TDInewguy
Minneapolis, MN
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Joined: 02/15/2006
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Hey all! I'm looking still and wanted to get a few opinons and ask some questions about the RV. It's a 34V - so a 34' model...
It's got the Cummins 5.9L with the Allison MT643 (4-speed) trans. The seller states he is getting 9-10MPG towing a dodge caravan TOAD.
Are there any significant negatives with going with a 4-speed allison?
I like the thought of getting 10MPG - so I've been looking mostly at the coaches with the ISB engine, knowing it's not the most powerful engine choice, but it will still get me there and save quite a bit in the fuel budget.
The coach has 46,000 miles - with new tires and batteries - is there anything else to look out for as for maintenence or service on this thing?
It's got 2 roof A/C units - not the basement air - will I regret that?
It's got a LP 6.5KW generator - and the LP tank is 39 gallons - will I regret this?
It does have an exhaust brake - yay!
The Wheelbase is 228" for a 34' coach - so I should be pretty good there, right? 56%...
Do the air ride coaches still have regular shocks and suspension parts like swaybars and the like?
Thanks all!!
SSSStefan
2006 Chev 2500HD - Crew Cab D/A
2005 VW Passat TDI wagon - tow vehicle for the pup!
2005 Fleetwood Allegiance
The most important thing you will ever do - www.claybe.com
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trop-a-cal
Palm Coast Fl
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Joined: 09/24/2007
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It sounds good, make sure air ride works. Price about $45,000 ?
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TDInewguy
Minneapolis, MN
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I just got an e-mail back from the owner - he said he's probably willing to take $45K for it...
Anyone care to comment on things to watch out for or negatives??
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ottersea
Garfield, Ark
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Joined: 12/19/2004
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We have the Itasca version and love it. It will slow down on steep hills, 5/6% quite a bit but you just down shift. Have no problems with any hills on the interstates. We pull a 97 jimmy 2wd and get about 8.5 to 9 mpg. Best we ever got was 10.2 but that was without a toad. I only travel at 60 so don't know where he is getting the higher milage. It rides extremely well and has no problems with cross winds of semis. Thank goodness for the long wheelbase. We have no problems with the genny but then we do not boondock that much. From what I have seen it does not seem to use to much propane when it is running. If you can live with only one slide it is a good coach.
99 Itasca Suncruiser
Cummins ISB 5.9 275 Turbo Diesel
1997 GMC Jimmy
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bob_b
Souderton, PA
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Joined: 08/15/2003
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I have a '93 version of the same coach. The engine is not fast but will get up any hill eventually. The 4-speed Allison has a good reputation for reliability but it the torque converter doesn't lock up. This means that an exhaust brake can not be added without adding a BD converter (I'll assume that this has been done already). I've driven all over the country without any issues with Cummins or the Allison. I have obtained 10-11 mpg, but it depends on if I'm towing and how heavy my right foot is.
The LP generator has proved to be sufficient for our tailgating weekends. I diesel genset would be easier to get fuel for but the LP generator is easier to maintain.
The two roof airs cannot be operated at the same time on a 30-amp system unless A) you are running off of the generator, B) you have a power management system added or C) you have modified the system so a dedicated 20-amp cord is plugged in for rear roof unit. I have made the modification to add a second power cord for the rear air. One hot August day in Las Vegas convinced me.
* This post was
edited 03/25/08 05:47pm by bob_b *
'93 Itasca Suncrusier diesel towing a '97 Olds Cutlass.
Bob, Pam(DW), Bridget(DD), Christine(DD) and Snickers the stinky dog
See you at most of the Penn State tailgates
.JPG)
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TDInewguy
Minneapolis, MN
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It is the Itasca... sorry bout that..
It's got a 6.5KW LP genset and power managment, so will I be able to run both A/C's off that?
Do these things ever need brakes replaced?
The tranny DOES have a lockup Torque Converter - it's the MT643 - I have another thread going about that... And it does have the exhaust brake from the factory.
My style of camping will include boondocking, so getting an idea of the runtime with the LP - between the fridge, furnace, stove and genset will be important.
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Bumpyroad
Virginia
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Joined: 12/01/2005
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It's got 2 roof A/C units - not the basement air - will I regret that?
that's what I have on mine, no regrets here.
bumpy
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TDInewguy
Minneapolis, MN
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Anybody else have one of these puppies care to give their opinions?
I have been looking at several of these, and I've found 4 of the Winnebago's that I can get for the $40-45K range. One of them has a diesel generator, all the rest have LP generators.
I've read a little about the "53" block that has a tendency to crack...?
Does having the 19.5" tires vs. the 22.5" really make a big deal on a coach like this one?
From one of the guys I talked to he said the engine turns about 2200RPM's at 65MPH, so I know this is higher RPM's than the 6-speed coaches, but from most people I've heard this coach will get anywhere from 8-11mpg. I guess it depends on the speed I travel?
So here's the real kicker question - is there any better coach out there for the $40-45K price range than this one?
Here's what I like:
- diesel
- under 35' with a huge slide, so it will fit into state parks easily
- bathtub for the kids
- 80" queen bed (not the 74 or 75")
Here's what I don't like:
- lack of raised rail chassis
- 4-speed vs. 6-speed
- "older" looking coach style (vs. many of the 2000 models)
Thanks!!
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TDInewguy
Minneapolis, MN
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Joined: 02/15/2006
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So here's the real kicker question - is there any better coach out there for the $40-45K price range than this one?
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craigandsue
Houston, TX
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Joined: 09/03/2003
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My inlaws bought the same year and model new in 1999. They had it a few years and rarely used it until in 2004 they bought another class A and let us use the 99 Itasca for over a year. The motorhome performed flawless for us with only normal maintenance. The inlaws sold the motorhome to my parents who used it for three years with zero issues. My parents reluctantly sold the motorhome to a couple from Minnesota. Who knows, it may be the same motorhome.
Craig, Sue, 2 boys
06 F350 DRW Diesel, 04 Cedar Creek 362BBS, 05 Alpenlite 1150 Santa Fe
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