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Old 03-19-2015, 07:04 PM   #1
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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.
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Old 03-19-2015, 08:25 PM   #2
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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.



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Old 03-19-2015, 08:34 PM   #3
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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.
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Old 03-19-2015, 09:07 PM   #4
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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.
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Old 03-20-2015, 05:04 AM   #5
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Welcome, glad to meet you!
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Old 03-20-2015, 05:13 AM   #6
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Old 03-20-2015, 06:46 AM   #7
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Welcome & good luck on your project.
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Old 03-20-2015, 07:42 AM   #8
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Old 03-20-2015, 08:42 AM   #9
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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!
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Old 03-20-2015, 09:30 AM   #10
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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.
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Old 03-20-2015, 09:41 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jeborth View Post
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
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Old 03-20-2015, 09:44 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jeborth View Post
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..
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Old 03-20-2015, 09:44 AM   #13
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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.
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Old 03-20-2015, 09:46 AM   #14
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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
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