Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #50 – February 16, 2018, 03:32:18 pm OMG. The mechanic just came over. The alternator needs to be replaced. But much, much worse? It will NOT reverse. It reversed last night, as evidenced by fact that it is backed halfway up my driveway, but it won't reverse now. Mechanic said it's likely the transmission. I know I seem a fool, but he told me that even had it been checked out first, it is quite likely that it would not have been caught.I called the seller and... he said he would pay for a new transmission. Yes, he actually said this and said he will send it to me in writing. I am not sure what to do. I believe he is good for it, but don't know if I can deal with this hassle right off the bat.Suggestions? Also, anyone know of an RV shop in/around Oakland, CA they can recommend?
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #51 – February 16, 2018, 03:47:10 pm IMO, an 'RV shop' may not be what's needed; you might try one of these transmission shops that serve Oakland:https://www.brucestire.com/auto-repair/transmission-repair/automatic-transmission-repair.aspxTransmatic | Transmission Repair | Oakland, CAColiseum Transmissions (no website)
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #52 – February 16, 2018, 04:01:58 pm Quote from: meandthedogs - February 16, 2018, 03:32:18 pmI called the seller and... he said he would pay for a new transmission. Yes, he actually said this and said he will send it to me in writing. I am not sure what to do. I believe he is good for it, but don't know if I can deal with this hassle right off the bat.Once the original owner finds out how much a rebuilt transmission cost, he may back out.A well built 4L80E will cost several thousand dollars, installed.I would try to to return the LD and get my money back. He did not disclose this defect and most likely knew about it before selling it.Try to keep from having to meet him in small claims court.There is a small degree of hope. The 4L80E is electronically controlled, there may be an electrical problem that isn't too expensive to repair.A word to the wise who are considering buying an elderly LD, have it inspected BEFORE laying your money down.It's easier to walk away than it is to try getting your money back.Sorry it worked out this way.Larry 1 Likes
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #53 – February 16, 2018, 04:02:53 pm OMG. I am on phone with my car insurance company, AAA, and though the seller had it insured through them, they are telling me that the can't find this model in their system and they classify it as a commercial vehicle. And they won't insure it.What is going on here??This a 22' RV. How is classified as a commercial vehicle??
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #54 – February 16, 2018, 04:06:08 pm Quote from: Larry W - February 16, 2018, 04:01:58 pmA word to the wise who are considering buying an elderly LD, have it inspected BEFORE laying your money down.The mechanic who was just here said that it's unlikely that a mechanic would have found the problem with the transmission, if it's there.
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #55 – February 16, 2018, 04:18:15 pm Hi Lisa, and welcome to the cult...grin. One suggestion is join Escapes, and then become a Coachnet member. I had AAA at first and they were TERRIBLE with RVs..long long story, but I moved on to a much more competent RV emergency service. My RV insurer also does road emergencies, and there are others besides Coachnet. I have been very happy with them, and have had to use them on more than one occasion, out in the middle of no where. Good people generally. Good luck with your belt replacement and gate widening! At 11:25 AM 2/16/2018, you wrote:Quote QuoteOn: Fri Feb 16, 2018 joel wiley Wrote: Congratulations. At least you've gotten past the anxiety of waiting for the first thing to go wrong.Thanks for that laugh. I needed it! I'm waiting for a mechanic to arrive. I upgraded my AAA membership last night to include the RV towing, but it says there is a 48 hour waiting period before it kicks in. So I spent this morning calling mobile mechanics. Hardly anyone answered, and one that did said he doesn't work on RVs. Hoping the guy that is coming over can fix it!!And yeah, I've already called a gate company for help with the post. Until then I'm going to have to park on the street. I did measure beforehand. More than once. And i knew there was hardly any clearance, but I had a few over confident men (including my dad and the seller) assure me that THEY could get it in no problem. mmmmhmmmm. As you can see, the seller lost confidence halfway through. So yeah, another bunch of $$$ to get post moved. Yikes. Lisa1991 22' LD Multi-PlanYou can reply to this email and have it posted as a topic reply. LDO Links:index.php?action=notifyboard;board=3.0 Regards, The Lazy Daze Owners Team~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Gini Free and Junah, canine xtrodinaire "CHERRYOTTE" our litte red home on wheels "Growing old is mandatory. Growing wise is optional."
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #56 – February 16, 2018, 04:20:45 pm Quote from: meandthedogs - February 16, 2018, 04:02:53 pmOMG. I am on phone with my car insurance company, AAA,and they classify it as a commercial vehicle. And they won't insure it.This a 22' RV. How is classified as a commercial vehicle??Find an insurance company that specializes in RV, such as Progressive .Larry
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #57 – February 16, 2018, 04:22:21 pm Quote from: meandthedogs - February 16, 2018, 04:06:08 pmThe mechanic who was just here said that it's unlikely that a mechanic would have found the problem with the transmission, if it's there.That could depend on the skill level the mechanic and how thorough an inspection it is given.I still say that a qualified pre-inspection is the the best way to buy a used RV.Larry
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #58 – February 16, 2018, 05:20:41 pm I'm sorry that this purchase has worked out this way, too; frustration, disappointment, and the 'uh oh' feeling are not the emotions which should accompany getting a new toy. Buying any RV, new or used, always involves some risk of 'wart discovery', but without doing a lot of homework on all parts of the process and having a comprehensive pre-buy inspection done of the chassis, engine, systems, coach, appliances, and every other element, by an experienced, knowledgeable person, the risk of being slammed with a lot of unpleasant surprises is multiplied many times over.Unless one is very fortunate, finding a good used rig can take a lot of patient, time-consuming 'frog kissing' before the 'prince' shows up! I posted this link early on in this thread; I think it's worth posting again. RV Inspection ChecklistI hope that the problems can be resolved; good luck to you. 1 Likes
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #59 – February 16, 2018, 05:59:48 pm I called the transmission shop that did my Corolla (tranny went out on that a month after purchase- and I did have my car thoroughly checked by a mechanic.). I have bad car luck. The good thing is that it turns out the transmission shop I like works on RVs and quoted me $3200 for transmission, which is $1800 less than most estimates I've seen on here, and $1800 less than another place I called. Not surprising as I called a bunch of places when my Corolla went out, and General Transmission was by far the cheapest. And had best warranty.The seller has also offered to pay $3500 in addition to the $500 cash he provided last night. Go figure. That will more than cover the transmission and alternator. And I got AAA to waive the 48 hour waiting period on the RV tow. I guess sometimes my lawyering skills are useful.Lisa
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #60 – February 16, 2018, 07:03:41 pm Lisa,I’ve been quiet throughout your journey. There isn’t really much one can say that will convince or sway a determined well educated and independent person from choosing their own path.From the photos that you’ve posted, your new LD is very nice. You will both be happy travelers without a doubt. Its been said that things happen for a reason. Who can say why your LD has a faulty transmission? I don’t think I’m alone in saying that where it failed is better than where it could have failed. You’re home and you can tackle this issue on your own terms. All the best with your future travels.Kent 2 Likes
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #61 – February 16, 2018, 08:01:43 pm I can't really do much at the moment. The tow truck is here. IT's going to the transmission shop. The day is over and I'll have to wait until Monday for a diagnosis. I called the former mechanic who told me the seller contacted him earlier today expressing his surprise as to what has transpired. The mechanic said the seller will do right by me. I think that's probably true, though legally he does not have much liability. I bought this thing without getting a mechanic to look it over (his mechanic told me he thought I lived nearby and was going to suggest I bring it to him). I messed up. I can only hope that after all the work, it will be serviceable enough for its intended purpose. Thanks all.Lisa
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #62 – February 16, 2018, 09:02:46 pm Quote from: meandthedogs - February 16, 2018, 08:01:43 pmI can't really do much at the moment. The tow truck is here. It's going to the transmission shop. TI messed up. I can only hope that after all the work, it will be serviceable enough for its intended purpose. LisaConsider it a learning experience. Most folks buying old RVs find all sorts of undisclosed or unknown problems.We always suggest that used buyers have a slush fund of several thousand dollars, nothing is cheap to fix or replace on RVs.You are getting the rebuilt transmission mostly paid for. The old transmission has a lot of miles on it and is in the range where failure becomes common. Our LD's transmission died last year at 99,000 miles.At this point, after the transmission is replaced, I would bite the bullet and have your mechanic go through the drivetrain from the rear axle to the radiator.Starting with everything checked and freshly serviced will give you the best chance of avoiding on-the-road problems.Unless you have service records indicating recent changes, I would change all the fluids- engine, coolant, rear axle, brake fluid and power steering fluid. Lube all the grease fittings.Suggested services.Check the u-joints and driveshaft's center support bearing.Check the front suspension and steering for condition of components, especially the idler arm (it wears out quickly) and shocks.The Chevy suspension really benefits from Bilstein front shocks.The cooling system is the most critical system for a long life. The radiator needs to be in top shape, have it flushed when the coolant is changed. Change the thermostat and radiator cap at the same time.Check the condition the radiator and heater hoses, as well as the serpentine fan belt, water pump and fan clutch.Make sure there is a big transmission cooler already installed. Adding a transmission temperature gauge is a intelligent upgrade, protect your new transmission.Pull the wheels and have the brakes and wheel bearings inspected and serviced as needed. Change the brake fluid at this point.Check the age and condition of the tires and batteries (starting and coach).A full tune up is advised, unless you have records of recent service.Change the air cleaner and fuel filter.Load the coach and have it weighed so the tires can be adjusted the manufacturer's recommend pressure.When you done with this list, we come up with what you need to check on the coach.I wouldn't put off having the roof and windows seals checked soon either.Yes, its a huge list but it needs to be done if you are serious about traveling.RVing is a great lifestyle but no one said it was going to be cheap.Larry 1 Likes
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #63 – February 16, 2018, 09:04:06 pm Lisa, Sorry to read about your problem, I hope the seller continues to be stand-up. A new (rebuilt) tranny is always a potential cost with RVs, so on the bright side, this is one repair you won’t have to worry about. By any chance does that shop do brakes?
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #64 – February 17, 2018, 12:05:25 am Hi Lisa,Welcome to your new adventure! My bet is after you work out a few issues, you will come to love the unit and the lifestyle so don’t fret as it sounds as if the seller may be a stand up person who will help you on this path.Against many others opinions, we absolutely love our older unit (1992 RB) and we would not trade anytime soon for a newer model. I have always enjoyed the “classics”.I just recently purchased a “new” truck. 1996 Ford F-250 in like new condition with 53,000 orig. miles. Does it need a few things?....of course it does and this is to be expected. Yes, you will have a few kinks to work out, but soon you will be able to prioritize and take care of what is most important to both you as well as the unit. In my opinion, this helps to make it your own. Again, don’t worry because soon you will be enjoying you LD and have her right where you want her. Paul
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #65 – February 17, 2018, 03:07:27 am Thanks everyone. I will print out the list above and take it to the mechanic. Since the brakes somehow stopped working (according to the tow truck driver), I intend to get them done, too. The brake thing is really weird- I drove this thing on Sunday and can attest to the brakes being very stiff. They were the absolute opposite of smooshy. And they definitely worked last night, as did the reverse gear. i don't get what happened overnight. The former mechanic suggested having the brake and transmission fluid checked first, as it was parked on my driveway, which is on a slope, face down. I did notice something leaked, as there was some kind of liquid (not oil) on the ground after the LD was towed. My dad suggested it could be brake fluid, but doubts that a leak would cause them to go from really stiff to unusable within a matter of 5 days. I'll have as much as I can afford done while it's at the transmission shop. I really like the mechanic I took it to, and he's given me some good deals in the past, even taking me to the auto supply store to pick up specific parts and doing things for free or next to nothing. So I think I'm in good hands. Thankfully I did not buy this for traveling, only for local use. But it would be nice if I could take it on a trip or two.Meanwhile I can't get it insured by AAA. They have stated that there is something wrong with the title because, according to them, this VIN is not in their database, but when they search, it comes up a commercial vehicle. The title specifies "1991 Lazy D Body Type MH." So I have no idea what is going on. AAA also admits they insured it when owned by seller, but claim it was insured as "other" and now that they've found their error, they are correcting it by not insuring it with me. So now I have to find a different insurer for my car and the LD. AAA can go $%&^ itself.Thanks again. I'll post when I get a diagnosis. I need a break from this!!Lisa G. 1 Likes
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #66 – February 17, 2018, 10:18:37 am Lisa,This document includes the definition of a commercial vehicle in California:https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/wcm/connect/f93f514b-ffa6-46cd-9da7-939ef851e288/ch13_comml_vehs.pdf?MOD=AJPERESDo you know what the previous owners(s) used it for?
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #67 – February 17, 2018, 12:45:22 pm Quote from: meandthedogs - February 16, 2018, 04:02:53 pmOMG. I am on phone with my car insurance company, AAA, and though the seller had it insured through them, they are telling me that the can't find this model in their system and they classify it as a commercial vehicle. And they won't insure it.What is going on here??This a 22' RV. How is classified as a commercial vehicle??Your intended use of it as a mobile office makes it commercial. Even if you didn't tell them that, it's kind of the legal thing to do. Here in Ohio, I had to sign an affidavit stating I wouldn't rent it out. Perhaps ask previous owner for his policy number for AAA's reference.It does seem odd that AAA will sell you road service on it as an RV, but not insurance as an RV. Keep in mind that it's a 'limited production' thing that may not show up on their radar.On the brakes, extra-firm can mean either stuck piston in a caliper or flex hoses that can act as one-way valves, allowing fluid to pressurize brakes but not release. Pad stays in contact, fluid boils, seals fail, leak, then brakes are non-operative the next day. I have seen this on old sports cars that don't get frequent use; a motorhome has a similar duty cycle.Trans could also be fluid instead of mechanical, but that's merely a guess from over here. I would say if you have buy-in from the seller for replacement, and you can get a quality trans from a quality shop, go for it. Running low on fluid through mountains wouldn't have done it any good.Alternator is an easy one. Amp up if you like.
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #68 – February 17, 2018, 01:27:09 pm This is a stressful period but it will calm down as things get settled.Since you are not planning a travel, you can work your way through the list slowly.Your LD's brakes are boosted using pressurized oil front the power steering pump., it's call a hydro-boost. Car brakes are usually boosted with engine vacuum..The hydro-boost produces a much firmer pedal than car brakes.Do get it repaired.Larry
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #69 – February 17, 2018, 03:48:53 pm Quote from: HiLola - February 17, 2018, 10:18:37 amDo you know what the previous owners(s) used it for? Recreation!
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #70 – February 17, 2018, 11:14:44 pm If you get no where with AAA try Geico. Only thing bad about them is your policy renews every 6 month and they will jack up their rates each time. They like to nickel and dime you but still lower than AAA and others. 1 Likes
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #71 – February 18, 2018, 12:30:04 am Another possibility is thru GoodSam ClubGoodSam InsuranceI suspect that after a while with the LD in the side yard, you will begin to hear it calling quietly to you that 'it is not that far to a weekend along the coast or the mountains....' they tend to do that.The dogs will love it- it's a magical machine, everytime you open the door, it's a new world of smells As someone else said, welcome to the cult.joel (and the dogs) 2 Likes
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #72 – February 18, 2018, 03:49:30 am I was actually looking at Good Sam Club. Any personal experiences with them?
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #73 – February 18, 2018, 03:51:52 am Quote from: Larry W - February 17, 2018, 01:27:09 pm.Your LD's brakes are boosted using pressurized oil front the power steering pump., it's call a hydro-boost. This is very interesting. Since the power steering went out when the fan belt came off (thanks to bad alternator), is is possible that it also affected the brakes? It just seems really weird that the brakes went out right after the fanbelt/power steering.
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #74 – February 18, 2018, 10:37:58 am Lisa,Yes, your rig must have hydro boost brakes.Chevrolet used hydro boost brakes in that time instead of vacuum boost that Ford used. Hydro boost uses the power steering (hydraulic)pump to assist with the brakes. They have a small accumulator to assist one time after the power steering belt breaks. The accumulator refills when the power steering pump operates at pressure in a few seconds. 1 Likes
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