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RE: "Sirius" radio problem, 2008 Bounder
I'm guessing you have the poor quality Jensen radio that Fleetwood installed. If you are stepping through the various inputs or bands and Sirius is not showing up as an option, the radio is not seeing the Sirius box. It's an outboard box that plugs into the dash radio. Ours was attached to the firewall at the far left side. Check to make sure it is getting power (fuse not blown) and the cord to the radio is plugged in tight. Its also possible that the outboard box has failed.
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avidude
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05/17/13 12:44pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Sony B/W camera cable to RCA connector
I did the same thing when updating my dash unit. I just cut the old 4 pin connectors off, and soldered on the RCA connector. The new camera was a BIG improvement.
You might try these guys for an adapter cable.
http://www.rvcams.com
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avidude
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04/29/13 10:46am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Adding third roof air conditioner, fitment question.
Why not change your two exiting AC units to 15,000BTU models. Yes, you have to buy two units instead of one, but then you dont have all the customizing costs.
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avidude
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04/29/13 10:43am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Wrecked RV
By all means, do not let camping world do the repairs. Camping World is using a 3rd party admin because they are self insured. Camping World is a service center for lite duty repairs and service. And they are questionably competent at that.
Get a claim in with your insurance and have them estimate the damage with a proper RV BODY shop. Then your insurance can deal with Camping World. That is what you have insurance for.
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avidude
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04/25/13 07:46pm |
Camping World Service and Installation
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RE: 1998 Fleetwood PaceArrow tire/rim issue
We had a 1998 Pace Arrow. The answer depends on the chassis you have. IF you have a FORD chassis, Mid way through the 1998 model year there was a substantial chassis upgrade. The new chassis went to a V10 engine, with new suspension, wider track, better brakes, and higher GVW ratings.
So if your RV has a Ford 460 V8 then it would have 16" wheels. If you have a Ford V10, it will have 19.5" wheels. As far as I remember, all Chevy P chassis from that year should have 19.5" wheels.
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avidude
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03/27/13 08:48am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Cat C-7 temp level
Since I am not the original owner I have no idea of where the temp should show on the gauge. We just ran 3500 miles from Portland OR to Charlotte NC and the engine stayed right at 1/8th+ inch to the right of middle virtually the entire trip. This is on a F/L chassis, 36G Journey, 2007 model year. Can anyone give me any comparisons on their C-7's ? Also, I used just 1 quart of oil for the entire trip, which I thought was very good in my mind.
Sounds about right.
Bring the coolant temp up on the trip computer. Our runs pretty consistent at 190. On long, tough climbs in hot weather, it can climb as high as 205 (about 3/4 on the gauge)
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avidude
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03/12/13 08:53pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Cat C7
We have the Bounder (Diesel in my sig below). Its a '06 emissions Cat C7. 40k miles of good service. The only problem we have ever had was an A/C compressor the seized. 38' 3 slides, has good power to weight and good CCC. Cabinets are OK, but entry level same as Discovery. There were several 34 & 35' models. I think all 06 & 07 models had the 31k GVW chassis with 10k towing and Non USLD engines.
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avidude
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02/17/13 04:22pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Looking at used motorhomes: A vs. B?
Easy choice - the Sea View
The Flair is a GM6.5 diesel. Need to avoid this due to lots of problems. The SeaView would have the first Ford V10. Better chassis and transmission. Probably better weight capacity. Early V10's have an issue with the heads, but if it was maintained well that is the one I'd take. You just need to be careful changing spark plugs.
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avidude
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02/17/13 09:50am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Opinions on 2005 National Dolphin 6375LX?
Good RV and chassis. National was a well built coach. Price seems high.
37' is nearing the max weight for a gasser, probably 24000 GVW. Make sure you weigh it so you know if either axle is overweight and what carrying / towing capacity you would have. Do this before you even think of making an offer.
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avidude
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02/06/13 04:36pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Spartan mid-engine chassis
Mid engine bus chassis bus chassis have been around for decades. Crown Coach started building then in 1948. First with Hall-Scott gas engines, the Cummings diesels in the mid 50's, then Detroits until the went out of business in 1991. I drove a '49, a '55, and a '75 in bus driving job in the late 70's, we also had Gillig busses with very similar chassis.
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avidude
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02/03/13 08:47pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: 460 versus V10
460 vs v/10 both dead reliable engines with the v/10 being a much newer design, the difference is the chassis they are bolted to. The new F53 chassis of the V/10 being a way more modern design and preferable. A whole bunch of upgrades and advances were made then including higher gvw limits.
The spark plug issue comes into play when at 100,000 miles they are due for replacement and they are over torqued and thread striped, properly done, no problem.
If I had the choice between the two it would be the V/10 hands down.
I ran my 99 v/10 for 60 plus thousand miles and not a hicup.
I could have said it better myself.
We had a 1998 Pace Arrow with the Ford V10
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avidude
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02/03/13 10:13am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Opinions from those who have owned Pace Arrow or Bounder
We had a 1998 Pace Arrow 34J. It had the 1999 Ford V10 Chassis. There were significant upgrades with this new chassis. Not only the V10, but a new transmission (Ford 4R100), 19.5" Wheels instead of 16", wider track, heaver chassis components and the GVW raised from 17000LBS to 20500LBS. Tow rating was also increased from 3500 LBS to 5000LBS.
We never had the dreaded spark plug issue. But this is something to be aware of when it is time to replace plugs which is needed by 100k. The early Ford V10's greatly benefit from a Banks system.
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avidude
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01/30/13 11:47am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4 down towing anyone?
We use the M&G. Provides proportional braking and nothing to mess with inside our car.http://m-gengineering.com
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avidude
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01/29/13 04:10pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: 2013 NEWMAR 3920 option questions?
We are about to order a NEWMAR Canyon Star 3920 toy hauler motorhome. We are interested in other people’s opinion on a few of the options we are thinking about adding to this coach.
1. Upgrading 8cf norcold gas/elec to 10cf Frigidaire compressor model with 1000 watt pure sine inverter. Anyone have experience with home style refrigerator in RV? Pros/Cons.
2. Solar Panels. What type work best for RV and how much power is needed (assuming we may be running home style refrigerator as well as TV’s, Satellite, etc)
3. Satellite system. We have directTV at home with HD. Are there any automatic HD systems? I have only seen in motion for directTV standard signal… Is it worth loss of HD for In Motion?
4. Add on rooms. Anyone have experience with Add on rooms that attach to awning?, attach to ramp?
5. Entertainment system?... Any feedback on Sony Surround System? Or in dash radio with nav system (or do people prefer using cell phone nav with google maps?)
6. Are AC with heatpump worth it and can keep up on heating/cooling needs? Auxiliary heater in bedroom is option.. is this needed?
7. Anyone have opinion on washer/dryer option?... Is it worth it for convenience vs going to Laundromat?
8. Added insulation and holding tank heater. We live in NE PA and would like to take this RV on ski trips, fall football games, etc… is the added insulation and tank heater worth it?
9. Towing: We have an AWD Sienna Van we would like to tow… Can this car be towed on all 4’s or if we have to tow on trailer, is it best to have car hauler with wooden floor or metal floor? Is the v10 powerful enough to handle towing trailer and van
Your feedback is greatly appreciated.
Here are my thoughts:
1. Most on this site seem to prefer a residential fridge. If you do it you'll want additional batteries as well. They work better and are not prone to catch fire. The real fire potential may be exaggerated on this site. If you boondock a LOT then consider staying with the Gas/Elect.
2. To really be effective you will need a system 2+ panels and a controller.
3. We use DirecTv at home and in the RV. There are not any "in motion" HD. Winegard makes a nice one that is fully automatic. Its what we use and would not be without HD.
4. We dont have an add on room, but if we were still traveling with kids and stayed stationary for longer times, we would probably use one.
5. We upgraded our entertainment system as the Samsung one that came in our coach was not that good. And installed a large screen Garmin GPS since it was much easier to see and use the large screen. If I was to go over, I'd probably go with an iPad and some kind of mount to hold it in place. Only down side is you would need a cellular data connection which a dedicated GPS doesn't.
6. Heat Pumps are great and work will down to about 40 degrees. If its colder than that, you need to fire up the gas furnace. Additional heater in the Bedroom - if its an aux heater from the engine, it will only work while traveling. If its a separate gas furnace, I'd do it cause tow zones are better than one.
7. We didnt take the washer/dryer option as they only offered the combo unit. If you can get a stacked w/d and can afford to give up the storage space, then do it.
8. If I lived in a cold climate, I'd take any additional insulation offered.
9. Can't flat tow an AWD Sienna. Can't use a dolly either. You would have to use a trailer, and that combo would most likely exceed your RV's max tow rating, which is probably limited to 5000 lbs. Trade the Sienna in for an Acadia or Durango. or something like that.
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avidude
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01/28/13 04:32pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Ford V10 Engines
I've been told the VERY early V-10s didn't have enough threads in the head...and sometimes a spark plug would blow out. Talked to quite a few "fellow" V-10 owners, not one said it ever happened to them.
My 2001 V-10, I think, is a later version with the problem solved. The motor first arrived, I think in 1997...but don't know when the heads were changed.
Should this spark plug blowout happen to you, NAPA has a "kit"....but research the subject here....it's been mentioned before.
I've also HEARD that (also) in the very early versions, the air intake....in a VERY big rainstorm water would get in and the motor would "stagger"...for lack of a better word. Ford quickly made a air intake direction mod that stopped it. Other than that...the motor is bulletproof. IMO.
For more info, you can call the Ford Motorhome customer service....1-800-444-3311. Have your VIN # handy.
jerseyjim provided the correct information. We had a 1998 Pace Arrow 34', on a 1999 Ford F53 Chassis with a V-10. One of the first on a class A. We had it for 60k miles and didn't have a problem with the plugs. We did have the rain issue with the air intake. Adding a Banks system to this version makes a huge improvement. We were very happy with how it performed.
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avidude
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01/12/13 04:24pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: fleetwood bounder 365
It is a 36 S. Bounder diesel on a Freightliner chassis. Cummins ISB5.9
2000 Bounder Brochure
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avidude
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01/03/13 02:21pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Search Continues for a Pusher - Bounder quality?
We were looking specifically for a 2005/2006 39Z, but ended up buying new. That is a mid entry single slide with a fully enclosed bathroom. Overall Bounder diesels are fairly well built, trim and materials are on the entry level side.
Freightliner chassis. That year will have a Cummins ISB. If you were looking at 2005 or newer you would get a higher power Cat C7 and higher weight capacities. Tow rating is only $k, which is low for a diesel. But since that is a single slide you should still have decent weight capacity, if you don't have a heavy tow.
If its clean and well maintained, it should provide many more years of good service. Check the roof seals and the interior carefully for evidence of water leaks.The only major issue we have seen is fogging of the double pane windows which plagues many other brands as well. Most manufacturers used cheap Se-Gi brand windows.
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avidude
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12/11/12 07:37pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: What are the most heavy-duty and dependable makes/models?
Well, I can offer my opinion on what to avoid. Anything made by Fleetwood.
My dad sent two coaches back to them under the lemon laws. Fleetwood had no qualms about putting defective and unsafe product out on the road.
Many on here will disagree and report they love theirs, but the problems are fairly evident if you do some google searching.
There are alot of good DP's out there. Generally those on the Freightliner chassis are on the lower end and may fit your price point better. Your premium lines are on the Roadmaster (Monaco) or Spartan chassis.
You didn't say if you plan on still doing heavy towing or not. If you plan on pulling a horse trailer, then you definately want a deisel. Also, look for side radiator, another premium feature than many are a fan of.
Lots of good information on this thread. But this guy is completely un-informed.
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avidude
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12/10/12 08:42pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Diesel: Is one chassis better then another?
There is a lot of brand bias going on here. Both Spartan and Freightliner build chassis to order as specified by the coach builder. If you look carefully at the exact specs of each coach and the components used, I would expect you would find both chassis virtually identical.
Both coaches have the exact same build quality and that the Providence will have a little higher trim level. If they are well maintained they will both be good choices. Do with the one that you like the floor plan and features of best.
As others have mentioned, you may also go a few years older to get a higher end coach from American, Foretravel, or Country Coach.
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avidude
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12/08/12 03:13pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Handicap-equipped Class A
Brett, again thanks for useful information.
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avidude
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12/03/12 06:41pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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