MH Must Haves

[wmtire]

It can depend on your dealer (which mine was great) as to what you must purchase. My dealer threw in a deluxe Valterra starter kit. It had toilet chemicals/toilet paper, water pressure regulator, fresh water hose, 30-15 amp electrical adapter, sewer hose with disposable gloves (very important when dumping your sewer), and a bubble level. It also has an instructional dvd that I have never watched.



If you haven't signed the paperwork yet, you can probably get the dealer to throw one of these kits in if they don't do it standard.

[MrJoe]

I'm pretty sure I'm getting the newbie kit

Below is what I've noted, so far. Question: Should I look for a 50 to 30 amp adapter since the MH is 30 amp...just incase?

White water hose (might be included)
Sewer hose and fittings (might be included)
Sheets, pillows and blanket
Towels, wash cloths
Soap
RV Grade Toilet Paper
Kitchenware (utensils, plates, bowls, pots/pans) might use paper on maiden trip
Bottled water (until tank is sterilized)
Water filter
Work gloves
Disposable gloves (4 dirty duty)
Clorox Wipes
Cooler
Door mat
Spare Fuses
Toolbox w/multimeter
Lug Wrench
Water pressure regulator
30-15 amp electrical adapter

[Brother Les]

=MrJoe;449841]I'm pretty sure I'm getting the newbie kit

Below is what I've noted, so far. Question: Should I look for a 50 to 30 amp adapter since the MH is 30 amp...just incase?

The '50' to '30', you do not need since your unit is a 30 Amp..... I have a '30' to '50' and I would suggest you get that.

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by Brother Les

The '50' to '30', you do not need since your unit is a 30 Amp..... I have a '30' to '50' and I would suggest you get that.

As Brother Les pointed out, it's a good idea to have the 30 amp female to 50 amp male adapter. This way you can plug/connect your RV to a 50 amp outlet if needed.



Sometimes you will encounter campground pedestals where the 30 amp outlet is weak/loose/worn out especially since the 30 amp outlet seems to get used more than a 50 amp outlet. You will need the adapter so you can use the 50 amp outlet at the pedestal (if equipped)

Occasionally, you may encounter a campground that doesn't have a 30 amp pedestal, and all the outlets are of the 50 amp variety....where you have to use an adapter to connect a 30 amp RV.

[MrJoe]

I forgot the most important piece of equipment..... Coffee Pot

White water hose (might be included)
Sewer hose and fittings (might be included)
Sheets, pillows and blanket
Towels, wash cloths
Soap
RV Grade Toilet Paper
Kitchenware (utensils, plates, bowls, pots/pans) might use paper on maiden trip
Bottled water (until tank is sterilized)
Water filter
Work gloves
Disposable gloves (4 dirty duty)
Clorox Wipes
Cooler
Door mat
Spare Fuses
Toolbox w/multimeter
Lug Wrench
Water pressure regulator
30-15 amp electrical adapter
30-50 amp electrical adapter
Coffee Pots

[Triguy]

Originally Posted by MrJoe

I forgot the most important piece of equipment..... Coffee Pot

That would have been a huge miss

Also, beer kozies and insulated highball glasses and the stuff that goes into them

[MrJoe]

I find anything more than a coffee cup spells trouble with this guy...

[DnL]

During the PDI, leave the oven burner lit for at least 4 to 5 minutes. I didn't and now I'm taking the RV back to the dealer to get the thermocouple realigned or replaced whichever it needs. During the PDI we lit the burner but then just turned it off right away. During our first weekend out we discovered it won't stay lit more than 3 or 4 minutes.

[B D HOWie]

You may want to consider a 30 amp surge/voltage monitor. Plug it into CG service and the coach plugs into it. It protects coach from low/high voltage and miss wired pedestals. I am new to RVing also. Others please comment if this is desirable as they are not inexpensive.

[Triguy]

Originally Posted by VPB

You may want to consider a 30 amp surge/voltage monitor. Plug it into CG service and the coach plugs into it. It protects coach from low/high voltage and miss wired pedestals. I am new to RVing also. Others please comment if this is desirable as they are not inexpensive.

I thinks it's a good idea. There's a lot that can go wrong and would be expensive to fix. I've got the Progressive Industries Portable 30amp (EMS-PT30C). It might be hard for the OP to find that one in the locale where they are flying, though. But, its an excellent portable unit.

[MrJoe]

Originally Posted by VPB

You may want to consider a 30 amp surge/voltage monitor. Plug it into CG service and the coach plugs into it. It protects coach from low/high voltage and miss wired pedestals. I am new to RVing also. Others please comment if this is desirable as they are not inexpensive.

Perfect! I have added it to my list. Thank you!!

[MrJoe]

Here's my updated list..

White water hose (might be included)
Sewer hose and fittings (might be included)
Sheets, pillows and blanket
Towels, wash cloths
Soap
RV Grade Toilet Paper
Kitchenware (utensils, plates, bowls, pots/pans) might use paper on maiden trip
Bottled water (until tank is sterilized)
Water filter
Work gloves
Disposable gloves (4 dirty duty)
Clorox Wipes
Cooler
Door mat
Spare Fuses
Toolbox w/multimeter
Lug Wrench
Water pressure regulator
30 amp Surge Protector
30-15 amp electrical adapter
30-50 amp electrical adapter
Coffee Pots

[paulmlac]

MrJoe -

I'm insanely jealous. I am guessing you are getting your unit at RVDirect / Buffalo RV. We got our new Sunseeker there last August. Assuming so, I can offer some real world advice.

First, they were great to work with. They gave a very thorough PDI. It started in the engine, went around the outside, then inside. We had pop up's for 18 years. A C was a big jump. But they spent as much time as it took showing us everything, answering questions, etc. Then we sat in their lot for a while longer going back through everything on our own.

Just to comment on a few things that were posted above (in order as I remember them coming up):

- They started the fridge the day before. It was fully cooled down. I don't think you need a cooler.

- I agree with staying near the dealer the first night as time permits. We did the KOA in Westfield, NY. It was 60 miles to the west. Not around the corner but we were on a schedule & it was close enough if need be.

- They did give a newbie kit. It had everything pictured in the post on page 2 except the DVD & water pressure regulator (as I recall). It also only had 1 TP & 2 tank treatments (again, as I recall). That hose lasted us about 10 dumps before it gave up the ghost. Don't worry about a new hose day 1 but do get one before you need it. Rent the movie "RV" with Robin Williams if you need a visual on how it gave up the ghost.

- They gave us a discount on anything in the store that day. Something like 20%. Basically, it got any item back to "normal" price.

- The water tank was not sanitized. But it's fine to flush the toilet with, take a shower. Do sanitize it when you get home. But, my reco would be to drink bottled water even after sanitized (that's what we do anyhow).

- We don't have a plug adaptor. Just haven't ever needed one in 19 years of camping now. Have always been able to find a 30 AMP site (but we do mostly state parks). But, they're cheap so get one if you want.

- Heavily reco the Progressive Industries EMS-PT30C.

Here are some things for the 1st trip home:

- Seriously, just a credit card & the location of the nearest Walmart. We drove to Buffalo from Ohio with stuff for the unit but we were doing a friends reunion in the unit the 2nd night.

- A laptop (or smartphone) so you can troubleshoot on the road. I needed help & posted a question on this forum regarding the hot water tank winterizing valves position & got an immediate answer.

- Here are some other things not on your list:

shower mat (for outside floor so doesn't get wet), shampoo, hair dryer, anything in a toiletries bag for a hotel

plastic cups, paper towels (lots but that's just me), dishsoap / towel if not going disposable, can opener, sharp knife, cutting board, scissors, zip lock bags in various sizes, non stick cooking spray

grill lighter, flashlight, batteries, bug spray

clock for nighttime, nightlights (we like them anyhow), trash cans, trash bags, broom, dustbuster

medical stuff such as band aids & aspirin

put a robertson #2 square head screwdriver in your toolbox as you can basically disassemble the entire unit with that one tool if need be!!!

Good luck & have fun!!!

[MrJoe]

That's great info Paulmlac. We are picking up at Buffalo RV. They have been great, so far. Between Walmart and their supply house, I'm sure my credit card will get a workout .

We are so excited

[B D HOWie]

You may not need these immediately.
We have stayed only in State Parks and in our son's driveway. We ran into the need for extra length of fresh water hose on two occasions so I recommend a 25' and a 50 or 75' hose. (Note: When storing them you will not get every drop of water out so connect each hose to itself so that your basement and storage box stay dry. Maybe others have a better solution.)

Additionally, I would also recommend an extension of the heavy duty 30 amp power cord for the RV. We needed it while at our son's to reach his 20 amp outside socket. With the 30 to 15/20 and 50 amp adapters we can pretty much plug into any available service.

Yes, the credit card does get its exercise.
Paul

[MrJoe]

Originally Posted by VPB

You may not need these immediately.
We have stayed only in State Parks and in our son's driveway. We ran into the need for extra length of fresh water hose on two occasions so I recommend a 25' and a 50 or 75' hose. (Note: When storing them you will not get every drop of water out so connect each hose to itself so that your basement and storage box stay dry. Maybe others have a better solution.)

Additionally, I would also recommend an extension of the heavy duty 30 amp power cord for the RV. We needed it while at our son's to reach his 20 amp outside socket. With the 30 to 15/20 and 50 amp adapters we can pretty much plug into any available service.

Yes, the credit card does get its exercise.
Paul

Thanks Paul.. That's good information.

[Garrette]

Expect it to drive like a beast. Ask if the unit has been aligned. If not, I would want that done before getting on the road. Search for alignment on this blog. Please do this if you have not done so. Any big truck shop can do it. This will be the best dollar you spend.

[MrJoe]

Here's my latest list... Might need a trailer

2 White water hoses (1 might be included)
Sewer hose and fittings (might be included)
Green Water hose for Black tank flush
Sheets, pillows and blanket
Towels, wash cloths
Shower mat
Soap
RV Grade Toilet Paper
Kitchenware (utensils, plates, bowls, pots/pans) might use paper on maiden trip
Grill Lighter
Flashlight w/batteries
First Aid kit
Bug Spray
Trash Can
Trash bags
Swifter Floor
Bottled water (until tank is sterilized)
Water filter
Work gloves
Disposable gloves (4 dirty duty)
Clorox Wipes
Cooler
Door mat
Spare Fuses
Toolbox w/multimeter
Lug Wrench
Water pressure regulator
30 amp Surge Protector
30-15 amp electrical adapter
30-50 amp electrical adapter
30 amp extension cord
Coffee Pots

[MrJoe]

Originally Posted by Garrette

Expect it to drive like a beast. Ask if the unit has been aligned. If not, I would want that done before getting on the road. Search for alignment on this blog. Please do this if you have not done so. Any big truck shop can do it. This will be the best dollar you spend.

Thanks Garrette. I've been reading about that. Good advise.

[Garrette]

Less than 1200 miles and in the shop. Glad I did. Held up our Disney Trip by 3 hours. Everyone waited until I returned. Bushings replaced and aligned. Soooo much better.