Results for "hydraulic-leak"

General Easy 20 min research 189 👍 0

How to Find Reliable RV Repair Shops: Expert Tips & Red Flags to Watch Out For

About every summer my 2004 Adventurer runs like a dream until temps hit 85°F, then it breaks down constantly and no shop can figure out why. The main slide out has been acting up with the HWH hydraulic system, and I honestly don't know enough to fix it myself.

I'm worried about getting taken advantage of since I don't really know what questions to ask or what warning signs to watch out for. I've heard horror stories about people paying huge bills for shoddy work. What's the best way to research and find a reliable shop? Are there specific things I should ask them before I commit to having work done?

Any guidance would be really appreciated - I just want to make sure I'm being smart about this and not walking into a bad situation. …more

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General Easy 30 min maintenance 175 👍 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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Slideouts Medium 2-3 hours 153 👍 0

RV Slide Out Moving Slowly? Complete Lubrication & Repair Guide [2024]

I tried everything I could think of, but after all that heavy rain last week, my slide out went from smooth operation to moving like molasses. It sounds like it's really struggling and straining, making these awful grinding noises that have me worried I'm going to break something expensive.

I've been reading that lubrication might be the answer, but I honestly don't know where to start. Should I be looking at the motor mechanism? The tracks? I've heard about hydraulic fluid but I'm not sure if my system is hydraulic or electric. I really need someone to walk me through what needs lubrication and what else I should check before this thing stops working completely!

Could you help me troubleshoot? Details that might help: Can you tell me the specific model of my RV and the type of slide out system it uses? …more

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Best RV Air Conditioners

4.4 (8,100 reviews)

Engine Medium 2-3 hours 129 👍 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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Chassis Hard Research and planning phase 128 👍 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 128 👍 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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Slideouts Medium 2-3 hours 125 👍 0

HWH 625S Slide Out Not Working: Step-by-Step Control Box Bypass & Repair Guide

Wondering why my 2008 Winnebago Adventurer 38J's HWH 625S slide out won't budge after replacing the solenoid, cleaning connections, and checking fluid levels? The passenger slide won't extend or retract from the wall switch, but when I manually operate the solenoid valves, the slide moves perfectly in both directions.

I've already replaced the solenoid valves, so I know they're good. The problem seems to be that power isn't reaching the solenoids from the switch - everything routes through the control box first.

Can I safely bypass the HWH control box by connecting the switch wires directly to the solenoid wires? What should I check before attempting this bypass? …more

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Slideouts Medium 45 minutes 121 👍 0

HWH 325 Levelers Shutting Off When Extended? Quick Fix Guide

This might sound like a warranty question, but before I start tearing into my HWH 325 series levelers that shut off when extended — am I covered or paying again? They power up just fine - all lights, sounds normal, no drama. But the SECOND I press any of the extend buttons, they shut off completely like I just insulted their mother.

I'm trying to level out while changing my motorhome's oil (because apparently I can't even do basic maintenance without my house deciding to be crooked), and these levelers are having none of it. Battery shows good on the panel, but I'm wondering if there's some kind of voltage issue happening when they try to actually work? Or maybe loose connections somewhere? Anyone dealt with this particular brand of RV stubbornness before? …more

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Electrical Medium 1-2 hours for diagnosis 121 👍 0

HWH Levelers Flashing Blue Light: Complete Battery Reset & Troubleshooting Guide

Opened three different browser tabs trying to figure out why my HWH levelers are flashing blue — neighbor says dead batteries, dealer claims sensor issue, YouTube insists wiring problem. The blue light keeps flashing and the jacks won't respond at all - they won't go up or down. The only thing that seems to work is disconnecting the house battery for about 15 minutes until all the panel lights go dark, then reconnecting it.

I'm worried this might be a sign of something serious going wrong with the electrical system or the levelers themselves. Could this indicate low voltage issues or bad connections that might be unsafe? I really don't want to damage anything expensive or put my family at risk. What should I be checking, and is this something I need to call HWH about immediately? …more

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Engine Easy 15 min visual, 1 hour full 121 👍 0

Ford F53 Motorhome Brake Inspection: Complete Guide to Checking Rotors and Pads

Turned onto that steep mountain grade last week and heard grinding from my 2014 F53 chassis, but I can't figure out how to properly inspect the brake pads and rotors. I've been crawling around under there, contorting myself into every possible position, but I just can't get a good view of the brake components through the wheel openings.

Is there a specific technique or approach that actually works for getting a proper look at the pad thickness and rotor condition? I really want to stay on top of brake maintenance, but the limited visibility is making this nearly impossible. Should I be using special tools, or is there a better method I'm missing? …more

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Electrical Medium 1-2 hours 119 👍 0

RV PEX Plumbing Fittings Guide: Crimp vs SharkBite vs FIP Connections Explained

Got what's probably a dumb question, but why do I have like three different types of PEX fittings in my RV and which ones should I actually be using for repairs? The current setup has what I believe are crimp rings on the PEX lines, but I'm seeing different types of fittings available and I'm confused about which approach is best for a DIY repair.

I've been looking at compression fittings, push-to-connect options like SharkBite, and traditional crimp rings, but I'm not sure which system actually works with RV PEX plumbing. Some of my connections are also threaded at the water pump and manifold areas, and I keep seeing references to FIP connections but I'm not entirely clear on what that means in the context of RV plumbing.

What's the difference between these connection types for RV PEX systems, and which option would be easiest for someone doing their own plumbing repairs? I want to make sure I'm using the right fittings and tools before I start tearing into my water system. …more

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Best RV Awnings & Accessories

4.5 (7,600 reviews)

Engine Easy Informational 117 👍 0

Best Floor Jacks and Jack Stands for Ford E-350 Class C Motorhome: Safety Guide

Despite having the proper jack and stands, is it still dangerous to work under my 2001 Ford E-350 Class C motorhome with grandkids constantly playing nearby? What are the correct tonnage specifications for floor jacks and jack stands when working on this chassis weight? Additionally, what are the designated lift points on the E-350 frame, and what safety protocols should be followed to ensure stable vehicle support during maintenance operations? …more

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Engine Medium 2-3 hours 114 👍 0

Sumo Springs Knockoffs vs Genuine: Complete RV Suspension Comparison 2

Saw Sumo Springs knockoffs on Amazon for half the price of the genuine SuperSprings product. Reviews are mixed — some say they're identical, others say they fell apart in a year. Trying to decide if the savings are worth the risk on my suspension or if I should just buy the real thing. …more

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Electrical Medium 2-3 hours 114 👍 0

RV Leveling Jacks No Power: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Leveling jacks have zero power — hit the button and nothing happens. No motor noise, no movement, no indicator lights on the panel. Coach is sitting crooked at the campsite and I can't level it manually because the electric jacks are in the way of using blocks. …more

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Slideouts Medium 2-3 hours 114 👍 0

RV Stabilizer Jack Handle Spinning & Won't Retract: Complete Repair Guide

Apparently my neighbor's manual stabilizer jack retracts like butter every single time, while mine is completely stuck extended with a handle that spins uselessly. It cranked down fine but now won't come back up. What causes this spinning handle issue and how do I fix it? Is this something I can repair myself or do I need professional help? …more

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