In a reverse twist of Oscar Wilde's
The Picture of Dorian Gray, my Winnebago Voyage seems to be growing newer by the week.
We bought the 2006 Voyage used a couple of years ago. It seemed in excellent condition with all systems go. Then it was ours.
Well as you know, any RV is perfect until you own it. Then it begins. Owners of new RVs just want everything to work - sometimes a task to match Sisyphus trying to roll that boulder up the hill.
For those of us who have bought used RVs, the job is a bit different - we are trying to create new RVs (working ones) out of older units. We're like Sisyphus's other brother.
Looking over the past couple of years, I realize my Voyage is getting pretty close to new. But "new" in this sense is really a moving target that I will never reach.
Let's take a look at the Voyage's voyage (pun intended) toward newness so far. I'll start with some small things and work up.
- New faucets in kitchen and bath
- New water pump
- New toilet
- New connection from black water tank to dump valve
- Rebuilt leveling system, including new controller, new pump, new distribution (balancing) valve, and several new hydraulic jacks
- New driver's side windshield
- New step motor
- New radio
- New engine water pump
- New engine as a result of a mechanic putting stop-leak in the radiator, which, of course, meant...
- New radiator
Currently I am working on the front clearance lights which were installed with some cockamanie metal frame that may or may not be available. I ordered something from Winnebago that has no picture available. When they arrive I'll find out whether or not they are correct or I have to jury-rig something on my own.
There is also the matter of repairing the latch on the electric utility hatch door which involves drilling out some rivets. I'm replacing the nylon (or plastic) latches with some aluminum ones I learned about here on IRV2.
So this old RV is getting newer by the week. But I am sure I am not alone, and I am sure you have your own stories. Please share them.