Community Forums

Blackfish · 12-03-2022, 07:36 PM

Hi y’all we are very much new to the RV world in fact we have not even purchased and RV as of yet. Our close friends took the plunge earlier this year can so now we are on the hunt as well. Think we may have found one

2004 Winnebago Brave 30w has the GM 8.1l with workhorse chassis. Anyone have thoughts on it for rookies. Have heard chassis parts are hard to come by? Would that be a concern? I am a licence mechanic so working on it is not a worry as long as I can get the parts I need

Lots of more questions as we start down this road but they will be for other sections and threads

Thanks
“Let’s roll and hey, let’s be carful out there”

**TonyDi** · 12-03-2022, 09:16 PM

Nice to have you here with us.

Make sure to browse the forums and ask questions. You'll find our members eager to help when they can. Check out the Winnebago Owners forum you'll get plenty of opinions on the Brave.

Let us know what we can do to help you.

SJ-Chris · 12-03-2022, 09:40 PM

I recommend you rent 1 or 2 different kinds for your next two trips. This will allow you to try them out and learn more about what you like and don't like. Much cheaper than buying and finding out later you want something else.

Welcome!

Chris

PABO05 · 12-04-2022, 04:42 AM

**hamm2018** · 12-04-2022, 08:55 AM

Welcome to the group!!!!!

**Camp CA** · 12-04-2022, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackfish

.........2004 Winnebago Brave 30w has the GM 8.1l with workhorse chassis. Anyone have thoughts on it for rookies. Have heard chassis parts are hard to come by?........

Welcome to the forum!!

Workhorse chassis: https://www.workhorseparts.com/2004-W22-Chassis

MSHappyCampers · 12-04-2022, 09:21 AM

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We’re sure glad you joined the gang here!

Get out there and start kicking some tires!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

SergioP · 12-04-2022, 10:21 AM

Welcome! You’ll find lots of good info on this forum.

Good advise to rent a few different types to get a real world feel for them. I don’t think you will be working on the chassis as much as the actual rv systems.

Skip426 · 12-04-2022, 10:42 AM

Welcome to iRV2

The big thing to look out for on the Workhorse chassis, is the overloaded from the factory situation.
Many Class A coaches on the W-22 chassis, had little or no CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity) remaining after the coach was built.

Look for the " Weight Sheet " in any coach you consider, and a CCC of 2500 lbs or more. No sense having all the cargo space a Class A provides if you don't have weight capacity to handle your gear.
Location for the sheet varies, but the info should be in the coach somewhere.
An overloaded chassis is a white-knuckle drive and can ruin your RVing experience.

Flyer15015 · 12-04-2022, 11:02 AM

Blackfish,
Welcome aboard.
There is an '04 like you mentioned on RV Trader with 48K on the clock for $29,000.00 now in Washington.
I does have a driver's door, and a pull-out desk for the DW. Two things on MY must have list, but it looks to be a pretty "base" model. Two slides but a small kitchen?
I would not be afraid of the Workhorse chassis and the Chevy 8.1. Parts are pretty available now at any auto parts store, or Rock Auto online.
At that age, you will need new shocks and the "Sumo" fix, plus the Ultra RV plugs and wires, if not already done. Ask me how I know.

Lots of help on the forums here for you. Just ask.

For just a few more bucks, I would invite you to look at an 04-06 Pace Arrow.
Much more coach on the same chassis. Several for sale on RV Trader that look nice.

JMHO,
Mike in Colorado

LynnD · 12-05-2022, 10:25 AM

Hi Blackfish! Welcome to IRV2! It’s good to have you here and I look forward to reading about your adventures. Sit back, relax and please, above all……stay safe out there!

Blackfish · 12-05-2022, 02:20 PM

Thanks for the replies, seems like a great bunch of people here think we will like it. Thanks for the info on CCC skip426 will keep that in mind. We are in no panic to buy at the moment since the snow and cold has arrived but hope to find something we like over the winter.

Thanks for all the great advise will keep you posted on our purchase journey

Skip426 · 12-06-2022, 10:08 AM

Blackfish, the more info you have to aide your search the better.

My B-in-L went down the overloaded Class A route and had to choose between, filling the fuel tank for a day's travel and carrying enough water to flush the toilet a few times during the day, in order to keep the coach in control.
Overloaded his coach handled like "Walking carrying a five-gallon bucket of pig slop!", his exact words.

Best of luck finding an RV that suits your needs.

Kenny Loney · 12-06-2022, 10:30 AM

Not yet mentioned, is the condition of house portion of the RV. A water leak from the roof or a window, over time could lead to major concealed damage to walls or f!oor. If your not sure about what to look for, ask here or get a friend (that knows RVs), or hire an RV inspector.
It could be be much simpler or cheaper to replace brakes, engine work than repairing a walk or floor.
Wall, not walk
Ken