I have a '96 Cruise Master on a Ford frame. GBM was an entry level coach line, but very well made prior to the purchase by Coachman (late 90's.) Cruise Master was the second from the top in the GBM line with only the Cruise Air being of higher quality.
We snowbird with our Cruise Master six months out of the year. It has served us well and has taken us to many places trouble free. If you keep reading this forum enough you will think you should have bought a newer/different rig. Trust me, your rig can do anything that is asked of it. Those that slam it mostly have hangar queens or just use their rigs for short drive weekends. Don't be afraid to use your Cruise Master based on what you read here, just get out there and make Kodak moments.
As far as your other questions, the front rubber roof to end cap connection seems to be a weak design. Make sure that is sealed well. I have HWH jacks on my Cruise Master. First thing I would check is the fuses to the control box. I would then put a meter on the motor to see if power is being delivered to it when requested. Shouldn't be that hard to pinpoint the trouble area.
