Your concerns about gravel storage are valid - moisture retention and weed growth can cause issues. Weed barrier fabric under your RV is a better solution than tarps, combined with proper drainage and regular maintenance.
Cracked Dometic AC covers can be temporarily repaired with plastic welding or epoxy, but replacement is recommended for long-term durability. Roof vent caps are typically made of UV-resistant ABS plastic and can be replaced individually for $15-30.
Shock mount bracket requires chassis-specific part number. Contact chassis dealer with VIN for correct part, or have a fabrication shop make one from the broken original as template.
Hard starting often fuel pressure bleed-down from check valve or injector. Test by cycling key to build pressure. Use gauge for definitive diagnosis.
Guide to auto hold park brake systems on motorhomes. Covers operation, proper use, and troubleshooting for new RV owners.
Essential RV tire safety guide covering selection, age limits, maintenance, and when to replace.
Ford F53 motorhomes with GVWR of 20,500-26,000 lbs have redesigned jounce bumpers that are designed to stay in constant contact with the suspension. This is normal and improves ride quality, not a sign of overloading.
Ford V10 takes 6 quarts with filter change, not 7. The 7 quart spec is for dry fill only. After 5 quarts and running briefly, add the 6th quart to reach full mark.
Multiple coil codes on driver side likely common wiring, ground, or PCM driver issue. Check shared circuits before replacing coils.
Lippert slide motor parts available from lci1.com, PPL Motorhomes, or RV parts suppliers. Motor only or complete gearbox options. Diagnose whether motor or gears failed to determine best replacement approach.
A loud cracking noise from your Dutchstar chassis when hitting bumps is likely a suspension component failure, loose chassis connection, or body mount issue. Start by visually inspecting suspension components, sway bars, and chassis connections for damage or looseness.
Lift slideouts for floor repair using bottle jacks and blocks under the extended slide frame, or a come-along from inside. Never rely solely on hydraulics - always use mechanical blocking.
Removing grill improves F53 battery access significantly. Use floor jack with wood block to lift 45lb battery to tray height, or get a helper. Battery carrier strap helps. Consider battery slide tray for future ease.
Verify your RV spare tire is correct size and properly inflated before every trip. Tire shops sometimes install wrong sizes. Check pressure regularly as spares lose air.
1990 Tioga E-350 no start - check battery, fuel pump operation, spark in that order. Listen for fuel pump hum with key on. Check inertia switch reset button. Common failures are fuel pump relay and ignition module.