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Norcold 1210 Not Cooling: No Error Codes Troubleshooting Guide
Ac Refrigeration Medium 2-3 hours 2,222 👍

Norcold 1210 Not Cooling: No Error Codes Troubleshooting Guide

During my morning RV check I spotted my Norcold 1210 completely dead with zero cooling that was running perfectly yesterday with no error codes. Unit appears to be operating normally with no error codes displayed, but it's not cooling properly. Interior temperature is staying above 50 degrees. Thermistor has been tested and checks out fine. What else should I look at? …more
Ford V10 Triton Engine Maintenance Guide: EGR Delete vs Regular Service Tips
Engine Easy N/A 1,662 👍

Ford V10 Triton Engine Maintenance Guide: EGR Delete vs Regular Service Tips

Spent years doing regular EGR maintenance on my old gas motorhome without issues — but this 2007 Fleetwood 31' Tioga with Ford V10 Triton has me second-guessing everything. I keep reading conflicting information about EGR delete procedures on V10 engines, and I'm worried I might make things worse if I mess with it.

Is the EGR delete modification actually necessary on this 2007 3-valve V10, or am I overthinking this? I don't want to void any warranties or create problems that weren't there before. Would I be better off just sticking to regular maintenance instead of modifications? I'm looking for reassurance that I'm taking the right approach to keep this engine running reliably for years to come. …more
Ford E450 Inertia Switch Location Guide - Find Your RV's Fuel Cutoff Reset Point
Engine Medium 2-3 hours 940 👍

Ford E450 Inertia Switch Location Guide - Find Your RV's Fuel Cutoff Reset Point

Every Ford E450 I've worked on had the inertia switch behind the driver's panel — but my 2011 Freedom Elite 32r has it hidden somewhere completely different. The engine is experiencing what appears to be fuel delivery issues after a minor fender bender, and I suspect the inertia switch may have been triggered and needs to be reset.

I've already done extensive searching in the typical locations - removed both driver and passenger side kick panels completely, pulled out the glove box, and even partially disassembled sections of the dashboard. Despite checking all these common spots where Ford usually places these switches, I'm coming up empty-handed.

Could the switch be integrated into another component on this particular year and model? Are there any alternative locations specific to the E450 chassis or Freedom Elite configuration that I should be checking? I'm also wondering if some models of this year might not have a traditional standalone inertia switch at all. …more
RV Refrigerator Ammonia Smell: Leak Repair & Safety Guide
Ac Refrigeration Medium 30 minutes 544 👍

RV Refrigerator Ammonia Smell: Leak Repair & Safety Guide

Last spring when I opened up my RV for the first camping trip, that same overwhelming ammonia stench hit me the moment I cracked open the refrigerator door. It seems to be getting worse and I can smell it throughout the coach now. I'm scared this might be some kind of refrigerant leak but I'm not sure.

Is it safe to keep using the refrigerator? Should I be concerned about health risks from breathing this in? I don't want to make the situation worse or put my family in danger. What should I do immediately to stay safe? …more
Fix RV Low Water Pressure on City Connection: Troubleshooting Pump Assembly
Plumbing Easy 30 minutes 522 👍

Fix RV Low Water Pressure on City Connection: Troubleshooting Pump Assembly

Last week my pressure regulator started reading a solid 40 PSI on city water but my water pump keeps cycling on for 5-6 seconds when everything says it should stay completely off. When I connect to city water, my water pressure regulator shows a solid 40 PSI, which should be plenty, right? But here's the weird part - my water pump keeps kicking on for about 5-6 seconds then shuts off, even though I'm connected to city water and the pump switch is supposed to be off.

The really frustrating thing is that the pressure feels weak throughout the RV, with specifically the bathroom sink and kitchen sink seeming low, though the shower has good pressure. I've already changed out the intake/check valve and don't currently have a filter in the system. I can see the pump running while on city water, which I know is not normal. I noticed the kitchen and bathroom sink screens were plugged - which might explain some pressure issues - but now I'm wondering about the toilet's low pressure. Could there be a screen in the toilet line I'm not seeing?

I've been full-timing for two years and never had this issue before. What should I be checking for? I'm handy enough to do basic repairs but need to know where to focus my troubleshooting efforts. …more
Ford F53 7.5L RV Won't Start: Fuel Pump Relay Voltage Drop Fix
Engine Hard 4-6 hours 509 👍

Ford F53 7.5L RV Won't Start: Fuel Pump Relay Voltage Drop Fix

Woke up to my 1996 Ford F53 7.5L motorhome eating through my patience and wallet with this no-start issue that keeps coming back. It cranks strong but absolutely will not start, and I've been chasing this problem for weeks now. The engine ran fine for about 3-4 minutes one day, then just died and hasn't started since.

I've already done quite a bit of diagnostic work:
- Replaced PCM and distributor
- Fuel pump works when powered directly
- Battery is fully charged
- Checked fuses and relays
- PCM relay voltage drops from 12.2V to 9.3V with key on
- Fuel pump relay only shows 3.3V at pin 86 (should be 12V)
- Inertia switch tested at 1.7V at connector
- ANL 178 fusible link fluctuates between 0.3-0.6V

The engine will only start with starter fluid when the SPOUT is removed. I'm getting only 5.5V at the fuel pump connector.

Has anyone dealt with this specific issue on an F53 chassis? I really need to get this RV back on the road and I'm running out of ideas! …more

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How to Repair RV Roof Soft Spots: Fix Water-Damaged Wood Step-by-Step Guide
Exterior Hard 4-8 hours 506 👍

How to Repair RV Roof Soft Spots: Fix Water-Damaged Wood Step-by-Step Guide

My RV roof has had this squishy soft spot right next to the roof vent ever since we got hammered by that nasty rainstorm last month. When I step on that area, it feels spongy and I can tell there's water damage underneath the rubber membrane.

I'm pretty sure water has been leaking through the vent area and rotting the plywood underneath, which seems to be about a hand-sized area. I want to cut the rubber membrane back, replace the damaged wood, and then reseal it properly.

Should I be worried about the structural integrity? What type of materials should I use for the replacement wood, and how do I properly reseal everything to prevent this from happening again? I'm thinking of folding back the rubber, replacing the damaged section of wood, and then resealing the membrane over the new wood. …more
How to Reduce RV Interior Noise: Complete Sound Dampening Guide for Motorhomes
General Medium 4-8 hours 482 👍

How to Reduce RV Interior Noise: Complete Sound Dampening Guide for Motorhomes

Despite having a 2021 Coachmen Mirada, looking at my sound meter right now and there's 69 decibels of highway noise blasting through the cabin. My target is to achieve approximately 65 decibels for better communication with passengers.

I need a systematic approach to interior noise reduction. What are the most effective sound dampening materials and techniques for motorhomes? Specifically, I'm looking for solutions that address engine noise transmission, road noise, and any rattling components that contribute to the overall sound level.

What realistic noise reduction can I expect from proper sound deadening implementation, and what are the key areas to focus on for maximum impact? …more
RV Sidewall Blistering & Delamination Repair Guide
Exterior Hard 2-8 hours for temporary fix, 1-5 days for permanen 409 👍 1

RV Sidewall Blistering & Delamination Repair Guide

According to three different RV shops, fixing my bubbling sidewall delamination will cost thousands, but I'm wondering if tackling this DIY repair myself is actually feasible. My 2004 Itasca Sunova has decided to sprout some lovely blisters on the right sidewall - two beauties that are about 12-14 inches long and 3-4 inches wide, running vertically right behind the awning arm. Perfect timing since we're currently on the road living our best RV life!

I'm pretty sure water snuck in somewhere (probably from the roof rail or that shower skylight we never use), and now my RV looks like it's got chicken pox. Since we can't exactly pull into the nearest RV surgeon's office, I need to know: what can I do right now to stop this from getting worse, and what's involved in actually fixing this mess properly? I'm hoping there's some kind of emergency containment plan that doesn't involve duct tape and prayers! …more
Cummins ISL Code 1896: EGR Valve Controller Gaskets & Repair
Engine Medium 3-4 hours 376 👍

Cummins ISL Code 1896: EGR Valve Controller Gaskets & Repair

About to drop $2,800 on my Cummins ISL throwing code 1896 for EGR valve controller out of calibration and wondering if I can tackle this myself. Planning to pull and clean the EGR valve controller to see if that clears it up.

Do I need to order replacement gaskets before I start this job? Want to make sure I have everything on hand before I tear into it. …more
RV Propane Regulator Freezing Up? Common Causes & Easy Fixes
Propane Easy 30 minutes 369 👍

RV Propane Regulator Freezing Up? Common Causes & Easy Fixes

About the third time this season my propane system is acting up during cold weather prep and I'm done trying to figure this out on my own. When temperatures drop, I notice my propane regulator develops frost on it and the gas flow seems to slow down or stop completely. This makes me nervous - is this actually normal behavior or do I have a serious problem?

I'm worried about running my furnace and other propane appliances when this happens. Should I be concerned about safety? And if this freezing is normal, what's the safest way to prevent it from happening? I don't want to do anything that might make the situation worse or create a hazardous condition. …more
Norcold RV Refrigerator Won't Stay On Propane - Complete Troubleshooting Guide
Ac Refrigeration Medium 2-3 hours 318 👍

Norcold RV Refrigerator Won't Stay On Propane - Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Called my buddy at midnight when my Norcold RV refrigerator quit staying lit on propane — need to figure this out before our food spoils by morning. and by dream, I mean my Norcold refrigerator has decided it's too good for propane! The thing fires up just fine on LP gas - I can hear it purring away like a happy cat. But then, like a fair-weather friend, it abandons me after an hour or two and shuts itself off.

I'm starting to feel personally rejected by my own appliances. The electric mode works perfectly fine, but when I'm boondocking, my generator and I aren't exactly best friends either. I've heard this could be a thermocouple issue, burner problems, or maybe the control board throwing a tantrum. How do I figure out which component is giving me the cold shoulder (pun intended)? Any diagnostic tips to help me troubleshoot this temperamental beast? …more

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MagnaSine MS2012 Inverter Replacement & Upgrades
Solar Batteries Hard 4-6 hours 315 👍

MagnaSine MS2012 Inverter Replacement & Upgrades

About my 2007 Fleetwood Bounder: the MagnaSine MS2012 manual claims it should handle my loads perfectly, but this inverter keeps failing on me anyway. It's been acting up for months now - the microwave keeps causing it to hiccup and shut off, then it comes right back on. I know it's only going to get worse from here.

I've been looking at upgrading to something more reliable, maybe a Victron or another brand, but I'm honestly overwhelmed by all the options out there. What are the best replacement inverters that other RVers have had success with? I just want something that's going to work consistently without all these random shutdowns.

Before I spend a bunch of money though, could this actually be a battery issue instead of the inverter itself? I'd hate to replace a perfectly good unit if the real problem is somewhere else in the system. …more
How to Repair a Hole in RV Grey Water Tank
Electrical Medium 1-2 hours 307 👍

How to Repair a Hole in RV Grey Water Tank

Tried marine epoxy on my old Class A's tank and it worked perfectly — but now I've drilled a 1 inch hole in my ABS grey water tank while running battery cables. The hole is in an awkward spot near the rear wheel vault with thick metal bars and beams, making repairs challenging.

What's the best way to repair this? I've prepared a patch by flattening and heat forming a pipe section, beveling edges and scouring surfaces for a strong mechanical bond. Should I cement the ABS patch and then cover with fiberglass, or are there other recommended repair methods? I want to ensure a durable fix for this tricky tank damage. …more
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