2004 Tioga maintenance

Our 2002 E450 had stuck rear brake calipers before we bought it in 2008 with just over 30,000 miles. Not long after, say 35,000 miles a front caliper stuck and I replaced both. Past fall, at about 40,000 miles, a rear caliper stuck and I replaced both. Past spring, I changed out the front axle mostly to get newer bigger brakes, so I can't say how long the front calipers I'd replaced would have lasted.

I think the frequency that an RV is used has much more to do with things like brakes (and tires!) than age or mileage. We try to take ours on a local camping trip, around 100 miles round trip, monthly or so. Just running the engine a few minutes doesn't get it.

I would make sure the steering does not feel to be loose at highway speeds. This looseness manifests itself as a dead zone between left and right where nothing happens. This is a common E series symptom of an alignment issue of not having enough +caster. These units appear to come off the assembly line with +3 to +4 degrees of caster which is OK for city driving. On the highway you want them to have +5 to +6 degrees of caster.
Here is a link to my experience with a 2004 E450 circa 2010/2011

Trackrig wrote:
I would change the engine and generator oil and air filters, the rear end oil, the transmission oil, and have the front wheel bearings checked. I'd have the brakes looked at and maybe the brake fluid changed. If there's a drinking water filter, change it and sanitize the drinking water tank. Should probably do the engine belts also.

It may not be hot out yet, but it will get there so make sure the dash and roof air working and putting out cold air.

Check the water level in the batteries even if they are new.

If you have leveling jacks, make sure they work well and if you don't, get some leveling boards.

Does the awning work - no rips or holes.

Bill

What he said . . . 36,000 miles is a little early to be changing diff and trani fluid but being 11 years old it's probably a prudent or wise move . . .

If it has new rubber (as in recently done) I would make sure you have a torque wrench and check your lug nuts a few times along the way (especially over the course of a 5000 mile trip).

Have you used it yet ? If not maybe a quick weekend trip close by to make sure everything works (i.e.. ensure fridge/water heater/furnace etc works on both electric AND Propane) would make a lot of sense before heading out on a big trip . . .

I would change the engine and generator oil and air filters, the rear end oil, the transmission oil, and have the front wheel bearings checked. I'd have the brakes looked at and maybe the brake fluid changed. If there's a drinking water filter, change it and sanitize the drinking water tank. Should probably do the engine belts also.

It may not be hot out yet, but it will get there so make sure the dash and roof air working and putting out cold air.

Check the water level in the batteries even if they are new.

If you have leveling jacks, make sure they work well and if you don't, get some leveling boards.

Does the awning work - no rips or holes.

Bill