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jmconneely's avatar
jmconneely
Explorer
Feb 23, 2013

5th wheel repairs.

I recently bought my aunt and uncle's Dutchman 5th wheel. It is a 1994 so it definitely needs some work. My uncle was very good about keeping up with the maintenance. Well about 5 years ago he was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). Well from then on things were left unfinished.

It has a leak on the roof but the slide was in so it didn't destroy the carpet, only messed up the ceiling panels. I plan on replacing all roof vent and finding then fixing the roof leak. Once that is done I will tackle the interior issues. I also plan on cleaning up and/or repairing the seals around the windows.

Before venturing our I also plan to repack the bearings and check the brakes. It needs one tire as it sits but I plan on replacing all 4 plus the spare.

For the price I'm paying I am willing to do the repairs and do them right.

Can anyone point me in the right direction website wise for a good parts dealer. I want to save as much as possible by doing most if no all the work myself.

10 Replies

  • jmconneely's avatar
    jmconneely
    Explorer
    May 07, 2013
    Well I got my of vents all cleaned and caulked up. Tested and no leaks. It has rained off and on all day. Now to find a panel that matches the original panels. Hoping a local dealer will have some.
  • sljkansas's avatar
    sljkansas
    Explorer
    Apr 24, 2013
    Go to any of the major bookstores and get this book, it will help answer a lot of questions. RV maintenance Manual (Just took the first site that came up to show manual, have never used this site.)
  • jmconneely's avatar
    jmconneely
    Explorer
    Apr 24, 2013
    Just got my truck back from the sop. Main thing to talk about is......my B&W Patriot is installed. The mechanic set it on the "1st" setting. I'm thinking he forgot to send the manuals with the truck also. Anyways, I hope to fit the truck to the camper this weekend. From what I have read, I need about 6" clearance on the bed rails. Any other ideas for what I should look for when setting it up?

    I hope to make a July 4th weekend trip. Of course maybe one close to home in May.
  • jmconneely's avatar
    jmconneely
    Explorer
    Apr 01, 2013
    Well finally got my 5th wheel moved to my house. Later this week I plan on tearing the ceiling down and finding the source of leaks. I'm hoping they are confined to the vent areas. I think I'm going to do a before and after thread to show my progress. Hope to be on our first camping trip by June. Wish me luck everyone. I'll see ya on my new thread. Happy and Safe Camping!!!!
  • powderman426's avatar
    powderman426
    Explorer
    Feb 23, 2013
    Wait till everything is in order before getting new tires so they wont be aging while repairing. Because the mfgs put on just enough tire to get by, I would move up a load range or two. Maxxis anyone?
  • jmconneely's avatar
    jmconneely
    Explorer
    Feb 23, 2013
    All appliances work, new refrigerator also. Thanks I will look at their site.
  • lapinebob's avatar
    lapinebob
    Explorer
    Feb 23, 2013
    Here in Oregon I use RV parts outlet. I have purchased from them for many years and am totally satisfied with their service. Perhaps shipping costs might be high to your area. Before you start spending a lot of time and money make sure all appliances work. They can be very expensive in an RV. Below is a link to RV Parts.


    http://www.rvpartsoutlet.com/

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