Community Forums

Olddawg52 · 01-10-2013, 04:57 PM

We are first time motorhome buyers (always had truck campers before) and are looking at a 1999 Gulfstream SunSport, 32.5ft with one slide. The unit only has 14k miles and is in immaculate shape inside and out. It has the Ford chassis with V-10. One drawback for me is the generator is a Generac which I have always heard are junk. It has been stored under cover since new. Everything has tested out fine for functionality.

My question....is the 99 Gulfstream a reliable unit? Like some opinions on overall construction of the Gulfstream line and the SunSport in particular if anyone has owned one.

Also, as we will be pulling a ski boat some (5000 lb boat on short trips) should we install a Banks performance system? Is there a better performance system out there to purchase? Any idea of overall cost to purchase and install the Banks system?

Thanks.....Happy trails

RickO · 01-10-2013, 05:00 PM

Hi and welcome to the forum.

I can't help with anything on that specific coach but I'm sure some of our experts will be along with advice soon.

Best of luck.

Rick

Go Dawgs · 01-10-2013, 05:07 PM

Banks is very expensive. I would check first to see if your hitch can pull 5K. The V10 should have enough power to pull your boat. I have an 8.1 Vortec in my MH and a hitch that is rated for 5K and pull my friends boat at 3K with no problem. Others may have more knowledge then me.

rvjimmy · 01-10-2013, 07:05 PM

It's low miles but check the DOT on the tires even if they look good. Tires time out on a MH before they wear out. Tires that are old and blow out can cause a lot of damage. Just something to check, tires are not cheap anymore.

Jim

Olddawg52 · 01-10-2013, 07:09 PM

The hitch is a 5000 hitch.....first thing I checked

Thanks for the heads up on the tires. I will go back and check that. I know a new set can run several thousand dollars.

djbmsu · 01-10-2013, 07:31 PM

Check your local exhaust specialists they can do everything Banks can do except the decal. Alot less. The V-10 is a great engine 3 in exhaust will improve the performance greatly as will a good air intake system.
Drive at under 65 and you will do fine.

SteveLevin · 01-10-2013, 10:41 PM

I wouldn't worry about the Generac. We had one and while it was louder than an Onan (although if you were inside running the a/c the unducted air was even louder), but it was very reliable. Ran it 14 hours a day in 100 degree outside temps many times without an issue.

Steve

Mr_D · 01-10-2013, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djbmsu

Check your local exhaust specialists they can do everything Banks can do except the decal.

Have any dyno tests to back that up?

We had a Genajunk in our 2000 DSDP. It was a propane unit, would overheat and shut down in 90° heat. Very loud and went through propane like crazy. In 5 days we went through two 10 gallon tanks and most of our onboard 40 gallon (32 usable) tank.

Olddawg52 · 01-12-2013, 12:22 PM

We decided against the 1999 33' Gulfstream for a couple of reasons and are now looking at a 2001 32' Holiday Rambler Admiral with V-10. Does anyone have any opinions on the safety and reliability of the Holiday Rambler line? Any help is appreciated.

desobelman · 01-12-2013, 12:51 PM

OldDawg,

I think you would be happy with a Holiday Rambler. They have had a good reputation over the years for build quality.

As far as the two issues you listed, safety & reliability, they are two completely separate issues.

First the safety: Safety is affected by a number of things.

1. Suspension: The Ford chassis is solid, but depending on the chassis mfgr year, they benefit greatly from suspension upgrades such as, steering controls, anti-sway bars, etc.

2. Tire inflation: Improper tire inflation has led to some safety problems. Too low, or too high can adversely affect the handling and compromise the integrity of the sidewall of the tires

3. Weight: We tend to see space and want to fill it! Carrying only what you will actually need and distributing it evenly around the RV is very important. Our RVs were designed with a limited amount of CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity) and GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating). If you stay BELOW these, you will be safer.

4. Upkeep and Maintenance: Keeping your RV in tip-top shape will reduce greatly any problems with safety and reduce breakdowns.

Hope this helps.

Happy Trails!

Darryl

srydve · 01-12-2013, 04:49 PM

I think you're ok with an '01 but if it happens to have the R4R suspension then you need to know if the trailing arms have been fixed. You can do a search on Monaco cracked trailing arms for tons of info.

Olddawg52 · 01-12-2013, 05:23 PM

Thanks for the info on the trailing arms, I will definitely check that out.

How do I find out if it was built with the R4R suspension. Sorry for the dumb questions but as I said, 1st time buyer.

Thanks to all that have provided input. I can see this site is going to be a great tool for us!

crah · 01-12-2013, 05:35 PM

Trailering arm is a non issue on the HR admiral. That issue is only on the HR entry model diesel pushers. The admiral will be on a gas chassis. Not sure if it is a ford or workhorse though.