Top Tips for Monocoque Autosleepers Forums

spykal · Moderator

Hi All
I thought I would kick this thread off by posting my own improvements/mods/tips for my 1998 Autosleeper Executive. I am hoping that others who have the same type of Autosleeper Van will be encouraged to post their own Improvements/modifications/tips in this thread. Include tips for any of the Monocoque (one piece Fibreglass body) Autosleeper designs.
I don't want to be [i:44bd603826]Autosleeperist[/i:44bd603826] but I would like to see just Autosleeper mods in this thread. If anyone who has a different van feels slighted, just start your "own make" thread. I am sure that a thread like this could be run for all the popular makes/models of motorhome.

Here is my list, If any extra information is required feel free to post a question.

1. Extra worktop made that fits into the door gap and stores under the sink flap for travel.

2. Velcro tabs fitted to hold cupboard doors closed when on site (they hang open without this_added after Jeffus post see below Wink

). This saves using the push button catches to hold the overhead doors closed. The catch becomes a door knob to open and close the cupboards. Just lock them up for travel.

3. Travel covers fitted over the fixed ventilators in the 400mm roof lights. These are 8.5" (215mm) square, made from perspex, held in place by velcro and fitted with self adhesive draught foam around the edge. Fitted, from the inside, when traveling during the winter months they help keep the cold draughts off your back and shoulders.

4. A new longer tie strap/door stop has been fitted on the bathroom door, extended to a maximum length, to allow access to the loo when partner is stood at the sink or worktop.

5.An external aerial socket has been fitted to the luton to feed the TV from an outside, pole mounted aerial (to replace useless Status omni disk). The TV sits in the overhead locker, much better than on the worksurface above the fridge. (I know..new models have a dedicated storage locker)

6. Extra 240 volt 15amp socket fitted in Luton/overhead locker, spurred from the connection block that is found near the water heater under the bed. The feed cable is taken up behind the lining.

7. Kick down bar fitted to the side of the non electric step. This allows you to put the step down and up using you foot. Easy to use and good for when you are carrying something or just to keep your hands clean.

8. Not a mod but a tip, keep the paper towel roll in the left hand over stove cupboard. It sits on the left between the catch and the left hand side and the paper slides out under the door. It works really well as a dispenser, unlock the cupboard door with right hand, pull out a sheet with the left hand leaving part of the next one showing , push the door back to grip paper and tear.

9. Fit water pipe insulation to the rail in the wardrobe, it grips the hanger and stops the clothes sliding up and down the rail.

Mike

Jeffus

[quote:d78e05f1ad="spykal"] 2. Velcro tabs fitted to hold cupboard doors closed when on site. This saves using the push button catches to hold the overhead doors closed. The catch becomes a door knob to open and close the cupboards. Just lock them up for travel.[/quote:d78e05f1ad]

Yo, Mike my man, you don't have to push the centre button to lock the cupboard/door everytime you use it, just leave it out [the button] and use it as a normal knob as you would at home. When you come to move obviously you need to lock the cupboard properly. That's how they work in Jessica Bessacarr anyway. Jeffus. Cool

spykal · Moderator

Hi Jeffus
Would be nice if that was the case but anyone with an Autosleeper Exec will know why I have the velcro. The cupboard doors are fitted at an angle, the top/hinge end being further out than the bottom and as such hang open if you don't lock them shut.

Thanks for the input, I am still hoping that folks with specific autosleeper tips will post their own ideas here.

Mike

Jeffus

Gottcha Mike, now I understand, pity they didn't put a magnetic catch on or a power stay on the doors. Must have been a real pain (not to mention the wear and tear on the button) to have to keep locking it when using. Your velcro idea sounds a winner. Cheers, Jeffus. Cool

dodger148

Good post that Mike,

I have a photo somewhere of another good mod will try and look up and post (ref plates cupboard)

1. This extension will also fit between the front seats if they are forward slightly for a table top for drinks, without the need to erect the main table
2. Try velco on the blinds and flyscreens as well !!!!
3. Know about the roof, just after we bought van, someone we knew gave me some ready mades, covered nicely, and told me I would need them, didnt take long to sus what they were for.
4. Agreed, the plastic covered wire things are US and expensive for what they are
5. Wouldnt dare do anything more on aerials, ours is well "coaxed" being wired for 2mtr and 70cm tranceiver aerials !
8. French Loo rolls actually fit the holder very well, so if you ever see an Exec loaded up with these coming off a ferry you know its us
9. I use Plastic Central heating pipe clips - they will act as spacers and keep stuff off the immersion heater switch

Have you over come the built in milk float effect of the blinds ??

After Mikes post you may well all ask how A-S justify the 38+ grand (for 2.8 version)
of this vehicle

spykal · Moderator

Hi Dodger
Thanks for the comments

ref Tip 8. The Paper rolls I was refering to were the "kitchen "type not the "bum" type Wink

Never had the chance to buy French loo rolls so up to now we use a bit off the rolls in the loos at home then transfer the reduced size rolls to the MH.

Mike

Jeffus

[quote:33addb5135="dodger148"]. . . . After Mikes post you may well all ask how A-S justify the 38+ grand (for 2.8 version) of this vehicle[/quote:33addb5135]

This thought was just beginning to wander through my grey cells dodger. Sad

Jeffus.

dodger148

Right I have found the picture (never read instructions to insert on here) I have put it in Members Albums on Page 2

I cannot lay any claim to this conversion, It had been done by the gentleman on an Excelsior, and previously on a Clubman - there fore with resizing could go in an Executive / Talisman etc
He was a good joiner and had spent some time over the design. You dont appreciate the extra space from this picture.

This would be a space saver for any van with this layout, eg our our Calypso had a similar cupboard