It’s a somewhat long story but we now own a Class-A motorhome.  Got it last Saturday (8/4/2012).  Bought it from an individual who was selling it so he could buy a car for his wife.  He was originally using it as a rolling hog/deer hunting camp.  A rolling man-cave so to speak.

1994 Fleetwood Southwind

From what I have been able to gather so far, that particular year/model combination is supposed to be pretty good–we’ll see.  I’ve “sprinkled” some shots throughout so you can see what this “beast” looks like.

Of course there have been a few problems that were not discovered until AFTER we got it home.

• The generator had quit while the folks we bought it from were gassing up.  They did call us to let us know so it was not a surprise.  We were able to knock another $500 off the price because of that.  At the time, I felt certain I could get it going again.  After all, it is just a big lawn-mower, right?  More on that later.
• The fridge had stopped cooling.  The freezer worked fine but the lower part was actually warm.  Google’d and Google’d until I found a forum where someone was having the same issue.  It was suggested that the back of the unit be cleaned/cleared of any dust/cobwebs, etc.  So I opened it up, got out the leaf-blower and let it rip.  Guess what?  The next morning Sharon, my wife, checks it and it is actually cold.  Who would have figured that?  Remains to be seen if it will cool down again later when I put everything back together.  Got a rooster ready to sacrifice–just in case.
• Tires–EVERYONE in the RV community is telling me to check the date codes on the tires and if older than 5 years, get them replaced.  WHAT?!  There is still a lot of thread/wear left on these tires.  Turns out that if they are not covered while the RV is stored, they can start to rot/break-down.  Which means that you are more likely to have a blow-out going down the road in the middle of a hot (100+F) day.  Oh, joy.  Still haven’t checked the codes.  Kinda hoping that if I wait long enough the problem will resolve itself somehow.  Otherwise, may have to start feverishly purchasing lottery tickets ’cause those puppies are not cheap.
• So while pondering the generator issue yesterday, I decided to check the stove.  Opened the valve on the LPG tank (on which the gauge shows 1/4 full).  Went into the unit, made sure the pilot light valve was open, and opened up the burners.  I knew from our trailer experience that it would take a few minutes before the gas started flowing.  So I waited.  And waited.  And waited.  Try lighting the pilot a few times–nada.  Went back out to make sure I had the valve open all the way, I did, then back it.  Still nothing.  So the $64k question is:

1. Is the gauge not accurate and I really have nothing in the tank.  OR
2. Is there some switch or valve I’m not aware of that I need to flip or open.

• In driving “the beast” home, it sure seemed to sway back-n-forth a lot.  Turns out there are some airbags in the front that should be inflated to 75psi.  Checked them this afternoon (8/8/2012) and they are at 35psi.  At least I now know about them and they are holding air.  How long they will hold 75psi remains to be seen.
• So piddled around with the generator some more the other day and my brother-in-law came over to offer assistance.  He used to be an auto-mechanic.  Tried to start it but still no luck.  HOWEVER, I may now have an idea as to what may be wrong.

• One of the battery terminals is loose.  May not be getting full power which may explain why the starter sounds the way it does.  (see above)  Also may have bad connections at the generator itself.
• May have a bad ground–at least that was an issue for a couple of folks in various RV forums.
• May need new plugs.  Picked up those Monday as well as a new air-filter and new oil-filter.  Changed the oil while I was at it and made sure I had the right amount.
• So this afternoon (8/8/2012) I decided to tackle the loose battery connection.  Not only was it loose but there is some corrosion I’m going to have to clean up on the terminals.  Oh yeah.  The battery trays (there are 3 batteries) are horribly rusted.  So I pulled all three batteries, will wire-wheel them tomorrow, and paint.  The GOOD NEWS is that the oldest battery is 2 years old.  The other two are just over 1 year old.

So that’s it for now.  Oops.  Almost forgot.  When I was under the front-end checking the airbags in the front springs, I noticed that the steering dampner thingy was leaking really bad.  So gotta find and replace that gizmo.  Maybe it will be under $100.  I can only hope.