Putting E-350 back on the road.

[Got Grass]

Hey guys, posting this in the Ford foum becaue well it's a Ford...

My father left me with a motorhome.
It's a 1988, E-350, 7.5ltr V-8 (460), built on a cutaway chasis.
Ya know PITA engine compartment...

For the majority of it's life it has been parked at a long term campground. Only has 35-40K+ miles on it. Last year we had it inspected and it passed so odviously it runs (who knows how far).

This spring I would like to get it ready for some road trips, Camping, SIMA events, etc...

What are some of the things I sould check and possibly replace/change to get this thing rolling again? Common sence type things and the less odvious I may over look. Both mechanicaly (wouldnt want to break down) and ride quality (everything getting trown arround)... Specific to this model or general to a vehical that hasnt been driven in quite some time..

Any help would be great....
:waving

[Fordhipo]

First I would change all the fluids... oil, trans fluid, rear end dope, brake fluid, coolant. I would change all the belts and hoses... heater hoses, rad hoses, fan belts. Check all the rubber hoses for the brakes two in the front one in the back. Pull the tires and inspect the brakes... check the pads and shoes for cracking, check the grease seals, check for rust ridge build up on the rotors and drums, check the seals on the calipers and wheel cylinders. Check the exhaust for leaks and rusted (soft) sections of pipe.
Check the roof, around all edges for craked caulk and around all windows.
Plus if I was going to run it I would do a complete tune up... plugs, wires, cap, rotor, air filter, fuel filter, pcv the whole nine yards just to be sure and not have to worry about anything.

[EZSnow]

nuts to the rubber brake lines- I'd go after the steel lines! That was my first thought on a vehicle that sits for extended periods. if there was any condendsation in one of the brake lines, it has has LOTS of time to sit in one place and work on that line from the inside out.
Blown brake line+downhill-gaining-speed RV= unpleasant road trip.
I'd want to make sure everything is in good working order, but you gotta stop it no matter what else happens. RVs get HOT, as everything works harder, so I'd check/ upgrade the cooling system for the engine, oil and trans- you just can't run that stuff too cool in the summer. Don't forget to check the tires for cracking/ dry rot. Good Luck- RV road trips are a BLAST!!

[Pelican]

What are some of the things I should check

Your bank account!!:cash :wink

I had a 460 powered F-350 dump, wouldn't get over 6 mpg no matter what. The camper will be thirsty, big motor, heavy and huge wind resistance.

The guys covered most of everything, but make sure you check anything rubber or plastic for dry rot, including the plumbing system and propane lines..

You might want to look camper heater too for safety's sake, make sure no critters have made a nest that might catch fire.

Good luck!

Note to Dino: First line is made in the spirit of fun

[Got Grass]

LoL Yeah, gas, gas, gas... I know it used to get a little bit more then 6mpg...

Everything on the motorhome side of it is in good shape. My family stays out there all the time in the warmer months. They would too in the winter except for the fact they don't plow the roads, kill the 110power, water, etc...
Campground is only 15-20min away...
Furnace is in good shape.


3yrs ago my father took it all over down south to FL, TX, AZ. for a couple months. Got new tires, exaust & a bunch of other junk then.
Heck we put in a new fridge/freezer last yr.
So I know it's not in that bad of shape...
Matress has gotta go, so I gotta get a custom one made...

Before I do anything I'll check out the brakes.
Fluids & such I'll do when I get it in my drive...

[Got Grass]

Picked up the motorhome thurs morning.

So far this is where I stand:::

Belts are all in perfect condition, Hoses are all in good shape, Break lines seem to be solid. Rotors were rusted and will need to be replaced (drums too) but the system works well & I was able to stop... lol Pads too...
ALL fluids will be changed & complete lubejob...
Will check all bushings & berings.
Shocks may end up being replaced.
Exhaust is in decent shape, no leaks.
Tires are in good shape, no bulges.
PVC, cap, rotor replaced. Air & breather on hold.
Birds nests have been cleaned out of various areas.
Wires & plugs are impossible w/o droping the engine out it seems, so who knows what I will do with that...
Heat/AC blower motor is in bad shape will be replaced. Only works on High so resistors will be replaced (if I can locate them).
Fule gauge needle does not move at all. Hopefully a fuse or something simple & not the sending unit...
Roof Will eventually get new coat of sealer. One roof vent flew off & missed following car...
Some poor seals but nothing that some liquid nails & silicone sealer wont fix...

Now, the hard part finding a good, inexpensive (haha), trustworthy shop for what I cant do myself, inspect & fully check out everything...

:burnout