Community Forums

southwind96 · 09-04-2017, 06:03 PM

Hi, new to the motorhome experience, this will be a restoration project although it would scare most people I am not afraid to take this apart and put it back together.

So I have acquired a new to me used 1996 Fleetwood Southwind 35P I think that is the model I will have to verify...

There are a couple things missing the first one being the hydraulic jack control pad...I thought there might be another way to operate the jacks but I don't think so. The roof is bad and the first project for me, so all the manuals if they weren't in plastic sleeves are shot. I do not know what the basic systems are as far as the make and model so I don't know which controller to purchase? Does anyone know what jack system is installed in this rv?

Is there any place that has specs for these rv's? The owner manual is fluff...I am going to need parts and this would help speed up the search and purchase process.

Mr_D · 09-04-2017, 06:11 PM

from WA State!

If the roof is bad then you need to assess the rig for rotten wood in the roof, sidewalls and floor BEFORE spending any money on it.

Chowboy · 09-04-2017, 06:19 PM

Free always comes with a price.

southwind96 · 09-04-2017, 06:28 PM

Yes it does...but I am prepared for that!

Yes the roof will be replaced and if there is bad wood there I will repair same with the interior walls and floor...finishes will be stripped to find the bad wood if it exists.

**NLOVNIT** · 09-04-2017, 06:38 PM

Go to Fleetwood's website & download the manual & brochure. That's at least a start.

Lori-

Soppy · 09-04-2017, 06:59 PM

With a bad roof , the first thing to do is start ripping it apart anywhere there appears to be water damage. It might take a lot of work to repair , and may not even be worth the trouble. Sometimes there's a reason for it being free. Hope it's not too bad and can be repaired .

Gordon Dewald · 09-05-2017, 09:05 AM

Water damage and drive train will be the costly items. The rest will just be expensive.

JollyCamper · 09-05-2017, 10:11 AM

I would do a seious assessment of damage before starting. Then you can decide where to go from there. If you have the wherewithal to rebuild it, am guessing you would have the ability to strip it down and part it out. The drive train is worth money, the AC unit, fridge, power converter, etc. I for one would not turn it down, even if it meant I was just scrapping it out.

southwind96 · 09-05-2017, 07:13 PM

Thanks for the replies...although this rv is in rough shape it is not a scrapper, mechanic is working on getting it running and I will.be starting on the roof...I have found an rv salvage yard online so I can replace interiors as I need and when I give the model no to fleetwood I can get the parts I need or at least the number...skylights need replacing as they are brittle...from what I can tell the previous owner was good with maintenance it was at the rv dealer things went bad for this rv.

beamisl · 09-06-2017, 04:49 AM

You may be able to find a donor TT somewhere near you for real cheap that you can take AC's out of, sky lights, fridge, and cabinets. Some people find cheap ones and use them like this. Just a thought.

Whitterz · 09-08-2017, 03:13 AM

Fleetwood (now REV) has fairly decent records, even for a 96. Find your FIN, or VIN if you can't and call their parts dept. Hold times can be a little high but they should be able to pull up what was used on your unit.