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questions about 2009 to 2014 E450
I have decide to buy another LD and have questions about the new body style units 2009 to 2014 E450 units particularly,
Did they come from the factory with tire pressure sensors? Inner valve stem extensions? if so where to you get the new seal kits when you go to replace tires.
Any issues with rear differentials that have flat towed a car? especially if owner{s} did not change diff fluid up to 60k.
Any issures with a 10 year old blue ox tow system?
Any issues with coolant system if coolant/ hoses/ jug has not been changed in 13 years? such as rust, corrosion etc.
Fuel pump and fuel line to generator(THE FUEL line I hear is different on these models}?
If you had any other issues with chassis, frame, engine, roof, components ,
thanks in advance for any and all comments to questions ask and those responses about anything else.
2017 Casita Spirit Deluxe
2016 Twin King 24ft
2017 Casita Independence Dlx
2004 Midbath 26.5
Re: questions about 2009 to 2014 E450
Reply #1 –
A few things I bought before taking delivery of my 2013 31 IB included   TPMS system (control and 10 sensors),  extended valve stems,  Roadmaster Falcon all-terrain tow assembly and Stay-in-Play auxiliary braking unit.  None came with the rig.  The rig is 'heavy', running close to 14,000 when traveling and pulling a 2011 Honda CRV weighing in between 3,600 - 3, 900 depending on the amount of stored  'clutter'  90% of the miles is with tow'd. Changed transmission fluid at 30K, dealer said trans fluid looked good but differential fluid looked 'burned' (his word). I've opted to change differential at 15K intervals.

No problem with fuel line to generator, which gets most of its hours in monthly service.

Replaced front brakes at 50K out of caution.  Dealer said rear brakes were still in good shape.

Replaced the Falcon All-Terrain tow bar due to unfortunate decision to do break-down and service it myself.

YMMV
joel
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: questions about 2009 to 2014 E450
Reply #2 –
Please correct me if I am wrong, LD did not offer the Ford TPMS until 2021. However, LD built only a few motorhomes in 2021.
Sam
Re: questions about 2009 to 2014 E450
Reply #3 –
"Did they come from the factory with tire pressure sensors? Inner valve stem extensions?"

My 2021 had pressure sensors mounted on the inside end of the valve stem. When I replaced all those stems with new Borg valve stems I now rely on the TST pressure sensors attached to all 6 new stems. The only issue is that when starting the engine a warning comes up in the dash display about no tire pressures. Pressing the "OK" button on the steering wheel cancels the warning until the next time the engine is started. That has become an automatic habit. It has no bearing on the onboard computer.

"Any issues with rear differentials that have flat towed a car? especially if owner{s} did not change diff fluid up to 60k."

You didn't specify the mileage on the 2014 coach, what chassis, or how it was stored (inside or outside) which plays a consideration for our responses. I was told by a trusted Ford tech back when I had our 2010 rear bath that the transmission came with synthetic ATF which Ford required replacement & filter cleaning every 60,000 miles. The older coaches using standard ATF required changing every 30K miles. The rear differential oil was also synthetic and didn't need attention for a much longer period. We towed both a Honda CRV and a Jeep Cherokee 98% of the time (116,000+ miles) the coach was used with no issues with either components.
If the coach was stored outside, the roof seam sealant should be at least inspected and probably replaced. The fan belt should be replaced at least 70,000 miles. The engine air filter should also be inspected.  

"Any issues with coolant system if coolant/ hoses/ jug has not been changed in 13 years?"

Ford specifies the yellow coolant that goes for 5 years. For safety that should be flushed and replaced. Hoses should be inspected but probably are okay depending on mileage.  The brake fluid should be flushed and replaced every 2-3 years because of moisture buildup in the fluid over time.

"Any issues with a 10 year old blue ox tow system?"

I have always liked the Blue Ox toad vehicle base plates but used the Roadmaster Sterling non binding towbar with the adaptors to connect  to the Blue Ox base plate. The main thing to check is the bolts securing the hitch receiver in the motorhome. The grade five bolts should be replaced with grade eight bolts if not have already done so.  If your Blue Ox tow bar is the newer non binding style you should be okay with that.

"If you had any other issues with chassis, frame, engine, roof, or components"

The spark plugs and spark coils should be replaced around 90,000 miles.
The fuel pump should be okay if you make it a habit not to let the fuel level go below 1/4 as the fuel helps keep the pump in the tank cooled.
I use New Finish once a year wax which kept the paint looking very good for the 11 years I had the 2010 coach. It also helped keeping my coach stored inside out of the weather.  I continue to do so with our new 2021 rear bath. I also use a spray wax (any brand) to protect the roof paint. One just has to be careful walking about up there.

Joel wrote:  "but differential fluid looked 'burned' (his word). I've opted to change differential at 15K intervals."

The synthetic differential oil should be good for at least 100K miles. Even the non synthetic oil can also go at least 60K miles even towing. I have never seen or heard of that oil appearing burned.
A lot of your questions can be answered in "The Lazy Daze Companion."
Keep us up on how it goes with your new to you coach,
Mike C


 
2010 RB "Monty"  & currently: 2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23'
1982 Dolphin/Toyota 22'
 
Re: questions about 2009 to 2014 E450
Reply #4 –
I worked for a.large.ford dealer near Atlanta and saw alot of issues...some poor engineering and some lack of maint and proper care from owners. Owners need to understand you don't know what you don't know. Most have never read the owners manual ...especially the maintenance requirements.
I always buy used....and search for the best maintained products I can find. Maintenance is key to longlife. Due to most rvs being driven 2 to 5k miles per year the following is recommended by Ford based on time not mileage. Bear in mind moisture gets in all fluids.
Oil and filter every 6 months to 1 year....easy job to do yourself.
Coolant every 3 to 5 years...never add tap water.
Coolant hoses, cap, reservoir, heater hoses and some minor small ones should be replaced at 100k or 10years. I cut one open that seemed find and it was hard as a rock inside...it was 12 yrs old.
The Trans and diff work very hard ...especially if towing.
A simple drain and fill can be done every 20 k miles...or every 2 years...takes less than 5 qts...( you can't get the fluid out of the torque converter) or 2 back to back drain and fills every  30k or every 5 years. At 60 you should change the filter and pan gasket. I inspect the drain fluid for material wearing off internal parts...keeps you aware if you are going to need a rebuild.
The diff fluid I changed.....on a 2004 that had 2 services in 60k miles was dark but normal....bolt/plug (magnet has worn metal but a normal amount. The plug is magnetic so it can collect the normal wear of the gears...this was it is not floating around doing damage to the bearings....but it can only collect so much and when it can't....it's getting  Your bearings. The 2016 I changed at 12k miles was black as tar....I did it again in 800 miles and it was still dark. Brake fluid has a big job...it gets very hot and when it cools moisture can accumulate. When the moisture sits in the calipers for lo g periods of time it creates rust on the pistons of the caliper...when you get new brakes the piston travel is longer and may cause grabbing . Pulling to one side. Over time the brake line will develop inner rubber lining failure and collapse during brake....reducing pressure...many a master cylinder has been replaced thinking it was the problem. Overloading your coach can be deadly and caution should be taken. Tires dry rot over time, suffer flat spots....under inflation causes sidewall deteriation( I've seen a pound of granulated rubber come out of a tire when dismounted. The best way to avoid this is use tire pressure and heat sensors to monitor tires. Tires should be replaced every 5 years for safety...a blow out can do alot of damage underneath. Not to mention. Losing control and crashing. Changes the valve stem rubber gasket when you replace tires...buy them ahead of time..not all stores keep them in-stock for the brass extenders.
I ask these questions because it is not talked about enough on the forum....only when a failure occurs. I have looked at so many coaches with little to no maintenance. And forget having a detailed maintenance with receipts ,dates and mileage.
You Re lucky if you get 3 or 4 Oil changes in 30k miles.
But folks think it is perfectly OK to ask 80k, 60k for units that lack all of the above. And don't even get me started onthe rust o. The undercarriage, suspension. And drive train. If you drive through salted roads...go to a big truck center and get the underside sprayed off....
I'm upset that so many beautiful and well built coaches are being neglected and abused. The LD was built like a tank...and with proper care can and will last 35 years or more. I've been looking at one and it makes me want to cry. I mean no offense I know people don't know what they don't know. I'm no expert but I research and learn as I go. Good luck to all and happy trails.
2017 Casita Spirit Deluxe
2016 Twin King 24ft
2017 Casita Independence Dlx
2004 Midbath 26.5