ROAD TRIP – I had business in Washington DC and a weeks vacation to burn, so this was a good opportunity to take our new Southwind on a shake down cruise.
During the trip, we were able to test all the systems and see how our use fit our New-to-Us Southwind. The 1999 Southwind (35ft) is about 4,000 lbs. heavier than our 2001 Mirada (30ft), Both were on the Ford F53 chassis with the same transmission. The 1999 has a 275hp V10 and the 2001 had a 305hp V10. We got good comparisons on how they handle the drive.
Our trip was just a little over 1500 miles. It drives OK and the systems worked good. We’re comfortable with the floor plan and don’t see any changes.
DRIVING / CHASSIS
I did the Cheap Handling Fix (CHF) and installed new shocks right after I bought the Southwind. These two improvements significantly improve sway. The side sway and ride was a little better in the Southwind than the Mirada. I suspect its because of the weight.
The Southwind’s gas mileage was lower than the Mirada, we got around 7.2 mpg. The Mirada got around 7.9.
The Southwind was more sluggish in the mountains. A little less hp and 4000 lbs heavier makes a difference. During the trip, I found some items that needed attention.
- FIXED – Overdrive button not working – I was able to repair this when we stopped overnight. broken wire.
- FIXED – Drivers windshield wiper to much sweep, hits the center and the edge. I looked at it, and can see why its doing it, but need to take it apart to see how to fix it. (welded the bracket when we got home)
- Need to swap CB and rear camera locations. – The CB needs to be down so I can get to the controls easier. The side mirrors on the Southwind are great so the rear camera won’t be used like it was in the Mirada. It will be mainly for backing up and checking the status of the toad.
- Need Departure Checklist updated. – What needs to to be checked before departing.
- Check engine codes – Seemed to have a slight miss, but not sure, The OBC connector is in a bad place that cannot get to. Need to relocate the connector.
- FIXED – The hydraulic pump for the jacks sounds funny. I need to remove it and inspect. (repaired when we got home)
- FIXED – I may remove the motor and gear box for the slide to inspect it. DONE – greased rollers and adjusted height.
- FIXED – Need to fix dog house latches.
- OK – Dash AC worked very good. A lot better than the Mirada
- FIXED – Steering wheel not centered, about 20 degrees turned to left. (Did a front end alignment and re centered the wheel)
USAGE AND HOUSE SYSTEMS
- FIXED – Microwave oven doesn’t work Need to replace microwave
- FIXED – slide binding during extend. need to lube rollers and rails
- FIXED – Frig doesn’t work on gas – valve and igniter ok,Control board on order.
- FIXED – Need to relocate frig shelves. (used screws to secure shelves)
- OK – Stove and oven work (Need to look at ignitor)
- OK – Dishnet satellite hookup works
- OK – Both TVs work, off air, cable, etc
- Need to relocate recliner chair out about 3 inches
- Need bathroom door latch to hold partially open
- Range vent low speed fan noisy
- FIXED – Need to switch toilet to low profile.
- OK – Hot water heater works ok.
- OK – Used shower
- OK – Water systems
- FIXED – Need cloths hooks in bedroom
- FIXED – 30 amp connector burnt
- FIXED – Need to relocate outside temp sensor – maybe in Max Air cover. (on windshield wiper bracket)
- OK – Main awning and window awnings used.
- FIXED – Need to lubricate window slides. windows hard to move.
- Bedroom Emergency window fogging inside.
Overall we are very, very happy with the Southwind… The floor plan fits our needs perfectly, the systems have all been repaired and bought up to date, We anticipate keeping the Southwind for many years..