1986 Tioga 23 Feet, Modifications Question

[gaerlan]

Hello forum. I recently bought a 1986 Tioga Class C 23 footer based on a Ford Econoline 350 chassis. She has a 7.5 liter engine and about 43,700 miles on her. I have driven her around and can pretty much tell she was well taken care of, save for a few interior issues I will list later.

I plan to take her to an RV mechanic for them to do a top to bottom mechanical and interior (appliances and wall condition) preventative check up but I've also been researching mechanical modifications to help ensure the longevity of the drivetrain.

So far, I've changed the engine oil and filter and bled the brakes (there was air in them). I'm planning to also change the power steering fluid and flush the radiator soon. As I do plan to tow a toad, I was wondering what kind of modifications y'all might recommend. I'm thinking a larger capacity rear differential cover w/fins and fill and magnetic drain plugs, a deeper transmission oil pan w/fins and magnetic drain plug, and a transmission oil cooler w/additional oil filter adapter and thermostat. Do y'all think this might be overkill or am I on the right track?

I aim to do this so I can make drive train components last as long as possible.

Regarding the interior, the previous owners pretty much let a fair chunk of the cab over rot away, so I've researched how to repair that and will be doing that soon as well. I also identified water rot in the bathroom and on the refrigerator wall on the rear bedroom side. I plan to have the RV mechanic identify more trouble spots and also have them do a water tight test on the seams and roof of the old girl. I'm sure I'll also need to reseal all the windows and replace all the glazings on them. I'll be frank. I'm all in on getting this old girl tip top but I wanted to get more opinions. A good friend of mine who owns a Class A said I would be better off down the line trying to find an RV 10 years old or newer, not bother repairing this old girl and enjoy her while I have her. I've been looking for a project to do but would I be better off doing what he suggested? Thanks for your suggestions.

[BFlinn181]

I think some of what you propose is overkill. The RV has gone 43,00 miles and never needed the finned diff cover or the deeper transmission pan. Yes, fluids changes are a good idea, but unless you find evidence of burnt or overheated fluids, I'd hold off on the diff and the trans pan. I'd for sure do all the rot and leak repairs before tackling the mechanical mods. You might discover so much damage to the framework of the RV that you'd just be wasting money on the mechanical mods.