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JRACERX · 07-09-2015, 10:17 PM

Looking at this coach anything I should know, or look at before I buy?

what next · 07-09-2015, 10:32 PM

Good solid model not known to have any big faults. Check it over like anything else. Mine has been a trouble free unit. The size can fit in the state parks but it is large enough to spend the winters in.

edgray · 07-10-2015, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRACERX

Looking at this coach anything I should know, or look at before I buy?

If the sixth character of the Vin # is a "6", then it is a W-22 series chassis and you will want to VERIFY that the Bosch brake RECALL has been completed. There may have been other "minor" recalls, but the Bosch recall should be completed before any money changes hands.

JRACERX · 07-11-2015, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edgray

If the sixth character of the Vin # is a "6", then it is a W-22 series chassis and you will want to VERIFY that the Bosch brake RECALL has been completed. There may have been other "minor" recalls, but the Bosch recall should be completed before any money changes hands.

Edgray,
Do you mean the FIN? The first 6 characters of the "FIN" are: 721V64. This is located on the Cargo Carrying Capacity sheet, located in the bedroom closet. It also discloses the year (2006), and model (Southwind).
Thanks for the information guys!

RandyKathyM · 07-11-2015, 01:55 PM

VIN # Vehicle Identification Number. Located on the Dashboard and a number of other places on the Motorhome.

Steve N Sal · 07-11-2015, 01:57 PM

No what Ed is talking about is the vehicle identification number. It should appear on your title. If you don't have the title you could call Fleetwood with the FIN number and they could probably give you the Vin #.

JRACERX · 07-11-2015, 10:58 PM

Thanks for all of your insights, I do know what a vin number is (I have been around cars & trucks all my life). We haven't bought the coach yet, hoping to next week. I thought Ed might have known if the "FIN # was the same as the VIN#

PbdBlue · 07-12-2015, 08:26 AM

W22 is a good solid chassis. Look at the front end. If it's an I beam suspension then it's a W series chassis. If it has twin A-Arms then it's a P series chassis which personally I would not buy. The only issue with the W chassis is the 8.1 Vortec has a propensity to crack exhaust manifolds. Just give it a good listen while idling for any "ticking" noises that might indicate a manifold leak.

edgray · 07-12-2015, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRACERX

Thanks for all of your insights, I do know what a vin number is (I have been around cars & trucks all my life). We haven't bought the coach yet, hoping to next week. I thought Ed might have known if the "FIN # was the same as the VIN#

I assume the FIN is a coach ID number. I need the last 8 digits of the VIN #, which begins with "5B4".

edgray · 07-12-2015, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PbdBlue

W22 is a good solid chassis. Look at the front end. If it's an I beam suspension then it's a W series chassis. If it has twin A-Arms then it's a P series chassis which personally I would not buy. The only issue with the W chassis is the 8.1 Vortec has a propensity to crack exhaust manifolds. Just give it a good listen while idling for any "ticking" noises that might indicate a manifold leak.

Not sure where you got the idea about the 8.1 cracking exhaust manifolds. I don't think that is common at all. IMO, the "only" label should be applied to the Bosch brake recall, which affected ALL the W22 series chassis.

ramblinboy · 07-12-2015, 12:33 PM

Had to replace my right side exhaust manifold on my 2008 in 2013.

edgray · 07-12-2015, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ramblinboy

Had to replace my right side exhaust manifold on my 2008 in 2013.

Sorry to hear that, but I didn't say it never happens-I simply opined that it isn't a common problem and that it certainly isn't the "only" problem for the W 22 series, as was posted by someone above.

ramblinboy · 07-12-2015, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edgray

Sorry to hear that, but I didn't say it never happens-I simply opined that it isn't a common problem and that it certainly isn't the "only" problem for the W 22 series, as was posted by someone above.

From what ive seen on this site it is a reason for concern so buyer beware!

PbdBlue · 07-12-2015, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edgray

Not sure where you got the idea about the 8.1 cracking exhaust manifolds. I don't think that is common at all. IMO, the "only" label should be applied to the Bosch brake recall, which affected ALL the W22 series chassis.

It's a weakness of most of the GM big blocks and well known. Didn't say it happens to all but it not unheard of. I wouldn't be overly concerned about it. Just something to watch out for when buying a used coach.