem with desk space, especially when we where parked somewhere for awhile. The solution was to build a set of small tables for the drivers area that could be set up quickly when we where parked. The monitor stand sits in the corner of the dash and holds my flat screen monitor, the table sits in the steering wheel and the mousepad hooks into the cupholder. These three pieces get stored behind the love seat when we are moving. The laptop holder was built to follow the contours of my dash and is attached with the RV'ers best friend "velcro". My laptop stays put while driving and allows me to run Street Atlas software for navigation and Silverleaf VMSpc software to monitor the engine and tranny. When we are parked I connect my flatscreen monitor and have a very nice desktop area to work on the computer. Total cost = $0.00 (donated wood)

2. Freshwater distribution - One of the first things about hooking up I discovered was that I hated the method of connecting to city water. First, it was hard to reach, had to be threaded on, had to be disconnected and moved over to flush the black tank and even though I'll get arguments I feel it is a good idea to have a pressure regulator. Well, I feel I have solved all my concerns with one collection of PVC fittings. My solution mounts on the left side of the services bay and provides a single, quick disconnect fitting to supply all my potable water needs. There is a household regulator that does not restrict the flow like those you buy at Camping World. There is a hard connection to the black flush, through a shutoff valve and a spring closed checkvalve. I also have a rinse house connection with it's own shutoff valve. The entire rig has performed very well for the past year. Total cost < $25.00

Joeybed - One of the drawbacks to a quad slide layout is that it'sa pain in the back and knees to get into the storage areas under the RV. I spent alot of time researching slide out trays and while in Quartzsite this spring we had the Joeybed installed. It was not cheap, however it is now very easy to access stuff we use often. This particular slideing tray pulls out approx. 70% from either side of the coach. It is 8 feet wide so I'm able to access about 5 feet of it from each side. It locks at several locations and is very well built. I would recommend this solution to anyone who wants a sliding storage tray. Total cost ~ $800.00 (installed)

Small storage slideout - I keep our cleaning stuff in the front, passenger side compartment and again, got tired of having to get down on my hands and knees to find anything. I built this small slideout tray using drawer slides and plywood I bought at Home Depot. Total cost < $30.00

Exterior temp and windspeed - I have a weather center inside the coach that displays inside temp and humidity, outside temp and humidity and windspeed. I had some trouble finding a location outside the coach to mount the transmitter. It had to be protected from the weather yet able to accuratly read the outside temp. It also had to be in reach of the wire that runs from the wind speed sensor and plugs in to the front of the transmitter. My solution was to mount it inside the rear part of the passenger side livingroom slideout. The slideout protects it when we are driving and I get good reading when the slideout is extended.

Cat Porch - Since we travel full time with our two cats Thelma and Louise We are always looking for ways to provide entertainment so they will not get bored. SInce they do not go out we where limited to what they could see outside. We do put out bird feeders and while parked for awhile they are entertained watching the birds that visit. While at an Escapee Escapade we met one of the vendors who had provided a way for his cat to enjoy the outdoors while not roaming free (he was actually selling something else, all we saw was the cat porch). We shamelessly copied his idea and built this solution. It allows the cats to be out with us when we are on the patio, they can watch what is going on with the neighbors and they enjoy the fresh air. It is mounted over the kitchen window and attached to the side of the RV with nylon wire shelf clips used in closets. Total cost ~ $20.00

Magazine Rack - We really needed a place to put our magazines. This open view shows how I was able to get three racks into 5" x 14" of floor space. The top one is now relegated to holding some of Joan's travel guides.