Results for "floor jack"

Engine Hard 4-6 hours installation 108 👍 0

SDI E-Clik vs Liquid Spring: Affordable F53 Chassis Suspension Upgrade Options

Nobody warned me that what started as minor swaying on highway trips last month would turn into white-knuckle driving every time I take my F53 chassis RV over 50mph. SDI E-Clik costs about a third of what Liquid Spring systems run, but I'm wondering what you actually get for that price difference.

Is E-Clik just electronic shock control, or does it offer more comprehensive suspension improvements? How does the ride quality compare between the two systems on F53 motorhomes? …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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Slideouts Hard 2-4 hours 97 👍 0

How to Fix RV Slideout Rubbing Against Exterior Wall - Complete Repair Guide

Finally figured out why my neighbor's slideout glides like butter while mine scrapes horribly against the exterior wall every time — what's their secret? My slideout has started rubbing against the exterior bathroom wall, and the coach is perfectly level.

The main thing I've noticed is that the gap at the bottom of the slide is much smaller now compared to the top - it used to be about 1½-2 inches at the bottom, but now it's barely anything. There's also about a ½ inch difference in height from one end of the slide to the other when I measure from the top.

I've independently jacked up both sides of the slide more than an inch each and checked the gap, but neither showed a difference. When I crawled underneath, I couldn't see where the slide might have moved laterally closer to the wall. The exterior stripes still line up. I also noticed the shower hasn't been used in 6 years or longer (I bought this coach used).

I'm wondering if this could be some kind of drooping issue? I've heard about things like rollers wearing out, but I honestly don't know what to look for or where to start troubleshooting. Should I be checking underneath the RV? Any advice on what might be causing this rubbing and smaller gap would be hugely appreciated! …more

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Slideouts Hard 4-8 hours 93 👍 0

How to Lift RV Slideout for Floor Repair - Safe Methods

Apparently my 2000 Allegro Bus slideout only starts sagging and needing floor repair when it hits 85 degrees outside — works perfectly fine otherwise. We discovered water damage under the slideout and need to replace some plywood subflooring, but there are screws I can only access if I lift the slide somehow.

I'm worried about damaging the slideout mechanism or worse, having it fall and hurt someone. The hydraulic system seems to work fine, but I've heard you shouldn't trust it alone for this kind of work. What's the safest method to lift and support a slideout while doing floor repairs underneath? I want to make sure I'm not making a dangerous mistake here. …more

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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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Slideouts Medium 1-2 hours to diagnose 86 👍 0

How to Fix RV Slide Out Water Leak from Bottom - Wiper Seal Repair Guide for 2023 Models

About two weeks into living in my 2023 Forest River Forester MBS2401B and this slide out I've never dealt with before is leaking water from the bottom. The leak occurs specifically when the slide is in the retracted position during wind-driven rain events. Water is penetrating at floor level beneath the dinette area of the full wall slide assembly.

I have verified that all visible seals appear to be properly seated and the topper awning shows no obvious damage. Given that this is occurring on a current model year unit, I need to understand if this represents a manufacturing defect covered under warranty, and what specific component is likely causing the failure at the bottom of the slide mechanism. …more

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Engine Easy Informational 86 👍 0

Best Floor Jacks and Jack Stands for Ford E-350 Class C Motorhome: Safety Guide

Despite having the proper jack and stands, is it still dangerous to work under my 2001 Ford E-350 Class C motorhome with grandkids constantly playing nearby? What are the correct tonnage specifications for floor jacks and jack stands when working on this chassis weight? Additionally, what are the designated lift points on the E-350 frame, and what safety protocols should be followed to ensure stable vehicle support during maintenance operations? …more

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Engine Medium 2-3 hours 85 👍 0

Ford E450 RV Tire Cupping: Causes, Diagnosis & Complete Fix Guide

Walked out to our 2017 Ford E450 Class C this morning and noticed dangerous washboard-like tire cupping on the front right - is this safe with grandkids aboard? Left side is starting to join the party too. Here's the weird part though - this beast still tracks straight as an arrow, no steering wheel shimmy, turns fine, and when I jack it up the tire doesn't wiggle around like a loose tooth.

I'm scratching my head because everything LOOKS fine. Suspension components seem solid, shocks aren't leaking like my wallet at RV parks. But could the shocks actually be shot at only 36,000 miles? And more importantly - if I just slap new tires on this thing without fixing the root cause, am I just going to end up with expensive cupped tires again? …more

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Engine Medium 30 minutes 85 👍 0

Ford F53 460 Engine Timing Marks: How to Locate and Check (Step-by-Step Guide)

About to drop serious cash on a used Class A motorhome with a Ford F53 460 engine — should I check those timing marks myself or am I asking for trouble? Where exactly are the timing marks located? I can see the harmonic balancer but having trouble spotting the marks and pointer. What's the best way to make them visible and actually read them with a timing light? …more

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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 Medium 3-4 hours 82 👍 0

1999 Pace Arrow F53 Fuel Pump Replacement - Expert Advice

According to my troubleshooting so far, I've replaced the fuel filter, cleaned the fuel lines, checked all the connections, and even swapped relays — but my 1999 Pace Arrow F53 still won't get fuel to the engine. The original fuel pump has been operational for 27 years, exposed to gasoline storage conditions throughout this period.

Given the extended service life and potential for roadside failure, I'm evaluating whether proactive fuel pump replacement represents sound maintenance strategy. Seeking technical assessment on replacement timing and expected performance outcomes with quality aftermarket units from established suppliers.

What are the documented results from similar preventive fuel pump replacements on this chassis configuration? Is the investment in preemptive replacement justified based on reliability data? …more

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Electrical Medium 30 minutes 81 👍 0

How to Install Heavy Battery in Ford F53 Chassis: Step-by-Step Guide Without Injury

Group 31 AGM battery weighs 75 pounds and sits in the worst possible spot on my F53 chassis — wedged behind the step well with about 4 inches of clearance above it. Last time I changed it I nearly threw out my back. There has to be a safer way to swap these heavy batteries. …more

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Engine Hard 3-4 hours per spring 79 👍 0

F53 Chassis Leaf Spring Problems: Signs of Failure and Replacement Guide

Got a 2001 F53 chassis with leaf springs making weird noises and the RV feels unstable—is this dangerous with my grandkids riding along? Specifically for my RV, I want to know what to look for during inspection of the passenger side front spring. I'm considering replacing the stock springs (2750# rating) with new springs rated at 3750#, as my front axle weight when loaded is 6000#. Are there particular areas I should focus on when checking the springs? Also need to understand how urgent replacement is if I find problems. …more

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