Pros/Cons 2008 - Fleetwood Southwind 36D HELP

[ScottyBye]

I am considering buying a 2008 - Fleetwood Southwind 36D.
I am wondering if anyone can voice some opinions on the good as well as the bad. Some things for me to look for other than the normal - water damage, working appliances, genset, ect...

Things is do know at this point...
Origin TEXAS
Brought to Alberta, Canada 5 years ago
115,000 kms/71,000 miles
8.1L Vortec Gas Engine
Allison Transmission (don't know how many gears)
W-24 Workhorse Chassis (so I am told)
22.5" tires
1 + 1/2 baths
Onan 5500 genset
Dual AC units
Dual Furnaces
SuperSlide - main
Slide - bedroom
rubber roof
full body paint
electric awning

So I guess what I am asking is are these models prone to any specific problems that I should be aware of? Ect....

Also if Fleetwoods has a so-called pecking order for their gasser models of this year what would it be?

Unfortunately I only have 1 day (tomorrow) to view & test this unit. The current owner has made a decision to bring it to a dealer to sell for him as it sounds like he doesnt have the time to invest in selling it. I am trying to make the deal before this happens if it is in fact a deal at $50K Canadian or $37K US Dollars. When it goes to a dealer god only knows what the price tag will be.

I will have my phone with the iRV2 app woth me all day tomorrow anticipating some of your replies, comments, rants, ect...

Here is a link to some pictures of the unit.
https://goo.gl/photos/mpCxRM1pJQ7qhuhk8


Thanks

[Jfs999]

One thing that a lot of Fleetwood motorhomes of that era seem to have is dash noise/movement. The link below details the problem and the fix for it - some can do it themselves, others (like myself) had it repaired and had additional supports welded on. The noise and rattling that this makes when you go over bumps or potholes will make you think your motorhome is falling apart. After I had mine repaired - the difference was night and day.
https://bobsguides.com/dash-movement.html

[ScottyBye]

I will definitely be keeping an eye / ear open for dash noises or movement. The fix seems to be a PITA but atleast it can be fixed.

[Waiter21]

Mine is a 99, but here are some thoughts I have:

Check Tire dates

If you can run the water system, check this. I had a broken gray tank drain pipe I didn't find until the spring thaw. Also the fresh drain was capped. (I think the PO didn't know about the drain valve)

leveling system. If its a hydraulic system, run the jacks all the way out to the ends while your leveling it. look for leaks, then retract, make sure they retract all the way.

Slide extends and retracts without binding, look at the seals to verify they look good, but also seal all the way around when in and out.

If you have a voltmeter, check the house and chassis batteries in theses three conditions: No shore power, shore power, and then engine running. This will give you an idea of the battery condition and also if the BCC is doing its job (switching in to allow the engine to charge the house, and when on shore power, switching in to allow the converter to charge the chassis battery.

Check to see if battery disconnects work.

Check the info center to make sure all the switches and tank level sensors are indicating correctly.

I don't know anything about the Workhourse chassis. But maybe take a look at tranny fluid to see if its been serviced and /or has any burn smell (also nice brite red color)

I take a piece of cardboard to crawl under, look at U-Joints, exhaust system, Shocks, and you might be able to see how much material is on the brake pads.

I put together a pre-purchase inspection checklist I use. Your welcome to use it to get more ideas on things to look at.

We just bought ours a few months ago and are absolutely in love with it.

[ScottyBye]

Thanks. All great pointers to follow.

[0nTheRoad]

The coach has an Alpha roof, not rubber.

The jacks and slides are electric, not hydraulic.

I have the Workhorse chassis with the Chevy 8.1L V8, I'm happy with it as it has more power than the Ford V10 for uphill. The Allison on mine is a 6 speed.

These Fleetwood have the VacuFlush toilets, they can be problematic. Turn on the system (switch is in the 1/2 bath) and listen to see if they work properly, make sure there is water in the toilets and it doesn't drain without flushing.

Good luck!!!

[ScottyBye]

Alpha roof... never heard or that. Will do some research. Has a small rip about the size of a thumb print.
I wonder about the electric vs hydraulic. Which is better?
It's has the W24 chassis and the 8.1 as well as allison. Don't know how many gears.
Correct on the toilets. I seen the work as you suggested. Green light go. Red light wait. After a flush seems to take about 15-20 seconds before green light comes on again.

[biggcrisp]

Here in the USA these are running in the $70-100k range.

[ScottyBye]

Originally Posted by biggcrisp

Here in the USA these are running in the $70-100k range.

Holy Smokes really!
You guys need to come up here and do some shopping.

[ramblinboy]

Ive replaced exhaust manifold gasket on passenger side 4 years ago. It's leaking again. Sputter on start up and when it is under load.

[ScottyBye]

UPDATE... I bought the coach. Unfortunately I don't have any of the manuals. I managed to find some info on FW website. So if anyone has copies I would appreciate a copy or info on where to get. I will also be making a call to FW in the future.

[ScottyBye]

Originally Posted by ramblinboy

Ive replaced exhaust manifold gasket on passenger side 4 years ago. It's leaking again. Sputter on start up and when it is under load.

Gee... you would think it would have lasted more than just 4 years. Was it the 8.1 vortec engine or the triton V-10

[ScottyBye]

The manual doesn't even show the proper way to put out the slides. Unless I am missing something. ?

[0nTheRoad]

Originally Posted by ScottyBye

The manual doesn't even show the proper way to put out the slides. Unless I am missing something. ?

In order to operate the slides and/or jacks you must have the engine on and the emergency brake engaged otherwise nothing will happen.