Results for "plastic-repair"

Engine Medium 30-45 minutes for installation 94 👍 0

Balance Beads with Internal TPMS Sensors - Real Experience

Since it's 2 AM and I need to hit the road at dawn, I'm desperately trying to figure out if balance beads will interfere with my RV's internal TPMS sensors. I keep reading about how great balance beads are for eliminating wheel vibration, but I'm terrified of damaging those expensive TPMS sensors inside the wheels.

What if the beads hit the sensors and break them? Or interfere with the signal? I can't afford to replace TPMS sensors if something goes wrong. Has anyone actually done this successfully, and are there special precautions I need to take with bead size or how they're installed? I need to know this is safe before I risk it. …more

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Plumbing Medium 30 min 86 👍 0

RV Sewer Hose Freezing Temperature & Cold Weather Protection

Nobody can seem to agree on whether I should winterize my RV sewer hose system now or wait until temperatures actually threaten my specific setup. Current setup involves a dual-hose configuration with approximately 30 feet total length running to septic connection point.

Critical issue: The final two feet of hose rises approximately two inches above the main run elevation before connecting to the septic inlet. This creates a low point where effluent can accumulate rather than draining completely. Overnight temperatures are forecast to drop to 25°F for the next 48 hours.

What is the precise freezing temperature for RV sewer hoses, and does the uphill section with potential standing water create additional freeze risk at this temperature threshold? …more

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General Easy 30 min to 2 hours 86 👍 0

How to Adjust E-450 RV Captain Chair Armrest Height: 3 Proven Solutions for Comfort

Our first E-450 RV came with these captain chair armrests ridiculously high and we're completely lost on how to fix this uncomfortable mess. Are these factory adjustable or can they be lowered somehow? Looking for practical solutions to fix this armrest height issue. …more

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Product Ranking 8 compared

Best RV Surge Protectors

4.6 (14,200 reviews)

Electrical Easy 30 minutes 86 👍 0

1988 Fleetwood Tioga Ford E350 Ignition Relay Location Guide

Last weekend I bought my first RV, a '88 Fleetwood Tioga Arrow (Ford E350 chassis, 460 V8), and I'm completely clueless why it won't start. I've already swapped out the starter solenoid on the fender, but now I'm being told there's also an ignition relay that could be the culprit.

Problem is, I can't for the life of me find this thing! I've been crawling around the engine bay for what feels like hours. Anyone know the typical spots where Ford hid the ignition relay on these E350s? Really don't want to start randomly pulling relays until I find the right one... …more

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Engine Medium 2-3 hours 86 👍 0

Ford E450 V10 Spark Plug Replacement: Easy Access to Cylinders 1 & 2

The second my wife mentioned that my E450 V10's engine bay "looks like it was designed by someone who hates mechanics," I couldn't stop thinking about these impossible spark plugs. I need to change the spark plugs on cylinders 1 and 2, but it looks like Ford's engineers were having a laugh when they buried these babies behind what appears to be half the engine's wiring harness.

I'm hoping there's some secret RV mechanic wisdom out there before I start disconnecting every wire harness bracket in sight. Please tell me there's a way to get to these plugs without performing major surgery on my engine bay. My back is already protesting just thinking about the contortions required! …more

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Engine Medium 2-3 hours 85 👍 0

Ford F53 V10 Thermostat Replacement: 180°F vs 195°F Temperature 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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Engine Easy 15-20 minutes to inspect/change 85 👍 0

E450 V10 Air Filter: How Often to Change on Dusty Roads

Every Saturday I'm planning to tackle my Ford E450 V10's air filter after months of dusty backroad camping — what maintenance schedule should I actually follow? The owner's manual suggests changing the air filter every 30,000 miles, but that seems like a really long interval to me.

I do a fair amount of camping on dusty dirt roads - probably covering about 8-16 miles per month on these conditions to reach remote campsites. I'm worried that all that dust might mean I need to change the filter more frequently than what Ford recommends.

Should I be following a different maintenance schedule given these dusty conditions? And is there anything I should be doing between filter changes to keep things running smoothly? I want to make sure I'm taking proper care of this engine but don't want to over-maintain either. …more

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Engine Hard 2-4 hours 84 👍 0

How to Fix Onan Cummins HGJBB 2.8 Generator Carburetor Problems After

Called the landlord about the Onan Cummins HGJBB 2.8 generator in my rental RV and he just said "figure it out" when the carburetor started acting up after winter. Left our 2017 Winnebago Travato 59K with its Onan Cummins HGJBB 2.8 generator sitting for almost a year (oops), and now it's throwing a tantrum. It's running rougher than a shopping cart with a wonky wheel, and the moment I try to put any load on it - like actually using it for something useful - it just gives up and dies on me.

I removed the carburetor, and my friend helped me clean it in a sonic cleaner. Now I'm stuck because I'm not sure if the throttle and choke linkage are correctly positioned when I reinstalled it. I've confirmed fuel is getting to the carburetor, but it won't start. I took some pictures showing the wire connections and mounting, hoping someone can help me figure out the precise linkage setup.

I'm pretty sure I know what's wrong (thanks, old gas and my laziness with fuel stabilizer), but I'm wondering if anyone can confirm my suspicions about what happens to these carburetors when they sit with stale fuel. Is this the classic 'your carburetor is now a museum of varnish' situation? And if so, what's the real deal on getting it cleaned up and running again? …more

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Propane Easy 1-2 hours 83 👍 0

How to Fix Dull RV Tile Floors After Carpet Cleaning Damage

Nobody wants to drop $3,000+ on new RV tile flooring just because a carpet cleaning company claims some dull spots are "permanently damaged. Just had the carpets professionally cleaned in our 2015 Newmar BayStar 3401, and somehow the beautiful shine on our tile floors got completely ruined in the process. The areas right along the carpet edges are now dull and cloudy - they look absolutely terrible compared to how glossy they used to be.

I've tried applying Bona floor polish like I normally do for maintenance, but these damaged spots just won't take the shine anymore. It's like something either stripped the original finish or left some kind of residue that's blocking new polish from adhering properly. Has anyone dealt with this nightmare before? I really need to know what caused this and if there's any way to actually fix it without replacing the flooring entirely. …more

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Engine Easy 15 minutes 77 👍 0

Ford E450 RV Unused Engine Bay Plugs: Complete Identification Guide

Three different Ford techs want $400 for replacing this massive electrical connector in my 2017 E450 engine bay, but it looks completely unused to me. It's our chassis for a 2018 Sunseeker 2430S-CD, and this thing has been bugging me for months now - it's just sitting there unused with no obvious purpose.

I've been all through the manuals and can't find any reference to it. The RV runs great and I don't think we're missing any functionality, but seeing this big plug just hanging there makes me worried we didn't get something we paid for or that there's supposed to be some optional equipment connected.

Has anyone else dealt with these mystery connectors on Ford E450 chassis? I really need to know what this was intended for before I drive myself crazy thinking about it! …more

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Ac Refrigeration Easy 2-4 hours for DIY 77 👍 0

How to Cool Hot RV Window Frames: 7 Proven Heat Reduction Solutions

Three months into owning my first RV and I'm completely lost on why these black aluminum window frames are hitting 129°F in just 90° weather. I'm pretty sure I could get a nice sear on a steak if I tried.

I'm looking for the most effective ways to tame these heat magnets before they turn my RV into a mobile sauna. I've heard about exterior reflective covers, interior solutions with Reflectix, and I'm wondering what actually works best. Should I be blocking the sun before it hits the frames, or can interior covers do the trick? And how the heck do you attach exterior covers without them flying off down the highway like aluminum kites?

Any battle-tested solutions from fellow victims of the great window frame heat conspiracy would be much appreciated! …more

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Product Ranking 8 compared

Best RV Air Conditioners

4.4 (8,100 reviews)

Electrical Medium 2-3 hours 75 👍 0

How to Convert RV Pull Light Switch to Toggle Switches - Step by Step

After getting quoted $180 to replace my sticky pull switch on my 2001 Monaco Knight dashboard, I'm wondering if I can just convert it myself to two separate toggle switches for the headlights and marker lights instead.

Before I start tearing into the dash wiring, I want to make sure I understand the proper approach for this conversion. I'm particularly concerned about getting the wire connections right and ensuring the new toggle switches can handle the electrical loads properly. The current pull switch seems to control both lighting circuits, so I assume I'll need to separate those functions when I wire in the individual toggles.

What's the correct procedure for converting from a single pull switch to dual toggle switches for headlights and marker lights? I want to make sure I don't create any electrical issues or damage anything in the process. …more

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Electrical Medium 1-2 hours 74 👍 0

How to Locate Your Intellitec BD-0 Disconnect Switch Latching Relay in Your RV

Last month what seemed like a simple electrical hiccup in my 2005 Ford E450 Isata 250SL has spiraled into a complete system meltdown. My Intellitec BD-0 disconnect switch isn't working properly and I suspect the latching relay might be the culprit, but I'm honestly afraid I'm going to damage something if I start poking around blindly.

I've been searching everywhere but I just cannot locate this latching relay! I don't want to accidentally disconnect the wrong thing or cause any electrical damage to my coach batteries. Where exactly should I be looking for this relay? I'm being very cautious because I know RV electrical systems can be dangerous if you mess with the wrong components. …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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General Hard 6-12 months 72 👍 0

Complete RV Interior Rebuild Guide: Mold Removal & Tips

According to what I spotted this morning, my 2001 Fleetwood Discovery has black patches creeping up the walls that definitely weren't there yesterday after three years of full-timing. Planning total interior demolition - walls, ceilings, floors, cabinets, everything except the fridge.

Detailed rebuild plan includes:
- 2" 7.7 R Foam Insulation
- White subway porcelain flooring with epoxy grout
- White plastic ceiling sheeting
- Dark stained pine shiplap walls
- Custom cabinets
- Furniture from Seats4less (U-shaped dinette), Amazon (queen sofa bed), Home Depot (loft bunk)
- Madico mirror finish security film on windows
- Comprehensive mold treatment before rebuilding

Never tackled anything this extensive before. What are the most critical structural and safety considerations I need to prioritize during this complete rebuild? Want to make sure I don't compromise anything important while upgrading everything. …more

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