Winnebago Adventurer issues??

cpd520 · 05-29-2013, 07:04 AM

We are looking at a 2002 Winnebago Adventurer. It is on a 2001 Ford v-10 chassis. This will be our first MH. We currently own a small trailer. I have a good inspection check list. My question - is there known issues with this year/model/power train/etc... that we should be aware of?

John Hilley · 05-29-2013, 07:49 AM

None specific to the model. We have a 99 Brave and a 2003 Adventurer. I would check the shower skylight. Cracks can lead to delamination of the sidewall. We are very happy with the quality of both of ours.

cb1000rider · 05-29-2013, 12:29 PM

The Ford V10 has an issue with minimal threading on the spark plugs. I think this continued until 2005 or so. It's not that the plugs are going to blow out via OEM, but they must carefully be removed (usually 1/2 turn, then soak in oil) and re-installed carefully to proper torque. You can't just hand-tighten these - bad things happen.

Other than the the v10 is a very reliable motor. Not efficient, but reliable.

This is known as the F53 chassis. I recommend driving it on the highway (around semis) before purchasing. There is an F53 specific forum here.

krautkamper · 05-29-2013, 02:26 PM

That should be a great machine. Check the caulk in the gutters where the roof meets the fiberglass. Maintenance item many overlook. I also had some fiberglass delaminating on the sides. Looks bad, but haven't repaired yet. Very $$$. Check the vent tube out of the top of the tranny for blockage!

Hikerdogs · 05-29-2013, 06:11 PM

2001 and 2002 were good years for Winnebago. We had a 2001 up unitl a month ago and loved it for over 12 years and over 100,000 miles. Some friends of ours had a 2002 for 11 years and about the same mileage. Not much needed to be attended to in all that time and all those miles. Mostly just normal maintenance issues.

Both of us purchased another Winnebago Adventurer. We bought a 2013 32H. Our friends happened across a 2011 with very few miles.

winnie32v · 05-31-2013, 04:39 AM

Over one year ago we purchased our 2001 Adventurer.
1. We had to replace all 6 tires because of date code.

2. The rear stabilizer bushings were completely disintegrated so I got a new set off of eBay (polyurethane) and replaced them.

3. The MotorAid Coach Heater fan underwent the typical "cage moved on the shaft" lock-up so I replaced the complete unit myself. (Note: In my model, this unit is behind the water heater...makes it a bigger job).

4. Changed the tranny fluid, engine oil, engine coolant, generator oil, lubed all fittings and checked all other fluids pre manual.

5. Replaced 4 gas pistons on the big cargo doors.

Other than some cleaning and bulb replacement, everything else works fine.
We are very pleased with the Winnebago quality and haven't seen another Class A that meets our requirements like this one.

Patrol 65 · 05-31-2013, 08:58 PM

Check for windshield leaks. For some reason, the black moulding around the windshield gets loose with time and allows water in which eventually causes rust around the windshield channel. I solved the problem with a roll of black Scotch Professional Grade 1 inch wide moisture proof tape placed along the edge of the black moulding along the top of the windshield to keep pressure against the fiberglass. It matches the moulding so it is hardly noticeable by the naked eye. I bought 2 rolls of the tape at Lowes.

John Hilley · 05-31-2013, 09:16 PM

My 2003 Adventurer also leaks through the top of the windshield. I replaced the rubber moudking. It still leaked, so I have now also taped mine with 1" Scotch brand tape. Stopped the leaking. I plan on cleaning the rust out and sealing it this summer.

Jbmsr · 05-31-2013, 09:51 PM

John
That is an Awsome coach. It was our first and we loved it. I would suggest that you have it inspected by a qualified technician. There are mobile techs thet will do it for a fair fee.

Jesse

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Hilley

My 2003 Adventurer also leaks through the top of the windshield. I replaced the rubber moudking. It still leaked, so I have now also taped mine with 1" Scotch brand tape. Stopped the leaking. I plan on cleaning the rust out and sealing it this summer.

DAN L · 06-01-2013, 01:45 AM

cpd 520,
check the retracting entrance stair mount. it is common for the sheet metal that the stair mounts to to crack. my aft outboard mount is cracked. this is not an easy fix. i am currently using an adjustable stair support from camping world.

Patrol 65 · 06-04-2013, 12:58 PM

My retractable steps cracked around 2 bolts near the front of the steps. I drilled and attached a couple of shelving brackets around the mounting holes to reinforce the holes that the bolts are attached to the sheet metal. I also use an adjustable step support to help brace the steps when camping.

cpd520 · 06-06-2013, 06:44 PM

Thanks everyone for your input. We are the new owners of a 2004 Suncruiser 33V

BCIslander · 06-09-2013, 05:52 PM

we bought a 2003 Adventurer 33V with most of the options available on the spec sheet. It had 31,700 miles and we have just put about 1200 more on this trip. Great design in the interior, nicely appointed.

8.1 with the Allison trans, lots of power. The electric water heater doesn't work we discovered and I have a least 4 bunk doors that need need gas shocks. Camping world didn't seem to have them.

I guess the only criticism I have is it handles a little sloppy on bumpy roads (ie; Hwy 101 on the coast) Other than that, a great coach and seems to put together well.