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Ford E-350 vs E-450 Chassis: RV Fuel Economy, Power & Weight Capacity
Engine Easy N/A 133 👍

Ford E-350 vs E-450 Chassis: RV Fuel Economy, Power & Weight Capacity

Last weekend I felt this awful engine strain and heard sluggish acceleration sounds while test-driving a 2017 Phoenix Cruiser #2351 with its E-350 chassis and V10 engine. I'll be doing extensive western touring through mountain and plains regions, which means substantial mountain grades and wind challenges. I'm comfortable driving slowly and want to understand two key things: 1) Will this E-350 chassis handle mountain grades without major issues, and 2) What's the real-world fuel consumption like? I plan to do an initial inspection this weekend, followed by a third-party mechanical review. I'm not overly concerned about fuel economy but want to understand the actual performance limitations. I'd appreciate insights from owners who have experience with similar touring conditions on an E-350 chassis. …more
Ford V10 RV Engine: Is Full Synthetic Oil Better Than Synthetic Blend for Performance?
Engine Easy 30 minutes 84 👍

Ford V10 RV Engine: Is Full Synthetic Oil Better Than Synthetic Blend for Performance?

Planning my next oil change but my viscosity readings are hitting breakdown at 3,000 miles when everything says synthetic blend should last 5,000 in my 2008 Ford V10. The owner's manual specifies Motorcraft 5W-20 synthetic blend oil, which I've been using consistently. However, I've identified that Costco's Kirkland brand offers 5W-20 full synthetic at a lower cost point than my current oil.

From a technical standpoint, would transitioning from synthetic blend to full synthetic oil provide any measurable benefits for RV engine protection? I need to verify that the Kirkland full synthetic meets Ford's engine specifications before making this change. What are the performance differences between these oil formulations for heavy-duty RV applications? …more
How to Install Saginaw Power Steering Pump on 1990-1998 Ford RV Chassis: A Complete Guide
Engine Hard 3-4 hours 69 👍

How to Install Saginaw Power Steering Pump on 1990-1998 Ford RV Chassis: A Complete Guide

Apparently I'm now the proud owner of a used RV with a 1990-1998 Ford 460 engine chassis and this power steering pump is making terrifying noises. DM MOTORSPORTS offers a complete upgrade kit with a Saginaw pump rated at much higher pressure for notably improved steering response.

I'm particularly concerned about whether I need special parts or if I can just bolt it on. What exactly do I need to make sure this conversion is done properly? I want to understand the specific installation steps to ensure I don't end up with steering problems or safety issues while driving my RV. …more
How to Safely Add Extra Seats to Your RV for Grandchildren - Complete
General Hard 6-8 hours 68 👍

How to Safely Add Extra Seats to Your RV for Grandchildren - Complete

Opened a $2,000 quote for professional RV seating installation to accommodate grandchildren and wondering if I can safely install Honda Odyssey middle row seats myself instead.

My specific modification involves elevating the right seat 12 inches and the left seat 6 inches, with horizontal offset to prevent interference during movement. My primary concerns are proper mounting procedures and safety compliance.

What's the correct method to securely attach minivan seats to an RV floor structure? I understand my custom elevation may create unique mounting challenges, and I want to ensure proper seatbelt integration at each position.

I need technical guidance on mounting hardware specifications and structural attachment points to ensure this modification meets safety standards. …more
Power Steering Failed But Leveling Works - Diagnosis & Fix
Chassis Hard 2-4 hours 64 👍

Power Steering Failed But Leveling Works - Diagnosis & Fix

Replaced everything my mechanic suggested for the power steering failure, but the dealership says it's electrical and YouTube videos show completely different fixes. Was driving my 2001 American Tradition into a campsite yesterday when the steering started getting really stiff. By the time I got parked, I had zero power steering assistance. The weird part is that my hydraulic leveling system is working perfectly fine. I always thought both systems shared the same hydraulic pump on my 8.3 Cummins setup. I've checked the power steering fluid and it looks okay, but I'm stumped why one system would fail while the other keeps working. Has anyone dealt with this specific issue before? I'm not sure if this is something I can tackle myself or if I need to find a shop. …more
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