Under Qualified-Over-optimistic
I'm like the ape in the picture. I wonder how I'm going to get the project done.
I'm in over my head on a lot of projects I tackle. I think I'm definitely under-qualified and over-optimistic when it comes to DIY RV modification projects. The good news is that I always get them done. Here's the secret of how I get them done.
First, let's set the stage with a little background information
Over 40 years ago, when I was taking lessons to get my instrument rating for my pilot's license, my instructor told me one time that I had more confidence than skill.
That's a bad combination of skills to have when flying an airplane, but maybe not so risky when making modifications to an RV.
By the way, after 40+ years of flying, hopefully, I've gained the skills to go with my confidence when it comes to flying. The main thing I've learned is that even with an instrument rating (which allows me to fly in bad weather legally), I generally avoid flying in poor visibility conditions.
I have used my instrument rating to take off in IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) conditions when it was foggy with poor visibility where I was taking off, but mostly clear along my route, and for sure clear where I was going to land.
The last time I flew a plane, I was in New Zealand, but I was flying in clear weather conditions and I didn't need my instrument flying skills.
Back to comments about RV modifications
Contrary to flying a plane, I think it's advisable to tackle RV modification projects that you don't feel qualified to undertake.
The key to doing RV modifications is to watch YouTube videos
Even when I'm going to tackle an RV modification that I think I know how to do, I usually watch a few YouTube videos on the topic.
When you search YouTube for the phrase "How to Install, or How to Repair" (enter almost any item), and you will find several videos showing you how.
Watch two or three of the videos, and you will be an expert (or at least, you'll be enough of an expert to get the job done).
After all, what's the worse thing that can happen? Maybe you got halfway finished with the project and realized that you were in over your head. Then you would have to call a mobile RV tech to come and finish the job. And since you have already done part of the work, hopefully, he won't charge you as much to finish the job as he would have if he had done the whole project.
And since you did part of the work and watched the RV tech do the rest of the project, I'm sure you learned some new skills and are more qualified to tackle the next RV modification project.
Bottom line: Don't be afraid to go out on a limb and take on some RV modification projects that you don't feel qualified to tackle. Watch some YouTube videos showing you how to do the job, and I think with this extra help, you'll find that you're a lot more qualified than you think you are.