Results for "thor-motor-coach"

General Medium 2-4 hours 113 👍 0

Thor Ace Fiberglass Rear Cap: Repair and Maintenance Guide

Halfway through my first RV ownership experience, Camping World dropped the bomb that my Thor Ace 29.2's rear cap has delamination and I'm completely clueless. The back doesn't feel like typical fiberglass - none of the other sides move like this. Is this movement normal for this RV model, or is it a sign of serious damage? …more

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Engine Medium 2-4 hours 92 👍 0

Onan 4000 Generator Won't Start Without Choke: Code 14 Troubleshooting Guide

Halfway through another camping trip and trying to decide between babying my Onan 4000 with manual choke every startup or finally fixing this Code 14 nightmare. Let me try again:

Just found out that my 2013 Thor Class C's Onan 4000 generator won't cooperate after sitting since March, and I'm dealing with a nightmare. Been getting Code 14 errors and spent half the morning just trying to get it fired up.

The only way I can get it started is by manually messing with what I think is the choke linkage - otherwise it just won't go. Once I shut it off, same story - won't restart unless I physically manipulate that linkage again. Only has 240 hours on it and was serviced about 2 years ago.

I'm pretty sure the carburetor is gummed up from sitting, but what exactly does Code 14 mean? And more importantly, what do I need to clean to get that choke working automatically again? I really need to get this thing running properly before our next trip! …more

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Electrical Medium 2 hours 89 👍 0

Thor ACE F53 Chassis Wheel Bearing Service & Propane Detector Replacement Guide

During my pre-trip inspection on my Thor ACE F53 chassis, discovered grinding wheel bearings and a dead propane detector that needs immediate replacement.

First, I desperately need to get my wheel bearings serviced/greased, but I'm having trouble finding someone who will work on them. Camping World told me they only service trailers, not motorhome chassis. I'm worried about driving much further without proper maintenance - where should I be looking for this type of service?

Second issue has me even more concerned: my propane detector started beeping constantly and wouldn't stop, so I had to pull the fuse. Now I discovered that with the fuse pulled, my slides won't operate at all! This seems like a safety feature, but I'm not sure if the detector just needs replacement or if there's a bigger problem. Are these systems really connected, and is it safe to replace the detector myself? …more

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Best RV Sewer Hoses & Kits

4.6 (31,500 reviews)

Engine Easy N/A - informational 89 👍 0

Banks Pedal Monster Ford F53 Motorhome Review: Does It Really Work?

Halfway through every camping season, I find myself second-guessing whether that Banks Pedal Monster I installed on my 2017 F53 chassis motorhome was worth it. After installation, I'm honestly not feeling much difference in performance, even in the most aggressive setting. The sales literature made it sound like it would dramatically improve acceleration and power.

I'm worried this expensive modification isn't actually doing anything meaningful for my heavy motorhome. Should I be feeling more power by now, or did I just throw money away? I'm starting to think maybe these throttle controllers don't actually work on big RVs like they claim to. Can someone help me understand what this thing is supposed to actually do versus what it can realistically deliver on an F53 chassis? …more

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Plumbing Medium 3-4 hours 89 👍 0

Atwood GC6AA-10E Replacement Guide: Compatible Water Heaters & Installation Tips

Atwood GC6AA-10E water heater finally died after 18 years and I need a direct replacement that'll bolt right into the same cutout without modifications. Every RV parts site shows different "compatible" models and I'm not confident any of them actually fit. What drops right in? …more

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Engine Medium 60 minutes 84 👍 0

P068A Code Ford V10 RV: Complete ECM Power Relay Control Circuit Fix Guide

Check engine light came on with a P068A code on my Ford V10 motorhome. Scanned it at AutoZone and they said ECM power relay control circuit — but the engine runs fine and I have no drivability issues. Not sure if this is something I need to fix immediately or if it can wait. …more

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Engine Medium 2-4 hours 83 👍 0

Ford F53 V10 Engine Surging: Quick Diagnosis & Cheap Fixes for RV Owners

Ford V10 surges between 600 and 1200 RPM at idle and gets worse when the engine is warm. Already replaced the IAC valve and cleaned the throttle body with no improvement. Drives fine on the highway but sitting at a stoplight feels like the engine is about to stall. …more

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Electrical Easy Informational 79 👍 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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Engine Easy N/A 79 👍 0

Is It Safe to Sleep with Your RV Generator Running? Safety Guide 2024

This is 11 PM and my wife is sweating bullets in our RV — need to know if running our generator overnight is safe before we both melt. We have a 2023 Class C RV and my wife really needs the A/C running at night to sleep comfortably. I know our RV has a carbon monoxide detector installed, but I'm honestly not sure if that's enough protection.

I've heard mixed things about running generators while sleeping - some people seem to do it regularly while others say it's dangerous. What safety precautions should I be taking if we do this? Should I be worried about which windows are open or wind direction? I want to make sure we're being as safe as possible but also want my wife to be comfortable. Any guidance from more experienced RVers would be really appreciated! …more

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Engine Medium 2-3 months research and shopping 77 👍 0

Diesel vs Gas Class A Motorhome for Family of 6: Expert Advice

Three months of research comparing diesel pushers versus gas Class A motorhomes for our family of 6 has left us more confused than ever!

Here's what's driving me crazy - diesel pushers from around 2010-2012 seem like the budget sweet spot, with their quieter engine placement at the rear and more comfortable ride. But we had a devastating mold problem in our last house that affected everyone's health, and I'm terrified of buying an older RV that might have hidden moisture issues.

The newer gas Class A units (2015 and up) seem like they'd be safer from a mold standpoint, but I worry we're sacrificing ride quality and long-term reliability. Since we don't already own a heavy-duty truck, a motorhome seems more practical than a 5th wheel. With four kids, comfort matters, but their health matters more.

Am I overthinking this, or should the mold risk really be the deciding factor here? I just need someone to tell me straight - which way would you go? …more

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Solar Batteries Medium 2-4 hours 77 👍 0

How to Fix Parasitic Battery Drain in 2006 Damon Challenger RV: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

I found three different "experts" telling me three different causes for my 2006 Damon Challenger's parasitic battery drain - neighbor blames the converter, dealer says bad fuse, YouTube points to inverter. I've traced it to the instrument cluster fuse, and Thor doesn't have schematics for this model due to its age.

I'm not even sure if it's actually the instrument cluster itself or something connected to it - could it be the transmission temp sensor, engine temp sensor, or other wiring? I really don't want to damage anything expensive or create a safety hazard. What's the safest way to diagnose and fix this without causing more problems? I'd feel much better with a step-by-step approach that won't leave me stranded or worse. …more

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Best RV Awnings & Accessories

4.5 (7,600 reviews)

General Easy N/A - informational 76 👍 0

Class A vs Super C Motorhome: Complete Comparison Guide 2024

Before I commit to my next RV purchase, I'm trying to decide between a Class A and Super C motorhome after our recent 2+ week, 3K mile trip through PA-OH-KY-NC-VA and back to CT. We have never seen more Super C's. They used to be a bit of a unicorn. This trip, multiples each day and a 1 or 2 at almost every campground.

A friend says it's the more dependable Freightliner drivetrain. If we were to make the swap from a 5th wheel (not likely), it would probably be a Super C. I'm trying to understand why the market seems to be shifting.

I'm looking to understand the technical advantages: Are Super C's really more reliable because of the commercial truck chassis? Is the Freightliner drivetrain genuinely better than traditional motorhome platforms?

Anyone care to share their opinions and experiences with Super C versus Class A motorhomes? …more

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Engine Medium 2-4 hours for repair 73 👍 0

Burnt Spot on Oil Dipstick - 2013 Thor Challenger V10 Fix

Wondering why my 2013 Thor Challenger V10 only gets that weird burnt spot on the oil dipstick above 85 degrees — runs perfect when cooler? When I pulled the oil dipstick during my last oil change, there's this obvious burnt spot with carbon buildup about 18 inches from the tip. The stick was also kind of a pain to pull out.

I'm scratching my head here - what would cause burning and carbon right at that specific spot on the dipstick? Is this pointing to something with the dipstick tube itself, or am I looking at a bigger engine problem? Really hoping it's not anything major since the motor only has about 32K on it. …more

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Solar Batteries Medium 2-4 hours 72 👍 0

How to Fix Thor Daybreak RV Parasitic Battery Drain & Electrical Circuit Problems

Three days before our family reunion road trip and my 2012 Thor Daybreak's battery keeps dying overnight with these crazy electrical issues. Battery keeps going dead and I'm pulling about half an amp even when everything should be off. Here's the weird part - when I mess with the instrument panel dimmer switch, the parasitic draw actually changes! Goes from like .12 to .45 amps depending on the setting.

Plus a bunch of my lights decided to quit working all at once - tail lights, running lights, license plate light, the works. But other stuff like headlights and turn signals are fine. The whole thing seems connected somehow since it all happened around the same time.

I can stop the drain by pulling a couple specific fuses (the instrument cluster one and the body builder 12V feed), but obviously that's not a real fix. Ford dealer has had it for weeks and they're stumped. Anyone dealt with this kind of multiple circuit weirdness on a Daybreak before? …more

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General Easy Research time 71 👍 0

Class B vs Class C Motorhomes: Best RV for Extended Western States Bicycle Tour

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

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