New to us 2008 Winnebago Outlook 31C

Thanks for taking hte time to write that up. I am going to start a PDI document with a list of things to check. There is alot more going on than with my travel trailer.

Tell seller that you want to be sure the fridge is cooling properly in 110vac, propane and automatic modes so have rig connected to shore power overnight before your PDI. Have them check the house battery(s) and converter charger to make sure that the 12 volt DC system is working properly and house battery is good. During PDI turn all faucets and flush toilet to make sure that fresh water pump is working and shutting off properly. Have them start the RV generator and run the roof AC and microwave at the same time using the inside generator switch and tank fullness monitor panel. Find out if you have an automatic transfer switch when using the generator or if the shore power plug must be plugged into the side of the RV generator and have them demonstrate that. Have them demonstrate setup an takedown of awning.( Recommend you add a positive awning lock device to prevent awning from unfurling) Find out if your engine starting battery is kept charged when your rig is plugged into shore power, ( Many RV's don't have that feature).Make sure that all tires are less than 5 years old by date codes and do not have cracking of side walls. Of course take your time and test drive the rig listening for any strange tire or transmission noises or feel any handling or brake pulling or stopping problems. Don't sign the sales contract unless you get promises to fix, replace or upgrade things written onto the sales contract.

BigCanoe wrote:
Its on the 2007 chassis with the less "bold" grille.

There are "improvements" every model year. In 2008, when the appearance changed, the interior did too, but the BIG improvement was FAR better Front Disc Brakes.

Don't ever "Do a Brake Job" on an E-Series 2007 or earlier. Get a 2008 or newer setup from a company that converts E250/350/450 to 4x4 using F350 parts. You can buy new assemblies, taken off of vehicles being converted, for no more than Pads/Calipers/Rotors for yours. The 2008+ components are bigger throughout. Larger diameter, thicker rotors, Bigger, thicker pads, Bigger calipers. I got a whole front axle assembly with brakes and radius arms from Quigley in PA. There's U-Joint Offroadin Fletcher NC where Chris might be able to help you. And Northwest Quad Van in Portland OR, but shipping gets steep on heavy parts.

For others: Buying a take-off axle assembly is less expensive than doing a ball-joint/bushing job, too.

I got the whole front "kit" from a 2012 chassis, and the ride, steering and especially BRAKING of our 2002 are all greatly improved.

harley-dave wrote:
We added the 5 star tuner to change the engine tuning and shift pattern and very rarely do I have to disengage the OD myself. It handles the shifting much better on its own and I get a little better MPG too

Dave, is your transmission an "Overdrive" 4R100 or a "Five Speed" Torqshift? I'm interested in a Five-Star Tuner, mostly to get better transmission shifting, and haven't found anybody yet using one on a heavy E450 rig with Overdrive/4R100 like we have in our 2002 chassis. Everybody'd like More Power, Better Mileage is always nice, but that Shifting thing REALLY needs help!

To answer you original questions, I bought a extended warrenty once on one thing, all I got out of that was a bill for $2600, Onan manual is easy to get, search and download, the Ford manuals are a little harder.

Repair manuals are retail items but often older ones are available from eBay, sendmethedammaual.com and other places.

The Winnie manuals are available from them. I am not sure but I think that the original list of equipment on board is also available for late models. It is titled "MOTOR HOME COMPONENT INFORMATION". It includes the component name, manufacturer, model and serial number.

To request that sheet, you will need the Series Name, Model, Serial Number and VIN of your vehicle.

Congrats and have a grand time building memories. If you ever see a Adventurer with the following saying on the rear cap, "Not All Who Wander Are Lost", introduce yourself and say hello.

bsshelby wrote:
The only consistent issue I have experienced with the 31Cs is a coach door rattle. The dealer can usually adjust the door to stop the rattle, but it most often came back. This is easily cured by rapping two times around the latch post with electrical tape. When it starts to rattle again, take off the old tape and replace it with new.

Thanks for mentioning this, We have fought this rattle for years in our 31C. The front awning support rattles too and it makes it hard to tell which one is doing it. Probably both LOL! We love our 31C, its been great. We added the 5 star tuner to change the engine tuning and shift pattern and very rarely do I have to disengage the OD myself. It handles the shifting much better on its own and I get a little better MPG too. Be very careful of weight, our runs at MAX gross weight all the time and we load litely. We keep the air pressure at 80 in the duals, 78-79 for front and she drives well. Have fun, we'll wave!
Also, we took it to ford and had every fluid changed along with the serpentine belt.

Dave

Its on the 2007 chassis with the less "bold" grill :)

Good idea! I need to double check the generator to get the exact model and serial number. We haven't actually brought it home yet...

We did a tour and walkthrough and test drive yesterday. It just came in so it hadnt been fully serviced or thoroughly cleaned yet. We got a offer on our trade in and came to an agreed upon price, pending inspection. We feel really comfortable with this dealer, they are very local to us and have great reviews. They are on the smaller side and we dealt directly with one of the owners.

Congratulations! 31C is a model many of us LOVE!

Is your 2008 coach on a 2008 Chassis, the one with the massive grille, or a 2007 Chassis, with the smaller grille?

If you'll post Model and Spec of the Generator, might be able to find you a manual. I don't know if there are free OEM manuals for the Ford Chassis...

Congratulation on your new motorhome! I think you will enjoy it. I have had 4 31C winnebago products over the past 17 years and have never had a major problem that would have justified the purchase of an extended warranty. Also, the dealer telling you to allow half a day to go over your new RV, tells me you are at the right dealership! The only consistent issue I have experienced with the 31Cs is a coach door rattle. The dealer can usually adjust the door to stop the rattle, but it most often came back. This is easily cured by rapping two times around the latch post with electrical tape. When it starts to rattle again, take off the old tape and replace it with new. For me, it usually last for months. Send me a message if your have any particular questions. If I have knowledge in that area, I would be happy to help!
Drive Safe.

Thanks, good advice! We haven't actually picked it up yet, they have ordered a new awning so we have to wait on that. They said to reserve a half day for our PDI. We pointed out a few minor issues after our inspection today and they agreed to fix those. It also has a 90 day warranty. I will change out the fluids myself , that should be easy enough. The tires are from 2013 and look good including the spare. I did a test drive and visual inspection under the hood and chassis.

Any idea where I can get service manuals for the Ford v10 and the generator?