Community Forums

JPaTV · 05-24-2018, 12:19 PM

Good afternoon!

I am possibly closing on a 2003 Tradewinds 395LE diesel pusher, Cat330 on the Spartan chassis. I've read some really good things about the National brand, and the Cat motor. I was looking for a Monaco coach for a while and we stumbled upon this one. The floor plan is really nice, it looks clean, kept well, paint is in great shape, etc. Our idea is to get into something to start with and look at possibly upgrading as we learn and grow.

I'm a dedicated GC, so I plan on pulling carpet and putting nice laminate flooring in and doing some basic upgrading inside the coach. But as far as everything else goes, I wanted to see if there was any suggestions or reviews on this particular model, both good and bad?

Thanks!

F4Jock · 05-24-2018, 05:25 PM

I don't know much at all about this particular model but having just purchased a used 1998 Tropi-Cal with the same general idea in mind I can give you a few things to look for.

Cosmetic things are easy. The biggest problems I have found is fixing ostensibly simple, functional parts. The problem is you never know who made them. Just make sure everything you can think of testing works and I mean everything! Test the lights, blinkers, the delay wipers, the generator, the air conditioning units, the furnace, the refrigerator on both propane and electricity, all of the in dash components such as the air conditioning and heater, make sure that the grey and black water tank level indicators function properly, check the water pump for the onboard water system, any and all vent fans, the leveling system if you have one, electric seats, and any slides you might have. Don't forget the electric step, take a look at how old the house batteries are, check the stove. Make sure all the charging circuitry works on both generator and Shore power. Check the plugs and sockets for all types of power, both on the dashboard and in the house.

Then take it for a drive and see how it handles curves and especially going up and down into driveways as into a shopping center or something like that. Pay special attention to body roll and listen for clunks from the suspension. Check the tires for dry rot.

Doing all of these things will give you an idea of what you might have to upgrade or replace and a better idea if the price you are paying is a good one. The only regret I have is not knowing that some of the components I needed to replace that I I felt were going to be obvious Ford products were not, thus making sourcing and replacement a bit of a chore. Other than that, enjoy!

sgtjoe · 05-26-2018, 11:02 AM

Check the dates on all the tires, if they are close to 7 years old you might want to dicker on the price. I run Michelins on my Tradewinds, expensive, but in 14 years I have had no problems with them.
Also check the maintenance records on her if available.

We bought our Tradewinds in 2004 and have yet to find a MH we would trade her for. National built a great product, this is why you seldom see them on lots for sale, even the gassers.

wmiii · 05-31-2018, 07:13 AM

Let me know if you get it, I may need some information from you.
Thanks,
Wm Mayberry
2003 National Tradewinds 375LE

JPaTV · 06-07-2018, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wmiii

Let me know if you get it, I may need some information from you.
Thanks,
Wm Mayberry
2003 National Tradewinds 375LE

Hey Wm! Yes we did end up buying! DM me if you'd like!

Tee1up2day · 06-08-2018, 07:31 AM

I have one and my wife and I really enjoy it. I do my own work on it for the most part. We have put about 20K trouble free.

Steve

wmiii · 06-08-2018, 02:38 PM

I took ours to the local Catepillar service center and had them go over the whole coach. They changed all the engine oil and filters, generator oil and filters, changed the transmission fluid and filter and flushed the coolant system and refilled with new antifreeze. As well as a chassis inspection.
Yep, It was very expensive, but now I know what I have and have a base line to go from.

Wm Mayberry
2003 National Tradewinds 375LE
Palmetto, FL

mofa · 06-09-2018, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wmiii

I took ours to the local Catepillar service center and had them go over the whole coach. They changed all the engine oil and filters, generator oil and filters, changed the transmission fluid and filter and flushed the coolant system and refilled with new antifreeze. As well as a chassis inspection.
Yep, It was very expensive, but now I know what I have and have a base line to go from.

Wm Mayberry
2003 National Tradewinds 375LE
Palmetto, FL

I totally agree with the above statement, ours has been great for 10 years of travelling. now we full time. Great product.