Advice on 2004 Fleetwood Southwind

[Rendon]

Hi, I'm new to this forum. My name is Peggy and I'm thinking about buying a Fleetwood Southwind. I haven't been able to look at it yet due to all the snow we're getting in PA!! I've been searching and searching for a used RV so I can get the heck out of PA and head to MS!!! I've also been looking at the Winnebago Adventurer's. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks and have a great day!

[cc8375]

Have had both...... Winnebago and Fleetwood. Make sure every thing works in the coach. Water..... No leaks, Hot water heater, A/C is tough to check in the winter, Fridge, heater(s), TV, Generator etc. Myself and friends have bought several times in the Winter. We ask to see ALL items working. To know they work, and seeing is better then hearing the words they work OK. Cost to re-winterize is not that much.

Review available maintenance records. remember you are buying both a Vehicle with a engine, tires, brakes, exhaust etc and a item similar to a house, with all mention above.

Consider shape, MOst people take of their Coach, Some DO NOT. Has it been Lived in, where it was someones home for months.

Something I think is Important..... NO ROOF DAMAGE, Look at the roof or have someone you trust and with a Eye climb up there. Check inside for Water leaks from the Roof inside. Push on the roof all around, inside closets, bathroom, shower area etc. if you expect or see any water damage.

OK, enough for now, PM me if you have any Questions, I have owned motorhomes for over 30 years. WE love them, it's a hobby for us and Who we are.
Good luck and Enjoy, after you find the right one.
Happy Rving!

[Rendon]

Hello,

Thank you for your good advice and tips! But now I'm going to go look at a 2004 ITASCA SUNRISE tomorrow. Any thoughts on this model? It has everything that I want in an RV. There are some recalls I saw online and this RV had all new brake calipers put on due to a recall. I can't seem to find a whole lot of them for sale so I'm thinking that's a good thing! This is my first RV and truth be told, I'm petrified! I've only driven twice! I am bound and determined to overcome my fear and learn to be a good safe driver. It's the only way to go for me right now. I want to get out of PA for 4 months or so and then come back and sell my house. I do not want to see anymore snow flakes!!!!
One other thing, I'm having a hard time navigating on this forum! What is the easy way to get to your personal thread? I typed it in the search engine! Oh I have so much to learn!!!
Thanks

[tmw188]

Originally Posted by Rendon

Hello, Thank you for your good advice and tips! But now I'm going to go look at a 2004 ITASCA SUNRISE tomorrow. Any thoughts on this model? It has everything that I want in an RV. There are some recalls I saw online and this RV had all new brake calipers put on due to a recall. I can't seem to find a whole lot of them for sale so I'm thinking that's a good thing! This is my first RV and truth be told, I'm petrified! I've only driven twice! I am bound and determined to overcome my fear and learn to be a good safe driver. It's the only way to go for me right now. I want to get out of PA for 4 months or so and then come back and sell my house. I do not want to see anymore snow flakes!!!! One other thing, I'm having a hard time navigating on this forum! What is the easy way to get to your personal thread? I typed it in the search engine! Oh I have so much to learn!!! Thanks

Upper right corner go to subscribe to thread. Tool bar at the bottom select subscribed when you see it has a message, remember though one of them will be yours. You may need to refresh now and then while on. I too am sick of the snow here in St. Louis

[Rendon]

Thank you for the info! You're in St. Louis, do you ever go to MS? I have a permanent lot in a camp ground in Pass Christian, 3 miles from the Gulf! The lot belonged to my parents and was passed onto me. It's beautiful there. I cannot wait to get there! Just need to find the right RV for me!

[Rendon]

Thank you for the info! I posted a reply back to you then realized that it probably didn't go to you! Oh boy, I've got a lot to learn!

[cc8375]

Friends have a Sunrise and love it. There are classes on Driving motor homes. Also if there any local classes on driving Class B Trucks or Buses. Friends of mine took a class for school bus driving. Reading the driving test Q&A for bus or large trucks will give you insight and safety info to help in driving and maneuvering.

[pro_coupe 34]

You better hurry up and buy your class a we are getting more snow tonight. Im also in the northeast Pa we got about 2 feet on the ground I hate it allready. ANd good luck on your travels

[NRF]

Originally Posted by Rendon

Hi, I'm new to this forum. My name is Peggy and I'm thinking about buying a Fleetwood Southwind. I haven't been able to look at it yet due to all the snow we're getting in PA!! I've been searching and searching for a used RV so I can get the heck out of PA and head to MS!!! I've also been looking at the Winnebago Adventurer's. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks and have a great day!

I owned a Southwind from 1996 (brand new) to 2012 -16 years. I had very few problems with it and loved it. Highly recommend the Southwind. Are you planning on purchasing a brand new one or used one?

[cc8375]

Great News!!

sounds Great...... you will not go wrong with a Winnebago product.

here is some reading info.
http://media.goitasca.com/models/glo...unrise-bro.pdf

[SarahW]

Fleetwood, Winnebago and Itasca (also Winnebago) are quality RVs. Choose the one in the best condition mechanically that you also like the layout of the "house." Good luck!

[Rendon]

Originally Posted by NRF

I owned a Southwind from 1996 (brand new) to 2012 -16 years. I had very few problems with it and loved it. Highly recommend the Southwind. Are you planning on purchasing a brand new one or used one?

I switched to a Itasca Sunrise! I wasn't able to get to look at the Southwind because of the snow and then I saw the Sunrise for $22,000 less than the Southwind. It was a No Brainer! The Sunrise is in pristine condition and it has everything I wanted and then some! It's a 2004 32 ft. Now all I have to do is get over my fear of driving this massive thing! massive to me!! I believe in myself and God to help me to become a safe and confident driver. I'm sure I'll look back one day and say "why did I worry myself for nothing"! I will hopefully be picking it up tomorrow provided this rain gets rid of some of this snow! I will be a solo RV'er for now. Well me and my 3 furry children(cats).

[Rendon]

Originally Posted by SarahW

Fleetwood, Winnebago and Itasca (also Winnebago) are quality RVs. Choose the one in the best condition mechanically that you also like the layout of the "house." Good luck!

I did exactly that! I bought an Itasca Sunrise and it's just beautiful! I got an excellent deal and hopefully picking it up tomorrow!

[Rendon]

Originally Posted by cc8375

Great News!!

sounds Great...... you will not go wrong with a Winnebago product.

here is some reading info.
http://media.goitasca.com/models/glo...unrise-bro.pdf

Wow so much good info, Thanks again! it's awesome!