Here's a list of what we did shortly after getting our ex-rental.
This is just a parcel list of what we did. Of course all fluids and filters were changed first. Your list might be entirely different. Some things I should of done before we bought. But here is what I would do again before first trip.
Safety First
--Propane alarm…They do have a life span. Ours had a date stamped on the back when it was “put into service” and it was right around 5 years old , so got a new one. Bought the same size so new one would fit into existing hole. Easy to replace. Couple screws to remove and one or two wires to disconnect and hook back up. 20 min job.
--Changed batteries on smoke alarm and added another.
--We practiced crawling out the “emergency” window. (This seemed sort of crazy to us. We did provide entertainment for the neighbors. But don’t laugh till you actually do it. I’m 6’3” and not that easy to crawl out of. But we now know, 1) Window hinges on "escape" window works and 2) It is not that easy and 3) yes, can crawl out if need be.
--Refrigerator… made sure refrig was not on Norcold recall list.
Next after Safety
---Write down every manufacture number and model number of everything you have in your RV and go on-line and get every owner’s manual can find. Manuals for (stove, hot water heater, water pump, etc) Print them out and carry them with you.
--Overhead clearance…Measured at highest point (above A/C) on ours. Wrote the number down on a 3x5 card and put above visor. All I have to do is flip visor down and clearance height is right in front of my eyes. Several months later don’t even have to look. But in the beginning driving thru some gas stations looked pretty close.
---Chiltons manual…Just handy to have. Had a heck of time adjusting headlights. Looked it up in the Chiltons guide, easy directions.
---Battery disconnect switch…Shutting off elec from battery saves battery from going low when not in use.
---Generator…Did a tune up and changed oil. Lots of info on youtube, many videos about genny's. (I spent a lot of time looking for the oil filter and never could find one. When I went to Cummins to get new air filter I asked for oil filter. Cummins confirmed that they don’t have one, atleast my size of generator.) Be sure to bring your model number with you.
---Lights…changed all lights to LED, yes they make a big difference in elec use. Also picked up spare fuses and flasher.
---Locking gas cap…Found out that auto part stores have a hard time looking up parts by “it’s a 2003 Majestic”. After 3 or 4 trips out to parking lot, found one that worked. DO NOT throw your old one away. After a freeze my check engine light comes on and I put old cap back on and it clears the check engine light. Ford mechanic told us, replacement caps are not that good of quality with the rubber or vinyl at top where the gas cap makes an air tight fit, where you put in the nozzle. So they leak air sometimes. And I might have to use old gas cap to pass required smog test. No problems yet, but I still keep old cap just in case.
---Mattress…Ours was new but hard as a rock, very uncomfortable. Bought foam topper, 4 inch thick. Used a bread knife to cut, worked out fine. Good luck on price, we got ours on-line.
---Jack… Our RV came without a jack so we picked one up one that does the job. I would highly recommend a “dry” run first, maybe changing a tire in your driveway first before you have to change one on the road.
OK hope this helps. I think foam topper for bed cost the most, but sure worth it.
