2001 Workhorse, what to look for??

smlranger · 01-15-2005, 02:48 PM

Wife and I will be looking at a 2001 37G next weekend. Current original owner says he has all the service records and there has been a brake recall done on the rig. I will be taking a creeper, flashlight, and will crawl in, under over and around the rig before driving it.

Were there any other issues with WH chassis (W-20 with 8.1 and Allison) that I need to check on or ask about? I seem to remember hearing that, like the 454's, the 8.1 tends to fry plug wires. I have the chassis VIN# now...does WH have a database like Ford where you can verify if the vehicle has had any and all recalls performed?

'Sorry, guess this should have been posted on the Workhorse forum.....OK moderators if you want to move it.

thanks.

smlranger · 01-15-2005, 02:48 PM

Wife and I will be looking at a 2001 37G next weekend. Current original owner says he has all the service records and there has been a brake recall done on the rig. I will be taking a creeper, flashlight, and will crawl in, under over and around the rig before driving it.

Were there any other issues with WH chassis (W-20 with 8.1 and Allison) that I need to check on or ask about? I seem to remember hearing that, like the 454's, the 8.1 tends to fry plug wires. I have the chassis VIN# now...does WH have a database like Ford where you can verify if the vehicle has had any and all recalls performed?

'Sorry, guess this should have been posted on the Workhorse forum.....OK moderators if you want to move it.

thanks.

rvten · 01-16-2005, 06:53 AM

We have a 35U Adventurer 2001 on the W-20 chassis. Has been very good to us. There was one other recall on the rear "U" bolts toruque. Only thing I added to our MH was Steer Safe and the bigger steering wheel. Have plenty of power and pulls our toad with no problem. 37' seem's kind of big for a W-20 sure it is not a W-22?

smlranger · 01-16-2005, 03:03 PM

rvten:

It's on the W20. According to info I received, there is no differnece in the frame, suspension, etc. between W-20 and W-22. Only real difference is W-20 has load range F tires, W-22 load range G. If I were to replace tires with LR G's, I'd basically have a W-22 and another 1,300 lbs. CCC.

No need for rear track bar?? I would think tail wag might be a problem....we will be test driving it on I-81 next weekend so I'm sure I'll get passed by many trucks.

Fred B. · 01-16-2005, 03:10 PM

Smlranger
The w-20 has 19.5" wheels the W-22 has 22.5" wheels, not just F or G rating.

rvten · 01-16-2005, 03:17 PM

Not sure. But I think the W-22 has an extra leaf spring or two not just bigger tires.

SeaRay · 01-22-2005, 04:33 PM

Hi,
We bought the 01 37G used in 02 with 14K miles. We retired y/e 03 and have been fulltiming since then. The 37G is a great rig. We have put around 15K miles so far and have had no problems. We did have the brakes replaced early on in the recall, other than that no problems. Would like better MPG as we get around 6.5 to 7. Have been told the F&N filter will improve mileage, but I have looked at the filter and at mine and I am sorry guys, but it just ain't gonna make any difference. It may be better quality etc. but I do not think it will make a measurable difference.
The ADfventurer has many features standard that we have seen missing on higher end coaches, even diesels.
Good luckk with yours.
Ray

Horsepowerfan · 01-23-2005, 03:37 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Fred B.:
The w-20 has 19.5" wheels the W-22 has 22.5" wheels, not just F or G rating. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Actually, not all W22's have 22.5" wheels. The 19.5's are an option. This is how my coach is equipped... The tires are "G" rated Goodyears, 19.5", W22 chassis.

smlranger,

Take a look HERE for complete information on the 2001 Adventurer. It's a link to Winnebago's "Previous Model Year" info.

It indicates the Workhorse chassis as an option for the 37G and it is rated at 20,700lbs. GVWR which would make it a W20. I also noticed that in 2001 it looks like you'll have the 4-speed Hydramatic transmission in that chassis and not the 5-speed Allison. However, a Workhorse spec. sheet I have for the 2001 W-series chassis indicates the Allison is standard equipment on the W20 AND W22. So, the best thing to do is look for the "Allison" logo on the trans. itself and/or the red external spin-on oil filter to identify the 5-speed.

Another thing I might add is that the front and rear gross axle weight ratings are different on the W20 and W22 (7,500frt./13,500rr. for W20 and 8,000frt./14,500rr. for W22) so I don't think you can increase your CCC by simply upgrading the tires.

(Sorry if this post is a little late. Hope your inspection was successful!

)

smlranger · 01-23-2005, 12:41 PM

Jim:

Not too late and thanks for the info. We have not yet traveled to look at the 37G and may now trade our current rig for a 2002 Journey 36DL. Still negotiating and pondering.

The owner of the 37G did send me all his paperwork, original window sticker, etc. It does have the Allison 1000 5 speed tranny. However, if I can swing a 330 Cat with a 6 speed Allison, I'm gonna do it!!

Horsepowerfan · 01-24-2005, 01:40 AM

OH YEAH!!

The Journey 36DL is definitely a nice coach. I've never driven a diesel rig, but I'm afraid to. Then I'd have to have one!

Best of luck in your quest.

smlranger · 01-24-2005, 04:50 AM

Horsepowerfan:

I did drive a 1993 Vectra 35 DP when we first started looking at MH's. It was my first diesel (except for fire trucks). My impression of the Vectra was that it swayed a lot and was 'swooshy,'...it dipped and rolled a lot. I'm anxious to drive the newer Journey before we say absolutely yes.