RV Wiki

[JamesW-WO]

Hello folks,

When I started researching to buy my first motorhome I found quite a bit of good advice from these forums.  After becoming an owner, this is the first place I look for solutions when something breaks or I can't seem to work something out.  However, one thing I didn't find was a central repository for technical information on my specific rig. 

I mean, I followed the links and found the diagrams and schematics from Winnebago and downloaded those.  I looked up the Workhorse Chassis data and found their diagrams and manuals ... and downloaded those.  Owners manual.  Service manual.  Plumbing diagrams.  Electrical diagrams.  Parts numbers, parts catalogs ...

I am sure most people that buy used or don't get all of the supporting documentation go through the same thing.  It's not that big a deal, but it is kind of spread out all over the place and finding a single, cohesive, organized location that has all of the technical data I would like to have at my disposal for my motorhome just didn't seem to be out there. 

That's when I decided to start my own "RV Wiki" - mostly for myself (it's kind of a hobby), but with some thought that, at some point if I got up the nerve - I might show you guys what I'm up to and see what you thought about it. 

I've started a basic framework and done some pages and work on the motorhomes that I have personally owned. 

I don't intend to add any advice, diagnostic information, repair suggestions, or anything that would impinge upon the invaluable information that is already here on these forums:  That would be repetitive and also rude (on my part).  My hope is that this may be useful as a kind of index of purely technical details.  Bulb base types, part numbers, manufacturer model numbers, that sort of thing. 

Anyway - long intro there.  With a small amount of fear and trepidation, here's a sample page:  http://www.rvwiki.org/index.php?title=2008_Winnebago_Sightseer_35J

Let me know what you think.

 

[grashley]

Very interesting page!  Lots of good information.  However, it would be a tremendous amount of work to add most common models!

FWIW, when we got our FW - used - it had a bag with all the original paperwork.  It included a basically worthless owner manual that seemed more applicable to TT than FW, with no specs or wiring diagrams or plumbing diagrams, and separate, individual manuals for the stove, microwave, fridge, water heater, furnace, sleep number bed, LR TV, BR TV, stereo/CD/DVD player, etc.  Some of the tech manuals referenced on this forum are better than the ones in my bag.

 

[captsteve1]

Some manufacturers are better than others in this respect but with my last coach i called them and nearly instantly had an email with the specific print i needed.

 

[Arch Hoagland]

Looks pretty good! 

I'm sure it will help people that are looking at that RV or own one. 

Kudos for helping out other people.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

If a whole bunch of people shared the data they have, it could be very useful. However, from what I see here, many owners have little or no idea of what they have, let alone the depth of details that James has.  Even some of the manufacturer websites lack that much data on current models.  The whole RV industry seems to have dumbed down there advertising.  Not sure if it is because customers care less, or they simply want to avoid details that may change often during production runs.

 

[JamesW-WO]

If a whole bunch of people shared the data they have, it could be very useful.

That's my hope. 

Thanks for the positive feedback folks.  I'm pretty comfortable plunking along with the Class As, but I'm not sure about venturing outside the class. 

 

[Chakara]

  I think this is a good idea.  A few more niche markets (Airstream, Casita) have similar repositories but only for their units and not as well organized.  Opening it up to let people contribute while maintaining data quality is the biggest challenge.....

  Good Luck!
-Chak

 

[JamesW-WO]

  I think this is a good idea.  A few more niche markets (Airstream, Casita) have similar repositories but only for their units and not as well organized.  Opening it up to let people contribute while maintaining data quality is the biggest challenge.....

  Good Luck!
-Chak

Thanks very much - I'll do my best with editing and organizing assuming I get any interest in contributing.

 

[Gizmo100]

"they simply want to avoid details that may change often during production runs."

I think you hit it on the head. I saw this in the automotive industry. We provide parts to Nissan, Ford and Honda, Never had a problem with design changes. If they changed something it would be for a new year model. And they paid for and used all the old design parts.

Hyundai and Kia will make changes weekly and if your parts don't fit.....AHHH To Bad...so Sad..