question - See 2/26/2018 update on page 2
Is there a Minnie Winnie forum? Or one for RVs with a Chevy 30? Do you know of any YouTube video channels for them, any info would be great. I assume a Chevy van for that year will be the same parts. Thanks in advance! UPDATE - I added everyone's ideas to this main post so I can print it out later.
We just got a 1985 20ft Minnie Winnie with 4000 miles from an auction. Let me know what you think I should check out. Details and my plan so far are below.
Options if you were wondering:
Generator, AC, rear door and bed, moving forward on the driver's side is sink cook top fridge (small shower/toilet combo) on passenger side pantry/closet, dinner table booth. UPDATE - Tires are from the 26th week of 2010, so I'm looking to replace those. The belts look brand new, I'm going to look at the numbers from all the pics I took of them tonight.
About the RV:
My friend is a dealer and got it for me at an auction. He doesn't feel like the 4000 miles is made up (rolled back). He is towing it to my house so that I can change the oil first. The owner drove it to the auction from Ruskin FL to Orlando. So I assume the gas was drained and new. I don't know what has been done to it. My friend says it starts and runs good. (update it runs great, crazy hu!)
My background:
I have experience with boats and understand the basics with batteries (series or parallel), pumps, plumbing, sinks, sewage and water tanks, portable generators only, window and home AC units, trucks and cars and used to be a contractor.
My friend is going to call the owner and see what maintenance they have done.
My plan of attack if not already done and or to verify done:
Engine/General driving etc:
Oil/filter change
Fuel filter location unknown (assuming in the engine bay if its an old Chevy.)
Check/change air filter (mold, dirt, brand new?)
Drain and replace fuel look for water in the fuel
New belts
Water pump?
Coolant change
Check coolant hoses for cracks
Check brake pads and any lines for cracks
After changing lines bleed and change brake fluid look for water
Check for fluid leaks
Squeaks / bad shocks or bushings w cracks
change rubber vacuum and fuel lines
Motor mounts
Check light bulbs
Battery shut off and electric outlet tester
wiper motor check, wipers (size and code?________________)
ceiling fan
inside lights
awning material
Does it have jack stands for when camping/parking? Are they working?
Plumbing:
Is there mold in the water tank?
Flush the system w bleach dilution method
add "sweet water" drops that I already have to the new water
Flush/wash sewage tank with homemade multidirectional wand.
Read somewhere to use Ice with cleaner to "scrub" it while you drive?
Read somewhere to use liquid fabric conditioner instead of the blue stuff, but I will see about biodegradable options
I have a lot of PEX pipe so maybe redo plumbing if it's the old grey tubing.
Check valves are working freely and plastic won't snap down the road
Check fuacets for leaks, water pump working?
Pump specs: amp______ psi______ gph_______ see if I have a back up pump
Are there shut off valves at the pump to switch out without leaking
Does it have a macerator pump or just a tank using gravity?
Does it have drainage hose
Generator:
drain fuel, change oil/filter, air filter, spark plugs, fuel filter, test it.
rebuild carb
Check if there is a 24v system w batteries like a large boat?
Is the generator diesel, hope it can run off the main tank which is not diesel.
Is there a volt meter to watch batteries.
Is there a house battery bank? How old? keep charge?
Roof:
Check for leaks and maintenance to see if it just sat and has any leaks, mold, cracks, lifting sealant, etc.
My friend didn't see any issues.
Cooktop:
Check lines for cracking /leaks
See if there is a tank
Is it propane and marine type alcohol stove, or just propane
New propane sensor? or does it have one?
New carbon monoxide sensor along with original if it's wired in
Fridge:
Is it propane and electric, or just electric?
Hot water heater:
See if it's rusted out with red water
Do RVs have instant hot water propane heaters now? A friend suggested getting a camping propane tankless water heater. But with those a 9v battery ignites the propane and the heater works when there is water flow sensed. I fear a spark inside a chamber with propane (even with a vented hatch) is a bad idea. Maybe I can add a loop somewhere outside that I can divert the water through the tankless heater, or make sure everyone knows to open the hatch before using it.
Tires look good, he said no dry rot -I'll look at the year
Friend put in a new battery
Future upgrades:
Jump starter for backup, and airing up tires
Rack on the roof, how much weight can go up there. what are height limits (how low do I have to keep things? for kayaks and paddle boards
Mount vinyl fence posts underneath, to hold the sewage drain lines/ etc
hanging closet shoe holder rack near entrance
Radio working? speakers ok?
Solar if we start to do off grid
Do we need reupholstering?
What else should I add to my list
Sorry for grammar this was posted from my phone originally
