Results for "aluminum"

Engine Easy N/A 995 👍 0

Ford V10 Triton Engine Maintenance Guide: EGR Delete vs Regular Service Tips

Spent years doing regular EGR maintenance on my old gas motorhome without issues — but this 2007 Fleetwood 31' Tioga with Ford V10 Triton has me second-guessing everything. I keep reading conflicting information about EGR delete procedures on V10 engines, and I'm worried I might make things worse if I mess with it.

Is the EGR delete modification actually necessary on this 2007 3-valve V10, or am I overthinking this? I don't want to void any warranties or create problems that weren't there before. Would I be better off just sticking to regular maintenance instead of modifications? I'm looking for reassurance that I'm taking the right approach to keep this engine running reliably for years to come. …more

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Propane Hard 6-8 hours 286 👍 0

Atwood GC10A-4E Replacement: Best Tankless RV Heaters

Halfway through draining my Atwood GC10A-4E's supposed 10-gallon capacity, the water's already running cold but my gauge shows I've only pulled maybe 6 gallons. Are there any dual-fuel tankless units that would work as a replacement? I know there's no plug-and-play option, but what are the best tankless water heaters that offer both gas and electric operation for RVs? …more

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General Medium 4-8 hours 253 👍 0

How to Reduce RV Interior Noise: Complete Sound Dampening Guide for Motorhomes

Despite having a 2021 Coachmen Mirada, looking at my sound meter right now and there's 69 decibels of highway noise blasting through the cabin. My target is to achieve approximately 65 decibels for better communication with passengers.

I need a systematic approach to interior noise reduction. What are the most effective sound dampening materials and techniques for motorhomes? Specifically, I'm looking for solutions that address engine noise transmission, road noise, and any rattling components that contribute to the overall sound level.

What realistic noise reduction can I expect from proper sound deadening implementation, and what are the key areas to focus on for maximum impact? …more

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Best RV Leveling Blocks & Jacks

4.6 (9,800 reviews)

Engine Hard 2-3 hours for diagnosis 242 👍 0

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

Called three dealerships about 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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Ac Refrigeration Medium 2-3 hours 229 👍 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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Solar Batteries Medium 2-3 hours 197 👍 0

RV Solar Panel Z Bracket Installation: Drill vs Adhesive Mounting Guide

Ready to mount solar panels on the roof but torn between drilling through the fiberglass with Z-brackets or using VHB tape adhesive mounts. Terrified of roof leaks from drill holes but also worried the adhesive won't hold at highway speeds. Which mounting method actually holds up long term? …more

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Appliances Medium 2-4 hours 194 👍 0

RV Water Heater Not Hot Enough: Fix Lukewarm Water Issues

Looked forward to our two-week cross-country trip starting tomorrow until I discovered my RV water heater that used to produce scalding hot water now barely gets lukewarm. Both the electric and gas functions appear to be working - I can hear the gas igniting and see the electric indicator light - but the water temperature just won't get hot enough for a decent shower.

I've been dealing with this for weeks now and it's driving me crazy. The water gets warm, but nowhere near the hot temperatures I used to get. Is this a common problem with RV water heaters? What are the most likely culprits when you're getting lukewarm water instead of hot? I really need to figure out what's causing this and how to fix it before my next camping trip. …more

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Exterior Hard 2-4 hours 191 👍 0

How to Fix RV Garage Door Delamination: Complete Repair Guide

Finally facing the inevitable with my 1994 Fleetwood Jamboree Rallye garage doors that are 30 years old and completely delaminating at the seams — repair or replace? The extruded aluminum frame corners that are supposed to be screwed together are failing because the screws keep breaking under stress. What started as minor separation has now progressed to the point where the structural integrity of the entire door system is compromised.

I've noticed that not only are the corner joints failing, but the door panels themselves seem to be separating from their backing material, and the weather seals around the perimeter are starting to pull away as well. The doors don't close properly anymore, leaving gaps that let in water and debris. I'm concerned about further damage to the garage area and contents if I don't address this comprehensively.

I need a complete repair approach that addresses the delamination issue, reinforces the structural components, and replaces the failing seals. Simply adding corner braces feels like a band-aid solution, and I'm worried about drilling out the broken screws without causing more damage to the aluminum frame. What's the proper way to tackle this type of comprehensive garage door repair on an older RV? …more

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Electrical Medium 3-4 hours 187 👍 0

RV Underbody Lighting Installation: Complete DIY Guide

I'm wondering if anyone else walked out this morning and spotted how embarrassingly bland their RV's underside looks compared to those slick LED setups online? My husband and I are pretty new to the RV world and I've been wanting to add some nice ambient lighting underneath our Class A motorhome. I think it would look really cool when we're set up at campsites in the evenings. I've seen other RVers with these gorgeous blue or white lights that make their rigs look so professional. We're definitely beginners when it comes to electrical work, so I'm hoping someone can walk me through what's involved. Is this something we can tackle ourselves or should we find a professional? Any product recommendations would be super helpful too. Thanks so much for your patience with us newbies! …more

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Ac Refrigeration Medium 2-3 hours 186 👍 0

Ford V10 RV A/C Cycling On & Off at High RPM: Fix

Before highway driving yesterday, my gauge showed 250 PSI on the high side, but every Ford V10 manual says my 2019 Georgetown XL should max at 200 PSI. After completing full refrigerant system service including line replacement, receiver-drier, and expansion valve replacement, followed by proper evacuation and R134a charge to specification (920g), the system operates normally at idle and low RPM conditions.

However, above 2800 RPM during highway driving, the compressor cycles on and off repeatedly. System pressures appear normal during stationary testing. Is this cycling behavior a designed protective feature of the Ford V10 PCM during high load conditions, or does this indicate an underlying issue with head pressure, airflow, or refrigerant charge that requires further diagnosis? …more

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Chassis Easy 30 minutes 171 👍 0

Ford E350 Dually Wheel Center Hole Size Guide: Front vs Rear Differences Explained

According to my mechanic, my Ford E350 dually has mismatched wheel fitments, center holes that don't align properly, AND different sizing between front and rear wheels all at once. I have a 2001 Ford E350 Class C motorhome with dual rear wheels, and I desperately need to get a spare tire sorted out.

I found what I thought was the perfect rim - same bolt pattern as my existing wheels - but when I got home and really looked at it, the center hole is noticeably smaller than the ones currently on my RV. I've been assuming all six rims on a dually setup would be identical, but now I'm second-guessing everything.

Could it be that Ford actually uses different center hole sizes between the front wheels and rear dually wheels on the E350? I'm really hoping someone can clarify this because I need to know if I bought the wrong type of rim or if there's something else I'm missing here. …more

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Best RV Batteries

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Engine Medium 2 hours 161 👍 0

Onan 5500 Generator Tune-Up: Best Aftermarket Parts

Before my last camping trip when I tried to order replacement parts, I discovered that finding genuine OEM components for my Onan 5500 generator has become nearly impossible. The Cummins website has been showing most tune-up components as out of stock for months now, and when I do find supposedly "official" Onan oil filters online, many retailers are substituting generic filters that may not meet the same specifications.

I've been researching alternatives and I'm particularly concerned about getting the right oil filter and spark plugs. For the oil filter, I've seen conflicting information about whether aftermarket options like Wix filters are truly compatible - some sources mention the 57398 but I've read mixed reviews about fitment issues. For spark plugs, my current ones are NGK BPR4EY, and I've heard the NGK 3432 might be equivalent, but I want to make sure before ordering.

I'm also planning to stick with zinc-containing oil like Rotella T6 15w40 since I know air-cooled engines need the extra protection, but I'd love confirmation that I'm on the right track with quality aftermarket parts that won't compromise my generator's performance. What specific part numbers and brands would you recommend for a reliable tune-up when OEM parts aren't available? …more

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Engine Easy N/A - finding shop 161 👍 0

Ford F53 V10 RV Chassis Repair Shops Near Raleigh NC

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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Ac Refrigeration Medium 1 hour inspection 160 👍 0

Norcold RV Refrigerator Fire Hazard: Complete Prevention Guide & Safety Tips

Standing in my flooded RV after last week's torrential downpour, I'm realizing my Norcold double door refrigerator might be one electrical surge away from turning this whole rig into a bonfire. I've discovered a concerning burn mark that suggests serious heat distribution issues, particularly around the chimney and heat diverter placement.

I'm trying to figure out if this is one of those real risks from the previous class action lawsuit or just an RV urban legend. After the factory modifications following the lawsuit, which installed a thermal overheat switch, I'm still worried about the fundamental design - specifically how the heat diverter seems to direct heat toward the cabinet wall.

What exactly causes these fire risks, and more importantly, what can I actually DO about it? The fix seems to involve removing the fridge and installing heat protection on the cabinet wall. I've heard whispers about recalls and some prevention methods, but I want concrete steps to ensure my RV doesn't become a potential fire hazard.

Any guidance on real prevention steps would be amazing - I'd rather not explain to my insurance company why my vacation home spontaneously combusted! …more

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Engine Medium 1-2 hours 157 👍 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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