Another newbie - 1988 Itasca Suncruiser

[shylalp]

Hello. We recently purchased a 1988 Itasca Suncruiser, an upgrade from our tent trailer, with the idea of it will be easier for us to travel with our pets -- a cat and two guinea pigs. Looks like "the boys" (the guinea pigs) will take over the collapsed table and benches for their area while Foxy (the cat) will, of course, take over the rest of the RV.

We've had quite a crash course in getting some intimate knowledge of our RV since we bought it just under three weeks ago... headlight wires were cut so no headlights, gasoline smeel got stronger so finally found someone somewhat local who did RV engine repairs and had a gas pressure thingy replaced, auxillary batteries were bulging so have been replaced, new fan switch for a bathroom fan that wouldn't turn off even when all batteries were physically disconnected (oh look! we have solar panels! lol), currently working on the plumbing system with the hot water heater (Bosch W125) having a small issue of leaking, propane system fixed at a different somewhat local RV repair place, paid for 3 hours work on a non-working Onan generator to have a carburator cleaned and rebuilt to no avail (not our idea), found RV repair place who did gasoline and carburator projects had neglected to repalce coolant and discovered coolant reservoir broken so replaced that ourselves, replaced toliet water valve, replaced windshield wiper fluid system (reservoir crumbled as did the tubing, but the pump worked, yay!), learned to jimmy windshield wipers to fit properly.... and now trying to find $2500 to replace driver's side windshield with giant crack. It has been a journey to say the least, and we haven't left home yet! Phew! But once this is done then we can finally hit the road and get in some enjoyment time, I hope.
One of the biggest lessons we've had would be the difference between the chassis and the house, and how different people on the different parts of those.

[Eagle5]

Hi Shylalp,
Your motorhome is as old as my Truck, which I did buy brand-new in January 1988. When vehicles have been around for 33 years, it is bound to have issues, unless one was extremely fortunate with a conscientious prior owner. The $2,500 cost for the Driver's side window is what shocks me.
While it is no secret to us all, be sure to check the age of your tires. If they are in excess of ten years old, they may be suspect. If they are twenty years old, they could be dangerous.
Oh, and welcome to the forum!
Eagle5

[Charley67]

Welcome! Fix everything you can at home, especially things mechanical. It’s no fun on side of the road.