How Do I Make My 2001 Last?

[TechWriter]

While my 2001 Newmar Mountain Aire DP is not currently a vintage motorhome, it will be if we drive it into retirement and beyond.

If I retire in 2015 and drive it another 10 years into 2025, that will make our 2001 vintage.

Besides normal maintenance, how do I make it last?

[edj]

I am facing the same questions with my 1999 Sunnybrook 5th-wheel. My HitchHiker is basically our Snowbird home for the Winter and the Sunnybrook is curently back up north under the snow.....

[autofish]

I also have a 2001. Keep it inside, out of the sun, when not in use. Keep it clean in and out. Keep up with lube and filters. Fix the things that go wrong when they break and use and enjoy often.

["007"]

Although Service Tips have not been updated recently other links on this link maybe of interest in keeping your Newmar as it was when new.
Newmar Quality
Your sealants are one thing that will need constant viewing to prevent leaks and what others have suggested.

[DonnaB]

You must "use it" or "lose it". Most things die from non use. When you don't run down the road with regularity, the hub seals dry out. When you don't use the refrigerator for weeks/months at a time, it will die. Same for the heater, hot water system and so on. You must use the vehicle regularly. We have a friend that has a 20 year old Airstream that has the original refer in it. He keeps it plugged into an electric outlet when it is parked and he isn't using it so it will always be on. So, even though not full time consider how you can periodically drive it & run all systems to keep them running thru the paces.

[TXiceman]

Number one is to keep up with maintenance, especially the roof and leaks.

Next is to use it.

Storing it under cover as much as possible is a huge help in prolonging the life of the RV.

Ours is now 22 years old and going strong.

Ken

[soricobob]

The wood cabinetry should also be kept in mind (I use bee's wax), as well as wood trim. But, I agree, keeping it under cover is of primary importance.

[gesmone]

Don't forget the undercarriage. Just yesterday I wire brushed a few spots on the steel supports and primed them with rustoleum. I purchased undercoating this morning to cover the primer.

[palehorse89]

Keep it garaged if not in use........bottom line..........time stands still for the the most part....
BACKHOE TO THE LEFT IS A 1967 FORD 3CYL. DIESEL. FIRST DIESEL MADE IN A FORD BACKHOE. TRADED IN A 4CYL. GAS JOB IN ON IT.

[Tom-NC]

I agree with all the above posts except one which is about the refrigerator. I leave mine plugged in 24/7; however I don't leave the refrigeraror on as the coach doesn't sit level. If your coach sits level then you can leave your fridge on. When I am going to use the coach I level it first then turn on the fridge the day before I am going to leave.

My coach stays out all the time and I clean it often but only with water and no soap as I usualy wax the entire coach twice a year and it looks great. Another trick is to put all the tires on wood(2X12) so as not to get moisture to the tire. I also spray the tires and cover them. Lately I made 2 covers to put over the headlights to protect them from the sun. After I have been out with it and I wash it when I get home, I also wash the chassis with just plain water. In fact when I got home from Alaska (had a lot of muddy roads) I power washed the underside but did not use any chemicals. If I find some rust while I'm servicing it I spray it with black rustoleum paint.

If you take care of it it will last you a long time and don't forget when it isn't used to operate the generator once a month under load and if you have hydraulic jacks run them down and up to keep seals fresh.

As I learned in the Army, a little preventive maintenance goes a log way.