Fun Mods - Basement Vacuum

atom ant · 04-13-2014, 08:20 PM

I removed all the basement panels to work on the water, and thought I would add a basement vacuum port so I can vacuum the basement without the slides out, and maybe will even reach the boat.

I had some of the parts - but rather than rigid pipe, the RV uses flex hose (Dirt Devil 6452-06) and flex to 2" rigid connectors (Dirt Devil 7477-G).

I prefer a sweeping "Y" rather the Dirt Devil "T" used by Redwood, available at any online central vac store.

The convenient place to connect was right at the vacuum cleaner

The 12V wiring from the port just connects to the existing in parallel.

Also, because we have the basement TV, they moved the basement outlet to the ceiling - which is not real convenient, so I added another outlet down in the corner, tapped off the Dads tool box outlet.

5th_Time · 04-14-2014, 03:46 AM

What a professional job. Looks just like a factory install. Good idea too.

atom ant · 04-14-2014, 05:43 AM

Thanks 5th Time!

**piper guy** · 04-14-2014, 10:54 PM

Brad ~ since you apparently bend a whole lot better than I do ....... I'm hoping you come to the Rally this year and I can talk you into doing the same thing to mine for a few beers ! Great idea,

atom ant · 04-14-2014, 11:56 PM

You bet, I even have enough parts left over for another one! I bend OK, but I hit my head on that TV bracket in the ceiling enough times I look like I fell off my bike!

arcticman1957 · 04-16-2014, 01:51 AM

Thanks for the walk through I would like to do this as well.

TNTBaker · 10-24-2014, 07:19 PM

OK. I'm moving forward with this basement vacuum mod myself. Going to order the parts today... I think I have a complete list of all the supplies I need, but had a few questions.

1) I assume you bought/used the Vaculine CV5566 universal mounting plate behind/along with the Vacuvalve Inlet CV5590-B?

2) As far as wiring the valve goes... did you use the "central vacuum wiring" I see advertised for sale for .17 a foot? Or is there something else? Maybe just low voltage 18 or 20ga wire?

and 3) Confirm with me that I don't need the "inlet reducer" if I'm using the flex connectors you show above. Or do I need that at the vacuum connection?

Thanks! Can't wait to get this hooked up!

atom ant · 10-24-2014, 09:24 PM

Todd! You will like it

Yes, I did use that plate CV5566 on the backside of the basement wall. The flex hose kit connects to that plate, as well as to the "Y". I don't recall needing a reducer, everything was in that kit with the 2 ends and flex hose (with the exception of the "Y").

I had the wire from installing central vac in our house, and I think it was a solid pair at 20 or 22. Its not load carrying, just activates the relay at the vacuum, so it doesn't take much.

Have fun!

(PS - Redwood did not glue the connections, I did glue some of them as I didn't want to go back in there to reconnect them).

TNTBaker · 10-24-2014, 11:43 PM

Thank you AA! You have the honor of being the recipient of "Todd's" very first posting on this forum (That was him above asking about the vac stuff). All the others are me ;-) I know he'll be back. He said, "I know AA will answer me!" Todd's a "lurker" haha. He reads everything but never "says" anything.

I am excited because he ordered me the new wand with a handle and on/off switch and he's taking the standard hose for the basement. COOL! I will now have a 30 foot hose which I will store in the drawer under the sofa. No more retracting hose (drives me CRAZY when I am vacuuming!!) Thanks again!!

**Dave&Ginny** · 10-24-2014, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TNTBaker

Thank you AA! You have the honor of being the recipient of "Todd's" very first posting on this forum (That was him above asking about the vac stuff). All the others are me ;-) I know he'll be back. He said, "I know AA will answer me!" Todd's a "lurker" haha. He reads everything but never "says" anything.

I am excited because he ordered me the new wand with a handle and on/off switch and he's taking the standard hose for the basement. COOL! I will now have a 30 foot hose which I will store in the drawer under the sofa. No more retracting hose (drives me CRAZY when I am vacuuming!!) Thanks again!!

In our unit, I'm the one that does all the vacuuming and that hose drives me crazy too

TNTBaker · 10-24-2014, 11:49 PM

Amen Dave! It constantly springs back and forth, sawing up all my cabinets. I have to put a workout suit on before I vacuum because it's STRENUOUS!! :-)

**Dave&Ginny** · 10-25-2014, 12:21 AM

And mine builds static electricity

0nTheRoad · 10-25-2014, 03:23 PM

Regardless, it's still better than having to use a regular vac!!

johnboytoo · 10-25-2014, 03:26 PM

Actually, the wife uses a dyson ball vacuum instead...
used every excuse to leave it, but she still wants to take it !

I like to use the built in,
but since we MUST take the Dyson, oh well...

I too think it's the hose fighting that she doesn't like....

atom ant · 10-25-2014, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TNTBaker

Thank you AA! You have the honor of being the recipient of "Todd's" very first posting on this forum (That was him above asking about the vac stuff). All the others are me ;-) I know he'll be back. He said, "I know AA will answer me!" Todd's a "lurker" haha. He reads everything but never "says" anything.

I am excited because he ordered me the new wand with a handle and on/off switch and he's taking the standard hose for the basement. COOL! I will now have a 30 foot hose which I will store in the drawer under the sofa. No more retracting hose (drives me CRAZY when I am vacuuming!!) Thanks again!!

Congratulations on your first post Todd!

What hose did you get? I might try that myself.

Tobys Home · 10-26-2014, 12:57 PM

We use a wand Hoover with a power head, it all breaks down into a hand held vac (dust buster). Works great comes with all the attachments. One charge lasts two plus cleanings. This little beauty is now three years old and has paid for itself many times. We vacuum all the time. BIG CLEANINGS require the built in with twqo people for cleaning shades, vents, screens c.et

TNTBaker · 10-26-2014, 05:32 PM

AA: Here is a link to a hose like the one we ordered. I will let you know how we like it!
http://www.centralvacuumstores.com/c...ock-30ft-91617
~Theresa

atom ant · 10-26-2014, 08:23 PM

Thanks Theresa!

Titan Guy · 10-27-2014, 04:18 PM

I also just ordered parts. With the new smoker, being able to vacuum the ash out of the fire pot will make it a no mess process.

atom ant · 10-27-2014, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titan Guy

I also just ordered parts. With the new smoker, being able to vacuum the ash out of the fire pot will make it a no mess process.

I'm not too sure you would want to do that Titan - beyond the obvious fire hazard which I won't preach - the filters are not very good on these Dirt Devils and you'll be exhausting the smell right into your trailer. If you are going to do that, it might be worth routing the exhaust down through the basement and out onto the ground.

I can count on two hands how many times I used a flashlight to walk down the blackened hallway on wet carpet, stepping over firehoses to locate the source of the problem, usually the remains of an Electrolux in the hall closet somebody bought at a garage sale just to vacuum the fireplace occasionally. Sometimes they would tell me it had been over 2 days since they last used the fireplace!

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