Does anyone know what other vehicles used the John Deere chassis besides Winnebago. I need to know when I go ask for parts what to tell the people. No one seems to have a clue about these chassis and its getting annoying trying to tell them every time that it IS in fact a motorhome on a John Deere chassis with a Ford 460 engine. Its like no one believes me!! >:( >:(
Well, I know nothing about John Deere chassis but,try to find out ANYTHING about a '78 Midas motorhome. Good luck and keep us informed. Ed
mmmm i did some long looking on the net seems the pace arrow rv,s are a john deere as is the 1988 rv itaska also there was a model 1988 Georgieboy with a John Deere chassis and i found this little bit of info as well http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/783/2/77323.0001.001.pdf just thought i would post this little bit of info i will post more as i find more
arberg0 aka william :)clap :)clap
Did someone before mention a JD chassis? Seems like last year some time. I thought that JD took over the Dodge truck chassis plant or plants when they went bankrupt the first time in the late 70's or at least some of the plants. May be just dreaming.
JD :-\
During the time frame of late 80's, most RVs were built on a Johne Deere or a Chevy chassis. John Deere sold to Oskkosh who then sold to Freightliner. Most engine parts are Ford. Special parts come from Freightliner, such as brake hoses. There are also alot of aftermarket parts on the chassis, like some fuel pumps, guages, windshield spray nozzles etc. There are parts available thru StepVan parts stores too.
If you could be more specific about what you are looking for, I can give more detail.
Just purchased our first RV a month ago. 87 Allegro 33' w/ 460. (Tina!) VIN says made at John Deere Waterloo, Iowa. How do I tell if its a John Deere or Ford chassis. I see there is a JD manual covering this model :)ThmbUp which I am pretty stoked about as I have only the generic aftermarket owners manual from Tiffin.
One thing you can do is bounce your VIN against this Ford VIN decoder. The link is actually on a side bar block on the Ford Chassis Message Board.
http://www.fordification.com/tech/VIN68.htm (http://www.fordification.com/tech/VIN68.htm)
The John Deere Manual I ordered from the CWVRV store contains a VIN section verifying that my rig is indeed a John Deere Chassis. I have searched high and low for this chassis manual, and now a FULL MEMBER for a year - STOKED!
Good for you! Now you've got the basic, critical tools to work with. (And, I'll assume by your enthusiasm that being "stoked" is a good thing.)
The JD chassis was popular at the time and used by several RV manufactures. Going to a parts store and asking for JD Chassis parts for it will get you nothing but blank stares. It has many common parts with the FORD heavy duty E & F series trucks. Best approach is to take the part to the store and match it. They seem to be still available. Freightliner took over the chassis line and can still supply parts. They have been helpful. The part year and RV year may be different by 1 or 2 years since the rare chassis often sat on the factory lot for a year before having the 'home' built on it. Internet searches can find most any part too. Our 1989 is still running strong!
Hi everyone..first post here..My Motorhome is on a 1988 JD chassis with a Ford 460, C-6 trans..Rockwood is the coach builder and the specific model is the Driftwood..As for parts, the engine is all Ford..As for the brakes and chassis parts, Freightliner is the main source and was able to get brake pads, rubber hoses,etc..But that was in 2004 when I bought the coach, so parts might be getting harder to find..Mike
Welcome aboard and, any info and experience you have to share, we welcome it!
This should be a big help
http://www.millsupply.com/ftp/stepvanpdf/chassis_jd-osh-int-sprint.pdf (http://www.millsupply.com/ftp/stepvanpdf/chassis_jd-osh-int-sprint.pdf)
More tidbits for the inquisitive mind
http://www.walkinvan.com/onlinesvcat.htm (http://www.walkinvan.com/onlinesvcat.htm)
Dave
Thanks Dave and Mark!!
I have been needing power brake and steering hoses..Looks like Mill supply has them..Mine are original to the coach when it was built..I think that I will buy 2 of each..one to replace the originals and 1 for a spare for the road..
That is one thing that really keeps me up at night..being broken down in no where town in any state, without the part to fix it!!..So I have so many spare parts on the rv..A spare starter,ignition- fan clutch..any thing that I can think of..
Thanks again..I need to go order some parts!!
Mike
Good links Dave :)ThmbUp :)ThmbUp
Have copy of my '89 Vehicle Chassis Parts Catalog PC-2109 (RW23901) in Pdf form.. 6.9Mb in size has a few annotations written in it with updated part #s and Vehicle Chassis Technical Manual TM-I362 (RW23899) 59Mb
I have a 1988 Fleetwood Limited on a 1987 John Deere/Ford chassis. Has anyone been able to find replacement rear rotors for this Dana axle? Freightliner doesn't carry them anymore. I did talk to another John Deere chassis owner who converted the axle but I don't want to go to that extreme. Last I looked the only place I could find the rotors was at Colaw Salvage who required that I needed to buy the whole axle assembly for $2000. That was about two years ago. My left rear rotor was scored and was machined as well as it could be. Not perfect but workable. I want to find available replacements before I really need new rotors.
thx
John
Do you have the Medium duty 13.5" rotor or the heavy duty 14.5" rotor?
Brake Parts listed on pdf page 17 (19 of 30) of http://millsupply.com/pdf/stepvan/freightliner.pdf (http://millsupply.com/pdf/stepvan/freightliner.pdf) including a rotor.
I have found some 14.5" possibilities on pdf page 29 of this document: http://truckpartsetc.com/sales/PDFs/Arvin%20Meritor%20%28Euclid%29/Meritor_DaytonBrake.pdf (http://truckpartsetc.com/sales/PDFs/Arvin%20Meritor%20%28Euclid%29/Meritor_DaytonBrake.pdf)
With any of this be sure to call and confirm correct part for your application. Measuring them appears to be the best approach
The Mill Supply 10-715 rotor maps to 23-122700-002 on pdf page 29 of the Dayton catalog which has the dimensions.
Dave
Dave,
Thx for the info. I will have to go to the storage facility where I keep the MH and check the parts manual and measure the rotor.
John
Parts manual? Did I hear parts manual? We would love to have a digital copy of the Oshkosh parts manual for hosting here. Use it for x-ref when helping people find stuff.
Dave
Dave,
It will be John Deere but OK I will see what I can do.
John
Fredric discovered that there was a digital copy on the John Deere website so I have it now.
http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/pdfs/PC2109.pdf (http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/pdfs/PC2109.pdf)
Thanks,
Dave
HEY! Dun go pointing the finger at me! $@!#@!
Oh, wait, I did good??? ???
Very good! :)clap :)ThmbUp
Mine rotors are 13.625 six lug type 2, hub and rotor are one piece. I have not been able to cross reference the old John Deere numbers, RW23005-LH and RW23010-RH to any parts catalog. And in looking at the Mill Supply and Meritor catalogs I haven't found them there either. In looking for these back in 2009 I think they were originally manufactured by Dayton Walther. I'll keep looking and let you know what I find. Thx for the help.
John
Have you tried Freightliner? Check F-650 parts as well.
The single piston caliper. I tried everything I could think of but I could not find the smaller size. The larger dual caliper version is available a several places. This may be a junk yard only find. Several RV manufactures used the John Deere chassis between 88 and 91 though finding your chassis version may be a challenge.
Good luck and let us know how you make out,
Dave
Dave,
I received an e-mail back in 2011 from a fellow who was trying to find rotors for his 1988 Winnebago on a John Deere chassis. He couldn't find any rotors so he wound up buying a complete HD70 with the double piston caliper from Arizona RV Salvage Inc. I might check with them to see what they have. I might also try Colaw Salvage again to see what they have. Although I don't need rotors yet I want to be prepared for when I do.
John
I was wondering if that was the only solution you would have. Now I am curios if the dual was used on something else so you do not have to just use a John Deere / Oshkosh source.
I would think that if you can find an axle that fits width wise and GVWR it would work since pinion to drive shaft brackets can be changed and drive shafts can be lengthened/shortened as needed. I am not sure about spring and shock mounts. It would seem that a Dana 80 would be a good fit if you can find one that fits. Transmission speedo gears are available but what latitude there is for the C6 would be a question.
Looking at the John Deere parts manual it looks like the Dana 80 hubs will fit on the HD70. I was matching bearing numbers, axle nut, etc., and they come up to be the same numbers. Now if the caliper bracket for the 80 will line up on the HD70 that would be awesome. I'll have to check into this further. Colaw Salvage wants $1995 plus shipping for the complete axle for an HD70, won't sell rotors separate.
You might find something helpful here: http://www.crateaxle.com/products (http://www.crateaxle.com/products)
Dave
Also a place with a lot of old farm and truck parts Collis Truck Parts 610 837 7268 collistruckpartsonline.com Frank
Hi, Just joined the this site. We have a 1990 Safari Serengeti. It has a John Deer/Oshkosh Chassie. Made a copy of the parts manual and learned where to get parts. Been looking for a website for our old motorhome for a longtime. I think I found a good one here. We have a 460 Ford with a C6 trans and I just replaced the Gear Vender over/under drive unit. Looking forward to checking the gas mileage to see how much better it gets. Should know tomorrow we are heading out one leg two of our trip(trans swap was done after going 600 miles without overdrive. 6.1mpg ouch). Have a few minor issues will pick away at on our trip for something to do. Any other Safari folks here?
Groovy! Welcome to our little space on the internet!
PICs, lots of them..
Oh, when you get a chance post a copy of your grreting and add some things about yourself in the General forums so we can all greet ya without hijacking this thread, Lol!! :D
Welcome to our site. Far as I know you are the first Safari Serengeti. While each RV manufacture did some things their own way most things are common between RV's. Love to some pics of your rig.
Dave
If you know any other owners, get them on board! The more who join, the better it is for everyone. We have all kinds of "niches" - groups of people who own different makes and models akin to one another, but the community spirit, as well as the knowledge, transcends makes and models (much like the vast expanse of Dave Bailey's mind transcends time and space...)
Dave's the "Might Boosh" ??? ?
Who me? i?? Not me!
Hey everyone. New to the site but already found a fountain of information. I have a 1990 Winnebago, Superchief DXL, on a John Deere Chassis with a F460 EFI engine. Just in case anyone else needs it, here is the chassis manual:
http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/pdfs/PC2278.pdf
I recently purchased a 1990 Winnebago, Superchief DXL, on a John Deere Chassis with a F460 EFI engine which I thought was a great deal. And to your point I thought that it shouldn't be a problem working on it because the parts should be somewhat readily available. Unfortunately for me that has not been the case. I have had my steal of a deal in the shop since I bought it trying to get it fixed. The biggest problem hasn't been the engine but the actual John Deere chassis. John Deere chassis division was bought by Oshkosh and then later Freightliner. I tried to take my RV to a Freightliner repair center and they told me because they could not order parts for it because it was more than 20 years old that they would not work on it (not even the brakes). My local mechanic has had problems finding chassis parts and calls me to see if I can find them on-line. So far once I understand who makes what I've been able to order the needed parts but it hasn't been easy. The worse part about this is that I haven't been able to drive my new RV (new to me) since I first bought it so I don't know at this point if it has even been worth everything that I have put into it so far. Once I get it all fixed, road ready and I have taken my planned family summer trip this year it has occurred to me to try to sell it before anything else major happens to it because of not being able to readily find the parts. I don't want to dissuade you from your personal beauty of a deal, just wanted to share with you my current situation.
If you have aftermarket part numbers, we really would appreciate it if you passed them along. I have collected some resource information here: http://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/index.php/topic,12627.msg74635.html#msg74635 (http://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/index.php/topic,12627.msg74635.html#msg74635)
I know this is an ancient thread but I thought I'd post this info here for any other desperate part searcher like me. I have a 1989 Mallard Overland on a 36 foot type A John deere chassis. Been searching high and low for chassis and steering parts(and brake parts). Learned that the Freightliner MT35(delivery truck) takes almost all the same suspension/steering parts as my RV. Also brakes and rotors. Finally, I was frantic for a drag link. Everywhere I looked they did not exist anymore and the few folk out there who said they found one paid over $1500 used for it. Well, I called freightliner with a John Deere part number(from my chassis parts book) and the fella there ordered me a brand new drag link for $285(total with shipping came to $309). I'm psyched! My RV is in exceptional condition. I dont need the brakes, tie rod ends or drag link that I ordered right this moment BUT I'll have them when I do need em. And it's very comforting to know where I can find most other suspension/steering/brake parts I may need in the future. Like I said, the pads, rotors, and calipers are pretty common fair since the Freightliner mt35 takes all the same. I hope this helps someone out there. Good luck!
That is very good info, I don't follow the John Deere thread since I have no experience with them (outside of tractors) but I have heard the nightmares of parts availability. I do know that Freightliner can be a real pain in the prat to deal with as far as RV parts also so you must have found a rare dealer.
This is awesome news for me!! :)clap
I just recently purchased a 1989 Chieftain on a 1988 JD/OshKosh chassis! I actually need a drag link, as the boot for the front ball joint is torn! Great timing to revive an old thread! :)
True, the threads may be old, but the RVs they cover aren't getting any newer! :)rotflmao
Hardest part is keeping up with all the supporting links to things and tracking down which ones are still good, which are changed or gone, and new ones.
What year MT35 did you go with for the correct drag link? i??
Hi, just bought a 1988 safari xlt, and cannot find any info. Please help! It's a john deere chassis with a ford 460 motor. No one seems to have ever heard of it, and I can't find anything about it
What info are you looking for?
Apologies for reviving a dead thread. I followed the member advice to obtain the john Deere manual download and could not find it. I guess the signature has changed.
I'm having issues with a john Deere chassi that has had all the hydro boost disconnected so the manuals down load would really help if someone could point me in the right direction?
Thank you.
Right here:
https://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/index.php?action=store;cat=67
Alabama guy here I have a 1987 winnabego chalet I've been looking for a 650 holly 4180c carburetor for some time now my RVs has a ford 460 on a johnd deer chaise the carburetor on there now is not original and does not run well any sujustions we're I can find one
Lots of sources. Summit Racing for one, Guaranteed Carburetors is another. They are experts in vintage carbs.
Hey guys. I'm having a hello of a time trying to figure out how everything works on the RV. I just bought. It says Granville on the back of rv and on a metal tag in Cab there it says John Deere Waterloo Works, 1989, model MC14FG. Any idea where I can get a manual? I'm not sure how everything works. Having trouble with the onboard generator too. Can't get it to start. Manual would really help out!
Welcome to the site. You are the proud owner of an "orphan" rig. But don't despair. The equipment such as the generator, appliances, etc. are the same in virtually all these rigs. You will find all sorts of manuals in the members area of this site and with a little searching, someone has probably dealt with the problems you are dealing with.
You can still download the MC-14, MC-16, & MC-18 Chassis Operators manual from the John Deer website. Provides a lot of useful information.
Only Service manuals I located are on EBAY at outrageous prices ($300 plus).
Not sure how helpful the John Deere/Oshkosh Chassis manual in our site store will help you. Covers gas and diesel chassis' for RV, ON/VOY, and TOP/RUN chassis models in the same weight range (14, 16, 18)