OK CCC,
Hang on tight, here we GO......
I do not know how much of a technician you are, but it is time for you to learn. In the RV world there are people we know as POs (Previous Owners) and they can be good or bad. Until it yours is proven good (I think we already missed that boat) assume he was not so good. This can seen to cost you a lot but will save you a lot in the long run. Hoping you have this coach for a long run..
First things first - Get your hands on all the service documentation you can. Cost is not an issue here (if it is, back out now) some of these books will cost a lot. What you have is a truck (chassis) with a house (coach) dropped (almost literally)on it and it has been in a 12 year long earthquake. It may be either a Ford or a Chevy engine and that can be a clue to who made the chassis. When you find out, just hold your nose and buy the book.
The owners manual of most coaches is just a loose leaf that may have some specifics in it (or not) and the manuals for the installed appliances and equipment. Verify that what you got is what is there. If it is not, contact the manufacturer and try to get them. You will have to have the exact model numbers to do this.
Next and big on the list is the regular periodic maintenance. If you did not get legible service records and/or logs, then you can not count on anything having been done. Start your own maintenance record/log (I always call them logs because I am a waterman). It is easier if it is divided into logical sections. Include anything that cost more than 2$. In a very short time this will all be a blur.
So, get the maintenance caught up.
If the tires are original, they are shot regardless of appearance or tread depth. Go to
and find out how to read the date codes on the tires. On the rear duels, they will be inside, but you can often read them with a mirror on a stick and a flashlight. Write them in your log.
As nearly as I could tell, this is a front gas engine coach. That means that an oil change is just a big car type service. If you can't do it, find a light truck service place to do it for you. RV service places should be a last resort unless you have very good information as to one that is trust worthy.
Now, you have not indicated if you are much of a technician, but that can be fixed. You seem to be literate and probably have at least a mid-range IQ. That puts you ahead of many of the people that you might pay to do what is needed. And they don't care as much as you should. (Like with winterizing 🙂 ) If you do not have the tools you need, stop for just a moment. If you take the coach to any facility, you are going to pay >100$us/shop hour. This can add up fast. And very fast if the wrench you hired does not know this chassis and coach. So, if you need tools, just buy them and learn to do the minor and regular maintenance. Not only will this save you money, but if the job does not get done to your satisfaction (the water thing again), you can do it over at for no cash out of pocket cost. And, by knowing your coach this much better, you can head of problems before they are "real issues".
Lastly but not at all leastly....
Find type specific owners groups to join. They may be on IRV2, domains of their own or (heaven forbid) on Facebook. If you hit it right, you should be able to draw on a lot of experience that can keep you butt out of the fire.
There other groups too, like FMCA (Now called something else, but still there). They have a lot to offer and local and type chapters. Look at it all.
Now, when you get to traveling (private coach is the best way ever), keep a running log and take too many pictures. As I said, in just a few years this will all be a pleasant blur. (Honey, do you remember what year we were at Crazy Horse?)
Most of all, take the time to enjoy the journey.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie
A sailor, his bride and their black dogs (one dear dog is waiting for us at the bridge) going to see some dry places that have Geocaches in a coach made the year we married.
