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MrJ · 07-15-2011, 06:34 PM

Hi all, very excited to join the club! I just bought a 76 Argosy 28' motorhome. My wife and I can't wait! It's a long drive to go get it. I bought a "good bones" type rig sight unseen. Probably not smart on my part but I pulled the trigged with the info given and trust in the seller. It seems to have all the major engine issues addressed and the inside is good.

I know there are "know knowns" and "known unknowns". I plan to purchase everything I might need to fix the Argosy and take my tools up there. We want to use the RV before returning home.

Let's assume it sat for 10 years and the owner hasn't done anything to the systems in question. What should I purchase and replace after I get it? I want to get this rig %100 stable for future use.

Water system:
I'm going to guess the water system is trash. Don't have any info. Please tell me what I need to purchase to replace it all? PEX seems to be popular. What about the seals on the tanks, and dump valves, toilet, sinks, etc.

Electrical:
Seems to be having issues with the converter I believe. Works off land power, inside lights having issues.. Don't have a lot of detials.

Fridge works on gas now, stove works..

AC:
Blows but does not blow cold. I've read you can not recharge these? How about this model? I have the strong feeling I'm going to be spending $1K at Camping World very soon after I pick this up. (cab AC is dead but I can fix) What AC unit should I purchase for this model? Suggestions? Low profile good, brands, etc?

Generator:
If choked, it starts. I assume the carb needs work. I plan to purchase a new sparkplug and fuel/air filters. I also plan to change the oil with 10-40. Oil suggestions? Don't use synthetic? Any ideas on the choke issue?

Black Water:
Would like to get this going ASAP.. How should I clean and what should I replace?

Water Tanks:
I believe they are both good, however 1 may be cracked.. Sanitizing suggestions?

Rear-End:
I assume the rear-end/gears have not had their oil changed. Is there a add and drain plug on this model? Suggestion on oil type. Synthetic?

Anything else or links you have I would be thankfull.

J

Octane · 07-16-2011, 04:46 AM

Welcome Mr.J !

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrJ

Hi all, very excited to join the club! I just bought a 76 Argosy 28' motorhome. My wife and I can't wait! It's a long drive to go get it. I bought a "good bones" type rig sight unseen. Probably not smart on my part but I pulled the trigged with the info given and trust in the seller.

That's what I did too, when I bought mine; CLICK
As you say: probably not smart.
Probably pretty dumb actually, but so far no problems.
It' in a garage in Santa Fe right now and everything they've checked
so far, are just fine; engine , transmission etc.

Besides this reassurance that it might NOT be a problem
buying it unseen, the only help I can offer is to tell you that
it's a good idea to study this forum, starting with the Argosy pages and the
Classic MH pages.
Move on to the relevant sub-forums; AC, generators etc.
LOTs of good info there.
Ask questions.

Get an Owners Manual , if none comes with the MH.
They are available from Airstream and you can find them on Ebay.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrJ

Let's assume it sat for 10 years

I'm not sure I understand.
HAS it in fact been sitting for 10 years ?

Best of luck to you !

MrJ · 07-16-2011, 10:43 PM

I read your thread, good stuff. I am getting a manual and paperwork, so that should help.. I need to do lots more reading.. Thanks for the reply.

Octane · 07-17-2011, 03:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrJ

I read your thread, good stuff. I am getting a manual and paperwork, so that should help.. I need to do lots more reading.. Thanks for the reply.

You're welcome.

Did you notice that really great Chevy Light Duty Service Manual
from which I posted some pages.
Here are some for your year:

CLICK

...and if you're really in a hurry you can download it for $29.99 : CLICK

.