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RE: What are the best-- Best valued tire?
I got Coopers and really like them so far. Only have a few thousand miles on them so far but look and ride very good. 235/ 75 r16 Load Range E
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donhov
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11/15/09 04:27pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Pulling Heavy 5W Without Duallys
I do believe that the 3500 Dodge is rated as a 1 ton unit. I agree that the MS is a very heavy trailer but at least give the truck credit for what it is. The 2500 is refereed to as a 3/4 ton (rated 9000#) while the 3500 is the 1 ton (rated 9900#) and the actual only difference is the extra overload leaf in the rear spring pack between the two other than the door sticker. But yes I do agree the Mobile Suites will be too heavy for the Dodge truck. As far as the Ford better look at the F-450 not the F-350 at least at that weight level.
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donhov
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11/04/09 07:07am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: HELP !!! Broken suspension links need fixed ASAP
As above, the original bushings are nylon, at least on most of the newer axles without Ez-Flex units. On mine I used a small hydraulic jack to push the spring back into place. Only jacked one side at a time. I'm well over 60 years old and I tried to make it more of a job than it was. After over "engineering" the first side common sense took over and much easier to do the other side. I used a small chisel and needle nose pliers to remove the old bushings. Jack one side up after loosening all bolts first. Then pull the center link and replace the equalizer. Keep a jack under the axles but in my case it wasn't needed. Just usse them for safety purposes. Obviously use proper sized jack stands under the trailer frame for safety purposes. After replacing the equalizer and putting all bolts back in place then change each end/spring bolt 1 at a time. I had to use the small jack to gently push the spring eye clear of the frame bracket. Replace the bushing slowly release the jack till you can push the bolt in then complete assembly and torque all bolts. It really is very easy. If not comfortable with this level of mechanics then as above an automotive repair or heavy truck shop is the probably answer.
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donhov
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10/29/09 09:18pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: HELP !!! Broken suspension links need fixed ASAP
Don't know if still available but past summer Dexter Axle had the Easy Flex equalizers and wet bolt kits including shackles for $150. You did need to order online but other than that a very good deal. Check to see if it is still available and order. Took me 3 days to Michigan from Ind to get the kit and about 3 hours first axle to install on a dirt driveway with limited tools and jacks. Second side took 1 1/2 hours to do. Really very easy repair.
As above Do not tow as is, you are unsafe and could/will cause major damage.
Just checked, still available.
Here's the link.
Start here and go from there to the next page with pricing.
http://dexteraxle.com/i/u/1080235/f/Service_Resources/Determining_Proper_E-Z_Flex.pdf
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donhov
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10/28/09 08:25pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Air Bag Ride System
Laman, mine were the Air Lift 5000's, not the Firestones. In my mind the call made me feel more comfortable about the purchase.
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donhov
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10/12/09 06:20pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Air Bag Ride System
Air Lift 5000's. Keeps my 07 Dodge level with 30lb of air with my 03 Cedar Creek in tow. Easy install, on the ground took under 2 hours with my errors. Tried to follow the directions but they were not real clear about placement of top brackets so of course I put both on wrong and had to change them again. Took an additional 1 hour so it should have taken me only 1 hour to do. As a good point I filled out the survey when I registered the lifetime warranty and I did mention about the fact that the directions weren't clean on placement of bracket. I did within 2 days receive a call from customer relations asking for clarification and the comment that they would clarify their directions next printing with better identification of placement. Tell me they care about customer sanctification. Cost was manual fill no compressor $260 out the door.
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donhov
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10/11/09 05:52pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Thinking about going diesel?
Most of you summation is correct but i would argue the more maintenance comment. Diesel does take more oil for a change but frequency is much longer between changes. My 07 5.9 Dodge recommends 15000 miles between changes but it takes 12 quarts to change. Dealer cost is usually $75 or so while gas is 5 quarts, every 4000 miles or so at a cost of $25 or so. No spark plugs but a fuel filter about $15 every 10000 mil;es or so. If you are unable to change it yourself add $25 labor to change but it only takes 5 minutes to do. Not much else on the diesel unless something major breaks and you can expect 300000 miles easily out of the engine as long as you maintain it properly. Diesel is at most major fuel stations and if not comfortable going to the front pumps you can use the truck pumps in most cases when hooked to your RV. My Dodge starts in Michigan during the winter without plugging in the block heater even down to 0 degrees so far. And yes with all the new pollution junk it does require once per month or more frequent longer drives to heat up the emissions systems but that would be on all 3 major brands, Ford, Dodge, & Chevy, they all are about the same in that respect. Much more torque for towing and usually much better fuel mileage, but diesel is a little higher in price so closer to a wash here.
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donhov
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09/24/09 09:06pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Internal wiring for old Hughes Autoformer
OK, found some line drawings on the US patent site but still problems. Got a neighbor (Long time electrician) to work on it for an hour or so. Diagram doesn't match the existing wiring in the unit 100%. Also no way to discover which taps on the transformer do what and how/where they hook up. Gave up and ordered a re-manufactured unit from Autoformer for $219 + shipping.
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donhov
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09/23/09 07:47pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Internal wiring for old Hughes Autoformer
Niot an option.
They have changed hands at least twice since this one was made. Spoke to them this am and their only option was to sell me an exchange replacement for $319 or a remanufactured for $219 + shipping.
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donhov
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09/21/09 06:37pm |
Tech Issues
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Internal wiring for old Hughes Autoformer
This topic has been moved to another forum.
You can read it here: 23220885
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donhov
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09/21/09 03:08pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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Internal wiring for old Hughes Autoformer
Does anyone have any type of wiring diagram for the old style (original) Huges Autoformer 30 amp. Someone gave me one but it has been hacked. They apparently tried to wire the 30 amp to supply 50 amp coach and in the process disconnected most of the internal wiring. I need a line drawing or schematic of what goes where. It is the unit that requires manual switching for boost etc with a toggle switch. Other wise it seems to be in good condition and not abused with melted wires etc.
Help please......
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donhov
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09/21/09 03:08pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: exhaust fan vent problem
Just a thought. Mine broke and it was on a Cedar Creek which uses a non standard cover/vent combo. At least not easily available from Camping World or like sources. I slightly ground down the upper part where the pin was and 1/2 inch or more into the flapper on each end, then I used some nails the same diameter as the original pins. I epoxied them into place using some very light fiberglass cloth. Let it dry/cure for a day or so and has been in place for the last 2 years and still works fine.
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donhov
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09/19/09 08:44pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Slide Stopping
Although lubing the gears is admirable be aware that you want to use a non stick lube otherwise it will attract dirt and only make things worse. Get a gear lube for slides from a place like Camping World. That being said my guess is that if you try lubing the slide seals again with a recommended product that you will cure most if not all of your problems. The seals dragging will create quite a bit of extra friction so lubing them may be all you need and for a $10 or less bottle of lube if it works cheap repair
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donhov
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09/09/09 07:49pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: How much air pressure do you put in your air bags??
07 Dodge diesel, 03 Cedar Creek 30 RLBS about 11,000 loaded and 33'7" length. Empty tow with 5 lb in bags, loaded 35lbs sets truck level and excellent towing characteristics. Have the Ail lift bags, not Firestone with manual fill. Extremely easy install but somewhat lacking in directions, but still easy. Took less than 2 hours without jacking up the truck at all.
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donhov
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09/07/09 09:31am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: ?how to winterize 1999 Fleetwood Prowler
Or the lines can be removed from the water heater and connected together by someone that has some mechanical ability. Drain the water heater prior to removing the lines, remove the lines and fasten together, winterize and replace the lines again. Done and ready for next season. Or install the bypass kit available from Camping World for $20 or so and then winterize and drain the heater.
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donhov
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09/06/09 07:16pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: rubber roof
OK, here's my 2 cents worth. I normally use Awesome and Comet along with dawn or whatever else I think does not have oil based cleaners in it. Called Dicor with a question and complained about not being able to get the dark & grey spots off. Service told me to use a stiffer bristle brush when scrubbing the roof and not to worry about getting roof sparkling white again. It will not make any difference as long as it is relatively clean and should last as long as warranty at least.
Just my Humble Opinion again.
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donhov
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09/02/09 03:48pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Releveling
I have worked at a dealer and help move trailers around the park we stay at in Florida. I would not tow long distances with slides extended but if only moving a short distance I see no harm in leaving slides out unless you are going over a large hump or something that will stress the trailers suspension therefore putting strain on the slide outs. From the sounds of your case go for it.
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donhov
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08/31/09 05:55am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Want a 5er, but clueless on TV. . .HELP!!
Not sure of the numbers but think the GM only has standard a 26 or so fuel tank, and the Ford is in that range also. Dodge is 34 gallons but figure out pulling a 5er approximately 10 MPG and you see where you may only have a 200 mile range for your tow vehicle before needing to find a fuel stop. Don't know why Texas would be any different than any other state but that would be my logic for an external fuel tank. My dodge has 34 gallon and 200 miles of so between breaks for me is long enough but sometimes an additional 200 miles would be nice (an additional 20 gallon tank).
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donhov
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08/30/09 03:40pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Custom built factory 5th wheel trailer
Call the Cedar Creek factory and see. My guess is probably not. If it is structral changes it would require re engineering to make sure it's safe, if just removing items and shifting minor things around maybe. Cedar Creek makes all their cabinets on site so it would definatly be a good chance of getting some changes done. One of the problems I see though is that the slide mechanism is located under the bed, therefore removing it and replacing with a sleeper sofa wouldn't leave enough room for the slide mechanism. My second guess is moving a wall would be a no go.
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donhov
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08/29/09 03:58pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Transferable Warranty
Being that it is a 7 year warranty my guess is that it is an aftermarket warranty, not Montana warranty. See what the warranty covers and more important what it does not cover. Most breakdowns are appliances, next would be slide rooms and 3rd the power jacks. At least in my limited experience that would be my guess.
Probably would not cover roof, windows doors, structural details and like items. Look at who issues the warranty also. That would be my advice, not necessarily a deal breaker but important items.
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donhov
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08/29/09 03:51pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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