2004 Winnebago Journey

[thackman]

The HR sold so now we are looking at a 2004 Winnebago Journey. Anything you can tell me on this coach would be appreciated.
Also, what are the pro's and cons on full body paint or not?
Lastly, tow vehicle. I've heard that there are state laws that require braking system for anything over 3000 lbs. Can anyone enlighten me?
Thank you, we have been out of the MH business for a long time and are excited about getting back in.

[AFChap]

Originally Posted by thackman

The HR sold so now we are looking at a 2004 Winnebago Journey. Anything you can tell me on this coach would be appreciated.
Also, what are the pro's and cons on full body paint or not?
Lastly, tow vehicle. I've heard that there are state laws that require braking system for anything over 3000 lbs. Can anyone enlighten me?
Thank you, we have been out of the MH business for a long time and are excited about getting back in.

The Journey is a great coach, the key with a 2004 being how well it has been cared for.

Full body paint takes very little care compared to bare gelcoat. It doesn't yellow like some unpainted fiberglass ...paint does fade some but you will never know it unless there is a decal over it that you remove after 5 years or so. My 2003 full body paint coach (built in May 2002) does not look anywhere near 14 years old. Prior to 2012 it was NEVER under cover. Since then it has been in covered storage apx 50% of the time. It has 106k miles on it so has been well used. I am not a fanatic about washing it ...no more than once or twice a year I use a wash & wax solution on it with a soft bristle brush, then hose off and let it air dry. Of course I do the front more often to keep the bugs off.

State laws for brakes on towed trailers/vehicles do vary a little, and there are many opinions on whether those laws apply only to "trailers". Reality is that when you need brakes, you cannot have too much!! Many get away with not having auxiliary brakes on a towed car, but if you ever have to stand on your brakes to avoid the fool who just pulled out in front of you, you will be glad to have brakes on the toad ...no to mention the liability issue, especially in the event the toad breaks away as happened with a friend just a couple of days ago.

Enjoy the adventure!

[Wizard]

The laws of nature and some states require brakes to stop anything

[charles tuit]

Originally Posted by thackman

The HR sold so now we are looking at a 2004 Winnebago Journey. Anything you can tell me on this coach would be appreciated.
Also, what are the pro's and cons on full body paint or not?
Lastly, tow vehicle. I've heard that there are state laws that require braking system for anything over 3000 lbs. Can anyone enlighten me?
Thank you, we have been out of the MH business for a long time and are excited about getting back in.

I bought our 02 new. Since then we put on 206,000 relatively trouble free miles. The coach, appliances and the chassis have given excellent service. I must say that I'm a fanatic when it comes to preventive maintenance.

I had full body paint done in 08. Still looks new but I do garage it when not in use. Much easier to maintain than fiberglass gell coat.

Install a brake system in your toad. That extra stopping distance my prevent a accident or even save a life.

We plan on putting another 10,000 miles on it this year.

Insist on service records as to many people think of a MH as a toaster and just use it with no maintenance.

Hope this helps.