Results for "theft-prevention"

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

My 1998 Fleetwood Bounder's dashboard is sitting here completely dead with zero power reaching the ignition switch at all. The ignition switch isn't getting any power from the battery, even though I've already checked all the fuses and relays and they seem fine.

I'm still pretty new to RV electrical systems and not sure where to look next. Should I be checking somewhere between the battery and the ignition switch? I don't want to start poking around randomly and make things worse. What are the most likely culprits when you have this kind of power issue? …more

Between now and our cross-country departure next week, my 2006 Allegro Bus motorhome with the Ford V10 engine started having intermittent starting and stalling issues. After doing some research and talking to other RV owners, I've narrowed down the potential culprit to what appears to be a failing Fuel Pump Driver Module (FPDM). From what I understand, this is a pretty common failure point on these Ford V10 engines, especially in the motorhome applications.

The symptoms I'm experiencing include occasional hard starting, particularly when the engine is warm, and intermittent stalling while driving - sometimes the engine will just cut out for a second and then come back to life. I've checked the obvious things like fuel filters and basic electrical connections, but everything seems fine there. Multiple sources are pointing me toward the FPDM as the likely cause.

I'm ready to tackle this repair myself, but I need to know the exact location of this Fuel Pump Driver Module on the Allegro Bus chassis. I've heard it's a small black module with a single electrical connector, but I haven't been able to locate it yet. Can someone tell me specifically where Ford mounted this component on the 2006 Allegro Bus with the V10 engine? I want to inspect it first and possibly replace it if it shows signs of failure or corrosion. …more

Turned on the weather this morning and saw another storm system rolling in, which has me panicking since I still don't have a 50 amp surge protector for my RV. I've been looking at units ranging from basic portable models to high-end hardwired systems, particularly needing a 50 amp solution that provides at least 6000 watts of surge protection.

I'm torn between getting a portable unit versus installing a hardwired unit directly into my electrical system. The portable units seem more flexible, but I'm concerned about theft since they'd be hanging outside at campgrounds.

What are the real-world advantages and disadvantages of each approach? Is the protection quality different between hardwired and portable surge protectors, or is it mainly about security and convenience?

I want to make sure I'm getting the best protection without overspending on unnecessary features. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance,
Bill …more

I tried researching Class B versus Class C motorhomes for weeks now since we're new RV owners planning an extensive retirement bicycle tour through all the western states. We've narrowed our RV choices down to either a Class B or Class C motorhome, but we're struggling to decide which would be the better fit for our specific needs and travel style.

We're particularly concerned about the trade-offs between fuel efficiency, drivability, and living comfort during what will be extended periods on the road. After spending full days cycling 40-50 miles on various trails, we want to make sure we'll have adequate space to recover and relax, but we also need to be practical about fuel costs and maneuverability when accessing different trailheads and camping areas throughout the western states.

The Class B appeals to us for what we assume would be better gas mileage and easier handling, especially when navigating to remote trail access points. However, we're worried about feeling cramped during longer stays, particularly after physically demanding cycling days. The Class C seems like it would offer more comfortable living space for extended trips, but we're concerned about fuel efficiency and whether a larger RV might limit our options for camping and parking. Would a smaller Class C in the 24-27 foot range potentially offer the best of both worlds for our specific travel plans? …more

Pulled every trick in the book — replaced all five driver side ignition coils, swapped the PCM, checked every connection — my 1999 Itasca Sunflyer V10 still throws codes P0356, P0357, P0358, P0359, P0360. Running on 5 cylinders only.

Tested +12v at each coil connector - all good. Tested for ground pulse during cranking - nothing on drivers side, but passenger side coils pulse normally. No visible wiring damage found.

Does this testing confirm PCM failure in the ground switching circuit? Seems unlikely all 5 coils failed simultaneously. …more

After replacing my 2007 Fleetwood's ignition cylinder yesterday something still doesn't seem right — the key is still extremely hard to turn. I'm pretty sure it's the ignition cylinder that's worn out.

Is this something I can tackle as a DIY project? I have moderate mechanical skills but haven't worked on steering column components before. What's involved in replacing the ignition switch cylinder on this model? …more

Halfway through replacing ignition switches on RVs after my Winnebago success story, this 2003 Four Winds Hurricane has me stumped with locksmiths demanding $400! That's just crazy money for what seems like it should be a straightforward fix.

I'm thinking about just ordering a new ignition switch and doing it myself. I've done this kind of work before on older vehicles where you needed those special steering wheel puller tools and all that jazz. But that was years ago and I'm hoping technology has made this easier?

Anyone know if modern RV ignition switches are simpler to swap out? Really just want to know if this is something I can tackle in my driveway without needing to hunt down specialty tools or if I'm setting myself up for frustration. …more