I've acquired a 1989 Tioga! Thoughts?

[bkobernus]

Gone Truck'n,
I too have an '89 Tioga on a Ford E-350.
I can tell you that your new-to-you Tioga is a great first time RV. You will learn a LOT about RV's. Being that the "coach" was build by Fleetwood, most parts are common and still available. The same goes for the Ford parts also.

Mine also has the 460 motor. That thing is huge and HOT. And with the 3 speed trans, your gonna what to be light on the gas pedal. Typical driving speed for me is 55 to 60 mph. ( around 3400 rpm. Pretty fast for a big motor.) Otherwise you can watch the gas gauge move! I have towed a 12 ft. loaded trailer. Didn't make any difference in mpg. Here is a link to a CD which helped with the motor and Frame: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Because the leaf springs are 30 yrs. old, they sag. I installed the Firestone Ride Rite air bag suspension kit and that made the handling so much more better. I would highly recommend this being one of your first add-ons. Really improves the ride. Here is a link for the kit I purchased: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Now that the winter weather is here, yes you HAVE TO winterize you water systems. First... Get the water out! there are drain valves near the hot water tank, and under the shower. Drain the hot water tank. Then se an air fitting on the city water inlet and open all of the faucets, and shower valves, also the toilet. Then pour some RV anti freeze down each drain. at least enough to fill the goose neck trap. <<<<< Don't ask me how I found this out. Again this is a great RV to learn on.

Bill K

In the next post I'll attempt to attach the 1989 Tioga Owners Manual.

[bkobernus]

1989 Tioga Owners Manual attached.

Oh, and about the brakes.... Mine work great. Once... I think the rear tires came off the ground, as I had to come to a quick stop. Just check them out, or have your favorite mechanic check them out. Non-use is the worst thing for brakes.

And another thing.... Mine has 180,00 miles on the chassis, just over 30,000 on the engine. It's not the manifold bolts that snap... It's the manifold that cracks and breaks. It has to do with the installation process of torqueing the manifold bolts and heating of the engine. It is common in all Ford 460 motors. If yours is quiet, you are one of the lucky ones.

Yes, to checking all windows and body seams for leaking points. This is a constant battle. I haven't check the air conditioner seal yet, but I think that is where my leak is coming from. Again, this is going to be a constant battle. It has nothing to do with just this model of RV, it is common in ALL RV's.

Again congratulations on your new RV. Best of Luck to you.

I have just recently upgraded to a newer to me unit, and my '89 Tioga is also up for sale.

Bill K

[dkdeford]

Thanks everyone for the good info. I just got an '89 Mallard, also on the E-350 chassis with the 460. So far so good, but you have given me some items to check!