Chassis and problems with it???

[dannyvic1974]

Hi guys, I am currently in the process of finding a used class A MH. One that has my attention is a 2000 29a Winnebago Brave. I wanted a 30 to 32 footer and the price is ok. What problems should I look for on this chassis? The mileage is in the mid 40`s and it seems to be in VGC.

I don`t know what chassis it is other than a Workhorse with the 7.4 vortec engine and I am guessing a gm tranny. I think it has a parking brake pedal so I am not sure about the auto park deal that people talk about.

It has coil springs under the front but it looks like it is sagging on the right side.

How well will this chassis tow? I will be wanting to tow about 5000 lbs of horses and trailer every now and again. Is this more than the chassis should tow? How do you think it will handle with this kind of weight?

Thanks in advance for any replies
Danny

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannyvic1974 I don`t know what chassis it is other than a Workhorse with the 7.4 Vortec engine and I am guessing a gm tranny. I think it has a parking brake pedal so I am not sure about the auto park deal that people talk about.

Danny, IF it is a Workhorse the VIN# begins with 5B4. Could you please confirm that and we can move forward from there. I would need the last 8 digits of the VIN# to tell you all the stuff relevant to that chassis if it is a Workhorse.

Quote:

It has coil springs under the front but it looks like it is sagging on the right side.

The air cylinders can be checked with an air gauge and inflated. You can download a Chassis Guide that will help you. I do have older Motorhome Chassis Guides which I may be will to let go of for your year motorhome. Please send me a PM. There may be other issues with the front suspension but the air cylinders would be the first thing to look at.

Quote:

How well will this chassis tow? I will be wanting to tow about 5000 lbs of horses and trailer every now and again. Is this more than the chassis should tow? How do you think it will handle with this kind of weight?

5,000 pounds is too much to expect to tow on the P series chassis. You may have any weight rating chassis (GVWR) from 18,000 GVWR downward. The GCWR is only 22,000 pounds on the 18K P Series so that's 4,000 pounds under the best scenario. The brakes on the P Series are known to be hard to apply so towing livestock may not be in their best interest.

[dannyvic1974]

Hi driVer and thanks for the quick reply.
The vin # does start with 5B4
followed by eight digits Y3315316

I am concerned about the towing capabilities of this chassis as you have stated and feel maybe I should look elsewhere, but I am interested in what you think with the chassis info.

What about the use of a distribution hitch and trailer brakes

Thanks, Danny

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannyvic1974 Hi DriVer and thanks for the quick reply. The Vin # does start with 5B4 KP37JSY are next followed by seven digits.

Danny, The next digit should be a "3" after the Y.

This series of vehicles were some of the very first that were built in Union City when Workhorse first started building chassis. A number of orders to be filled from body builders came directly from GM when the line moved to Indiana.

What you have there is a 14,000 to 16,000 GVWR chassis. The last 8 digits will allow me to see more in formation about your vehicle. Knowing the weight (GVW) will allow me a better idea of what the remaining weight you would have available to tow since the GCWR on these vehicles could be 19,000 or 21,000 pounds.

Quote:

What about the use of a distribution hitch?

The use of weight distributing hitches on motorhomes is not typically recommended.[/QUOTE]

[dannyvic1974]

I`m sorry I edited the post while you were replying to it. The last eight are there now.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannyvic1974 I`m sorry I edited the post while you were replying to it. The last eight are there now.

Danny, OK - Found it.

This vehicle is a 15,000 GVWR motorhome chassis. It has a 6,000 front axle and a 10,000 rear axle. The GCWR is 19,000 pounds. Theoretically this will give you a 4,000 pound tow rating - not the 5,000 pounds that you are looking for.

[dannyvic1974]

Do they assume full water tanks and fuel tanks when they figure GVWR ?

Not pulling a trailer, how does the chassis handle? I have read of tail wag and just general wandering. In other words, is this a chassis that has to be "DRIVEN" all the time? If so, I would imagine a trailer would magnify the problem.

Thanks

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannyvic1974 Do they assume full water tanks and fuel tanks when they figure GVWR ?

The data that I provided is for the incomplete vehicle. The Winnebago complete vehicle weights and loading should be posted some where inside the vehicle. You should consult that placard.

Quote:

Not pulling a trailer, how does the chassis handle? I have read of tail wag and just general wandering. In other words, is this a chassis that has to be "DRIVEN" all the time? If so, I would imagine a trailer would magnify the problem.

There are at least a dozen P series owners that post here so I will allow them to join the conversation. They can be speak to handling.

[oemtech]

Me, personally I would not put a P series with the 7.4 and GM tranny on my A list.