Community Forums

Gummibear · 08-09-2011, 11:45 PM

Hello
My girlfriend and i decided to get an RV and take off out of the Philadelphia/NJ area... roll our dice, see what happens.

It,s a 1984 Winnebago Chieftain 27' . Its been in the shop for weeks for a huge tune-up (plus fixing loose door, replacing outside locks & headlamps/lighting). Supposed to get it back tomorrow; we,re crossing our fingers.

Question: will i get pulled for no seatbelt since the seatbelts are without the shoulder strap?

Dont worry we'll have more questions soon (ie Electrical Schematics, Solar Power advice, stereo speaker replacement, whats good in the dakotas?)

Brendan & Trina

kjburns · 08-10-2011, 12:14 AM

Welcome to the forum.

I think it's highly unlikely that you'd be pulled over for seatbelts. Lots of older cars (and motorhomes) didn't have the shoulder belt. If it happened, I see you have a driver's door. It would be a simple matter of opening the door to show that you are strapped in.

Online_17 · 08-11-2011, 11:12 AM

I know here in Canada, you are ok with just a Lap Strap....

Steve N Sal · 08-11-2011, 11:23 AM

Doubt they would bother with the shoulder strap. Most older rigs didn't have them. Just the lap strap.
Really envy you and the big step to hit the road. Have any plans as to where you may be headed for starters? It looks like it could be a great life as the wife and I had talked about it but with the economy the way it is we are strapped to sit for now or at least until we can sell the S&B. Some day it may sell then that will free us up a bit. For now we spend 3-4 months in Northern MI and maybe 3 months somewhere South in the winter. Have toyed with the thought of renting the house but after some discussion at length, that's not going to happen. Well enjoy your travels hope all works out great for you. Be safe and Happy Motoring!!!!

Online_17 · 08-14-2011, 11:48 AM

Ah some great advice, last travelled; the 20 from Riverier de loop to Montreal was an on again-off again shake storm. Shook my switch for the battery connect loose and had no juice to even stop and boon dock.

Nb was awesome with the new highway so no worries there.

I like the idea of crossing us and trying those roads as it seems many say the roads are great.

Not trying to save time, just make the ride more comfortable!

frankdamp · 08-14-2011, 12:29 PM

Our 02 only has lap belts, and they're anchored to the seat frame. I'd like to install a 3-point inertia reel system properly attached to floor and wall structure, but that's a big job.

We realise we're probably goners in a serious wreck, as I'm sure the Flexsteel seat slider mechanism is nowhere near strong enough to withstand crash forces.

I did quite a lot of FAA certification work on passenger interiors when I was at Boeing, so I'm familiar with the forces involved the the cert-case requirements. Even 9g was tough to do and when Ralph Nader convinced the FAA to increase it to 16g, it was a major nightmare. Most of the extra 7g was taken up by deliberate progressive failure inside the seat structure. without injuring the passenger.

MSHappyCampers · 08-14-2011, 03:21 PM

Hi Brendan & Trina! Welcome to IRV2! You've come to the right place to get answers on your projects. Good luck!

Gummibear · 08-16-2011, 08:36 AM

Thanks so much for the warm welcome! We are looking forward to hitting the road soon!

WheelingIt · 08-16-2011, 08:46 AM

Enjoy the road! It's an addicting and amazing lifestyle

Gummibear · 09-11-2011, 12:35 PM

Well we made is 250 miles to pittsburgh and the bugger died in a tunnel. Luckily we kept it alive teasing the deep cycle long enough to get it out of the tunnel. After 4.5 months of hassles letdowns constant breakdowns, we are packing up out of the Stinkebago and hopping in an 04 chrysler convertible.

When 1 month, $1500 breakdowns dont last 300 miles, theres a problem. Mold stench, wet dashboards from leaking roof… oh the $300 porcelien spark plugs that didnt stop the engine from running too hot... I dont understand how people can find this fun.
Cheers