1999 Adventurer - What to watch out for?

mickey53usa · 05-14-2006, 12:38 PM

New to this forum - Spent several hours searching, found a lot of good information - Need some more
Looking to move from a TT to a 1999 Adventurer 34V - Cummins Turbo, Allison Transmission. MH has 22K miles, is imaculate, was "barn" kept. I can check out the "coach" part pretty well - Drive train is different. Never had a diesel so I have lots of questions. I have found that this particular Cummins "maybe" subject to a defective block "53", also that the LP generator may not be the best choice. Also know that the tires are probably the original Michelins and should be replaced. What should the dealer provide - I thought I would ask for a "bill of health" all systems have been checked, and the engine has been checked and all belts and hoses are good, coolant good, etc. OR should I just put tires on it and start using it and do the "recommended" maintenance as I go along.
Sorry about the length of the post, this MH has the floor plan, power train and price we have been looking for.
TIA

mickey53usa · 05-14-2006, 12:38 PM

New to this forum - Spent several hours searching, found a lot of good information - Need some more
Looking to move from a TT to a 1999 Adventurer 34V - Cummins Turbo, Allison Transmission. MH has 22K miles, is imaculate, was "barn" kept. I can check out the "coach" part pretty well - Drive train is different. Never had a diesel so I have lots of questions. I have found that this particular Cummins "maybe" subject to a defective block "53", also that the LP generator may not be the best choice. Also know that the tires are probably the original Michelins and should be replaced. What should the dealer provide - I thought I would ask for a "bill of health" all systems have been checked, and the engine has been checked and all belts and hoses are good, coolant good, etc. OR should I just put tires on it and start using it and do the "recommended" maintenance as I go along.
Sorry about the length of the post, this MH has the floor plan, power train and price we have been looking for.
TIA

fun time · 05-14-2006, 02:57 PM

Mickey,
Have the same model. I sent you a private message as to your subject.

Tcloud7 · 05-15-2006, 05:24 AM

Hey Funtime,let us all know. I have this one also and Iam always trying to read imput from others who have this Motorhome.

Thanks

mickey53usa · 05-15-2006, 06:38 AM

What is the difference between a "G" and "V"? is one gas and the other diesel? Also, which Frieghtliner chassis does the 34V use?

Tcloud7 - what is your experience with the unit?

mickey53usa · 05-15-2006, 06:48 AM

One other ? - Where can I find a spec sheet for this unit - Winnebago site does not list much information for previous models -
TIA

Don-Savannah, GA · 05-15-2006, 07:13 AM

Before you spend a fortune for new tires have a good Dealer check them for you. The 6 year rule does not necessarily apply if it has been "barn stored".
Except for a blowout caused by road debris my Goodyears still show no cracking etc. after 6 years and 35,000 miles. I am going on a 10,000 mile trip next month and have no worries because it has been kept under full cover.

andyk · 05-16-2006, 08:12 PM

I have the exact model you are looking at. I am very happy with the coach and the large slideout. I "had" the 53 block in my coach and as predicted it developed the crack in the block. The crack developed right at the end of the warranty but the Freightliner service shop charged Cummins nearly $20K to replace the block.
The only other trouble I had was a cracked exhaust manifold. The LP generator works fine as do all of the other appliances. I have replaced the tires last year because of the 6 year rule. I put on Toyos but I think I would stay with the Michlen XRV's if I had to do it over again.
Towing a Ranger toad I get around 10mpg. It falls to 9.5 if I travel in the mountains a lot. The MT643 2-speed transmission works fine. On the steeper hills I fall to around 45mph so I just downshift, put on the cruise and enjoy the uphill drive. This year I am towing a Ford F150 STX. My mileage is now around 9-9.5mpg but that is expected with a heavier toad.

andyk · 05-16-2006, 08:14 PM

the MT643 is a 4-speed. Sorry for the typo

mickey53usa · 05-17-2006, 07:05 AM

andyk:

How many miles did you have when the crack in the block was found?
How did you find it? Symtoms?
Cracked Manifold - I imagine that it got loud and that is how you found that problem.

TIA

fun time · 05-17-2006, 03:30 PM

Mickey,
No reply from you on the private message so, let's try it here. Like Andyk, I have been very pleased with our coach thus far. Without a toad I averaged 11-12MPG from Ohio to Fl. this Feb. I was very pleased with this and that was driving between 60-63MPH. I still have the original tires but next week it will get new ones (Michelins) even though they still look fine and plenty of tread and no cracking. I have never experienced any blow outs, breakdowns etc while on the road. However, here is list of things I have replaced or things to watch for when buying. This list is a complilation from my experiences and a few friends with the same year and model.
Replacement:
Alternator @ 22,000 miles (rebuild it and put in heavier diodes)
Starter @ 24,000 miles
Oil pressure sending unit right above the oil filter @ 22,000 miles
Heater Core @ 21,7000 miles (watch this closely on any unit you look at)
Other than a few other minor things that is it. Most of my problems came from the MH sitting for a couple of years when I purchased it. It had 19,000 on. It now has 27,500
Never had any problems with delamination although a friend of mine had to have a piece redone just behind the slide wall. He keeps it outside which I believe has a bearing on this problem.
Hope that helps.....good luck

mickey53usa · 05-18-2006, 02:41 AM

Thanks for the info - signed the papers last night - Pick it up on Saturday - Monday it is headed to the Truck shop for a thorough(sp) inspection, fluid change, etc.

Sorry about the PM - tried to respond, but could not figure it out (and I work with computers everyday)

andyk · 05-18-2006, 04:26 AM

I had 40,000 miles on the motor when the block cracked. I think it started cracking about 5,000 miles sooner. i started loosing antifreeze from the reservoir and couldn't find out where it was going. I finally found some drips on the side of the block under the turbo.
If you are still looking for the spec on the motorhome, when I get home next week I will scan a copy of the brochure and try to email it to you.

mickey53usa · 05-18-2006, 05:51 AM

Thanks for the info - Will pick it up on Saturday - already has new tires - Monday going in for inspection and fluid change -