New to me 79 Winnebago Chieftain

[Jeff Barnett]

I just bought a 79 winnebago in rough condition for $560. The RV roof leaks, the AC, Furnace needs replaced, part of the ceiling needs work, floor needs carpet, no frig, dryrouted tires. Chysler 440 runs good. It has a Onan 5.0 generator. The guy had purchased it on Ebay # 140025105054 and drove it 2000 miles home. So my winter project is a big one.

I covered it with a tarp to dry out. I need to get the generator running as there is no power where it will be stored. When i push the starter there seems to be no power. Does the gen have its own battery or would it use the same battery as the engine.

What would be recomended to seal the roof. It looks rough but is still solid.

This is my first RV and any help will be great

[Jeff Barnett]

I just bought a 79 winnebago in rough condition for $560. The RV roof leaks, the AC, Furnace needs replaced, part of the ceiling needs work, floor needs carpet, no frig, dryrouted tires. Chysler 440 runs good. It has a Onan 5.0 generator. The guy had purchased it on Ebay # 140025105054 and drove it 2000 miles home. So my winter project is a big one.

I covered it with a tarp to dry out. I need to get the generator running as there is no power where it will be stored. When i push the starter there seems to be no power. Does the gen have its own battery or would it use the same battery as the engine.

What would be recomended to seal the roof. It looks rough but is still solid.

This is my first RV and any help will be great

[michcruiser60]

Jeff, most of the newer MH's have a seperate battery for the generator, this one might too. You should be able to track the battery cables from the gen to where the battery is located.
Do yourself a favor and change the oil and plug in that generator. Condensation might be in the oil if it's set for sometime. As far as the roof sealant, I sure any RV shop by you would have something. That should be high on the list for repairs. I just replaced our front wall because of water damage. I don't want to go thru that again. Good Luck, most of all have fun.

[Hitchhiker]

Jeff,

I noticed this was your first post here and that you joined iRV2 today. Welcome to iRV2, we're really glad to have you here as a new member and are looking forward to reading your posts about your RVing experiences and adventures. You'll find a great bunch of folks on this site who are very knowledgeable of RVing, the rigs we use, and the places we go in them.

As you'll see, they're eager to help and share their knowledge and experiences with others.

I looked at the eBay ad for your Winnebago and it looks like you got a great deal at $560 considering the guy you bought it from just paid $1,629. With a little work to spiff up the interior you should have a nice rig to go camping in.

When you get it fixed up, join us with the Appalachian Campers for some fun and fellowship.

Again, welcome to iRV2, we're glad you joined.

[Edmund A Skibinski]

Welcome Jeff to the IRV2 website, you have quite a project in front of you, I'm sure you can handle it or you wouldn't have bought the coach in the first place.
The top priority would be to fix the roof and go from there, let the forum know on the progress of your project. Ed.S