Just bought a 1997 Fleetwood Southwind Storm 30ft

[Btolby]

I am a new motorhome owner effective tomorrow and would like to hear the forum's thoughts on a few things.

1. With owning a used motorhome what are the things that I should do first? ( change oil / transmission fluid / etc)
- this motorhome definitely is showing it age but I got what a think is a great deal.
2. Are there places I can go that will add sit belts to a dinette for me?
3. Does anyone have insight / feedback on a fleetwood southwind storm 1997 30 ft model? It has the banks power pack not sure how significant that is..
4. Any suggestions on places to go for replacing blinds because the blinds inside are all trashed and bent up.


I plan on taking the several weeks to clean it up and see and take inventory on all the small things that are broken etc..

[ga traveler]

Originally Posted by Btolby

I am a new motorhome owner effective tomorrow and would like to hear the forum's thoughts on a few things.

1. With owning a used motorhome what are the things that I should do first? ( change oil / transmission fluid / etc)
- this motorhome definitely is showing it age but I got what a think is a great deal.
2. Are there places I can go that will add sit belts to a dinette for me?
3. Does anyone have insight / feedback on a fleetwood southwind storm 1997 30 ft model? It has the banks power pack not sure how significant that is..
4. Any suggestions on places to go for replacing blinds because the blinds inside are all trashed and bent up.


I plan on taking the several weeks to clean it up and see and take inventory on all the small things that are broken etc..

Worry about stopping before worrying about going. Check the pads for glazing and wearing. Change the brake fluid. I would change the brake fluid flex hoses at each front wheel and at the rear end. They break down and cause brake drag. Check all belts and hoses. If the hoses are stock, they are about 17 years old. I would change them for sure. Change rear end fluid.
These are a good starting point.

[ga traveler]

You can buy belts at any car parts dealer. They are easy to install. Go through the floor and install 4 inch washers to keep them from pulling out in a wreck.

[macantic]

Originally Posted by ga traveler

Worry about stopping before worrying about going. Check the pads for glazing and wearing. Change the brake fluid. I would change the brake fluid flex hoses at each front wheel and at the rear end. They break down and cause brake drag. Check all belts and hoses. If the hoses are stock, they are about 17 years old. I would change them for sure. Change rear end fluid.
These are a good starting point.

Also,check the date on the tires. even if they look new,if they are 8 to 10 years old they need to be replaced.
as far as blinds go,we replaced our day/night shades with aluminum micro mini blinds,much better in our opinion,and a lot less expensive.

[2Bargos]

Not wanting to sound like a wise guy but have you checked to see if they already installed.I didnt realize my 96 bounder had any on dinette until i was replacing the flooring.They were basically hidden below the pullout drawers under dinette seating

[sswilson]

Banks power pack is a good thing to have on already. Expensive to have done. Motor should have headers now and breath easier. Increase in hp and torque, not a lot in mileage.

[Btolby]

So I just pick up the motorhome.

It looks like new shocks and suspension rubber will need to be replaced.

Checking on tires where can I fine the date?

Looked again in the nook and could not find sit belts. Pulled the drawers out all the way.

Looks like all the drawers are pretty messed up. They do not open easily. I know they have the lift lock so they will not fly out but I had to literally jerk one open. Any thoughts on how to approach these repairs?

Where are good places on line to order brake lenses and headlamp lenses?

[ga traveler]

Originally Posted by Btolby

So I just pick up the motorhome.

It looks like new shocks and suspension rubber will need to be replaced.

Checking on tires where can I fine the date?

Looked again in the nook and could not find sit belts. Pulled the drawers out all the way.

Looks like all the drawers are pretty messed up. They do not open easily. I know they have the lift lock so they will not fly out but I had to literally jerk one open. Any thoughts on how to approach these repairs?

Where are good places on line to order brake lenses and headlamp lenses?

as you said, The drawers have locks to keep them from opening during travel. You pull up on the drawer handle and then pull out. There is a metal tang at the front of the drawer slide that can be bent with a pair of pliers to make the lock work harder or easier.
The date is on the tire sidewall next to the DOT number. It will be three numbers if made before 2000 and four numbers if after. If after 2000, the numbers will be two for the week and two for the year.
The lights are NOT custom made. They are bought off the shelf. The taillights are most times standard MH lights. The headlights are often Ford. Look on the taillight lens for a dot #.

[spritz]

Hi and welcome, good suggestion on above posts have you asked the previous owner if any of that stuff he had done? We found under the couch spare parts belts, hoses, new fuel pump, headlights. Like I hit the jackpot... We really didn't have to do anything to ours but GOF. We did have 1 problem on the road and that was the 2 fuel filters ours sat for maybe 6 years, back and forth from storage to the SB then back to storage. He had,had a stroke and they quit RV'ing. But I would replace them we have done it 3 times so far just to play it safe.. Do you have the Wheelhorse chassis? Got any pictures of your new pride and joy???
Happy trails and enjoy, Tim
got to go get ready for the game in the mh @noon

[aschuh53]

welcome to the irv2 forum

[Btolby]

So I have finally been able to spend sometime assessing what I have.

- my step does not open and close at the door. Looked under the coach and looks like either the wire was cut or never attached. Either way any suggestion on this one would be appreciated.

- cannot turn on the water pump because water shoots out the fresh connection because there is no cap. Any sources and recommendations on where to buy pieces like this on line?

- looks like I might have a hole in my fresh water tank. Any suggestions on how to repair?

- 5 of the drawers inside that I mentioned in the earlier post. I took them completely out and look like the previous owners actually made them because there is glue every where. Including they glued the guides directly to the drawers. So looks like a complete replacement unless anyone else has suggestions.

I will update with pictures next week.

[ohhwell]

Originally Posted by Btolby

So I have finally been able to spend sometime assessing what I have.

- my step does not open and close at the door. Looked under the coach and looks like either the wire was cut or never attached. Either way any suggestion on this one would be appreciated.

- cannot turn on the water pump because water shoots out the fresh connection because there is no cap. Any sources and recommendations on where to buy pieces like this on line?

- looks like I might have a hole in my fresh water tank. Any suggestions on how to repair?

- 5 of the drawers inside that I mentioned in the earlier post. I took them completely out and look like the previous owners actually made them because there is glue every where. Including they glued the guides directly to the drawers. So looks like a complete replacement unless anyone else has suggestions.

I will update with pictures next week.

1: Reconnect the wire?

2: Water Inlet 2 3/4" - Valterra A01-0172LF - Faucets & Inlets - Camping World

3: https://www.google.com/#q=rv+feresh+...ined=undefined

4: Sounds like complete replacement to me based on what you wrote.

[MustangGT]

Welcome to the forum! This forum and "The Other One" are gold mines of free info and encouragement. So you are at the right place.
-my '97 34LS storm has no booth belts, we wouldn't use them if it had though. RV's are like commercial jets. They can only be profitably sold if made to stay out of accidents, not survive them. IMHO.
-My freshwater tank sits just above and behind the transmission. I might have to go thru the floor to access if ever any problems. I dread that. If you can direct access, try to seal the tank in place with some kind of plastic sealer. I'm sure folks on the forum can point you at that.
-My steps have jammed twice due to the large gear's teeth having worn. just disassemble a few screws and check the teeth. That gearbox can be replaced easily. I just need to get past Christmas $$$$. If teeth OK, Apply 12V to the motor using the original wires to check the motor. Make sure the switch by the door is set right. I haven't figured that switch out yet. Maybe it is just for the little step light?? ANyone?
-My RV was low miles (~12k) with new tires, but I replaced all the radiator hoses just in case. NAPA seemed to have the most knowledge and available inventory. Just like the commercials actually. The old hoses looked good inside after I pulled them off.
-I bought new serpentine belts (2), but haven't installed. the old ones show no cracks or fatigue, so I'm leaving them alone, but carry the new ones as spares.
-My transmission fluid was dull red, not cherry red (17 years of sitting seems to hurt fluids too) so I dropped the pan, replaced the filter and fluid. I'm glad I did it, but what a MESS. I read that Ford recommends never changing the filter. I have to agree, the little magnet in the pan had caught all the metal shaving. the filter was nearly pristine. I would only change the fluid and that doesn't require the pan be dropped.
-My sway-bar bushings were crumbled lumps of rubber. I replaced with polyurethane. Easy, cheap and fast.
-Wind sway and the bow waves from passing semi's caused me major concern and some gymnastics at the wheel until I built and installed a heavy duty rear trac-bar. Hopefully your 30 footer won't have as much trouble.
-Get a windshield cover to keep the heat out of that big greenhouse and to PROTECT THE windshield gasket. The glass may last 100 years, but if that gasket fails and starts to leak......
-Our RV has cheapo metal blinds. Clank all through our trips. Nice cloth day/night replacements are available starting at ~$100. Just measure what you have, then Google something like "Day/Night Blinds". The metal or plastic ones are available at Lowes or Walmart for a lot less $$$.
-Equip your RV with air bags if not already. Your RV will ride WAYYYYY better once those old leaf springs have some help.
OK, I guess I've spent a few grand of your money alerady. I'll sign off now so you can jump to work. LOL
Good luck. the fun is worth the work.

[JohnRR]

Good luck with your search.