Just Picked up a 1996 Roadtrek 190 Versatile , any tips or things to look out for on these?

[Merlin TC]

Well I just picked up a super clean 1996 Roadtrek 190 Versatile.
drove from lake Placid Florida to Greencove springs Florida to get it. it made it home fine, but seemed to be all over the road at high speed. so I am thinking it may need a steering stabilizer. also it seems to be sagging in the rear. so any suggestions like heavier shocks or improvements. the shocks seemed kind of spongy and bouncy. so looking for recommendations on a good brand of shock. this is the Dodge D3500 chassise with a 318 engine. and just like the Clarion I picked up the generator is doing the same thing, it starts and runs until you let off the start button. so I am thinking this is a common issue with these Onan generators.

 

[Rene T]

Nice looking for a 96.

 

[Merlin TC]

Nice looking for a 96.

Thanks, they just had it repainted a year ago, one reason I bought it, is it matches the paint layout of a Hovercraft I just bought in the U.K., it's going to look great towing the Hovercraft to the lake.
the interior of this Roadtrek is spotless. I really lucked out on it. even has 5 new tires.

 

[bigbAZ]

Before you add anything non-factory as a Band Aid get the factory suspension back to snuff, that might be all it needs. Also make sure the tires are all the same and all aired properly for the load. If the mileage is high it may need a steering box, Red Head and Blue Top both build and sell steering boxes which are a much better option than a box store replacement.

 

[Merlin TC]

Before you add anything non-factory as a Band Aid get the factory suspension back to snuff, that might be all it needs. Also make sure the tires are all the same and all aired properly for the load. If the mileage is high it may need a steering box, Red Head and Blue Top both build and sell steering boxes which are a much better option than a box store replacement.

yeah it has 157,000 miles on it. it probably could use a steering gear box. I just got it Saturday and got home with it yesterday, so today I am going to put it up on my ramps and check things over.

 

[TheBar]

I would check every other part of the steering/suspension/alignment before buying a new steering gear box. With the engine off if you have "play" ie: the front wheels don't immediately respond when the steering wheel is sightly turned you may need a new steering box. But more likely you have wear in the tie rod ends, ball joints, idler arm, A frame bushings, and shocks.

The road wander could also be caused by the rear end sag. After 29 years the springs are likely worn out. You can buy overload shocks with helper springs to compensate but the best cure is new springs.

 

[Merlin TC]

I would check every other part of the steering/suspension/alignment before buying a new steering gear box. With the engine off if you have "play" ie: the front wheels don't immediately respond when the steering wheel is sightly turned you may need a new steering box. But more likely you have wear in the tie rod ends, ball joints, idler arm, A frame bushings, and shocks.

The road wander could also be caused by the rear end sag. After 29 years the springs are likely worn out. You can buy overload shocks with helper springs to compensate but the best cure is new springs.

I agree new springs would be best.

 

[Laura & Charles]

Onan generators stop running when you let off the start button for a number of reasons. (eg.Not producing electric, low oil pressure, etc).
After it stops, press the "Stop" button three times quickly to initiate the fault code reading mode. The light will then blink a series of times with pauses, which represents a two-digit fault code. Count the blinks before and after the pause to determine the code. For example, light flashes two times then pause then flashes six times. Google Onan error code 26 and you’ll find “Engine Below Speed Target” (basically, not getting 60Hz output).
Engine dying when you let off the start button isn’t itself the issue.

 

[Jubilee]

Check rear wheel bearings.
Any play at all will make the van wander.
See if steering wheel turns slightly under acceleration
and turns again on de acceleration.
Usually the right rear is the culprit.
Those bearings are small and vans are usually over loaded

 

[ferfer]

Remove the generator from the coach fuel system by placing its' fuel line into an external gas container. Start the generator and if it continues to run suggest carburetor working. Next check if generator producing power.

 

[bill dane]

Had a 95 190 Versatile on a chevy , Added a leaf to the rear springs.

 

[CharlesinGA]

Older Dodge trucks and vans had really poor front suspension. Wore out real quick. With that kind of mileage on it, you can bet it need everything, bushings, ball joints, shocks, tie rods, etc. Steering gearbox is the last thing to worry about.

The B series was bad about rusting also. Makes me wonder if that new paint is covering bondo that is filling in the rust from being in Florida. Take a magnet to it, down low on the sides and around the wheel wells.

Charles

 

[Lou Schneider]

My first RV was a 1971 Explorer Class B from Florida on a Ford Econoline chassis. The upper body was in good shape but every body panel below the floor line and most of the frame was gone from rust. I used it for a couple of years then junked it when the rust caused one of the brake lines to rupture during a panic stop.

 

[CharlesinGA]

Whatever you do, stay away from the 2006 and earlier Sprinter vans (5 cyl diesel) unless they lived in a dry dessert environment all their life. Total rust buckets.

Charles

 

[nibroc]

good thread