Results for "exhaust brake"

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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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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General Medium 1-2 hours 99 👍 0

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

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Best RV Propane Accessories

4.5 (11,200 reviews)

General Easy N/A 87 👍 0

5000 lb RV Hitch Rating Explained: Weight Limits, Tongue Weight & Safety Guide

According to my old Class C setup this same hitch rating confusion was easily solved with basic math — but towing a Jeep behind this Class A motorhome has me worried about weight limits and legal liability. After checking the Jeep website, I noticed that most Jeep models weigh over 5100 lbs, which seems to exceed typical 5000 lb hitch ratings. Could this potentially expose RV owners to liability if something goes wrong during towing? I want to understand the weight implications and safety considerations before hooking up a vehicle. Does this mean most Jeep owners towing with a gasser Class A might be inadvertently exceeding safe towing limits? …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 Hard 4-6 hours 80 👍 0

ISL 8.9 Valve & Jake Brake Adjustment: Specs & Tools

The 2004 Cummins ISL 8.9 in my rig is 20 years old and starting to run rough — time for valve adjustments or a full rebuild? What are the intake and exhaust valve specs? I want to confirm the clearance measurements and also need the tool number to adjust the jake brake. Can anyone help me verify the correct specifications before I start this job? …more

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Solar Batteries Medium 2-4 hours 77 👍 0

How to Fix Parasitic Battery Drain in 2006 Damon Challenger RV: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

I found three different "experts" telling me three different causes for my 2006 Damon Challenger's parasitic battery drain - neighbor blames the converter, dealer says bad fuse, YouTube points to inverter. I've traced it to the instrument cluster fuse, and Thor doesn't have schematics for this model due to its age.

I'm not even sure if it's actually the instrument cluster itself or something connected to it - could it be the transmission temp sensor, engine temp sensor, or other wiring? I really don't want to damage anything expensive or create a safety hazard. What's the safest way to diagnose and fix this without causing more problems? I'd feel much better with a step-by-step approach that won't leave me stranded or worse. …more

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Engine Medium Varies 74 👍 0

RV Transmission Problems: Troubleshooting Guide & Quick Fixes

Planning to fix my Class A motorhome's transmission myself, but my neighbor says it needs fluid, the dealer insists it's the torque converter, and YouTube swears it's the solenoid pack. On my 4R100 transmission specifically, the transmission has been shifting a little rough lately, especially when accelerating from a stop or when climbing hills. Sometimes it seems to hesitate before shifting into the next gear, and I've noticed the engine RPMs climbing higher than usual before it finally engages.

I've owned this RV for about three years now, and I'll admit I haven't been as diligent about transmission maintenance as I probably should have been. The fluid looked a bit dark the last time I checked it, but I'm not entirely sure what I should be looking for or what the proper procedure is for checking transmission health. I've heard horror stories about transmission rebuilds costing thousands of dollars, so I want to make sure I'm approaching this systematically rather than just hoping the problem goes away.

What's the proper first step when you suspect transmission problems? Should I be taking it straight to a shop, or are there some basic diagnostic steps I can handle myself before spending money on professional diagnosis? I want to make sure I'm not missing something simple that could save me a lot of headache and expense down the road. …more

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Engine Medium 1-2 hours 74 👍 0

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

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Engine Medium 2-4 hours for repair 73 👍 0

Burnt Spot on Oil Dipstick - 2013 Thor Challenger V10 Fix

Wondering why my 2013 Thor Challenger V10 only gets that weird burnt spot on the oil dipstick above 85 degrees — runs perfect when cooler? When I pulled the oil dipstick during my last oil change, there's this obvious burnt spot with carbon buildup about 18 inches from the tip. The stick was also kind of a pain to pull out.

I'm scratching my head here - what would cause burning and carbon right at that specific spot on the dipstick? Is this pointing to something with the dipstick tube itself, or am I looking at a bigger engine problem? Really hoping it's not anything major since the motor only has about 32K on it. …more

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Engine Medium 4-6 hours installation 71 👍 0

F53 Front Leaf Springs: 2017-2021 Compatibility for Air Lift

Between my neighbor insisting F53 front leaf springs swap between 2017-2021 models, my RV dealer claiming they don't, and YouTube mechanics throwing different part numbers at me, I'm completely lost. I successfully installed an Air Lift air bag suspension kit on my 2017 Winnebago a few years back, and now I'm looking to do the exact same setup on a 2021 Holiday Rambler Invicata. Both RVs are built on the F53 chassis, so I'm hoping the front suspension components are standardized across these years.

The Air Lift representative I spoke with believes the kits should be compatible between the 2017 and 2021 F53 chassis, but they don't have definitive documentation to confirm this. Since I already have experience with the installation process and know the kit works well, I'd prefer to use the same Air Lift setup rather than sourcing a different kit. Can anyone confirm whether the front leaf spring configuration, mounting points, and overall suspension geometry remained consistent on F53 chassis from 2017 through 2021? I want to be absolutely certain before ordering the same Air Lift kit for the newer RV. …more

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Best RV Air Conditioners

4.4 (8,100 reviews)

General Medium 1-2 hours 70 👍 0

Fix CARB Clean Truck Database Account Issues - Class A RV

Pulled into a weigh station yesterday and discovered my Class A diesel motorhome needs a CARB Clean Truck Check account that I completely missed setting up. I can create the account and get through email verification, but then the account shows as invalid and won't let me add my RV or pay the required $30 fee.

I've watched all their instructional videos and followed the steps, but the system keeps rejecting my account. Phone support just directs me to send an email, and I've sent several without response.

Is this a known system glitch? Are other RV owners running into this same problem with accounts becoming invalid right after verification? Need to get this sorted before the 12/31/2023 deadline when registration will be blocked.

Helpful reference links:
- Background info: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/pro...truckstop/regulations/clean-truck-check-hd-im
- Database link: https://cleantruckcheck.arb.ca.gov …more

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Engine Hard 2-3 hours 70 👍 0

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

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Engine Medium 45 minutes 68 👍 0

1995 Ford F53 460 Engine Stalling: How to Replace Ignition Control Module for RV Reliability

Woke up this morning hoping my 1995 F53 motorhome with the 460 7.5L would run smooth after replacing the ignition control module yesterday, but it's still stalling randomly. It keeps stalling every time I come to a stop - literally dies on me at around 5mph just as I'm braking. The power steering goes out and it's a real struggle to get stopped safely.

I can restart it immediately and it runs fine as long as I keep giving it gas, but this happens at EVERY stop sign and red light. Currently, it won't start at all - just cranks with no spark. I previously had an EGR code 334 that went away after replacing the EVR sensor.

My fuel pressure gauge was showing 30-32 psi at idle and about 40 psi at wide open throttle. When I tested the vacuum line on the fuel pressure regulator, no fuel spilled out and the pressure didn't change.

I've already replaced many parts (including distributor cap, plugs, wires, EGR valve, ICM, fuel pressure regulator) with only 2,000 miles on them. I discovered that swapping the ignition control module seems to temporarily fix the issue - it starts with a new ICM but dies when I return to the original one.

I'm really concerned about potential highway driving with these intermittent starting problems. Is this a common issue with these 460 engines? …more

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Engine Hard Professional installation 67 👍 0

F53 Electromagnetic Retarder Installation: Costs, Alternatives & Better Options

Apparently engine braking saved me on my old Class A, but this 2016 Tiffin Allegro 36UA on the F53 chassis is absolutely terrifying on steep grades. Even in low gear, it seems to rev up and then upshift, and I end up gaining speed instead of slowing down. The engine braking just doesn't seem adequate.

I've been researching electromagnetic retarders as a possible solution, but I'm not sure if they can even be installed on an F53 or what they cost. Are there other options I should consider first? I'd really appreciate some guidance on whether this is the right direction to go or if there are better alternatives for managing steep descents safely. …more

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