RE: Costs of Class A "Non-Use"
Thank you for all the responses. To clarify, my question relates primary to "mechanical" concerns (both "chassis" and otherwise)- as opposed to the "economics" of buying a six figure Class A and only using it about 6 times a year. (Having owned a travel trailer and fully enoyed the lifestyle, I'm convinced its "worth it").
However, our experience with our tow vehicle - and the various "mechanical" issues that have arisen due to limited use have raised the question... "will I being paying thousands ($) to "repair" rusting/corroding chassis (including engine) components due to "under-utilization"... like I'm incurring with my tow vehicle. And if so, what are the appropriate "preventativge measures" to avoid these problems.
Thanks to those who already addressed those specific issues - and I would greatly appreciated hearing additional input regarding this issue.
Thanks very much.
Costs of Class A "Non-Use"
Our family is seriously considerng "stepping up" from our travel trailer/tow vehicle combination (see signature) to a Class A (Specifically an Itasca Suonva 35J). However, we were recently reminded of the "costs" of "underutilizing" our tow vehicle... i.e. rusted/corroded brake components, dead batteries, etc.
I believe the solution to THAT problem is simply use the truck more often (In the end, I think we're "paying more" for NOT using the tow vehicle often than the differential in gasoline costs to use it "daily"). However, I'm very concerned that we may end up in the same position by buying a class A which - realistically - we would only use about 6 times a year.
I would greatly appreciate any first hand experience/prespective on the "costs" of infrequent Class A use. While we're excited about "stepping up" to the A, I'm concerned about the potential downside of "infrequent" use.
BTW - we live in central NJ, so the unit will see summer temps in high 90's and winter temps as low as teens or single digits with snow. Unit would NOT be garaged, but covered with ADCO-type cover - stored on "stone" driveway.
As always, thanks in advance for your guidance.
2008 Ford F53 20,500# vs 22,000# Chassis
Our family is in the market for a 2009 Itasca Sunova 35J built on the Ford F53 chassis. Our preferred dealer has located an "early" 2009 model that has most of the options we want (loaded!) - BUT - its built on the 20,500# version of the F53 chassis (2008 35J RV model year built on 2008 chassis) versus the 22,000# version. Apparently, Winnebago switched to the "heavier duty" chassis for the 35J during the model year (2008 35Js were on the 20,500# chassis).
Both chassis report a 26,000 GCWR - but the 22,000# chassis is reported to have a rear axel GAWR of 14,500# versus 13,500# on the 20,500 version (see http://www.winnebagoind.com/products/itasca/2009/sunova/specs.php for more on chassis specs.
Note - I also beleive the 20,500# chassis uses 19.5" tires - the 22,000# chassis may use 22.5" tires (see https://www.fleet.ford.com/TRUCKBBAS/non-html/2008/vs_pdf/fseriessd_08mhc.pdf for what I think are the specs on the 2008 F53 chassis supporting the 2009 Sunova 35Js)
If we don't go with this unit, its likely that we will be waiting for the 2010s and order a unit when available (which is fine - we're in no rush). Does anyone have any experience or thoughts about the adbantages/disadvantages of the 20,500# versus 22,000# Ford F53 chassis? In the end, should we care about the 1,500# differential in GVWR and/or tire size? FYI - we eventually expect to flat tow a 2,500# - 3,500# toad.
Thanks again to everyone - greatly appreciate the guidance.
RE: Moisture in New Itasca "StoreMore" Exterior Compartments
My Sightseer was in for service many times for the same problem. The rubber grommet on top of the compartment is allowing rain water to leak in. Be sure to check for wet carpet inside the motorhome because the slide seal also could be a problem.
Cap
Cap:
We're you eventually able to resolve the issue to your satisfaction? Any noteworthy damage or linger concerns about the water "intruding"? Also, that issue aside, how do you like your Sightseer? Would you recommend?
Moisture in New Itasca "StoreMore" Exterior Compartments
To all:
We are about to "move up" from our travel trailer to a Class A - specifically, a 2009 Itasca Sunova/Winnebago Sightseer 35J. Right floorplan - right price - LOVE the model.
There is a unit on the dealer's lot which appears to have most of the upgrades/options we're looking for. However, in giving the unit a careful "once over" this past weekend (which has been "on the lot" for several months), we noticed a substantial amount of moisture/water "clinging" to the top, inside surface of the exterior storage compartments. Additionally, the carpet lining the lower, interior surface seemed slighly damp (not "puddles" - just damp - as if some of the condensation has dripped down).
The specific compartments that had this moisture are those that Winnebago refers to as the "StoreMore" compartments that are below the street side slide (couch/dinette) of the 35J.
By virtue of the water being hundreds of adjacent "droplets" clinging to that surface, we guess that the water represents condensation of some kind of another. (Note - there were not obvious signs of leakage from the outside)
Recently, we've had an unusual early spring "hot spell" where exterior temperatures rose to 90-95 degrees for a few days. After that spell, the exterior temperature dropped back down to the typical 60 degrees daytime, 40-50 degrees nightime. The side of the unit whose compartments exhibit this moisture face the sun (in the dealer's lot) for much of the day.
So here's the question... is "accumulating moisture" in exterior compartments a "common" or "occasionally known" issue in Class A's (or, at least, perhaps in this "StoreMore" configuration attached to lower, inside surface of the slide). Or could the "condensation" indicate a potential leak that may have allowed water into the compartment that is now "evaporating" and the "condensing" onto the upper interior surface of the storage compartments?
For what its worth, I've never had this kind of issue in my trailer, but in that case, the storage compartments where never located under - and moved with - the slide. Also, the 35J's other "exterior" compartments of the unit were dry as a bone.
As a final note, another similar unit (31E) was located right next to the 35J and its "StoreMore" compartments were beginning to exhibit some moisture on that same, top interior surface of its compartments -but in much less quantity.
Any thoughts from all you wonderful Class A'ers out there - particularly if you've had experience with the Winnebago Sightseer/Itasca Sunova 35J model?
Thanks very much.
