A String of Issues April 11, 2022, 07:54:28 pm This trip has had the most issues (problems) than any previous trip. We had a slow leak in one tire thanks to a poor installation by Discount Tire fixed by another Discount Tire store. The latches on both the pantry door and BR door needed adjustments to remain closed. We took a rock to the windshield which will require a new one. We’ve had 2-3 other hiccups that we were able to fix. It’s certainly an adventure. At any rate, a more serious problem involved our 30A shore cord. The connection on the side of our LD for this cord is treaded and has notches cut into the threads. The electric cord had a ring with tabs that fit into those notches locking it in place. Well both tabs broke off and I was unable to secure the cord in place. So I used gorilla tape to hold it in place then ordered a new 30A cord from Amazon which arrived overnight. The replacement is a fully screw on ring which is much better. Our current issue is unresolved despite weeks of problem solving. The passenger side carpet was wet which we discovered after 400 miles of rain. I thought we had a leaking windshield. We dried the carpet and aggressively hosed the windshield. Carpet was dry. We’ve finally determined that it’s probably wet because the A/C condensation hose is blocked. So tomorrow I’m hunting for that hose. Does anyone in the neighborhood know the location of that 2009 E450 condensation hose? Please know … I’d be grateful.
Re: A String of Issues Reply #1 – April 11, 2022, 09:12:16 pm Some trips go without a hutch, others are the trips from hell.We have had both and prefer the former.Larry 4 Likes
Re: A String of Issues Reply #2 – April 11, 2022, 11:48:58 pm The hose comes almost straight down. It should be on the passenger side, behind the block and somewhere near the transmission’s front half. It may not look like a drip tube. Best way to clean it is with a coat hanger stretched out. Warning! park on a hill with the back of the rv down hill and if possible the drivers side downhill. Approach from the under the passenger side door. When the damn brakes the water may be smelly. In your yearly winterizing blast a shot of compressed air up the hose to keep it clear. 2 Likes
Re: A String of Issues Reply #3 – April 11, 2022, 11:49:52 pm My experience is not with a Ford van but another older ford car. I got very wet and even more smelly.
Re: A String of Issues Reply #4 – April 13, 2022, 08:52:00 am Thank you John for your guidance. Today was our first day without rain so I spent an hour looking for that A/C drain. I didn’t have success. ☹️I found an online image of one type of Ford drain but that didn’t help. So far, YouTube hasn’t helped either. I need to give my lower back a rest after pushing it to its limit. In the meantime, I’ll see if I can find a Ford dealership that might help me locate that elusive drain. If anyone can give me any additional guidance, that would be terrific. 1 Likes
Re: A String of Issues Reply #5 – April 13, 2022, 09:13:34 am Aww, the joys of RVing! Sorry to hear about your trip woes, Ed. I wasn’t aware of the AC condensate issue. Is this something we should be adding to our preventative maintenance list, ya think?
Re: A String of Issues Reply #6 – April 13, 2022, 11:47:46 am John,This may not resolve your condensation problem but it may resolve issues with smelly AC units while they are actively engaged.Perhaps I’ve shared this tip before but here it is regardless.Here’s a tip from my mechanic on smelly Automotive AC units. Several minutes prior to stopping your vehicle, if the AC is on, turn off the AC. This allows the condensation to evaporate and prevents it from collecting in the AC where it can stagnate and cause a stinky AC when it is engaged again. This smelly situation occurred in my wife’s ‘06 Toyota Avalon even shortly after having had her AC condenser replaced. After returning to our mechanic, he shared this tip with us. Since then she has been following this simple practice and the stink has not returned.Allowing the AC to run fresh air through it while driving and the unit is off should allow the moisture in the condenser to dry up and hopefully prevent condensation further down the line. Just a tip from my mechanic.Kent 1 Likes
Re: A String of Issues Reply #7 – April 13, 2022, 11:56:40 am Changing the filter in the cab AC might also be a good idea.
Re: A String of Issues Reply #8 – April 13, 2022, 06:05:05 pm Couple sources to read. https://www.irv2.com/forums/f87/e450-dash-air-conditioning-299397.htmlhttps://www.justanswer.com/ford/4brvc-ford-e450-2005-e450-trouble-condensation.htmlE-450 AC drain hose? - Jayco RV Owners ForumDoes it leak when a/c is not used? Leak only when traveling in rain? Does a/c freeze up where no cool air coming out of vents?These are tough to find. Need to eliminate/pinpoint wether a/c is involved and/or rain. Ron
Re: A String of Issues Reply #9 – April 13, 2022, 07:20:38 pm Thank you Ron. Our passenger side carpet remains dry despite lots of rain. We only have this issue when using the A/C. The A/C works just fine and doesn’t freeze. I just can’t locate the drain. That Jayco forum discussion looks promising. So thank you 🙏 again.
Re: A String of Issues Reply #10 – April 13, 2022, 07:44:58 pm Ed, perhaps a call to the Mothership might be helpful? Or Vince?
Re: A String of Issues Reply #11 – April 14, 2022, 01:38:18 pm Quote from: Ed & Margee - April 13, 2022, 07:20:38 pmThank you Ron. Our passenger side carpet remains dry despite lots of rain. We only have this issue when using the A/C. The A/C works just fine and doesn’t freeze. I just can’t locate the drain. That Jayco forum discussion looks promising. So thank you 🙏 again. In Jayco forum, che57vy, may be worth contacting as he also has a 2009 RV and seems to know where the drain is. You might have to join the forum as I didn’t see a way to contact him. Good LuckRon
Re: A String of Issues Reply #12 – April 14, 2022, 09:26:30 pm According to Ford Customer Service at 800-444-3311, the A/C drain hose is in the vicinity of the evaporator core on the passenger side firewall. According to Ford, it might be either a nipple or a short piece of hose on the bottom of the evaporator core. Ford didn’t have a picture to show me. Nevertheless, I’m making some progress. So tomorrow, I shall go hunting…again. 🤩
Re: A String of Issues Reply #13 – April 15, 2022, 11:12:23 pm Quote from: HiLola - April 13, 2022, 07:44:58 pmEd, perhaps a call to the Mothership might be helpful? Or Vince?Is Vince back? Or is he on his own doing repairs? (Sorry, I haven't been on this forum for some time.)If the latter, and someone has his number, I'd be interested should we ever need his help. He was great help to us while at the Mothership.
Re: A String of Issues Reply #14 – April 15, 2022, 11:34:09 pm Quote from: Steve and Carol Crisp - April 15, 2022, 11:12:23 pmIs Vince back? Or is he on his own doing repairs? (Sorry, I haven't been on this forum for some time.)If the latter, and someone has his number, I'd be interested should we ever need his help. He was great help to us while at the Mothership.I believe he is now at Leisure CoachWorks in Fontana:RV Repair RV Service RV Remodel Bus Conversion - Fontana CA
Re: A String of Issues Reply #15 – April 16, 2022, 11:08:23 am Modest Update: I’m still unable to locate that elusive drain. And our windshield crack continues to grow. But sitting by this mountain stream enjoying the beauty of this Smoky Mountain area … well frankly I’m not fussing about these problems. As with all RV hiccups, they’ll get resolved one way or another.And tomorrow is Easter. So Happy Easter to my LDO Neighborhood. 😇 13 Likes
Re: A String of Issues Reply #16 – April 26, 2022, 10:25:55 am I think I can close this topic. Over the past several weeks, I called many RV repair shops near us in Fort Worth. Not surprisingly, none of them would worked on an A/C issue. So then I called every Ford dealer within 50 miles which was a good many. One (1) Ford shop said they’d look it. Unfortunately, this shop has some poor customer service reviews. Finally I found a shop that services trucks and has an excellent reputation. The mechanic was very aware of our issue. He said the drain hose design on some E450s allows dust and debris to blow into the hose. He said it requires a simple modification to prevent this from happening again. We have an appointment next Tuesday morning. I’ll follow up with additional information if I learn anything else. Maybe a picture or two?Hope this helps. 5 Likes
Re: A String of Issues Reply #17 – May 10, 2022, 11:47:20 am Deep breath. The A/C issue described above is making me feel my age…old and worn out. The recommended repair shop spent 3 hours working on the A/C leak. He even ran a scope down the drain and the drain was clear. He examined every part for a potential leak source. He carefully re-assembled everything and added some sealer in a suspected leak source. Cost was $225. I ran the A/C today on the way to get the windshield replaced. And that A/C continues to leak into the passenger side cab.Time to implement Plan B. However, we don’t have a Plan B in the moment. Bottom line … dang!!
Re: A String of Issues Reply #18 – May 10, 2022, 12:06:28 pm That sucks! So where is that darn drain located, Ed?
Re: A String of Issues Reply #19 – May 10, 2022, 12:17:29 pm Quote from: HiLola - May 10, 2022, 12:06:28 pmSo where is that darn drain located. It’s behind the A/C blower, which is behind the battery under the hood. The only way to easily get to it is to remove part of the passenger side carpet, the glovebox and the condenser coil housing. The housing is held in place by screws under the carpet. The housing has a 2”-3” plastic spout that fits into a firewall drain connection. Hope this helps and that my nomenclature is correct. 1 Likes
Re: A String of Issues Reply #20 – May 10, 2022, 12:35:48 pm Thanks, Ed. I'll bookmark your reply. That leak is a real mystery and hope it gets figured out soon!
Re: A String of Issues Reply #21 – May 11, 2022, 08:26:07 am Quote from: Ed & Margee - May 10, 2022, 12:17:29 pmIt’s behind the A/C blower, which is behind the battery under the hood. The only way to easily get to it is to remove part of the passenger side carpet, the glovebox and the condenser coil housing. The housing is held in place by screws under the carpet. The housing has a 2”-3” plastic spout that fits into a firewall drain connection. Hope this helps and that my nomenclature is correct. Is there a way to “open” up the area and run the a/c. Then you may be able to see the leak?Ron 1 Likes
Re: A String of Issues Reply #22 – May 11, 2022, 10:37:29 am Ron … I suppose I could remove the glove compartment, the passenger side carpet, run the A/C and search for a leak. Your suggestion seems like the next logical step. I’ll need to dig up some energy for that step. Nevertheless thank you very much.
Re: A String of Issues Reply #23 – May 11, 2022, 01:55:58 pm Just my thoughts Ed; The drain is placed at a low spot under the evaporator, to drain out onto the ground. I wonder if anyone looked up into the evaporator to see if something, i.e. leaves, papers, etc. could have gotten in and is diverting condensed water into another area where it is collecting high enough to come out a different location than the drain. I recently changed out a cabin air filter in my car and found all sorts of plant debris in the old filter. RonB
Re: A String of Issues Reply #24 – May 11, 2022, 03:04:59 pm RonB … we checked that area for something that might cause a problem. It was relatively clean. Nevertheless it was a good suggestion that someone might consider in the future with a similar problem. So thank you. Frankly, this A/C issue has kinda wore us out for now. In the meantime we’re working on a few other projects after 2800 miles and 2 months on the road. This Rig is looking good once again 😄. 1 Likes
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Topic: A String of Issues (Read 959 times)
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