Community Forums

millred1 · 06-09-2011, 06:44 PM

Hello all, As per my last post my family and I are looking for a class a motorhome to take an extended summer vacation with our 2 special need children. We have found what seems too good to be true. We have found a 2003 Gulf Stream Sun Voyager 8378. Everything seems to be great with the coach only thing that stands out is it has a GM 8.1 with the 4 speed GM tranny. seems a 22K motorhome would have trouble with only #1 a gas engine #2 a 4 speed transmission..PLEASE does anyone have experence with this or a simular unit..Also we need a TOAD ours is a mini van around 4K # we could get a lighter TOAD if we had to.

Thanks for any advise..

iRV4FUN · 06-09-2011, 07:13 PM

My '03 Workhorse with GM 8.1 motor / transmission does just fine.

I run with Mobile1 fluid in my GM 8.1 motor / transmission and that made a big difference in my transmission. Seems like your 4K minivan is on the heavy side. Your unit may be over its towing capacity.

As for having two special needs kids... an RV seems like a great way to go! Just heard on the news about a group of "Zombie" protesters interrupting a Special Olympics celebration in Madison Wisconsin. I don't care what a person’s political beliefs are when it comes to Special Needs kids. Some people will stoop to the lowest level to make a point.

Can't believe it's winning the hearts of the people by interrupting a special celebration.

AzCactusRV · 06-09-2011, 09:33 PM

Got a 1996 P32 chassis, 7.4L with 4L80E (4-speed). Had 56k miles when I bought it and no reverse. Seems to be a common problem with this tranny. I tried several attempts to fix but ended up pulling the tranny out and doing a rebuild on it. Works great now.

millred1 · 06-10-2011, 08:35 AM

Thanks for the insight 4fun, I have to make up my mind on this unit today, It's on e-bay and I can buy it for 30K seems too good to be true at that price I think I'm going for it. others like it are going for 45K and up. only 500 down and I can inspect it before forking out the rest. wish us luck. As for the protestors, well it takes all kinds,,I'm just greatfull for the one's I'm blessed with here at home .

millred1 · 06-17-2011, 07:19 AM

I just picked up our new 2 us coach yesterday. Seems the dealer did not have a clue. He told me it was a Chevy 4 speed read the owners manual and it is a 5 speed Alison...So much for there $95 hour expert..

Jeff

Gary RVRoamer · 06-18-2011, 02:18 PM

Glad you got it. I was about to post that Workhorse did not make a 22k chassis in 2003 with the 4 speed GM tranny and 8.1L engine (they all had Allison), but you have figured it out yourself. Hope you did not rely on much else that $95/hr expert told you - his credentials must not be too good.