Just purchased my first RV, a Thor ACE 30.3

[anewsome]

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!

[JamieGeek]

Congratulations and welcome.

Sounds like you already have a good start going...

[Bob Denman]

That rig is a real Beauty! I hope that you get countless "Miles & Smiles" from it!
Oh! Welcome to the forum also!

[Pete'sMH]

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!!

[coachray]

Congrats and welcome to the forum. After you buy everything on your list the fun part is deciding which compartments to put everything in.

[Pete'sMH]

And, by the way, “the list” pretty much NEVER gets shorter. There’s ALWAYS a couple of new items that you need!

[Bob Denman]

The ONLY two things that can keep that list from growing:
Bankruptc
or
Death at the hands of an enraged Spouse,,,

[paulwadley]

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.

[Mr Sunshine]

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!

[Bob Denman]

If a boat is: "A hole in the water into which one throws money."; the same relationship exists between RVs, and the woods!

[Travelin' Texans]

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.

One these!


NOT this.

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

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.

[HarleypsychRN]

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

[HarleypsychRN]

The water pressure regulator is a MUST have.

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by EA37TS

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!

[Pete'sMH]

Originally Posted by EA37TS

You've got that right.

Only 5ing worse is an airplane!

[Pete'sMH]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

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....!

[Pete'sMH]

Top of my list would be TPMS, dually valves and an alignment. Don’t leave home without.

[paulwadley]

Remember that BOAT means " Break Out Another Thousand" as compared to an RV.


Paul

[anewsome]

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.