Community Forums

crolfmilton · 06-24-2014, 09:14 PM

IRV is the best thing since sliced bread. I can't read enough!
Anyway, not new to RVing, but new to diesel motorhomes. So, I apologize now for my bazillion stupid questions.
A friend is purchasing our 2003 Fleetwood 32V on a workhorse W22 chassis. We purchased it new and it has served us well. Since I am a stickler for maintenance, I feel that my buddy is getting the deal of a lifetime. I digress.
A friend, who owns a large garage in our area sold me his 2000 Newmar Mountain Aire D on a Spartan chassis. My wife and I love this rig for a multitude of reasons.
Though I knew every screw and bolt on the workhorse, I am an absolute diesel novice. Any suggestions will be more than welcome.
We spend summers at our home in AK and winters at our home in NV with lots of RVing thrown in.
Thank you for having us!

"007" · 06-24-2014, 09:48 PM

Welcome to irv2.
Here is a Brochure and a 2001
Owners Guide for you.
In my signature below you will find QT's links to many more items in related info for your Newmar.
Come join us down in the Newmar forum for other questions you may have.
For the Spartan chassis you can use this link or the Newmar forum with members that have same chassis.
Congratulations on your coach many safe travels ahead and I enjoyed AK back in the fifties traveling between ACS stations while in the Army, its great country.

crolfmilton · 06-26-2014, 12:23 AM

Thank you. Any and all info is highly appreciated. :-)

RV Wizard · 06-26-2014, 05:03 AM

Hello Rolf and Kitty and

We are glad to have yo join us here and we look forward to reading of your adventures and experiences. I am sure you will enjoy our website and forums. Good luck, stay safe and keep us posted.
I believe you may be on the same Mountain Master chassis as myself. It is a great platform and has a very good track record. You may elect to replace all the filters, belts, hoses and fluids and lubricant to start off with unless, there is proof something has recently been performed. You will have many more filters than your Workhorse chassis did. Don't forget about the air system filter' it comes as a kit with all seals and heater. These parts can be obtained at large truck parts houses like Truck pro, Fleet Pride, etc. You may find that the air bags are leaking down very quickly and if they are dry rotted, you will need to replace them. Don't let the air compressor constantly run from high volume leaking; it will burn it up.
What size toad will you be using? Don't forget about a brake assist; I like the Roadmaster Brakemaster but there are some newer systems that are good too.
Did you get the owner manuals? You will find a maintenance schedule; if not, you can download it from Spartan.
Enjoy!

ckhenshaw4 · 06-26-2014, 05:19 AM

Welcome aboard Kitty and Rolf. We also just purchased a DP, and so far are LOVING it. Ours is a Dutchstar on a Spartan Chassis. A HUGE difference going from a gas coach into a DP. Good luck, and happy travels.

Ramets · 06-27-2014, 08:04 AM

FYI, since it's a 2000 on a Spartan chassis, check out those ball joint boots. If original they'll probably be rotted. It's a problem Spartan had early on. The boots on our 2000 Dutch Star had to be replaced.

bailiff · 06-27-2014, 08:29 AM

We really enjoy our 2000 MADP. We've made several long trips along with twice a month outings. Cummins 8.3 350 engine has plenty of power for us while pulling our toad delivers about 8.2 MPG.

Sent from my iPad using iRV2 - RV Forum

gacamp · 06-27-2014, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ramets

FYI, since it's a 2000 on a Spartan chassis, check out those ball joint boots. If original they'll probably be rotted. It's a problem Spartan had early on. The boots on our 2000 Dutch Star had to be replaced.

x2 on this, I bet if the boots and ball joints have not been replaced they are not for from it, budget $2300-2500. Diesel engines need at all times clean air, clean fuel and clean oil, keep that in mind and you will avoid a lot of headaches and expense.

**TonyDi** · 06-27-2014, 07:55 PM

Kitty and Rolf good luck with your MADP. Welcome to the Newmar family. The best way to learn about your diesel is to ask questions, and you have come to a great place for answers.

Skip426 · 06-27-2014, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crolfmilton

IRV is the best thing since sliced bread. I can't read enough!
.Thank you for having us!

My DW, tends to disagree with this statement .

I digress.

Welcome to iRV2 and the Newmar family.

RV Wizard · 06-28-2014, 04:25 AM

My ball joint boots have been split for several years now. I just keep them well greased, pushing any dirt out, and keep driving.

Snomas1 · 06-28-2014, 05:58 AM

I just had my ball joints checked on our 02 Dutch star and they were OK. In addition you should check all the heater and radiator hoses. We just had all the heater hoses replaced including the long hoses that go to the front heater. We had a breakdown with a split heater hose last winter on I-10. A 14 year old MH can definitely have hose problems if they have not been replaced. IMHO.

Air Baron · 06-28-2014, 06:15 AM

Exhaust manifold leaks. They warp, probably due to the PAC brake... and corrosion causes the grade 10 bolts to break off in the cylinder head. Common problem on this vintage Cummins ISC. Cost me over $3900 at a Cummins shop and a solid week of grief living in a motel.

Fuel filters. Crud builds up in the tank, especially when left sitting. I avoid bio-diesel and try to keep the tank full. Also use an algaecide when storing.

HWH leveling system. If you still have a case ground hydraulic pump motor, it will likely quit working one day. Cheap DIY replacement.

As others have said, do not neglect the complex air ride/air brake system.