OUR FIRST MOTORHOME

[k1ngdlm]

Hi everyone. Just got our first motorhome. It is a 2004 CLASS"C" Coachmen Santara 309KS. We love the layout. It fits good for the 2 of us & the dog (LUGNUT). We have been truckcamping for a long time and are looking forward to useing something a LOT larger. Everything works very well and the Ford V10 runs great. We keep the truckcamper and will also use it.

[fireman93514]

congrats on the new rig. We love our class C.

[WA7NDD]

My class c came with new tires and batteries. I had all the rest done last month. New hoses heater and cooling, serpentine belt, engine and radiator flushed, new thermostat, mass airflow sensor cleaned, new shocks I supplied, caster/camber sleeves for +5 caster, pinion seal replaced, new tie rod ends and drag-link, and rear-end cleaned and new oil. That came to 3k not including shocks and caster sleeves.
I installed a new three-stage converter, modern do everything radio, backup camera, and GPS. Break flush and hoses next. I am past laying on the road so it was worth it to me.

[noe-place]

Tires should be good to go. I just remembered something. Be sure to replace the inside coach alarms: smoke, LP and carbon monoxide. All three of mine went out at the same time because I had forgotten to replace them when the mfr. said to and they all started activating within a week of each other. Not because there was a problem but because all were worn out from age.

[k1ngdlm]

All fluids finished. All new tires were on it. 4 @ rear are dated 2012 and 2 front are dated 2013.

[noe-place]

Replace ALL fluids, belts, hoses, tires asap. It will be worth it in the long run since the RV is used. While doing these chores other safety/running issues may be found that require addressing. I'd rather pay up front than 500 miles away from home in the middle of the night. Happy trails...

[Harvey51]

No panic on the brake stuff - our 1992 van just got its first flush last summer. But I should have done it every decade anyway; it can get expensive if dirt gets stuck in the narrow passages.

Careful with the motorhome - it is so incredibly convenient you will be tempted to put it on cruise control and go back for a cup of tea! We love ours of the same age. We do more stopping than going because it is just so comfortable.

[wbwood]

Congrats! See you down the road!

[Capn_Dave]

Oh yea get the brake fluid flushed and changed. Brake fluid absorbs moisture like crazy. It is recommended to flush it every two to three years. I had all four calipers changed on my unit. the left front one was sticking and fried the rotor.

[Holiday27]

Bordercollie wrote:
If not done already: Have brake fluid flushed and replaced and brake system checked, have front brake flex lines replaced. Have all belts and hoses checked, replaced as needed. If tires are older than 5-6 years old per date codes on tires, replace regardless of appearance or tread depth. Check condition of house batteries and whether converter/charger is working. Check condition of starting battery.

Lower TV antenna before driving/leaving campsites. Take all your meds and pet vacinnation records.

Yikes! I didn't do any of that maintenance when I bought ours 2 years ago. I do have new tires and batteries though. Good tips, I'll be doing some work on ours as we are getting it this weekend for a mountain trip.

[Bordercollie]

If not done already: Have brake fluid flushed and replaced and brake system checked, have front brake flex lines replaced. Have all belts and hoses checked, replaced as needed. If tires are older than 5-6 years old per date codes on tires, replace regardless of appearance or tread depth. Check condition of house batteries and whether converter/charger is working. Check condition of starting battery.

Lower TV antenna before driving/leaving campsites. Take all your meds and pet vacinnation records.

[magnusfide]

Congratulations! We too went to a C but from a TT. Lost some room but gained in other ways such as speedy prep and go. No backing, hitching, wenching, etc. Its great! See you on the road.

[Fiverwheel]

Hey, congrats!
Show us a picture if you can. We all love to see them!

[Kit_Carson]

Welcome to RVng in Class C. I hope you will enjoy yours as much as we enjoy ours. We are leaving Friday morning for our first trip this year. Because of DW health we did not use it at all last year. Have fun, safe travels to your.

[tenbear]

Welcome to the wonderful Class C world. Be sure to ask on the forum if you have any Class C questions.