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Ford E-350 vs E-450 Chassis: RV Fuel Economy, Power & Weight Capacity
Engine Easy N/A 260 👍

Ford E-350 vs E-450 Chassis: RV Fuel Economy, Power & Weight Capacity

Last weekend I felt this awful engine strain and heard sluggish acceleration sounds while test-driving a 2017 Phoenix Cruiser #2351 with its E-350 chassis and V10 engine. I'll be doing extensive western touring through mountain and plains regions, which means substantial mountain grades and wind challenges. I'm comfortable driving slowly and want to understand two key things: 1) Will this E-350 chassis handle mountain grades without major issues, and 2) What's the real-world fuel consumption like? I plan to do an initial inspection this weekend, followed by a third-party mechanical review. I'm not overly concerned about fuel economy but want to understand the actual performance limitations. I'd appreciate insights from owners who have experience with similar touring conditions on an E-350 chassis. …more
RV Hydraulic Leveling Jack Leaks: Normal Seepage vs Serious Problems Explained
Slideouts Easy 30 minutes inspection 126 👍

RV Hydraulic Leveling Jack Leaks: Normal Seepage vs Serious Problems Explained

Somewhere between parking and leveling my 2019 Forest River Georgetown, I noticed the hydraulic leveling jacks have small amounts of fluid on the fittings. No puddles underneath and the jacks aren't sagging when stored or in use. Just a light coating on the hoses and one fitting has a small amount of fluid visible.

Is this normal seepage or something I should worry about? What's the difference between normal weeping and a real problem that needs immediate attention? …more
Ford F53 V-10 ECU 7C3A-12A650-DSC Replacement Sources
Engine Hard Several days to locate parts 115 👍

Ford F53 V-10 ECU 7C3A-12A650-DSC Replacement Sources

ECU died on my Ford V10 and the replacement part number 7C3A-12A650-DSC is discontinued from Ford. Salvage yards want $800 for a used one with no guarantee it'll work. Need to find a reliable source for this specific ECU or figure out what alternatives exist. …more
RV Engine Stalling & Transmission Issues - Diagnosis Help
Engine Medium 2-4 hours diagnosis 110 👍

RV Engine Stalling & Transmission Issues - Diagnosis Help

Replaced multiple parts but I'm still standing in the auto parts store aisle staring at diagnostic tools with no clue which one I actually need for my RV's stalling and transmission issues. When I'm cruising and let off the gas, sometimes the RPMs drop like a rock, other times they just hang there until I slow down more. That's weird enough, but here's the real kicker - every now and then the whole engine just dies on me when I'm rolling up to a stop sign or red light. Maybe happens twice in 600 miles or so, so it's not constant but definitely not normal either.

I'm wondering if these two issues are connected somehow? Like could whatever's causing the stalling also be messing with how the transmission acts when I let off the throttle? Really hoping someone has seen this combo before because I'm in Germany and finding RV-specific help is tough.

I'm looking for any insights from folks who might know what could cause this - hoping to get to the bottom of this before it becomes a bigger problem! …more
Ford F53 Speedometer Stuck at 60 km/h: RV Dashboard Repair Guide
Engine Medium 2-3 hours 110 👍

Ford F53 Speedometer Stuck at 60 km/h: RV Dashboard Repair Guide

Despite having electrical work done on my 1999 Ford F53 motorhome, the speedometer has been permanently stuck at 60 km/h regardless of actual driving speed. The gauge reads accurately up to 60 km/h but then just stays pegged there no matter how fast I'm actually going. I'm worried this could be dangerous since I can't tell my real speed on highways.

What's strange is that my odometer keeps working perfectly and even my cruise control still functions normally. I'm hesitant to start tearing into the dashboard without knowing what I'm dealing with. Could this be the speed sensor failing, or is it something else? I really need to understand what's causing this before I risk damaging other components. …more
Ford F53 Motorhome PCM Failure: Complete Diagnosis and Repair Guide
Engine Hard Several days for repair service 104 👍

Ford F53 Motorhome PCM Failure: Complete Diagnosis and Repair Guide

Replaced the PCM on my 1999 Holiday Rambler Ford F53 chassis but still getting complete power loss with coil malfunction codes hitting an entire engine bank. That seems weird, right? Like what are the odds ALL the coils on one side would go bad at once?

I finally wrestled the PCM out (what a pain!) and found some discoloration on one side of the circuit board. Been reading online and seeing mixed info - some say it's the ignition system, others pointing to PCM failure. Really hoping it's not the PCM since those aren't cheap, but the whole bank thing has me wondering. Is this actually pointing to the computer being fried rather than ignition problems? …more

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2001 Triple E Diesel Pusher Buying Guide: Critical Inspection Tips & Red Flags
Engine Easy N/A - informational 101 👍

2001 Triple E Diesel Pusher Buying Guide: Critical Inspection Tips & Red Flags

Standing next to my neighbor's flawless 2001 Triple E Signature diesel pusher makes the concerning issues on this one I'm considering buying even more obvious. Never owned a diesel coach before, only gas units. At 24 years old, what are the critical inspection points I should focus on? Should I be concerned about the age, or is Triple E known for quality construction that holds up over time? …more
Ford Motorhome 4-Speed Automatic Transmission Guide: 4R70W vs E4OD vs
Engine Hard 8-16 hours 101 👍

Ford Motorhome 4-Speed Automatic Transmission Guide: 4R70W vs E4OD vs

I noticed it's 2 AM and my Ford motorhome transmission just started making awful grinding noises — need to figure out if it's the 4R70W or E4OD before hitting the road tomorrow. I'm converting a half ton pickup into a motorhome and want 4x4 capability. I keep seeing references to different 4-speed automatic transmissions like the 4R70W, E4OD, and 4R100, but I'm honestly confused about which is which and what the differences are.

I'm trying to figure out which transmission would be most reliable for my needs. Some people mention the 4R70W while others swear by the E4OD or 4R100. Do these vary by year or engine size? And is there a clear winner in terms of dependability, especially for someone who might be doing some towing and converting a pickup?

Any guidance would be really appreciated - I feel like I'm drowning in transmission model numbers and don't want to make the wrong choice! …more
Ford 6R140 Transmission F53 vs F550: Key Differences & RV Compatibility Explained
Engine Easy N/A - informational 100 👍

Ford 6R140 Transmission F53 vs F550: Key Differences & RV Compatibility Explained

Looked like just minor shifting hiccups in my F53 motorhome last month, but now the 6R140 transmission is completely failing and I'm scrambling to understand replacement options. Got an F53 chassis with the 6R140 transmission, and I'm wondering if I could source parts or even a whole replacement from an F550 that also has the 6R140.

Are these transmissions actually the same unit, or are there differences between the F53 and F550 applications? Trying to understand if parts would interchange and whether compatibility is something I need to worry about when shopping for repairs. …more
How to Release Stuck RV Emergency Brakes After Long Storage: Rescue Your 1990 Pinnacle
Engine Hard Professional service 98 👍

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
Ford V10 Crate Engine Problems: Rough Idle & Power Loss
Engine Hard 4-8 hours diagnostic time 95 👍

Ford V10 Crate Engine Problems: Rough Idle & Power Loss

Opened my RV hood this morning and my Ford V10 crate engine is doing that rough idle and power loss thing again — only when it's above 85°F outside. My 2015 Bounder 35K with 27k miles needed a complete engine replacement, so I had a new Ford V10 crate engine installed. Now I'm dealing with really rough idle, loud engine noise, shaking during acceleration, and hardly any power.

The shop said they fixed a misfire by replacing a fuel injector, but the problems are still there. Now they're telling me they've done everything they can with the engine and that it must be a transmission issue causing all these symptoms. Does that sound right to you experienced folks? I'm just having trouble understanding how transmission problems would cause such rough idling and engine noise, but I honestly don't know enough to argue with them. …more
Used Motorhome Buying: Newer Basic vs Older Loaded Model
General Medium 2-3 hours 91 👍 1

Used Motorhome Buying: Newer Basic vs Older Loaded Model

Pulled up dozens of used motorhome listings and I'm staring at this massive price gap between newer basic models and older fully-loaded ones. I'm concerned about making the right choice for our family's safety and comfort. We have around $275,000 to spend and I'm torn between two options: a newer 3-year-old 40-foot coach that's in nice condition, or an older 6-year-old 44-foot model that's loaded with features. Both seem well-maintained, but I want to make sure we choose the safest, most reliable option for our family adventures. What factors should guide our decision? …more
RV Engine Replacement Cost Guide: Rebuild vs Remanufactured vs Used (2
Engine Hard Professional job 91 👍

RV Engine Replacement Cost Guide: Rebuild vs Remanufactured vs Used (2

Spent the last week trying to decide between a rebuild, remanufactured, or used engine for my Class A motorhome that now sounds worse than nails on a chalkboard. There's a lovely hole where there shouldn't be one (in the piston, not my ego... that's been full of holes for years).

So here I am, living the RV dream with what sounds like a mechanical maraca under the hood. Is engine replacement even worth considering, or should I start shopping for a really expensive lawn ornament? What are my options and what kind of financial damage am I looking at? I need to know if I should fix this beast or start planning its funeral.

Could you share more details about the specific vehicle (year/make/model and engine type) to help diagnose the extent of the damage? …more

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Ford F53 Transmission Dipstick Location: Complete Guide for 2006 Motorhome RV
Engine Easy 15 minutes 89 👍

Ford F53 Transmission Dipstick Location: Complete Guide for 2006 Motorhome RV

Around two weeks after picking up this 2006 Ford F53 motorhome, I'm completely stumped trying to locate the transmission dipstick on this beast. I've been trying to locate the transmission dipstick on my 2006 F53 chassis and I've checked the right side of the oil dipstick under the hood, but it's not where my manual says it should be. Would it maybe be under the doghouse cover? I don't want to damage anything by poking around blindly.

I'm also nervous about checking the fluid level incorrectly - should the engine be running when I check it? And I want to make sure I use the right transmission fluid if I need to add any. I've heard using the wrong type can cause serious damage.

Can someone please confirm exactly where the dipstick is located on the 2006 F53 and walk me through the proper procedure? I'd rather ask and be safe than sorry. …more
E4OD Transmission Rebuild Guide: Motorhome vs Truck Torque Converter Differences
Engine Hard Several days 88 👍

E4OD Transmission Rebuild Guide: Motorhome vs Truck Torque Converter Differences

Planning my annual spring RV prep for the 1994 motorhome, that stubborn E4OD transmission keeps reminding me the rebuild I've been avoiding can't wait another season. I'm specifically wondering if the motorhome E4OD has a unique torque converter compared to truck models. When I get this transmission on the workbench, what should I know about finding the right torque converter? Are there any key differences I need to watch out for? I want to make sure I order the correct parts and do this rebuild correctly. …more
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