Results for "short cycling"

Engine Medium 2-6 hours 290 👍 1

Onan 5500 Generator Problems: Complete Repair Guide 2024

Spent three hours testing my 2014 Hurricane's Onan 5500 gen getting 11.8 volts output when every manual says it should be 12+ volts! Here's the weird part - when I disconnect the remote harness, the generator fires right up and purrs like a kitten. But the second I plug that remote connection back in, boom - both the remote start light AND the generator start light come on, and then... nothing. Won't start at all.

The really bizarre symptom is this chattering from the fuel pump when the remote is connected. I can literally feel the fuel line jumping around when I put my hand on it. It's like the pump is having some kind of seizure or something!

I'm guessing this has to be some kind of electrical issue between the control board and the remote system, but I've never seen anything quite like this before. Anyone dealt with this specific combo of symptoms on an Onan 5500? Really hoping there's a known fix because pulling this thing out of the RV again would be a major pain! …more

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General Easy 30 min maintenance 138 👍 0

RV Slide-Out Maintenance: Complete Guide to Prevent Wear and Extend Lifespan

Before I even finish extending my 2018 Newmar 2702 slide-out, there's this grinding vibration that kicks in during the final positioning phase every single time. The motor works hardest during that last foot of travel when the slide settles into place.

This observation has me questioning optimal maintenance protocols for slide-out longevity. What are the most effective strategies for reducing mechanical wear on these systems? I'm particularly interested in understanding proper usage frequency, seal maintenance requirements, and whether partial extension during routine tasks like cleaning provides any protective benefits.

Looking for comprehensive guidance on preventive maintenance practices, lubrication schedules, and storage considerations that will maximize slide-out system lifespan while minimizing premature component failure. …more

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Engine Easy Planning decision 136 👍 0

RV Tire Replacement: When to Replace by Age - Complete 7 Year Rule Guide

Pulled into three different tire shops asking about RV tire replacement and got three completely different answers about when tires actually need replacing. The unit has six tires with 2018 DOT date codes, making them 7 years old as of 2025. Mileage is approximately 28,000 miles, and visual inspection shows good tread depth with no apparent cracking, bulging, or other visible deterioration.

A tire technician who performed my state inspection indicated the tires appear serviceable from an external assessment standpoint. However, I understand there may be internal degradation factors not visible during standard inspection procedures.

What is the technical consensus on replacement timing for RV tires when age limits are reached but visible condition remains acceptable? Specifically looking for guidance on the 6-7 year replacement interval and whether internal rubber compound deterioration poses legitimate safety risks regardless of external appearance. …more

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Best RV Solar Panel Kits

4.5 (12,700 reviews)

Engine Easy 15 minutes to inspect 131 👍 0

RV Tire Age Limits: Why Replace Michelin Tires After 7 Years Despite Good Tread

Called three different tire shops this month about my 2020 Newmar Ventana's Michelin 275/70R22.5 tires and all want them replaced just for being 6 years old despite perfect tread. I'm meticulous about tire maintenance - I check air pressure religiously before and after every trip, whether it's a short weekend getaway or an extended cross-country journey like the 5000-mile trip I just completed.

Despite my careful maintenance routine, I experienced a blowout on the right rear inside tire during the final leg of that recent long trip. When the roadside service technician came out to help, he recommended replacing all six tires specifically because of their age, even though the remaining tires still have plenty of tread depth and appear to be in excellent condition visually.

This has me confused because I've heard conflicting advice from other RV owners - some say well-maintained motorhome tires can safely last up to 10 years, while others insist on much shorter replacement intervals. I'm trying to understand what the actual safety guidelines are for RV tire replacement based on age versus tread wear. Should I really replace tires that still look good just because of when they were manufactured? What's the real story on how tire age affects safety, and how do I properly check the manufacturing date to make this decision? …more

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Ac Refrigeration Medium 2-3 hours 114 👍 0

Ford V10 RV Chassis A/C Cycling On and Off at High RPM - Complete Fix

Before highway driving yesterday, my gauge showed 250 PSI on the high side, but every Ford V10 manual says my 2019 Georgetown XL should max at 200 PSI. After completing full refrigerant system service including line replacement, receiver-drier, and expansion valve replacement, followed by proper evacuation and R134a charge to specification (920g), the system operates normally at idle and low RPM conditions.

However, above 2800 RPM during highway driving, the compressor cycles on and off repeatedly. System pressures appear normal during stationary testing. Is this cycling behavior a designed protective feature of the Ford V10 PCM during high load conditions, or does this indicate an underlying issue with head pressure, airflow, or refrigerant charge that requires further diagnosis? …more

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Engine Medium 2-4 hours (including dealer visit) 112 👍 0

Ford F53 Motorhome Key Programming Guide: Security Features & Programming Tips

Apparently my 2008 Ford F53 motorhome is 16 years old and starting to have key programming issues — should I attempt DIY programming or call a locksmith? I just dropped $176 on two new transponder keys for my 2024 Windsport 34R (2022 F53 chassis) because I only had one set and didn't want to get locked out in the middle of nowhere wearing my pajamas and fuzzy slippers (again).

The Ford dealer quoted me another $140-170 to program these fancy chip keys, insisting I'd need to haul my 35-foot house-on-wheels down there for the programming. But the parts guy said "try them first" - and wouldn't you know it, both keys fired right up without any programming!

So what's the deal here? Are these unprogrammed transponder keys going to mysteriously stop working next Tuesday? Did I just dodge a bullet, or am I missing out on some important anti-theft features that actually matter? I'm feeling pretty smug about saving that programming fee, but also slightly paranoid that my motorhome might strand me at the worst possible moment! …more

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Engine Hard 4-6 hours installation 108 👍 0

SDI E-Clik vs Liquid Spring: Affordable F53 Chassis Suspension Upgrade Options

Nobody warned me that what started as minor swaying on highway trips last month would turn into white-knuckle driving every time I take my F53 chassis RV over 50mph. SDI E-Clik costs about a third of what Liquid Spring systems run, but I'm wondering what you actually get for that price difference.

Is E-Clik just electronic shock control, or does it offer more comprehensive suspension improvements? How does the ride quality compare between the two systems on F53 motorhomes? …more

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Exterior Medium 45 minutes 106 👍 0

RV Awning Won't Extend or Retract: Complete Troubleshooting & Repair Guide

This power awning manual says hold the extend button for 3 seconds, but mine's completely dead and won't budge no matter how long I hold it. When I hit the extend button, it moves out maybe 6-8 inches and then immediately retracts on its own. I have to turn the power switch off and back on each time to get even that little bit of movement.

I'm hesitant to keep forcing it since I don't want to burn out the motor or make whatever's wrong even worse. Could this be an electrical issue with low voltage, or maybe the tracks are too dirty? I've also heard about limit switches causing problems but I'm not sure how to check those safely.

What are the most common causes when an awning does this short extend-then-retract cycle? I want to start with the safest troubleshooting steps before calling a repair shop. …more

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Electrical Medium 1-2 hours 104 👍 0

Ford F53 RV Chassis: All Headlights Out - Complete Diagnosis & Repair

Pulled out my multimeter on this dead F53 headlight situation and I'm getting 12.4V at the relay when every Ford manual says it should read 12.6V. My 1999 Mountain High Pinnacle Class A with 76,000 miles on a Ford F-53 chassis has me stumped - ALL four headlights (both high and low beams) just went completely dead, but here's the weird part: every single other light works perfectly. Taillights, brake lights, turn signals, markers - they're all fine.

When the headlight switch is on, there are no headlights at all, and the blue high beam indicator remains constantly lit. I noticed a strange clicking sound from under the hood about every 20-25 seconds, which continued even after disconnecting the coach and chassis batteries.

I've already replaced the headlight switch thinking that was the culprit, but the same problem persists. No headlights whatsoever when I flip the switch, whether I'm on high or low beam. I'm starting to think it might be the combination switch or maybe a relay with a potential dead short, but I don't want to start throwing parts at this thing without some guidance.

Has anyone dealt with this exact scenario on a late 90s Ford chassis? What should I be checking first? I really need to get this sorted out before my next trip. …more

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Propane Medium 30-60 minutes 95 👍 1

Atwood AFMD35 Furnace Playing Peek-a-Boo - How to Clean Flame Sensor & Fix Short Cycling

Staring at my Atwood AFMD35 manual that claims it should stay running once lit, but mine keeps shutting off every few minutes like it's playing peek-a-boo. It fires up beautifully for about 5-10 seconds, gets my hopes up that I won't freeze tonight, then promptly shuts off like it's having second thoughts about this whole "heating the RV" thing.

I've ruled out the sail switch and high temp limit since it actually lights (small victories in RV life, right?). I'm pretty sure the flame sensor is the culprit here, but I've never cleaned one before. How do I clean this mysterious little part, and what's the best way to access it on this model? Because apparently my furnace thinks playing hard-to-get is charming! …more

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Engine Medium 2-4 hours 94 👍 0

Ford E450 V10 Spark Plug & Coil Replacement Guide - RV Engine Maintenance Tips

After handling coil swaps on my old Chevy like they were nothing, this Ford E450 V10 setup has me completely intimidated and second-guessing everything. I've heard cylinder #3 is particularly difficult to access and I'm scared I might break something or use the wrong tools.

I tried using a 7mm wrench like some sources suggested, but it doesn't seem to fit properly and I'm afraid of stripping the bolt heads. I'm also concerned about how to safely reach the coils without damaging other components.

Can someone please walk me through the safest approach and tell me exactly what size wrench I should be using? I'd rather ask for help than risk making an expensive mistake. …more

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4.6 (31,500 reviews)

Ac Refrigeration Easy 30 minutes 92 👍 0

RV Whirlpool Refrigerator Cycling Every 30 Minutes: Is It Normal? [202

Looked everywhere for answers on my Whirlpool residential refrigerator cycling every 30 minutes—my neighbor says it's normal, RV dealer says it's broken, YouTube says something else entirely. The ambient temperature here is around 65°F, and I have both the fridge and freezer set to the 3rd snowflake setting.

I haven't timed it exactly with a stopwatch, but I keep noticing it kicking on again after what feels like a short time. I'm concerned this frequent cycling might be a sign of a problem or could lead to premature failure. I try to keep the vents clean when I can access them. Should I be worried about this 30-minute cycle pattern, or is this within normal range for an RV refrigerator in these conditions? …more

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Electrical Easy 30 minutes 91 👍 0

RV 12V Auto Reset Breaker Size Guide: 30A, 40A, 50A Selection

Opened up my RV this morning to prep for our two-week cross-country trip tomorrow and the electrical system keeps tripping the breaker every time I run basic appliances! My RV's entire 12V system just died completely - no lights, no water pump, nothing. I've checked everything I can think of and I'm pretty sure it's the auto reset breaker that's failed.

I have a WFCO converter/charger setup with dual 6V batteries, but I can't get underneath right now to read what's stamped on the current breaker. I need to order a replacement but I'm not sure what amperage to get. I keep seeing 30A, 40A, and 50A options online but I don't want to guess wrong and either undersize it or waste money.

What's the typical auto reset breaker size for this type of setup? Is there a standard that WFCO usually pairs with dual 6V battery systems? …more

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Solar Batteries Hard 4-6 hours 87 👍 0

50 Amp RV Inverter Charger Replacement: Complete Installation Guide 20

Finally moved into an RV with a 20-year-old Tradewinds inverter/charger unit that's completely dead and I have absolutely no idea how to replace it. The repair shop is offering a used Magnum MS2812 (2800VA) for $700 installed, but I'm concerned about its actual charging capacity versus my requirements.

My RV is wired for 50A shore power service, and I need an inverter/charger that can handle the full charging load. The shop claims the MS2812 will work, but the specifications seem to indicate it's only a 30A charger unit. Are there any legitimate 50A inverter/charger options available under $1000, or should I be looking at different manufacturers like Progressive Dynamics or Aims for this price range? …more

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Solar Batteries Medium 2-3 hours 87 👍 0

How to Install a Lithium Battery Manager Relay in Your RV - Complete Guide

Got my weekend planned to install a lithium battery manager relay in my 1999 Fleetwood American Dream Saturday — what should I have ready beforehand? I understand these relays are crucial for protecting lithium batteries from overcharging by managing the connection to the alternator, but I want to make sure I understand the complete installation process before I start.

I'm looking for detailed information on how these battery manager relays function - specifically how they disconnect the batteries from the alternator when charging isn't needed. More importantly, I need step-by-step guidance on the actual wiring process, including how to properly connect the relay between my alternator/converter and the new lithium battery bank. I'm particularly concerned about getting the fusing right and understanding what control circuits are involved in this setup.

This is a significant electrical modification to my RV's charging system, so I want to ensure I have all the technical details covered before I begin the installation. Any comprehensive guidance on the complete process would be extremely helpful. …more

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