Results for "towing-capacity"

Engine Medium varies 240 👍 1

Michelin RV Tire Problems: Complete Guide & Solutions 2024

Standing in my driveway planning to tackle these serious handling issues with my new Michelin Agilis HD Z 245/70R19.5 tires on my 2018 Winnebago Vista LX 27N this Saturday — what should I check first? The RV now has 25k miles, and since switching from Goodyear tires, I'm experiencing terrible tail wag - especially when towing my 2024 Toyota Tacoma and in windy conditions.

I've tried multiple tire pressures (82 psi from door sticker, 110 psi from installer, up to 100 psi) but nothing resolves the side-to-side movement. I have several stability modifications installed (Rear Trac Bar, Aux Roadmaster Rear Swaybar, Front Roadmaster Swaybar, Koni FSD shocks), which previously helped with handling.

The movement feels like the towed truck is actually pushing the RV's rear side-to-side, making driving extremely uncomfortable. I'm within Michelin's 60-day/2500-mile buy-back period and want to understand why these tires are performing so differently from my previous set.

Could experienced RV owners help me diagnose what might be causing these handling problems? …more

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Engine Hard Not recommended 159 👍 0

Ford V10 Turbo Kit for Motorhomes: Cost, Risks & Better Alternatives

Before every camping season rolls around, I face the same dreaded reality with my Ford V10 motorhome crawling up mountain passes like a wounded turtle. What are the realistic costs involved? Are there major risks to the engine I should know about? Is this actually worth doing or should I look at other options? …more

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General Easy 15 min research 154 👍 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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Best RV Sewer Hoses & Kits

4.6 (31,500 reviews)

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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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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Engine Easy 15 minutes 105 👍 0

5 Star Tuner X4 for Ford V10 RV: Complete Performance & Upgrade Guide

Planning to tune my 2018 Ford 6.8L V10 RV but got quoted $800 for professional tuning and wondering if the 5 Star X4 is DIY-friendly. Specifically want to know about real-world performance improvements - does it actually improve throttle response and shift points? What about fuel economy gains?

Which of the 3 programs works best for RV towing? Is the investment worth it for better drivability or just hype? …more

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Engine Medium 2-3 hours 100 👍 0

Ford E-450 RV Shock Absorber Upgrade Guide: Bilstein 4600 vs Koni FSD

Before spending hundreds on new tires and suspension parts for my 2023 Ford E-450 Class C motorhome, the ride quality is still absolutely brutal. The RV is about 28 feet long and weighs approximately 14,500 pounds loaded. We use it primarily for family camping trips, but I also occasionally tow a small utility trailer with dirt bikes - probably 25% of our trips involve towing that extra 2,000-3,000 pounds.

I've been researching shock absorber upgrades and have narrowed it down to two main options that seem popular in the RV community: the Bilstein 4600 series and the Koni FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) shocks. I understand both are significant improvements over stock, but I'm trying to understand the practical differences between them for my specific setup and usage patterns.

What I really need to know is which option provides the best balance of ride comfort improvement, handling stability (especially when towing), and overall value for money on the E-450 chassis. I want to make sure I'm making the right choice since this is a fairly significant investment and I don't want to have buyer's remorse later. …more

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Electrical Medium 1-2 hours 93 👍 0

How to Fix RV Rear Brake Lights and Hazards Not Working - Common Grounds & Connections

Spent months planning our cross-country trip leaving next week and my RV's rear brake lights and hazards just completely stopped working. My 1998 National Tropical (on a '97 Ford F53 chassis with the trusty 460 V8) has decided to get creative with its lighting situation. The rear brake lights and 4-way hazards have completely given up the ghost - nothing, nada, zero response from the back end. But plot twist: the turn signals work just fine back there, and everything up front (brake lights, hazards, turns) is working perfectly.

I'm scratching my head because if it was a fuse issue, wouldn't ALL the lights be affected? The fact that some work and others don't has me thinking it's something more specific. Any ideas where I should start poking around to solve this electrical mystery? …more

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Engine Easy N/A - informational 92 👍 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 1-2 hours 85 👍 0

4R100 Transmission Temperature Gauge Sender Location Guide for RV Owners & Mechanics

Despite my RV mechanic insisting I need a completely new 4R100 transmission for overheating, shouldn't I install a temperature gauge first to verify what's really going on? I can't seem to find any factory temperature sender on this transmission - am I missing something obvious?

I'm nervous about drilling into the pan or tapping into lines since I don't want to create leaks or cause more problems than I'm trying to solve. Is there a safe, proven way to monitor transmission temperature on a 4R100 without risking damage? I've heard about electronic options too but not sure if they're reliable. …more

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Ac Refrigeration Medium 2-3 hours for fridge 78 👍 0

1986 Fleetwood Jamboree Fridge Repair Guide + Ford 460 Engine Upgrade

Got my third fridge failure this season in my '86 Fleetwood Jamboree with the Ford 460 carbureted engine and I'm done guessing what's wrong. Two main issues:

The fridge isn't working at all. What should I check first for troubleshooting?

Also considering an EFI conversion on the 460 for better fuel economy since gas mileage is brutal. Is this upgrade cost-effective or should I stick with maintaining the carburetor system? …more

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Best RV Awnings & Accessories

4.5 (7,600 reviews)

Electrical Easy 1-2 hours 77 👍 0

How to Install Wireless Backup Camera on Towed Vehicle - RV Setup Guide for Safe Towing

Since I'm probably asking a dumb question here, but I'm completely lost on setting up the optimal wireless backup camera configuration for my specific towing setup. I have a 38-foot Class A motorhome that I use to tow my Jeep Gladiator, which has a fiberglass shell topper and a bike rack mounted on the receiver hitch. The bike rack creates a significant blind spot that makes it impossible to see what's happening behind my entire rig when I'm driving.

I'm considering mounting a wireless backup camera somewhere on the rear of the Gladiator to give me visibility past the bike rack and bikes. The challenge is that I need the wireless signal to transmit reliably from the back of the towed vehicle, through approximately 38 feet of motorhome length, to reach a monitor mounted on my dashboard. The signal would need to pass through the fiberglass rear cap of my motorhome and maintain a clear connection while we're traveling down the highway.

What's the best approach for this type of long-distance wireless camera setup? Should I mount the camera on top of the shell topper for maximum clearance over the bike rack, and what specifications should I look for in terms of transmission range and power options to ensure reliable operation? …more

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Engine Hard Professional service 75 👍 0

How to Release Stuck RV Emergency Brakes After Long Storage: Rescue Your 1990 Pinnacle

Nobody warned me that parking my 1990 Pinnacle 30' Class A with grabbing brakes 24 years ago would leave the emergency brakes completely seized. Now it's sunk into the ground and I can't even get underneath to try disconnecting anything.

I'm afraid to force anything or use the wrong approach - could I make the brake problem worse? What's typically wrong after this many years of sitting, and is there any safe way to try releasing stuck emergency brakes myself? I'm concerned about what other brake components might need attention before this RV could ever be roadworthy again. …more

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General Easy N/A 74 👍 0

Monaco Knight 40 Fuel Economy: Real MPG Numbers When Towing a Car

Our 2012 Monaco Knight DFT 40 GOLD is sitting in the driveway right now with the Jeep hitched behind it, and I can practically see my wallet getting lighter just looking at this setup. We're looking at covering about 1000 miles over the course of the trip, and I'm trying to get realistic expectations for fuel costs and planning fuel stops accordingly.

I've heard wildly different numbers from other RV owners about what kind of fuel economy to expect when towing a vehicle behind a 40-foot diesel pusher like the Monaco Knight. Some people claim they get decent mileage, while others say it's absolutely terrible. I'd love to know what's actually realistic to expect in terms of MPG when towing, and if there are any driving techniques or speed considerations that can help maximize fuel economy on a long trip like this. …more

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Engine Medium Varies 74 👍 0

RV Transmission Problems: Troubleshooting Guide & Quick Fixes

Planning to fix my Class A motorhome's transmission myself, but my neighbor says it needs fluid, the dealer insists it's the torque converter, and YouTube swears it's the solenoid pack. On my 4R100 transmission specifically, the transmission has been shifting a little rough lately, especially when accelerating from a stop or when climbing hills. Sometimes it seems to hesitate before shifting into the next gear, and I've noticed the engine RPMs climbing higher than usual before it finally engages.

I've owned this RV for about three years now, and I'll admit I haven't been as diligent about transmission maintenance as I probably should have been. The fluid looked a bit dark the last time I checked it, but I'm not entirely sure what I should be looking for or what the proper procedure is for checking transmission health. I've heard horror stories about transmission rebuilds costing thousands of dollars, so I want to make sure I'm approaching this systematically rather than just hoping the problem goes away.

What's the proper first step when you suspect transmission problems? Should I be taking it straight to a shop, or are there some basic diagnostic steps I can handle myself before spending money on professional diagnosis? I want to make sure I'm not missing something simple that could save me a lot of headache and expense down the road. …more

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