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Old 10-28-2013, 02:29 PM   #1
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Advice for new Solera 24S owner?

New to RVing, and new to a 2014 Solera 24S. Any advice on:

1) What accessories to get that are a must-have?
2) What to avoid?
3) How to deal with the RV for a New England winter?
4) Any other advice?

Thanks much!
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Old 10-28-2013, 02:37 PM   #2
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For #3 - when you say deal with the RV... do you mean continuing to use it? Or what do you need to do for preparing it for winter storage?
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Old 10-28-2013, 03:06 PM   #3
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I think both!
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Old 10-28-2013, 03:33 PM   #4
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Upgrade the shower head
If it didn't come with led bulbs upgrade them
We bought a black stove top quieter that doubles as a cutting board and increased counter space
A 4 inch mattress cover makes bed comfortable
Don't know about winterizing as we have basically 1 season (we pray for rain)
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Old 10-28-2013, 03:49 PM   #5
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1. Upgrade the sway bar.
2. Upgrade the sewer hose.
3. Upgrade the tire valve extensions.
4. I installed a TPMS, just like to know my tire pressures are ok.
5. I also installed a Progressive Industries EMS-HW30C incoming power monitor. I've never run into bad power, but I've heard some horror stories and now I know I won't.
6. Learn the proper oil to put in it unless you are going to have it serviced at a Mercedes dealer.
7. Upgrade the shower head (Oxygenics)
8. Enjoy!

Lots of good information on this site about all of the above.
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Old 10-28-2013, 04:12 PM   #6
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The first thing we bought for our 2012 Solera 24S was a set of road flares, and caution markers for emergency breakdowns. The next thing we addressed was a safety railing for the bunk over cab and also provide a safety handle for the ladder for our grand children, etc. Reconfigured sewer hose access to a 6 inch access to accommodate large sewer hoses. Final design uses 2 - 90 degree elbows - hose then connects from outside ... Much easier to hookup! As to winter in the north ... Would recommend you look into inside storage such as a warehouse. We store our Solera since purchase new in a warehouse which is dry and locked. Our Solera looks like new as we have avoided damage from sun, rain and ice storms. Also would recommend antifreezing and battery removal if you are planning long lay up. All our best in your new adventure.
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Old 10-28-2013, 04:38 PM   #7
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RyderD - Almost forgot..... Read your Mercedes Owners Manual! For those times when you won't be using the Solera..... Disconnect the battery ground (found back of gas floor pedal) to prevent battery discharge. Remember you have electrical equipment running even with the key off. Computers, etc. .... Manual tells you how to shut everything down. Saves you from having to do a battery recharge.
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Old 10-28-2013, 06:51 PM   #8
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Be careful of long battery disconnect time for chassis. Some vehicles have computer issues from loss of current to the main computer, and takes a while to reset in the spring. I prefer a china freight float charger after the batteries are all topped off. I suggest do some forum reading here, there has been a lot of input from Solera owners, that really is quite helpful. The oxygenics shower head with the inline shutoff works great. IMO
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Old 10-29-2013, 06:26 AM   #9
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I just had a 40A, 110v outlet put in my barn where I plan to park the RV. If I leave it plugged in, do I need to disconnect the battery?
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Old 10-29-2013, 06:43 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sandiegodoug View Post
Upgrade the shower head If it didn't come with led bulbs upgrade them We bought a black stove top quieter that doubles as a cutting board and increased counter space A 4 inch mattress cover makes bed comfortable Don't know about winterizing as we have basically 1 season (we pray for rain)
Well, you just mentioned something I decided yesterday, that I couldn't live without! Ordered the black stove top cover from camping world! This forum sure has cost us some extra $$. But, it's all good :-)
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Old 10-30-2013, 06:08 PM   #11
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Your on board converter, in short, goes through a three stage process when your house batteries are low. The last step is a float charge. But, I have read on other sites, that batteries can boil off over time when plugged in to shore power over months of storage. I have used a float charger over the storage period with no issue. I suggest putting it on a timer as a precaution, and run it a couple hours a day.
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