Results for "roadside assistance"

Engine Easy 45 min 196 👍 0

Femco vs Fumoto Oil Drain Valves for RVs - Which is Better?

Looked at my mechanic's quote for a $300 professional oil change setup and something seems off—wouldn't a basic Femco or Fumoto drain valve work just fine? I've narrowed it down to Femco and Fumoto, but I'm genuinely worried about road debris damage since RVs sit lower and encounter more hazards than regular vehicles.

The thought of a drain valve getting hit by rocks or debris and causing a catastrophic oil leak on the highway keeps me up at night. I need to know which design is actually safer and more protected in RV applications. Does one have better protection features than the other? I'd rather be overly cautious than deal with a roadside emergency. …more

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General Easy 15 min research 153 👍 1

Best Mobile RV Repair Apps and Services: Complete Guide 2024

Since my RV broke down I'm standing in the app store staring at dozens of mobile repair services with no clue which one actually works. This made me realize how valuable a comprehensive resource for mobile RV repair services would be.

Are there apps, websites, or forums that maintain an up-to-date list of mobile RV repair, tire repair, and towing services across the country? I'm interested in hearing about recommendations from experienced RV owners who have used these services and can vouch for their reliability and responsiveness.

What strategies do other RV travelers use to find quick, trustworthy mobile repair services when they're stuck in an unfamiliar area? …more

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Chassis Medium Varies 148 👍 1

RV Flat Tire on Highway: Emergency Steps & Specialized Roadside Service Tips

Every highway mile seems to be eating through my Tiffin Allegro motorhome tires way faster than it should, especially after that brutal double blowout on the back axle. When this happened to us, we found that regular AAA and typical roadside assistance don't always help with RVs. We were stranded and eventually had to use a service called Driving Solutions, who charged us $1600 for used tires after eight hours of waiting.

What's the proper procedure if this happens? Should I try to move to a safer location first, or stop immediately? Who should I call for help - are there specialized services that handle RV tires? I want to be prepared with the right contacts and know the safe steps to take, because I imagine regular tow trucks and tire services might not have the equipment or expertise to handle a large motorhome tire emergency on the interstate. …more

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Product Ranking 8 compared

Best RV Refrigerators

4.3 (9,200 reviews)

Engine Easy N/A - informational 90 👍 0

Mercedes Sprinter RV Extended Warranty: Worth the Cost in 2024?

Walked into the dealership at closing time with my 2022 Thor Quantum MB24 and they're pressuring me to decide on extended warranty coverage before they open tomorrow. The original Mercedes chassis warranty has already expired since it was put in service in 2021, and the dealer is pushing a 4-year/60,000 mile extended warranty.

I keep hearing that Mercedes Sprinter repairs can be really expensive, but I honestly don't know what to expect or what questions I should even be asking about the warranty coverage. Are there specific things I should make sure are covered? What kind of repair costs are we actually talking about with these Sprinter RVs?

I'd really appreciate any guidance from folks who've been through this decision before. Thanks for helping a newbie out! …more

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Engine Medium 2-4 hours 83 👍 0

Ford F53 RV Fuel Pump Problems: Why They Fail & How to Fix Them Permanently

Got a neighbor with a 2007 Ford F53 motorhome that runs flawlessly while my 6.8L keeps burning through fuel pumps — what's his secret? The fuel pump has failed THREE times in just four years, and I'm scared there's something seriously wrong that's not being diagnosed properly. Each time the dealer just replaces the pump and says everything looks fine, but this can't be normal, right?

I'm starting to wonder if I'm doing something wrong with storage or if there's an electrical problem that's killing these pumps. The last thing I want is to get stranded somewhere dangerous because of another failure. Should I be worried about contaminated fuel? Could my storage practices be causing this? I really need to understand what's actually causing these repeated failures before I spend more money just replacing pumps that are going to fail again. …more

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Plumbing Easy N/A 82 👍 0

How to Travel with a Winterized RV: Complete Cold Weather Guide

I noticed my travel trailer isn't winterized for my Connecticut to Florida Keys trip in February — can't afford professional service right now, need DIY solutions under $200? I'll be stopping at my brother's place in New Jersey first, and then caravaning to our first stop in Fredericksburg, VA at a KOA with a full bathhouse.

I've winterized my travel trailer for the cold months up here, and I recently heard a podcast about travelers staying winterized and using RV antifreeze for quick bathroom needs during the trip. I'm wondering if anyone has experience with this approach.

I know I could de-winterize before leaving, but I'm worried about pipes freezing during the drive south since we'll be going through some cold states. On the other hand, traveling winterized means no water systems working during the trip. What's the smartest way to handle this? Should I keep it winterized for the whole drive and deal with no water, or is there a better strategy I'm missing? …more

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Engine Easy 15 minutes 78 👍 0

RV Spare Tire Check: Verify Size and Pressure Before Every Trip

Every time I crawl under my Class C RV I stare at that spare tire that's been hanging there for years collecting road grime — check or replace? I mean, it's there in the compartment looking all tire-like, but I'm wondering if there's stuff I should be checking?

I keep hearing horror stories about people getting stranded because their spare was useless when they actually needed it. Turns out this happened to me - I discovered my spare was the wrong size (245 75R16 instead of 225 75R16), which could have been a major problem during a blowout.

What's the smart move here for spare tire maintenance? I learned to check not just the tire size, but also the air pressure. Mine was sitting at just 58psi, which thankfully I could fix with my air compressor.

I'd hate to be that person calling for help on the side of the highway! Anyone else have similar experiences? …more

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Plumbing Easy 30 minutes assessment 76 👍 0

RV Water Pump Failure - Emergency Roadside Repair Guide

The Trek motorhome's water pump just died at 11 PM in the middle of nowhere — need to figure this out before morning. While returning from Assateague, just north of Smyrna, Delaware, my water pump failed with a cloud of steam, leaving me stranded on the side of the road. Thankfully, Coach-Net, our road service provider, found us a tow to Lube Station and Repair in Smyrna. The Delaware State Police and Smyrna Fire Department were incredibly helpful, checking on us during this stressful situation. We ended up staying the night in the shop's lot and made it home only a day late. Has anyone else experienced something similar and have advice for handling roadside RV emergencies? …more

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Exterior Medium 2-3 hours with help 72 👍 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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Engine Easy Research during breakdown 69 👍 0

How to Find Emergency Diesel RV Repair Shops During Breakdown

Nobody believes my wife when she tells people our diesel pusher started billowing black smoke right when that fan belt snapped on Interstate 10, 40 miles from Houston. I know truckers deal with this all the time, so there's gotta be some go-to resources or apps they use to locate repair shops when they break down on the road. What's the smartest approach to quickly find diesel mechanics who can handle an RV when you're stranded? I'm talking about real-world tools and methods that actually work when you're in a jam, like I was where I could barely find anyone close to work on my vehicle. …more

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Engine Hard 1-2 hours roadside 67 👍 0

Aqua Hot Engine Coolant Hose Failure: Emergency Roadside Repair Guide for RVs

Despite what started as a minor Aqua Hot coolant leak in my Western Alpine motorhome last month, the engine coolant hose has now completely blown out three times this week crossing Texas on I-10. Each time it happens, I lose coolant and have to find a repair shop, but the repairs don't seem to be holding up to road conditions and vibration.

The first failure happened about halfway across Texas, got it repaired at a local shop, but it blew again after only 80 miles of driving. Made it to Houston where it failed a third time, and now I'm stuck at Auto Tech Center in Kingwood, TX (owned by Wendel Walden), paying $50 a night for water and electric, plus $225/hour for labor. I'm also facing additional costs of $10 a day to store a box trailer I need to pick up on the south side of Houston.

What are my options for emergency roadside repairs when this type of Aqua Hot coolant hose failure happens? Should I be carrying specific spare parts and tools for this type of repair? Is there a way to temporarily bypass the Aqua Hot system entirely so I can at least get to a proper repair facility without risking further engine damage from coolant loss? …more

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Best RV Batteries

4.5 (15,400 reviews)

Engine Easy 1-2 hours 67 👍 0

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

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Engine Medium 45 minutes 67 👍 0

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

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Electrical Medium 2-4 hours 66 👍 0

1999 Monaco LaPalma Front Run Bay Control Panel #166-2011

My 1999 Monaco LaPalma's front run bay control panel #166-2011 had something completely new on it this morning that wasn't there yesterday. I have a 1999 Monaco LaPalma on an F53 chassis, and the front run bay control panel has stopped working completely. From what I can tell, the part number I need is #166-2011.

I've been searching online but I'm not having much luck finding this specific control panel. Are these parts still available anywhere, or am I out of luck since it's such an older unit? Also, is there anything special I should know about compatibility or installation for my particular chassis? Any advice would be really appreciated! …more

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Engine Easy N/A 64 👍 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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