Southwind by Fleetwood – sporting its new paint job
UPDATE – Dec 2023 – The pipe that comes out of cylinder #2 cracked and broke when we were 1/2 way between Ohio and Phoenix. Fortunately the break was in a nice straight section of the pipe. I was able to use a 2 inch strap clamp to join the Continue reading Upgrade report – A little more power and better fuel economy
NOTE – Sorry for the lengthy post on such a simple filter change and transmission flush, but as I got into this project, I discovered other issues that needed attention. When we bought our Southwind a couple years ago, I noted our transmission (4R100) had an aftermarket in-line filter installed Continue reading F53 – Transmission filter change and flush
Prior to purchasing our Southwind, I performed a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection so I had a good idea what was going to need attention. Before jumping in and tackling the list, I wanted to get a few miles under our belt to make sure nothing major needed attention. I also added Continue reading Been a busy year working on the Southwind
DARN.. I wish I had done this last month when I had everything apart for the broken exhaust studs.. Last spring while out on the west coast I had an incident during a long steep climb, I was in 2nd gear turning about 4000 rpm. I was monitoring the temperature Continue reading F53 – Fan clutch replacement
This one had me going for a while. While I was working on broken exhaust studs, I had the Southwind sitting for a couple months with the batteries physically disconnected and no shore power. After reconnecting everything and getting ready to apply power for engine testing, I noticed the coach Continue reading BCC – Coach battery disconnects immediately after its connected
The brake hoses on my F53 are almost 20 years old and I have no idea when (if) the brake fluid has ever been changed. While I have the Southwind up on jacks and the front wheels removed, this is a good opportunity to take care of these two items Continue reading F53 – Replacing Brake Hoses
Changing the belt on the older F53s looks like a task best left for a contortionist. But its actually fairly easy once you’ve done it about 50 million times.. When I had my chirping problem on my ole Mirada, I must have had the belt on and off 100 times… Continue reading F53 – Serpentine Belt Replacement
As you read this article you’re first impression will be that this is a nightmare (and it is). I want to say, normally this process is a pain in the butt, but goes smoothly. Its tedious work and in almost every case, the studs can be removed without going to Continue reading F53 – Repairing broken exhaust manifold studs
I haven’t had any problems, but this is one of those things that goes bad when you have a full tank of gas and are out in the middle of no-where. Considering our Southwind is 19 years old, I decided to replace the pump as a “Preventative Maintenance” issue. After Continue reading F53 – Replace Fuel Pump
One of the problems with residential refrigerators is how to keep the doors from swinging open when we’re traveling down the road. I was going to make a latch when I ran across this neat little latch sold by Total Value RV in Elkhart, IN. 574-262-4460 ext 20. I think Continue reading Residential Refrigerator door latch