1988 Winnebago chieftain 36ft

oldacman · 03-09-2014, 10:07 PM

Hello everyone i'am new to this forum I have an opportunity to buy this Winnebago motorhome that is one owner with 33,000,it is a 454 on a p32 chassis.

My question is that is the 400 transmission have an overdrive? and what kind of mpg?

Thank You in advance for any information

bobandshaz · 03-09-2014, 10:28 PM

:welcome:

Feel sure you're going to get the info you need. You might search on the chassis type on here for more help..

cbeierl · 03-09-2014, 11:19 PM

Here's the 1988 Chieftain Brochure, although it indicates the longest model is the 33RU which is 34'10" long rather than 36'. It seems to indicate a 3-Speed Automatic Transmission w/Cooler, for what that's worth.

cbeierl · 03-09-2014, 11:22 PM

The 1989 Chieftain Brochure includes the 36RQ model, however, so perhaps it's actually a 1989 model you looking at.

oldacman · 03-10-2014, 10:40 AM

Yes it is a 1989 36RQ any infro is appreciated, it does not have a jack system.

Nick-B · 03-10-2014, 01:22 PM

The Turbo400 is a 3-speed non-overdrive transmission. Tough unit!

MPG would typically be 5-6 with that size coach and drivetrain.

oldacman · 03-10-2014, 03:36 PM

Nick: I really prefer Fords, What kind of mpg do you get, also due you like the F53 chassis?

Wanting to go to Arizona next winter and stay at the military fam camps.

Thank You
Alfred

skigramp · 03-10-2014, 04:46 PM

I suggest that you take this rig to someone knowledgeable about RVs and have them check it out carefully ... a 25 year old rig is going to take lots of tender loving care to keep it going ... and a knowledgeable person to stay on top of things that need attention.

I am certainly not saying don't buy ... I am saying you need to be aware of what some of the likely expenses will be in the near and intermediate future ... tires, appliances, engine, drive train, etc.

The cost of fuel is generally less than the cost of insurance, repairs, and maintenance.

Nick-B · 03-11-2014, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldacman

Nick: I really prefer Fords, What kind of mpg do you get, also due you like the F53 chassis?

Hi Alfred,

I like my Ford chassis just fine. The F53 started using the overdrive trans and fuel injection around 1989 (couple of years before Chevy switched). Mileage is not much better though. 5.5 to 7.5 depending on how hard I'm pressing the loud pedal. My coach is heavy at 18.3K so that's a lot for the 460 to move around. Does a good job but I have upgraded with headers so it can breathe. Modest brakes and small 16" tires are main lacking points but it all gets the job done regardless. The 1999 F53 chassis improved those shortcomings.

Patrol 65 · 03-13-2014, 12:48 PM

I had a 1984 Pathfinder P30 chassis with a 454 cid motor that was 25 years old when I sold it and got between 5 and 6 miles to the gallon. The engine is almost bullet proof so you should not have any issues with it. The appliances may or may not need attention. Plan on replacing the tires if they are more than 7 years old.

Grimesy · 03-15-2014, 09:41 PM

Had a '89 Chieftain as my first and put some 90 K plus miles on it. Won't list the pluses as there were a lot of them but a few of the negatives. Notorious for burning ignition wires and cracking exhaust manifolds. Suspension a little soft and needed to add a rear leaf spring. Has an airbag in the front coils that may have rotted out, need to go about 50 #s.

If you fall in love with the lifestyle, it won't be too long and you will be shopping for a new bigger and better so be aware.

Consider joining the WIT Club.

Don G. WIT 70041

Rylong44 · 05-15-2014, 12:50 PM

Im new here to and need help. I am going to be pulling the air pump off a 454 thats in a 1982 cheiftain, im wondering if there is a belt size that anyone knows of that i could us to bypass this pump or does the pump actually need to be on the engine for it to run properly. any help woulfd be wonderful