Buying first MH, what should I change right away

[agc23]

Currently finalizing a deal on a Class A MH, this will be my first MH. Since I’m buying from a private party seller we decided to get a pre-purchase inspection as I’m new to RVs and prefer to have a professional look the unit over. I know the unit definitely needs tires (original tires from 2007 has cracks on the sidewall). What else should I consider changing due to age (mileage is pretty low), I was thinking of changing oil/fluids (engine oil, gen oil, brake fluid, trans fluid, etc.) and the batteries. I was also thinking of doing the CHF and adding a SafeTPlus steering shock.

Anything else I should consider changing, we’re planning a couple of short trips over the next couple of months before we head out west this summer.

[vsheetz]

Chassis lube
Sanitize fresh water system
CHF is cheap to do and effective
Steering stabilizer is good for safety in the event of front tire blowout

[agc23]

Is the CHF a DIY or do I need to bring it to the shop

That's exactly the reason I want to add the SafeTPlus

[Waiter21]

CHF is a DIY. If you decide to extend the tie rods (I would) then some welding experience/equipment.

Your buying two items, a truck, and a house

Truck -

Should drive OK, shifting, heater, A/C, lights, all OK
Make sure the Preventive maintenance is up to date, filters, fluids, etc. All the stuff you said.
Tires are a major hit - $2000 - 3000k depending on what you buy
Windshield for cracks / chips
Brakes - may want to change pads because of age - they get brittle

House -

no leaks - look in cabinets, around ceiling for any de-laminated/mushy walls (both inside and out)

Appliances work -
Frig works on gas and electric
Air Conditioner
Generator (make sure to unplug shore power when you check this)
Shore power
water heater
Furnace
Stove and oven

[rdrv831]

If the MH doesn't already have it, surge/under voltage protection. Progressive Industries or Hughes Autoformer. Protect your MH from bad electrical. Saved me already from an incorrectly wired 30amp plug at my brothers house. The handyman friend installed the plug as a 240v circuit. The Progressive unit stopped it from frying all my electronics in my Class c. The error code told me what to do and we fixed the breaker wiring in minutes.

[spinn]

Most major items have been covered but make sure the black and gray tanks are clear (fill with water then flush)

[CampingCajun]

If not done already look in out of the way spots for water damage. Inside cabinets, drawers, under bed, etc.

[DDDonkey]

I would have the propane system leak check at a service center, this is always one of the first things I have done.

[Firebug5]

Check all of the safety devices, such as the smoke, LPG, and carbon monoxide detectors. If they are the originals, it is time to replace them all. Also check the fire extinguisher, they usually never get used (this is a good thing!) and will simply cake up and need to be replaced.

Make the moho your own, whatever that takes. New televisions, electronics, and other bells and whistles that you want to really make it yours.

Enjoy it, get her ready, then be sure to USE it! Have fun on your next adventure.

Bruce

[Waiter21]

Bruce- YES - I thought I was the only one who bought a MH and immediately starting ripping it apart to "customize" it. :-)

[Doggy Daddy]

If the roof is in need of maintenance or repair, look into DIY EPDM Coatings - Liquid EPDM Rubber Roof Coatings For Roof Leaks
http://www.epdmcoatings.com/document...iquid-roof.pdf

[DBL Z]

The zinc in the Hot water heater.

[frankdamp]

Whether the water heater has a sacrificial anode depends on the brand. The other posters have it pretty well covered.

The one thing I missed, when we got ours at 8 years old, was that the topper awning over the living room slide was completely rotted out and only had the netting left. If you have slide toppers, go up on a ladder to inspect them. New ones for both slides were about $600. I had to build new cabinets for the dinette area due to water damage. Fortunately, a Costco size package of table napkins prevented it being a lot worse!

[BeachDude]

Everyone mentioned all the big mechanical and appliance concerns. Next, the shower head.

If your shower came with the typical OEM device similar to a kitchen faucet sprayer, then you will want to upgrade it.