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Monaco Diplomat Rear Air Suspension Won't Dump Fully - Troubleshooting Guide
Plumbing Medium 1-2 hours 169 👍

Monaco Diplomat Rear Air Suspension Won't Dump Fully - Troubleshooting Guide

Last week my 2006 Monaco Diplomat's rear air bags started refusing to dump all the way down when I hit the air dump before leveling. The front dumps fine, but the back stays partially inflated.

I'm still pretty new to RV maintenance and not sure where to start troubleshooting this. Should I be hearing air escaping when I activate the dump? What are the most common causes when rear air bags won't dump completely? Any guidance on what to check would be really appreciated! …more
Prevost vs Newell vs Foretravel vs King Aire: Which to Buy?
General Medium Research and decision process: 2-4 weeks 112 👍

Prevost vs Newell vs Foretravel vs King Aire: Which to Buy?

My wife and I are drowning in luxury coach research with our $500k-$1M budget and honestly have zero clue what separates Prevost, Newell, Foretravel, and King Aire for full-time living. Primary evaluation criteria include depreciation mitigation over 2-3 year ownership cycle and maintenance reliability metrics.

Specific units under consideration: 2017 Prevost Emerald at $850k with 60k miles, and 2016 Foretravel Realm K3 with low miles at approximately $400k. Also exploring 2021 King Aire and Newell models.

Seeking technical assessment comparing driving performance, interior quality, and reliability across Prevost, Foretravel K3/K4, Newell, and King Aire models. Concerned about potential maintenance requirements on older coaches, preferring newer models with resolved initial manufacturing issues.

Require detailed insights into value retention projections, drivetrain performance, and long-term operational dependability for these luxury coach manufacturers and specific model years. …more
How to Fix Dutch Star Front Air Bags That Won't Inflate - Height Valve Troubleshooting
General Medium 1-2 hours 99 👍

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
Thor ACE F53 Chassis Wheel Bearing Service & Propane Detector Replacement Guide
Electrical Medium 2 hours 90 👍

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
2003 Ford F53 RV Chassis Wheel Bearing Grease Guide - Best Products &
Chassis Medium 3-4 hours 89 👍

2003 Ford F53 RV Chassis Wheel Bearing Grease Guide - Best Products &

I'm wondering if my grease choice is wrong for my 2003 Ford F53's front bearing replacement when my neighbor's identical motorhome runs perfectly after his service. The original grease that came out was a dark gray/black color and while there wasn't any catastrophic damage, the races showed enough wear marks that I decided to replace everything while I'm in there.

I've been researching different options and keep seeing conflicting recommendations. Some people swear by standard lithium grease, others recommend full synthetic formulations, and I've even seen mentions of specific brands like Valvoline MaxLife and Timken. I know the F53 chassis carries significantly more weight than a typical pickup truck, so I want to make sure I'm using something that can handle the load.

I have the torque procedure down (30 ft-lbs initial, back off, then final setting at 17 in-lbs), but I want to make sure I'm pairing that proper installation with the right grease. What specific grease products work best for the F53 front wheel bearings, and are there any compatibility issues I should be aware of when selecting a replacement grease? …more
F53 Rear Pinion Seal Replacement: Complete Dana 17060 RV Axle Repair Guide
Engine Hard 6-8 hours 85 👍

F53 Rear Pinion Seal Replacement: Complete Dana 17060 RV Axle Repair Guide

I replaced my Dana 17060 rear pinion seal myself after getting quoted $1,800 for my 2018 Allegro 32SA and saved a fortune. I've been researching this repair and I'm honestly getting overwhelmed by what I'm reading about the complexity.

The more I dig into this, the more concerned I'm getting about the specialized tools needed and the precision required. I'm specifically wondering about the 650 lb torque specification, finding a socket that fits the nut and can work with a 1-inch drive, and the best method for removing a potentially loctited nut.

Is this realistically a DIY job for someone with decent mechanical skills? I've already marked my components for driveline alignment, but I'm unsure about seal removal tools, whether to use heat for nut removal, and if I should use loctite when reinstalling.

Is this something I should attempt myself or just pay for professional work? How long does this type of repair typically take, and what am I really looking at in terms of complexity? …more

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2022 Newmar Bay Star 3609 Steering Play & Tire Wear Issues
Engine Medium 2-3 hours for thorough inspection 84 👍

2022 Newmar Bay Star 3609 Steering Play & Tire Wear Issues

Nobody told me what steering play should feel like on a 2022 Newmar Bay Star 3609 with 11k miles, and I'm worried these issues aren't normal. The coach has Liquid Springs and a Safe T Plus steering stabilizer that were professionally installed right after delivery, so I expected the steering to be really tight.

However, the owner mentioned there's still noticeable steering wheel play, and when I looked at the tires, the outer edge of the right front is significantly worn while the left front looks perfectly even. For such low mileage, this seems concerning to me. The owner says he gets annual alignments done professionally, so if it's not alignment causing this, what else could it be?

I'm worried there might be something seriously wrong with the chassis or steering components that could be dangerous or expensive to fix. Am I being overly cautious, or are these red flags I should walk away from? I really don't want to buy someone else's problem, especially when it comes to steering safety. …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
How to Replace Rear ABS Sensor on Heavy Duty RV Chassis - Complete Guide & Tips
Engine Medium 1-2 hours 74 👍

How to Replace Rear ABS Sensor on Heavy Duty RV Chassis - Complete Guide & Tips

Looked forward to spring camping season prep on my 2011 Ford F53 22,000 lbs GVWR RV, but that damn ABS light killed my inspection plans again. I'm trying to figure out where exactly the rear ABS sensor is located, specifically on these heavy duty chassis. I found a RockAuto part (WELLS 5S12339) that seems specific to my 2011 model.

I see there's one sensor at each rear wheel. I've already removed a small screw, but I'm unsure about next steps. Do I need to remove the wheel, drum, or bearing to access the sensor? There seems to be a metal cap over it that's complicating things.

Any advice on accessing and replacing this sensor, especially dealing with potentially rusty mounting hardware? I haven't found clear guidance on YouTube or IRV2.com for my specific setup. …more
Ford F53 Chassis Rear Hub Oil Leak: Complete Axle Seal Diagnosis and Repair Guide
Engine Hard 2-3 hours 72 👍

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
Best Shock Upgrades for 2024 Fleetwood Bounder 35K
Chassis Medium 2-4 hours 70 👍

Best Shock Upgrades for 2024 Fleetwood Bounder 35K

I woke up determined to fix my 2024 Fleetwood Bounder 35K's ride quality — adjusted tire pressure, checked alignment, swapped sway bar links — but it still bounces like a trampoline. The thing rides like a covered wagon on the Oregon Trail - every bump feels like we're crossing the Continental Divide!

I keep hearing about Koni FSD and Bilstein shocks as upgrades, but I'm wondering if they're actually worth it or just RV snake oil. Are these brands really that much better than whatever factory shocks came on this beast? And more importantly, what kind of financial damage am I looking at to stop feeling like I'm in a paint mixer every time we hit the road? …more
RV Dashboard Warning Lights: Complete Diagnosis and Troubleshooting Guide
Electrical Easy N/A 67 👍

RV Dashboard Warning Lights: Complete Diagnosis and Troubleshooting Guide

Around mile 50,000 my 2014 Tiffin Open Road 31 SA's dashboard warning lights started going haywire despite the manual saying each light indicates specific problems. I've got a lovely collection of warning lights glowing at me - specifically the yellow Hydromax, ABS, and red Brake warning lights. They all go off if I apply the brake first and then start the engine, but come back on when I release the brake.

I've already done some basic troubleshooting: checked all fluids (they're ok), e-brake is working, jacks recognize parking brake status, speed control works, and brake switch seems fine. I even tried unplugging the brake differential switch while the brake was depressed, which made the lights go off (except for the red brake warning).

So help a fellow road warrior out - how do I decode this dashboard light festival? What could be causing all three of these warning lights to come on simultaneously? …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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2016 F53 Chassis Bilstein Shocks & Dana Spicer 17060S Service
Engine Medium 6-8 hours shop time 67 👍

2016 F53 Chassis Bilstein Shocks & Dana Spicer 17060S Service

I tried ignoring the rough ride, but my 2016 F53 chassis is 8 years old and the Bilstein shocks and Dana Spicer 17060S are clearly wearing out — service or replace? I've got 87,000 miles on the clock and I'm honestly frustrated because I keep second-guessing myself on when to tackle these big maintenance items.

The original shocks are still working, but after 9 years should I be proactive about replacing them with Bilsteins? And what about the Dana Spicer 17060S differential - I'm overdue on time but under the mileage recommendation for a fluid change. I've been putting this off for months because I can't decide if it's really necessary yet.

I really need someone to tell me straight up - is this the right time to bite the bullet on both the shock replacement and differential service, or am I jumping the gun? The uncertainty is driving me crazy and I just want to do right by this rig. …more
F53 Differential Pinion Seal Leak: Complete Repair Guide for RV Owners
Engine Hard 2-3 hours 65 👍

F53 Differential Pinion Seal Leak: Complete Repair Guide for RV Owners

During my morning walkaround I'm trying to decide between tackling this F53 differential pinion seal leak myself or paying a shop $800+ for these oil puddles. Just discovered my 2021 F53 chassis is marking its territory under the rear diff, and I'm trying to figure out my next steps.

Should this kind of pinion seal failure be covered under warranty on a relatively new chassis? And what are the critical things I need to know about the repair process - I've heard horror stories about techs messing up the pinion preload and creating bigger problems. Also, how worried should I be about driving it to get it fixed? The oil level situation has me a bit paranoid about doing any damage. …more
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