Motorhome Modifications – personalise your ‘van

The Swift Kon-tiki 679 comes with a very high specification as standard. However, within the first twelve months of ownership, numerous accessories have been fitted. In addition to a couple of factory fit options,  the remainder are our own work. In order of fitting date then, the motorhome modifications are as follows:

Swift Kontiki Black Edition

The Fiat engine is the upgraded 3.0l 180 bhp version.

Engine upgrade. The upgraded 180 bhp Fiat 3.0 litre engine was chosen over the standard spec 2.3 unit, based on the theory you can never have too much poke. The first of our motorhome modifications, long before the Fiat became a motorhome!

Swift Kontiki black edition Motorhome Modifications

The rear ladder looks good and serves various purposes.

Rear ladder – a very useful addition to the motorhome serving several purposes ranging from providing easy access to the roof for cleaning purposes, hanging a clothes airer and fastening a washing line to a nearby tree!

Motorhome wardrobe shelf Swift Kontiki Motorhome Modifications

Shleving space in the wardrobe is increased by this extra (top) shelf.

Additional shelf within wardrobe – no description necessary – almost doubles the storage area for shoes and so on.

Motorhome towel holder Motorhome Modifications

Twin towel holders – minimal cost, but a “must”

Additional towel ring in the loo – does what it says on the tin!

Alde load monitor

The Alde load monitor is shown at the 10 amps setting.

Alde load monitor – this clever device from Alde allows the user to set the maximum amperage it can draw. Dependant upon the campsite’s hook up bollard/supply, the user is able to regulate the power being used by the Alde boiler. The photograph shows the load monitor set at ten amps.

As an example, the Alde boiler is on the two kilowatt power setting (approximately eight amps) and the load monitor is set at 10 amps.  The operative (what!) then switches on a six amp kettle. Under normal circumstances, this would likely cause the site bollard to trip out. However, the Alde load monitor regulates the power consumed by the Alde boiler and ensures that no more than ten amps maximum is drawn. This would momentarily switch off the boiler. When when the kettle has switched off, the Alde load monitor allows power to return to the boiler. Note – the Alde load monitor cannot regulate independent 230 volt sockets. So for example, it cannot control the amperage when a kettle and toaster are switched on. It works in conjunction with the boiler, not 230 volt sockets “alone”.

Motorhome caravan extractor fan cover

Fitting the extractor outlet cover is one of the easy DIY motorhome modifications

Next up is the extractor fan’s outlet cover. A simple plastic cover fitted over the ventilation cover prevents drafts and wind from entering the motorhome.

Alde battery back up

Alde battery back up device saves having to reset the clock when the engine is switched on and off

Alde battery back up – another nifty extra from Alde. The device allows two AA type batteries to act as a back up for the Alde’s clock and timer. When the motorhome is disconnected from the hook up and then engine started, the clock settings are retained. This saves the little job of resetting the clock later! Easy to fit, we have the battery compartment located in a crockery cupboard. This allows easy access when changing the batteries.

Swift Kontiki Black Edition

The Kon-tiki kitchen now features the “magic” kitchen roll holder.

The magic kitchen roll holder – see here. This clever kitchen roll holder has a spring mechanism to hold rolls in place – the rolls do not unwind when on the move!

Motorhome and caravan waste bin

One of the cheapest motorhome modifications is this waste bin.

An extra litter bin – this is fitted to the inside of a locker door. Widely available online and from Amazon, pay around a tenner.

Motorhome coffee table

Swift boom arm table atop a Fiamma leg.

Free standing coffee table – essentially the table top from the Swift-fitted boom arm coffee table, sat atop a Fiamma tripod leg base. The leg base, leg and other fittings are available to purchase separately. We have been unable to find them in a complete pack – see here. Can you assist?

MMM - My Motorhome Modifications!

Wine glass holders – so inexpensive yet this holds even the heaviest wines glasses secure. Available from Amazon, link below

Crystop 100 cm self seeking satellite

The most expensive of our motorhome modifications is this satellite system.

Crystop 100 centimetre self-seeking satellite system. The largest self-seeking satellite system available, from Germany’s Crystop. This dish has a larger footprint than other self seekers.

Motorhome Modifications – and finally…!

Dometic fridge fan – read this page on our website for details.

Vento 12v fridge fans

Twin Brummer 12v fridge fans

Vento 12v fridge fans – The most recent of our Motorhome Modifications!  These fans assist with the cooling of the fridge when operating in high ambient temperatures. The fans disperse the warm air from the back of the fridge, blowing it through the external vent cover.

There are a still a couple more bits and pieces to add, more details when known!

 

 

 

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