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Old 06-12-2020, 03:29 PM   #1
Junior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 30.3
State: California
Posts: 9
THOR #18970
Just purchased my first RV, a Thor ACE 30.3

Hello everyone. Last Friday I took delivery of my first RV. It's 2019 Thor Ace 30.3. It has 16,000 miles on it but seems to be in decent condition. I've spent the last weeks preparing the RV for a trip. I had a pretty long list of things I *thought* I really needed, like dishes, silverware, towels and soap. Now that I actually have the RV, the list has grown quite a bit.

It's actually pretty astounding, how many things are on the list. I even got a little portable BBQ that I can connect to the camp side LP connection. The only real modification I've made is to install an inverter so I can get 110 power strictly on battery, which worked out pretty nicely. The last thing I feel like I really need is a bike rack that can plug into the hitch so I can take my bikes along.

I've been following the forums for about a month but wanted to wait until I actually had my RV before I said hi. You folks seem really nice and helpful. Hopefully the hive mind of the collective here can help me with tips and tricks along the way.

There's one EPIC thread on here called "Jerry's Hurricane mods". That thing is a beast. I've been reading through it but still haven't read all the posts. It seems like a thread that will live on forever.

Anyway, that's my hello. Nice to meet you all. If you happen to have a Thor Ace, especially the 30.3, feel free to post any "must know" information for me here. Thanks in advance!
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Old 06-12-2020, 03:34 PM   #2
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.4
State: Michigan
Posts: 9,837
THOR #1150
Congratulations and welcome.

Sounds like you already have a good start going...
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Old 06-12-2020, 03:52 PM   #3
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Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
That rig is a real Beauty! I hope that you get countless "Miles & Smiles" from it!
Oh! Welcome to the forum also!
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Old 06-12-2020, 11:48 PM   #4
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Forest River Forester 235
State: Indiana
Posts: 4,883
THOR #6826
Yes, welcome. Sounds like you are “handy” and have a great attitude about updates and maintenance. I also enjoy the totality of the RV experience. It’s not a cheap
“hobby” but it’s a great lifestyle. Enjoy the ride!!
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Old 06-12-2020, 11:51 PM   #5
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Quantum RQ29
State: Ohio
Posts: 1,296
THOR #13648
Congrats and welcome to the forum. After you buy everything on your list the fun part is deciding which compartments to put everything in.
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Old 06-13-2020, 12:54 AM   #6
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And, by the way, “the list” pretty much NEVER gets shorter. There’s ALWAYS a couple of new items that you need!
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Old 06-13-2020, 12:59 AM   #7
I Think We're Lost!
 
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Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
The ONLY two things that can keep that list from growing:
Bankruptc
or
Death at the hands of an enraged Spouse,,,
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Old 06-13-2020, 01:03 AM   #8
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Miramar 37.1
State: California
Posts: 2,460
THOR #12698
Welcome to the forum. There is a wealth of knowledge here just waiting for someone to ask it. As you know the list keeps growing until you finally decide what you must have vs what you like to have with you. There are many easy modifications that you can do to make it more your style.

Have a great experience on the road.

Paul
Good Sam Member, Sumo Springs, The Equalizer Level System, Thousand Trails Member.
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Old 06-13-2020, 01:36 AM   #9
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Model: 2023 Jayco Precept 31UL
State: Florida
Posts: 2,914
THOR #1589
It's been said that you bought a RV kit, one that you add the stuff you want to make it yours. Limited only by your bank account and the patience of your spouse.

As you budget for mods, keep in mind that the tires will need replaced in a few years. No small expense.

The oft mentioned crowd sourced manual that Ed Felker assembled for the Vegas/Axis has some great checklists that will be helpful. Find the latest on a sticky post under Tech Topics.

Happy camping!
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Old 06-13-2020, 01:43 AM   #10
I Think We're Lost!
 
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Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
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THOR #8860
If a boat is: "A hole in the water into which one throws money."; the same relationship exists between RVs, and the woods!
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Old 06-13-2020, 03:57 AM   #11
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Model: 36FB
State: Arizona
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THOR #3610
Two items that should be #1 & 2 on your list of absolutely "must haves" are a surge protector/EMS hardwired or portable & an adjustable water pressure regulator.
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One these!

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NOT this.
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Old 06-13-2020, 04:16 AM   #12
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Model: Accolade 37TS
State: South Dakota
Posts: 8,726
THOR #1469
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Denman View Post
If a boat is: "A hole in the water into which one throws money."; the same relationship exists between RVs, and the woods!
You've got that right.
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Old 06-13-2020, 09:57 AM   #13
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 29.4
State: Maryland
Posts: 109
THOR #6722
Welcome and great to have you. We bought out 29.4 about a year and half ago but last year was out first year out. Yes, starting out the first year you seem like you are forever buying things, things and more things. Here's my top 10 things I learned (or bought) the first year..


1. Turn the propane knob on all the way not just a quarter turn (and don't run out of propane (don't ask me how I know this...lol)
2. Be patient with the leveling system
3. There's a brand of storage boxes that fits perfectly (Target carries them) you can stack them 2 high to maximize that space over the couch area
4. Replace the stock TV's they are pretty much crap
5. Get a made for RV GPS (if you don't have one already...very important).
6. Don't be in a rush when setting up and breaking down camp
7. Label makers are worth the money
8. A good RV mechanic is worth his weight in Gold...so is your tire guy
9. Valve extensions will leak (see number 8)
10. Control your frustration It'll ruin the whole experience. Expect small issues and go with it.
11 (bonus) start a hard cover RV reference book and write stuff down as you learn it Take it with you on trips
12 (double bonus) The Onan generator can (and will) flip it's breaker under severe load. Find out where the breaker is before you need it (youtube is your best friend)
13 (triple bonus) Coach batteries don't last forever. Ours lasted about 3 years results may vary...
14. There is a brand of those plastic storage drawer towers in Target that will fit in your clothing closet perfectly. Perfect for socks, undergarments, hats, etc etc etc, maximizes space
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Old 06-13-2020, 10:01 AM   #14
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Model: ACE 29.4
State: Maryland
Posts: 109
THOR #6722
The water pressure regulator is a MUST have.
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Old 06-13-2020, 11:14 AM   #15
I Think We're Lost!
 
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Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
Quote:
Originally Posted by EA37TS View Post
You've got that right.
I never owned a boat.
The Missus told me that Bankruptcy would not be part of my future...


...But murder might!
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Old 06-13-2020, 12:24 PM   #16
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Forest River Forester 235
State: Indiana
Posts: 4,883
THOR #6826
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Originally Posted by EA37TS View Post
You've got that right.


Only 5ing worse is an airplane!
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Old 06-13-2020, 12:26 PM   #17
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Forest River Forester 235
State: Indiana
Posts: 4,883
THOR #6826
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Denman View Post
I never owned a boat.

The Missus told me that Bankruptcy would not be part of my future...





...But murder might!


I always figured that I could afford the boat (or airplane, motorcycle etc.) but not the divorce that would follow....!
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Old 06-13-2020, 12:28 PM   #18
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Forest River Forester 235
State: Indiana
Posts: 4,883
THOR #6826
Top of my list would be TPMS, dually valves and an alignment. Don’t leave home without.
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Old 06-13-2020, 01:34 PM   #19
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Miramar 37.1
State: California
Posts: 2,460
THOR #12698
Remember that BOAT means " Break Out Another Thousand" as compared to an RV.


Paul
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Old 06-13-2020, 02:42 PM   #20
Junior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 30.3
State: California
Posts: 9
THOR #18970
Thanks for the warm welcome everyone. As Pete mentioned, I do like to consider myself handy. I'm no auto mechanic by any means but I worked for many years as a car stereo installer back in the late 80's, early 90's so I have a pretty solid understanding of 12v systems.

I also "make" lots of things and I've invented quite a few things on my own. As I look at the interiors of the dozens of RVs I looked at before buying this one, I saw really bad examples of bad design, outdated technology, corner cutting, cheap materials and questionable workmanship.

I don't plan on doing many modifications to this RV though. Mark these words and check back here in a few years to see if I stood by these words lol.

Sometimes though for simple things, I can't help myself. I have a pretty large format CNC machine, a laser cutter and a 3D printer at the house. I've already designed a 3D printer mount for the Inverter Remote Switch, I haven't printed it yet because I may have thought up a better mount for the switch.

Right now (Saturday morning 7AM), I've got some 3/4" MDF on the CNC machine that's being carved up into some storage for the cabinet for under the sink in the RV. I'll take some pictures when it's done.
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