New to the RV World

[SaltyLT2012]

When I retired a neighbor gave me a 1996 Winnie as a project. He thought that since I was retired military, I had the skills to fix anything!? So far it needs a fuel pump, starter and new batteries. Any tips for getting this RV on the road would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[creativepart]

Congrats... I think. That sounds like plenty of work.

Can you be more specific about the model? There are dozens of Winnebago models and from your comment above we have no idea which one you are referring to. Plus, you'll need that and a lot of other info just to get the correct parts.

Once you get your RV running THEN will come the fun part of dealing with issues of the "house" side of your RV. Many new RVers initially center their thinking on the chassis side of your rolling home. But in many cases that's just the easy and familiar side of things. It's all the house systems that need the most attention on a 25-year old RV.

I'm sure you're up to the task - and let us know how we can help.

 

[SaltyLT2012]

Thank you very much for the insight. My Unit is a Adventurer Model (WCG32WQ). I am assuming that the "32" means 32 foot length? Hopefully within the next week or so I will have it running. It does appear to be leaning to the left a little? low Air shock, weak spring?

 

[creativepart]

So far it needs a fuel pump, starter and new batteries.

I can't help you with the fuel pump or starter - but batteries are a common item for all us motorhome owners.

Keep in mind you'll have two separate battery needs - on the chassis side there is a main starting battery. Large diesel pushers would probably have two. Gas powered Class A and Class C motorhome likely have just one chassis "starting" battery.

The House will have a battery bank of Deep Cycle storage batteries. Usually two in the bank but some models have 3 or 4 House batteries.

Confusing things more, House batteries can be 6v or 12v. A pair of 6v batteries will be wired in Series which create 12v. A pair of 12v batteries will be wired in Parallel making a bigger amp hour 12v bank. So, you'll want to learn about the two kind of battery wiring - Series and Parallel.

For House batteries Deep Cycle is important. You don't need CCA "cold cranking amps" like a starting battery does. You need lots of AMPS delivered over a long time, not just a few seconds starting an engine.

There is a TON to lean on this subject alone. But I suspect from your post that you are doing engine work to get the RV running and for that all you'll need is a powerful starting battery. You can worry about the house battery stuff later.

 

[SaltyLT2012]

Ok, thank you. I didn't mention that it is a chevrolet motor (454) not sure if the fuel pump is in the tank or on the fuel line?

 

[creativepart]

Ok, thank you. I didn't mention that it is a chevrolet motor (454) not sure if the fuel pump is in the tank or on the fuel line?

I'd guess you'll find the fuel pump in the tank. But that's purely a guess. Think of this chassis as a 1996 work truck, like for cargo or dumping. Because that's what it started as. With a Chevy engine it should be a Workhorse brand chassis perhaps with an Allison transmission.

 

[creativepart]

It does appear to be leaning to the left a little? low Air shock, weak spring?

No air shock not from the factory at least... leaf springs like a horse drawn wagon. So, perhaps broken shackle, broken spring, etc.

 

[SaltyLT2012]

Ok, thanks again. I have not spent much time checking the unit out, I am working from the information from my neighbor. It will be interesting once I can get under the unit and see how things are set up.