LTV Open Spaces – Customization Ideas from Owners

This modification was designed as a way to give the table in this Unity Twin Bed more flexible positioning. "By changing and adding hardware, the table can now move in multiple directions, making it convenient to permanently leave in position, and ready for any situation. I used the existing table top because it is very flexible with the folding leaves. I added some hardware to give it side-to-side movement, and a new post to give it up-and-down movement."

Where to Buy

Garelick/EEZ-in 75445:01 Salon Table Gas Rise Stanchion and Garelick 75081 Low Profile Seat Slide 7" Travel both purchased via eBay.

Submitted By

Greg Eiffert

LTV Model

Unity Twin Bed

Photo Source

Greg Eiffert

This creative solution uses a 1/8-inch fiberglass reinforced panel (FRP) to create a large trash can that fits into the existing opening. "I cut the panel to height and length around the opening, plus 1 inch for overlap. I used a round bar, clamps, and a heat gun to heat the panel and bend each corner to 90 degrees. I cut the bottom to the same shape as the opening, used inside and outside trim that you can get for this product, and caulked everything together. I painted the outside to match the dark shelf color. After place the finished product from the underside, I put one screw into the plywood at the top and used pop rivets down the overlap. I put felt over the rivets so as not to puncture the trash bag when pulling it out. I cut the top off of the original trash can and use the top rim to hold the bag in place in the new trash can. The old trash can was 1.5 gallon; I now have a 3.75 gallon trash can (6” X 9” X 16”). I use an 8 gallon bag that fits well. We can go several days before it gets full and the lid helps control odor."

Submitted By

Greg Eiffert

LTV Model

Unity Twin Bed

Photo Source

Greg Eiffert

This rack provides storage not just for magazines, but for tablets or cellphones as well.

Submitted By

Denis Monette

LTV Model

Unity Murphy Bed

Photo Source

Denis Monette

This LTV owner created a beautiful way to store wine glasses and bottles.

Submitted By

Denis Monette

LTV Model

Unity Murphy Bed

Photo Source

Denis Monette

Many LTV owners name their RV, and this fun modification lets these owners share their name with the world. "When my wife first saw our new Serenity, she commented that it looks like a Silver Bullet. The name stuck."

Submitted By

Terry Edmonds

LTV Model

Serenity

Photo Source

Terry Edmonds

This sleek paper towel holder was installed using T-nuts to through-bolt the holder to the cabinet bottom. This ensures strength, while remaining essentially flat inside the cabinet.

Where to Buy

simplehuman Paper Towel Holder on Amazon.

Submitted By

Bill Awalt

LTV Model

Unity Twin Bed

Photo Source

Bill Awalt

Installing a towel bar above the kitchen counter is simple and convenient.

Where to Buy

Towel bars are available at various retailers.

Submitted By

Bill Awalt

LTV Model

Unity Twin Bed

Photo Source

Bill Awalt

Installing a key hanger above the entry door is a simple and convenient way to stay organized. The hanger seen here was purchased on eBay, but Bill purchased shorter screws to install the hanger.

Where to Buy

Key hangers are available at various retailers.

Submitted By

Bill Awalt

LTV Model

Unity Twin Bed

Photo Source

Bill Awalt

>This BBQ rail and grill mount was through-bolted onto the side of the RV, near the LP gas accessory connections.

Where to Buy

This mount is made by Camco and will fit several Camco grill models.

Submitted By

Bill Awalt

LTV Model

Unity Twin Bed

Photo Source

Bill Awalt

These LTV owners wanted a table that allowed for easier access from cab to coach and vice versa. "We had an oval table top cut from a piece of Corian, to coordinate with the colors in our LTV. We supplied the desired pattern to the Corian fabricator. It is glued to a block of hardwood which is then fastened with screws to a mounting plate just like the one supplied by LTV. The oval table pivots to allow for easy access or dining as needed."

Where to Buy

Find information about Corian here. Mounting plate purchased at West Marine.

Submitted By

John Jorgensen

LTV Model

Unity Twin Bed

Photo Source

John Jorgensen

This over-the-bed bookshelf is a great place to store books... and iPads!

Submitted By

Jean-Francois Trépanier

LTV Model

Unity Corner Bed

Photo Source

Jean-Francois Trépanier

These owners wanted to create more table space for guests, so they created a custom table extension. "We used an aluminium panel to create a hinge extension. We glued a rubber material underneath to keep it safely in place. Each panel is 16 x 33, and we store the extension under the cushion."

Submitted By

Jean-Francois Trépanier

LTV Model

Unity Corner Bed

Photo Source

Jean-Francois Trépanier

Turn your bathroom into a spa with this simple and inexpensive attachment.

Where to Buy

Find more info and purchase here.

Submitted By

James Hamby

LTV Model

Unity Murphy Bed

Photo Source

James Hamby

This is one of those simple installs that just makes life easier! "I have installed a paper towel holder in the storage compartment, just above the hook up compartment. Very handy when hooking/unhooking utilities."

Submitted By

Robert Sladky

LTV Model

Unity Twin Bed

Photo Source

Robert Sladky

Keep a close eye on your voltage levels with this simple solution. "I have installed a digital readout on the inverted plug circuit, and one on the standard 110 volt circuit. This way you can always monitor the incoming voltage of your inverted circuit, as well as the incoming voltage of shore or generator power."

Where to Buy

Find more information about Hughes Autoformers here.

Submitted By

Robert Sladky

LTV Model

Unity Twin Bed

Photo Source

Robert Sladky

See accurate temperatures for inside and outside the coach at all times with these gadgets. "I have installed an inside/outside temperature readout in-between the two shelves in the back bedroom area. I also installed another temperature readout just above the thermostat, so again, one can see what the temperature is at this location."

Submitted By

Robert Sladky

LTV Model

Unity Twin Bed

Photo Source

Robert Sladky

These owners added additional functionality to the bathroom area by installing a large second mirror. The mirror is attached via Scotch Fastner, a product that is used in much the same way as Velcro, but is much stronger.

Where to Buy

Find Scotch Fastner on Amazon.

Submitted By

Nick Gardner

LTV Model

Unity Twin Bed

Photo Source

Nick Gardner

"When looking to downsize, one thing that concerned these owners was getting accustomed to a small bathroom sink with no countertop to store or spread out toiletries. "To solve the sink surround problem, I purchased an 18 inch by 30 inch cutting board (on Amazon for $24.99) and a 12 inch piano hinge (for $13.42) and made a flip-down shelf over the toilet, along with an electrical cord restrainer out of the same material. The cutting board was easy to resize using regular wood working tools. To hold the shelf in the upright position, I used a triangle-shaped scrap piece of the cutting board fastened to a hinge. I also added two shelves over the cutting board and one more in the storage cabinet, made out of scrap wood."

Additional Tips

"Concerned with not knowing what was behind the wall, I used short 1-inch #8 lath screws in the 14 3/4 inch by 1 1/2 inch piece of cutting board on the lower portion of the hinge. In both positions, forces push down on the screws rather than trying to pull them out. The length of the shelf is oversized by about a quarter inch, and that is trimmed down to about a 1/8” oversize on the top, to create a lip over the existing shelf. I used models made from both cardboard and thin scrap plywood to determine the size of shelf that I needed."

Submitted By

David Maass

LTV Model

Unity FX

Photo Source

David Maass

These LTV owners added kitchen counter space by creating a flip-down shelf, constructed from a 1/4-inch piece of plywood with a 3/32-inch plastic panel glued on top. Metal clips for the chains are sandwiched in-between the two pieces, to be used at night when the shelf is flipped up and the shade pulled down. The plywood has 1-inch tabs at each end that fit in the window frame and act as hinge points for the shelf.

Submitted By

David Maass

LTV Model

Unity FX

Photo Source

David Maass

Adding personal momentos and decorative touches is what turns your LTV into a home! A pegboard solution like this one is a fun option, as it can be arranged freely and changed as often as you wish. "You can change your space to be as you like at that moment. It could be very artistic, very homey, very practical, or very funny!"

Submitted By

Shomei Ma

LTV Model

Unity Corner Bed

Photo Source

Shomei Ma

"At 6 feet 4 inches, the pull-out lounge support structure on our FX sofa is too short for me, so I added a fold-up, fold-down extension. You can either use the intended cushion, rotated 90 degrees, or the center cushion from the sofa for even more length."

Full Instructions

Download a pdf with full instructions here.

Submitted By

Mark Verwys

LTV Model

Unity FX

Photo Source

Mark Verwys

This modification is for owners with a Murphy Bed model, and the tools and know-how to take on a larger project. This LTV owner installed marine portholes in the Murphy Bed when in the raised position. "Now, we can reach through the portholes to open and close the windows for cross-ventilation, and we can see what is outside on the left side of the coach."

Full Instructions

Download a pdf with full instructions here.

Submitted By

Mark Verwys

LTV Model

Unity FX

Photo Source

Mark Verwys

Wondering where to keep bulky pillows when your murphy bed is raised during the day? This clever solution straps the pillows directly under the folded part of the mattress with the same straps used for the mattress.

Where to Buy

"Order an extra set of the white latch straps from LTV, and screw them into the base in the same manner as the mattress straps are installed. Takes about 5 minutes!"

Submitted By

Jeff Wallace

LTV Model

Unity Murphy Bed

Photo Source

Jeff Wallace

Storage is always a major factor in a small space, and these owners found a way to maximize their options. "We were not using the two drawers between the twin beds, so I removed the drawers from inside the van, keeping the drawer fronts to cover the 'holes.' I removed the three-piece compartment from outside the van, needing to break it down in order to pull it out. I zip-tied anything that looked like it might be in the way. Now, I can even crawl all the way through! You can reuse the three-piece panel to make shelves for the closets."

Submitted By

Phyllis Schorr

LTV Model

Unity Twin Bed

Photo Source

Phyllis Schorr

These LTV owners modified their table, to make space between the cab and the galley. "We generally like to leave the table in place but slightly loosened, so that I can use it like a 'rotating door.' We had a new table made out of beautiful maple and had it stained to match the espresso brown. We kept the dimensions of the middle leaf, added 3 inches to one leaf, and subtracted 3 inches from the other leaf. We reattached the mount such that it was 3 inches closer to the larger leaf. When the table is open, it is exactly the same distance to each dinette chair. When the table is closed, we now have 3 inches more egress to whichever side we want (which is usually the side that allows me to walk to and from the cabin and galley).

Submitted By

Phyllis Schorr

LTV Model

Unity Twin Bed

Photo Source

Phyllis Schorr

Copper strips make it functional to store small items in the spaces under the TV and in the cubby by the bed. "I hand-fashioned these (from salvaged roof flashing) and attached them with heavy-duty double-sided tape so they can be removed if I ever (never!) sell my coach."

Submitted By

Kathryn Kirkpatrick

LTV Model

Unity Corner Bed

Photo Source

Kathryn Kirkpatrick

Large trays help to organize the lower storage areas, and contain any potential spills from containers and hoses. The trays also pull out for easy cleaning.

Where to Buy

Bus trays are available in 2-packs at Sam’s Club.

Submitted By

Kathryn Kirkpatrick

LTV Model

Unity Corner Bed

Photo Source

Kathryn Kirkpatrick

These LTV owners customized the exterior of their LTV with a 60-inch LED light strip that works with the tail lights, signal lights, and brake lights, and a decorative decal featuring a favorite saying.

Submitted By

Margaret St Jean

LTV Model

Island Bed

Photo Source

Margaret St Jean

These LTVers decided to mount their dining table onto a swivelling system. "The table now swivels to the centre; instead of storing it under the bed, it can be stored over the seat behind the passenger. Remember that the seat behind the driver turns into a lounge chair, so it is likely best to swivel it the way shown."

Where to Buy

The swivelling system can be purchased from Lagun, and comes with a back-up plate.

Submitted By

Margaret St Jean

LTV Model

Unity Island Bed

Photo Source

Margaret St Jean

Watch this video to tour the modifications Rita made to organize her LTV's kitchen and bathroom, keeping precious counter space clear.

Where to Buy

simplehuman Single Wall Mount Soap Pump from simplehuman, Magnetic Kitchen Organization Rack from West Elm, and Zyliss® Resin and Chrome 18-Inch Magnetic Knife Bar from Bed Bath & Beyond

Submitted By

Rita Guzzard

LTV Model

Unity Murphy Bed

Photo/Video Source

Rita Guzzard

"One of the great features of the FX is the fact that it has two two living spaces. To maximize the utility of the rear space, we installed a privacy curtain to separate the front space from the rear space. It provides for great privacy for changing or separation when 2 occupants are inside the unit at the same time."

Additional Tips

"A tension shower rod was used – no fasteners or glue! The pressure points are the outside wall of the unit, and the face of the galley cabinets next to the fridge. We utilized a shower curtain to compliment the decor. When travelling, we tie the curtain back with a simple Velcro strip. We have found that it does not move during travel with the proper tension."

Submitted By

Mike Chyzowski

LTV Model

Unity FX

Photo Source

Mike Chyzowski

"My wife has back and neck problems and needs to be able to stand up much of the day while working on her writing. We used to set a small folding desk on the kitchen counter, but that impeded traffic flow inside our home. Looking for a place to install a stand-up desk, I decided to modify the rear wall between the two twin beds. I removed the mirror panel between the beds and cut a new solid wood panel to fit in the space. I then attached a table top and two folding brackets to the vertical panel, and installed a shelf above the upper end of the folded table top. Honestly, the mirror was always too low to be useful for us, though we did like how it helped lighten the area, so I installed mirror panels between each shelf above the folded up table. This has proved to be very useful for us both, and Connie can enjoy much longer trips by being able to work standing up."

Submitted By

Phil Smith

LTV Model

Unity

Photo Source

Phil Smith

By removing the spring assemblies from inside the rolling desk and adding a back piece and two torsion hinges, this LTVer added some valuable storage space.

Where to Buy

Torsion hinges can be purchased at Rockler.

Submitted By

Gary Greenbaum

LTV Model

Unity

Photo Source

Gary Greenbaum

"There is never enough counter space, so I cut a piece of 5-ply maple plywood to match the dimensions of the top kitchen drawer. I routed out a rabbit on all four underside perimeter edges of the board, so that when placed on the drawer it would be low enough to clear the cabinet frame. This enables the drawer to close and at the same time for the counter top to be "trapped" on top of the drawer, so that it can't slide off when the drawer is opened or closed. The counter just lifts off for easy access to the contents of the drawer. Eventually I plan to replace it with a piece of Corion routed the same way."

Submitted By

Gary Greenbaum

LTV Model

Unity FX

Photo Source

Gary Greenbaum

"I decided to add a double towel bar on the inside of the bathroom door, and insert three 3/8-inch glass shelves on top of each of the existing LTV towel bars. I used some chrome shelf clips (available on Amazon) to make sure the shelves were stable. The two black clips on the wall in back of the bottom shelf are for our rechargeable Sonicare toothbrushes. The top two shelves are edged with glass. The bottom shelf is edged with wood that matches the wood throughout our unit, available from the LTV parts department."

Submitted By

Gary Greenbaum

LTV Model

Unity FX

Photo Source

Gary Greenbaum

This modification was done to add some easily accessible storage space. "I purchased two inexpensive plastic containers that would fit in each of the two storage areas under the couch, making sure to allow for the height of the tacks and base, as well as the hardware that attaches the fold-down storage doors. I then mounted one section of the two piece 'slide and rail' on the underside of the container and the mating piece on top of a wood base which is attached with Velcro to the ceramic tile floor under the couch. I added a runner on each side of the slide to add some balance to the drawer as it is pulled in and out."

Where to Buy

The slides are available on Amazon.

Submitted By

Gary Greenbaum

LTV Model

Unity FX

Photo Source

Gary Greenbaum

Storage was created under the bed using simple baskets in this modification. "I installed an IKEA mesh basket under each bed. I use these to store clothing (cycling clothes in one; running clothes in the other). I installed two different size drawers (different depths). The drawer on the passenger side is less deep because I also installed a safe under that bed. Unfortunately, the drawers do not fully extend out from under the bed, but I can reach in and find what I need and there is still lots of room to store other items under the drawers. These drawers were easy to install. I just needed 1-inch pieces of wood on both sides of the drawers to fill the width of the under-bed storage."

Where to Buy

The mesh baskets are from IKEA.

Submitted By

Nancy Cole

LTV Model

Wonder

Photo Source

Nancy Cole

These custom screens for the front chassis windows were made using screen mesh, a roll of magnetic tape, a roll of wide bias tape, and some strong magnets. "I made a template of the window size using a huge piece of paper. (It took a little time to get the shape right.) I cut out the screen mesh and then sewed the bias tape to the mesh. I placed the magnetic tape into the bias tape fold and added little strong magnets at the corners, so there would be a stronger hold at key places. I sewed the other side of the bias tape to the mesh to keep the magnetic tape and little magnets in place. Finally, I marked the right and left sides with dots of red (right) and green (left) nail polish down one side."

Submitted By

Mary Nelson

LTV Model

Serenity

Photo Source

Mary Nelson

"We bought a bunch of waterhog floor mats from LL Bean – one big one and one set of four step runners. I put one piece of 8-inch adhesive-backed velcro on the step, and on the back of the floor mats. I used sharp scissors to cut the lowest mat about an inch narrower. The series of rugs capture a ton of sand and mud and dirt, and the velcro keeps the step mats in place."

Where to Buy

Waterhog floor mats are available at LL Bean.

Submitted By

Mary Nelson

LTV Model

Serenity

Photo Source

Mary Nelson

"We installed under-counter soap dispensers at both sinks. This keeps the area clutter-free and clean. We had the dealer drill the holes and install the dispensers, so it was quick and easy. It’s easy to refill from the top – just fill the dispensers with your favorite soap and enjoy. Remember to pull the pump lid off when winterizing. At the kitchen sink, I also turned the hot/cold control inward toward the sink so that water doesn't collect on the counter."

Where to Buy

"You can buy these dispensers at any hardware store. We bought ours at Home Depot."

Submitted By

Linda Hartley

LTV Model

Unity Murphy Bed

Photo Source

Linda Hartley