First Class A (and first used)

La.Paul · 06-12-2011, 04:19 PM

Just purchased a 2003 Sea Breeze LX 8311 with 47k miles. My previous experience is lot's of tent camping with wife and kids, a converted school bus mostly used as a hunting camp, (but finished with carpentry built cabinetry, and I installed all the usual RV amenities except AC), and a national RV Ragen toy hauler that was used for motorcycle trips, fishing trips with 2 man boat and gear in back, and hunting with 4 wheelers in back. Also did straight up trips with wife and (much older) kids. I'm still a little nervous, as I have not purchased any vehicle used in last 25 years. It seems to drive well, and the interior is pristine (with great floor plan and 2 slides). Everything seems to work, did have some damage to storage compartment from blow out on drivers side. I'll probably feel better after a few miles under my belt!

I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions later, but for now just 2. First, does anyone know where to get replacement plastic bins for the lower storage bays,
and second, if you have a new tire and older tire on rear, which one should be mounted on the outside? Thanks, and I'm glad to be back in RV community!

srrobe · 06-12-2011, 05:04 PM

& nice to have you with the group. There is an endless number of folks with tons of experience and advice. I'm sure some one will be along shortly to assist you. As for the tires, there has been many a thread regarding the topic. By doing a search, you will most likely find lots of input.

Steve N Sal · 06-12-2011, 05:57 PM

Unless your storage bins are specific for your motohome then I would guess you need to find a dealer to order them. We just buy plastic storage containers of various sizes from WalMart, Target etc.
Can't really comment on the tire question. Wouldn't want to be responsible if something that I said created a problem.

HoRotica · 06-12-2011, 06:15 PM

Never put new and old tire on same wheel. Put the new tire on the front and a used front with an old rear on the dual...

Chris

ga traveler · 06-12-2011, 06:44 PM

When you say storage bins, I assume you mean the storage compartments. Since National went out of business, your best bet is to try to find a manuf. mark on the bin. If that doesn't work, ask on the forum if anyone knows who made the bins.

micd · 06-12-2011, 07:02 PM

Congrats on your new to you rig.

Since you may have the original tires for all but the blown out one you should likely look at the age and then replace them if they are older than 5-7 yrs old (even if they look really good). Blow outs can be expensive as you've seen them take out the storage bin but they can also damage plumbing etc. and dangerous as the coach can crash if you lose control. There is a date code on the tires. You can google to see what they look like.

I would not run it any distance with the way you have it now as the 3 worn tires on the rear axel will effectively cause the tread to be scrubbed off the newer tire.

Cheers!
Michelle

historyljc · 06-12-2011, 10:39 PM

Welcome La.Paul,
May your have many trouble free miles and a millions smiles in your motorhome.

La.Paul · 06-13-2011, 04:37 AM

Thanks to all for the welcome and the info. I definitely plan to go to tire place and get my tires checked. I have new tires on front, one new on back, I will probably just get 3 more new ones and be set for a while. Will keep best used one for spare. I will post my question about the basement storage compartment bins on the national RV forum. Thanks again.