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General Discussion / Re: PC 2552 Shirt closet shelves

« on: October 22, 2026, 02:36:41 pm »

I would consider the closet wall material inadequate for supporting a shelf.  Only an eighth inch thick and not cross laminated, the veneer is not rigid.  Any shelf would require support brackets.  Something that relies on adhesive, probably.

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General Discussion / Re: Skid rollers

« on: October 08, 2026, 01:11:08 pm »

My first Phoenix Cruiser, a PC2100, taught me lots of things.  The bone rattling sound of the frame dragging while traversing slight inclines quickly became indelibly etched in my frontal cortex.  Hence, my handle "TAILDRAGGER'

I'm old.  I'm very careful.  I'm still capable of anticipating hazards by looking ahead and avoiding road hazards.  But, it seems impossible to navigate without digging into terra firma. 

I installed a version of the rear training wheels that include roller bearings to align the wheel with the hazard.   Plus, they protrude into the threat a little more than the flat mounted alternative

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General Discussion / Re: Smart tv upgrade

« on: October 08, 2026, 12:45:57 pm »

I seem to remember our 2003 PC 2100 having the speakers everywhere.  Including a sub woofer stashed in the bench seating compartment.  The system distributed TV/DVD audio as well as radio  I don't know if it was factory installed. 

That Cruiser was equipped with options that were superfluous to our desire.  Including faux leather upholstery. A feature that lacked durability

We miss the rear speakers

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General Discussion / Re: Automatic Transmission Fluid ATF Level

« on: October 08, 2026, 12:33:10 pm »

What began as a question about possible solutions to process a Check Engine Light alarm and the relationship ATF levels possibly have on sensors measuring fluid levels quickly evolved into the esoterica of the Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor.  Code reader test results revealed a difference between the pedal / throttle sensors.was detected and the sole reason for Check Engine light

I learned the best solution was to simply reset the switch.   Exploring that possibility, I found the install /replace process includes "Hard resetting" the newly installed part with what is called "Training"

The five step process:

Turn the engine off and remove the key
Disconnect the negative battery cable
Wait 10 to 15 minutes to clear the computer's memory
Reconnect the negative battery terminal
Turn the key on (engine off) for 30 Seconds. Then start the engine and let it idle for 10 minutes with the accessories off to complete the idle relearn.


Since I store the vehicle in a distant location for prolonged periods by disconnecting all the batteries, unwittingly I probably caused the problem.  Reconnecting the battery and not abiding by a prescribed learning process could generate some complication.

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General Discussion / Re: Automatic Transmission Fluid ATF Level

« on: October 06, 2026, 10:08:38 am »

Interesting anecdote recalling an incident that contradicts recommendations listed.
There is an old adage telling “there is an exception to every rule”.  Obviously, it applies to more than just politics. 
I stand corrected. 

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General Discussion / Re: Automatic Transmission Fluid ATF Level

« on: October 06, 2026, 09:49:58 am »

Very interesting anecdote. 
“There is an exception to every rule” is an adage that applies to more than just politics - obviously  I
I stand corrected

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General Discussion / Re: Automatic Transmission Fluid ATF Level

« on: October 06, 2026, 12:53:38 am »

The transmission became the focus of my frustrations because the OwnersManual isn’t reliable. If you followed my screed, you note the actual problem was electrical. 

I have heard about the engineering changes to the V10. The transmission has a good record.   Changing the transmission fluid is consistent with good maintenance protocols. Installing the correct, factory recommended ATF with a new pan gasket and proper  bolt torque should never be a bad idea

ATF can get burnt, dirty, contaminated.  I would never hesitate to follow recommendations on maintenance issues.  Getting stranded because of otherwise preventable maintenance issues doesn’t appeal to my wife.

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General Discussion / Re: Smart tv upgrade

« on: October 05, 2026, 07:19:04 pm »

Looking at your pictures showing the TV installation, i am reminded of rear speakers being in an earlier Phoenix Cruiser.  Our current model doesn't include the feature.  We miss them.

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General Discussion / Re: Automatic Transmission Fluid ATF Level

« on: October 05, 2026, 05:51:42 pm »

Problem Defined!

As suggested, I found an AUTOZONE parts retailer where they ran diagnostics tests on my FORD E350.  Upon my request,  using their "FIX FINDER" to list trouble codes, they were able to determine the Throttle / Pedal Position Sensor was the culprit causing the Idiot Light to illuminate.

The Technician at the counter was kind enough to explain.  Simply put, the connection between the accelerator pedal and fuel flow is electrical.  Not mechanical linkage.  Switch A and Switch B share an acceptable range of voltage. 

As he pointed out, the error also causes Cruise Control to disengage.  A very knowledgeable individual, with a lengthening line of customers building, I refrained from asking additional questions.  One being: what prompted the Idiot Light to disengage?  About a half dozen engine off/on cycles??

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General Discussion / Re: Automatic Transmission Fluid ATF Level

« on: October 04, 2026, 08:35:34 pm »

Because I didn't have any maintenance records from prior (owner(s), replacing all the fluids and filters was on my First Things To Do list.  The transmission system retains a large amount of ATF inside the case during the process.  Even those times the pan is removed and the filter discarded, the refill to capacity amount to capacity is considerably less. 

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General Discussion / Re: Smart tv upgrade

« on: October 04, 2026, 04:46:16 pm »

I agree!  But I am content with the installed TV, which supports any electronics connecting with HDMI capabilities.

Because of the features available with cellular networks, Starlink, and others, I removed the DVD and repurposed the empty shelf for storage.  The rooftop noise maker, sometimes doubling as a TV antenna, has been retired to the Trash Heap.  We now enjoy relative quiet, as we travel.

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General Discussion / Re: Automatic Transmission Fluid ATF Level

« on: October 04, 2026, 04:04:09 pm »

I appreciate the replies The two resources are only vaguely familiar to me.  Obviously, offered as an alternative to FORD by those realizing the need for a reliable operator's catalog The Reader Service is completely unknown to me.  Currently in Idaho.  Headed to Oregon.  I'll try searching for an outlet

I remain concerned about the underlying issue, and anxious to learn the significance of whatever caused the Idiot Light to alarm an engine problem.  I admit it mystifies me trying to understand how adding less than a pint of ATF to an eighteen-quart system could be significant.  Since adding ATF in the hardware store parking lot, I have located a perfectly level spot and double checked the fluid level.  Presuming the transmission is equipped with the proper dipstick, the fluid is at the top of the Operating Range.
 
Meanwhile, I have traveled another two hundred miles since being threatened by engine problems without the issue recurring. While I am thankful for that, I won't rest until I learn a better explanation. 

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General Discussion / Re: Automatic Transmission Fluid ATF Level

« on: October 04, 2026, 11:07:02 am »

I have the 2009 and newer Auto Transmission with the "Short Neck" filter.  This is the second Phoenix Cruiser that I purchased.through Campers World.  And, for some reason, their universal company policy seems to remove, or obliterate, any maintenance records. Not suspicious they are hiding something, I still change all the fluids, check the brakes, grease the bearings, to prepare for cross country travel.

That was two and a half years ago.  I now have over nineteen thousand miles on the ATF, filter, and pan gasket.  No problem, until this week driving across the Idaho desert between Pocatello and Boise, the stupid "Check ..Engine"  IDIOT LIGHT illuminated.  No idea what that is supposed to mean?  Everything is working normally.  The FORD Owners Manual doesn't offer a list of possible problems to check.  I checked fuses.  I did the stop / start engine cycle.  I looked at the engine compartment.  I looked underneath everything.  Nothing was spewing out. 

Plenty of motor oil.  The ATF level was inside the cross hatch.  Cross referencing the Manual, I see a completely different dip stick pictured.  According to the comparison, possibly I was low  Rather than be stranded along the interstate with nothing around in sight except dehydrated sage brush, I drove thirty miles and purchased a quart of fluid. Cautious about the threat from over filling, I added about a pint in three increments.  The Idiot Light was pacified.

Depending on the error filled FORD manual, the system holds 18.8 quarts   You Tube, an unassailable resource, tells the dry system holds 17.5 quarts. My question is: should I believe an Idiot Light sensor on the transmission is capable of perceiving such a miniscule amount?

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General Discussion / Automatic Transmission Fluid ATF Level

« on: October 03, 2026, 11:03:19 am »

The ATF Dipstick in my FORD E350 V10 equipped 5 Speed Transmission contradicts the one pictured in the Owner's Manual.  Which one to believe?  The cross hatched area representing the Operating Range is an inch long space located within a half inch of the end.  The supposed ATF Dipstick, depicted in the Owner's Manual, is divided into HOT and COLD and appears to encompass several inches overall.

Another gripe is routing for the fanbelt.  Both the graphic displayed on the radiator and the alternatives in the manual don't match actual.

I could fill the rest of this page with how disappointed I am with the glaring discrepancies represented in the Owner's Manual.  And, the FORD Dealerships refusing any willingness to help RV mounted chassis.

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General Discussion / Re: Bubble and peel paint

« on: June 02, 2026, 02:12:33 pm »

A common problem, unfortunately.  Not limited to Phoenix Cruiser.   Owners of other Clear Coated vehicles suffer the same problem.

An earlier Phoenix Cruiser, with 12,000 miles and a California heritage was showing faint signs of blistering when I first purchased.   Within the first months of use and before I found inside storage, the blisters expanded to square foot sized bubbles.  The coating peeled in sheet sized panels.  Polishing compound and an orbital buffer helped by "feathering" the edges.

The PC I replaced it with is now over fifteen years old and blister free.  The difference?  Inside storage for ultraviolet protection  and, at least, annual application of a good wax.  I use a marine wax formulated for fiberglass boats.