Aftermarket Modifications to Westy

Zach Woods

New member
The following is archival. This is a list of some of the many aftermarket modifications that folks have made to their Westfalias.

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Just starting a little post of various modifications folks have made
to Westfalia according to this forum, etc., including ideas for
possible mods (if you have other mods or did a mod or have more info
on how to do a mod, please add).

Exterior:

1. Addition of Parabolic/Convex Mirrors on top of standard mirrors
(factory mirrors)--A MUST DO, in my opinion.
2. Replacement of standard passenger Mirror with Convex Mirror
(factory mirror)
3. Removal of Airstream labels/logos
(floss/sun/hair dryer/Goo Gone)
4. Changeover to Mercedes logos (grill, star, labels, etc.)
5. Rearview camera addition
6. Wheel/Tires Mods
a. Switch from standard to factory optional alloy wheels
b. Switch to bigger/wider alloy wheels
c. Switch to different tires
7. Suspension Mods
a. Koni Shocks
b. Heavier Rear Anti-Sway Bar (UpscaleAuto.com)
c. SteerSafe (front steering dampener)
d. Rear Airbags (Sports-Rite?)
e. Supplemental Rear Leaf Springs
8. Bullbar in front (anyone???)
9. Covers
a. Windshield/Front Side Windows Cover???
b. A/C cover???
c. Cover for skylight/bathroom skylight???
d. Protective film for front of Sprinter (UpscaleAuto.com???)
10. Sportsmobile conversion had awnings on both sides; presumably
could use the holes on driver's side to add another Fiamma
awning
11. Westfalia Optional Kayak/Surfboard Carrier Rack
(Issue re kayak carrier not working bec. sticks out too far so
not legal???; mounts in holes on driver's side)

Interior:

1. Tint windows (except acrylic ones)
(Some states prohibit tinting front door windows and windshield,
maybe even other windows too)
2. Removals
a. Kitchen wastebasket for more storage space
b. Generator--but apparently spare tire still won't fit there
c. TV and TV antenna
3. Electrical Mods
a. Addition of 120 volt outlet (in gray) next to table
(Used to be a nice photo of this somewhere; a very useful
convenient mod than existing receptacles number and location)
b. Addition of 12 volt to 120 volt inverter in space next to
circuit breakers
c. GPS/Rear Camera/Radio/Speaker Replacement
d. Solar (anyone done solar yet????)
Maybe foldable solar panels (but much more expensive)
e. Replace bathroom vent with a Fantastic Fan vent (possible???)
4. Behind Cab Curtains
a. Velcro strip full-width below table door; gray fabric
material which clings on velcro strip
b. Westfalia possible option--cab curtain using snaps, including
existing snaps above seatbelt area
5. Toilet Seat--Retention in Up-position
a. Bungee cord and u-channel mounts
b. Magnetic latch (???)
c. Velcro (???)
6. Bathroom Door in Open Position
a. Latch (???)
7. Small Changes/To Do's/Ideas
a. Flip metal plate in middle of bathroom door opening so
don't scratch yourself
b. Fridge plastic storage cartons not that useful
c. Velcro strap seat belt receptacle buckles in upright position
d. Small Walmart clock in central console area (so dashboard
clock/temp can be left on temp)
e. Small clock/temp (with exterior temp sensor) mounted on wall
someplace (so don't need to push dashboard button for temp
when engine is off and don't need to push computer console for
interior temp): Tip--somebody posted that they use external
sensor and put inside fridge to monitor fridge temp--some
clocks/temps come with option for more than one exterior
sensor
f. Interior rear view mirror (so you know what's happening in
back seat; what you forget to close that's banging)
g. Wall-mount brackets for awning legs installed (so awning legs
hook-into these brackets on van body rather than stand on
ground)--(anyone done???)
h. Replace existing mushroom vent above kitchen cabinet with a
solarvent (don't know if available solarvents would fit)
8. Storage Ideas
a. Front Seat back storage pocket units (hangs on seats)
b. Acrylic/Plastic wall-mount glued 3-pak-file wall-pockets
(on bathroom door)(???)
c. Plastic Drawer Bins for behind back seat (if not using as
bed--don't have to pull seat out all the way to access stuff)
d. Thin storage map pockets glued to/screwed to bottom half of
back doors (maybe from JC Whitney?)
e. Suction cup hooks for bathroom (fall-off if too cold)
f. Duct tape bottom of front door storage pockets to prevent
things from falling out (OR, put everything in a Ziplock
Freezer bag to keep things from falling out through crack)
g. Eraseable calendar/bulletin board on bathroom/closet door
h. Some type of storage to mount on bed panel above table storage
area?
i. Some type of storage in sliding door? (any insulation there?)
j. Glued-on clips for awning wand--locate on inside of closet
door???
k. Glued-on clips for other stuff (locate on inside of closet
door)
l. First Aid Kit which fits in front door storage areas (somebody
found one that fit at Costco)
j. Levelers stored in small storage bin next to sliding door step
k. Reflective Triangles stored in small storage bin next to
sliding door step
l. Use back half of top step foot area to bed for storage
(bunch up plastic bags there; stick a tall plastic container
for wipes there--maybe velcro)
m. Large storage/laundry bin for rear storage
n. Any long plastic bin for storage behind little door next to
rear seat ???
o. Wasted space below fridge but warning not to use that space
(presumably for ventilation?)--also space underneath floor
below the fridge is also empty and inaccessible
p. Rear seat has heavy metal frame with little circular cut-outs
on side--anything which would neatly drop-in for storage???
9. Privacy/Screens/Covers
a. Reflective Thermo-something Windshield and Front Windows
interior covers (UpscaleAuto.com, Eurocampers.com)
b. Sliding Door Screen (same places; also upside down sock type
screens for front door--bugbarrier.com and/or skreenz.com
something like that
c. Interior curtain which slides onto sun visors and hangs for
privacy--velcros for side windows (don't remember where I saw
this--had one specifically for Sprinter)
10. Wished For Changes
a. Move Electrical All-Off and Water Pump Switch to more
convenient location
b. Locks--to lock up storage cabinets, underseat storage, ability
to move back seat, etc.--just to keep folks honest so don't
have to unpack entire Westfalia when in for service
c. Place to stick cushion behind backseat for more storage space
(maybe velcro to back of back seat)
d. Storage under front passenger seat (hard to keep things
stored under front passenger seat)--any solutions?
 

Attachments

Zach Woods

New member
Further additions:

1. GPS- I've using the Garmin (model 320 ???) newest model, works great, but hard to see in daylight.

2. Back-up camera - I use the Hitchcam (hitch installed) - obvious drawbacks here, but very easy to install (30 minutes), run cable from hitch up thru existing hole near hitch, drill a few holes to get thru closet panels and run cable along channel behind TV to point where upper bed folds out. I chose to run cable down at this point and then above passenger door (inside) using Velcro and then over to windshield center with cable tucked inside molding that meets windshield. I may switch to drilling holes up into bed area later(eliminate Velcro). (GPS is $700 and Camera about the same, but not sure).

3. Bathroom Vent - I drop the flap inside the bathroom & above the door, then turn on the AC (risk tho if using the shower - wiring & 20 amp fuse up there). Seems to get the job done, but Fantastic fan might be better.

4. Has anyone installed the Steersafe ? That is something I am considering. Also the Leisure Travel Sprinter B-class van has a Firestone (???) stability system in the rear (might be air bag system ???).

5. Sprinteraccessories.com has some useful things (tire rack, front license plate bracket, fitted sunshield for windshield/side windows (front only), and a few others I like, but can't recall what they are).

6. Bathroom door - I use a bungy cord running thru the slide-down kitchen shelf door to the bathroom door knob (inside knob). I keep the door open a lot (except for the obvious times of course).

7. Just bought a Satin Nickel pull handle at the hardware store (bathroom disabled section) too be installed in kitchen cabinet above rear seat (assists in getting up into upper bed) newer Westys have this already - not quite what I wanted, but should look nice (wanted something a little more streamlined (special order)) - this one is more rectangular & screws not concealed ( but not bad looking tho)

8. Also have a macerator pump to empty waste when I get home (house clean-out line) & can be used in gas station toilets in emergency, if they will let you. ($200 @ Camping World). Needs special 12 v connection (cig. lighter can't handle the load -- sorry don't recall pump wattage -- Shurflo brand as I recall). I apologize for trying to to this off the top of my head -- will try to get details at a more convenient time. Actually have not used pump yet (need to install home clean-out line extension). My power source is a portable jump-start battery/tire pump unit, (until I get 12 volt wiring & connector installed near RV waste line).

9. Plan to get some PVC and hang it somewhere under the van in a handy location for the extension waste hose that came with the RV. I actually had to use it on occasion. Will drill vent holes in the PVC to air out the hose.

10. I like the idea of storing plastic bins behind the rear seat (8c). The only problem is that once you store stuff there you have to move it when you use the seat as a bed.

11. Am thinking of getting an 8 to 10 ft cargo trailer for storage & extra sleeping quarters ($3,000 to $5,000, depending on options, such as hitch cabling extensions, windows, doors, vents ...).
 

Attachments

Zach Woods

New member
Further additions:

I added a new set of lock holes on the back set sliding channels so
you can lock the back set further forward. Trades some leg room for
greatly increased temporary storage behind the rear set. Handy for
moving my kids to/from college. Only problem is that this defeats
the headrest/whiplash preventer. But one of us usually lays down on
the seat for a nap while driving, so no big deal.

Also, I took the standard windshield curtain and added 3 snaps on
the fold-down table cover that align with the center 3 snaps in the
curtain. Handy for when you just want to put a curtain up behind the
front seats for a quick overnight stop / nap but really don't want
to mess with the whole curtain attachment at the windshield.

The awning came with snap-in mounts for the center brace and the
crank handle. I screwed these into the back panel, one near where
the shower tube exits and the other on the far right side (looking
into the open back).

Attempted to add a water heater bypass kit. After much work, turned
out that the two-way valves supplied (brand = Aquaflo = sucks) cut
the hot water flow rate to a dribble. Took it back. Now I just have
the water heater in/out hoses connected together with a nipple which
takes the water heater out of the systen for winterization. Much
easier.

Added level bubbles (stick-on, from any RV store) to the back and
side and cut 4-5 short lengths of 2X10...just drive the Westy up on
the blocks to level it.

To-do: CB radio (when I figure out how to mount an antenna),
inverter (for coffee pot w/o generator), piezo igniter for water
heater, a better mirror solution, etc.
 

Zach Woods

New member
4. I have Steersafe installed. Steersafe.com. They don't mention
Sprinter on their website (at least as of a month or so ago), but they
do have it. I had mine installed at their manufacturing site (Deming,
New Mexico; they have an overnight parking hook-up there too).

It consists of a set of horizontal springs on each front wheel, mounted
on a steel frame with pivot. It feels like somebody added a dampener
to keep steering wheel centered, so steering wheel is much less
twitchy. Helpful when cruising at highway speeds. Also, when cross-
winds hit, you still get blown sideways but a bit more slowly--maybe a
split-second so you don't overreact as much. I don't know how a blown
tire compares to a cross-wind.

I have OEM steel wheels. Apparently, no clearance problems with OEM
optional alloy wheels either but if you have other wider wheels, double-
check as there isn't much clearance between the added SteerSafe and the
wheels.

The whole set-up is mechanical (no hydraulics). If a spring breaks,
it's easy to take off the broken spring and the matching spring on the
same side. The other side with Steersafe will still work. It's also
relatively easy to reinstall a new spring IF you have 2 people or can
lift up the front end.

CampingWorld installs SteerSafe, and they have periodic sales. I think
it's worth the couple hundred dollars for the better steering feel.

Note: Some folks on other forums believe their power steering units on
other types of vehicles had more wear and tear bec. of any type of
steering dampeners. Steersafe folks don't know of any claims.

I don't know if any other manufacturer makes something for the Sprinter-
-most of the others look like hydraulic shock absorber type stabilizers
(e.g., Blue Ox, Saf-T-Plus, etc.).

For rear, I had the SMS Stability Management System auxillary leaf
springs installed (they manufactured under patent from Rollgard).
These helped quite a bit too (as well as Koni shocks and heavier anti-
way bar in rear from UpscaleAuto.com).

I don't know how these would compare to the airbags, but the
UpscaleAuto.com guy who sells similar type of rear leaf springs posted
on Yahoo Sprintervan group about his reservations re stress on
chassis. Someone else on that forum had installed Sports-Rite/Ride-
Rite??? and saw a little bit of deformation on his chassis.
Pleasureway adds these rear airbag suspension as standard on their
Sprinter conversions.
 

Attachments

Zach Woods

New member
Another modification I've done is redo all the dump plumbing. I found
the short length of captive hose too short for the dump stations I
visit and needed to carry an extra extension. With that in-mind, I
cut out all the stock plumbing under the floor out and replaced the
valves, tucking everything up higher so it doesn't hang down so far.
I extended it back so a bayonet connector for the hose exits right at
the rear bumper inside the left-support for the towing hitch and
sticking straight down. Only about 1/2" is visible from the side and
back.

Much better looking and more functional than that white tube hanging
down. I finished this right before my last trip and it worked fine --
I need to get some pictures.

I have a small high quality Xantrex inverter in mine. I only need it
to charge camera batteries and the like and keep my laptop running.
It's a 400-watt pure-sine-wave model. It did cost $400 but is nearly
no-load at idle so I can leave it on all the time and it doesn't
create interference with anything else -- something I can't say about
the cheaper "Wal-Mart" inverters I've used.

I've been thinking about an automatic igniter for the water heater, too.

I've also been thinking about putting a 2-meter ham radio in, but the
antenna is a real problem. There's no metal on the roof for a good
antenna ground plane plus it'd stick up too high.
 

Zach Woods

New member
About the water heater: the unit in the Westy is a Suburban 3-gallon
model. Suburban also makes 6-gallon and 10-gallon models which are
available with 120-volt heating and what they call DSI (direct spark
ignition). These aren't available on the 3-gallon model, probably
because it's mostly used in "budget" installations in pop-ups and
pickup campers.

However, it looks like the only difference in these units is the
length of the tank -- the "front" with all the controls looks to be
the same size. My thinking is that it may be possible to purchase the
6-gallon heater and take the control parts and DSI system and
retrofit the 3-gallon unit in the Westy. I may try this sooner than
later since it looks like salt-exposure from winter driving in the
East last winter has severely corroded a lot of the heater parts
behind the outside door.

And another major modification I'd like to make is moving the propane
tank. I'll have to look into that more one of these days. Back where
I used to have the generator might be an option but might not be
legal -- most RVs have their tanks between the axles so there may be
some legal requirement -- I'm not sure I'd like having it back there
anyway, but folks in Europe with the Westy have the propane tanks
inside in the back and somehow manage not to kill themselves. Truck
campers usually have a sideways mounted tank that might work, too.
These have the advantage in that I can remove the tank to have it
filled instead of taking the whole van.
 

Zach Woods

New member
Zach (or anyone with a factory conversion)

Where and how did you install the rearview camera (like where did you run wires and did you drill holes)?
Howdy Bill -

While a rearview camera addition is on my list of things to do, I have yet to get it done.

As I have thought about how to do it on my Westfalia I have focused on the third brake light as both a place to mount (using the screws for the third brake light lens in some way) and as a place to allow the wire to enter the vehicle.

In the Westfalia there are also a number of roof mounted RV related items that might allow wires to enter. My next focus would be the bathroom vent stack, I think.

In your RV are there any pre-existing/ RV coach equipment related holes towards the back of the roof? If not I would try taking your third brake light off and seeing if you could get a wire in that way.

Zach

P.S. I like the looks of this install: http://www.sprinter-source.com/forum/showpost.php?p=12320&postcount=16
 

BaywoodBill

pre-Yuppiedom
While a rearview camera addition is on my list of things to do, I have yet to get it done.
Sorry, I misread. I was wondering if anyone with a conversion has installed an aftermarket camera/screen.

As I have thought about how to do it on my Westfalia I have focused on the third brake light as both a place to mount (using the screws for the third brake light lens in some way) and as a place to allow the wire to enter the vehicle.
Yes, the location seems like a good one and I like the examples we have seen on this forum that have used that location. So far, all of them have been cargo vans except for a rare passenger van.

On the roof of my van, just forward of that upper taillight, there is something like a soft plug. I imagine it would be possible to enter there but as for where to go from there I am at a loss. I'm not a good hand for removing upholstery kind of things and getting them back the way they were, which seems like what I would have to do in order to run the wire from the roof to anywhere. Thus, I have been intriqued by the wireless cameras but they all seem to be fairly weak. And you still have to tap into the backup light power to activate the camera. I can't tell you how many wrong wires I cut (almost all of them in the towing harness before I discovered the correct wire bundle) before I found the backup light wire. When I looked at the taillight assembly before cutting wires I feared destroying something if I tried to tap there. I can do wires.
 

Zach Woods

New member
Yes, the location seems like a good one and I like the examples we have seen on this forum that have used that location. So far, all of them have been cargo vans except for a rare passenger van.

On the roof of my van, just forward of that upper taillight, there is something like a soft plug. I imagine it would be possible to enter there but as for where to go from there I am at a loss. I'm not a good hand for removing upholstery kind of things and getting them back the way they were, which seems like what I would have to do in order to run the wire from the roof to anywhere. Thus, I have been intriqued by the wireless cameras but they all seem to be fairly weak. And you still have to tap into the backup light power to activate the camera. I can't tell you how many wrong wires I cut (almost all of them in the towing harness before I discovered the correct wire bundle) before I found the backup light wire. When I looked at the taillight assembly before cutting wires I feared destroying something if I tried to tap there. I can do wires.
Howdy Bill -

As I look at pictures of the Free Spirits I notice that the A/C is near the back on the roof. Is there a chance of snaking the wire in thru or around the A/C? There may just be a reasonably clear path thru the A/C or a way to snake wires alongside the A/C control or power wires to ultimately get the camera wires where you need them in the cab.

Just a thought, I don't have a Free Spirit in front of me to look at!

Zach
 

BaywoodBill

pre-Yuppiedom
Hi Zach,

Yes, the a/c is near the rear and there must be a way to get a wire through there.

From there to the reverse wire under the van and from there to the front where the monitor goes, there's the rub.

It doesn't seem anyone who has done this is going to join this discussion.
 
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hkpierce

'02 140 Hi BlueBlk Pass
Pictures of some after market modifications and some emergency repair work:

http://msisk.com/westy/mods/01.html

Weather station
Inverter
110 volt passthrough
Additional 110 v outlet
New dump plumbing
Toilet lid holder
Rear heater exaust patch
Under the seat storage
Counsel 12 v power outlet
 
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