Come on you Streamers, the Wizard wants us to post in this forum, now that we have it.

Have you had a problem with the ride ? water ingestion, video cables, electrical system ??

We all have some comments and solutions ...

I would like to hear them all. Soooooo ..
Let's get posting !

after watching this forum for a few years and previously owned a tiffin and a winnebago and participated many times with numerous problems......but i have to say my tourmaster has become trouble free................have it at the dealer today but all we could find were maintenace items.......and i get it back in two days......life is good maybe thats why not a lot of verbage.............take a look at all the problems with winnebago.......... jim k

Ok, you asked for it.

Completed items since purchase in ’07:

I replaced the water pump (original) with a Whisper King since it was much quieter, didn't pulse and was a cheaper ($) alternative to a higher flow electronic unit.

Replaced the stove/oven thermocouple and valve since the thermocouple was broken off of the valve and no one could tell me how to fix it. I ended up finding an exact valve (used) at an RV surplus place for $10. It works great.(BTW, the "dealers" I contacted with the correct part number and the valve for visual verification managed to get me the wrong valve 5 times...)

I replaced all three original air bag leveling valves because they didn't level and were constantly leaking.

I replaced the driveshaft u-joints (Spicer = $130/ea. versus Neapco = $34/ea. ...both USA made, both same quality) since when I was under the rig greasing all zerks, I noticed that the u-joints and slip splined shaft took over 1-1/4 tubes of grease... and when I started to grease the slip spline and u-joints, clouds of dirt flew out...

I replaced some cabinet hinges and struts because they were breaking.

I had to foam/caulk all manner of floor penetrations to keep critters out.

I had to repair my water rally kit since it didn't work and was leaking.

I replaced both Valterra guillotine waste valves since they were cracked and leaking.

I have had to replace all of the operable locks/brackets etc. on my Carefree awning due to breakage/cracks.

I have greased every zerk fitting I could find.

I have replaced the original serpentine belt and ac fan belt since they were about to snap.

I had to re-wire the generator remote start and pre-heat switches from the generator to the dash since the logic board has a bad circuit and I can only imagine how expensive that part is.

I have had to re-rivet/foam/silicone some compartment frames since they are breaking/separating.

I had to replace the windshields and gasket due to cracks.

I had to replace the Pos-A-Lock door closer assembly since it was broken/missing.

Re-calibrate the VDO speedometer so it reads accurately.

Added a fan vent cover.



Pending Items:

Replace the chassis shocks since they are leaking.

Replace all batteries.

Clean and inspect the CAC and radiator cores properly which means cutting and modifying the shroud for access.

Service the Generac Diesel generator since I do not believe it has ever been done, as well as replace the flexible sections of fuel line due to deterioration and clean/straighten the generator radiator core fins.

Replace the passenger side entry door window gaskets due to shrinkage.

Replace the entry door gasket due to tearing.

Replace all compartment door gaskets due to tearing. BTW, these bulb-type gaskets are $5/foot.

Adjust all compartment door latches since they are moving causing the putty tape/dum-dum to smear on the coach.

Re-build some of the cabinet drawer boxes.

Replace all cabinet drawer slides with Accuride ball bearing full-extension slides

Service the transmission.

Service/replace the air filter.

Adjust the valves.

Check/adjust the service brakes and air dryer (if I can find it).

Primer and coat the rubber roof.

Replace the AC shrouds due to cracking.

Re-build the rally and water system “beauty” panels and supports.

Add missing/new compartment carpeted panels to “seal-off” the frame and wiring chases.

Build full extension pull-out compartment slides.

Polish/wax the darn thing.

I would like to change out/upgrade the rear vision camera and the interior seats/couches but that is waaaaay down on the list.

I need to make new dash bezels and may give them a cool surface treatment…but we will see.

As you can see I have done a lot with more still to come but I want to be able to use this thing for quite a while. A lot of the items were due to age or neglect. Others are to repair shoddy workmanship from GS. Overall I would rate GS’s workmanship fair at best. I still have some drooping overhead cabinet issues to resolve and their idea of wiring/cabling is a joke.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: quikduk,

Other than all of that stuff, I am happy with the coach. It was a very reasonable price, especially since I can do most of these items. I just need to save for the parts.

Ken

WOW!! Ask and you shall recieve.

That is quite an impressive list ! On the other hand the coach is 9 years old, and, you said that it apparantly lacked maintenance. Torn seals and latches reflect careless use most of the things you mention reflect age and wear.
"Drooping" cabinets and "loose things" happen due to the constant flexing of the coach structure and our highways. PA Turnpike for one.

It sounds like you are more than just "handy"
at maintaining your coach, and you want it to be first class. I get a lot af satisfaction and take pride in the way and improvements I've made to my 2004 SunVoyager. There is always a better idea or new product to try, I am a "new gadget man", or there has to be a better way.

You sound like your the same way ! Good Luck on your improvements and maintenance, and just remember how nice it feels when that "Puppy"
"PUURRRSS" down the road.

Best Regards, Clyde

We got our 2001 Yellowstone Country Club in April 2007. It had been sitting so the price reflected the fact that we were going to be doing some serious maintenance work. So far we have replaced the exhaust and radiator. The air bag valves were replaced and the ride was adjusted. Transmission was serviced as well. We are fortunate that our unit was built on a Spartan Chassis and they are only 30 minutes away for us. All of this work has been done by Spartan. They inspected the unit for us and gave us a list of what we needed to get done by priority. Next up is having brake pads replaced and having the satellite dish upgraded and the TV's switched out to LCD's.

Wimsey, welcome to iRV2.com. We are glad to have you join us here and look forward to reading of your adventures and experiences. I am sure you will enjoy the Gulf Stream forum.

We have a TourMaster T40B really no problem minor maintance I added a auto gen start and window awnings all around added some misc electric here and there. great coach

quote:

Come on you Streamers, the Wizard wants us to post in this forum, now that we have it.

Have you had a problem with the ride ? water ingestion, video cables, electrical system ??

We all have some comments and solutions ...

I would like to hear them all. Soooooo ..
Let's get posting !

I think it is interesting that several people on this forum want to see issues and others want to not see issues.

Recently I shared my problems with a fellow Gulf Streamer and said I was afraid to post my problems here for fear of sounding like a complainer. But, I might reconsider this if someone else can learn from my problems.

Unfortunately there are currently about 50 issues I've documented. Let me make it clear, I have owned tents, camper shells, campers, class-c, and 3 class a motor homes.We still like the Gulf Stream in-spite of all the issues, and given the proper floor plan, price etc.. would buy from them again.

Here are my list of problems:

2004 Gulf Stream 8379MGX Problems


Purchased: 12/20/2003
Delivery: 12/26/2003

OWNER FIXED ITEMS

1. Mini-blind over sink in kitchen reversed: Turned mini-blind around.

2. TV antenna crank fell apart first use: Put back together and tightened screws.

3. Holes in the bathroom threshold floor entry next to the carpet. Appears a threshold plate was installed, removed and is missing: (Installed new door threshold)

4. No shower channel installed so water runs onto the floor when door is opened: (Owner temporarily fixed, need permanent channel)

5. Screen door won't close all the way because the magnetic sensor is installed incorrectly: Re-installed magnetic sensor correctly.

6. 4 of the 9 atrium slide-out cover mounting bracket #6 screws broke and the entire cover was hanging down on one side: Removed sheared screws, replaced with stainless.

7. Fresh water indicator reads intermittently sometimes empty, sometimes normal: (Dealer checked couldn't find any problem) Tested connections, adjusted monitor sensor.

8. At the Tampa RV show this week, we saw another 8379 and the finish on the dining room table and hand rail at entry is a high gloss, ours is dull and was already scratched. The Gulf Stream Rep said the high gloss is the 2004 finish. Ours is a 2004. Did we get a leftover 2003? (Yes, but we'll live with the dull finish.)

9. Engine loud knocking sounds when first started: Engine fan hitting the lower fan shroud. Pulled the shroud down and secured with a small screw through the shroud and base of the radiator mounting bracket.

10. Converter doesn't seem to be charging the house batteries when connected to shore power. Shows full charge while connected, but drops after disconnecting from shore power. Charges OK while running the engine:
Storage bay light switch may have been left on. Need an indicator that these lights may be on!

11. Sub-Woofer speaker not working because no wire was run from stereo system to the speaker. Wire was hanging down loose under the atrium slide, never connected: Routed and connected new wiring to sub-woofer.

12. Hubcap covers creak and make clunking noise under stress of the wheel turning slowly: Installed flat washers under the hubcap tightening bolts to space the hubcap away from the wheel to prevent stressing.

DEALER FIXED ITEMS

13. Screen door still not closing correctly. Difficult to open main door:

14. Screws on main door gas arm keep coming loose:

15. Missing slide lock for living room: Provided by Gulf Stream Corp.

16. Mounting bolt under atrium slide-out stripped and left hanging with nut partially on:

17. Loose large 2" flat washer appeared on the carpet after living room slide-out was moved out: (Dealer said it was an extra from under the slide)

18. One large #8 bracket mounting screw still broken on atrium slide cover:

19. Cupboards above both driver and passenger side windows do not hold open or closed properly:

20. Passenger window channel has water in it after the rainstorm. Caulking missing on cap seam above passenger side:

21. Bathroom door and sliding hallway door are oak finish. We have the maple upgrade. Why don't they match? (That's the way they are per Dealer)

22. Bathroom door binds at the top:

23. 4 of the atrium windows won't close and lock on the right side: Dealer adjusted windows.

24. One of the atrium windows binds on the facing frame lip and is difficult to close or open:

FACTORY ITEMS TO BE ADDRESSED

25. Missing slide documentation (Gulf Stream to provide): Documentation provided by Gulf Stream

26. Missing Voyager rear-vision monitor sun screen:
No sun Screen available

27. Missing cover from snap under passenger's side work station:
Snap Provided by Gulf Stream

28. Leak above the passenger's side during rainstorm caused puddle on the dashboard and workstation, ruining the wood cover. Cover must be replaced:
Cover replaced by Gulf Stream

29. Driver and passenger's windows and screens rattle so much at highway speed 50 mph and up that you can't hear anything else. Double pane frames with single pane windows: Windows replaced with double pane by Gulf Stream

30. Coach wanders excessively when passed by trucks or going over grooves in the road, and porpoises when going over bumps:
Coach weighed on 2/18/04 (7180 lb. front axle / 14040 lb. rear
axle Total 21220 lb.) Turning Wheel performed wheel alignment adjusted toe-in. 4/9) (Turning Wheel replaced two front shocks with Monroe gas shocks 4/9)
Rear shocks replaced with Monroe gas shocks, Front-end caster adjusted by Turning Wheel

31. Coach has a vibration between 55 and 65 mph: (See item 30 above for possible fix, will determine on trip to Nappanee) See fix item 30

32. We were told that Workhorse implemented Bilstein shocks for 2004 chassis: Ours are still Monroe, confirmed by Workhorse Rep at Tampa show.
Rear shocks replaced too see item 30!

33. Kitchen slide binds on the power outlet to the left side. Wood panel on the side sticks out too far: (Owner temporarily attached and l-bracket to hold it in.) Gulf Stream agreed owner fix is good, no further action required.

34. Sink drain hose split and started leaking after only 1200 miles: (Owner temporarily fixed) Gulf Stream agreed owner fix is best, no further action required.

35. When we saw the 8379 at the Dealer the salesman said it was coming out with a new chassis with 2000lb more payload. Then his manager corrected him said no, the one on the lot has the larger chassis: No resolution! Owner purchased wrong chassis.

36. Storage area below left side of atrium collects water when it rains: Atrium corner drains internally to top of storage compartment: Will caulk from the back side of storage compartment using foam sealer and put gutters above atrium to divert water.

OTHER PROBLEMS SINCE PURCHASE:

37. TV antenna binds going up and down and turning:
Owner – Took antenna crank apart, straightened aluminum shaft, lubricated.

38. Dash Air blows hot air when not moving or at low speed:
Owner – Installed ball valve in heater – engine line.

39. Atrium slide not sealing when opened:
Owner – attempted adjustment per instructions provided by mfg. Not much help. Added weather stripping along top inside atrium.



40. Roof air conditioners blowers will not start after sitting several weeks:
Owner – Ongoing problem when sitting any length of time. Use a stick to poke up into shroud to start squirrel cage. Have broken two squirrel cages, now make sure fan isn’t on when poking stick up. Permanent fix is probably to replace start capacitors.

41. House and Coach Battery rack rusted:
Owner – Removed batteries cleaned up metal support brackets, installed plastic perforated board from Lowes into bottom to drain overflow. Next permanent fix will be to install battery boxes too.

42. Refrigerator not cooling properly:
Owner – Moved temperature sensor on back fins inside refer to the middle half of fins.

43. Refrigerator door seals not working:
Owner – Installed small weather-strips underneath seal to put more pressure against frame when closed. Also made sure latch at the top was working properly. Too much slop in the latch.

44. Two storage drawers sliding rails broken:
Owner – Replaced rails with heavy duty from Lowes.

45. Divider on kitchen counter by stove and couch comes loose:
Owner – Installed screw to hold mounting channel against wall.

46. Wallpaper trim comes loose in kitchen:
Owner – Re-glued wall paper trim.

47. Atrium windows squeaking:
Owner - To be fixed yet.

48. Fantastic Fan vent leaking caused stains on roof liner:
Owner – Resealed caulking around vent on the roof. Will attempt to clean ceiling liner with vinegar and water.

49. Gas detector near floor gone bad beeps constantly with no danger:
Owner – Replaced sensor. Common failure.

50. Generator dies while running down road less than 150 hr.:
Owner – Replaced fuel filter and air filter.

51. TV looses and squeaks:
Owner – Installed rubber insulators between TV frame and wood cabinet frame. Also made sure controls door not causing the problem.

52. Dash air compressor makes loud noise when accelerating:
Owner – Maybe a normal noise according to Workhorse forum but could also be a sign of compressor failure. Will watch.

53. Motorhome wriggles with tail wagging syndrome:
Owner – Installed DIY rear trac-bar. Yet to be fully tested on the road.

54. Windshield washer not working:
Owner – Took out tank, took motor apart, cleaned it and now works.

Sorry this is such a long list. If anyon has had similar problems or additional with good fixes, please let us all know.
Thanks,

Yikes!