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General Discussion / Re: Unknown Switches on Dash

« on: August 27, 2026, 10:28:17 am »

LRUCH and WIDEGLIDE have identified the white switch. However, note that there is a specific way to use that. If your Ford battery is too low to crank the engine, it will take some time for the coach batteries to charge it enough to do so. The white switch energizes the relay on the firewall to connect the coach batteries to the Ford battery, but because it is a momentary switch will only keep it energized when held down. The process is to hold down the white switch and turn the Ford key switch to "On" (NOT "Start"). After a minute or two enough charge will be transferred for the relay to be held energized through the key switch that is "On", and you can release the white momentary switch (but leave the key switch "On"). It may take 20-30 minutes for enough charge to transfer to actually crank the engine.
On my unit (2019 2552), the red switch in the same location activates my rear docking lights that I had installed as an option from Phoenix.
Mike

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General Discussion / Re: Macerator Hose Attachment

« on: June 15, 2025, 02:52:48 pm »

I think it was original.  My 2019 2552 had the same piece as delivered.  Probably available from Thetford, somewhere online, but I've never had occasion to look for one.
Mike

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General Discussion / Re: Toad Question - 2552 Pulling a Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon

« on: March 16, 2025, 11:07:23 am »

2019 2552 towing a 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk.  I'm unsure of the exact Jeep weight, but I usually have a few items loaded which I'm sure puts it into your range (4500-5000).
I've been well satisfied with handling and stopping over the last five years.  Traveled everything from interstate to primitive back roads, with no real issues.  Chose the Cherokee Trailhawk for a toad because it's tow-ready, and gave me the comfort amenities I've come to appreciate with age (automatic, heated/cooled seats and wheel, etc.) along with reasonable off-road capability.  It's been a good choice.
Tow setup is Blue Ox base plates with a Roadmaster Nighthawk tow bar and a Demco Stay-N-Play Duo braking system.  The combination has provided good performance and no problems.  Just 2-3 minutes to connect/disconnect toad to RV, throw one under-dash switch to activate the braking system.  The Stay-N-Play is a dual-signal system; RV brake signal and internal inertia sensors ensure progressive braking with no false or unneeded brake applications.  It's been effective and reliable.  Jeep battery stays charged off the system if towing for extended time-frames.  I drive pretty carefully so have had very few instances of really testing the tow setup.  The few times I've had to make extreme maneuvers or really shut things down the combination has responded and done the job.
Mike

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General Discussion / Re: Dometic AC Smoke and Roof Leak

« on: August 20, 2024, 08:17:37 pm »

Woah!  Significant issue!
I've not heard of another similar issue at the transfer switch, but a loose connection anywhere in the electrical routing is a serious problem.
Your plan of annually checking wiring connections may sound like overkill--but if it prevents a fire, it's sure not overkill on that occasion.
The other moral of this story is that we can't afford to ever ignore or disregard a serious symptom like an overheating smell or evidence of smoke.  You were proactive about chasing this symptom, and still the component had to finally fail before you found it.  I'm glad that happened before it caused a fire.
Mike

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General Discussion / Re: Onan 4000 Generator - Want To Replace - Alternative?

« on: August 15, 2024, 09:05:24 am »

Wow!  That new Onan 4K is pretty impressive!  Looks like they have improved most of the specific characteristics they get tagged for on their legacy 4K units (lighter, quieter, lower fuel consumption, inverted output, permanent magnet generator, electronic ignition and fuel injection).  On paper, it looks like a winner.  I didn't try to check dimensions, but I'd bet it will pretty readily interchange mounting with the legacy unit.  Might meet much of Ron's wish list for a "Magic Genny".
Mike

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General Discussion / Re: Lippert Slideout "Sparking"

« on: July 18, 2024, 06:46:54 pm »

With no inverter or generator operation, and not plugged in, there will be no AC voltage on the wires.  You could extend/retract the slide with no danger of arcing.  As Cal says, if you are concerned about your house batteries, running the engine provides alternator power to ensure there is adequate juice.

The only potential issue with this approach, is if running your slide in or out were to bring that "frayed wire" into permanent contact with the flange or other grounded metal instead of the temporary touching that you've experienced.  If that were to occur, when you plug in, start your generator, or run the inverter, you may then apply 120-volts AC to the wire that is already in contact with ground.--creating a steady short.  Under that circumstance, the circuit breaker on that particular AC circuit should open, preventing a bigger problem, but it would be a concern.  Based on the intermittent arcing that you have experienced ONLY when actually moving the slide, this seems very unlikely to occur--but it would definitely be something to watch for.

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General Discussion / Re: Lippert Slideout "Sparking"

« on: July 17, 2024, 09:31:42 pm »

If it is a 120-volt AC arc, it will not be the slide wiring.  The slide system is 12-volt DC powered.  There is AC wiring running in that area of course, so evidently the slide movement is still causing metal to contact either a bare spot on a wire, or a connection.  The AC circuit will still be protected by a breaker that should open if there were sustained contact and steady arcing.  Sounds like a tight spot to access.  I've been following the forum for a long while, and don't remember anyone ever reporting a similar problem.

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General Discussion / Re: Dometic AC Smoke and Roof Leak

« on: July 07, 2024, 05:18:33 pm »

Second Cal's comment about the exterior Dometic covers.  I replaced both of mine after some hail damage last year.  One screw at each corner, they lift right off, and you have good visibility of the unit.  Even on the road, if you have the rear ladder (or other ready access to the top of your rig), it's about a 15-minute job to inspect.

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General Discussion / Re: Lippert Slideout "Sparking"

« on: June 21, 2024, 10:49:32 am »

The 2019 PC's were using the Lippert Schwintek slides.  I believe that Hank is right on target with his thought that a bare spot on a wire is touching metal--likely in that "small wire bundle" he identified.  The slide system operates on 12-volts DC (from the house batteries), so we aren't talking about a 120-volt AC issue here, but it definitely should NOT be sparking.  The slide frame and RV chassis metal will be a ground potential, so if there is a bare spot on a powered wire or connection you will definitely get a "spark" when it touches metal during movement.  The circuit will be fused, so if the contact were to be solid/permanent, the fuse should blow preventing excessive current.  The two or three "sparks" indicate that the contact is momentary and transient.

I would think that the bare spot should be pretty easy to locate and remedy if you can get reasonable access to the wire bundle in that area.  As Don says though, if the slide has to come out to access the wiring that would usually mean using an RV service point for most of us.

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Tips and Tricks / Re: Setting up levelers, slide out and awning - best practice

« on: June 16, 2024, 12:40:54 am »

Hello Kathleen--

I don't really have much to add to the comments that you originally posted, and Sharon's confirmation of those.  You both have pretty well identified the prescribed sequence of the proper set-up process for your RV.
I concur that I ALWAYS deploy the leveler's before extending the slide, and I do think that can be important, especially in some circumstances.  On my 2019, with the Model 725 automatic leveling system, the system will function with or without the engine running--although as with all HWH systems, the parking brake MUST be set.  It IS important, I think to have some source of power (other than just batteries) whenever operating a higher-current-draw system (such as he levelers or slide room).  That supply can be from the generator, being plugged in to shore power, or (at least in my case) from having the coach engine running.  Fully charged house batteries should certainly provide adequate system voltage on their own to operate those systems, but there is no sense in stressing things when you can easily provide auxiliary voltage from an outside source.

As stated, the slide should ALWAYS extend or retract fully (not partially) every movement (in or out), and allowing the slide motors a few seconds to synchronize at the end of each movement before you release the switch will help prevent issues.

I rarely use my awning, so I cannot comment on the parking brake question--I just don't know.  The ignition safety feature is logical to prevent awning damage--but it's a good practice NOT to leave the ignition key in the ignition once the coach is parked and set up anyway.  I always pull my key and store is in a dash cup holder until I'm ready to get back on the road.  As Sharon says, having a regular sequence that you follow each time you stop overnight or for a stay will help ensure everything get addressed and nothing is overlooked.

Mike

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General Discussion / Re: Awning tie downs

« on: April 21, 2024, 12:08:26 am »

I have not used tie-downs with my awning.  I would typically not have it extended in any type of heavy weather, and otherwise it seems to work well for me without tie-downs.  I have had it automatically retract on an occasion or two with a gust of wind, but that hasn't caused any issues.

I do use jack pads if not leveling on concrete, but not the clip-on type.  My pads are the commercial heavy rubber type a little larger than the jack feet.  I usually drop the jacks vertically then slide the pad in place under the foot.  It's a little awkward with my reduced mobility, but still doable, and only takes a few seconds per pad.

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General Discussion / Re: Ford E450 6.8L Coolant

« on: April 05, 2024, 08:07:08 pm »

Hank,

I have the same 2018 E450 chassis and 6.8L engine that you do on my 2019 2552, purchased new from Phoenix.  I have never yet had to add coolant, and after 5+ years and roughly 15000 miles of service, my level (cold) is about 1" below that "Fill" indicator line you reference.

If the Ford manual you mention is the same one I have, (I bet it is), all the information you're seeking is in there under the "Capacities and Specifications" section.  Be sure you look at the charts for the 6.8L 10-cylinder engine rather than the 6.2L 8-cylinder engine.   The capacities (oil, coolant, etc.) are different although the specifications are the same.  Ford recommends the same stuff for both engines.

The color of your coolant originally was orange--although Ford advises us in that same manual that "under normal operation the color can change to pinkish or light red".  They also advise that the color change is normal and is no cause for replacement.  The color of the coolant in my engine is pink now also.  They strongly caution against mixing colors of antifreeze, or using the "one type fits all" kind.

I would advise using OEM coolant if you want to add some.  The coolant specified by Ford is "Ford Motocraft Orange Pre-diluted Antifreeze Coolant, part number VC-3DIL-B".  Specification number is WSS-M97B44-D2.  This coolant is for all 6.8L 10-cylinder engines manufactured after 7/11/16.  The coolant should be available at major parts houses, and certainly from Ford dealerships.  A search of that Ford part number online returns a number of places to order it, including Amazon, if you'd rather not have to go to the store.

All the best,       Mike

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General Discussion / Re: Maybe exciting new alternative for Onan generator

« on: February 23, 2024, 09:06:45 am »

I'm not sophisticated enough in the language to tell if this Flexpower can be wired into the coach so it can be started from the inside like my Onan? I assume it can.

Yes, they have a remote start kit that is essentially just like the Onan remote start panel.  According to their data, they have incorporated the "prime" function into their start process, so even though they have a "Prime" button, you normally don't need to use it when starting--just push the start and it will automatically prime then start.  The rest of the panel is pretty much like Onan's--gives the hour meter reading, and reports error codes if required.  It also evidently provides maintenance reminders for oil changes, air and fuel filter replacement, etc, at the required intervals.
Mike

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General Discussion / Re: Maybe exciting new alternative for Onan generator

« on: February 22, 2024, 10:17:34 am »

Interesting unit.  I hadn't run across them, though they've been available for a couple years.  Looks like their efficiency improvement, reduced fuel usage, and "quieter operation" comes primarily from a significant reduction in the engine size--about 30% smaller than the Onan 4000.

Because they incorporate an inverter unit, in addition to lower harmonic distortion they can run at variable RPM (2200-3600) for lighter loads as opposed to the constant 3600 of the Onan.  That should help the noise environment as well.  That also allows them to energize the main generator to start the engine rather than needing a separate starter motor.

This is overall an advanced design incorporating newer technology over the venerable Onan 4000 RV generator.  Based on advertised price, they've done it at a cost lower than the Onan.  I think about the only thing remaining to assess is long-term reliability, and that is just going to require time to see how well they hold up.
Mike

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General Discussion / Re: Winter Driving and Camping

« on: January 03, 2024, 06:20:15 pm »

I'm not familiar with the TRX plumbing layout, but I'd bet it's the same as the regular PC models which have all the fresh water lines above the floor--essentially inside the coach.  That means that as long as you keep the coach heated, it's an all-weather unit.  Yes, you should run the black and gray tank heaters in temps below freezing, along with keeping the water heater on.  I don't even think you'll have problems with the outside shower, but your efforts to remove or insulate can't hurt.

My only experience traveling in sub-freezing temperatures was when I picked up my new 2552 in 2019 at the factory in Elkhart.  It was early February, and I took delivery in the middle of a snowstorm and really low temps.  I stayed in an Elkhart RV park for a couple of days getting my TOAD set up to tow, then spent two more days traveling through snow and ice back south to Oklahoma.  Had a full water load and fluids in both tanks.  Absolutely no problems from temperatures that dipped into single digits.  As long as tank heaters are working and the interior remains heated, you'll be good to go.
Mike