2008 Winnebago Journey 39z input

ACDNate wrote:
I spent a few hours yesterday with this unit. Went through all the systems and tested everything out. The unit has a handful of small cosmetic issues, but it 100% functional with exception to the bath fan electric cover. Owner has parts coming in this week to replace it. Roof in good shape including all sealant. No signs of water intrusion in the coach.

After yesterday I have a few questions.

1. Owner says he drives with exhaust brake on 90% of the time. I tried the exhaust brake during test drive. Worked fine but I couldn't wrap my head around why you would drive with it on in town???

2. Owner says he keeps his black tank full of water when not in use to minimize smells etc. Anyone do that?

3. Owner is owner number 2. Owner number 1 told him not to use the slide locks, particularly when slides are in. Guy told him they are probe to failure. Any input on this?

Thanks for your input

I tried the exhaust brake, both ways when we first got ours and since then, it's never been off. Not to worry, they'll get plenty of exercise to prevent glazing, while in traffic, with the idiots that we have on the road, these days. I've never even heard of one filling the black tank with water. As for the slides, we've always depended on the powergear electric brake and have never experienced a problem. We've never even had slide locks, per say.

Check superbrightleds

Gary

Picked up the Journey a couple nights ago. I've been re-running through everything figuring out what's what.

I do need to change a handful of bulbs, and plan to go with LED replacement. The garden variety 1156 bulbs and wedge bases are no issue, even found round vanity bulbs. The "reading lights are the ones I'm having no luck finding. Looks like a standard 1156 base but has a flood light profile. Anyone have any suggestions?

ACDNate wrote:

fcooper wrote:


.....text deleted to save space....

If you use slide locks, be sure you develop a system to prevent you from hitting the slide switch while the locks are in place. That slide will move and cause damage.(been there & got the t shirt :( We never experienced a problem with the manually installed slide locks.

Fred

re #3. these slide locks are electronic. Operated by a switch inside the coach at the control panel. Any difference?

I'm sure there is a difference. I was describing manual slide locks.

Fred

My first Journey had manual locks. The one I have now (a 2007 purchased used in 2016) has the electric slide locks on the two front slides. I had never had electric locks before, but followed the procedure for their use, but I was never hearing anything and wondered if they were working. I contacted Winnebago and was told there is an audible "click" when they lock, so was advised they are probably not working. Haven't done anything about it yet, but have never noticed any movement of the slides while traveling. I will probably get around to checking them out this year.

fcooper wrote:


1. Everyone has their own opinion about the exhaust brake. On the HR Endeavor we had for years, I finally came to the conclusion of using the exhaust brake for coming down the mountain, and just use the normal brakes for normal stops. At 110,000 miles when we sold it, it still had at least 50% life left in the brake shoes. Very light use of the normal brakes (exhaust brake on all the time) can contribute to glazing of the brake shoes. If you are wondering about using the exhaust brake in a panic stop, don't bother. The anti-lock brakes on a typical motorhome will work quicker (and probably better) with the exhaust brake off. (I'm sure that I will get some comments on this.)

2. After draining black tank, I only put a couple of gallons back into it to keep it wet. We never had any smells.

3. We ran the Endeavor for several years without using the slide locks. I finally began to use them as it stopped a water leak at the top of the slide when retracted. If you use slide locks, be sure you develop a system to prevent you from hitting the slide switch while the locks are in place. That slide will move and cause damage.(been there & got the t shirt :( We never experienced a problem with the manually installed slide locks.

Fred

re #3. these slide locks are electronic. Operated by a switch inside the coach at the control panel. Any difference?

ACDNate wrote:

After yesterday I have a few questions.

1. Owner says he drives with exhaust brake on 90% of the time. I tried the exhaust brake during test drive. Worked fine but I couldn't wrap my head around why you would drive with it on in town???

2. Owner says he keeps his black tank full of water when not in use to minimize smells etc. Anyone do that?

3. Owner is owner number 2. Owner number 1 told him not to use the slide locks, particularly when slides are in. Guy told him they are probe to failure. Any input on this?

Thanks for your input

1. Everyone has their own opinion about the exhaust brake. On the HR Endeavor we had for years, I finally came to the conclusion of using the exhaust brake for coming down the mountain, and just use the normal brakes for normal stops. At 110,000 miles when we sold it, it still had at least 50% life left in the brake shoes. Very light use of the normal brakes (exhaust brake on all the time) can contribute to glazing of the brake shoes. If you are wondering about using the exhaust brake in a panic stop, don't bother. The anti-lock brakes on a typical motorhome will work quicker (and probably better) with the exhaust brake off. (I'm sure that I will get some comments on this.)

2. After draining black tank, I only put a couple of gallons back into it to keep it wet. We never had any smells.

3. We ran the Endeavor for several years without using the slide locks. I finally began to use them as it stopped a water leak at the top of the slide when retracted. If you use slide locks, be sure you develop a system to prevent you from hitting the slide switch while the locks are in place. That slide will move and cause damage.(been there & got the t shirt :( We never experienced a problem with the manually installed slide locks.

Fred

good call

Check were the roof meets the sidewall. I think Winnie says to check annually and recaulk if need.

I spent a few hours yesterday with this unit. Went through all the systems and tested everything out. The unit has a handful of small cosmetic issues, but it 100% functional with exception to the bath fan electric cover. Owner has parts coming in this week to replace it. Roof in good shape including all sealant. No signs of water intrusion in the coach.

After yesterday I have a few questions.

1. Owner says he drives with exhaust brake on 90% of the time. I tried the exhaust brake during test drive. Worked fine but I couldn't wrap my head around why you would drive with it on in town???

2. Owner says he keeps his black tank full of water when not in use to minimize smells etc. Anyone do that?

3. Owner is owner number 2. Owner number 1 told him not to use the slide locks, particularly when slides are in. Guy told him they are probe to failure. Any input on this?

Thanks for your input