Results for "diesel pusher"

Engine Hard Not recommended 157 👍 0

Ford V10 Turbo Kit for Motorhomes: Cost, Risks & Better Alternatives

Before every camping season rolls around, I face the same dreaded reality with my Ford V10 motorhome crawling up mountain passes like a wounded turtle. What are the realistic costs involved? Are there major risks to the engine I should know about? Is this actually worth doing or should I look at other options? …more

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Engine Easy N/A - informational 102 👍 0

Toyo vs Michelin RV Tires: Complete Comparison for Diesel Pusher Motorhomes

Planning to replace the tires on my 2019 Tiffin Phaeton 40IH, and ever since I started getting quotes, everyone keeps suggesting Toyo as a cheaper alternative to Michelin.

I'm honestly a bit overwhelmed by all the tire choices and wondering if I'd be making a mistake switching brands. Will Toyo tires give me the same ride quality as the Michelins? I've heard you can save quite a bit of money, but I don't want to compromise safety or comfort since we're still learning how to handle this big rig.

Would really appreciate some guidance from those who've made this switch - are you happy with the decision or do you regret not sticking with Michelin? …more

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General Easy 15 minutes to verify 85 👍 0

Southwire EMS Built-in vs External Surge Protector: Do You Need Both?

Opened my 2022 Holiday Rambler 38N DP and discovered it's eating through surge protectors way faster than normal, despite having the built-in Southwire system. Dealer says I might not need an external surge protector like a Watchdog since it's already built in.

Does a built-in Southwire surge guard provide the same protection as a standalone EMS unit? Should I still install an external surge protector or is the built-in system sufficient? Want to make sure I have proper protection without buying unnecessary equipment. …more

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Best RV Surge Protectors

4.6 (14,200 reviews)

Engine Easy N/A - informational 77 👍 0

2001 Triple E Diesel Pusher Buying Guide: Critical Inspection Tips & Red Flags

Standing next to my neighbor's flawless 2001 Triple E Signature diesel pusher makes the concerning issues on this one I'm considering buying even more obvious. Never owned a diesel coach before, only gas units. At 24 years old, what are the critical inspection points I should focus on? Should I be concerned about the age, or is Triple E known for quality construction that holds up over time? …more

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Engine Medium 2-3 months research and shopping 76 👍 0

Diesel vs Gas Class A Motorhome for Family of 6: Expert Advice

Three months of research comparing diesel pushers versus gas Class A motorhomes for our family of 6 has left us more confused than ever!

Here's what's driving me crazy - diesel pushers from around 2010-2012 seem like the budget sweet spot, with their quieter engine placement at the rear and more comfortable ride. But we had a devastating mold problem in our last house that affected everyone's health, and I'm terrified of buying an older RV that might have hidden moisture issues.

The newer gas Class A units (2015 and up) seem like they'd be safer from a mold standpoint, but I worry we're sacrificing ride quality and long-term reliability. Since we don't already own a heavy-duty truck, a motorhome seems more practical than a 5th wheel. With four kids, comfort matters, but their health matters more.

Am I overthinking this, or should the mold risk really be the deciding factor here? I just need someone to tell me straight - which way would you go? …more

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General Easy N/A - informational 75 👍 0

Class A vs Super C Motorhome: Complete Comparison Guide 2024

Before I commit to my next RV purchase, I'm trying to decide between a Class A and Super C motorhome after our recent 2+ week, 3K mile trip through PA-OH-KY-NC-VA and back to CT. We have never seen more Super C's. They used to be a bit of a unicorn. This trip, multiples each day and a 1 or 2 at almost every campground.

A friend says it's the more dependable Freightliner drivetrain. If we were to make the swap from a 5th wheel (not likely), it would probably be a Super C. I'm trying to understand why the market seems to be shifting.

I'm looking to understand the technical advantages: Are Super C's really more reliable because of the commercial truck chassis? Is the Freightliner drivetrain genuinely better than traditional motorhome platforms?

Anyone care to share their opinions and experiences with Super C versus Class A motorhomes? …more

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General Easy Research time 73 👍 0

Class A vs Class C RV: Complete 2024 Buyer's Guide & Size Comparison for Beginners

Staring down the RV lot this Saturday — should I be zeroing in on Class A or Class C models for my first purchase? I'm located in Georgia and looking for a Class A or Class C motorhome in the 28-33 foot range, with specific needs for my situation.

I keep reading that Class A RVs have more space and amenities, which sounds appealing since I want things like a king bed, a 30x36 shower, and room for recliners. But I also hear that Class C motorhomes are easier to drive and get better gas mileage, which might be important since I'm not super confident behind the wheel of a big rig yet.

I'm debating between diesel or gas engines, and whether to look at pre-covid models from established brands like Newmar and Tiffin, or newer options from Entegra and Coachmen. My budget is flexible, but ideally under $100,000.

I'm planning to tow a mid-sized SUV and take both short weekend trips and longer cross-country adventures, and I'll need space to store my recumbent trike. Would really appreciate some guidance on which type would be the better fit for my situation and skill level. Should I prioritize the extra space or the easier driving experience? …more

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General Medium 2-4 days for complete installation 73 👍 0

Coachman Euro F53 Chassis Upgrades: Air vs Incremental

Finally hit my budget limit after other RV repairs — is there a way to fix my Coachman Euro 28' F53 Godzilla handling issues for under $500? After 18+ years driving diesel pushers, this thing rides like a covered wagon and steers like a shopping cart at highway speeds. I've gotten quotes for a full air ride suspension conversion at $30K, but that's nearly 20% of the $160K I paid for this RV.

I'm seriously considering the incremental upgrade route instead - maybe $15K spread across Koni shocks, Sumo Springs, sway bars, SuperSteer components, and better tires. Everyone says you can make meaningful improvements this way, but I'm worried I'll still end up disappointed and out the money.

Has anyone actually made their F53 chassis livable with the incremental approach? Can I really get 80% of the benefit for half the cost, or am I just throwing good money after bad? I need this thing to be safe and comfortable for Florida highway driving, but I'm tired of dumping money into what feels like a lost cause. …more

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General Easy N/A 72 👍 0

Monaco Knight 40 Fuel Economy: Real MPG Numbers When Towing a Car

Our 2012 Monaco Knight DFT 40 GOLD is sitting in the driveway right now with the Jeep hitched behind it, and I can practically see my wallet getting lighter just looking at this setup. We're looking at covering about 1000 miles over the course of the trip, and I'm trying to get realistic expectations for fuel costs and planning fuel stops accordingly.

I've heard wildly different numbers from other RV owners about what kind of fuel economy to expect when towing a vehicle behind a 40-foot diesel pusher like the Monaco Knight. Some people claim they get decent mileage, while others say it's absolutely terrible. I'd love to know what's actually realistic to expect in terms of MPG when towing, and if there are any driving techniques or speed considerations that can help maximize fuel economy on a long trip like this. …more

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General Easy 15-30 minutes research 70 👍 0

How to Identify Unknown RV Parts: Complete Guide for Used RV Owners

Walked away from the RV dealer after he dismissed these mystery parts in my used diesel pusher as "just junk" but they look too expensive to toss. I'm hoping you can help me identify them - I've actually got a photo (with a can for perspective to show scale). Some look like they might be plumbing related, others could be antenna components, but honestly I have NO clue what most of this stuff is for!

I've been going through everything trying to figure out what belongs where and what might be important vs just junk the previous owner left behind. I'm getting pretty frustrated because I don't want to throw away something critical, but I also don't want to keep a bunch of useless parts cluttering up my storage.

What's the best way to actually identify these mystery RV parts? I feel like I've hit a wall and could really use some direction on how to tackle this systematically. …more

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Engine Easy Research during breakdown 69 👍 0

How to Find Emergency Diesel RV Repair Shops During Breakdown

Nobody believes my wife when she tells people our diesel pusher started billowing black smoke right when that fan belt snapped on Interstate 10, 40 miles from Houston. I know truckers deal with this all the time, so there's gotta be some go-to resources or apps they use to locate repair shops when they break down on the road. What's the smartest approach to quickly find diesel mechanics who can handle an RV when you're stranded? I'm talking about real-world tools and methods that actually work when you're in a jam, like I was where I could barely find anyone close to work on my vehicle. …more

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Best RV Awnings & Accessories

4.5 (7,600 reviews)

Engine Easy N/A 66 👍 0

Super Tech DEF vs Blue DEF: Complete RV Owner's Guide to Walmart DEF Quality

Around two years ago I switched from expensive Blue DEF to Walmart's Super Tech DEF on my old rig without problems — but this new motorhome seems pickier. My buddy says all DEF is basically the same stuff, but I don't want to mess around with my diesel pusher's emissions system.

Is Super Tech really equivalent to Blue DEF quality-wise? Are there actual differences between brands or is it just marketing? Worth switching to save some cash or should I stick with what I know works? …more

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Engine Hard 30-60 minutes 63 👍 0

How to Change Diesel RV Fuel Filters on the Road: Complete Emergency Guide

Already dealing with contaminated fuel issues in my diesel RV after three days of heavy rain at our campground caused sputtering and power loss. When it clogs your filters and you're stuck roadside, what's the actual process for changing diesel fuel filters away from home? The big issue seems to be priming - at home I can prefill filters from a jug, but that's not practical on the highway.

What equipment should I carry for emergency filter changes? Is there a reliable way to prime the system without making things worse? Or should I focus more on prevention? …more

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General Easy N/A 62 👍 0

1996 Newmar Mountain Aire Diesel Pusher: Complete Owner's Guide & Maintenance Tips

Spent way too much time getting quotes and now I'm staring at $2,800 worth of repairs for my 1996 Newmar Mountain Aire on Ford F530 chassis. Recently, the RV was stored outside and squirrels caused wiring damage, which I've had repaired. Now I'm dealing with a problem where the lights stay on when the transmission goes into reverse. I've already checked the relays and fuses, and been told it might be a faulty reverse sensor, but I can't locate it or find a manual. I need help understanding: 1) What could be causing the reverse lights to stay on (I currently have to remove a relay to turn them off), and 2) Where I might find the reverse sensor on this transmission. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. …more

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Engine Medium 30-60 minutes 61 👍 0

Diesel Pusher Fuel Filter Wiring: Identifying Unknown Cables and Connections for RV Troubleshooting

Between my wife spotting a mystery cable dangling near our 1997 Newmar Mountain Air's fuel filter and my growing obsession with figuring out what it connects to, I'm losing sleep. The wire seems to have come disconnected from somewhere and I'm not sure where it's supposed to go.

I've been having trouble getting the engine to start lately and I'm wondering if this mystery cable could be related to my starting problems. The wire looks like it might be important but I can't figure out what it connects to or what its purpose might be.

Could someone help me identify what type of cable this might be and whether reconnecting it could solve my starting issues? I'd really appreciate any guidance on how to trace where it should connect. …more

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