Results for "engine-maintenance"

Electrical Medium 2-6 hours 231 👍 1

ECM Low Battery Warning RV: Complete Diagnosis & Fix Guide

During a family trip, my 2005 Fleetwood Discovery 39S threw code 168-1 for low ECM battery voltage and went into full shutdown mode—is this dangerous with kids onboard? Engine cut out, transmission selector went dark, ABS warnings everywhere - the whole nine yards. Scared the heck out of me when it happened on the interstate!

I'm seeing this seems to be a thing with these diesel pushers, but I'm drowning in conflicting info online. Some say it's the chassis battery, others blame alternator issues, and I've even seen posts about ECM power supply problems on the Caterpillar engines. What's the actual step-by-step process to track this down? And more importantly, how do I fix it so it doesn't leave me stranded again? Really need a complete walkthrough of what causes this code and the proper repair approach. …more

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Engine Medium 2-4 hours 216 👍 0

Generac 7.5kW Diesel Generator Repair Guide - RV Troubleshooting

Planning to ignore the weird noises from our Generac 7.5kW diesel generator backfired when my wife pointed out I definitely made things worse during my repair attempt. I have a 2007 Monaco with a Generac 7.5kW diesel generator, and yesterday when I tried starting it, the battery was really weak. I probably held the starter button too long - maybe 15 seconds or so - because it was cranking so slowly and I kept hoping it would catch.

Now when I try to start it, I just get a single click and nothing happens. I'm worried I damaged something by cranking it so long with that weak battery. Should I be looking at the starter solenoid or starter motor? Is there anything I can check myself before I have to take it to a repair shop? I'd really appreciate any guidance on troubleshooting this. …more

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Engine Easy 45 min 196 👍 0

Femco vs Fumoto Oil Drain Valves for RVs - Which is Better?

Looked at my mechanic's quote for a $300 professional oil change setup and something seems off—wouldn't a basic Femco or Fumoto drain valve work just fine? I've narrowed it down to Femco and Fumoto, but I'm genuinely worried about road debris damage since RVs sit lower and encounter more hazards than regular vehicles.

The thought of a drain valve getting hit by rocks or debris and causing a catastrophic oil leak on the highway keeps me up at night. I need to know which design is actually safer and more protected in RV applications. Does one have better protection features than the other? I'd rather be overly cautious than deal with a roadside emergency. …more

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Best RV Propane Accessories

4.5 (11,200 reviews)

Engine Hard 4-6 hours 171 👍 0

Ford F53 7.5L RV Won't Start: Fuel Pump Relay Voltage Drop Fix

Woke up to my 1996 Ford F53 7.5L motorhome eating through my patience and wallet with this no-start issue that keeps coming back. It cranks strong but absolutely will not start, and I've been chasing this problem for weeks now. The engine ran fine for about 3-4 minutes one day, then just died and hasn't started since.

I've already done quite a bit of diagnostic work:
- Replaced PCM and distributor
- Fuel pump works when powered directly
- Battery is fully charged
- Checked fuses and relays
- PCM relay voltage drops from 12.2V to 9.3V with key on
- Fuel pump relay only shows 3.3V at pin 86 (should be 12V)
- Inertia switch tested at 1.7V at connector
- ANL 178 fusible link fluctuates between 0.3-0.6V

The engine will only start with starter fluid when the SPOUT is removed. I'm getting only 5.5V at the fuel pump connector.

Has anyone dealt with this specific issue on an F53 chassis? I really need to get this RV back on the road and I'm running out of ideas! …more

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Plumbing Medium 1-2 hours 169 👍 0

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

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General Easy 15 min research 154 👍 1

Best Mobile RV Repair Apps and Services: Complete Guide 2024

Since my RV broke down I'm standing in the app store staring at dozens of mobile repair services with no clue which one actually works. This made me realize how valuable a comprehensive resource for mobile RV repair services would be.

Are there apps, websites, or forums that maintain an up-to-date list of mobile RV repair, tire repair, and towing services across the country? I'm interested in hearing about recommendations from experienced RV owners who have used these services and can vouch for their reliability and responsiveness.

What strategies do other RV travelers use to find quick, trustworthy mobile repair services when they're stuck in an unfamiliar area? …more

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Electrical Medium 45 minutes 154 👍 0

RV Backup Camera Not Working? Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Spent all winter enjoying a perfectly working RV backup camera, but the second temperatures hit 85 degrees outside, my screen goes completely black. My wireless backup camera decided to give me the silent treatment right when I need it most. The monitor is just sitting there mocking me with a "no signal" message, and honestly, my spatial awareness isn't what it used to be.

The camera worked fine on our last camping trip (when I only needed to back up twice), but now that I'm trying to navigate tight campground spots, it's gone completely dark. I'm dealing with a wireless system, so I know there are more things that can go wrong than with a wired setup.

Before I resort to using my spouse as a very expensive parking sensor, what's the best way to troubleshoot this? I'm hoping it's something simple like a loose connection rather than having to explain to my insurance company why there's a picnic table embedded in my bumper. …more

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General Medium 30-60 min 148 👍 1

RV Infotainment System Update Guide: Step-by-Step Safety Instructions

Three weeks ago my 2023 Aspire's infotainment system occasionally wouldn't recognize the update USB, but now it just blinks endlessly without doing anything. Has anyone experienced this specific issue with this RV model's system? I want to understand what might be preventing the update from proceeding. …more

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Engine Easy 15 min read 141 👍 0

Remote RV Diesel Fueling: Complete Guide for Campground Fuel Strategies

Last night at 11 PM I'm staring at my diesel RV's fuel gauge showing nearly empty — need to figure out remote campground fuel strategies before we head out this morning. With a 5 gallon Harbor Freight stick transfer pump, I've been able to add fuel when truck stops aren't convenient, but I'm concerned about static electricity risks.

My current setup involves using the pump to transfer diesel with the fuel can on a camping table, since my RV's fuel inlet is located under a slide. I pumped 10 gallons successfully, but I'm wondering about the safety of this method.

I know there are static electricity concerns when transferring fuel, and I'm curious about the specific risks with diesel. How safe is it to transfer fuel when the can isn't directly grounded to concrete? Are there best practices I should follow when manually adding diesel in remote locations? …more

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Solar Batteries Medium 1-2 hours 120 👍 0

Xantrex Freedom X 1200 Inverter Low Battery Warning: Critical 11.2V Fix Guide

Walked into my new RV and discovered the previous owner left the Xantrex Freedom X 1200 inverter constantly throwing critical 11.2V low battery warnings. My Xantrex Freedom X 1200 inverter is displaying warning indicators on the panel, and I'm seeing some concerning voltage readings that have me worried about potential damage to my electrical system.

Here's the complete situation: My house battery is reading 11.2 volts, while the chassis battery shows 13.1 volts. The inverter panel is lit up with what I assume are low voltage warnings. I've been noticing the interior lights dimming significantly, especially when trying to run any appliances through the inverter. To make matters worse, it's currently overcast and getting dark, so my solar panels aren't generating any meaningful charge to help recover the battery.

I'm particularly concerned because I know lead-acid batteries can be permanently damaged if they're discharged too deeply. The voltage reading of 11.2V seems critically low to me, but I want to understand exactly how urgent this situation is and what my immediate next steps should be. Should I be looking at shore power connection, generator use, or is there something wrong with my charging system that caused this in the first place? I need to know both the immediate fix and what might have caused this failure. …more

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General Medium 4-8 hours 117 👍 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 Water Heaters

4.4 (6,800 reviews)

Ac Refrigeration Medium 2-3 hours 114 👍 0

Ford V10 RV Chassis A/C Cycling On and Off at High RPM - Complete 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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Engine Medium 2-4 hours (including dealer visit) 112 👍 0

Ford F53 Motorhome Key Programming Guide: Security Features & Programming Tips

Apparently my 2008 Ford F53 motorhome is 16 years old and starting to have key programming issues — should I attempt DIY programming or call a locksmith? I just dropped $176 on two new transponder keys for my 2024 Windsport 34R (2022 F53 chassis) because I only had one set and didn't want to get locked out in the middle of nowhere wearing my pajamas and fuzzy slippers (again).

The Ford dealer quoted me another $140-170 to program these fancy chip keys, insisting I'd need to haul my 35-foot house-on-wheels down there for the programming. But the parts guy said "try them first" - and wouldn't you know it, both keys fired right up without any programming!

So what's the deal here? Are these unprogrammed transponder keys going to mysteriously stop working next Tuesday? Did I just dodge a bullet, or am I missing out on some important anti-theft features that actually matter? I'm feeling pretty smug about saving that programming fee, but also slightly paranoid that my motorhome might strand me at the worst possible moment! …more

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Engine Easy N/A - finding shop 110 👍 0

Ford F53 V10 RV Chassis Repair Shops Near Raleigh NC - Engine Service

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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Engine Medium 2-3 hours 106 👍 0

Ford F53 Chassis Firewall Wiring: Finding Brake LED Through-Holes

Opened up my 2022 Holiday Rambler 36DB for spring prep and once again I'm staring at my 2021 Ford F53 chassis firewall wondering where those brake LED through-holes are hiding. I need to run the brake indicator LED wire from my toad to the dashboard inside the motorhome, but I'm having trouble locating the best firewall penetration point.

Rather than drilling a new hole through the firewall (which I'd prefer to avoid for obvious reasons), I'm hoping to find an existing through-hole or grommet that I can utilize. I've heard that Ford F53 chassis typically have several factory access points, but I'm not sure exactly where to look or which ones would be most suitable for this type of low-voltage wiring installation.

Can anyone provide specific guidance on where to find existing firewall through-holes on the F53 chassis that would work well for routing brake indicator wiring? I want to make sure I'm using an appropriate location that won't interfere with existing systems and will provide a clean, professional installation. …more

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