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Ford E450 V10 Reliability: Expected Mileage and Longevity Guide for RV Owners
Engine Easy 1-2 hours inspection 1,292 👍

Ford E450 V10 Reliability: Expected Mileage and Longevity Guide for RV Owners

Nobody prepared me for staring at this 2018 Jayco Greyhawk 29MVP with Ford E450 chassis showing 54,000 miles and wondering if I'm looking at a money pit. The unit appears well-maintained with quality features including auto-leveling, fiberglass roof and nose, plus J-ride suspension. However, the odometer shows 54,000 miles, which exceeds my initial target range.

I need to assess whether this mileage represents significant wear on the E450/V10 drivetrain combination. What is the typical service life expectation for these engines when properly maintained? At what point should mileage become a primary concern versus overall mechanical condition? …more
Ford V10 Triton Engine Maintenance Guide: EGR Delete vs Regular Service Tips
Engine Easy N/A 975 👍

Ford V10 Triton Engine Maintenance Guide: EGR Delete vs Regular Service Tips

Spent years doing regular EGR maintenance on my old gas motorhome without issues — but this 2007 Fleetwood 31' Tioga with Ford V10 Triton has me second-guessing everything. I keep reading conflicting information about EGR delete procedures on V10 engines, and I'm worried I might make things worse if I mess with it.

Is the EGR delete modification actually necessary on this 2007 3-valve V10, or am I overthinking this? I don't want to void any warranties or create problems that weren't there before. Would I be better off just sticking to regular maintenance instead of modifications? I'm looking for reassurance that I'm taking the right approach to keep this engine running reliably for years to come. …more
Fleetwood Excursion Tire Upgrade Guide: 255 to 275 Width Conversion
Engine Medium 1 hour research 474 👍

Fleetwood Excursion Tire Upgrade Guide: 255 to 275 Width Conversion

After upgrading my 2015 Fleetwood Excursion M-35B from 255 to 275 width tires, it started getting sketchy handling on highway turns. The current 255/70R22.5 tires are wearing out and I'd love to go wider with 275/70R22.5 for better stability, but I keep getting conflicting advice from different tire shops.

Some say it's fine, others warn about clearance issues and potential problems. I really need to know what specific measurements I should check before making this change. What wheel width do I need? How do I verify there's enough steering clearance? I don't want to buy expensive tires only to find out they don't fit properly or aren't safe for my RV's load requirements. …more
Ford E-350 vs E-450 RV Chassis: Fuel, Power & Weight
Engine Easy N/A 347 👍

Ford E-350 vs E-450 RV Chassis: Fuel, Power & Weight

Last weekend I felt this awful engine strain and heard sluggish acceleration sounds while test-driving a 2017 Phoenix Cruiser #2351 with its E-350 chassis and V10 engine. I'll be doing extensive western touring through mountain and plains regions, which means substantial mountain grades and wind challenges. I'm comfortable driving slowly and want to understand two key things: 1) Will this E-350 chassis handle mountain grades without major issues, and 2) What's the real-world fuel consumption like? I plan to do an initial inspection this weekend, followed by a third-party mechanical review. I'm not overly concerned about fuel economy but want to understand the actual performance limitations. I'd appreciate insights from owners who have experience with similar touring conditions on an E-350 chassis. …more
RV Engine Stalling & Transmission Issues - Diagnosis Help
Engine Medium 2-4 hours diagnosis 269 👍

RV Engine Stalling & Transmission Issues - Diagnosis Help

Replaced multiple parts but I'm still standing in the auto parts store aisle staring at diagnostic tools with no clue which one I actually need for my RV's stalling and transmission issues. When I'm cruising and let off the gas, sometimes the RPMs drop like a rock, other times they just hang there until I slow down more. That's weird enough, but here's the real kicker - every now and then the whole engine just dies on me when I'm rolling up to a stop sign or red light. Maybe happens twice in 600 miles or so, so it's not constant but definitely not normal either.

I'm wondering if these two issues are connected somehow? Like could whatever's causing the stalling also be messing with how the transmission acts when I let off the throttle? Really hoping someone has seen this combo before because I'm in Germany and finding RV-specific help is tough.

I'm looking for any insights from folks who might know what could cause this - hoping to get to the bottom of this before it becomes a bigger problem! …more
How to Reduce RV Interior Noise: Complete Sound Dampening Guide for Motorhomes
General Medium 4-8 hours 253 👍

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 Cummins 6.7 Scan Tools for RV Diesel & DPF Regen
General Medium 30 min research 230 👍

Best Cummins 6.7 Scan Tools for RV Diesel & DPF Regen

The internet seems to give me six different answers about which scan tool actually works with my 2019 Fleetwood's Cummins 6.7L—am I missing something obvious here? Need comprehensive coverage for reading and clearing fault codes, monitoring engine parameters, and performing forced DPF regeneration cycles.

Considering several options including the Foxwell HD500, Ancel heavy-duty scanners, and various BlueFire/Inline adapters available through different suppliers. Price ranges vary significantly from budget OBD2 adapters to professional-grade diagnostic equipment.

Looking for detailed comparison of available scan tools specifically for Cummins 6.7 applications - both professional-grade and DIY-friendly options. What are the key features, compatibility considerations, and real-world performance differences between the various diagnostic solutions for this engine platform? …more
5 Star Tuner X4 for Ford V10 RV: Complete Performance & Upgrade Guide
Engine Easy 15 minutes 178 👍

5 Star Tuner X4 for Ford V10 RV: Complete Performance & Upgrade Guide

Planning to tune my 2018 Ford 6.8L V10 RV but got quoted $800 for professional tuning and wondering if the 5 Star X4 is DIY-friendly. Specifically want to know about real-world performance improvements - does it actually improve throttle response and shift points? What about fuel economy gains?

Which of the 3 programs works best for RV towing? Is the investment worth it for better drivability or just hype? …more
ISL 8.9 Valve & Jake Brake Adjustment: Specs & Tools
Engine Hard 4-6 hours 163 👍

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
Ford F53 V10 Bypass Oil Filter Installation: Best Mounting Locations for RV Chassis
Engine Medium 1-2 hours 157 👍

Ford F53 V10 Bypass Oil Filter Installation: Best Mounting Locations for RV Chassis

Walked out to check my oil analysis results and they're showing 15-micron contaminants, but everything says my 2003 F53 V10's factory filter catches down to 25 microns. I've been reading about how these can help extend oil life and keep things cleaner, but I'm honestly not sure where the best place to mount one would be.

I've seen some people mention sandwich adapters at the original filter location, remote mounting blocks, and even tapping directly into the engine block. As someone who's still learning, I don't want to mess this up or create problems down the road. What's considered the best practice for mounting location on the F53 V10? I'd really appreciate some guidance from those who have done this before. …more
Ford E-450 RV Shock Upgrade: Bilstein 4600 vs Koni FSD
Engine Medium 2-3 hours 156 👍

Ford E-450 RV Shock Upgrade: 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
Tiffin Allegro Bus vs Newmar: Complete Owner's Comparison Guide
General Easy Research and comparison 153 👍

Tiffin Allegro Bus vs Newmar: Complete Owner's Comparison Guide

Finally decided to stop watching YouTube comparisons between Tiffin Allegro Bus and Newmar coaches since every reviewer contradicts each other and I'm more confused than ever. I've been researching for months and keep going in circles. Currently own a 2019 Tiffin Allegro Bus 40ip and absolutely love it, but we're looking to upgrade to a 45-footer and suddenly questioning everything.

Everyone says both Tiffin and Newmar are top-tier quality, but I need to understand the real differences. What makes each brand stand out? Is Tiffin's customer service really that much better, or is it just hype? Are Newmar's interiors actually more luxurious, or is that just marketing?

I've read every forum post and review I can find, but I really need someone to break down the key differences so I can make a decision and move forward. We're not buying new, looking at newer used models, but this choice is keeping me up at night! …more
Best Floor Jacks and Jack Stands for Ford E-350 Class C Motorhome: Safety Guide
Engine Easy Informational 152 👍

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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Toyo M-156 RV Tire Review: Replacing M-154 Steering Tires
Engine Medium 1-2 hours shop time 149 👍

Toyo M-156 RV Tire Review: Replacing M-154 Steering Tires

After 50,000 miles, my Class A motorhome's 245/75R22.5 M-154 steering tires have uneven wear, sidewall cracks, AND are losing air pressure weekly. I've been running the Toyo M-154s for years and have been extremely satisfied with their performance, durability, and overall quality. However, I recently discovered that Toyo has discontinued the M-154 model and replaced it with the M-156.

From what I can see, the M-156 has a completely different tread pattern compared to the M-154, and I'm concerned about how this might affect performance. Specifically, I want to know if the construction quality and load ratings remain the same as the M-154, since those have been rock solid for me. I'm also curious about the road noise characteristics - the M-154s were reasonably quiet, but I'm wondering if the new tread design on the M-156 creates more or less road noise. Additionally, since this is a steering tire replacement, I want to confirm the proper replacement approach and whether there are any specific considerations I should keep in mind when switching from the M-154 to the M-156 design. …more
Ford F53 V10 Thermostat: 180°F vs 195°F Guide
Engine Medium 2-3 hours 144 👍

Ford F53 V10 Thermostat: 180°F vs 195°F Guide

Replacing the thermostat on my F53 V10 and can't decide between the factory 195°F and dropping to a 180°F stat. Some Ford forums swear by the cooler thermostat for RV duty but others say it'll throw codes and hurt fuel economy. Which temperature is actually right for a motorhome? …more
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