For those of us who don’t have automatic steps, or only have a mechanical step, the most common question in the RV community has got to be: “Is the step still out?”
Although we check and double check to make sure the step is retracted before getting under way, this question always seems to be in the back of my mind, especially after a quick stop at a Rest Area or a fill-up at the gas station. We can’t quite see the step in the mirrors, so to make sure, we usually go back to the step switch and hold it in for about 5 seconds to make sure the step is retracted.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a indicator light on the dash that warns when the step is extended? Read on… Continue reading “Is your step IN or OUT?”
The stock seats in our Mirada are very uncomfortable. After several hours sitting in the drivers seat, I start developing pain in the lower back. The passenger seat is equally bad, and seems like its at the wrong height and angle.
I don’t want to jinks this by saying that I’ve finally solved the problem. I’ve learned from several previous attempts to solve the chirp, only to be welcomed by the Chirp-Chirp-Chirp several hundred miles down the road.
I’ve been asked what things a new owner should look at and anticipate doing if they purchase an older motor-home that’s built on a F53 chassis, i.e. 1999 – 2005.
Last month while doing some work on the Mirada, I unrolled the awning and noticed something unusual. The small brackets that slide inside the main support arms had cracks. The sliding bracket on the front arm was cracked almost all the way through. The rear sliding bracket was cracked about 1/4 way through. 
I didn’t have any of the normal “water-pump going bad” symptoms, i.e. leaking at the weep hole, bearing play or noise, etc. I was having problems with a chirping serpentine belt and wanted to closely inspect the pulley and the pump shaft.
The roof of the Mirada was 15 years old and showing signs of wear and tear. It wasn’t leaking, but had a few minor repairs. It was also leaving tell tale white streaks on the sides of the Mirada. These are caused by EPDM roof decaying because of UV exposure.
The wiper blades on the Mirada were starting to show their age. I believe they were Anco A-24-M blades, a good quality blade, but the rubber was starting to tear on the passenger side.
Being able to monitor the tires of a dolly and Toad are crutial. If something goes wrong, i.e. hung brakes, blowout, bad bearings, etc, the RV will hum right along and won’t even fell the extra drag caused by something wrong with the Toad.