Waiter21
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Joined 11 years ago
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Re: LED or other upgrade for 12v fluorescent light?
I replaced the bulbs and ballasts with LED strips. I chose warm white as I like the color of an incandescent bulb. The LEDs use about 1/2 the energy as the fluorescent bulbs. I installed three strips in the kitchen fixture. This is a lot brighter than the original https://www.1999southwind.com/convert-fluorescent-fixtures-to-led/539Views0likes0CommentsRe: Power gear levelers
If theses are Power Gear hydraulic, they use the hydraulic level in the reservoir to detect if the jacks are retracted. If the level is a little low, it thinks the jacks are still down. With the jacks fully retracted, top off the reservoir with fluid. This is how I did it on mine. https://www.1999southwind.com/flush-and-refill-leveler-hydraulic-system/ ..188Views0likes0CommentsRe: Air bags on a Class A gasser
I have them on my 1999 F53 Southwind. they help smooth the ride, but probably doesn't do anything for sway. If you have a 1999 or newer F53, look into the CHF to help with sway. This is an adjustment to the factory sway bar. It significantly reduces sway in every F53 I've done it on. https://www.1999southwind.com/chf-cheap-handling-fix-fix-for-sway-and-handling/ ..1.5KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Class A motorhomes with a Ford V10 Chassis
V10 has been a good motor, but like any mechanical device, some have their peculiarities. These are rare events, but seem to be peculiar to certain vintage V10s: 1999-2003ish - blowing spark plugs. seems to be torque related, as in not enough. plug loosens up, then vibrates around and destroys the threads and the plugs blows out. 2003ish 2006ish - two park spark plus break when attempting to remove. 2016 lifters / rockers destroyed.. May be an issue with oil pressure. When engine was assembled inadequate sealant around tension-er allows oil to leak, reduced oil to lifters/rockers. Starters - Ford has always had issues with starters. Heat from the exhaust system seems to contribute to the failures. I install a heat shield on my starter to reduce the heat from the exhaust system. Exhaust manifold studs have always been an issue with all Ford modular engines. Thankfully, motorhome V10s are a lot easier to repair than the pickups and vans. https://www.1999southwind.com/f53-replacing-broken-exhaust-manifold-studs/1.7KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Backing Up A Flat Tow
Backing up with the toad, I've done it many times. but the process is a little different with the two toads I've owned. 2001 Civic. This one was simple, just put it in reverse and back up. The Toad steering would caster correctly and follow any small turns while backing. I've backed this into truck parking spots or away from fuel islands on many occasions. 2003 Saturn Vue - Totally different. The steering would attempt to caster to a full end stop at the first sign of a slight turn. When we back the Vue more than a few feet, I have the DW sit in the Vue and keep the steering straight or follow any turns that I may be doing. I suspect if I was by myself, I'd use the seat belt to tie the steering wheel straight, and then do the backing. I disabled the steering column lock on the Vue, otherwise Id lock the steering column when backing If anyone thinks they would ever back their toad, goto a large parking lot and do a little practice and see how the toad responds. If you see the steering going to an end stop, stop the MH and either disconnect or do something to prevent the steering from castering to the end stops. NOTE - The only difference between the civic and the vue is the Civic has hydraulic power steering and the Vue has electric power steering. I suspect the hydraulic steering offers a lot of turning resistance when the engine isn't running.1.2KViews0likes0Comments
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Join in here to discuss all things motorhomes.Jan 14, 202538,705 Posts
