I have an identical thread under the
Fleetwood Products Owner's Forum but thought that I would move here under class A (I will stop posting to that tread and let it die).
There are some minor projects that I posted on there but will start to post here rather than there. That link is
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f107/proj...am-174380.html
My wife and I purchased this Dream at the end of the season and winter moved in on us before I could really get my teeth into this project.
We have a trip coming up the end of February, in fact we tried to squeeze it in before winter but a number of problems cropped up.
The people we purchased from out in AZ were not as honest as they should have been and have failed to stand behind their promises, (Hint get everything in writing and do not be in a hurry to pick something up before everything promised is completed).
My first local repair shop experience was a disaster, they over charged for everything and I had to contact New York State and the State actual stepped in and made them refund a substantial amount of money (gives you an idea just how bad it was).
Through recommendations on this site I found
Caledonia RV (this is the link to that post
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f107/wher...ny-174368.html)
Don Pophal, the owner, is a frequent poster known as
Pusherman http://www.irv2.com/forums/members/pusherman-12986.html.
Through discussions with him we have developed a list of projects that need to be completed before I take that trip at the end of February.
Some of the projects are just things I would like to get done and others are things that must get done.
I thought I would let you follow along with these and projects i want to do myself.
Here is the list
1) The cruise control intermittently cuts out when in use; lights don't come on, and now cruise control does not work at all. There was evidence of a prior rat's nest in dash area. Customer tapped into another power source to make cruise control work, which allowed cruise control switch to light up, but cruise did not work. It appears the cruise control unit is not getting power.
2) The wipers stop in middle of windshield on return stroke when on 'HI'. Note, this is an intermittent problem. When NYSI was here, it looked like connector to wiper motor was providing an intermittent fault.
3) Hydraulic cooling fan is leaking hydraulic fluid at where hoses connect to cooling fan motor. NYSI identified some RTV in this area. The leak may be coming from valve body assembly.
4) The roof needs to be re coated with EPDM rubber roofing system. Scrape, clean, and reseal all sealants, including all roof seams along body lines. Perform complete sealant check.
5) While redoing sealants on roof, remove and install new Sensar IV TV antenna. Verify proper operation to all TV's. Verify operation of cable service to all TV's.
6) I want all the Rope Lights be replaced with new Rope Lights, due to burned out bulbs. Customer would like 12V Rope Lights replaced with 12V Rope Lights, and 120V Rope Lights replaced with 120V Rope Lights. If it is feasible to convert all Rope Lighting to 12V please advise customer. If it is feasible to simplify switching for Rope Lights please advise customer. Rope Lighting under steps also needs replaced. If feasible look at connecting to the same 12V source as living room lights on passenger side.
7) Steps will go out, but occasionally do not retract. Check for proper operation
8) Generator starts hard and has cut off on customer on occasion. When it shuts off,it can be restarted and runs again. Diagnose shut down issue. Perform major service on generator: Oil, filter, fuel filter, air filter, belts, and check coolant hoses to see if they need replaced.
9) Remove and reseal driver's side bedroom window. There is evidence of prior leaks.
10) Clean up wiring under dash where possible. One connector has a burnt spot in it;there is other errant wiring. Customer would like to have restored to OEM condition as best as possible. Where possible, replace with OEM harnesses and connectors.
11) Tighten all loose awning hardware fasteners. Seal awning rail fasteners above awning.
12) Repair all compartment doors so that they close easily and properly.
13) replace carpeting in living area and bedroom area.
14) estimate to repair body side damage on front passenger side of coach.
15) estimate to repaint nose of coach and change white stripes (verify with customer on design change of stripes)
16) estimate to repair fogged glass in 2 side windows in living area of coach.
Yes I know the list is long and expensive.
I know I will over improve the coach above it's market value.
I really like the feel of the older coach and the quality of the build.
If I knew when I purchased the coach what I know now I would not have bought this coach. Now that I have it I am committed to bringing it back to what it was.
So.... if you are inclined follow along.
I will be going down to Caledonia RV Monday to take start pictures on these projects
There are several other pie in the sky projects like
Currently exhaust exits muffler at 5" and reduces to 4". Check to see if the tail pipe can be changed to eliminate the 4" reduction and exits coach at 5" chrome tip.
Just because bigger is better.
On the trip to Florida I am currently planning to stop at Sun Coast Design to get two windows defogged
One of the other pie in the sky projects is to change the roof line at the front of the coach. I am thinking of purchasing an old rear roof spoiler, modifying it to look like the old sun visors on the cars from the 50 and 60s an mounting it on the front. I would also like to change out the mirrors to the newer style that sticks out the front of the coach rather than the side mounts that are currently on the coach.