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fighterpilot · 01-29-2013, 09:20 AM

Narrowing the search somewhat--1996-1999 Holiday Rambler, Gas, 32-34 feet. Haven't been able to find one within a 100 miles to look at but they seem to be well constructed from searchs done on a couple of forums. Any specific comments regarding construction, problems, things to look for, etc. would be appreciated. Dometic refrigs. are one thing I have become aware of. Some v-10s had spark plug issues, but other than those two items I am uninformed regarding subject MHs.

lenkerb · 01-29-2013, 12:03 PM

we in February 2012, purchased a 2000 holiday rambler Admiral...29.8'... it only had 18000 miles on. While the tires looked okay, we replaced them other than that we have been redoing the tape on the roof with Eternabond and Dicor...it never leaked but it was just a general maintenance thing ...while we were up there we changed the shower skylight and the air conditioner cover...our back up camera had water in it so we never used the monitor...we are really pleased with the unit!

topdownman · 01-29-2013, 12:06 PM

I had a 1995 Endeavor. Great motorhome and very well constructed. Nothing to note that I can tell you to be aware of. You mention Dometic fridges like that's a concern. It's the Norcold's you need to be aware of.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fighterpilot

Narrowing the search somewhat--1996-1999 Holiday Rambler, Gas, 32-34 feet. Haven't been able to find one within a 100 miles to look at but they seem to be well constructed from searchs done on a couple of forums. Any specific comments regarding construction, problems, things to look for, etc. would be appreciated. Dometic refrigs. are one thing I have become aware of. Some v-10s had spark plug issues, but other than those two items I am uninformed regarding subject MHs.

vscoggin · 01-29-2013, 01:30 PM

I bought a 1996 Holiday Rambler Vacationer ES 4 months ago. It has a fuel injected 460 on a Ford f-53 chassis--34 ft. The craftmanship I think is great. It is paid for --so spending money on maintainence and upgrades are not something I have to worry about--in a strange kind of way , I enjoy it--has an Onan 7000 generator, which after getting it worked on, run great-pulls both AC"s and more. I personally like it being simple, and a gasser--easy to work on --we dont have slide outs--it is just right for DW, me and the dog. I love mine--congrats on yours and enjoy. Also having the speed control recall fixed tomorrow--I dont know for sure about the Dometic fridge recall--I read that it was for 1997 and up--but the serial # and model# seem to suggest it needs to have the repair(looking into it) the previous owner travelled a lot and told us it never let her down--so far I believe her-great, dependable MH.--Vince

Nick-B · 01-29-2013, 01:33 PM

The 1996, 97 and most 98 Ford chassis will be with the 460 V8 engine. 1999 and up is with the V10 engine and the newer, improved chassis.

fighterpilot · 01-29-2013, 03:40 PM

Good information. I wondered where the chassis changed over. Both Dometic and Norcold had recalls, but your are right Norcold is the fire one. I had forgotten that.
Many of you pull a "toad". Guess the transmissions hold up ok towing the extra load?? Thanks for the replies.

Blacknchrome · 01-30-2013, 04:17 AM

I moved up from a class C to a 2000 HR Endeavor..I am one year newer than what you are asking about. F53 Chassis...V10...I am at 36 ft...

Paid $26,500 for an almost perfect one owner unit. Tires are only 4 years old with low miles..

Had some cosmetic scratches repaired on the paint..just installed a new flat screen up from. Carpet faded some so I am changing it in the spring.

Not sure where you are at but looked at 5 of the same on the east coast area. Bought mine from a dealer who took it in trade at the Hershey show..

Need any help let me know..

Bill

blackf3504dr · 01-30-2013, 06:23 AM

'97 was the last year for the old 460 (7.5), there were no '98 F53 chassis built so a '98 motor home will be on a '97 chassis. The '99 was the first year of the V10 and Ford did have problems with the spark plugs in that engine and there are a few "fixes" to correct it.
We have an older ('92) HR built on a '91 chassis and the build quality of the coach is very good, aluminium framing and no wood to rot is a big plus. I did replace the old RV fridge with a residential one a few years ago, also added a 1000 W PSW inverter and two batteries dedicated to run the fridge.

fighterpilot · 01-30-2013, 06:28 PM

Found some remarks on the 16 inch tires and the f-53 chassis. Not favorable, but is there enough of a disadvantage to the chassis and the 16 inch tires to rule out the HR with that chassis. Most of them in the 1996, (not 1006) to 1999 year range I expected to be on the chevy chassis, like other MH, but did HR use the ford most of the time in these years?

Blacknchrome · 01-30-2013, 06:41 PM

Fighter...think about the 2000 on 19.5 tires with the V10...good units..

fighterpilot · 01-30-2013, 07:02 PM

Is the chassis on the 1999 and later still called F-53s but improved? Is the presents of a V-10 engine mean an improved F-53 as well? Or are they independent of each other. Do I have to get a 2000 year model to get the improved chassis? Thanks

Quaddinmad40 · 01-30-2013, 08:35 PM

I've had my 97 Bounder for almost 1 year and quite enjoying it. It's got the 460 which is a pretty strong reliable engine although limited top end. My rig is 36' and pretty heavy and with a tag axle and slide so probably pushing the upper limits of its capabilities.

Have the 16" tires which seem to do the job nicely. Coach sits a little lower and the price to replace is much more favorable than the bigger ones. Speaking of which highly recommend you pay very close attention to them with purchase. Go by the date code and not how they look or how much tread is left. After a couple flats I changed all 8 out ( also easier to carry a spare which I would highly reend ). If there is no date code ( a lot of the Chinese cheaply ones don't have one ) assume they need replacing soon.

My rig was quite "we'll used" with 50000 miles but no major damage. Fridge already replaced. Not afraid to do my own modifications and loosing value. And can let my kids run wild without to much worries of scratches or stains.

Really enjoy using it and love the floor plan. Haven't even seen a newer one that would temp me. Most of the maintenance is basic but finding there is a lot to keep these little bit older rigs in top form.

Good luck on finding yours

joeb1943.910 · 02-05-2013, 08:12 PM

Fighter
We recently purchased a 2000 36' Endeavor with the V10 (6.8L) powerplant. One owner unit. Spouse had actually kept manual detailing costs/repairs/how-to-use issues from date of purchase to when we bought it (including everything from putting air in the tires to replacing shocks!!!). With fifteen years of RV experience behind me, all I can say is that this is a VERY well crafted unit. Unfortunately we have the model prior to fords having upgraded to a 310HP. We put a Banks ram-air syatem on it, bought an SCT tuner from 5Star and are quite satisfied with the performance.
For nwhat its worth, I wouoldn't hesitate to make the same deal again!

DelawareBob · 02-05-2013, 09:29 PM

We are enjoying our 2000 Holiday Rblr Ambassador (34'). We've been across the USA 3 times in the 2 years we've had it, plus a trip to both sides of Fla and to a handful of Atlantic/Chesapeake spots. We figured its medium size, combined with its diesel would let us glide over any hills, and it does. Its performance is better than our past experience with gas. Yeah, it cost more, but we've come to understand its well worth it. Mileage 12-14 mpg. Just another opinion...