Long-time reader, new Class A owner. I'm wondering what the first mods or enhancements you made on your Class A were. I recall seeing a post about this, but can't track it down. Any help and/or advice would be appreciated.

How to make your signature so we can serve you better:1. Log on and click "My Preferences".2. On the "My Preferences" page click the middle box and enter your rig info.3. Scroll to the bottom and click "Submit Changes"4. Exit and you're done. I added a towbar assembly and a toad as my first major modification.

Well Sir, Mods, adjustments, alterations, enhancements and all that, are all preferences of each owner and, as such, are prioritized as needed. What one of us might do first, based on our priorities, might be on the bottom of the list (if at all) for others. As for myself, if and when I purchase a "new to me" coach, the first thing I do is check all the important systems, i.e. lights, as in brake lights, turn signals and any and all running lights. Then, the brakes. A thorough inspection of all brakes and related components. Then, the engine. Belts, hoses and anything that I can see, feel, hear or otherwise, needs attention. After all the necessities are taken care of, then comes time for the mods. One of the first "mod" I did was, change almost all of the interior lighting to LED bulbs. Yep, it was a bit expensive but, the interior of our coach is without a doubt, considerably cooler due to that change. And, not only that but, we consume a whole lot less battery. Our bed was built a bit on the weak side so, I made a support for it underneath the part that tips up. Now, it's as stable as a rock. In the past 7+ years of ownership, there's been plenty more enhancements, alterations and more. Scott

Only modification I made to ours was installing a heavier clothes hanger rod in the rear closet. My wife found out you can't hang 1000lbs. of close on a 20lb. rated bar. lolol Oh and I moved our dining room table over against the bathroom wall to give a little more area in that area for a stress less recliner. That's it. As far as the chassis it's bone stock.

It's not a mod but, check your roof. Make sure the caulking in in good condition and properly applied. Use Eternabond where possible.Do this even if it's new.

I very quickly realized the owners manual supplied by the manufacturer is generic at best and leaves a lot to be desired. There are dozens if not hundreds of parts on your coach that are not included in the basic book. I began collecting information on all aspects of my motorhome and continue to this day to add information. The internet is very useful for this task. I file every new addition into a binder and keep it in the coach. This has helped me numerous times over the years when something didn't work. I keep manufacturer contact information as well as document when something breaks and needs replaced. I frequently look at why the particular part failed and think about ways it could be improved to work better or last longer. This is an on-going project and yields a degree of comfort as you progressively make your RV better.There is no real priority list that applies to every RV but rather a need makes itself known and you take care of it in such a way that it doesn't keep happening. I always keep a notebook in the coach and make a list of items to take care of, either right away, or when I return home from a trip. On our current trip that began in October, I have over 50 items in the list. Some are already taken care of and some I will do when we eventually return home.RVs are notoriously unreliable due to financial considerations when they are built. This is my way of making my coach more reliable and thus more enjoyable to use.Good luck with yours.

Newbie Question | Good Sam Community

KeepOnCamping
Explorer
Jan 24, 2019
Wow! What great responses. They were all exactly what I was looking for. Even though the coach is new, I like to see what kinds of things people do so I can add them to my list.

I also started a binder and notebook...just waiting to fill the pages.

Thanks for your thoughts.
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Jan 23, 2019
For most class A's the first mods you should consider are handling imnprovements

SWAY.. the rocking side to side like fans at a rock concert>
Some RV's are good here. Some need help. new sway bars

Wag.. With LEAF SPRING suspension not only can the axle move up and down relative to the body to absorb bumps in the road .. but the body can move side to side a bit.. Now if the front moves right and the back left you THINK you are drifting right so you adjust. then the ends sway and now you THINK drifting left and you adjust.. Actually had you held true you'd be going straight.

TRAC BARS. also called Panhard bars. one front. one rear and this problem is GONE. DEAD. HISTORY. KAPUT. Won't happen. EVER.

Finally steering stablizers. the TWO I suggest are the Blue ox Tru-Center and the Safe-t-Steer with OPTIONAL remote kit.. WHY. The Remote kit.

Beyond that I'd put in a Ham Radio Station. but then I'm a Ham :). (Well more than one way).

Oh. and though not nearly as popular as they were say in the 70/80s.. I'd put in a decent CB as well.. I mean I'm headed south on I-75 comming up on exit 70 something when I hear that about 3 miles down the road are not one but TWO fatal traffic accidents.. Hit right turn signal. Exit. park. Nice restful night.. poor guy behind me was likely thinking "AH He's exiting" when I hit turn signal.... Then he found out why.. Oh well. MY blood pressure was good (his a tad excessive I'm sure). ANd yes. I just missed the backup by about 20 yards.
Matt_Colie
Explorer II
Jan 23, 2019
The owners in our group have coaches that are all 40yo or greater, but there is still some valuable information that I would like to pass to any all new owners.

First would be to camp the first night in your driveway.
Second would be to compose check lists for both arrival and departure and use them for the first five seasons. (Did I stow the shore power cable?)
Third would be to get a spiral bound book to use as a maintenance log. I made mine in sections, but that is a choice. Record everything. In a few years, it will all be a blur. If you miss required maintenance, this can get expensive very fast. (Did I check the level in the house bank this sprig?)
Forth and actually more important than you might expect. Keep a trip report - daily if possible - and store them where they are handy. (I use a thumb drive.) Just as with maintenance, is a few years this will all be a hopefully pleasant blur but you will want to remember. (Honey, What year were we at Crazy Horse?)

Take this free advice for what it cost and I hope you have many boring hours of driving and many memorable stops.

Matt
jplante4
Explorer II
Jan 23, 2019
TPMS
Doubled the solar to 200 watts, will be doubling it again
After our first trip to a sandy place we ripped up the carpet and put down Allure
Replaced the couch
Moved the head banger tube TV over the driver's seat to an LED TV in cabinet with a televator across from the couch
C20
Explorer
Jan 23, 2019
s N s
i've had to do that closet modification to two trailers and a motorhome, I guess that 1000# of clothes is important. Thats opposed to my two pair of shorts and jeans and 5 t shirts!

Ammo, thats a different story. :D
ncrowley
Explorer II
Jan 23, 2019
Added a TPMS
Magneshade
Water filters
Battery watering system
Replaced old radio
Replaced old tube TVs
FloridaRosebud
Explorer
Jan 22, 2019
wolfe10 wrote:
Again not a modification, but absolute first thing is to either verify that ALL Preventive Maintenance items have been done in the last year OR DO THEM NOW.

This x10...

Al
DrewE
Explorer II
Jan 22, 2019
One of the first mods I made to my motorhome was the installation of a few towel bars. I don't understand how they came to build a coach that sleeps (in theory) up to eight persons and had no place to hang a bath towel.

Not too far behind was the installation of some panel meters to keep track of the actual house battery voltage and current.
Branson_N_Tucso
Explorer II
Jan 22, 2019
Not a modification, but get some kind of road service for towing
wolfe10
Explorer
Jan 22, 2019
mike brez wrote:
From his profile

2018 Coachmen Pursuit 32 WC
2004 Honda CRV toad
1 Boston Terrier named Lola

With this information on the coach (until then no idea if a brand new or 25 year old coach), you can pretty well ignore my comment and others about doing the Preventive Maintenance. Yes, you will need to keep up with PM, but you will not need to do "catch up" on it.

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