Southwind by Fleetwood – sporting its new paint job
UPDATE – March 1st, 2021 – Sadly, we received a notice that Orby has shut down operations as of March 1st, 2021. To bad, we really enjoyed the service. They set up a deal with Dish, so I’ll call them when we get back home. We were Dish customers for Continue reading Orby Satellite TV
I don’t drive at night very often, so on this last trip I was surprised to see (actually not see) that my instrument panel lights weren’t working. When we stopped for the night, I checked the usual stuff. The fuse was good and was getting 12 volts in and out. Continue reading F53 – Repair instrument panel light switch
I haven’t had any trouble with the A/C units. They both seem to be starting OK and pumping out cool air.. During my pre-purchase a couple years ago, I noticed the rear A/C cover was cracked and brittle. I knew someday I’d need to replace the cover. The front cover Continue reading Rooftop A/C units maintenance
Early model motorhomes were equipped with a 30 amp shore power circuit. When on shore power, it was easy to overload this circuit, especially if trying to run both air conditioners and other electrical loads. Running both A/C units on generator power was no problem, because the A/C units got Continue reading Front A/C unit can be run on separate 20 amp shore power circuit
I’ve been asked many times how I was able to get my small table top 120 volt TV to work on the motor-homes 12 volts system.. The correct answer is, I didn’t do anything. The TVs I used were designed to run on 12 volts DC, I just did some Continue reading Will a 120 volt TV work on 12 volts DC – MAYBE
Last winter while snowbirding in AZ and NV, we spent several days at sites with no hookups. During that time I was able to make measurements and test how the coaches 12 volt system performed. I made a couple modifications while we were in the sticks and seen an improvement, Continue reading Upgrade Coach 12 volt system
NOTE – The control voltage to raise / lower jacks changed in newer models. On mine, the control module supplies a ground to energize the solenoid valves. On newer models, the module supplies 12 volts to energize the solenoid valves. Make sure you test so you know if you need Continue reading How to raise Power Gear jacks one at a time
Since we bought our Southwind a couple years ago, every now and then when I attempted to start the motorhome, I’d turn the key and nothing. It would usually start on the second or third attempt. Since I had the steering column tore apart to replace the bad shift lever Continue reading F53 – Replace ignition switch
Immediately after we bought our Southwind, I noticed the over drive button (OD) seemed to be intermittent. A search of the internet showed that this was a common problem with Fords. Where the wires exit the transmission shift lever, they can chafe, break, and sometimes short out, causing weird instrument Continue reading F53 – Replace transmission shift lever (OD button)
NOTE – I’ve since did these upgrades to my 12 volt system READ HERE Last spring we installed a residential refrigerator and a 1200 watt PSW (Pure Sine Wave) inverter to support it. This configuration works great for traveling, the inverter supplies 110 volts to the refrigerator and other circuits. Continue reading Need to upgrade Coach 12 volt power system