Equipping a new Class A

[Nubulin]

I am a few weeks away from taking delivery of my new MH at the factory. This is my first rig, so I own nothing for an RV. I am putting together a list of all the "stuff" I need to purchase before the first family trip. I would appreciate any suggestions! I lean toward being very well equipped, but I don't want to fill it up with gizmos that have questionable use.

Thanks!

[datrbone8]

Just go around your house and inventory it's contents. Then go buy one of everything (That's just slightly overstating)

I would start with bedding, kitchenware, cleaning supplies, etc.

If not included you'll want a sewer hose and fittings, water hose for potable water. Camp chairs and a mat for sitting outside. Barbeque & accessories.

I'd buy some type of tool kits with wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers. You'll likely be adding to it as time goes on. Also a good flashlight.

Take a walk through a Camping World store and discover all the things you didn't even know you needed

Congratulations and enjoy your new coach

[-LB-]

Hey Nubulin and welcome!!!...if you do a search in the forums or even online in general you'll probably get lots of info on what you are looking for....attached is a PDF of a spreadsheet that I put together of the stuff in my rig....it's separated into outside wants and needs and inside wants and needs...I'm sure there are things you don't really need but I've used most of what's on here and even added some things as time has gone on.....I'm not saying it's Gospel but it's a start!!......

If you'd like the spreadsheet version, PM me with your email addy and I'll get it to you.....GOOD LUCK!!.....

[PyrateSilly]

The best thing I can tell you is you do not need to buy something just because it says RV in the name.
Case in point the toilet paper - you do NOT need to buy RV toilet paper you can get whatever you use in the S&B as long as it says septic safe and just about all are septic safe.

[Tony Lee]

And when you finish loading all that junk, be sure to take it to a weighbridge and weigh each corner separately (if possible), consult the tyre makers load/pressure tables and get the pressures correct right from the start.

Also download a copy of Cat's "Understanding RV performance" and then do a search for "snub braking" and then you will be set.

Also borrow some witches hats and find a big parking lot and spend all day practising avoiding hitting things - particularly in reverse and on the right side.
Then find a dark parking lot and repeat the exercise.
And don't forget, you are driving a three-dimensional rig so LOOK UP too

[usinvestment]

Picked ours up in July, 2013 . I did things a little different. I focused on the suspension and safety first. I spent months reading this blog before I picked it up. Right away I did the suspension and safety work, then the systems in the exterior compartments like the electrical cords and adaptors, water filters and waste hoses. The list is long. Read this blog, it gives you ideas of what you need.

We just started on the inside, the inside stuff is easier and faster. I just finished my bike tow bar for the boat so when we go to lakes and park 1 mile from water I can tow the boat behind the bike and launch. Everyday I have worked on projects, which are fun. There are many small things, like the air valve extenders for inflating the tires, make sure to do that if it hasn't been done. Build a toolkit just for the RV and think about what you need if your stuck out in the woods or on the road. I still have many things to figure out and add.

Don't by the RV stuff unless you have no other option, you can built or make things and save thousands. Amazon, Walmart and Lowes are you new best friends, and the people on this blog, they have great ideas and suggestions.

[luvlabs]

I would start with things to keep your investment happy and yourself safe (not in ranked order):

1. Tire pressure monitoring system
2. EMS system like the Progressive Industries HW50c
3. Water pressure regulator and filter system (see the rvwaterfilterstore.com)
4. Winegard Trav'ller antenna - might as well have it all in satellite TV
5. A good sewer hose
6. An air compressor if your coach does not have air brakes other wise a long air hose and chuck.
7. A good barbeque grill

All of the stuff that goes inside the coach can come from your sticks and brick house. When we were still living in ours, we just duplicated everything in the coach so we didn't have to remember what to pack or not pack. No need for "rv" anything to go on the inside - unless you like to spend money.

[ahicks]

When you THINK you have everything you need, spend a night camping in your driveway. That way, you'll be close enough to just go inside and get anything you've forgotten? Alternatively, you'll have proven you have everything you need, and are prepared for that first short hop out of the yard. Suggest you not go far though? If you have a campground within 20-50 miles, I'd go there for 2-3 days. Get through that, and you're ready for the road....

Welcome, and best of luck! -Al

[HD4Mark]

It is helpful to take a few short trips camping first. Somewhere close to home so you can shoot back if needed. If your not towing a car yet then you can economically have someone else drive behind so you can set up the MH and still have a way to go get stuff.

A good sewer hose is good advice. RinoFLEX and Valterra are some good choices but there are lots. The cheapo ones usually provided by the dealer are just that, cheap.

Another thought that is an inexpensive but useful tool is one of those foam gardening knee pads. With basement storage and jack pads you do lots crawling around with RVs. BTW with the slides out watch your head when you stand back up.

[vraines]

We have made every effort to duplicate what we use in the house. Reduces the stress and work of a "moving day" every time we prepare to go on a trip. Actually, we try to keep our clothing in the RV so we don't have to move that every time. We keep a loading list on our iPads so we don't forget too much. I am basically lazy and hate to have that moving day every few weeks. We keep ours powered up inside the garage and even keep a little food in the fridge. It is basically ready to roll. Ave fun!

[joemcgin]

We bought our first used MH in April. Had to get everything as the original owner transferred his stuff to his new coach. Figure I've spent a lil over $2500 getting it set up. Found Amazon to have the best prices. The RV Dealer's prices were very high. Get Amazon Prime & free shipping & you can stream a lot of videos to your laptop free as well over WiFi. Ran an HDMI cord from my laptop to my TV & don't pay for satellite.

[akadeadeye]

Lots of good suggestions.

I might offer some wisdom about the "tool box". Stick to the basics like hammer, screwdriver set, pliers set, channel locks, cordless drill with bits and other attachments, and your own few special items including an electrical multi-meter (very necessary and learn how and when you need to use it).

Don't go overboard like I did at first. I guess I thought that I might have to pull over on I-40 somewhere and rebuild the Cummins engine and rebuild the coach from stem to stern. I am shedding tools like crazy and shedding space and weight in the process. Anything that needs fixing beyond a basic tool set should probably (especially in my case) be taken care of with a phone call.

Wow, I got another "flame" over to the left. Cool.

Don

[Barbaraok]

Things you need:

Multimeter. Get a good one, you're going to use it a lot.

Water pressure regulator - get a good one, not something cheap.

A couple of rolls of duct tape - you're an RVer after all.

Complete set of filters and some extra fluids (oil, transmission, coolant)

Good water hoses and drain hoses - forget the cheap stuff.

30-50 and 50-30 amp dogbones. Also a 15-30 amp one for parking in a friends driveway.

Remember - there is always a Wal-Mart just down the road for almost everything you need in terms of bedding/bath/kitchen needs.

Barb

[vsheetz]

Don't get too carried away - go with the basics and learn what you want and need as you go.

That said, power protection is a biggie. EMS system - Progressive Industries