1994 Vectra help

Blemity3 · 03-14-2021, 07:41 PM

I just bought my first motorhome. A 37 foot 1994 Vectra with the Chevy chassis with 43,000 miles for $500. It's been sitting for 12 years or better and ran when it was parked. What kind of things will I need to check, replace, repair, ect. I know nothing about motorhomes let alone Winnebagos so any kind of help is greatly appreciated.

be happy · 03-15-2021, 03:30 AM

Welcome,
I am far from a mechanic, just kind of listing what my old brain thinks of.
First off the tires need to be replaced even if they look good. There is a 7 year rule of thumb for tires.
You will need to check all things chassis related, seals, rubber coverings those types of things. Wiring may or may not be a problem but that will have to be answered as it comes up.

As for the inside of the coach the frig may be your biggest problem. I would work on getting a manual from the mfg for that year and model. If I were a betting man I would bet you will need a new frig. or at least upgrade to the one you have.

The list could go on, I am sure folks will add to this list.

Good Luck safe travels

Blemity3 · 03-15-2021, 03:57 AM

Thanks. The man I bought it from is the original owner and he kept every piece of literature that came with it new. There is even a manual for the porch light

Cataska · 03-15-2021, 08:37 AM

I'd check and change all the fluids get a battery and fire her up don't go to far on those old tires if it runs your repairs begin. Good luck

Morich · 03-15-2021, 08:55 AM

We once bought an Rv which had set for a while and took it to Ca after doing what I thought was all the checkup.
Big thing I DID NOT do was the really scary one as I found the brake fluid collects water when not used. That water then rusts the wheels cylinders and when you start using the brakes the cylinders get scored and the fluid leaks out.
Got back for the drive and after coming through Colorado, we sold it as a once time use.

The folks who bought it called back to ask about the brakes as they lost them all the first trip!

I recommend pulling the wheel cylinders to look at the condition as loosing all the brakes is not a happy thing to do when on a trip!

The hardest thing in life is just sitting unused. Goes for RV, too.

neub · 03-15-2021, 09:39 AM

Dont waste money on changing the antifreeze unless you are going to change the radiator and heater hoses. While you are in there change the belts as well. X2 on the brakes and brake fluid.

Blemity3 · 08-27-2021, 12:53 AM

The fridge actually works better than the one in my house. I drove it 93 miles home and the only hiccup was losing the front passenger side panel that covers the tire

Morich · 08-27-2021, 07:40 AM

You will likely want to do some work on various things and info is often a good thing to have on hand. That leads me to recommend checking these sites for some pretty great info:
Parts catalog for find how things are put together is a good place to figure how to get them apart?
https://catalog3d.winnebagoind.com/menu/Parts.htm

Plumbing drawings for where the pipes and tanks set?
https://www.winnebago.com/Files/File...m/Plumbing.htm

And to get a start on lots of the electrical questions?
https://www.winnebago.com/Files/File...ram/Wiring.htm

Glad to hear it came home and at least some things are in good shape, so don't hesitate to ask questions as Rv do have lots of confusing things like the batteries!
Watch those batteries for running down as it is a pretty complex thing with being separate but tied together at different times for different reasons. With all the little battery drains, some that are still hot when the battery disconnect is turned off, it is easy to kill the batteries if we are not fully aware.

Best of luck and stay tuned???