FliegerinSB

Read through old posts (2015) inquiring about a 1986 Sun-Land Express. Contrary to the info provided by 'L' in 2015, this model has an aluminum frame-----yes, there's plenty of plywood in its construction, but not the frame. Built in Mishawaka, Indiana, possibly not by Winnebago, so it's not a 'generic' coach, but a sort of 'outlier' for which info is difficult to come by regarding the RV. The Toyota pickup attached is standard. If not someone competent to undertake maintenance, repairs yourself (I'm not, although I can troubleshoot to an extent), try building an area network of pros who can, and will, work on this vehicle. It's a grand old RV!

Purchased a 1986 Sun-Land Express (within 50 miles of home, got lucky) less than a year ago-----just now tackling the final readiness projects. I downloaded an RV purchase checklist (for used RVs) ----- information was useful to me in making the purchase, which I didn't do until I had located capable, willing mechanics locally who liked the idea of having an old Toyota motorhome to work on. Internet research was instrumental in alerting me to inspection points. Knew mismatched, older-than-the-hills tires had to be replaced immediately (that issue alone drove the purchase price down by $1,000). Pulled off the wheel rounds to check the rear axle; it passed muster as a one-ton dually. Appliances worked, but the owner didn't use any of the systems (LP gas tank, water tanks)-----the LP tank passed a cursory visual inspection, so I had it filled. I crawled underneath the engine bay and rear so as to check for rust. Checked the engine bay-----fluid levels, leakage determination, condition of hoses, wires-----battery a respected brand with an installation date sticker on it). The frame, of course, is aluminum-----the exterior is original except for the add-on suspension air bags and a two-receiver tow hitch. Careful inspection of the interior revealed that the original owner had remodeled it with easy-to-clean and suitable paneling everywhere-----walls, ceiling-----as well as replacing the carpet with laminate flooring. Dry as the proverbial bone (in Florida), rubber rooftop/vents intact (I did climb up to survey the area), so I bought it. Fortunate that the seller (2nd owner) was forthright, truthful, and agreeable to adjusting the purchase price. I left a deposit before leaving the meeting place. I did pay for an inexpensive mechanical 'inspection' from one of the mechanics who will work on it (installed an additional oil cooler first week I had it). Researched tires ad nauseam, then purchased. Had furniture removed, because the first owner's remodel replaced the rear dinette with 2 swivel chairs and original floor-mounted tiny table for tv viewing (an item I don't need, but thanked the seller anyway-----the newer Pioneer system, though, was greatly appreciated). Don't need the weight-----I use alternatives for seating/food service. Kept the lightweight couch. I'm an old lady without mechanical skills who hasn't regretted this purchase (already camped in it, tested out some systems). It's true that my boondocking days are behind me; I expect to use shore power/H20 exclusively in relatively safe state parks (RV doesn't have a generator). With mileage at 48,000 at purchase, I'm hoping for no major expenditures in the near future, but expect these once I've added a few thousand in travel miles to the odometer. Practice driving was a necessity for me, as this RV doesn't handle as smoothly as my old 1989 Class B campervan-----no power steering, for example. Wouldn't trade it or sell it-----I don't mind cruising at 50 mph; I'm no longer rushing anywhere. Good luck snaring one-----I'm sure you'll find just what you're looking for sooner than later.

Extenders were necessary for my 1986 Sun-Land Express due to access problem-----unable to attach either pressure gauge or air hose head to either tire. Neither could the mechanic without contorting his upper body, so a change was unavoidable. The wheels are original-----probably not mounted with easy reach in mind. Wouldn't have the hardware otherwise. I don't contort as readily as I did in the past.

Bought a 1986 Sun-Land Express in Dec 2022-----tires were 20 years old, all 6 on the vehicle-----mismatched, as well. Owned a Class B campervan previously, not a knowledgeable Class C owner, particularly about dually issues re: access to the tires for gauge readings, inflation. Obviously, replaced the tires immediately with an extension added to the inner wheel. It leaked, still no access to the outer tire. Got lucky with my local tire/repair shop, eventually. Jumped onto etrailer.com, located an extension with a 135 degree angle, mechanic approved (he had selected the same item), then installed by a personable but very young staffer. Week later, the rear outer driver's side tire was thoroughly deflated, but not pancaked, so by way of experimentation, I tried hand-tightening the extension hardware-----of course, it was loose. Phoned a local road service company-----owner knows what he's doing, so he inflated the tire, tightened the extension with pliers. Drove to the trusty mechanic/tire expert, who confirmed that the young mechanic who installed my hardware hadn't properly tightened any of it. Simple fix, in other words-----shouldn't have happened. Original extensions on my wheels were, in the end, replaced, along with the aged, unsafe tires-----also now optimally, front and rear differentially, inflated. Might have gained some new learning, so can't complain. Can you scrap the original hardware, replace it?