Results for "insurance claims"

Engine Hard 4-6 hours 119 👍 0

How to Replace Obsolete F53 Chassis ABS Control Module - Ford Discontinued Repairs Guide

Last week my 2013 Coachman Encounter's F53 chassis started throwing ABS codes — can't afford the $3,000+ dealer quote so is there a DIY fix under $500? Our ABS control module failed, creating a no brakes issue. After being towed to a Ford Dealership on May 28th, the repair has been incredibly complex. They've received incorrect and damaged modules, and even after claiming to fix it, the ABS warning light remains on and reprogramming attempts have failed.

Ford apparently no longer makes this module for units over 10 years old. What alternatives exist for finding a compatible ABS control module for my older F53 chassis when OEM replacement isn't available? …more

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General Easy 30 minutes 91 👍 0

RV Model Year vs Chassis Year: Understanding the Difference (It's Normal)

This is my first RV and the title says 2019 but the chassis paperwork shows 2018 - something feels off here. I bought what I thought was a 2024 Tiffin Allegro Open Road, but when I got home and went to register it, the VIN shows it has a 2022 Ford chassis. The DMV registered it as a 2022, which means I've instantly lost two years of value!

I'm trying to figure out if this is normal in the RV industry or if I got taken advantage of. The dealer sold it as a 2024 model, but now I'm wondering if this kind of mismatch between the RV model year and the actual chassis year is standard practice. I've invested a lot in this RV and really hope there's a reasonable explanation for this discrepancy.

Can anyone explain if it's typical for RV manufacturers to use older chassis for newer model year RVs? I want to understand if this is legitimate or if I should be concerned about deceptive practices. …more

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Engine Easy 30-60 minutes at dealer 90 👍 0

Ford F53 AdvanceTrac Warning Light: TSB Software Fix for Motorhomes

Already seeing that AdvanceTrac warning light on my F53 motorhome chassis — would this TSB software fix be covered under my extended warranty before I start tearing into it? Because apparently my RV decided it needed MORE personality quirks, right? Now my cruise control won't work (there goes my lazy highway driving), and the hill assist is MIA too.

I'm getting mixed signals here - is this one of those "pull over immediately and call a tow truck" situations, or more of a "well, that's annoying but I can still get to the campground" kind of deal? And please tell me this isn't going to cost me my firstborn child to fix at the dealer! …more

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Product Ranking 8 compared

Best RV Air Conditioners

4.4 (8,100 reviews)

General Easy 15 minutes to verify 87 👍 0

Southwire EMS Built-in vs External Surge Protector: Do You Need Both?

Opened my 2022 Holiday Rambler 38N DP and discovered it's eating through surge protectors way faster than normal, despite having the built-in Southwire system. Dealer says I might not need an external surge protector like a Watchdog since it's already built in.

Does a built-in Southwire surge guard provide the same protection as a standalone EMS unit? Should I still install an external surge protector or is the built-in system sufficient? Want to make sure I have proper protection without buying unnecessary equipment. …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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Propane Medium varies by service 80 👍 0

Oasis RV Heater Rebuild: Best Repair Services & DIY Guide 2024

According to my insurance agent, extended RV warranties might not cover my Oasis heater rebuild — should I verify this before starting repairs myself? I can't find the specific ad now - does anyone remember seeing details about a professional Oasis heater rebuild service? Any recommendations would be helpful. Thanks, W.L. …more

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General Easy 30 minutes 76 👍 0

Winter RV Storage Heating: Complete Guide to Using Portable Propane Tanks for Freeze Protection

I woke up to ice crystals forming in my Integra Ethos RV's plumbing lines this week and now I'm panicking about freeze damage during winter storage. The RV will be parked at my property for several months in below-freezing conditions.

I'm considering using a portable propane tank setup (20lb grill bottle, with a 100 lb bottle also available) instead of relying on the RV's main propane system. My Truma Combi Comfort Plus heating system offers 14,000 BTU Gas and 2 x 850 watt electric heaters, with heating mode set at Gas & Electric.

I want to connect an external propane source using specific brass fittings and adapters, with a regulator set at 11 inches water column pressure. The internal temperature will be set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the unit on stand-by all winter long.

Specifically looking for guidance on connection methods and safety considerations when using external propane tanks for winter RV storage heating. …more

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Electrical Medium 2-3 hours 74 👍 0

50 Amp RV Surge Protector Guide: Best Models, Installation & Protection Tips

Turned on the weather this morning and saw another storm system rolling in, which has me panicking since I still don't have a 50 amp surge protector for my RV. I've been looking at units ranging from basic portable models to high-end hardwired systems, particularly needing a 50 amp solution that provides at least 6000 watts of surge protection.

I'm torn between getting a portable unit versus installing a hardwired unit directly into my electrical system. The portable units seem more flexible, but I'm concerned about theft since they'd be hanging outside at campgrounds.

What are the real-world advantages and disadvantages of each approach? Is the protection quality different between hardwired and portable surge protectors, or is it mainly about security and convenience?

I want to make sure I'm getting the best protection without overspending on unnecessary features. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance,
Bill …more

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Ac Refrigeration Medium Research and quotes: 2-3 weeks 74 👍 0

RV Extended Warranty Renewal: Best Options for Seniors

Spent seven years thinking I understood my RV warranty until American Guardian's 50,000-mile coverage expired and I realized I'm completely lost about what comes next. Initial premium: $10,700. Claims history: 4 successful claims totaling $6,913 in payouts, including complete Dometic Penguin 2 AC/HP unit replacement. All maintenance performed per manufacturer specifications.

At 75 years old with uncertain travel duration remaining, evaluating renewal options versus self-insurance strategy. Current consideration set includes AGWS renewal, Good Sam extended service plans, and Warrantech coverage. Recent major components replaced: 6 AGM house batteries (April 2023), 6 Michelin tires with retro-bands (August 2023), dual chassis batteries (fall 2024).

Given positive claims ratio (64.6% recovery) and disciplined maintenance approach, what would be the optimal warranty strategy moving forward? Should I prioritize renewal with proven provider, explore alternative coverage options, or transition to self-insurance given age demographics and asset condition? …more

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Exterior Medium 2-3 hours with help 74 👍 0

Fix Detached RV Awning Arm After Storm - Removal Guide

Finally discovered my RV awning arm completely detached and hanging loose after yesterday's storm - is this dangerous with kids running around the campsite? The rear arm completely detached during high winds and the whole thing partially deployed while I was driving. I managed to push it back in and tape it down temporarily, but it won't latch properly and keeps wanting to roll back out.

I've tried everything I can think of from ground level, but I can't reach high enough to see what's actually broken up there. The arm just won't stay in position no matter what I do. I'm worried about driving home with it like this - it could deploy again or cause damage to the RV.

I have help coming with ladders tomorrow, but I need to know my options. Is this something that can be secured well enough for travel, or am I looking at having to remove the entire awning assembly? I really need to get this resolved so I can get home safely! …more

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Propane Medium 2-3 hours for inspection and potential repairs 73 👍 0

Water Heater Hot When Empty - No Safety Protection Issue

Finally asking what's probably a dumb question, but why is my RV water heater getting scorching hot even when it's completely empty? After 10+ years of RV ownership, I somehow managed to leave my water heater running while empty and connected to shore power. When I opened the access panel today, that sucker was HOT.

I'm honestly amazed I haven't burned anything down yet - or at least fried the heating element. I always assumed there was some kind of built-in safety feature that would shut things down if the tank went dry, but apparently my water heater didn't get that memo.

So here's my slightly embarrassing question: Do most RV water heaters actually have dry-fire protection, or am I supposed to rely on my apparently non-existent common sense? And more importantly, what can I do to prevent my future self from making this same bone-headed mistake again? …more

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Product Ranking 8 compared

Best RV Surge Protectors

4.6 (14,200 reviews)

Engine Hard 4-8 hours diagnostic time 72 👍 0

Ford V10 Crate Engine Problems: Rough Idle & Power Loss

Opened my RV hood this morning and my Ford V10 crate engine is doing that rough idle and power loss thing again — only when it's above 85°F outside. My 2015 Bounder 35K with 27k miles needed a complete engine replacement, so I had a new Ford V10 crate engine installed. Now I'm dealing with really rough idle, loud engine noise, shaking during acceleration, and hardly any power.

The shop said they fixed a misfire by replacing a fuel injector, but the problems are still there. Now they're telling me they've done everything they can with the engine and that it must be a transmission issue causing all these symptoms. Does that sound right to you experienced folks? I'm just having trouble understanding how transmission problems would cause such rough idling and engine noise, but I honestly don't know enough to argue with them. …more

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Engine Easy N/A 66 👍 0

Emergency Driving with RV Tire Covers On: What to Do & Safety Essentials

According to my experience, my motorhome tire covers only cause emergency driving issues when it's above 85 degrees outside — they stay put fine in cooler weather. I'm worried about what would happen if I forget to remove them before driving, especially in an emergency situation where I might need to leave quickly.

Would driving with the tire covers still on damage my tires or wheels? I'm hoping they would just tear off harmlessly, but I honestly don't know and don't want to risk expensive tire damage. Any advice on what actually happens and whether it's safe to drive if I absolutely had to? …more

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