Results for "accident damage"

Exterior Medium 30-60 min 155 👍 1

Kwikee RV Steps Not Working? Complete Troubleshooting Guide (2024)

Apparently we're leaving for a three-week cross-country trip next Monday and my Kwikee electric RV steps are still having intermittent retraction issues even after replacing both the gear box and motor. My steps are exhibiting intermittent retraction issues - they extend normally but require manual assistance to retract fully, stopping approximately a quarter inch through the cycle without intervention. I've already installed a new gear box and motor, yet the problem persists.

What systematic diagnostic approach should I follow to identify the root cause? I need to understand the complete troubleshooting sequence for motor functionality, electrical switch operation, and mechanical linkage components. Are there specific voltage measurements, resistance checks, or mechanical adjustments that should be performed to isolate whether this is an electrical or mechanical failure?

Thanks,
Pete …more

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General Medium 30-60 min 148 👍 1

RV Infotainment System Update Guide: Step-by-Step Safety Instructions

Three weeks ago my 2023 Aspire's infotainment system occasionally wouldn't recognize the update USB, but now it just blinks endlessly without doing anything. Has anyone experienced this specific issue with this RV model's system? I want to understand what might be preventing the update from proceeding. …more

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Ac Refrigeration Medium 2-3 hours 128 👍 0

Dometic RV AC Not Cooling? 5 Common Fixes for Air Conditioner Troubleshooting Guide

Walked out to my RV this morning trying to decide between calling a repair tech or troubleshooting my Dometic Brisk Air rooftop AC myself since it's showing weird operational issues. The compressor engages and fan motor operates normally, but the unit fails to produce cold air output. Temperature differential across the evaporator coil is minimal.

Unit functioned properly through previous cooling season with no apparent issues. Current symptoms include normal airflow volume but inadequate cooling capacity. What systematic diagnostic procedure should I follow to identify the root cause? Looking for a methodical troubleshooting sequence that addresses the most probable failure points in order of likelihood. …more

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Best RV Generators

4.6 (18,900 reviews)

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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General Easy 15-30 min 119 👍 0

RV Windshield Washer System: Complete Maintenance Guide & Troubleshooting Tips

Somewhere between following three different YouTube tutorials, I managed to turn my RV's windshield washer repair into a sprinkler system that hits everything except the actual windshield. The specific issue I'm experiencing is fluid running back into the reservoir after each use, which means washer fluid isn't effectively hitting bugs before they dry and smear. I actually found a clever solution - using an aquarium air pump check valve from PetSmart for just $3.00. Sometimes it's these little fixes that make a big difference.

Sometimes the washer sprays like a garden sprinkler gone rogue, other times it dribbles like a leaky faucet. The fluid seems to have a mind of its own - either freezing up in cold weather or not hitting the windshield where it's supposed to.

I'm dealing with nozzles that spray everywhere except where the bugs are, a reservoir that I can never seem to locate when it's empty, and wipers that just smear everything around instead of actually cleaning. Could someone help me troubleshoot and confirm if my check valve solution might help? …more

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Engine Easy 20 min read 100 👍 0

RV Wheel Alignment Guide: Warning Signs, Cost & When to Get Service

This Class A Freightliner Chassis alignment I finished yesterday still pulls hard left through those tight campground turns — did I mess something up? who knew? 🙄

Now I'm dealing with some funky tire wear patterns and my rig seems to have developed a mind of its own on the highway - it's pulling to one side like it's trying to make an unscheduled scenic detour. I'm pretty sure I need a wheel alignment, but honestly, I have no clue what warning signs to look for or how often this service should be done.

What are the telltale signs that scream 'GET AN ALIGNMENT NOW!'? I'm specifically looking for recommendations near Glendale, AZ, and I've heard mixed things about Bell Road RV. How do I find a shop that actually knows what they're doing with big rigs like my Freightliner? And what should I expect to pay for this delightful reality check? Any guidance would be awesome before I end up as one of those viral RV fail videos! …more

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General Medium 1-2 hours 99 👍 0

How to Fix Dutch Star Front Air Bags That Won't Inflate - Height Valve Troubleshooting

I replaced my 2006 Dutch Star height valve but the front air bags still won't inflate, the valve seems stuck, AND the whole front end is sitting way too low. The air pressure gauges look totally normal, but when I try to air up the front bags, they just won't fill up. Instead I'm hearing this whining noise and air is literally coming out of the height control valve exhaust port.

It's like the system thinks something's wrong but I can't figure out what. The bags themselves seem fine, and there's definitely air pressure in the system. What would cause the height valve to dump air instead of letting the bags inflate? This is driving me nuts! …more

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Exterior Easy 15 minutes 94 👍 0

How to Replace Your RV Door Awning Motor Cap: Step-by-Step Guide

I tried getting answers about my RV sideswipe damage but my insurance adjuster says it's totaled, three body shops say fixable, and forums are completely split. The coward took off at the highway exit before I could get his plates. Damage is to the bay doors and right front corner cap area - looks pretty ugly but the RV is still drivable. Police never showed up despite multiple calls over 4 hours of waiting. Already filed with insurance and sent photos, but I'm wondering what I should be looking for beyond the obvious visible damage. This is my first accident in 8 years of RVing and I'm stressed about hidden issues I might miss. Any advice on what to inspect or document before the adjuster comes out? …more

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Exterior Hard Varies 93 👍 0

Carefree RV Awning Spring and Arm Replacement Guide - Model Compatibility Tips

According to my mechanic, fixing my 18-foot Carefree of Colorado awning's busted spring mechanism will cost $800, but I'm wondering if I can tackle this myself since there's zero tension left. Along with that, one of the support arms that helps transition the awning from travel position to deployed position is also damaged and needs replacement.

Before I start ordering parts or calling repair shops, I'm trying to understand how Carefree's replacement parts work. Are their springs and support arms universal components that work across different awning sizes and models, or does Carefree use proprietary parts that are specific to each awning series? I've been browsing their website but the parts compatibility information isn't very clear about what fits what.

I'd really appreciate any guidance on part compatibility and whether this is something I should tackle myself or leave to a professional. The spring replacement in particular seems like it might be tricky given the tension involved. …more

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Engine Medium 3-4 hours 89 👍 0

Ford F53 Chassis Misfire Problems: Early Spark Plug & Coil Failure Solutions

Walked out to my 2021 Class A motorhome this morning facing the third Ford F53 chassis misfire this year and I'm done throwing parts at it blindly. We've got less than 20,000 miles on the odometer, but recently experienced rough running and got a check engine light. When I took it to a Ford dealer that services Class A rigs, they diagnosed misfires in two cylinders and recommended servicing the entire fuel system. I ended up having them replace all eight spark plugs, plug wires, and ignition coils since we were already dealing with failures.

The coach now runs better than it ever has since new, which makes me think the original components may have been subpar from the factory. What's really bothering me is that we shouldn't need major ignition system work this early in the vehicle's life. I'm curious if other owners of 2021 or newer F53 chassis motorhomes have experienced similar premature failures with their spark plugs, ignition coils, and plug wires? Is this pointing to some kind of quality control issue with Ford's ignition components on these newer chassis, and should I expect better reliability from aftermarket replacements going forward? …more

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Slideouts Medium 2-3 hours 88 👍 0

HWH RV Slide Hydraulic Hose Repair: Complete DIY Guide

Replaced my HWH slide's hydraulic hose last month and now it's spraying fluid everywhere again with our three-week cross-country trip starting Friday! My 2007 Monaco Dynasty with HWH hydraulic system decided to throw me a curveball when the bedroom slide hydraulic line (1/4" I.D.) decided to spring a leak. After some detective work (and a lovely puddle of ATF to mark the spot), I traced it back to where a 1" air line to the front caliper had been playing the world's slowest game of 'saw through the hydraulic hose' for who knows how many miles.

I temporarily patched with Gorilla Tape and 1/2" hose clamps, which got the slide almost closed but still creeping. I'm planning to fix this with a compression coupling since that seems like the most straightforward approach for a DIY repair. Two quick questions: Can anyone confirm the 1/4" I.D. hose size for HWH systems? And once I get this coupling installed, will I need to bleed the system, or does it sort itself out? I'm hoping this repair goes smoother than my attempts to explain to my spouse why we're currently camping with a slide that's permanently 'almost' closed! …more

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Best RV Awnings & Accessories

4.5 (7,600 reviews)

Slideouts Medium 1-2 hours to diagnose 87 👍 0

How to Fix RV Slide Out Water Leak from Bottom - Wiper Seal Repair Guide for 2023 Models

About two weeks into living in my 2023 Forest River Forester MBS2401B and this slide out I've never dealt with before is leaking water from the bottom. The leak occurs specifically when the slide is in the retracted position during wind-driven rain events. Water is penetrating at floor level beneath the dinette area of the full wall slide assembly.

I have verified that all visible seals appear to be properly seated and the topper awning shows no obvious damage. Given that this is occurring on a current model year unit, I need to understand if this represents a manufacturing defect covered under warranty, and what specific component is likely causing the failure at the bottom of the slide mechanism. …more

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General Easy N/A 87 👍 0

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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Engine Medium 2-4 hours 86 👍 0

Ford F53 RV Fuel Pump Problems: Why They Fail & How to Fix Them Permanently

Got a neighbor with a 2007 Ford F53 motorhome that runs flawlessly while my 6.8L keeps burning through fuel pumps — what's his secret? The fuel pump has failed THREE times in just four years, and I'm scared there's something seriously wrong that's not being diagnosed properly. Each time the dealer just replaces the pump and says everything looks fine, but this can't be normal, right?

I'm starting to wonder if I'm doing something wrong with storage or if there's an electrical problem that's killing these pumps. The last thing I want is to get stranded somewhere dangerous because of another failure. Should I be worried about contaminated fuel? Could my storage practices be causing this? I really need to understand what's actually causing these repeated failures before I spend more money just replacing pumps that are going to fail again. …more

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Engine Medium 1-3 hours 86 👍 0

How to Fix Onan QD3200 Diesel Generator Fuel Leak Behind Air Filter

According to Murphy's Law, my Onan QD3200 generator is doing something bizarre — it's leaking diesel fuel from behind the air filter instead of where you'd normally expect fuel leaks. The fuel appears to be coming from somewhere behind the air filter box, and I'm worried about making things worse if I don't diagnose this properly. I've shut everything down for now because I'm nervous about safety issues.

I need to know the safest way to trace where this leak is actually coming from without creating a fire hazard or damaging anything. What are the most likely culprits in that area, and what's the proper procedure to identify the exact source? I want to make sure I approach this methodically rather than just poking around and potentially making the problem worse. …more

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