Our 1st DP

[mtorres]

We bought a 2004 Itasca Meridian 36G. Any advice for a 1st time DP owner?

 

[topdownman]

Enjoy it!

 

[Mr Miyagi]

We just bought an 04 Journey last year. 2 feet shorter than yours. Our advice...don't let it sit too long. We've used ours two to three times a month since we brought it home and it's been the best experience of our lives.

Keep the air cleaner clean, change the motor oil, lube the exhaust brake annually, and fuel filters bi-annually. keep the radiator & intercooler clean. I'm sure there's a ton more folks will bring. Most of all enjoy!!

 

[doorguy-WO]

Sign up for CampFreightliner class as soon as you can; it is a wealth of information for Freightliner chassis owners.

 

[macnut]

If you decide to get an extended warranty, you may want to do a little comparison shopping here...
http://www.wholesalewarranties.com/quote-forms/rv-warranty-quote/
They seem to have a good reputation and are very knowledgable.
Al


2013 Itasca Sunstar 26HE
2014 Honda CRV with Roadmaster tow package
RVing on weekends and vacation since June 2012

 

[RGFlinn]

You should get familiar with the systems you might find new to you. Diesel engines have a whole different power curve from a gasser. Learn about your air braking system and engine braking system (if equipped). Air suspension and leveling jacks. Lots of information here on the forum and on the 'net.

 

[macnut]

I totally posted to the wrong thread. Sorry!

 

[jerichorick]

We bought a 2004 Itasca Meridian 36G. Any advice for a 1st time DP owner?

If you can plan a trip to the freightliner factory in Gaffney, SC, it is a great adventure. Call and make an appointment for the chassis service. You won't be sorry.

I know many have mentioned this but I will also. Your air filter has a 3 year service life according to Racor. But many of us have gotten much longer than that. It is a risk if it gets too old because it could fail and get into the turbo. Big bucks!!!. Drain the water separator a couple times a year, depending on your travel locations. The higher the humidity the more often it should be checked. You only need to drain a few oz. If you see water (bubbles under the fuel in the can) dump it and drain a little more. Avoid Bio Diesel. If you don't use it all withing few weeks it can jell and cause a real problem.

I use synthetic oil in my equipment. My brand of choice is Royal Purple. I am considering changing my xmission fluid to synthetic but I have to do a study on that yet. At this moment I have just ordered LED's for the lights. Check the LED thread if you are interested.

Keep an eye on the date of the tires. Seven year life seems to be the rule of thumb. I had a blow out on a 8 year old tire. What an expensive mess.

Most of all, be happy and enjoy your new adventures. State and federal parks should be no problem for you to get into because of the size of your rig.

Many Happy Trails to you.

Rick

 

[mtorres]

I Thank all of you, sounds like I bought a good coach. We made our 300+ mile trip home today in the Meridian, it ran great and handled even better. I will never own other gas model.

Once again, Thank you.