RV Forum

Information Requests :: RE: Stabilizer Jacks

Author: jfran304
Subject:
Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2009 12:31 pm (GMT -8)
Topic Replies: 1

Google stabilizer jacks and you will find all kinds. You will have to decide how much you want to pay and which ones will work on your Motor Home.

Good Luck,
Jon
_________________
Jon & Sue Francis

Information Requests :: Stabilizer Jacks

Author: lschattler44
Subject: Stabilizer Jacks
Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2009 9:32 am (GMT -8)
Topic Replies: 1

We have a Class A motorhome that does not have stabilizer jacks. We often park for long periods of time in one place and experience a lot of rock 'n roll while moving around the coach. Does anyone have an idea how we could stabilize our rig without installing a complete hydraulic jack system? Are there jacks on the market made for this purpose that can be used on a motorhome? Thanks for any help you can offer.

L. Schattler
34 ft. National Dolphin.

Information Requests :: RE: How Long to Swap a Motor?

Author: anniepoo
Subject: Motor Core
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 11:58 am (GMT -8)
Topic Replies: 17

Thanks for the advice. I'll take that into consideration.

I'm actively shopping for a new (to me) RV right now. At the moment, the limit seems to just be not finding anything suitable.
_________________
working fulltimer, 21 ft 1977 Jamboree.
No:fridge, generator, hot water
yes:good times, laughter, friends
"Oh, Sam, I can't sleep without wheels beneath me" (Barbara Stanwyck, in 'Union Pacific')

Information Requests :: RE: How Long to Swap a Motor?

Author: RV Mech Tech
Subject: Swap Motors
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 11:45 am (GMT -8)
Topic Replies: 17

Bossbill: the Ford V-10 comes out from the front. You remove the grille and radiator and A/C condensor, and with a low profile engine lift with the lifting boom inches away from the top of the engine, it will come out. On some earlier models, the fuel injection intake manifold may have to be removed for clearance but it can be done. More time consuming than a regular removal/installation but not impossible.

Information Requests :: RE: How Long to Swap a Motor?

Author: RV Mech Tech
Subject: Swap a Motor
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 11:41 am (GMT -8)
Topic Replies: 17

anniepoo: going by your description, it sounds like the engine could give out at any time. You could keep driving it but that may cause more damage to the engine. If you purchase a reconditioned engine, they will want your original engine for a 'core' to recondition as well and if there is extensive damage to it, it may not be usable as a core. If it's not usable, then they charge you the difference, so take that as well as everything else other members have posted into consideration. Let us know what you decide. Thanks!

Information Requests :: RE: How Long to Swap a Motor?

Author: anniepoo
Subject: Motor
Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 9:34 pm (GMT -8)
Topic Replies: 17

This thread is old. After it petered out, here's what happened.

In May or so, I broke down and had a mechanic look at it.
He said I had zero compression in 2 cylinders and was blowing oil back
into the carb. He washed the carb and put it back together. I had just
started a job and figured I'd drive it a few weeks til my first paycheck came in.
Did that and moved into a room, figuring it'd die, I'd save up a bit, and get another one. Kept driving it as my car.

Strange part is, it's still running. I'm acutally back to living in it and now I've saved up the money. So I'm thinking about replacing it; actually started shopping.
_________________
working fulltimer, 21 ft 1977 Jamboree.
No:fridge, generator, hot water
yes:good times, laughter, friends
"Oh, Sam, I can't sleep without wheels beneath me" (Barbara Stanwyck, in 'Union Pacific')

Information Requests :: RE: Need Advice on Car Hauler to Be Towed Behind Our Trek

Author: goofycat
Subject: Re:
Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 7:24 pm (GMT -8)
Topic Replies: 16

Bossbill wrote:

I'm going to tow a 20' enclosed behind my 26' Class A. I'm right at the limit of the hitch.
Here are some of the things I considered before buying my shortie...
-- Flat tow is not trailer tow. Only GCVW counts in the comparison.
-- Consider the distance between the hitch and the rear wheels. The longer this distance, the more the tail wags the dog.
-- I would consider anti-sway hitches mandatory. Especially if you have a long hitch to rear wheel distance.
-- If you are approaching the max tongue weight, get a load leveler hitch.
-- You either need to watch your trailer wheels a lot or consider a tire pressure warning system.
-- I'm mounting the back-up camera to the rear of the trailer as well as the coach.

I have scoured Craigslist for several weeks and have been able to find the Featherlites in the 17' 6" model only....for sale by private owners. It looks as if I will wait until spring and probably buy a new 3110 Featherlite in the 14' version. Less tail to wag my Trek 25-footer. Thanks for the info.

Barry
_________________
"Shoot low boys, they're ridin' Shetlands."

Information Requests :: RE: Need Advice on Car Hauler to Be Towed Behind Our Trek

Author: goofycat
Subject:
Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 7:18 pm (GMT -8)
Topic Replies: 16

Abbott, I did a total research on pickup trucks that could be towed, trying to stay within a weight range of around 2,500 lbs, or maybe a little bit more. I ended up with a 2004 Toyota base model 2WD pickup (no extra cab) with a manual transmission. The truck tows well with four wheels down. I had to have it wired for lights and brakes (we use a Brake-Pro gizmo that sits on the floor of the cab). When the MH brake pedal is activated, it causes the Brake Pro to push on the brake pedal in the truck and activate the truck brake lights.

I would like to have purchased a 4WD pickup, but the weight made that choice questionable. The Toyota pickups made a body change in 2005, upping the weight about 500 pounds. Of course, the engine was changed from a 2.4 liter to a 2.7 liter (4-cylinder), but I would imagine that the extra weight would pretty much cancel out the increased horsepower from the larger engine. Toyota must have thought that larger is better, but this seems to be the trend with all small cars: start small, then make them larger (and heavier).

If I had a chance to re-purchase another toad, it would still be a Toyota in 2WD, but I would try to search for a model that had power windows, power mirrors, and (most of all) cruise control. IIRC, these upgrades appear on the SR-5 model of the Tacomas. The model I have tows well, works well, but I would like to have cruise control and don't particularly like painted bumpers. The former owner did, however, order the truck new with bucket seats, which allow for a center console to store things in.

I feel that the 2002-2005 Toyota trucks run well with a 4-banger. Mine averages 25 mpg and has plenty of power with the 4-cylinder engine. Also, I would prefer an extended cab model, but again, this adds more weight. You might want to check out the Jeeps, but I have no idea what the weight situation is.
_________________
"Shoot low boys, they're ridin' Shetlands."

Information Requests :: RE: How Long to Swap a Motor?

Author: goofycat
Subject:
Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 6:57 pm (GMT -8)
Topic Replies: 17

Annie, you need to list just why you think your engine is on its last legs. Does it burn a ton of oil; does it overheat; are there heavy knocks in the engine? You should not feel that an engine change is necessary for no really good reason. Also remember that the total value of your '76 Dodge might be worth less than the cost of the engine replacement. Have you checked this out? If this is the case, then have you considered trading your motorhome in for a newer model in good shape? I know that if I were in your boots, I wouldn't be pouring a ton of money into an old MH unless there were better options.
_________________
"Shoot low boys, they're ridin' Shetlands."

Information Requests :: RE: How Long to Swap a Motor?

Author: Bossbill
Subject:
Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 6:15 pm (GMT -8)
Topic Replies: 17

This topic got me thinking.
My rig is listed below.

It appears from casual inspection that the only way to get the V-10 out is through the bottom.
That means you find a large expanse of concrete, lift the MH really high, drop out the front axle, remove the crossmember with engine attached, and out she comes.

There is no way this thing comes out through that little doghouse opening.
Unless you take out the whole doghouse all the way to the flat floor and take it out that way?

Just curious ...
_________________
Bill V.
2001 Rexhall Vision V-26 Widebody "Shortie"
Ford F53 / V-10
Race car hauler

Information Requests :: RE: Burnt Up Slide Motor

Author: jfran304
Subject:
Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 5:52 pm (GMT -8)
Topic Replies: 1

Since it isn't covered by warranty, I would check with Lowe's, Home Depot or local electrical shops before I bought from a dealer. The motor should have a plate on it identifying the make and model.

Good Luck,
Jon
_________________
Jon & Sue Francis

Information Requests :: Burnt Up Slide Motor

Author: chwhnd
Subject: Burnt Up Slide Motor
Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 4:52 pm (GMT -8)
Topic Replies: 1

Anyone ever have to replace the slide motor in a travel trailer? I need to replace the one in a 2003 Innsbrock by Gulfstream. The dealer says it will cost $459 + plus shipping. Any other ideas out there?
_________________
Jim Walker

"A man that doesn't say what he means, can never mean what he says."

Information Requests :: RE: Need Advice on Car Hauler to Be Towed Behind Our Trek

Author: Bossbill
Subject:
Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 2:23 pm (GMT -8)
Topic Replies: 16

I'm going to tow a 20' enclosed behind my 26' Class A. I'm right at the limit of the hitch.
Here are some of the things I considered before buying my shortie...
-- Flat tow is not trailer tow. Only GCVW counts in the comparison.
-- Consider the distance between the hitch and the rear wheels. The longer this distance, the more the tail wags the dog.
-- I would consider anti-sway hitches mandatory. Especially if you have a long hitch to rear wheel distance.
-- If you are approaching the max tongue weight, get a load leveler hitch.
-- You either need to watch your trailer wheels a lot or consider a tire pressure warning system.
-- I'm mounting the back-up camera to the rear of the trailer as well as the coach.
_________________
Bill V.
2001 Rexhall Vision V-26 Widebody "Shortie"
Ford F53 / V-10
Race car hauler

Information Requests :: RE: MH Sits Uneven When on Level Ground

Author: 460corsair
Subject:
Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 1:19 pm (GMT -8)
Topic Replies: 7

I am going to measure the both outside rear sides at back from top to bottom, just to see if there is a difference in measurement. Also thought I would measure the inside wall height on the right and left rear to see if there are discrepancies. Maybe the assemblers at the time were not careful. I was in a Bendix plant in Blenham, Ontario in 1977 with a friend who picked up a 77 Dodge 23-foot motorhome and some of the plant workers reeked of booze after lunch on Friday. Mind you, not all of them had a liquid lunch but it was an eye opener as we were in the shop with them as they prepared the MH for transit. Pretty rough looking crew came out when the noon whistle blew. It will probably be the weekend before I get back to you. I have to winterize this weekend as the cold weather should be here now, but very nice today: 12C and sunny. Not many of these left.

Information Requests :: RE: Need Advice on Car Hauler to Be Towed Behind Our Trek

Author: Abbott
Subject:
Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 9:07 am (GMT -8)
Topic Replies: 16

Which Toyota truck are you towing, Goofycat? Year, model, 2- or 4-wheel drive? The reason I ask is I am currently looking for a small 4x4 truck to use as a toad.
_________________
Our School Bus conversion in progress.