Popular New Guides Product Guides Tools Checklists My Rig

Results for "headlight voltage"

783+ Q&A Updated Weekly Free
2017 Ford E450 Alternator Output: Complete DC to DC Charger Sizing Guide for RVs
Electrical Medium 30 minutes 77 👍

2017 Ford E450 Alternator Output: Complete DC to DC Charger Sizing Guide for RVs

Somewhere between installing my DC to DC charger and realizing I don't know my 2017 Ford E450's alternator output, I'm wondering if this setup could be dangerous with my kids living in our RV full-time? I've been down every rabbit hole - VIN lookups, parts catalogs, service manuals - and I keep getting conflicting information or just replacement part numbers instead of actual specifications.

I'm planning to install a DC to DC charger for my LiFePO4 house batteries, but I absolutely need to know the real alternator output before I size the charger. I've seen everything from 120 amps to over 200 amps mentioned for the E450, but nothing definitive for my specific year and configuration.

Can someone please tell me what the actual alternator rating is for the 2017 E450, and more importantly, what size DC to DC charger I can safely run without overloading the alternator? I really don't want to fry anything, but I also don't want to undersize the charger if I have more capacity available than I think. …more
Ford F53 Chassis Marker Light Problems: Complete RV Troubleshooting Guide
Electrical Medium 1-2 hours 73 👍

Ford F53 Chassis Marker Light Problems: Complete RV Troubleshooting Guide

Nobody wants to deal with the same front marker light issues on their 2013 Forest River Georgetown 377XL's Ford F53 chassis every single camping season.

The lights work sometimes but not others, and I can't figure out the pattern. I've already checked fuses and replaced the bulbs, but I'm hesitant to start pulling apart wiring without knowing what I'm doing. I keep reading about electrical problems getting worse if you don't fix them right, and I really don't want to create a bigger issue.

What are the most likely causes for intermittent marker light failures on F53 chassis? I'm hoping there's a systematic way to troubleshoot this without risking damage to the electrical system. …more
How to Fix Ford RV Headlight Low Voltage (10.3V Under Load) - Complete Diagnostic Guide
Engine Medium 2-3 hours 72 👍

How to Fix Ford RV Headlight Low Voltage (10.3V Under Load) - Complete Diagnostic Guide

Apparently replacing the headlight relay, cleaning all ground connections, and checking alternator output means nothing when my 2000 Fleetwood Southwind Ford V-10 still drops to 10.3V under headlight load. The headlights have been consistently dim despite replacing the bulbs. My multimeter readings show 12.5V at the headlight connector when disconnected, but this drops to 10.3V when the headlight is plugged in and operating.

This 2.2V drop under load seems excessive and correlates with the poor light output I'm experiencing. What causes this level of voltage drop in RV headlight circuits, and does this require immediate repair for safety reasons? …more
How to Wire LED Halo Headlights to F53 Chassis DRL System - Complete Guide
Electrical Medium 2-3 hours 70 👍

How to Wire LED Halo Headlights to F53 Chassis DRL System - Complete Guide

During every spring prep on my 2005 F53 chassis RV, those damn DRL wires for my LED halo headlights leave me completely stumped again. I've upgraded to LED headlights with built-in halos on my Safari Simba, and I desperately want to connect those halos to work with the existing daytime running light system instead of having the DRLs run through the main headlight beams.

I know there are DRL relays and the parking brake cutout that I need to stay downstream from, but I'm completely lost trying to trace these wires through all the looms and bundles. The headlight uses a standard H4 connector, and the halo has its own separate positive wire that needs 12V when the DRLs should be active.

Can someone please tell me which specific wire at the headlight connector carries the DRL output signal? I really hope there's a straightforward way to tap into this without messing up the existing relay control system! …more
1995 Ford F53 460 Engine Stalling: How to Replace Ignition Control Module for RV Reliability
Engine Medium 45 minutes 70 👍

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
RV LED Clearance Lights Turn Off When Headlights On - Grounding Fix Guide
Electrical Medium 1-2 hours 65 👍

RV LED Clearance Lights Turn Off When Headlights On - Grounding Fix Guide

Replaced all the clearance lights on my 2002 Bounder 39Z Diesel with LEDs yesterday but something still doesn't seem right — they work perfectly with the clearance light switch but shut off completely when I turn on the headlights. But the moment I turn on the headlights, every single LED clearance light goes dark! This is driving me crazy - the old incandescent bulbs never did this.

I've checked the fuses, swapped out different LED bulbs, and even tested the voltage at the fixtures. Everything seems fine until those headlights come on. I'm really hoping someone has seen this before because I'm running out of ideas. What could cause brand new LED clearance lights to shut off only when the headlights activate? …more
Robert, RV Mechanic
Ask an RV Mechanic Avg reply < 5 min

My Rig Settings

Hi, I'm Hank!
Need help setting up? I can walk you through it
Rig Info
Give it a name you'll recognize
Power & Electrical
Climate Control
Water System
Refrigerator Type
Leveling System
Convenience & Features
Sync across devices