Results for "bushings"

Engine Medium varies 271 👍 1

Newmar Motorhome Rough Ride Fix: Suspension & Air Pressure

Noticed my 2013 Newmar still rides incredibly rough through every crack and pothole even after replacing all six air bags. The ride height was never adjusted after the air bag replacement, and I'm worried I might be causing more damage or creating a safety hazard.

I upgraded from a Super C expecting a much smoother ride with the air suspension system, but this feels just as jarring. Am I missing something critical with the suspension setup? Could improper air pressure or ride height settings be causing this rough ride, and what other components should I be concerned about? I don't want to make things worse by continuing to drive it if there's a fundamental issue I'm overlooking. …more

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Exterior Medium 2-3 hours 161 👍 1

How to Replace RV Slide Topper Fabric: Complete DIY Guide 2024

I pulled into three different campsites this month and my torn slide topper is eating through my gear faster than I can replace it. I've never done anything like this before and I'm worried I might damage the whole mechanism or make things worse.

Can I actually replace just the fabric portion safely, or should I bite the bullet and have the entire assembly replaced by a professional? I'm also concerned about costs - I'm hoping this won't break the bank. If it is something I can do myself, how difficult is it really? I don't want to get in over my head and end up with a bigger problem than I started with.

Can you help me understand the best approach for my specific situation? …more

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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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Best RV Batteries

4.5 (15,400 reviews)

Ac Refrigeration Medium 45 minutes 109 👍 0

How to Fix a Squeaking Dometic Fan-Tastic Roof Fan in Your RV

Looked up at my Dometic Fan-Tastic roof fan squeaking loudly above my kids' beds—is this dangerous or could something actually break and fall on them? The fan blades aren't hitting the housing, so that's not the issue. What are the most common causes of squeaking in these roof fans? Is this something I can fix myself with basic maintenance, or does it usually require replacing parts like bearings or the motor? …more

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Exterior Medium 45 minutes 106 👍 0

RV Awning Won't Extend or Retract: Complete Troubleshooting & Repair Guide

This power awning manual says hold the extend button for 3 seconds, but mine's completely dead and won't budge no matter how long I hold it. When I hit the extend button, it moves out maybe 6-8 inches and then immediately retracts on its own. I have to turn the power switch off and back on each time to get even that little bit of movement.

I'm hesitant to keep forcing it since I don't want to burn out the motor or make whatever's wrong even worse. Could this be an electrical issue with low voltage, or maybe the tracks are too dirty? I've also heard about limit switches causing problems but I'm not sure how to check those safely.

What are the most common causes when an awning does this short extend-then-retract cycle? I want to start with the safest troubleshooting steps before calling a repair shop. …more

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Engine Medium 2-3 hours 100 👍 0

Ford E-450 RV Shock Absorber Upgrade Guide: Bilstein 4600 vs Koni FSD

Before spending hundreds on new tires and suspension parts for my 2023 Ford E-450 Class C motorhome, the ride quality is still absolutely brutal. The RV is about 28 feet long and weighs approximately 14,500 pounds loaded. We use it primarily for family camping trips, but I also occasionally tow a small utility trailer with dirt bikes - probably 25% of our trips involve towing that extra 2,000-3,000 pounds.

I've been researching shock absorber upgrades and have narrowed it down to two main options that seem popular in the RV community: the Bilstein 4600 series and the Koni FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) shocks. I understand both are significant improvements over stock, but I'm trying to understand the practical differences between them for my specific setup and usage patterns.

What I really need to know is which option provides the best balance of ride comfort improvement, handling stability (especially when towing), and overall value for money on the E-450 chassis. I want to make sure I'm making the right choice since this is a fairly significant investment and I don't want to have buyer's remorse later. …more

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Chassis Medium 45 minutes 99 👍 0

Dutchstar Chassis Cracking Noise: Diagnosis & Repair Guide

Hearing a loud cracking or popping noise from underneath my Dutchstar when going over bumps or turning. Sounds structural — like metal flexing or a weld breaking. Crawled under and couldn't see any obvious cracks but the noise is getting louder each trip. …more

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Chassis Easy 15 minutes 93 👍 0

Ford F53 Jounce Bumpers Always Touching: Normal Design for 20K+ GVWR Motorhomes

Finally crawling under my Ford F53 motorhome staring at these front jounce bumpers constantly touching suspension components with no clue if this means something's actually broken. According to Ford Special Service Message SSM 53453 for 2020-2025 F53 Motorhome chassis with a GVWR of 20,500-26,000 lbs, this constant contact is actually normal.

The front jounce bumpers (service base part number 3020) are designed to be an active part of the suspension, providing incremental dampening that improves ride quality and cornering performance. For motorhomes in this weight range, constant contact is not an indication of overloading or damage.

You can reference the full details in the official Ford document: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2025/MC-11015265-0001.pdf

I want to ensure I'm not damaging my suspension or operating unsafely, but this service message confirms that constant contact is within normal operating parameters for heavier motorhomes. …more

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Engine Medium 1-2 hours 90 👍 0

Ford F53 Chassis Bump Stop Replacement - Missing or Broken Front Leaf

Despite replacing F53 chassis bump stops twice already this season, my 2021's driver's side front leaf spring bump stop has completely vanished again and I'm done guessing. Just... gone. Vanished into the ether.

I'm seeing a bunch of aftermarket polyurethane bump stops on Amazon and other places, but honestly not sure if I should just bite the bullet and get the Ford OEM part or if there are better options out there. Also wondering if I should be checking the other side too - seems like these things might be prone to failing?

Anyone dealt with this before? What's the move here - stick with factory or upgrade to something beefier? …more

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Engine Medium 1-2 hours 88 👍 0

Ford F-53 Steering Wheel Clunk Fix: Complete Diagnosis & Repair Guide for RV Chassis

Halfway through summer, my '95 F-53 motorhome chassis steering wheel only starts making this weird clunking noise when it's above 85 degrees outside — runs silent the rest of the time. When I hit certain bumps, I get this annoying clunk that I can actually feel through the steering wheel. Had the front end checked and everything seems tight up there, but here's the kicker - when I grab the steering wheel and mess with it, I can push it straight back into the column like I'm trying to compress a spring or something.

Is this normal for these old F-53s or am I looking at some worn out parts? The clunk is definitely coming from somewhere in the steering column area, and that push-in play has me scratching my head. What should I be checking first? …more

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Chassis Medium 1-2 hours 86 👍 0

F53 Death Wobble DIY Fix: $20 Panhard Bar Solution

Between 60-70 mph my F53 chassis motorhome's steering wheel started violently shaking yesterday and now I'm terrified to drive anywhere. It's really scary when it happens - the whole front end starts shaking violently after hitting certain bumps or potholes.

I've been reading that this might be related to something called a panhard bar or lateral axle movement, and that there are expensive commercial solutions like the Roadmaster Tru-Trac that cost $500-700. But I'm not even 100% sure that's what's causing my problem.

Is there some kind of inexpensive way I could test or temporarily fix this issue to confirm what's actually wrong before I spend that much money? I'm reasonably handy but don't want to make things worse. Any guidance would be really appreciated! …more

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Best RV Air Conditioners

4.4 (8,100 reviews)

Chassis Medium 3-4 hours 84 👍 0

Ford F53 Motorhome Thrust Angle Adjustment: DIY Alignment Fix Guide

Staring at my 1995 F53 motorhome's crooked steering wheel for the third time this season and I'm done guessing what's causing these alignment issues. Just got back from the alignment shop and they're telling me the thrust angle is way off but there's absolutely nothing that can be done about it on the rear axle. They basically shrugged and said "that's just how it is" and sent me on my way.

I'm having a hard time accepting this answer because the RV pulls to one side constantly and I'm going through tires like crazy. Before I give up completely, I need to know - can thrust angle actually be adjusted on Ford F53 chassis? I've heard there might be ways to reposition things in the rear, but I need specifics on what methods exist and whether this is something that can realistically be fixed. …more

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Propane Medium 2-4 hours with help 83 👍 0

Ford E-450 Front Suspension Quick Fix: Class C Motorhome Repair Guide for Winnebago Owners

Our Ford E-450's front suspension is making grinding noises when I turn - is this dangerous with kids in our Winnebago? My 2007 Winnebago Outlook 31' has been driving like absolute garbage and everyone keeps mentioning this "quick fix" for Ford E-450 chassis front suspension issues. I've been crawling under this thing for hours trying to figure out what I'm even looking at.

I keep hearing about track bars, radius arms, coil springs - but honestly, I can't tell which is which on my setup. The suspension doesn't look like the simple diagrams I've seen online. Can someone please break down exactly what components are involved in this quick fix for the E-450 chassis? I really need to know what I'm dealing with before I make this worse than it already is.

I'm willing to take photos and get help from other owners if needed, but first I need to understand what parts I should even be focusing on. This motorhome has been my home and I desperately need to get this sorted out! …more

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Engine Easy 1 hour sourcing 81 👍 0

Where to Buy Onan Generator Rubber Isolator Mounts: Complete Sourcing

Got caught in all that rain last week and now my 2008 Jayco Melbourne 29D's Onan 4000 generator rubber isolator mount has completely split and separated. I've tried the usual RV parts sites, checked with local shops, and even called a few places - either they don't carry them or they're backordered for weeks.

I really need to get this fixed before my next camping trip. The generator is already pulled out so it's the perfect time to replace these mounts, but I just can't seem to locate the right parts anywhere. I'm willing to try generic mounts if I can figure out the right measurements, but I'd prefer OEM if possible.

Does anyone know reliable sources where I can actually find these isolator mounts? I'm running out of options here and getting pretty frustrated with the whole situation. …more

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Engine Medium 1-2 hours 81 👍 0

Ford E-450 Motorhome Alignment: Complete Caster Adjustment Guide for RVs

After following the Ford manual's factory alignment specs on my 2019 E-450 chassis, this house-on-wheels still wanders like a drunk tourist in Vegas. I'm pretty sure it needs a caster adjustment, but I'm confused about the actual process.

Do I need cam bolts or shims to adjust the caster on an E-450? And what's the sweet spot for positive caster degrees to keep this beast tracking straight? Also heard something about toe adjustments being important after messing with caster - is that really necessary or just another way for the shop to separate me from my beer money? …more

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