Hello. New ACE 30.1 owner here!

[EricGT]

My wife and I just placed a deposit (our current class C) on a 2015 ACE 30.1. We pick it up next Tuesday.

We are both completely excited about this purchase and cannot wait to final camp in one of the 'big boys'.

Our situation is that we have a 13 and 10 year old that we camp with 5-6 times annually. We also use our RV to tailgate at NFL games with our friends.

So, we wanted something bigger to allow us more space for weekend camping, yet small enough to allow us to travel the downtown streets of Baltimore.

I was looking at everything from used DP's to the smaller ACE. The ACE seemed the best fit. I also wanted to buy something new as I am very meticulous about the care of my 'toys' and we have heated inside storage for our RV so I knew I would be able to keep the exterior clean long term. Our class C had streaking and the decals had fading/cracking due to the previous owner storing it outside for several years. This always drove me crazy and I could never find a way to make the decals look new.

While I wait for pick up I have a few questions for those of you with an ACE.

1. We are having a 3 receiver Dish system installed and the place I am buying the ACE from could not find a switch anywhere. They found cables running but no splitter/switch. Was this an oversight from the manufacturer?
2. How much weight does the bed above the driving station hold? My son thought he had read somewhere that it was 250#.
3. How does one get into that bed? I could not find a ladder during the tour. There does not appear anything to step on to get up into the bunk.
4. Are the jacks strong enough to lift the front end off the ground? Our driveway has a slope to it and I will need to lift the front end close to wheels off the ground to get it level.

Thanks!
Eric

[Arizona Lizards]

Hello and welcome. Typing on iPad, so will be brief.
250 is the correct pounds for overhead bunk. If you read through the ACE mods thread you should see where someone made a T-shaped bar to get more weight on the bunk. Some people buy a small ladder, others use the couch and the small shelf (for lack of better word) to climb up to the bunk. Can't help with splitter. Might check the same mod thread on that. Yes, jacks will lift wheels off ground. Don't know by how much. Ouch, can't remember other questions and can't see your post when replying. :(
Hope this helps a little.

[EricGT]

Here is a picture waiting to be detailed. Run through and pick up next week!

[rivraton]

My 27.1 had no switch box and only 1 cable splitter (from the antenna switch to split to main & bedroom) I installed a DC pass splitter on the park cable coax so I can use a portable (Tailgater). I purchased a Quest switch box. I haven't installed a roof dish yet, but it is on my list. The bunk ladder should be in the storage box under the master bed. Take a good look at the front tires for shoulder wear, it seems Ford doesn't align and THOR doesn't either, but Thor will pay for alignment. Also give the window regulators a good looking over, the arms are prone to bending.

[EricGT]

Originally Posted by rivraton

My 27.1 had no switch box and only 1 cable splitter (from the antenna switch to split to main & bedroom) I installed a DC pass splitter on the park cable coax so I can use a portable (Tailgater). I purchased a Quest switch box. I haven't installed a roof dish yet, but it is on my list. The bunk ladder should be in the storage box under the master bed. Take a good look at the front tires for shoulder wear, it seems Ford doesn't align and THOR doesn't either, but Thor will pay for alignment. Also give the window regulators a good looking over, the arms are prone to bending.

Thanks for the feedback!
The dealership ended up dropping 3 lines from the satellite to all three t.v.'s. This will also allow me to run 3 different receivers so we can all watch our own shows. Nothing like 'camping' huh?

I heard that about the window regulators. Can one drive with the windows open? My previous RV had the sliding windows. I have never seen the ones that open outward.

I have to admit, this section has been a bit 'crickets chirping'. I thought with ACE's being so popular there would be more replies.

Are there any other forums that ACE owners participate in?

[bdickson]

You'll find lots of threads started by ACE owners here: Thor Industries Owner's Forum - iRV2 Forums

[EricGT]

Originally Posted by bdickson

You'll find lots of threads started by ACE owners here: Thor Industries Owner's Forum - iRV2 Forums

Isn't that where I am?

[Hat-Trick]

Do NOT lift your coach off the ground with the jacks. This will "hurt your coach" per the service manager at the Thor factory....after he saw mine that way in their parking lot. Oops!

[Gormleys]

I would use drive on blocks to lift the tires, then use the front jacks. Less strain that way.

I think everyone is out camping now, so participation is low (usually this is a pretty active site).

[EricGT]

Originally Posted by Gormleys

I think everyone is out camping now, so participation is low (usually this is a pretty active site).

Lucky them!

[virginiamtns]

Originally Posted by Hat-Trick

Do NOT lift your coach off the ground with the jacks. This will "hurt your coach" per the service manager at the Thor factory....after he saw mine that way in their parking lot. Oops!

x2. The factory manual says not to use the jacks to lift the rig off the ground. When compared to the size post used on heavier rigs, I agree. The posts on my ACE are pretty puny by comparison. I would count on using wood or legos to level.

We have used the drop down bed once, and as someone mentioned, used the couch and small end table/shelf. CW sells bunk ladders, but we also carry a small step ladder that could do double duty. We carry a larger, compact space ladder so that we can clear debris off the slide awnings if we've been where there's a lot of tree debris or snow.

We love our ACE. We've had a few minor warranty issues, but overall it's been great.

We've been out over seventy nights since April 1, and have two major trips coming up. We will have over 100 nights out when we winterize in November. Last year we were out about 75 nights. We got ours June 1 last year. This year we got started on the first weekend in April.

I don't know why they went to push out windows in the 2015. Our 2014 has sliding windows.

You picked a great entry level coach. Our has lived up to our expectations, and it's been a wonderful magic carpet for all of our camping adventures.

One more thing - get a wheel alignment ASAP. The chassis is aligned at the Ford factory, but it is not done again after the coach is built. Load your rig like you're going to use it, and take it to a good alignment shop that can handle an RV. It's worth every penny - it was easier to drive and my tires are wearing properly.

Remember the packing rule - if you put a bowling ball on the right, put one on the left, etc. Try to balance your load as much as possible - it also makes a difference in handling and comfort.

Enjoy!

[EricGT]

Can anyone explain the headlights to me?
At night in the 'off' position the headlights come on, but nothing else.
I also notice that the lights seem to change on/off when the parking brake is applied.
Weird?

[cptxguys]

Originally Posted by EricGT

Can anyone explain the headlights to me?
At night in the 'off' position the headlights come on, but nothing else.
I also notice that the lights seem to change on/off when the parking brake is applied.
Weird?

You have daytime running lights. They go off when the parking brake is applied. Use the dash switch to control the lights (as neecessary). It's easy to forget that you have no tail lights at dusk if the dash switch is not on and you are driving with the daytime running light.

[EricGT]

Gotcha!
I'm used to DLR's coming on when placing the shifter in drive. I see now how it works. Crazy that it goes off with the parking brake.
Thanks!