Community Forums

scorepn1960 · 09-14-2017, 06:23 PM

Greetings!

We've just picked up a new project from my in-laws. It's a '99 Fleetwood Bounder 32H on the Ford chassis. It had been sitting for 7 years since last started, and 10 years since last camped.

To get 'er going, we inflated the tires after checking for dry rot (doesn't seem to be any). We added some octane boost to the gas tank, topped off the anti freeze and oil which were both slightly low, and reinstalled a 3 yr old chassis battery that was never used and kept alive on a sustainer in the garage. We checked the hoses and belt visually. Finally, we pulled the plugs and sprayed Stabil fogging oil in the top of each cylinder. When we cranked 'er over, she started right up after these 7 years! Smoked a bit for the first 5-10 minutes or so, probably from the fogging oil.

We drove the rig from the middle of IL to southern IN without any running issues. The passenger side mirror fell off on the highway but was saved by it's wiring. An old window leak on that side had damaged the wood siding and allowed the screws and small anchors to pull right out. This was fixed with some larger aggressive anchors and screws.

Now that were home with it, we're finding the things that need work. The gas gauge isn't working, frozen at 1/4 tank. The genny starts so we know there's some left... The stablizer jack controls won't turn on at all. The propane reads 1/2 full but nothing lights (stove/fridge on propane). At least one, if not both, of the waste gates leak. There were some various leaks around the rooftop satellite dish, and the one at the passenger window. Spiders and ants had invaded it and all came to the party on the ride home! We believe some were carpenter ants as they've left piles of sawdust in a couple of the upper cabinets drivers side.

As we start working on 'er, I'm sure we'll discover more issues and have some questions. I appreciate everyone being involved in the forum and hope you don't mind if we lean on a couple of you for answers in the future. Naturally, we'll help with what we learn as time goes on. I'll try to get the questions to the proper forums.

Thanks and happy camping!

Bob E
1999 Fleetwood Bounder 32H (Class A MH)
1998 Coachmen Catalina Lite 248TB (Travel Trailer)

iamblum · 09-14-2017, 07:18 PM

Sounds fun. Be sure to replace those tires. They have date codes in them and are no longer safe to drive on. Keep is posted on your progress and ask as many questions as you need

Blum

mrt_1111 · 09-14-2017, 07:44 PM

Stabilizer jack will not show any life without the parking brake being on. Check for brake light on dash. Propane has a solenoid on the tank that is connected to lp detector in the kitchen. Solenoid is not required and can be removed. The l.p. detector has a 10 year life span.

iamblum · 09-14-2017, 08:26 PM

Also blow out the l.p. tubes with compressed air. Dirt, bugs and spider webs can restrict flow

scorepn1960 · 09-15-2017, 05:38 AM

I wasn't aware of that, thanks for the tips!

scorepn1960 · 09-15-2017, 05:42 AM

Thanks for the suggestions!

SlaterDoc · 09-17-2017, 11:15 PM

Before anything else, head over to Home Depot or elsewhere and pick up a 3 pack Raid Fumigator!
You want to clear the rig of all the insect stow-a-ways first.
In my 04 38n those darn flying ants got into the foam insulation in the ceiling through the AC ducts. So it is a good idea to run the fans on low to circulate the fogging.

scorepn1960 · 09-19-2017, 06:43 AM

I used to work in pest control, that's a good idea. I might add a little bit though, despite their advertising foggers don't leave behind much of a residual for longer term control. They typically only kill what the fog itself reaches. Combine this with an interior baseboard type spray, inside cabinets, under sink, under bed, etc for best results. Ortho is good OTC spray, or you can order some professional Suspend SC (or Onslaught Fastcap for spiders) and use in a hand sprayer. For safety, do the fog first and use a face mask and goggles when you go back in to shut off the fans then leave it closed up and stay completely out for 8 hours. Then return and do the baseboard and cabinet spray. For ongoing control you can use the Suspend SC or Suspend Polyzone on the exterior as well on the underside and around windows, doors, penetrations. Bear in mind you can buy and use Suspend and Onslaught professional produces in many places without a pesticide applicators license from the state, but you can't use it on anyone else's property, even with their permission, without being licensed.