Buying a 1998 american tradition 40tvs

[mccoydetlef]

Any help on what to expect comments please good bad erc

[tropical36]

RubyRV wrote:
One of the best coaches built in those years. I would have no concern over the engine size, its more the adequate for the coach. You cant choose a better engine then Cummins...

Ummmmmmmmm, now you got me wondering why I chose a CAT ... :E
You might want to ask Mr D, about his Cummins and/or read some of his posts.... Cummins ISX problems
Seriously, it all depends on the year, model and size for any brand engine, as they've all had their share of problems and quirks. Just some more than others and some that were more expensive to rectify and/or repair.

[mccoydetlef]

I got the motor home back been working on it it starting to look great ready for road in MAY THANK YOU ALL

[RubyRV]

One of the best coaches built in those years. I would have no concern over the engine size, its more the adequate for the coach. You cant choose a better engine then Cummins...

[mccoydetlef]

Brought the motorhome back from connecticut to virginia great trip smooth fast love it now cleaning it up to enjoy

[larry_cad]

FormerBoater wrote:

larry cad wrote:
Spartan has had problems with their speedos and it may have been replaced. Good luck with your quest.

BTW, I don't know when AC began using the "aluminum bottom" on their chassis, but it is worth checking out on this one to be sure. My 2000 has the typical tubular steel basement compartment structure. However, AC in their infinite wisdom covered the entire bottom with a sheet of aluminum. Unfortunately, aluminum doesn't play well with steel as it tends to corrode away and then road water gets inside the aluminum and rusts out the basement structure. This is a well known problem but again, I'm not sure if it applies to the 1998. Easy to check it out. Lay on the ground under the coach, look up and see if the covering is aluminum and if it has strips of corrosion which correspond to the steel tubes it is attached to.

The 98's did not have the aluminum bottom .

Thank you. Wasn't sure.

[FormerBoater]

larry cad wrote:
Spartan has had problems with their speedos and it may have been replaced. Good luck with your quest.

BTW, I don't know when AC began using the "aluminum bottom" on their chassis, but it is worth checking out on this one to be sure. My 2000 has the typical tubular steel basement compartment structure. However, AC in their infinite wisdom covered the entire bottom with a sheet of aluminum. Unfortunately, aluminum doesn't play well with steel as it tends to corrode away and then road water gets inside the aluminum and rusts out the basement structure. This is a well known problem but again, I'm not sure if it applies to the 1998. Easy to check it out. Lay on the ground under the coach, look up and see if the covering is aluminum and if it has strips of corrosion which correspond to the steel tubes it is attached to.

The 98's did not have the aluminum bottom .

[mccoydetlef]

Thanks for the info spartan said it was 8.3 with the vin waiting for the garage to call me back to verify

[larry_cad]

Spartan has had problems with their speedos and it may have been replaced. Good luck with your quest.

BTW, I don't know when AC began using the "aluminum bottom" on their chassis, but it is worth checking out on this one to be sure. My 2000 has the typical tubular steel basement compartment structure. However, AC in their infinite wisdom covered the entire bottom with a sheet of aluminum. Unfortunately, aluminum doesn't play well with steel as it tends to corrode away and then road water gets inside the aluminum and rusts out the basement structure. This is a well known problem but again, I'm not sure if it applies to the 1998. Easy to check it out. Lay on the ground under the coach, look up and see if the covering is aluminum and if it has strips of corrosion which correspond to the steel tubes it is attached to.

[mccoydetlef]

THANKS I am pulling my hair out to go ahead and get this motorhome but had it cked out by private garage needs work but all small stuff ask the garage to let me know what engine has not got back

[FormerBoater]

mccoydetlef wrote:
thank you i have not seen the motor home yet but that was from the vin The vin also says its a spratan/alpine now what the odometer says 64k but the fax ck says 145k two years ago any ideas

I would call Spartan on Monday with the VIN. They will be able to tell you exactly what engine was installed at their factory and I will be shocked if it was not the C8.3 engine.

Spartan built Mountain Master Chassis's for Alpine as well as many other builders so that is one possible explanation for the description. Again, Spartan will be able to tell you virtually anything once you supply them with the VIN.

Regarding the mileage, I do not have a clue, many states (including Florida) do not require the mileage to be noted on a title application for diesel powered vehicles....perhaps someone just put in a number but who knows.

[mccoydetlef]

thank you i have not seen the motor home yet but that was from the vin The vin also says its a spratan/alpine now what the odometer says 64k but the fax ck says 145k two years ago any ideas

[FormerBoater]

I cannot imagine why this 98 Tradition would have the small block Cummins.

All 98 Americans were C8.3 side radiator Cummins with Allison 3060 six speed transmissions.

The single slide VS versions have a GVWR of 31,000 pounds and the C8.3 has plenty of power and is truly bullet proof mechanical engine.

If an engine replacement was needed it must have been due to poor maintenance. If a small block 5.9 was selected as a replacement, that must have been due to a thin wallet.

Having said all of the above, it may be that the seller is simply mistaken.

If it indeed powered by the small block, you can find another American of that vintage. If it were me, I would look for an Eagle in order to have a fiberglass roof, pantograph cargo doors (a la Prevost or a tour bus) and the generator on a slide.

98's were the last year of the mechanical C8.3....and they are sweet to their owners!

[larry_cad]

The 5.9 is a very reliable Cummins engine, probably good for about 250000 to 500000 miles. It will also give you better fuel mileage than the 8.3. If you find it doesn't pull wheelies from the light like you expected, you can add Banks kits. Our first DP had a 5.9 and was totally ok. remember, the 1998 weighs less than the newer coaches, and doesn't have as much pollution equipment on it. One thing you could check is whether it is the "mechanical" or "electronic" version. Both are the same basic engine, the phrases refer to the type of fuel injection I believe.

[hotjag1]

mccoydetlef wrote:
ok need HELP QUICK the 1998 american tradition i plan to buy has a5.9 cummins really i thought all the american motorhomes had a 8,3 help should i buy it

As I said in my earlier post, my American Dream had an 8.3 Cummins with a side radiator. I personally would not want the 5.9 because it has a lower torque rating and possibly hp too. The 8.3 did okay power wise, but I wouldn't have wanted any less.

Does this 5.9 have a side radiator?