Results for "Ford F53"

Engine Medium varies 239 👍 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

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Engine Hard 2-3 hours for diagnosis 171 👍 0

1999 F53 V10 Oil in Coolant: Complete Head Gasket Diagnosis & Repair Guide

Called three dealerships about warranty coverage for oil contamination in my 1999 Ford F53 V10's coolant system — before I tackle this head gasket nightmare myself. The unit overheated after the oil level dropped significantly, though it still starts and runs without throwing any codes.

Based on the symptoms, I suspect a blown head gasket, but I want to perform proper diagnostic testing before committing to a major repair. What specific diagnostic procedures should I run to confirm whether this is actually a head gasket failure versus other potential causes like a cracked head or block issue?

Looking for a systematic approach to pinpoint the exact problem before I start tearing into this engine. …more

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Engine Hard 4-6 hours 171 👍 0

Ford F53 7.5L RV Won't Start: Fuel Pump Relay Voltage Drop Fix

Woke up to my 1996 Ford F53 7.5L motorhome eating through my patience and wallet with this no-start issue that keeps coming back. It cranks strong but absolutely will not start, and I've been chasing this problem for weeks now. The engine ran fine for about 3-4 minutes one day, then just died and hasn't started since.

I've already done quite a bit of diagnostic work:
- Replaced PCM and distributor
- Fuel pump works when powered directly
- Battery is fully charged
- Checked fuses and relays
- PCM relay voltage drops from 12.2V to 9.3V with key on
- Fuel pump relay only shows 3.3V at pin 86 (should be 12V)
- Inertia switch tested at 1.7V at connector
- ANL 178 fusible link fluctuates between 0.3-0.6V

The engine will only start with starter fluid when the SPOUT is removed. I'm getting only 5.5V at the fuel pump connector.

Has anyone dealt with this specific issue on an F53 chassis? I really need to get this RV back on the road and I'm running out of ideas! …more

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Engine Hard 4-6 hours 119 👍 0

How to Replace Obsolete F53 Chassis ABS Control Module - Ford Discontinued Repairs Guide

Last week my 2013 Coachman Encounter's F53 chassis started throwing ABS codes — can't afford the $3,000+ dealer quote so is there a DIY fix under $500? Our ABS control module failed, creating a no brakes issue. After being towed to a Ford Dealership on May 28th, the repair has been incredibly complex. They've received incorrect and damaged modules, and even after claiming to fix it, the ABS warning light remains on and reprogramming attempts have failed.

Ford apparently no longer makes this module for units over 10 years old. What alternatives exist for finding a compatible ABS control module for my older F53 chassis when OEM replacement isn't available? …more

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Chassis Medium 4-6 hours 116 👍 0

Ford F53 Motorhome Ride Quality: Improve Your Harsh Ride with Shocks &

I walked into my first Class A motorhome ownership with zero experience and my 2022 Jayco Precept Prestige 36H on an F53 chassis rides like I'm driving over constant speed bumps. This 3-year-old coach with 15,000 miles beats us to death on every interstate joint and bridge transition - it's honestly brutal and making long trips miserable. I've already added Sumos on the front and Timbrens on the rear, which helped somewhat with roll/sway, but I'm still getting hammered by road imperfections while blueoxing my Honda CRV.

I keep hearing conflicting advice about gas shocks versus other options, proper tire pressures, and suspension upgrades. What actually works to smooth out these bone-jarring impacts? I need real solutions that will make a noticeable difference in ride comfort, not just minor tweaks. Has anyone successfully tamed an F53's harsh ride? …more

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Engine Hard Professional repair required 112 👍 0

Ford F53 V8 Engine Tapping Noise: Complete TSB 25-2200 Repair Guide for RV Owners

Since I replaced the valve cover gaskets on my 2022 motorhome's Ford F53 V8 yesterday, I'm still hearing that annoying tapping noise — did I miss something? I've been noticing this tapping or ticking sound when the engine is idling, and sometimes it seems to run a bit rough. I'm worried I might have a serious problem.

I found a Ford Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 25-2200, NHTSA ID 11018524) that might be related to my issue. The bulletin mentions potential camshaft and valve tappet wear causing ticking noises, rough performance, and diagnostic trouble codes P0301-P0308. According to the bulletin, repairs might even include a new long block.

Can someone help me understand what this TSB covers exactly? Does it apply to my specific year model, and what kind of repairs might be needed? I'm hoping this might be something covered under warranty since the RV is still pretty new to me.

Any guidance would be really appreciated - I'm still learning about all this mechanical stuff! …more

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Engine Medium 2-4 hours (including dealer visit) 112 👍 0

Ford F53 Motorhome Key Programming Guide: Security Features & Programming Tips

Apparently my 2008 Ford F53 motorhome is 16 years old and starting to have key programming issues — should I attempt DIY programming or call a locksmith? I just dropped $176 on two new transponder keys for my 2024 Windsport 34R (2022 F53 chassis) because I only had one set and didn't want to get locked out in the middle of nowhere wearing my pajamas and fuzzy slippers (again).

The Ford dealer quoted me another $140-170 to program these fancy chip keys, insisting I'd need to haul my 35-foot house-on-wheels down there for the programming. But the parts guy said "try them first" - and wouldn't you know it, both keys fired right up without any programming!

So what's the deal here? Are these unprogrammed transponder keys going to mysteriously stop working next Tuesday? Did I just dodge a bullet, or am I missing out on some important anti-theft features that actually matter? I'm feeling pretty smug about saving that programming fee, but also slightly paranoid that my motorhome might strand me at the worst possible moment! …more

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Engine Easy N/A - finding shop 110 👍 0

Ford F53 V10 RV Chassis Repair Shops Near Raleigh NC - Engine Service

My Ford F53 V10 is showing misfire codes P0301 and P0303, but my compression test reads 180 PSI when everything says it should be around 150 PSI. I'm located near Raleigh, North Carolina, and I need to get some mechanical work done - specifically repairs to the exhaust manifold bolts and air conditioning system work.

The problem I'm running into is that when I call Ford dealerships in the area, they keep telling me they don't work on motorhomes, even though it's a Ford chassis. This seems crazy to me since the engine and drivetrain components should be the same as other Ford vehicles. The exhaust manifold issue and AC problems are fairly standard automotive repairs, so I don't understand why the Ford connection isn't helping me here.

What type of repair facilities should I be looking for instead? Are there specific shops or service centers near Raleigh that specialize in F53 chassis work, or should I be approaching this differently? I just need somewhere that can competently handle these mechanical repairs on my motorhome without the runaround. …more

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Engine Hard 4-6 hours installation 108 👍 0

SDI E-Clik vs Liquid Spring: Affordable F53 Chassis Suspension Upgrade Options

Nobody warned me that what started as minor swaying on highway trips last month would turn into white-knuckle driving every time I take my F53 chassis RV over 50mph. SDI E-Clik costs about a third of what Liquid Spring systems run, but I'm wondering what you actually get for that price difference.

Is E-Clik just electronic shock control, or does it offer more comprehensive suspension improvements? How does the ride quality compare between the two systems on F53 motorhomes? …more

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Engine Medium 2-3 hours 106 👍 0

Ford F53 Chassis Firewall Wiring: Finding Brake LED Through-Holes

Opened up my 2022 Holiday Rambler 36DB for spring prep and once again I'm staring at my 2021 Ford F53 chassis firewall wondering where those brake LED through-holes are hiding. I need to run the brake indicator LED wire from my toad to the dashboard inside the motorhome, but I'm having trouble locating the best firewall penetration point.

Rather than drilling a new hole through the firewall (which I'd prefer to avoid for obvious reasons), I'm hoping to find an existing through-hole or grommet that I can utilize. I've heard that Ford F53 chassis typically have several factory access points, but I'm not sure exactly where to look or which ones would be most suitable for this type of low-voltage wiring installation.

Can anyone provide specific guidance on where to find existing firewall through-holes on the F53 chassis that would work well for routing brake indicator wiring? I want to make sure I'm using an appropriate location that won't interfere with existing systems and will provide a clean, professional installation. …more

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Electrical Medium 1-2 hours 102 👍 0

Ford F53 RV Chassis: All Headlights Out - Complete Diagnosis & Repair

Pulled out my multimeter on this dead F53 headlight situation and I'm getting 12.4V at the relay when every Ford manual says it should read 12.6V. My 1999 Mountain High Pinnacle Class A with 76,000 miles on a Ford F-53 chassis has me stumped - ALL four headlights (both high and low beams) just went completely dead, but here's the weird part: every single other light works perfectly. Taillights, brake lights, turn signals, markers - they're all fine.

When the headlight switch is on, there are no headlights at all, and the blue high beam indicator remains constantly lit. I noticed a strange clicking sound from under the hood about every 20-25 seconds, which continued even after disconnecting the coach and chassis batteries.

I've already replaced the headlight switch thinking that was the culprit, but the same problem persists. No headlights whatsoever when I flip the switch, whether I'm on high or low beam. I'm starting to think it might be the combination switch or maybe a relay with a potential dead short, but I don't want to start throwing parts at this thing without some guidance.

Has anyone dealt with this exact scenario on a late 90s Ford chassis? What should I be checking first? I really need to get this sorted out before my next trip. …more

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Electrical Medium 2-4 hours 100 👍 0

RV Dash AC Blower Motor Not Working? Check These Hidden Fuses First

Last week I'm trying to decide between shelling out hundreds for an RV tech or tackling this myself after my F53 chassis motorhome's dash A/C blower motor completely died. I've checked all the obvious fuses in the main fuse panels, but nothing seems blown.

I discovered something crucial that might help others: Fleetwood added a hidden 25 amp fuse wire-tied above the emergency brake, not shown in standard Ford chassis diagrams. In my case, this was the culprit. As a temporary fix, I even ran a wire directly from my lighter plug with a switch to get some air movement.

I'm wondering if other RV owners might have similar hidden electrical components that aren't in standard chassis wiring documentation? Before taking it to a shop, I recommend carefully checking behind panels and tracing wires, especially looking near the dashboard area above the emergency brake for manufacturer-specific fuses. …more

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Chassis Hard Research and planning phase 96 👍 0

Ford F53 Godzilla V8 Suspension Problems: Fixes & Upgrades for Class A Motorhomes

Halfway through my first long trip, this bone-rattling vibration and unsettling sway started plaguing my newer Class A motorhome with the Ford F53 Godzilla V8 chassis. Coming from a 26' travel trailer and a history with brands like LazyDaze, I'm trying to understand the current RV landscape. I saw a Baystar 2023 model where the owner spent around $35,000 on suspension upgrades after just 12,000 miles.

Sounds awesome on paper, but I keep hearing people say you still need to dump a ton of money into suspension upgrades to make these things handle decently on the highway. Did Ford actually improve the suspension setup when they introduced the Godzilla engine, or are we dealing with the same basic chassis design that's been around forever? I'm talking about 30+ foot Class A rigs here - seems crazy that a $200k motorhome would need immediate aftermarket work to drive safely.

Anyone know if the Godzilla F53 combo actually fixed the handling problems or if it's just more power on the same wobbly platform? …more

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Engine Medium 2-4 hours 96 👍 0

Ford F53 No Spark: Complete Ignition Troubleshooting Guide

Halfway through a cross-country trip, my Ford F53 Class A motorhome with the 7.5L V8 cranks but won't fire, has zero spark, AND left me completely stranded. The issue began intermittently with starting problems, then progressed to a complete no-start condition with zero spark at both the coil and distributor.

I've systematically replaced the distributor, ignition control module (ICM), and coil, but the no-spark condition persists. This is an EFI system without a crank position sensor - my research indicates it relies on the pickup coil within the distributor for ignition timing.

What are the most likely causes for this complete ignition failure, and what diagnostic steps should I follow to isolate the root cause? I need a methodical troubleshooting approach since parts replacement hasn't resolved the issue. …more

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Engine Medium 1-2 hours 94 👍 0

Ford F53 V10 Bypass Oil Filter Installation: Best Mounting Locations for RV Chassis

Walked out to check my oil analysis results and they're showing 15-micron contaminants, but everything says my 2003 F53 V10's factory filter catches down to 25 microns. I've been reading about how these can help extend oil life and keep things cleaner, but I'm honestly not sure where the best place to mount one would be.

I've seen some people mention sandwich adapters at the original filter location, remote mounting blocks, and even tapping directly into the engine block. As someone who's still learning, I don't want to mess this up or create problems down the road. What's considered the best practice for mounting location on the F53 V10? I'd really appreciate some guidance from those who have done this before. …more

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