|
|
03-19-2015, 07:04 PM
|
#1
|
Junior Member
Winnebago Owners Club
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 7
|
Some sort of newbie with a 1989 Winnebago Chieftain here
Hello;
My partner and I have been RVers for awhile.....about 5 years ago we got rid of our Mallard Travel Trailer and moved on to a 1985 Honey. Now the Honey has gone out to pasture and we've found an awesome deal on a 1989 Winnebago Chieftain. I've always wanted one....since I was a little kid, and now that I'm a middle-aged man, I finally have one.
Life has shown me some twists and turns...and affording a new one is impossible for me. However, I have looked at some new ones and honestly, I'm quite pleased with having the 1989 Chieftain.
I didn't get very much documentation with it, so we're learning as we go. There are so many differences in just a few years difference in RVs.
I still have much to learn. For example:
I don't know what model # the chassis is (it's a Chevy, but that's all I know). I also know it needs the air ride replaced, but don't know how urgent it is to get it done, or how to start. The refrigerator (original) isn't working and I can't tell what model # it is because the numbers are worn. The Kohler generator isn't starting so that's on a list of to dos as well.
So, I'm happy to be here with so many people that love RVing like us.
__________________
--jonny b
|
|
|
|
Join the #1 RV Forum Today - It's Totally Free!
iRV2.com RV Community - Are you about to start a new improvement on your RV or need some help with some maintenance? Do you need advice on what products to buy? Or maybe you can give others some advice? No matter where you fit in you'll find that iRV2 is a great community to join. Best of all it's totally FREE!
You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. Please take the time to register and you will gain a lot of great new features including; the ability to participate in discussions, network with other RV owners, see fewer ads, upload photographs, create an RV blog, send private messages and so much, much more!
|
03-19-2015, 08:25 PM
|
#2
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 2,813
|
Hi jeborth, I don't have the answers that you seek....but welcome to the forum. If anyone can help you, it will be the folks on this forum.
There are two sections on this forum that you might try. One deals with restorations of "experienced" coaches. The other is the Winnebago Owners section. Best of luck in restoring you coach.
2015 Newmar Ventana 3636 (on order)
2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
|
|
|
03-19-2015, 08:34 PM
|
#3
|
Community Moderator
Newmar Owners Club
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Posts: 31,305
|
Hi Johnny
Glad to have you here with us.
It sounds like you have your work cut out for you.
Start by getting the VIN number for the RV and call Winnebago. They should be able to tell you what chassis you have. You will have to supply a bit more info such as does the refrigerator come on, do the lights in it work. Or is it just dead.
It does sound like you may have a fuse issue. I would check them first as that would be the easiest fix.
Keep us posted and good luck with the repairs.
__________________
Tony & Ruth........... FMCA#F416727
2016 London Aire 4519, Freightliner chassis, Cummins ISX, 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Blue Ox Avail with AF1. TST 507 TPMS
No amount of money can buy you an extra second of time.
|
|
|
03-19-2015, 09:07 PM
|
#4
|
Senior Member
Winnebago Owners Club
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 962
|
It is probably a P30 Chasis- get the Vin #, call your Chevy Dealer-The parts man can tell you for sure.
Just measure the opening for the Frig- find one that fits in the hole
Generator problem is either Ignition or fuel problem. Spray a little starting fluid in the air filter- if it fires-the problem is probably a carb that is dirty & float/valve is stuck.
|
|
|
03-20-2015, 05:04 AM
|
#5
|
Senior Member
Country Coach Owners Club Retired Fire Service RVer's
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Ocala, Florida
Posts: 6,295
|
Welcome, glad to meet you!
__________________
FMCA #F431170, GS #822128658, Escapees SKP #112655
2012 Airstream Mercedes Interstate Class B
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
|
|
|
03-20-2015, 05:13 AM
|
#6
|
Senior Member
Winnebago Owners Club
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Buffalo, IA
Posts: 2,825
|
Welcome.....
__________________
Terry & Brenda - From the Iowa Banks of the Mighty Mississippi
2011 Winnie Journey 34y, Freightliner / Cummins , 2012 Chevy Colorado Toad
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
|
|
|
03-20-2015, 06:46 AM
|
#7
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Lafayette, La.
Posts: 1,144
|
Welcome & good luck on your project.
__________________
2011 40' Monaco Cayman PBQ ISC 360
2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
|
|
|
03-20-2015, 07:42 AM
|
#8
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 593
|
:Welcome: We are glad yall joined us.
__________________
David & Carol
2008 Damon Challenger
RVing is a life style you love so slow down and enjoy
|
|
|
03-20-2015, 08:42 AM
|
#9
|
Senior Member/RVM #90
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Columbus, MS
Posts: 54,626
|
Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined us!
Congrats on the new rig! Keep her between the ditches!
Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!
__________________
Joe & Annette
Sometimes I sits and thinks, sometimes I just sits.....
2002 Monaco Windsor 40PBT, 2013 Honda CRV AWD
|
|
|
03-20-2015, 09:30 AM
|
#10
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 17
|
Glad to have you aboard. M wife and I are also new to the RV world. We bought a 1989 Southwind and am learning new things every day.
|
|
|
03-20-2015, 09:41 AM
|
#11
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 3,281
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by jeborth
Hello;
My partner and I have been RVers for awhile.....about 5 years ago we got rid of our Mallard Travel Trailer and moved on to a 1985 Honey. Now the Honey has gone out to pasture and we've found an awesome deal on a 1989 Winnebago Chieftain. I've always wanted one....since I was a little kid, and now that I'm a middle-aged man, I finally have one.
Life has shown me some twists and turns...and affording a new one is impossible for me. However, I have looked at some new ones and honestly, I'm quite pleased with having the 1989 Chieftain.
I didn't get very much documentation with it, so we're learning as we go. There are so many differences in just a few years difference in RVs.
I still have much to learn. For example:
I don't know what model # the chassis is (it's a Chevy, but that's all I know). I also know it needs the air ride replaced, but don't know how urgent it is to get it done, or how to start. The refrigerator (original) isn't working and I can't tell what model # it is because the numbers are worn. The Kohler generator isn't starting so that's on a list of to dos as well.
So, I'm happy to be here with so many people that love RVing like us.
|
you have the p30 chassis... great choice... they come with an air bag assist
to help with the weak spring in front... but the plus to that is the independent
front suspension that has the best ride of all gas coaches
IMO ... just get the new springs that super spring sells also known as sumo springs
the new spring is a new designed coil spring that doesn't need the air bags
|
|
|
03-20-2015, 09:44 AM
|
#12
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 3,281
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by jeborth
Hello;
My partner and I have been RVers for awhile.....about 5 years ago we got rid of our Mallard Travel Trailer and moved on to a 1985 Honey. Now the Honey has gone out to pasture and we've found an awesome deal on a 1989 Winnebago Chieftain. I've always wanted one....since I was a little kid, and now that I'm a middle-aged man, I finally have one.
Life has shown me some twists and turns...and affording a new one is impossible for me. However, I have looked at some new ones and honestly, I'm quite pleased with having the 1989 Chieftain.
I didn't get very much documentation with it, so we're learning as we go. There are so many differences in just a few years difference in RVs.
I still have much to learn. For example:
I don't know what model # the chassis is (it's a Chevy, but that's all I know). I also know it needs the air ride replaced, but don't know how urgent it is to get it done, or how to start. The refrigerator (original) isn't working and I can't tell what model # it is because the numbers are worn. The Kohler generator isn't starting so that's on a list of to dos as well.
So, I'm happy to be here with so many people that love RVing like us.
|
also... on your gen... make sure you have at least 1/2 tank of fuel to start the gen.... after that you can run it till you see when it runs out... usallt 1/4 to 3/8 th tank..
|
|
|
03-20-2015, 09:44 AM
|
#13
|
Senior Member
Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Mcdonough, Ga.
Posts: 5,927
|
What you have is a chevy P32 chassis. Many times it will be listed as a P30. That is because it is a 30 series chassis. (P30 P31 P32 etc.) Just because you have a 1989 Motorhome does not mean it is a 1989 chassis. Sometimes manufacturers have leftover chassis from last year. the tenth digit of the serial number tells the chassis year. for 1988 it is J. For 1989 it is k. This is important for ordering chassis parts.
__________________
1998 Pace Arrow 35 ft. F53 Ford V10 2014 Honda CRV toad
32 years mechanic at Delta Air Lines 15 year motorhome service manager. 3 popups....2 travel trailers....5 motorhomes....loved them all.
|
|
|
03-20-2015, 09:46 AM
|
#14
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 3,281
|
one more also... go to Wal-Mart and get a quart of lucas fuel treatment
put the whole quart in the tank.. your motor and gen will love you for it
|
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|