We received this letter from reader Nicky L. and thought his reminders were worth sharing. Have you ever had a similar experience?
Nicky writes, “We had our truck (2021 Ford F-150 with heavy-duty payload and max tow packages) transmission fluid changed on a Thursday in VA. We were towing our TT seven hours to PA when the truck started smoking on I-66. Luckily there was an emergency pull off, which gave us plenty of room.
“There was fluid dripping out under the truck, fluid all over the bottom of the truck, and fluid all over the front of TT. We checked the fluid levels of what we could but Ford has made it almost impossible for the average driver to check the transmission fluid (grr!). It was Sunday so we could not call the dealer. Called Coach-Net and towed the truck to a local dealership and luckily my brother was close by so we put our TT in his driveway.
“It took until Thursday for the dealership to look at the truck. They said the truck was fine. They said our home dealer overflowed the transmission fluid, and pressure built up and vented out. Our home dealer did get us a loaner vehicle and we’re working to have them pay for TT being towed home.
“What damage could this have caused to the transmission?
“Our big lesson learned is not to change fluids before a long trip and to minimize long trips on a Sunday if possible. We’re concerned now about the longevity of transmission and we’re working with the dealer to pay expenses (towing TT home) but we can’t replace the time lost with family on the anniversary date of my brother-in-law’s passing.”
##RVT1154
I had a 2021 F150 Hybrid and nothing but problems and recalls. Fortunately/Unfortunately I got hit by a dump truck and totaled it. No more problems now.
I now check the oil before I start the engine or leave the shop. Years ago my father-in-law bought a new Chevy pickup with a camper on the back. He did the break-in miles and then had the oil changed before his first trip. At his first gas stop he checked the oil and found they had not drained the old oil but just added another 6 quarts. When I had my van, I picked it up after an oil change before a trip, and for some reason I checked the oil before I left the dealer. They had drained the oil but had not put any oil back in. I guess, Don’t interrupt the mechanic.
Thank you, RV Travel and Nicky! 🙂 Excellent advice, thank you and safe travels! 😉