Class B-Plus Motorhome Is Now Mine!

[toupalumma]

I am now the proud owner of a 1988 Class B-Plus motorhome. It's a Ford E-250 Econoline van converted to a RV at the factory. It has a clean title, a clean carfax history, and 51,000 miles.<br><br>The engine runs as smooth as butter and there is no evidence of any leaks. The interior looks like it has hardly been used at all. I got it from a used car dealer for $3900 and have spent another $1500 on inspection, license and registration, insurance, new fuel injectors, and gas tank flush out.<br><br>There is something wrong with the electrical system, in that something is draining the starting battery down to nothing overnight, even with everything turned off. My mechanic installed a manual disconnector for the starting battery that I have to use after I turn the engine off and again before I start the engine. At least that keeps the battery from going flat every night. My mechanic is not a RV mechanic, but he is a very honest and dependable car/van/truck mechanic. He doesn't know enough about RV electrical systems, though, to be able to figure out the electrical problem.<br><br>I haven't moved into the RV fulltime, yet, but I plan to do so within the next six months. I don't believe I will really need to use all the amenities, as long as the vehicle itself runs.<br><br>Here are my thoughts. I would greatly appreciate any feedback you all can offer me.<br><br>I can and have slept in unheated tents and RV's. So, as long as I am not staying in very cold areas, I can get along without a heater for a while.<br><br>I can and have lived in places that had no air conditioning. So, as long as I'm not living in very hot places, I can get along without an air conditioner for a while.<br><br>I can and have lived in tents and RVs that have no plumbing, so I can even get along without using the RV toilet and shower, if I have to.<br><br>Until I can afford to pay a trained RV mechanic to fix my electrical problem, I should still be able to live in my RV, as is. <br><br>What do you all think?<br><br><br>

 

[mockturtle]

<span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><font size="7">CONGRATULATIONS!! <img src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"></font></span><br></span><br>

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;Does it have a propane furnace and, if so, is it forced air and are you using it? Does it have dual batteries , one for starting and the other a house one? ..Willy.<br>

 

[stude53]

<p style="margin: 0px;">Well Done, Toupalumma <img border="0" align="absmiddle" src="/images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif"></p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Sounds like you are off to a great start. Keep us posted on progress, and we love pictures!</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Bob</p>

 

[Ricekila]

<br><br>Photo's

<br>

 

[toupalumma]

It does have a propane furnace. It's a combination heater and air conditioner in the ceiling. I haven't used anything yet. So far it's sitting in the driveway of my sister's home, which is about 20 minutes away. It does have a house battery, but it was totally dead, so my mechanic threw it away. I will post pics as soon as I can get some taken.

 

[Seraphim]

Battery discharge: if there's a furnace, check to see if the thermostat is turned on. Took me a few days to figure out why my battery died. Even the propane was not turned on, the fan for the furnace kept turning on. Killed the battery

 

[Seraphim]

Battery discharge: if there's a furnace, check to see if the thermostat is turned on. Took me a few days to figure out why my battery died. Even the propane was not turned on, the fan for the furnace kept turning on. Killed the battery

 

[toupalumma]

Good advice, Seraphim. I will try that.

 

[Seraphim]

Cooler temps: we put foam pads on the couch, an open sleeping bag, then a sheet, blanket and quilt as needed. Occasionally, another sleeping bag on top.

 

[Les H]

Cool, glad to hear it, can't wait to see it!

 

[VJG1977]

<p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-family:Arial"><font size="4">Congratulations!!!&nbsp;</font> Do not slow down I’m 4 years behind you.</span></p> <span style="font-family: Arial; ">You might try pulling all the fuses and jumping across the fuse holders with an amp meter.&nbsp; See which circuit have a load on it.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>

 

[toupalumma]

Thanks VJG1977. Good idea. I'll try that, too.

 

[owl]

<P>&nbsp;&nbsp; That is sooo cool!! I'm excited for you!! This is fun for us too, so keep us posted.</P>

 

[yesican]

<p>Congrats.&nbsp; How exciting that you are getting close to the next phase in your life. RR</p>

 

[blars]

One thing that was putting a drain on my battery was an old (and therefore useless) carbon monoxide detector.&nbsp; It was wired to both batteries before the shutoffs so when the house battery was out it drained the starting battery.&nbsp; Carbon monoxide detectors last 5-7 years, and this one was 15.<br><br><br>

 

[toupalumma]

Thanks, blars. That will be one more thing I check out. <br>

 

[toupalumma]

I have pics to share. Where is the best place to share them? In a post or is there a subfolder just for pics in this forum?<br>

 

[toupalumma]

OK. I read the instructions. Here are my pics.<br>

 

[Ricekila]

Very nice ----

<br><br>I want one

<br>