Are There Any Southwind Owners In The House?

[SoCal Ed]

I have a 2004 32V in blue with natural maple cabinets on a W-20 Workhorse Chassis. The Dealer said it was a Diamond Edition Southwind. It has a leather couch and recliner, outside entertainment center, Pace Arrow carpeting, Corian dinette table and some other stuff.

The first unit we picked had a cracked shower they could not repair in time for delivery. So they said we could have this coach for the same cost.

The only thing I have added is some suspension upgrades to make it handle better. Overall, I think the Southwind is a great coach and Fleetwood makes a great product. Be Safe!!!

[SoCal Ed]

I have a 2004 32V in blue with natural maple cabinets on a W-20 Workhorse Chassis. The Dealer said it was a Diamond Edition Southwind. It has a leather couch and recliner, outside entertainment center, Pace Arrow carpeting, Corian dinette table and some other stuff.

The first unit we picked had a cracked shower they could not repair in time for delivery. So they said we could have this coach for the same cost.

The only thing I have added is some suspension upgrades to make it handle better. Overall, I think the Southwind is a great coach and Fleetwood makes a great product. Be Safe!!!

[wilanddij]

Also have a 2004 32V on a W20, but I must have gotten the "rhinestone" version. Only the capitan chairs are leather. No upgrades so far, but there's only about 2K miles on it. We are very happy with it, except I have to spend more time than I'd like not in it. "Work is the curse of the drinking class."

[SoCal Ed]

Thanks for responding. What color did you get? It looks green. Did you get the Bilstien shocks? Be Safe!!!

[Paulin]

We too have a Southwind 32VS, a 2003 model on the Workhourse W20 chassis. It also is blue with the maple interior, but,alas, only the fabric recliner and sofa. The leather ones would be wonderful!

We have had WH upgrade to Monroe front shocks and completed all the recalls relative to our year MH. Actually, the only Fleetwood recall was the inspection of the trailer hitch which did not need repair.

We have addad a number of aftermarket upgrades including a Davis True Track front suspension bar, a Henderson Super Steer rear track bar, some DIY add-ons like a Rock Solid rear mud flap, a COIL-N-WRAP awning lock and a DIY replacement of the engine air dam which disintergrated within the first 1000 miles. We installed slide-out basket drawers in the large cabinet under the kitchen counter and installed a CB using the existing combo AM/FM/CB antenna.

Here is hoping you all continue enjoying your Southwinds. Anyone going to thr National RV Rally in Redmond, OR next month? Keep in touch.

[r2dillon]

You stated that your motorhome came with a combo AM/FM/CB antenna? Did you order it extra?

[Paulin]

The combo AM/FM/CB radio antenna was (is?) a standard feature. The coax cable is led down from the roof by Fleetwood to a control box under the dashboard which has another coax connector provided to attach to the CB. Some people say this is not a very efficient CB antenna, but it has worked just fine for us when traveling with friends, usually in close proximity.

[kenkap]

We recently purchased a 1999 Southwind 36T (obviously a Ford F53). It came with most of the options - awning, satellite dish, washer/dryer, rear TV, CD player, Leather captain's chairs w/power driver and freestanding dinette with chairs which we want to replace with a booth. The previous owners removed the sofa bed with two recliners (we will go back to the original furniture). We're not sure how and where additional seat belts can put. When we're ready to implement the changes, I'll ask for guidance on the general forum.

[Great-Dane]

We have the 04 Southwind 32V as well. I replaced my shocks under warranty from WH with Monroes. Bilsteins on W20, that's a buck board. Some complain using them on W22. I also added a steer safe, re-did alignment and now it rides far better than it did off the lot. Use to take two hands and sawing on the wheel. Today we can drive one handed and relax (except wind).

I'm also confused maybe Driver can confirm, I was told or at least under impression with my conversation with WH, Yellow Monroes (HD) are used on new Southwinds on W20, and rigs on W24 come with Bilstiens. The shock problem goes back to the old BLACK OEM shocks which too were made by Monroe I believe. I know it's preference but that would be to hard of a ride for my taste. If I had a 36-40' rig most definately. My buddy put them on his 34' and its jaw jaring and rattles far more.

This is not a stab at your rig (sounds very nice with additions) but a caution for you. W20 is the same on my rig as yours, no added weight capacity, it's the same. You however have more dry weight and less capacity to load up your rig. You have the same storage, but have less weight to work with.

You will have to remain aware of that and compensate on some trips. Biggest saver, leave the fresh water empty! Thats over 800lbs when full and held in place by scrap lumber and some screws (bet a full tank will physically move on hard stop). Most all CGs have water so that should compensate for your additions. Read up on being over loaded and all the perils it brings. It don't feel any different behind the wheel so don't judge by your seat.

Enjoy your rig! They are fun! You will find most anyone with another brand will bash Fleetwood like it's the wallmart of rigs. I laugh when they have same chassis so what is, the house on the wheels, LOL.

Enjoy the summer with that nice new rig of yours!

Regards,

[SoCal Ed]

I believe since April 2004 all Workhorse Chassis come with Bilstien shocks. I put them on mine and the ride seems fine.

You are correct about watching the weight. Had the unit weighed loaded, and it came in just under GVWR. Had to move some of the stuff around to balance the rig out, though.

Sounds like you have your rig dialed in. Have a great summer. Be Safe!!!

[Z06CADY]

We also have the rhinestone edition of the 32V, with only 1 slide and its a 2002 with 11,400 miles.
No suround sound system so I upgraded the indash stero with a 300w amp and a sub.
I don't understand why Fleetwood did not include an inverter, so I installed a 1500w to power the two TV's and DVD/VCR.
Last (as of now) I made a shelf under the sink for additional space for the pots and pans.
Love the 32V!