Jumped into a Class A Yesterday!
Hi all... after a LONG time and many changes to what we wanted we opted for an "older" Class A. We bought a 2004 Winnebago Journey wkp39k. It has the Cat C7 330HP diesel Pusher with only 47K miles o...
Forum Discussion
First, congratulations. We owned a 2002 36' Journey DL with the 3126E 330 CAT for 8 years and it was a great motorhome.
Good advice already given regarding the roof to sidewall seam. Also agree (unless you have records from dealer or otherwise) with changing out all fluids, filters and don't forget to service the air dryer. Many folks just ignore them. Keeping the rear cooling pack clean is also a must since the CAT likes to suck stuff off the road, pass it over the oily engine and push it thru the radiator/charge air cooler.
Now, not to disagree with those who claim they got 8 - 9 mpg, I think they must have always had a tail wind :-). That little CAT will work to move a 39' coach, depending on what you take along and what you tow, and expecting great fuel mileage is a pipe dream. Over the 8 years we owned the 36' Journey towing Ford Explorers and then a Honda CRV, we averaged 7.5 mpg. If you travel flat lands all the time you might do better but when you climb hills and mountains, the CAT is going to work.
Finally, regarding wander, check tire pressures and see if they are right for the front axle weight. Get on a scale and see what you weigh loaded for travel. Using the tire manufacturer's load/inflation chart, adjust air pressure accordingly. If I ran my front tires on the Journey at 120 psi, the coach tended to wander. When I adjusted them to 105 based on my actual axle weight, it drove much better. Once you have determined there are no other issues with the front end (something worn, something loose, poor alignment, etc.), you might consider installing a Safe T Steer steering stabilizer.
Good advice already given regarding the roof to sidewall seam. Also agree (unless you have records from dealer or otherwise) with changing out all fluids, filters and don't forget to service the air dryer. Many folks just ignore them. Keeping the rear cooling pack clean is also a must since the CAT likes to suck stuff off the road, pass it over the oily engine and push it thru the radiator/charge air cooler.
Now, not to disagree with those who claim they got 8 - 9 mpg, I think they must have always had a tail wind :-). That little CAT will work to move a 39' coach, depending on what you take along and what you tow, and expecting great fuel mileage is a pipe dream. Over the 8 years we owned the 36' Journey towing Ford Explorers and then a Honda CRV, we averaged 7.5 mpg. If you travel flat lands all the time you might do better but when you climb hills and mountains, the CAT is going to work.
Finally, regarding wander, check tire pressures and see if they are right for the front axle weight. Get on a scale and see what you weigh loaded for travel. Using the tire manufacturer's load/inflation chart, adjust air pressure accordingly. If I ran my front tires on the Journey at 120 psi, the coach tended to wander. When I adjusted them to 105 based on my actual axle weight, it drove much better. Once you have determined there are no other issues with the front end (something worn, something loose, poor alignment, etc.), you might consider installing a Safe T Steer steering stabilizer.
