First motorhome

[Brave-r]

We will be picking up our first motorhome on Sunday, a 2001 Winnebago Brave 30w. We've previously owned travel trailers and wanted to move up to a motorhome but keeping it 30 feet or less. Found this one (ok, it's 31 feet) in great shape with less than 20k miles. Looking for any comments or suggestions on this coach. Thanks

[bdpreece]

Even if the tires look like new, check the date codes and if they are over 6 years old change them out soon.

[AFChap]

The comment on the tire age is VERY important. Also, get all the maintenance records you can. Oil, etc should be changed at least yearly regardless of miles. Sitting unused is harder on fluids, bearings, tires etc than lots of use is. And the generator must be regularly exercised ...run at apx 1/2 load for apx 1 he once a month. Enjoy the adventure!

[Brave-r]

Thanks for the comments. Tires look new but I was concerned there could be internal damage from non-use, never thought to look at the date to see how old they really are; I'll be checking first thing when we pick it up. Everything runs great, but I plan to change the oil to Mobile-1 and the generator oil first thing.

[John H...]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on your RV purchase. The tires could be original and look brand new with only 20K miles. Before you make any trips or do any highway travel, be sure to check date code and get new tires on right away. A 2001 MH has a 2000 chassis which makes the tires if original over 10 years old. Maybe the previous owner changed them, but I doubt it. Do a search on this forum on " tires " and you will get a lot of valuable info. Good luck...

[popsuscdds]

Brave-r
I bought a ten year old low mileage coach and did the following:
1. Checked tire dates and pressures and mounted the newest tires on front.
2. weighed the coach
3. Changed the brake fluid
4. Repacked the front wheel bearings
5. The transfer switch was miss wired. After correction the batteries were doing better.
6. Had the inverter checked and found the TSC miss wired. Batteries are happy now.
7. Installed a Freedom remote. Now I can equalize the batteries.
8. changed the front air bags thinking they would bring the coach up to level. No luck. Latest scoop is that different front springs are needed to be used without airbags. Will do after I win the lotto.
9. replaced two missing sway bar bushings
10. Had the wheels aligned
11. Recharged the dash a/c and found a leak in the dash a/c hose. Had a new hose made.
12. replaced all belts, radiator and heater hoses. After we removed the radiator hoses they appeared to be good enough to use as spares.
13. Had LOF for engine and generator with generator filter upgrade. We found that the engine air cleaner/filter was original from factory
14. replaced the alternator (It became too hot to touch)
15. replace the chassis battery.
16. The interior was immaculate so I installed seat covers to keep it clean.
17. replaced the awning and torsion assembly. It became dislodged in a windstorm
18. Step quit working. Installed a new module kit for the kwikee step.
19. I replaced the anode in the hot water heater.
20. Clean roof a/c filter
Not worried about taking a trip or two.
Have fun!
Milt

[Brave-r]

On our first trip, a one night outing to Hilands hammock state park. The dealer replaced all 5 awnings since they were dried out from the sun, and the hydraulic pump failed before we picked it up, so they also replaced it. Tires have 2009 date code so basically new. I've made a couple minor fixes and changed the oil, but so far everything is running great. Very happy with our purchase.

[JMonroe]

Very lucky on the tires, and the dealers willingness to replace all the awnings, after the sale. That could have gotten expensive, replacing 5 awnings.

May you enjoy the new rig in good health.

[Bert_64]

Have the brakes checked and a fluid changed. Also check the front air bags.

You may want to look for any recalls on the fridge. Simple to find on the web.

Now enjoy and have fun..