Results for "slide out maintenance"

General Easy 30 min maintenance 136 👍 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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General Medium Research and decision process: 2-4 weeks 111 👍 0

Prevost vs Newell vs Foretravel vs King Aire: Which to Buy?

My wife and I are drowning in luxury coach research with our $500k-$1M budget and honestly have zero clue what separates Prevost, Newell, Foretravel, and King Aire for full-time living. Primary evaluation criteria include depreciation mitigation over 2-3 year ownership cycle and maintenance reliability metrics.

Specific units under consideration: 2017 Prevost Emerald at $850k with 60k miles, and 2016 Foretravel Realm K3 with low miles at approximately $400k. Also exploring 2021 King Aire and Newell models.

Seeking technical assessment comparing driving performance, interior quality, and reliability across Prevost, Foretravel K3/K4, Newell, and King Aire models. Concerned about potential maintenance requirements on older coaches, preferring newer models with resolved initial manufacturing issues.

Require detailed insights into value retention projections, drivetrain performance, and long-term operational dependability for these luxury coach manufacturers and specific model years. …more

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Slideouts Medium 2-3 hours 108 👍 0

RV Slide Out Water Leak Repair: Complete Guide to Finding & Fixing Leaks in Your RV

Replaced my slide out seals last month but water still keeps pouring in every time it rains — am I missing something obvious here?

I've heard it could be the weatherstripping or seals, but I'm not sure how to inspect them properly or what other things might cause leaks. Could someone walk me through a systematic approach to find and fix slide out water leaks? I'd really appreciate guidance on what to check first and how to go about diagnosing the problem.

While the seals look okay visually, something clearly isn't sealing right when it rains. …more

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Best RV Generators

4.6 (18,900 reviews)

General Medium Varies by issue 101 👍 0

How to Fix RV Slide Out Topper Awning Problems: Common Issues and Solutions for Smooth Operation

Before buying our first RV, I never even knew slide topper awnings existed, and now ours is acting up and I'm completely lost. We're having all three slide toppers professionally replaced next week, but I'm honestly worried we'll end up with the same problems all over again if they're not installed properly.

I've been reading horror stories about misaligned toppers, wrong spring tension, and fabric bunching up during slide operation. Since this is costing us a pretty penny, I really need to know what specific things I should insist the installer check and test before they leave. What are the critical adjustments that need to be made during installation to prevent these common topper problems from happening again? …more

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Slideouts Medium 45 minutes 98 👍 0

RV Electric Leveling Jacks Won't Extend - Fix Clicking Issue

Wondering if I should drop $800 on new electric leveling jacks or if this annoying clicking issue can actually be fixed first? The jacks were working perfectly fine on our last camping trip about two weeks ago, but now when I try to extend them, I can hear a distinct clicking sound coming from the controller panel, yet none of the jacks actually move or extend. The clicking happens consistently when I press the extend button, so it seems like the system is trying to respond, but something is preventing the actual mechanical operation.

I'm wondering what the most common causes are for this specific symptom - where you get the clicking from the controller but no actual jack movement. I'd like to understand the logical troubleshooting sequence, starting with the easiest things to check first before I dive into more complex diagnostics. The RV has been sitting plugged into shore power, but I know these systems can have multiple potential failure points including electrical, hydraulic, or control issues.

What should I be checking first, and what's the typical progression for diagnosing electric leveling jack problems that manifest with clicking sounds but no extension? …more

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Chassis Hard Research and planning phase 96 👍 0

Ford F53 Godzilla V8 Suspension Problems: Fixes & Upgrades for Class A Motorhomes

Halfway through my first long trip, this bone-rattling vibration and unsettling sway started plaguing my newer Class A motorhome with the Ford F53 Godzilla V8 chassis. Coming from a 26' travel trailer and a history with brands like LazyDaze, I'm trying to understand the current RV landscape. I saw a Baystar 2023 model where the owner spent around $35,000 on suspension upgrades after just 12,000 miles.

Sounds awesome on paper, but I keep hearing people say you still need to dump a ton of money into suspension upgrades to make these things handle decently on the highway. Did Ford actually improve the suspension setup when they introduced the Godzilla engine, or are we dealing with the same basic chassis design that's been around forever? I'm talking about 30+ foot Class A rigs here - seems crazy that a $200k motorhome would need immediate aftermarket work to drive safely.

Anyone know if the Godzilla F53 combo actually fixed the handling problems or if it's just more power on the same wobbly platform? …more

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Chassis Medium 3-4 hours 88 👍 0

2003 Ford F53 RV Chassis Wheel Bearing Grease Guide - Best Products &

I'm wondering if my grease choice is wrong for my 2003 Ford F53's front bearing replacement when my neighbor's identical motorhome runs perfectly after his service. The original grease that came out was a dark gray/black color and while there wasn't any catastrophic damage, the races showed enough wear marks that I decided to replace everything while I'm in there.

I've been researching different options and keep seeing conflicting recommendations. Some people swear by standard lithium grease, others recommend full synthetic formulations, and I've even seen mentions of specific brands like Valvoline MaxLife and Timken. I know the F53 chassis carries significantly more weight than a typical pickup truck, so I want to make sure I'm using something that can handle the load.

I have the torque procedure down (30 ft-lbs initial, back off, then final setting at 17 in-lbs), but I want to make sure I'm pairing that proper installation with the right grease. What specific grease products work best for the F53 front wheel bearings, and are there any compatibility issues I should be aware of when selecting a replacement grease? …more

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Propane Hard 4-6 hours 81 👍 0

Suburban SW6P Water Heater Tank Replacement: Why You Need a Complete Unit

Planning what I thought would be a simple fix for minor rust in my Suburban SW6P pilot light water heater, but now metal chunks pour out every flush. The rust is definitely coming from inside the tank.

Before I go dropping cash on a whole new unit, I'm wondering - is it possible to just swap out the tank itself? Like, can I buy just the tank part and keep my existing housing and all the fittings? And if so, where the heck would I even find a replacement tank for this thing?

Really hoping I don't have to replace the entire water heater, but I'm not sure what my options are here. Anyone dealt with this before? …more

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Ac Refrigeration Hard 4-8 hours 81 👍 0

Dometic RV Fridge Replacement: Residential vs RV-Specific Options Guide for Smart RVers

Replaced my old Dometic RV fridge but now I'm second-guessing whether I should have gone with a residential unit instead of another 12 cu. ft. residential unit - looking at Frigidaire or Whirlpool models. But I keep seeing terrible reviews for small residential fridges in RVs.

What causes these issues with residential fridges in RV applications? Are there better alternatives that give me residential-style features without the problems? Need to know about power requirements and installation considerations too. …more

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Engine Hard 4-6 hours 79 👍 0

ISL 8.9 Valve & Jake Brake Adjustment: Specs & Tools

The 2004 Cummins ISL 8.9 in my rig is 20 years old and starting to run rough — time for valve adjustments or a full rebuild? What are the intake and exhaust valve specs? I want to confirm the clearance measurements and also need the tool number to adjust the jake brake. Can anyone help me verify the correct specifications before I start this job? …more

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Electrical Medium 30 minutes 79 👍 0

How to Install Heavy Battery in Ford F53 Chassis: Step-by-Step Guide Without Injury

Group 31 AGM battery weighs 75 pounds and sits in the worst possible spot on my F53 chassis — wedged behind the step well with about 4 inches of clearance above it. Last time I changed it I nearly threw out my back. There has to be a safer way to swap these heavy batteries. …more

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Best RV Refrigerators

4.3 (9,200 reviews)

Plumbing Medium 45 minutes 79 👍 0

Newmar Bay Star 3826 Black Tank Vent Pipe Routing: Complete RV Location Guide

This dangerous sewer smell is seeping into my Newmar Bay Star 3826 where my kids are sleeping—could the black tank vent pipe routing be putting my family at risk? I can trace the half bath black tank vent line running through or adjacent to the electrical cabinet area, but I require confirmation of this routing.

The rear bathroom black tank vent pathway is less apparent during my inspection. I need to identify where this vent line routes from the tank connection point up to the roof termination. Understanding both vent pipe locations is critical for proper system maintenance and troubleshooting potential blockage issues. …more

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Engine Easy 2-4 hours 78 👍 0

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

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Engine Easy N/A - informational 78 👍 0

Complete Luxury Motorhome Buying Guide for Retirement Full-Time RV Living & Travel

My husband just casually mentioned we're about to drop our entire retirement nest egg on a luxury motorhome when neither of us knows anything about RVs.

I keep hearing different brand names thrown around but honestly have no clue which ones give you the most bang for your buck in that mid-range luxury space. Also wondering if I should buy new or let someone else take the depreciation hit? And what features should I absolutely not compromise on for full-time living?

Just want to make sure I'm not learning expensive lessons after I hand over the cash! …more

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Electrical Easy Informational 77 👍 0

RV Battery Disconnect Switch Problems: Why Salesman Switches Fail

Since following that popular YouTube fix for my Thor Outlaw's battery drain, the salesman switch "solution" turned my minor electrical issue into a complete nightmare. Despite being marketed as a battery disconnect, this switch fails to eliminate parasitic draw completely while simultaneously disconnecting the batteries from the charging system when on shore power.

The design creates a problematic scenario: batteries continue draining through various circuits even when 'disconnected,' but they cannot receive charge from the converter. This results in dead batteries after extended storage periods, particularly when parked indoors where solar charging is unavailable.

I'm experiencing about a 50% probability of completely dead batteries, where they're disconnected from the converter and lack sufficient power to even reconnect to the charging system. The indicator light provides no reliable signal about the switch's actual position, making it impossible to track battery connection status.

What are the most effective solutions for addressing this flawed disconnect system? Are there proven workarounds that other Thor Outlaw owners have implemented, or should I be looking at bypassing this switch entirely? …more

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