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First, see my Youtube video above that goes over every detail, good and bad!
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I'm all about transparency. I have over $25,000 in receipts of work including
newly rebuilt transmission and newly rebuilt differential and also over $2,000
in spare parts included! Also tons of upgrades, see below!
1995 Thor West Industries Model M-3500 "Residency" Class A Motorhome
on a 35 foot long Ford F-53 Chassis, 17,000 lb chassis, (11,000 lbs rear, 6,000 lbs front)
- Ford 7.5 Liter gas 460 Engine
- E40D Automatic Transmission with Overdrive
- 30 amp service
- Steel cage monocoque/faraday body framing
- Optional Firestone Ride-Rite rear airbags to keep it level
in the back when towing or under loads, keeps the suspension from swaying.
- Onan 5000 Generator (gasoline)
- 75 gallon gas tank
- 80 gallon fresh water tank, a 50 gallon grey water tank, and a 40 gallon black tank.
- Onboard water filtration system
- Onboard water pressure regulator
- Two roof AC's
- Two big skylights
- Four manual awnings (with custom "anti-defurl" system)
- Refrigerator (LPG propane and electric)
- 6 gallon water heater (LPG propane)
- Stove (LPG propane)
- Cruise control, and delay windshield wipers
- Power electric entry steps
- All real hardwood cabinetry (not particle board)
- Queen bed
- L-shaped couch folds out to sleep 2
- Vanity dressing table in bedroom
- A very unique feature, a laundry chute!
- Huge underbed storage
- Hallway pocket door and bathroom door both close off
the bathroom for a multi-mirrored changing room
This spacious floor plan with an L-shaped sectional couch and triple opera windows
and two huge skylights gives the illusion of space without the worries of slide-outs!
It has all of the modern features and appliances of modern RV's with the exception
of a washer and dryer, dishwasher and solar. It has a heated basement so pipes
don't freeze, and tons of basement storage.
It has serious upgrades for better reliability, better handling, better engine
performance and better safety, it could be debated that it has better quality
overall than any late model motorhomes. See list of these upgrades below.
We are the second owner, and have had it 13 years, and has always been an
Arizona vehicle until recently, so zero rust! Everywhere we go it is a conversation
starter since it really stands out due to no "Nike swoosh" decals all over it like
everybody else has. We have had many owners of million dollar Motor Coaches
ask to take a tour of it. We have never been turned down by those high-end
resorts that have the 10-year limit, either. They too love to look at it when we check in!
This item is sold as-is with no warranty. I reserve the right to end the auction
at any time with more than 12 hours left in the auction to someone locally if
they offer me a price that is satisfactory. Buyer is responsible for shipping
and transportation of the vehicle. It has a clean/clear title. A $250 non-refundable
deposit is due by the winning bidder within 48 hours. The remaining shall be
paid via wire transfer within 7 days of auction end.
Options that came with it that are not included are:
a) Two Swivel Wooden Dinette Stools (for weight and room, we got rid of these)
b) Hi-Lo Coffee Table with Extendable Leafs. (for weight and room, we got rid of these).
Options that were offered but not ordered for this vehicle:
a) Insta-hot Water Tap
b) Hydraulic Leveling Jacks
c) Power Spotlight
d) Storm Windows
Other notes and accessories included:
- The water heater is LPG propane only, not electric.
- The refrigerator is both LPG propane and electric.
- The furnace is LPG propane only, not electric.
- A couple of "hidden" features are dome lights located in the rear storage hatch
area, a dome light in the front engine compartment, and a dome light in the
water/electrical bay.
- Onboard power surge protector (Progressive Industries) is included
- Sewer hoses are included
- Sewer hose holder is included
- Garden city water inlet hose is heated and is included
- A winterizing valve to blow out the lines (using any air compressor) is included
- Portable screen room is included
- Starlink flagpole is included
- Starlink flagpole rear ladder mounts are included
- 5 gallon spare gas container including custom funnel is included
- Propane fire pit is included
- Portable screen room is included
Remember to see the photos that have all the repair records and maintenance.
When these types of vehicles are manufactured, Ford doesn't know what the
RV manufacturers are going to do with the chassis so they leave the Ford plant
"stripped". The initial driving experience for us 13 years ago was a two-hand
white knuckle one especially with winds and semi trucks pushing us all over
the place when they passed. Also concerning at that time were the transmission
temperatures on long climbs and engine output on those climbs. After all of
the upgrades we have done these issues are now fixed; the power, handling,
and reliability are far beyond its factory specifications. We now keep up with
the diesel pushers on the climbs with no worry!
Things you may think it needs but I won't be doing due to time:
- Front curtains aren't on curved tracks, they are on a curtain rod
- Rear window screen from the factory clip in where there are gaps, they always
did this, so we have taped them shut. This doesn't affect the windows opening
- The stove clicker/igniter that is built in has always been finicky. I just use a
clicky lighter now
- Caulking over front wheel arches needs to be scraped off and redone. However,
the caulking on the rest of the vehicle was painted over on purpose,
so it is literally permanent. You never have to redo it again!
The following contains three lists:
1) All of the New replaced items
2) All of the Upgrades and Additions which make it stand out
3) All of the Spare Parts that come with it
New Replaced Items:
- New Transmission Rebuild (with beefed up heavy duty components
and Ford upgrades)
- New Rear Differential Rebuild (with beefed up heavy duty components
from Dana)
- New Rubber Roof Coating
- New Tires and Spare
- New Fuel Pump (Ford)
- New ECM Main Computer (Rebuilt)
- New Rebuilt Power Steering Pump
- New Engine Alternator
- New Engine Water Pump
- New Engine Thermostat
- New Fan Clutch
- New Bilstein Shocks Front and Rear
- New ICM (Ignition Control Module in Engine Bay)
- New IAC (Idle Air Control Valve) (Ford)
- New TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) (Ford)
- New Front Leaf Spring Bushings
- New Exterior Paint (for yachts by company called Interlux)
- New Interior Paint
- New Upholstery (Captain's Chairs and Couch)
- New Flooring
- New Carpet
- New Queen Bed
- New Fresh Water Pump
- New Battery Converter/Charger
- New Transfer Switch
- New Fridge Cooling Unit
- New Furnace Motor
- Steering Column Harness Recall Done
- Master Cylinder/Speed Control Recall Done
- New Engine Belts
- New Engine Pulleys
- New Engine Pulleys
- New Engine Battery
- New Coach Batteries
- New Electric Entry Step Motor
- New TV
- New BluRay Player
- New Digital TV Receiver
- New AM/FM HD Radio
- New Speakers
- New Microwave
- New Front Main Seal
- New Rear Main Seal
- New Transmission Pan Seal
- New Oil Pan Gasket
- New Rear Axle Seals
- New Wheel Bearings and Races Front and Back
- New Power Steering Hoses
- New Radiator Hoses
- New Coolant Hoses
- New Spark Plugs
- New Spark Plug Wires (Ford)
- New Ignition Coil (Ford)
- New Distributor Cap (Ford)
- New Fuel Pressure Regulator (Ford)
- New Engine Fuel Filter
- New EGR Valve (Ford)
- New EGR Valve Sensor
- New Brake Hoses
- New Right Rear Brake Caliper
- New Battery Isolator
- New Starter Solenoid
- New MAP Sensor (Ford)
- New O2 Sensor (Ford)
- New Turn Signal/Wiper Stalk
- New Steering Column Bushings (Ford)
- New Windshield Washer Reservoir
- New Stairs Motor
- New Bath Fan Motor
- New Water Heater Overflow Valve
- New Carburetor Rebuild for Generator
- New Generator Fuel Filter (Onan)
- New Generator Fuel Pump
- New Electrical Panel Circuit Breakers
- New Engine Relays at Fuse Panel
- New Refrigerator Thermistor
- New Refrigerator Main Board
- New Refrigerator Heating Elements
- New Water Heater Thermocouple
- New Water Heater Gas Valve
- New Water Heater Thermostat
- New Water Heater Eco Wire
- New Propane Tank Outlet Valve
- New Propane Tank Regulator
- New Propane Tank "Coupler/Tee"
- New Propane Tank Shut Off Valve
- Black Tank Drain Valve
- Grey Tank Drain Valve
- New Skylights x2
- New Curtain Rod and Curtains
- New Kitchen Backsplash
- New Kitchen Faucet
- New Bath Faucet
- New Shower Faucet
- New Toilet Paper Holder
- New Towel Holder
- New Toilet
- New Bath Sink
- New Light Fixtures
- New Outside Shower Faucet
- New City Water Inlet Connection
- New Roof Antenna Handle and Gears
- New Window Shades
- New Window Tint
- New Window Screens
- New Dash AC Vents
- New Dash Vent Vacuum Pods (Defrost, Vent, Floor, etc)
- New Water Heater Inlet Valve
- New Outer Storage Compartment Struts
- New Interior Cabinet Door Struts
Upgrades:
- Upgraded to Banks System Full Stainless Headers/Exhaust - Ford never
recalled theirs, their factory exhaust manifold bolts kept breaking, headers are
the permanent fix. It has a 60hp increase this way, more torque, runs cooler,
and behaves more like the later 1990's and early 2000's V10's. For those
engine nerds, see this article:
https://official.bankspower.com/magazine/product-evaluation-banks-powerpack-3/
- This one not an "upgrade" per se, but the factory ignition timing is set to 0. After
this engine had been out a decade, Ford released a bulletin saying that you can
advance it to 10 degrees. That made a HUGE difference in power on top of
what the Banks system had already done.
- Added Transmission Cooler (3x Larger than Factory)
- Added Transmission Temp Gauge
- Added Rear Traction Bar (from SuperSteer, removes sway/leaning and
Semi "push")
- Added Front Traction Bar (from Roadmaster, removes sway/leaning and
Semi "push")
- Added Auxiliary (Secondary) Rear Anti-Sway Bar with Polyurethane
Bushings (from Roadmaster, removes sway/leaning)
- Added Front Steering Stabilizer (from Safe-T-Plus, helps return wheel
to center to stop constant adjustments to steer straight, returns wheel
after full turns, and doesn't let RV pull to the side if there is a blowout.)
- Added TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
- Added Steel Dually Tire Valve Stem Extenders (for easy air fillups)
- Upgraded Wheel Cover/Simulators to Philips Screw Center Cap
instead of "fake" lugs
- Added Banks Transmission Shift Module (the factory vehicle up hills
will keep shifting in and out of overdrive, creating heat and wear, this
shifts the thottle position and keeps it downshifted accordingly, and
also keeps your speed up on hills)
- Upgraded Hitch Wiring Port to 7-Pin with a Charge Line to Charge
Tow Car's Battery
- Added Backup Camera with Night Vision
- Added Backup Camera Color Monitor (7 inch, used as full-time
rear view mirror)
- Added Transmission Pan with Drain Plug and Magnet (factory had
no drain, no magnet)
- Added Refrigerator Custom Temperature Control
- Added Battery Percentage Monitor
- Upgraded to Polyurethane Sway Bar Bushings Front and Back (instead
of Ford rubber)
- Upgraded to Dana Differential Cover with Fill and Drain Plugs and
Heat Fins (to keep temps down when climbing hills or towing)
- Upgraded to LED Dash/Instrument Lights
- Upgraded to LED Headlights
- Upgraded to LED Side and Top Markers (not just the bulb, but sealed housing)
- Upgraded to LED Tail and Brake Lights (not just the bulb, but sealed housing)
- Upgraded to LED Bulbs in entire enterior
- Added Air Horns (work along with factory electric horns to "wake" people up)
- Added Heat Shielding Around Headers (to reduce engine and transmission heat)
- Added Heat Insulation on Underside of "Dog House" Engine Cover
(interior engine noise way less and heat radiating through floor way less)
- Added Heat Insulation on Underside of Floors Under Captains' Chairs
- Added Heated CIty Water Inlet Hose (for winter in freezing temps)
- Added New Coach Battery Trays x2 for a total of 4 (for boondocking)
Spare Parts: