Making sure I'm ready

[dcfleetwood]

My wife and I recently purchased a 2007 Fleetwood Discovery 39V and am very excited to get it ready for a two year around the county tour. I'm a retired automotive shop owner/tech and have done a little diesel work but always want to be sure my vehicles are in top shape for my travels. Being I'm not as informed on diesels I'm reaching out to other DIY for any advice on servicing of the Cat C7 330hp and or on the Freightliner XC series chassis. Mainly any upgrades to improve safety and comfort. I've checked all the house components and all check out great. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Happy travels to all.

David

[Mr_D]

First from WA State!

I haven't had a CAT/FL chassis since we traded the '00 DSDP in on an '02 DSDP.
Main thing would be to be sure the air system is serviced and then new shocks.

[AITG]

Read up on the HEUI fuel system. It's different than most diesels. Also, check the water pump belt-it's buried behind the serpentine belt and easy to overlook.
Other than that, carry spare fuel filters and the appropriate wrench to change them. They must be filled with fuel when installing them.
If you have a water-in-fuel light, be sure you know how to drain the primary filter. Don't drain it dry, just until the water is out.
Knowing how to prime the fuel system is a good plan as well.

[AITG]

Originally Posted by AITG

Read up on the HEUI fuel system. It's different than most diesels. Also, check the water pump belt-it's buried behind the serpentine belt and easy to overlook.
Other than that, carry spare fuel filters and the appropriate wrench to change them. They must be filled with fuel when installing them.
If you have a water-in-fuel light, be sure you know how to drain the primary filter. Don't drain it dry, just until the water is out.
Knowing how to prime the fuel system is a good plan as well.

Oh, and a spare serpentine belt isn't a bad plan either. I always saved my old one. In a pinch it's better than nothing.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Some things to be aware of and check:

1. Belts and hoses
2. Air suspension/brake leaks
3. Replace fuel filters (plus a spare primary filter is a wise thing to carry)
4. Oil change & filter.
5. Up top date coolant, plus check the SCA (diesel coolant additive) level and add as needed. Exception: SCA not needed if an OAT-type coolant is used
6. Tire age: 7-10 years is the useful life, regardless of tread wear.

Each of these items could be the subject of a long topic by itself and indeed have been discussed here numerous times.

[mrboyer]

We have a 2006 FLEETWOOD Expedition purchased used in 2008. I changed transmission fluid to Transend. and coolant to extended life. Changed oil and all filters, chassis lubed, added primer pump to secondary fuel filter, and cleaned radiator from engine side. Serviced Onan generator.

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by dcfleetwood

My wife and I recently purchased a 2007 Fleetwood Discovery 39V and am very excited to get it ready for a two year around the county tour. I'm a retired automotive shop owner/tech and have done a little diesel work but always want to be sure my vehicles are in top shape for my travels. Being I'm not as informed on diesels I'm reaching out to other DIY for any advice on servicing of the Cat C7 330hp and or on the Freightliner XC series chassis. Mainly any upgrades to improve safety and comfort. I've checked all the house components and all check out great. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Happy travels to all.

David

You'll do fine - it's an engine - just treat it right, but don't baby it (JMHO) - just load your normal hand tools - add a Battery drill/impact - multimeter - Maybe a small grease gun - then be sure not to let anyone know you are a mechanic - or you will be working everyday for the next two years ...

Tires and Air pressure - spare filters - good walk around before you depart - I carry a creeper just to do the greasing. For the most part a good wi-fi helps so you can access a owners manual if things need service.

Other than that - wax and Beer/Wine/Adult beverages and an Ice maker are likely all you need. (Camera/Gore Tex/Fleece/T shirts/More time) it's a big country.

Best of Luck,

[Nasdaqsam]

Great advise by all. For my part I would recommend getting it out and using it as much as possible. From the "Captain Ron" movie "if anything is going to happen it's going to happen out there"......lol.

It's a good time to familiarize yourself with the coach all it's systems, quirks and to just give it a good shake down under controlled terms.

As you are a mechanic you'll have no issues with the Diesel thing its just research you all ready know how to turn the wrenches. I'm sure all ready know this but buy a bunch of cheap gloves to wear whenever you do anything from filling up, checking oil etc. And lots of wipes and paper towels.

Enjoy!!

[dcfleetwood]

Thanks to all who replies, all great information! Now with winter coming I've been reading many conflicting posts about whether I should cover it up for the winter or not? I have it stored at my beach house which is by the salt water in the NW, there's no big trees but the one side is totally exposed to the sun (facing west) any input would be greatly appreciated.

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi David! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[marjoa]

I would do a forum wide search on your particular engine to get a wealth of info.

How to do a forum search:
• Go to the top of the page with the different forum options and choose:
• RV Forums - drop down menu to Class A Motorhomes
• Once that main forum page loads, go to the green search box at the top and to the right and type in your engine specs OR whatever part your interested in learning about.