1998 Winnebago Chieftain loses power on hills

[angie29526]

Hello please! No my husband has been a mechanic for many many many years in both automotive trade and even elevator trade so something of course applies to a little bit here and a little bit there but when I'd have to ask him for exact specifics because I never remember the names of the exact parts that he's swapped out with brand new parts but we went from at least being able to go like 75 mph to slowing down on any type of little Hill and it would just drag and drag and wouldn't go anywhere well in two weeks now and that's the max time frame 2 weeks we are traveling out to Texas which is over 1,700 mi each way and we really wanted to be able to tow one of our light weight trucks so we have something to utilize versus slowly making our way out there worrying about problems and having to rent a vehicle once we're out there Can anybody help me on ideas as far as what was possibly wrong to begin with if you've had this kind of problem and what parts you've replaced to get it to actually go and have the pulling power like it's supposed to straight out the factory? Reason being why we're getting out there is actually to look at houses to start our transition to be able to move out there from South Carolina We don't want to leave our dogs behind with someone that we don't even know So we that's why we decided to take the RV so that we have a comfortable and safe place for them. But I'm super nervous I know it could possibly take a while to get out there We understand that but I'm very nervous that even though he is really good at trouble solving so many things that he is just exhausted trying to figure this out and I certainly don't need something happening to him as well not to mention the RV I'll get back to you later on here if he can give me a full detailed list on what he replaced exactly and by exactly I mean the names again I apologize I've had seizures in the past so my short-term memory is just plain old crappy but in the meantime if anyone can give me any ideas ASAP today because it seems like any type of part we order for this is taking forever to get and again we leave promptly early early early morning on August 1st We have to be there to check in at the campground on the 3rd Thank you so much!

 

[Eagle5]

Greetings Angie,
I recommend that you hire an RV Technician to come review your situation and help you affect repairs.
Welcome to the forum.
Eagle5

 

[creativepart]

Unfortunately there is no way we can tell you what the problem is or how to fix it. You need someone that knows RVs to physically look at and inspect your RV and to make estimates and plans to fix it.

Sometimes people buy 25+ year old RVs for not a lot of money and think, "I can get this going in no time." But usually that's not the case. And sometimes the cheapest RVs are the most expensive RVs due to all the problems the RV has.

We wish you the best of luck with your 28-year old motorhome and hope it will get fixed and get you where you need to go.

 

[Waterbug]

Greetings Angie,
I recommend that you hire an RV Technician to come review your situation and help you affect repairs.
Welcome to the forum.
Eagle5

Her major concern seems to be engine performance, so an RV technician may not be the consultant needed. A qualified mechanic certified for the power train of their RV may be more appropriate.
Also, there are many available routes from South Carolina to Texas, because Texas is such a large state. Choosing the flattest route vs most direct would be most appropriate for a 28 year old RV.
A third point is that expecting a 28 year old RV to tow another vehicle at 75 mph is unrealistic and very dangerous on a flat highway let alone in hill country.

 

[RayIN]

75MPH is asking a lot from that old powertrain, which will either be a Ford F53 truck chassis, or a GM P30 chassis. I suggest slowing down and enjoying the drive, or you might never arrive if you ruin the engine.

A new replacement engine is likely near the value of the MH.

Tell us which chassis is under your MH,

 

[RayIN]

Hello please! No my husband has been a mechanic for many many many years in both automotive trade and even elevator trade so something of course applies to a little bit here and a little bit there but when I'd have to ask him for exact specifics because I never remember the names of the exact parts that he's swapped out with brand new parts but we went from at least being able to go like 75 mph to slowing down on any type of little Hill and it would just drag and drag and wouldn't go anywhere well in two weeks now and that's the max time frame 2 weeks we are traveling out to Texas which is over 1,700 mi each way and we really wanted to be able to tow one of our light weight trucks so we have something to utilize versus slowly making our way out there worrying about problems and having to rent a vehicle once we're out there Can anybody help me on ideas as far as what was possibly wrong to begin with if you've had this kind of problem and what parts you've replaced to get it to actually go and have the pulling power like it's supposed to straight out the factory? Reason being why we're getting out there is actually to look at houses to start our transition to be able to move out there from South Carolina We don't want to leave our dogs behind with someone that we don't even know So we that's why we decided to take the RV so that we have a comfortable and safe place for them. But I'm super nervous I know it could possibly take a while to get out there We understand that but I'm very nervous that even though he is really good at trouble solving so many things that he is just exhausted trying to figure this out and I certainly don't need something happening to him as well not to mention the RV I'll get back to you later on here if he can give me a full detailed list on what he replaced exactly and by exactly I mean the names again I apologize I've had seizures in the past so my short-term memory is just plain old crappy but in the meantime if anyone can give me any ideas ASAP today because it seems like any type of part we order for this is taking forever to get and again we leave promptly early early early morning on August 1st We have to be there to check in at the campground on the 3rd Thank you so much!

Have you any more information for us?
I forgot to welcome you to the Winnebago discussion forums.