Community Forums

abnjim6 · 07-21-2012, 11:41 AM

Hello, All:

I recently purchased a Fleetwood Tioga 29' motor home and have been thinking about preparing the house and chassis of this rig for a 2000 mile trip.

This MH has a Triton V-10 Ford motor (63k) and chassis, and all the appliances that one would needs ie generator, LP furnace and stove, microwave, a shower, toilet, etc..

Can someone here instruct about what should be done to prepare for such a trip? I desire to avoid problems.

Thanks.

abnjim6@gmail.com

RanCarr · 07-21-2012, 11:49 AM

Hi! We just got our Class-C recently also. I will set it up inside as I did the NorthTrail TT. The kitchen will have the usual kitchen things needed to prepare regular meals, from forks to frying pans to hot pads to a toaster oven. They'll also be kitchen towels and scrub pads etc. There will also be a plastic tote for the BBQ stuff such as tongs, large fork, briquettes.

For the beds there will be sheets and both light and heavy blankets. Think of your RV as a small "house" you would set up to live in... because that's basically what it is. You'll need bath towels and wash cloths and soaps.

Don't forget a First Aid kit and assorted odds and ends like scissors, candles, duct tape, emergency sewing kit.... as time passes you will see and get what you need as an individual. All people and families and couples are different.

And remember, if you need anything on your trip, Wal*Marts are all over the USA. I once forgot to pack blouses and T-shirts on a 1200 mile trip. We stopped at a Wal*Mart store and did some fast shopping.

Go Dawgs · 07-21-2012, 12:37 PM

Besides packing cloths for any vacation you would take to your destination, always pack for good and bad weather. Again anything you forget you can buy.

The MH: service engine (Lube, oil, filter, etc), have hoses and belts checked, check the antifreeze for correct color and amount, (always carry and extra qt of oil and a gallon of antifreeze), check condition of tires ie:cracks, age, wear, air pressure. Basiclly anything you would do with your personal vehicle before a long trip do with the MH.

If you haven't owned it long or haven't taken a local trip with your MH do a driveway campout. That way you can learn how all the systems work and correct anything before you leave. Keep a notepad and write anything down you go into the house for. I also carry a notebook for each trip (simple spiral one) to record mileage, gallons, $ purchased for gas, I have a separate page for things to check or do upon returning home.

Good Luck and have fun
Arnold

Tjsteve · 07-21-2012, 07:49 PM

Everyone's advice has been very good. I'll add a few things. Pack for the time driving. Books, snacks, music, videos, etc. Also pack for the campsite. Lanterns, chairs, bug spray, toys, etc. These are two places you will spend a lot of time, so prepare for them, too.

Maddawgs · 07-22-2012, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abnjim6

Hello, All:

I recently purchased a Fleetwood Tioga 29' motor home and have been thinking about preparing the house and chassis of this rig for a 2000 mile trip.

This MH has a Triton V-10 Ford motor (63k) and chassis, and all the appliances that one would needs ie generator, LP furnace and stove, microwave, a shower, toilet, etc..

Can someone here instruct about what should be done to prepare for such a trip? I desire to avoid problems.

Thanks.

abnjim6@gmail.com

Hi abnjim6,
Congrats on the new to you RV. It looks like your has some miles on it. I would suggest a full mechanical check by a qualified mechanic. This is something I do a the start of each season or before a long trip. Just before our last trip to Pennsylvania and Virginia (1400 miles rt) I had a local Ford dealer do mine. The did a full chassis check, full safety check, oil and filter change, and a complete transmission service. Total cost was about $300. Hope this helps you out and have a good trip.
Todd

abnjim6 · 07-22-2012, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maddawgs

Hi abnjim6,
Congrats on the new to you RV. It looks like your has some miles on it. I would suggest a full mechanical check by a qualified mechanic. This is something I do a the start of each season or before a long trip. Just before our last trip to Pennsylvania and Virginia (1400 miles rt) I had a local Ford dealer do mine. The did a full chassis check, full safety check, oil and filter change, and a complete transmission service. Total cost was about $300. Hope this helps you out and have a good trip.
Todd

Thank you for the suggestions. I will locate a Ford dealer and have the full chassis checked out.

Is 63,000 miles allot for a 2000 model?

James

Maddawgs · 07-22-2012, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abnjim6

Thank you for the suggestions. I will locate a Ford dealer and have the full chassis checked out.

Is 63,000 miles allot for a 2000 model?

James

Hi James,
No, 63k should be fine and it shows that the previous owners used this RV and it did not sit. 4k to 6k a year is perfect for an RV. It is also a good indicator that they probably took care of it. If you have trouble finding a ford dealer that can handle motorhomes here is Ford's motorhome number

1-800-444-3311

Give them the last 7 digits of the chassis Vin # and your zip code
Hope this helps you out.
Todd

baraff · 07-22-2012, 04:14 PM

Maddawgs, thanks for the phone #, I have had problems locating a dealer in the Chicago 'burbs that can handle a motorhome. I need to get the trans fluid changed and most don't have the lift facilities.

baraff · 07-22-2012, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abnjim6

Thank you for the suggestions. I will locate a Ford dealer and have the full chassis checked out.

Is 63,000 miles allot for a 2000 model?

James

Our Winnie is a 2005 with 63,000 on it, we bought it when it had 50,000. I would feel more confident buying a motorhome with significant mileage than one the same age with low miles. These things were built to be driven and used. When stuff sits idle it often doesn't work when you need it to.
Knock on wood, we have had exactly ZERO problems with it since we bought it.
(Now I've done it, gone and jinxed myself)

Maddawgs · 07-24-2012, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baraff

Our Winnie is a 2005 with 63,000 on it, we bought it when it had 50,000. I would feel more confident buying a motorhome with significant mileage than one the same age with low miles. These things were built to be driven and used. When stuff sits idle it often doesn't work when you need it to.
Knock on wood, we have had exactly ZERO problems with it since we bought it.
(Now I've done it, gone and jinxed myself)

X2 on this. I would be more worried about one that only had 20k on it, You should be fine if you keep the regular maintenance up.
Todd