Newmar motorhomes on Freightliner chassis can experience rough rides due to improper ride height adjustment, incorrect air pressure settings, or suspension component wear. Most issues can be resolved through proper air bag calibration, shock absorber maintenance, and ride height adjustments.
The ultimate guide to Ford F53 chassis ownership covering everything from routine maintenance to advanced troubleshooting. Learn about common issues, upgrade options, and keep your motorhome running reliably.
Turbocharging V10 is technically possible but impractical. Cost of $10-20K+, risk of engine damage, and complexity make it poor value. Better to buy a diesel pusher.
A Ford F53 V10 that cranks but won't start with cam sensor faults typically indicates wiring harness issues, timing chain problems, or PCM communication failures. Focus on checking the cam sensor wiring circuit and timing synchronization between crank and cam sensors.
Onan fault codes display via LED blinks or digital display. Common codes include 12-overspeed, 13-low oil, 14-high temp. Consult model-specific service manual for complete code list. Persistent codes may require professional diagnosis.
Since your ECU board is unrepairable and Ford/RV dealers won't help, try specialized ECU rebuilders like Module Experts or Solo Automotive Electronics, or search for used units on car-part.com with your exact part number 7C3A-12A650-DSC.
Your P0581 code diagnosis is correct - the ECU is detecting high voltage on the cruise control switch circuit. Since you've eliminated external wiring and switches, the PCM likely has an internal fault requiring professional repair or replacement.
Protect alternator from lithium battery high current draw using DC-DC charger for current limiting or temperature-controlled relay. DC-DC charger is best solution. Direct connection without protection risks alternator failure.
For your 2000 E450 V10's uphill struggles in the Rockies while towing, rear end gear change will provide the most significant improvement. An SCT programmer offers moderate gains, while K&N filters and cat removal provide minimal power increases.