2004 Ford F-350
Just returned from two weeks vacation. At beginning of trip (from eastern Oklahoma to Raton, New Mexico), we experienced power failure in engine. After changing fuel filters, etc. we limped into Raton, NM (Cimino Ford) who after diagnositics, etc. found bad EGR valve and oil cooler. Both replaced under Ford's ESP that we purchased in 2007. After purchase of truck last year, we heard horror stories about this particular engine, etc. Question: do we have much more to be concerned with? Engine, transmission, turbo? This problem caused us to be without a tow vehicle for over a week. Good friends came to our rescue and towed us from Raton, NM to South Fork Colorado, our destination. We're trying to avoid another repeat of major problems. Just need to know what other problems are "popular" with this truck. All comments or advice are appreciated. Thanks.
RE: Rear Kitchen
We have a 2007 K-Z Sportsmen LX 3551PX4 which is now named the Durango LX 3551PX4 in 2008 and 2009 models. Rear kitchen. Have previously owned fiver with side kitchen, and have found this rear kitchen has much more counter space, cabinets, drawers, etc. Also has center island that makes the trailer seem more like an apartment on wheels. No problems with bounce. My toaster oven, cutlery rack, coffee pot, radio, all ride on the cabinets during travel. Great trailer at reasonable price.
RE: 6 feet of water in the Mobile Suite
Most of us do understand your reasons for not leaving. Sometimes decisions are much more difficult than they appear. Individuals who have dealt with the care of elderly parents will appreciate your dilemma. All of you are in our prayers.
I agree with opinions regarding salvage vs. replacement of your fifth wheel. I'm afraid the damages and resultant mold/mildew problems will be difficult to cure.
RE: I let the wife drive home - pulling the fiver!
You're right. I should have included the DW's in my query. They are the ones that could offer an "experienced" opinion regarding age vs. learning new driving skills. Later today, we are headed to South Fork, CO (Riverbend Resort) for two weeks. I may take a lesson during the driving time on the Cimarron Turnpike here in Oklahoma. Good four-lane highway that could afford plenty of "passing room" for those that want to go faster than I'm sure I'll be driving. Thanks again for responses. If you see a 2004 Ford F-350(dark green) towing a 35' KZ-Sportsmen LX, give us a honk and wave. If I'm driving, I may be concentrating too hard to return the salute, but I'll appreciate it all the same.
RE: I let the wife drive home - pulling the fiver!
Do you think age 66 is too "old" for a wife to learn? I've always been the typical helpmate with guiding the rig into site and leveling, whether it was one of our m/h's or one of our fifth wheel trailers. I, too, have been responsible for the interior opening and closing of slides. I did drive our m/h home once when my DH became ill at campground and couldn't drive. But that was many years ago. I have never attempted to drive the pickup, towing our fiver. I still work in office and drive the interstate daily, but that's in my Buick! Just wondering what you other DH's think, considering my age.......DH is willing to teach, but I feel he is reluctant. He has always been in charge of the driving, and I think, while he sees the need (he is had three heart attacks and resulting surgeries), he is concerned about my ability to react and to plan ahead. Opinions, please. I'll put on my tough skin :)
RE: I must be nuts
As my DH says, "I may not always be right, but I'm never wrong..." so with his way thinking, you are not nuts at all. You've just joined a a new family, and we welcome you. May you have many miles of adventure and fun.
RE: Fifth Wheel Help
Have the K-Z 2007 Sportsmen (with four slides) listed below. Have owned it one-1/2 yrs. Changed Milestar tires to Michelins, added slide toppers and 5th Airborne pin box. Rear kitchen with center island. Dining table/chairs are in one slide. Stove/refer in opposite slide. We have no issues with couch, window treatments. Love the floor plan and have been very satisfied with trailer. Tows well and "rides" well. Hardly know trailer is back there, until we look out that rear window!
RE: Estes Park, Colorado
Advised by relatives who traveled to Estes Park in summer of 2007 that the Estes Park KOA is NOT a good choice. TIGHT spaces. No elbow room.
RE: Silverback GII
Something new to consider....hmmmmm......love the cabinetry and color of stain used. We short bed owners may become very interested in this new front end design. Always something out there to tempt us......Enjoy your new toy, and Congratulations!
RE: Rear kitchens, pros/cons
I agree with Dennis. We have the rear kitchen and love the open look, additional counter space and floor space. I've noted that the center kitchens often seem "in the way" when there is a lot of traffic. We've not had any problems with dishes, glasses, moving around. And our narrow pantry keeps canned goods, boxes, etc. upright and in place. Of course, all of these shelves are packed tightly, as I can't seem to get rid of anything.
As others have stated, it's a matter of personal preference and "lifestyle." There's no right or wrong.
RE: Help.....Rubber roof cleaning
We have a 2007 K-Z Sportsmen LX which has TPO (vinyl) roof. If your roof is a vinyl roof (not rubber), use Murphy's Oil Soap for cleaning. Search this site for detailed information regarding methods of cleaning both roof types.
RE: Is Mem. Day travel down?
We stayed 3 nights at Wanderlust RV Park in Eureka Spgs, AR. Park was about 95% occupied. Lots of traffic on Hwy 62 thru this Ozark Mtn. town--very scenic area and many motorcycles on road and in parks. This touist town was full of visitors, but did note "vacancy" signs in many hotels/motels/cabin sites. It appeared that most of this rv park's occupants were not weekend/holiday campers. We noted that approximately 75 per cent of rigs remained in park as we departed at checkout time. Traveling less and staying at one site longer? We did not see as many rv's on Hwy 412 between Tulsa/Eureka Springs/Tulsa this holiday weekend.
RE: Digital Converter Box Installation
After hours of frustration, DH has come to the conclusion that the DVD portion of the TV combo simply is not working. You can hear a hum in the unit, it will play the DVD for about 15 seconds and then "freezes." The DVD player worked Easter weekend, and this was first time to use it since then. Thanks for suggestion regarding CD/DVD cleaner. If that doesn't do the trick, we'll probably decide upon how necessary is it to have two DVD players in our rig--this one in the bedroom and the other located in the livingroom portion of the trailer (which does work). Thanks again for your input. The instruction regarding installation of converter was helpful and confirmed DH's thoughts. Now, can you help us with stick house installation of our flat screen with blue ray and sound system? VBG.....Seriously, we do appreciate all replies.
RE: Digital Converter Box Installation
Hwybnb:
Did as you instructed. TV portion of the Colby AC/DC tv/dvd works. VCR works. However, when we insert DVD into player, screen says "Loading" and then changes to "no dvd." Have any idea of what we are doing wrong? All worked before installing converter box. Thanks for your help...
Digital Converter Box Installation
Help! DH is trying to install our digital converter on the bedroom tv. In this location, we have antenna, tv/dvd player combination, separate VCR, and the switch box/router to connect with digital converter. Confused about what is the sequence of installation. Instructions do not include "how to" with the router. Can anyone provide instructions? Thanks.....
RE: Took the dive yesterday
You're going to love your Durango. We bought the rig described below last year and it has been replaced with the Durango LX series. We have really enjoyed camping/traveling with this combination. DH has made a few renovations to interior of trailer (doesn't everybody customize?)--all of which not only look good but are very handy/convenient. Enjoy!
RE: Kitchen Appliances in Slide
Only had our kitchen slide fifth wheel for a year....so far, no problems with stove or refrigerator (also has pantry in slide) in this cofiguration.
RV Show, Oklahoma City
For all interested parties, Oklahoma City area rv dealers are hosting a FREE RV show at the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds this coming week beginning March Thursday, March 13, 2008 ending Sunday, March 16th. Largest RV show for Oklahoma, I believe. No, I am not a dealer. However, we are satisfied customers--we purchased our K-Z fifth wheel featured in last year's show from McClain's RV in Oklahoma City. Our salesman is Les Johns. And, "No," we do not receive any remuneration or gifts for this posting.
