Community Forums

Ray,IN · 04-14-2013, 07:39 PM

We are contemplating buying a 2000 Winnebago Ultimate Freedom 40J on a Spartan chassis. What should we look for in the way of future frame/suspension problems since it has been stored in a barn for several years?

Ramets · 04-15-2013, 07:48 AM

Ball Joints for sure. Spartan was aware of problems with them but won't cover replacement. I know from personal experience after talking with them when I was having mine replaced. Granted my coach is also a 2000 model, but they knew years ago about the problem with the boots drying and cracking and generally deteriorating, but wouldn't notify owners of the problem. Kind of p***ed me off, but hell the coach is now 13yrs. old so I guess I didn't have a whole lot to complain about. BY the way it's about a $2,000 fix.

Ray,IN · 04-15-2013, 05:51 PM

It's my understanding the boots are to keep water and dirt out. If I keep them well-greased will it delay replacement?

Eagle123 · 04-15-2013, 07:08 PM

Ray. you're a Great American......check out the radiator rear bottom corner desintegrated on several 2000 models. Also, exhaust manifold. My ball joint boots torn open as well.
Bill 2000 american eagle/spartan chassis

Eagle123 · 04-15-2013, 07:13 PM

Forgot to mention Ultimate Freedom is a Great Bus. top of the line. Mine was store for several years before I bought and the owner had to replace all of the air valves for the air suspension and brake system include the one on the brake pedal. Just make sure if airs up, dumps air when you level and stops good. Good luck.

Ramets · 04-16-2013, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

It's my understanding the boots are to keep water and dirt out. If I keep them well-greased will it delay replacement?

Yes, keeping them well greased will delay replacement. But I guess if it's not making any loud clunking noises when you turn, they might be alright. But I would check them out.

Ray,IN · 05-01-2013, 07:04 PM

Turns out the ball joint boots are in excellent condition (saw them), CW did not replace them. This coach drives very smoothly, no wandering at all.
The brake lights were not working at all. The repair shop nearby found a blown fuse, which is the very first time I ever heard of a fused brake wiring system, usually an inline automatically-resetting circuit breaker is used.

OldHatt45 · 05-02-2013, 06:09 AM

Ray,
You need to change the Desiccant Filter in your air system ASAP. Per Spartan, it should be done every 2 to 3 years. Not changing the filter will cause many other air system problems. Ask me how I know this. LOL. Also purge the air tanks and look at what comes out. If it's Milky White liquid, get ready to change a few other air system components.
Drew

Ray,IN · 05-02-2013, 10:01 PM

CW changed that filter. The Spartan website says, if you begin getting water out of the secondary air tanks it's too late to change that filter, the damage is already done. The solution to the non-working brake lights was actually a 20A, 12VDC fuse. That is the first time I ever heard of a fused brake light circuit, usually they are protected by an auto-resetting circuit breaker.
Now that everything works we've got to get busy and load up everything we plan to take along. Only then can I go weigh the coach so I know what I'm working with.

OldHatt45 · 05-03-2013, 04:27 AM

Ray,
They are absolutely right. Water in the Secondary tanks would be VERY BAD! The tank I was referring to was the Supply tank or as Spartan calls it, "The Wet Tank". Which is (as far as I know) the split tank.