Spare parts

[Kenkarast28]

Morning, new to my Ventana 3412. Going on a long trip across Canada then back across the US this summer. Was wondering what spare parts are recommended to be carried? No doubt at least one water pump. Slideout motor(s)? Step motor? Awning motor? Other? Thx! Ken

[shepardmike]

Search the forum, there are several threads regarding this topic...

[AlanTerry]

I would take a spare water pump. The other parts you mentioned can be ordered. Yes they would cause an inconvenience but can be fixed when the parts arrive.

[dons2346]

Engine belts, extra fuel filters. The rest can be acquired as needed but sitting on the side of the road is the problem.

[SafariBen]

Originally Posted by dons2346

Engine belts, extra fuel filters. The rest can be acquired as needed but sitting on the side of the road is the problem.

That's the best answer, even if you're not comfortable changing them yourself, you can find somebody that can do that work easier than you can find the parts in many locations.


If you're willing to try electrical diagnostics, then a Powerprobe is an excellent tool to have.

[Dutch Star Don]

As you travel more, you always have something that breaks. If something breaks and looks like it could be an issue again, I buy spares. You also need some temporary fix stuff.

Here's some of the small things and repair items for repairs.....

super glue
Gorilla tape
small tube of clear silicone
a plastic peanut butter jar of screws, nuts and bolts
hose clamps
several lengths of wiring
soldering gun
black electrical tape

Coach specific....

lug nut covers
entry step motor
generic hose lengths
belts
fuel filters
Home Depot qt metal can of lawnmower fuel, filled with diesel (filter filler)
Oasis pump
oil
Allsion trans fluid
coolant

Since I've had a DP since 2005, I have a couple of containers with trays that have all sorts of spare parts. Every couple of years I purge out stuff that is no longer needed and add things that are pertinent to the coach.

[Capt. Bill]

Here is what I would recommend:
1) Spare serpentine belt for the engine
2) A/C compressor belt
3) Water pump
4) Primary & secondary fuel filters
5) Assortment of fuses
6) Set of wiper blades
7) Sewer hose
8) Water filter- main house
9) Water filter- refrigerator
10) 1 gallon 15-40 engine oil
11) 1 Qt ATF- jacks power steering
12) 1gal pre-mixed antifreeze
13) 1 gal. boiler fluid for Oasis
14) 1 pint 98 W synthetic gear oil
15) Generator fuel filter
16) 1 Qt Lucas Hub Oil
17) 1- Gas strut for basement doors
18) Assortment of Al & SS pop rivets & hand rivet gun
19) spare tail light & headlight


Happy Trail

[Country Road]

To the OP, I think you’ve gotten some good, common sense ideas on things to carry with you on a trip thru Canada.

I carry almost all of the items mentioned and have for years. Reason is, we were offshore boaters, so being prepared and fending for yourself was of utmost importance.

For me, there’s one thing that a lot of people don’t carry that is on the top of my list and that’s a spare tire. It’s as important to me as an extra prop I used to carry for my boat. I spun a prop 25 miles offshore years ago and was back on plane in about an hour.

It doesn’t mean I would change the tire myself, which I could do, but not having to look for a tire in a remote area carries a nice tune. It’s kind of like life insurance in a small way. I hope I never have to use it.

Have a safe trip.

[Kenkarast28]

Originally Posted by Country Road

To the OP, I think you’ve gotten some good, common sense ideas on things to carry with you on a trip thru Canada.

I carry almost all of the items mentioned and have for years. Reason is, we were offshore boaters, so being prepared and fending for yourself was of utmost importance.

For me, there’s one thing that a lot of people don’t carry that is on the top of my list and that’s a spare tire. It’s as important to me as an extra prop I used to carry for my boat. I spun a prop 25 miles offshore years ago and was back on plane in about an hour.

It doesn’t mean I would change the tire myself, which I could do, but not having to look for a tire in a remote area carries a nice tune. It’s kind of like life insurance in a small way. I hope I never have to use it.

Have a safe trip.

Thx. Where do you keep the spare tire for the Ventana?

[Country Road]

Originally Posted by Kenkarast28

Thx. Where do you keep the spare tire for the Ventana?

My coach has a great place for a spare tire. It stores in the 4th bay on the passenger side. There is a deep space just tall enough for a mounted spare and also just deep enough. It’s out of the way and my tool box and water softener sit in front of it.

[cbennis]

I don't think you're going to find room for a spare in a 34' Ventana. You might want to get yourself a good air pump however. I have a VIAIR that can inflate to 120+ psi, and I carry an emergency tire repair kit (with plugs).

Spares are nice, but it is impossible to predict what you will need, and covering all contingencies is expensive.For example, a slide motor can easily run more than $1K. A water pump might be nice, but I have never had one fail. Heck, on one trip our refrigerator died. Certainly can't carry a spare fridge.

Based on my experience, get yourself a set of good ratchet straps and assorted bungee cords. On a previous coach, I had the hydraulic jack motor go up in smoke and after getting the jacks retracted by letting out the hydraulic fluid, I had to strap them in place so they wouldn't lower themselves while I drove home. Also had the entry steps gear strip once (at home), which caused the steps to swing freely. If I was on the road, I would have had to strap them up.

Do you have a tow vehicle with air brakes? If so, get some 1/4" air hose at (NAPA stores carry it). I had a leak in the airline for the towed brake system once.

Personally, I just carry tools. Parts can always be ordered. A spare serpentine belt might be nice, but on the Ventana I cannot change it.

[johnbro27]

Not what you asked (I'd carry filters and belts and maybe a slide controller) but I'm interested in the trans-Canada part since that's on our bucket list (west to east). Can you post some kind of travel log or point us to one so we can all understand how this went? I've heard mixed stories about Canada 1 across the prairie provinces.