Community Forums

JMSnodgrass · 09-20-2020, 08:40 PM

My wife and I are in the process of retiring and going full time RV'ing. We have settled on the Fleetwood Discovery 40E, 2013 model and before purchasing would like to hear from anyone that has experience with this motorhome. Good/Bad, things to look out for, etc. Any and all input is appreciated.

Jeff & Jill Snodgrass
Martinsville, IN.

SC182 · 09-23-2020, 08:12 AM

We recently purchased an 11' FW 40G and have loved it. Super nice ride and easy to drive. I neglected to look underneath mine and once purchased found a substantial amount of rust on the framing and cross members in the back 1/3. It came from up North so not surprising. So do peak underneath. Also get up on the roof, or have a mechanic to make sure there is no obvious leaks. Take a good flashlight and look for leaks inside around windows. If I had the time, I would have paid to drive it to a Freightliner shop and have them look over engine/tranny/ecm for active codes. My $.02.

Fiesta48 · 09-24-2020, 01:33 PM

I've got a '15 40E. No major problems. 45k miles. I want everything working correctly, I've found many minor problems.
I do all the repairs and servicing myself.
Hard rains will cause water to get in, especially at the long slide ends.
Must run engine putting slides in and out. Level first.
Use 110 psi in tires.
Get it weighed after getting your stuff in it. Not everything from the house!
Check underneath for rust and chaffing wires and hoses. I found many. Freightliner problems not Fleetwood's.

JMSnodgrass · 09-28-2020, 05:39 PM

Thanks to both of you for the responses. One more question... I'm trying to find out how wide the Discovery is with the slides extended. We are planning on having a pole barn built to keep the RV in while we are here at home in the summertime, and will be living out of it. Need to know the width so I know how wide the pole barn will need to be.

Thanks in advance,
-Jeff

paddler1954 · 09-30-2020, 04:26 PM

Just a guess, I say around 156" wide with all slides out. Something else to consider on the 2013s, they came with a 20,000 weight rating on the rear axle. This severely restricts the load carrying capacity of the rig. Please keep this in mind. In 2015 Fleetwood increased the rear to 21,000 and in 2017 it was finally upgraded to 24,000 lbs.

Dsdbkranz · 10-04-2020, 11:51 PM

Hello,
I just bought a 2015 discovery 40E with 21,600 miles. Do a good shakedown of the coach. I found all kinds of stuff not working but repairable. Heater blower wheels were both broken, front door would not lock with key fob (adjustment), bedroom slide rubbing on bottom and today while driving my horn started sounding when I made a turn. I'm just about through all the bugs. Don't get me wrong this is a very nice coach and we are very happy. It drives really nice and very comfortable. Make sure you also look at the age of the tires, if there old this could get pricey.
Dwayne

jerryd13 · 10-23-2020, 06:55 AM

Hello,

May I ask you a couple of questions and get your first hand opinion on them.

We are looking at a 2010 Discovery 40G, and my questions are.

1. Does the 360 HP Cummings engine provide good power to the motor home when towing a car and going up hills, ect. It seems a bit small.

2. As to DIY maintenance on engine and transmission, Belts, filters, dipsticks, does the design really allow decent access to these things with the rear mounted radiator.

Thank you

SC182 · 11-16-2020, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerryd13

Hello,

May I ask you a couple of questions and get your first hand opinion on them.

We are looking at a 2010 Discovery 40G, and my questions are.

1. Does the 360 HP Cummings engine provide good power to the motor home when towing a car and going up hills, ect. It seems a bit small.

2. As to DIY maintenance on engine and transmission, Belts, filters, dipsticks, does the design really allow decent access to these things with the rear mounted radiator.

Thank you

1. I have the 380HP, and have not done any towing with it yet

2. I replaced my serpentine belt yesterday, working from both sides, but not having to go down thru closet floor. It was tight and the hardest part was getting a breaker bar in to get enough tension on the tensioner. I don't understand why they don't make a better access for a funnel into coolant tank. Its very tough to fill after flushing. I used an old DEF flex tube on a coolant jug to overcome gravity and spills. Filters and dipsticks are pretty easy to get to underneath.

Hope this helps..

paddler1954 · 11-16-2020, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerryd13

Hello,
May I ask you a couple of questions and get your first hand opinion on them.
We are looking at a 2010 Discovery 40G, and my questions are.
1. Does the 360 HP Cummings engine provide good power to the motor home when towing a car and going up hills, ect. It seems a bit small.
2. As to DIY maintenance on engine and transmission, Belts, filters, dipsticks, does the design really allow decent access to these things with the rear mounted radiator.
Thank you

We had an 08 Expedition 36D with the 6.7L Cummins, same weight ratings, towing a Ford Focus. It will take you anywhere you want to go. On the big hills, you will be in the right lane watching as the scenery passes by. I had no issues with changing engine oil filters and fuel filters. I never replaced the fan belt.

Fiesta48 · 11-16-2020, 07:16 PM

Personally my 380hp, 1150 torque is a minimum. 0 to 60 in 60!
Many times down to 35 mph in 3rd gear on very long steep hills.
Can't imagine any less power. About 100 lbs per hp is not enough, especially at entrance ramps. And I'm not a power crazy person driving full throttle at 75.

JohnLoves2Sk · 11-23-2020, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerryd13

Hello,

May I ask you a couple of questions and get your first hand opinion on them.

We are looking at a 2010 Discovery 40G, and my questions are.

1. Does the 360 HP Cummings engine provide good power to the motor home when towing a car and going up hills, ect. It seems a bit small.

2. As to DIY maintenance on engine and transmission, Belts, filters, dipsticks, does the design really allow decent access to these things with the rear mounted radiator.

Thank you

I have a 330 cat in my 2003, I tow a boat over Snoqualmie pass several times a year. I don't do it at 60 mph, but it always gets me there.
I do most of the maintenance, I would recommend a pump to add oil, or a funnel, long house, and a helper to hold it higher than the fill tube.

Inspect the forward side of your radiator when you do your annual oil change, especially on the corners, looking for dirt build up.

Love my rig, in sure you will too.