Buying a 1998 american tradition 40tvs

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.

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

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...

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

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.

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 .

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

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.

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

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.