"Must have" items after buying a Class A

[USN Retiree]

What are some "must have" items you have found you needed after you purchased your Class A? Things that weren't exactly obvious. (not plates and silverware etc.) We are looking at an Aria 3901 as our first MH.

[jannnda]

First front end alignment
CHF (cheap handling fix)
Front steering stabilizer.
Rear sway bar.
See how the MH handles and if not happy add rear track bar. Still not happy front sumo’s.
Other people on the forum may have a different order then me. That’s my $.02.

[jannnda]

Tools
TPMS
Cordless drill
Phone app level or a small level
Walker Talkies
You may want to read the thread “Jerry Hurricane mods”. It’s long but has a lot of good info.

[Long & Winding road]

Well are you talking about handling or stuff like sewer hoses, AC surge protector, fresh water hose, leveling blocks etc.

[Bob Denman]

Welcome to the Forum!
Shopping: the Number One Hobby of RVers...
Everybody sort of has to kick through the piles of what they have, and the lists of what they think they'll need...
You can always buy more stuff: if the need arises.
Happy Shopping!

[Pete'sMH]

TPMS on all tires and a first class tire pressure gauge, a small volt meter with continuity check, a nice selection of zip ties (including a few in the 24 - 36 inch range), a small roll of heavy duty trash can size trash bags, a can of spray silicone lube (not so much WD-40 although that’s better than nothing), adjustable water pressure regulator with a gauge, electrical tape or eternabond tape, a collection of spare 12V fuses and wire connectors with a suitable crimping tool, an assortment of open end or box end wrenches and a modest socket set, screw drivers, home made slide lock (a 2x2 cut to the length of your closed slide(s)), a rechargeable LED trouble/work light or a forehead light, a quart of engine oil, whatever tool you need to manually retract your awning, a patio rug with hold down stakes, a grill if you are inclined to cook out, ponchos or raincoats, laundry supplies and now I’m bored listing crap I bring. You’ll develop your own list in a few outings and it’s one of the reasons to take a few short and near to home shakedown trips before you hit the road for real.

[The Gritz Carlton]

One thing for sure...you'll never find the "last thing". These things run of gasoline and money. Sad that you have to do this to a brand new vehicle, but do the suspension and handling mods some speak of, throw the basics in there as L&WR mentioned...the rest will build itself along the way as you define your use and camping styles. A good air compressor is essential...I use the VIAIR 40047 400P-RV. Go through the fuse panels and build a set of spares, pick up a Pex waterline repair kit with a few fittings (couplers) and a few feet of water line, tire plug kit (emergency use only to get you to a safe tire repair place), a roll of Gorilla Tape or similar. As I said, time will define it.

[m1noel]

Originally Posted by jannnda

First front end alignment
CHF (cheap handling fix)
Front steering stabilizer.
Rear sway bar.
See how the MH handles and if not happy add rear track bar. Still not happy front sumo’s.
Other people on the forum may have a different order then me. That’s my $.02.

Since the Aria is a pusher with air bags, all the above except front end alignment (important) do not apply.

[m1noel]

Originally Posted by jannnda

Tools
TPMS
Cordless drill
Phone app level or a small level
Walker Talkies
You may want to read the thread “Jerry Hurricane mods”. It’s long but has a lot of good info.

All good ideas.

[m1noel]

Your Aria will have a hardwired surge protector, and an air fitting for the on-board compressor. A hose and fittings will be needed to air up tires, toys etc. A cordless drill with bits and sockets has become something I can't live without. One of the best things we purchased for the Aria was the awning shade extender. Can't remember the brand right now, but if you are interested, PM me and I will look it up. I also added an Extend-A-Stay propane connector to the high pressure side of the built in regulator with a shut off valve there, a high pressure hose to the patio side, so I can run gas appliances there. Of course, 50A extension cord and adapters for 30A in you don't already have them. We also bought a storage bench that fits under the bed to sit on to put on shoes, store more bedding, and help the dog make it up onto the bed. I glued a couple of small magnets (one on the door, one on the frame) so the shower door does not roll open so easily when in use. That is all the Aria specific stuff I can think of right now. I can tell you that we really enjoy it.
Mike

[Beau388]

Most of the tools a carry are for my 50+year toad. MHSRV gave me a comprehensive, coach, tool kit and fluid connector kit for the coach. Since we camp in driveways, state, county and city parks in addition to the normal connector stuff -100 ft 1/2" water hose, electrical connectors for every eventually (plus 30 ft of 30 amp shoreline with a 50 amp female connector end) and 50 ft of 30 amp extension cable. Recently I added 20 ft of Valterra sewer hose. I hate to dry camp when water and electric are only 120 ft away and the house's sewer clean out is 50 ft down the hill.

[10scDust]

A spare tire!
Roadside assistance does not cover you not having a spare, even a tire w/no rim is better than no spare at all!

[Bob Denman]

Let's face the truth:
There's only two reasons to quit buying stuff.

1. Bankruptcy
2. Death at the hands of a Spouse who is tired of you buying all that stuff!

[jannnda]

If you have flooded batteries there’s a kit you can get that makes adding water very easy.

[Wonderdog]

Originally Posted by jannnda

If you have flooded batteries there’s a kit you can get that makes adding water very easy.

It is well worth the effort to install on the Axis/Vegas. Makes life easier.

I must be doing something wrong. After almost 3 years with our Axis 25.2 we still have three outside storage compartments that are completely empty.

[jannnda]

Originally Posted by Wonderdog

It is well worth the effort to install on the Axis/Vegas. Makes life easier.



I must be doing something wrong. After almost 3 years with our Axis 25.2 we still have three outside storage compartments that are completely empty.

My wife believes if you have a storage compartment you need to fill it.

[willwhig]

You shouldn't need any of the handling fixes used to stabilize a Class A gasser. I have over 27,000 miles on my 2017 Aria 3901 as it came from factory. It drives and rides like a dream compared to my former Class A gasser. Enjoy. Travel safely.

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by jannnda

If you have flooded batteries there’s a kit you can get that makes adding water very easy.

Don't do it like this nimrod did...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSR1ynXGqf0

[Wonderdog]

Originally Posted by willwhig

You shouldn't need any of the handling fixes used to stabilize a Class A gasser. I have over 27,000 miles on my 2017 Aria 3901 as it came from factory. It drives and rides like a dream compared to my former Class A gasser. Enjoy. Travel safely.

Maybe you just got lucky and the employees of the years going back 10 yrs or more were all present and building your motor home.
My Axis only has 12,000 miles on it but has driven great since day one with no aftermarket remedies.

[DBAston]

Oh yeah, a gallon of DEF to keep on hand. I have a Aria 3901. Be glad to discuss via PM.