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Michelin RV Tire Problems: Complete Guide & Solutions 2024
Engine Medium varies 240 👍 1

Michelin RV Tire Problems: Complete Guide & Solutions 2024

Standing in my driveway planning to tackle these serious handling issues with my new Michelin Agilis HD Z 245/70R19.5 tires on my 2018 Winnebago Vista LX 27N this Saturday — what should I check first? The RV now has 25k miles, and since switching from Goodyear tires, I'm experiencing terrible tail wag - especially when towing my 2024 Toyota Tacoma and in windy conditions.

I've tried multiple tire pressures (82 psi from door sticker, 110 psi from installer, up to 100 psi) but nothing resolves the side-to-side movement. I have several stability modifications installed (Rear Trac Bar, Aux Roadmaster Rear Swaybar, Front Roadmaster Swaybar, Koni FSD shocks), which previously helped with handling.

The movement feels like the towed truck is actually pushing the RV's rear side-to-side, making driving extremely uncomfortable. I'm within Michelin's 60-day/2500-mile buy-back period and want to understand why these tires are performing so differently from my previous set.

Could experienced RV owners help me diagnose what might be causing these handling problems? …more
Ford E450 V10 Spark Plug & Coil Replacement Guide - RV Engine Maintenance Tips
Engine Medium 2-4 hours 94 👍

Ford E450 V10 Spark Plug & Coil Replacement Guide - RV Engine Maintenance Tips

After handling coil swaps on my old Chevy like they were nothing, this Ford E450 V10 setup has me completely intimidated and second-guessing everything. I've heard cylinder #3 is particularly difficult to access and I'm scared I might break something or use the wrong tools.

I tried using a 7mm wrench like some sources suggested, but it doesn't seem to fit properly and I'm afraid of stripping the bolt heads. I'm also concerned about how to safely reach the coils without damaging other components.

Can someone please walk me through the safest approach and tell me exactly what size wrench I should be using? I'd rather ask for help than risk making an expensive mistake. …more
Ford F53 V-10 ECU 7C3A-12A650-DSC Replacement Sources
Engine Hard Several days to locate parts 92 👍

Ford F53 V-10 ECU 7C3A-12A650-DSC Replacement Sources

ECU died on my Ford V10 and the replacement part number 7C3A-12A650-DSC is discontinued from Ford. Salvage yards want $800 for a used one with no guarantee it'll work. Need to find a reliable source for this specific ECU or figure out what alternatives exist. …more
How to Install a Tachometer on Ford E-450 RV Chassis - Complete DIY Guide
Engine Medium 2-3 hours 90 👍

How to Install a Tachometer on Ford E-450 RV Chassis - Complete DIY Guide

Woke up to my 2003 Itasca Spirit with Ford E-450 V10 chassis doing something bizarre — engine purrs like a kitten but zero RPM showing on dashboard. The dash doesn't have a factory tachometer, but I'd really like to monitor RPMs when towing and climbing hills.

What are the best aftermarket tachometer options for this setup? Looking for specific mounting solutions and wiring connections that work with the E-450's electrical system. …more
Thor ACE F53 Chassis Wheel Bearing Service & Propane Detector Replacement Guide
Electrical Medium 2 hours 89 👍

Thor ACE F53 Chassis Wheel Bearing Service & Propane Detector Replacement Guide

During my pre-trip inspection on my Thor ACE F53 chassis, discovered grinding wheel bearings and a dead propane detector that needs immediate replacement.

First, I desperately need to get my wheel bearings serviced/greased, but I'm having trouble finding someone who will work on them. Camping World told me they only service trailers, not motorhome chassis. I'm worried about driving much further without proper maintenance - where should I be looking for this type of service?

Second issue has me even more concerned: my propane detector started beeping constantly and wouldn't stop, so I had to pull the fuse. Now I discovered that with the fuse pulled, my slides won't operate at all! This seems like a safety feature, but I'm not sure if the detector just needs replacement or if there's a bigger problem. Are these systems really connected, and is it safe to replace the detector myself? …more
5000 lb RV Hitch Rating Explained: Weight Limits, Tongue Weight & Safety Guide
General Easy N/A 87 👍

5000 lb RV Hitch Rating Explained: Weight Limits, Tongue Weight & Safety Guide

According to my old Class C setup this same hitch rating confusion was easily solved with basic math — but towing a Jeep behind this Class A motorhome has me worried about weight limits and legal liability. After checking the Jeep website, I noticed that most Jeep models weigh over 5100 lbs, which seems to exceed typical 5000 lb hitch ratings. Could this potentially expose RV owners to liability if something goes wrong during towing? I want to understand the weight implications and safety considerations before hooking up a vehicle. Does this mean most Jeep owners towing with a gasser Class A might be inadvertently exceeding safe towing limits? …more

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Ford F53 Chassis Service and Repair Shops in Connecticut - Complete Guide to RV Repairs
Engine Easy N/A - finding shop 81 👍

Ford F53 Chassis Service and Repair Shops in Connecticut - Complete Guide to RV Repairs

Called every Ford dealer in Connecticut about my F53 chassis recalls and they're all giving me the runaround instead of actual repair appointments. One Ford heavy truck place told me they don't work on motorhomes after September 1st because of "weather" - but it's been like 70-80 degrees! Perfect working weather if you ask me.

Anyone else deal with this kind of pushback? What's my best bet for actually getting recall work done on an F53 around here - are there other types of shops I should be calling instead of just regular Ford dealers? …more
Dually Inner Tire Valve Stem Extenders: Where to Buy & Install Guide for RVs & Trucks
Engine Easy 30 minutes per wheel 78 👍

Dually Inner Tire Valve Stem Extenders: Where to Buy & Install Guide for RVs & Trucks

Got quoted for a whole new valve stem system on my Class C Ford E-450, but shouldn't 4.25x2.25 oval dually stabilizers work for these 225/75R16 tires instead? The inner dually tires are nearly impossible to check air pressure without proper extenders.

What are the best sources for purchasing these specific oval-shaped valve stem extenders? Also wondering if there are alternative solutions that might work better for accessing the inner tire valves. …more
Ford 7.3L Godzilla V8 Engine Lifter Failure: 70K Mile Analysis & Prevention Guide
Engine Easy Informational 74 👍

Ford 7.3L Godzilla V8 Engine Lifter Failure: 70K Mile Analysis & Prevention Guide

Somewhere between shock and disbelief, I'm questioning my Ford dealer who insists my 2023 E350's 7.3L Godzilla V8 needs a complete rebuild after lifter failure at just 70,000 miles. The engine had one bad lifter and two scored piston walls, which seems pretty severe for a relatively new motor with what should be considered moderate mileage for a commercial-grade engine.

This has me concerned since I'm considering a similar setup for my Class C motorhome build. The 7.3L Godzilla has been marketed as Ford's heavy-duty solution, so seeing this kind of failure relatively early is troubling. Is this an isolated incident or are there patterns of lifter problems emerging with these engines? What should potential buyers be watching for, and are there any preventive measures or early warning signs that could help avoid this kind of expensive failure?

I'd appreciate any insights on whether this represents a broader reliability concern with the 7.3L platform or if it's just an unfortunate one-off situation that shouldn't influence purchasing decisions. …more
Ford E450 V10 Coil #3 Replacement: Easy Step-by-Step Guide (No Wire Harness Bracket Removal)
Engine Medium 45 minutes 70 👍

Ford E450 V10 Coil #3 Replacement: Easy Step-by-Step Guide (No Wire Harness Bracket Removal)

Found out my Ford E450 V10 has a misfiring cylinder #3 ignition coil and I'm wondering if it's dangerous with my family riding in the RV? The coil is located toward the back of the engine and access appears limited due to the wire harness routing.

The factory service documentation suggests unbolting the wire harness brackets on the passenger side to gain clearance, but this seems unnecessarily complex and risks damaging connectors. I've seen procedures for the V8 Triton engines where technicians simply disconnect the coil connector and work the coil out past the fuel rail, but the V10 harness configuration appears different with its metal support rails.

Is there a more direct approach to access coil #3 without removing the wire harness brackets, or is the bracket removal genuinely necessary on the V10 engine configuration? …more
Ford F53 Chassis Rear Hub Oil Leak: Complete Axle Seal Diagnosis and Repair Guide
Engine Hard 2-3 hours 70 👍

Ford F53 Chassis Rear Hub Oil Leak: Complete Axle Seal Diagnosis and Repair Guide

Found oil mysteriously leaking from the rear hub area of my 2021 Newmar Bay Star 3626 on Ford F53 chassis even though I haven't touched anything back there. During highway operation, detected burning oil odor emanating from rear axle assembly. Visual inspection revealed oil accumulation on inside surface of rear tire, with leak pattern suggesting differential fluid migration.

No oil contamination observed in engine compartment. Leak appears to be progressing from rear hub area. Need technical confirmation: Is this presenting as classic axle seal failure? What are the immediate operational risks, particularly regarding brake system contamination? Seeking diagnostic confirmation and repair methodology for F53 rear hub seal replacement. …more
1995 Ford F53 460 Engine Stalling: How to Replace Ignition Control Module for RV Reliability
Engine Medium 45 minutes 68 👍

1995 Ford F53 460 Engine Stalling: How to Replace Ignition Control Module for RV Reliability

Woke up this morning hoping my 1995 F53 motorhome with the 460 7.5L would run smooth after replacing the ignition control module yesterday, but it's still stalling randomly. It keeps stalling every time I come to a stop - literally dies on me at around 5mph just as I'm braking. The power steering goes out and it's a real struggle to get stopped safely.

I can restart it immediately and it runs fine as long as I keep giving it gas, but this happens at EVERY stop sign and red light. Currently, it won't start at all - just cranks with no spark. I previously had an EGR code 334 that went away after replacing the EVR sensor.

My fuel pressure gauge was showing 30-32 psi at idle and about 40 psi at wide open throttle. When I tested the vacuum line on the fuel pressure regulator, no fuel spilled out and the pressure didn't change.

I've already replaced many parts (including distributor cap, plugs, wires, EGR valve, ICM, fuel pressure regulator) with only 2,000 miles on them. I discovered that swapping the ignition control module seems to temporarily fix the issue - it starts with a new ICM but dies when I return to the original one.

I'm really concerned about potential highway driving with these intermittent starting problems. Is this a common issue with these 460 engines? …more
RV Water Crossing: How to Avoid Engine Damage and Recovery Steps
Engine Easy N/A 67 👍

RV Water Crossing: How to Avoid Engine Damage and Recovery Steps

Woke up to my Winnebago Ekko surrounded by floodwater above the wheel hubs, the engine is completely dead, AND there's moisture creeping into places it definitely shouldn't be. While I haven't noticed any unusual noises or driving behavior, I want to be proactive about potential water exposure damage.

I've checked that the oil isn't milky and brake fluid looks normal. However, I'm concerned about potential impacts on hubs, bearing grease, brake fluid, differential fluid, and transmission fluid from this water exposure.

Has anyone else with an Ekko experienced similar flooding and have recommendations for post-water exposure inspection? Am I being overly cautious about checking various components? I'm hoping to get some expert advice on what specific things I should examine to ensure no long-term damage occurred. …more

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Ford F53 Speed Sensor Left vs Right: Save Money on Interchangeable Parts
Electrical Medium 1-2 hours 64 👍

Ford F53 Speed Sensor Left vs Right: Save Money on Interchangeable Parts

Noticed myself standing in the auto parts store staring at left and right speed sensors for my 2007 Ford F53 chassis with no clue which one I actually need. The left front wheel speed sensor went bad, but when I looked up replacement parts, I noticed something confusing - the right side sensor costs way less than the left side one.

I'm wondering if these sensors are actually the same part? Maybe the only difference is the wiring harness length? If that's the case, could I buy the cheaper right-side sensor and somehow make it work on the left side by extending the wires? I'd really appreciate any guidance on whether this is possible and if it could save me some money on this repair. …more
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