We might buy a 2003 Dolphin LX 6355. Any comments, please ?

[Scooter]

Almost ready to trade in our '04 Sightseer 27C on this Dolphin.

The open WCC brake caliper issue is not resolved....yet.

It has 28K miles, new tires installed July of 2009 and our preliminary inspection did not see too much wrong.

There will be a WHorse dealer to check out the W22 chassis and 8.1/Allison 1000 and a PDI walkthru, later on before we close the deal.

What have I missed?
Any comments about this Dolphin?
Anything at all?

Thank you

[speed racer]

I have a 2005 dolphin with a w22 workhorse chasis and am very happy with it. I put about 5000 miles a year on it and have had no problems. Make sure the brake caliper recall has been done on it. I have had no problems with the brakes but a few others have. Mine is bone stock and it drives and rides nice. I get between 8 and 9 mpg by its self and 7 to 8 mpg towing my seabring on a dolly. I drive at 2300 rpm in overdrive (about 63 mph).

[Dagwood]

When the brake recall for the calipers is done I would opt for the complete brake job for an additional 1500 dollars. I believe that is all pads sensors and rotors.

[Dagwood]

PS Check the mfg date on those tires. They are only good for six or seven years.

[Scooter]

Dag...

The selling dealer paid for all the additional brake work. Sounded like $1800.

Markings on Michelin tires say "A08R DOT Y7K4 3KE 0709" Which indicates to me that the date of mfr. was July of 2009.

[tps0424]

Actually, that date code indicates the tires were manufactured during the "07"th week of 20"09". So, you are in good shape there. Good luck!

[DaveG39]

my neighbor has a 2003.The only issue he had was lack of heat in the bedroom compared with the rest of the RV. Found it was a excessively long duct run that had a kink. May have been only his RV but worth a check on how the heat flows from the ducts. He is otherwise happy with his RV. I had a 2001 Dolphin and was happy with it - well made. Now have 2007 TropiCal and pleased with the workmanship.

[Wolfpack Fan]

We purchased a 2005 National Dolphin 5320 in December, our first one. We're very pleased with the motor home thus far. Nationals seem to be very well built and the quality of workmanship and materials used seems better than many other brands we looked at. Maybe that's why they went out of business? We're newbies for sure, but I'm a very mechanically inclined and I've speat a lot of time going through, looking over things with a fine tooth comb sice we've had it. I've been impressed. The reasonable lack of squeaks and rattles while it's rolling down the road also indicates that it's pretty well built.

Good luck with your decision. Even the most thorough PDI can't uncover every potential problem that could arise. I wish good Karma upon you and hope it all goes well for you.

[keninvic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scooter Almost ready to trade in our '04 Sightseer 27C on this Dolphin. The open WCC brake caliper issue is not resolved....yet. It has 28K miles, new tires installed July of 2009 and our preliminary inspection did not see too much wrong. There will be a WHorse dealer to check out the W22 chassis and 8.1/Allison 1000 and a PDI walkthru, later on before we close the deal. What have I missed? Any comments about this Dolphin? Anything at all? Thank you

I strongly recommend buying a roll of 4" Eternabond Tape and cover the front and rear roof cap seams.

[njs42]

Scooter---I went to storage and I have the owners manual I received when I bought my 2003 Dolphin LX 6355----you still want it?---if so send me a PM.

If you give me a few days I can scan it and e-mail ---I think? I also have some other manuals people have sent me which you are welcme to as well. Let me know and Iwill get started---if not then good luck on your new ride----we have had ours since new----we love it.

[keninvic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by njs42 Scooter---I went to storage and I have the owners manual I received when I bought my 2003 Dolphin LX 6355----you still want it?---if so send me a PM. If you give me a few days I can scan it and e-mail ---I think? I also have some other manuals people have sent me which you are welcme to as well. Let me know and Iwill get started---if not then good luck on your new ride----we have had ours since new----we love it.

Scooter - found the link where I downloaded the 2005 Dolphin Owners Manuals; works fine for my 2004, and might be close enough for a 2003 except the part for the basement A/C.

go here--->

Owner's Guide, Chapters 1-6
OwnersGuide-1.PDF - 4shared.com - document sharing - download
Owner's Guide, Chapters 7-11
OwnersGuide-2.PDF - 4shared.com - document sharing - download
Supplement (Workhorse Chassis)
WH-Supplement.PDF - 4shared.com - document sharing - download

[Scooter]

keninvic: MANY thanks for sending the pdf's. I'm one of these guys who obsess over having every bit of info possible.....because it might keep me from making a costly boo-boo.

njs42: I sent you a PM reply before I saw this. Thank you for your help.

PS...the dealer picked up the cost of new calipers and associated rotor cracks. Brakes are now 100% OK says the local WH dealer who did the job.