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RV Model Year vs Chassis Year: Understanding the Difference (It's Normal)
General Easy 30 minutes 91 👍

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
Sumo Springs Knockoffs vs Genuine: Complete RV Suspension Comparison 2
Engine Medium 2-3 hours 89 👍

Sumo Springs Knockoffs vs Genuine: Complete RV Suspension Comparison 2

Saw Sumo Springs knockoffs on Amazon for half the price of the genuine SuperSprings product. Reviews are mixed — some say they're identical, others say they fell apart in a year. Trying to decide if the savings are worth the risk on my suspension or if I should just buy the real thing. …more
Ford F53 AdvanceTrac Warning Light: TSB Software Fix for Motorhomes
Engine Easy 30-60 minutes at dealer 88 👍

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
Ford E-450 Class C RV Chassis Service in South Florida - Complete Dealer Guide
Engine Easy 2-4 hours 79 👍

Ford E-450 Class C RV Chassis Service in South Florida - Complete Dealer Guide

Need chassis service on my Ford E-450 Class C in South Florida and the regular Ford dealers keep turning me away because of the RV body. Called four dealerships and none of them want to touch it. Looking for a shop that actually works on RV chassis down here. …more
Texas Class B Test with Unregistered 2011 Thomas School Bus
General Medium 30-45 minutes to resolve 70 👍

Texas Class B Test with Unregistered 2011 Thomas School Bus

Halfway through prepping for my Texas Class B road test tomorrow, my neighbor insists my unregistered 2011 Thomas Built school bus is fine, the DMV demands current registration, but online converters claim they passed with expired tags.

I really want to use my bus for the test since I know it well and it's got air brakes - definitely want that endorsement! The bus is fully insured and I've got the commercial one-way permit it was driven here on, but I can't get anyone at DPS on the phone to confirm if they'll even let me take the test. Anyone know if Texas DPS will accept a vehicle that's not properly registered yet, or am I setting myself up for a headache? …more
Fix CARB Clean Truck Database Account Issues - Class A RV
General Medium 1-2 hours 69 👍

Fix CARB Clean Truck Database Account Issues - Class A RV

Pulled into a weigh station yesterday and discovered my Class A diesel motorhome needs a CARB Clean Truck Check account that I completely missed setting up. I can create the account and get through email verification, but then the account shows as invalid and won't let me add my RV or pay the required $30 fee.

I've watched all their instructional videos and followed the steps, but the system keeps rejecting my account. Phone support just directs me to send an email, and I've sent several without response.

Is this a known system glitch? Are other RV owners running into this same problem with accounts becoming invalid right after verification? Need to get this sorted before the 12/31/2023 deadline when registration will be blocked.

Helpful reference links:
- Background info: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/pro...truckstop/regulations/clean-truck-check-hd-im
- Database link: https://cleantruckcheck.arb.ca.gov …more

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When to Buy a Used Class A Diesel Motorhome: Best Times for Deals
General Easy N/A 69 👍

When to Buy a Used Class A Diesel Motorhome: Best Times for Deals

Pulled into three dealerships expecting to find a decent used Class A diesel motorhome within budget, but they're all quoting me $20K+ over what I can afford. When during the year do dealers typically have the best deals and inventory turnover?

Also curious about when to avoid shopping due to high demand and higher prices. Any insights on seasonal buying patterns would be helpful. …more
Class A Motorhome Wheel Balance Services in Columbus Ohio - Fix RV Steering Shimmy
Engine Easy 1-2 hours 68 👍

Class A Motorhome Wheel Balance Services in Columbus Ohio - Fix RV Steering Shimmy

Despite getting my tools ready and being determined to tackle this steering shimmy hitting my 1997 Class A motorhome at 55 mph — where should I start? Based on my troubleshooting, this appears to be a wheel balance issue, though I suspect there could also be tire wear patterns or front end component problems contributing to the vibration.

I need to locate commercial truck tire facilities in the Columbus, Ohio area that can properly handle motorhome wheel balancing services. Standard automotive shops don't have the equipment for larger RV wheels, so I'm specifically looking for commercial-grade tire service centers that can diagnose whether this is purely a balance issue or if there are additional front end problems requiring attention. …more
RV Engine Replacement Cost Guide: Rebuild vs Remanufactured vs Used (2
Engine Hard Professional job 65 👍

RV Engine Replacement Cost Guide: Rebuild vs Remanufactured vs Used (2

Spent the last week trying to decide between a rebuild, remanufactured, or used engine for my Class A motorhome that now sounds worse than nails on a chalkboard. There's a lovely hole where there shouldn't be one (in the piston, not my ego... that's been full of holes for years).

So here I am, living the RV dream with what sounds like a mechanical maraca under the hood. Is engine replacement even worth considering, or should I start shopping for a really expensive lawn ornament? What are my options and what kind of financial damage am I looking at? I need to know if I should fix this beast or start planning its funeral.

Could you share more details about the specific vehicle (year/make/model and engine type) to help diagnose the extent of the damage? …more
Damon Daybreak Wiring Diagrams: Complete Guide to Finding Electrical Solutions
Electrical Medium 1-2 hours research 64 👍

Damon Daybreak Wiring Diagrams: Complete Guide to Finding Electrical Solutions

I spent all winter looking forward to camping season, but every spring when I pull my 2001 Damon Daybreak out of storage, those same electrical gremlins start haunting me again. The dash AC isn't working properly and I think I need to trace some wiring to figure out what's going on.

I've been searching everywhere but I'm not sure where to get the proper wiring diagrams for this model. Should I be looking for RV-specific diagrams, or is the dash AC part of the Ford chassis system? I'm a bit confused about what's considered "coach electrical" versus automotive on these units.

Any guidance on the best places to find these diagrams would be really appreciated - I don't want to start poking around without the right documentation! …more
RV Odometer Wrong Mileage: Fixes for 2013 Tiffin Allegro
Chassis Medium 2-4 hours 56 👍

RV Odometer Wrong Mileage: Fixes for 2013 Tiffin Allegro

Tried replacing the speedometer head, checking all connections, and even getting the ECM scanned — but my 2013 Tiffin Allegro's odometer is still showing completely wrong mileage. My 2013 Tiffin Allegro's odometer has started displaying completely wrong readings. It should show around 96,000 miles, but it's jumping to 181,000, then 302,000, and even over a million miles when I try resetting it. The speedometer works fine though.

A repair shop quoted me $900 for parts plus $300 labor to replace the whole speedometer/display unit. That seems really expensive for my budget. I'm wondering if this is something I need to fix right away or if I can live with it? My main concern is what happens if I want to sell the RV later - will the wrong odometer reading be a major problem for resale? …more
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