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Topic: New to me 1996 U320 punch list (Read 991 times) previous topic - next topic

New to me 1996 U320 punch list

OK. We have had our 1996 U320 just over three weeks. Most of that time was spent bringing it to West Virginia where we have sold our home (today), having the transmission and engine serviced, and packing the house into a storage unit. With the house now sold, we reside solely in the U320 and my wife, Monique, and I need to get this thing fully operational.  Here is a list of the items we need to address.

1) Leveling - the air leveling system is not 100%. It is losing air primarily on the driver's side. We have an appointment with Tennessee RV next week for them to look at this. The engine/transmission shop said several parts were completely rusted and likely the source of the leaks. It does inflate and level up for driving but this really needs to be checked out.

2) Air conditioners - The units are old and smell. They still work and I have tried to clean the coils. We are leaning towards replacing them.

3) Water pressure - I have hooked up the hose and turned on the shore power but the pump still engages and the water is pretty weak.

4) Dash lights are out. This could be a fuse somewhere.

5) The brake lights don't come on when I use the retarder (per my wife following behind and using walkie talkies)

6) Toilet flapper isn't sealing. I guess it needs a new seal and also to have the tension adjusted.

7) Several halogen under cabinet lights out. I would prefer to switch to LED if there is an option. 

8) The lampshades are dirty. I need to find a source for RV lampshades. I also need to order LED bulbs for the lamps.

9) The light over my patio door doesn't work.

10) My water purifier spigot sticks in the ON position. This is in a tough place to replace at the back of the sink! 

11) The dinette chairs need to be recovered. We have lined up a shop to do the work and we are searching for fabrics now. We are stuck between some original mauve/rose fabric and a marine grade vinyl (also mauve/rose).

12) I am still figuring out the Aqua Hot. It kicked on during our trip up from Florida while boondocking. I have turned on the 120v switch by the bed. I need it to work at the campground for hot water for showers.

13) House batteries may be old. The install shop never popped out the install date. Tennessee RV will check them for us. (We have already replaced the engine batteries.)

14) I need to order a Thetford to Valterra adapter for the sewer line. I want the one that adapts to the standard fitting. I bought the one with the smooth side (Thetford Curved Hose adapter) that goes in the tube and clamped down. Well I did not clamp it tight enough and had my first black water incident in my many years of RVing. I quickly grabbed the hose and held it in place for the duration of the dump. Only 5-10 gallons of the gross stuff spilled everywhere!  Yuck! 

Fortunately, my transmission (4060R) was serviced by the Allison shop and they fixed an odd 3rd to 4th shift that the PO could never get fixed. They set the computer to relearn the shift points and that solved the problem.

The engine needed new fuel lines run do to cracking. I think the idle needs adjusting since I have to keep my foot on the pedal when I first start it up to keep it from stalling. 

We replaced the tires with new Michelin tires in the first 24 hours since they were 12 years old.

There are a million switches all over this thing that we have no idea what they do. Now that we have some time, we'll be pouring over the Foretravel manual and hopefully better understand how everything operates.

I am sure there are 100 other little things. It takes a lot to bring these beasts back to life. So far we are happy with our unit. Due to the large amount of mauve/rose color (which my wife loves), we have named it "Mauvelous".  The unit checks of my boxes (engine, trans., leveling, basement, etc.) and also her requirement that the unit should be warm and home-like.

Re: New to me 1996 U320 punch list

Reply #1 –
Fred,  Welcome to the Foretravel Family.  Did you buy your coach in Polk City, FL?
John M.

Re: New to me 1996 U320 punch list

Reply #2 –
Sounds like a normal 21 year old complicated expensive totally fixable motorhome

Re: New to me 1996 U320 punch list

Reply #3 –
Fred,
Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you have a good handle on what the next few months have in store. I read your list and did not have all of the things you have to look at, but did have some in common.

I was lucky in that when we went full time I had over a year to shake down the coach and figure out what I needed. I had also punched a few things off the list. What I should have realized is that there were a few things that would jump up and bite me. It will happen to you too.

That's OK. as long as you are flexible and can go with the flow, it will all work out.

Keep in touch as we go down the road, and maybe we can cross paths.

As it says on my tag line, "You're either on the bus, or off the bus".

Here's hoping ya'll will have a great time on the bus!

Len

Re: New to me 1996 U320 punch list

Reply #4 –
If you have time and the opportunity I put an Ionizer air cleaner in the coach with the heater running then the air conditioner to get some smells out and it helped tremendously .. I cant smell what my wife could and it didnt bother me but she was like  the proverbial broken record so I worked hard to fix it and it worked..

Re: New to me 1996 U320 punch list

Reply #5 –
Quote from: ViewRVs –
1) Leveling - the air leveling system is not 100%. It is losing air primarily on the driver's side. We have an appointment with Tennessee RV next week for them to look at this. The engine/transmission shop said several parts were completely rusted and likely the source of the leaks. It does inflate and level up for driving but this really needs to be checked out.
Paying a shop to chase air leaks can get expensive real quick.  If Tennessee RV is not totally successful in their search, then I would recommend a stop at the HWH factory in Moscow, IA.  It's a easy 2 day drive from Knoxville, and would take you NW (cooler) through some pretty country.

At HWH, they will put your coach up on a big elevated service platform, and totally check the entire air system for leaks.  All leaks will be identified, and any that involve the HWH system can be repaired by the same people who designed and built it.  In other words, the experts.  The air system check is free (last I heard), and well worth the trip.  Call ahead to make a appointment.

Welcome to HWH Corporation

Re: New to me 1996 U320 punch list

Reply #6 –
Fred,

Congratulations!

Safely working under coach... If you are going to be crawling under the coach get some 2" square tubular steel stock and cut eight pieces to 12" lengths.  Insert these between the upper and lower steel frame members where the airbags are located.  This will ensure the coach does not come down on you while you are underneath it.

Sewer adapter...  Consider skipping it.  They have been known to leak.  A common solution is adding a third Valterra 3" Bladex gate valve at the end of the pipe.  Cut off the Thetford connection at the end of the pipe, and install the gate valve there.  You'll eliminate surprises when hooking up the hose, and you'll be able to attach the sewer hose directly to the pipe.

Air system...  A second vote for getting an appointment with HWH in Moscow, Iowa.  All the expertise, parts, lifts, pits, bays, etc. to get the work done.  They have several electric sites that you can stay in before, during, after service to make sure things work.  They also have showers inside if needed.  They may not be 5 star resort showers, but sometimes you take what you can get.

Engine... Consider having someone pressure test the radiator and check for leaks.  Then check the radiator fan gear motors for fluid leaks.  These parts can take 4-12 weeks to get if they are not in stock.  If you can plan ahead, and do preventative maintenance, you'll be good for many more years.

Generator... Check the generator fuel lines to see if they need to be replaced.  And check the generator's blower circuit breaker (toggle switch), and 4 amp breaker.

Windows...  If your window seals are creeping (looks like giant black slug trails between your windows) RV Fog Dr in Searcy, AR has experience redoing them.  You need to call to make an appointment.

Chris

Re: New to me 1996 U320 punch list

Reply #7 –
Congrats!!  Enjoy yourselves!

Replacing the house batteries on a used coach is rarely a bad idea.  Some here will say they've replaced the batteries immediately on every coach they've ever purchased.  BUT - if you haven't learned all the buttons and switches yet, and you'll be living in it - it might not be a bad idea to hold off a month or two in case your learning process causes you to accidentally drain and damage the batteries permanently.  Such as having your cat step on the boost switch while you are unplugged and gone for 4 days....

We also moved into the FT before she was entirely roadworthy - it sure keeps you motivated to keep knocking items off the checklist.  It will be a fun experience, good luck!

Re: New to me 1996 U320 punch list

Reply #8 –
If the A/C's run properly without strange noises, clean don't replace.  They should be fine.  You'll need that money somewhere better spent.
How is the water flow with city water connected and pump turned off?  Have you checked and cleaned all faucet strainers?  You may need to do a vinegar soak to de-mineralize the water system.
Lift the cover on the dash and check all the bulbs.  They just may be failed.
Soak the toilet clapper with CLR, them clean with paper towel.  Coat with silicone grease.  It may be fine.
You should have a certified Aqua-Hot service tech check out your system and do a full service while you watch.
Replacing your halogen puck lights is a lot cheaper than converting to LED while you have so much else to do.
Have you replaced the bulbs in the door light?  They may start working if you remove and re-install them.

Re: New to me 1996 U320 punch list

Reply #9 –
# 5:  I prefer no brake lights with transmission retarder.  Coming down a long mountain grade I don't want the brake lights on.  If a deer runs out,  road debris etc and I get on the brakes, that is when I want the brake light to come on to warn those behind me.

Re: New to me 1996 U320 punch list

Reply #10 –
Welcome Fred,

Let the journey begin!!!

Speedbird 1.

Re: New to me 1996 U320 punch list

Reply #11 –
Keep the both A/C units if you can.  You won't find the new one work as well or are anywhere near as quiet.

Good luck with it all.  These coaches are worth fixing.

Keith

Re: New to me 1996 U320 punch list

Reply #12 –
i understand that unhooking something allows my retarder to work on cruise control and the brake lights come on when it comes on.

Much appreciated

Re: New to me 1996 U320 punch list

Reply #13 –
Either way we are slowing more than the engines compression would do by itself. So the brake light on cannot hurt anything.

Lots of texters in so cal. Looking down. 

Retarder on high slows a lot.  I do turn up my retarder in crowded traffic higher to slow a lot in traffic with just the throttle off.

If no brake lights and retarder on medium the people behind almost certainly would mis judge my speed reductions rate.

It's that strong

Re: New to me 1996 U320 punch list

Reply #14 –
Quote from: ViewRVs –
  The brake lights don't come on when I use the retarder 

That is a good thing, ours don't come on either. I've followed many coaches down steep drops where the lights were on all the time, never knew if they were riding the brakes or it was the retarder. It makes for distracted driving on drops.

Re: New to me 1996 U320 punch list

Reply #15 –
Pak brake is at most 50% of the retardation of at Allison retarder. At most. 

Aux braking I think requires brake lights?
 

Re: New to me 1996 U320 punch list

Reply #17 –
That leaves the lamp shades.

Contact Gustavson Lighting in Elkhart, Indiana  (574) 522-0871.
To my knowledge they don't have a website, but they have your shades.