Dry camping with the broke trucks - Page 4

detrog · 07-28-2021, 11:52 PM

While in the Air Force and flying C-130s, we would run through the "bird bath" were the plane was sprayed to wash off all the salt. We would get fire lights and numerous caution lights prior to parking. After the aircraft dried out everything was gtg. Hopefully, this will happen to you.

emallett1 · 07-29-2021, 07:16 PM

Note : Beware of traveling with a Ford chassis motorhome in Washington State. I had to take my 2021 Windsor 29M to Portland Oregon to have an ABS issue repaired. I have to go back to get the differential recall done . No Ford dealers are working on motorhomes for warranty issues in Washington State.

Chance · 07-29-2021, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EA37TS

Freightliner dealer claims the problem this time is loose pins in a fuse box causing the coolant sensor to provide intermittent false readings.

Sounds strange to me but I have no idea how these after treatment systems are wired or operate.

To me it seems exhaust treatment is the Achilles heel of Diesel engines at present, affecting many manufacturers, not just Freightliner. I don’t know the operational details either, but followed some vehicles I was interested in for a while to find they had significant reliability issues. The diesel RAM ProMaster van, as an example, came to US with a well proven Diesel engine, but the number of reported emissions system problems added up quickly (at least for me). The automated manual transmission didn’t help either, which I personally thought was a nightmare waiting to happen.

As long as large numbers of commercial trucks can save on fuel costs, I expect manufacturers will continue to invest in making these systems better and more reliable. However, on smaller vehicles it’s not surprising to see manufacturers drop diesel options altogether. The RAM ProMaster and Transit diesels were discontinued, and now the F-150 diesel due to low demand (at least that’s what Ford is saying).

Diesel engines can reduce CO2 emissions compared to gasoline, so that too will motivate manufacturers to keep investing for now. I wouldn’t mind seeing the RAM ProMaster get the latest Euro Ducato diesel with 9-speed automatic, which could make a large camper van capable of 25 MPG. I don’t think that will happen though, mostly due to exhaust treatment difficulties and higher costs.

**EA37TS** · 07-29-2021, 10:01 PM

Well we made it from Amana IA to Springfield IL, about 270 miles without incident today. We’ll see what happens tomorrow

Bob Nodine · 07-30-2021, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EA37TS

Well we made it from Amana IA to Springfield IL, about 270 miles without incident today. We’ll see what happens tomorrow

Dave,
Glad you are back on the road.

Safe travels.

Bob Denman · 07-30-2021, 11:57 AM

X @!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBN86y30Ufc

**EA37TS** · 07-31-2021, 12:15 AM

Broke again. Stopped for fuel in Oakwood IL and also filled the Def tank. Def gauge never changed level. Pulled forward so the truck behind could fuel and the low Def and Check engine lights came on. Found a spot to park and called Freightliner. Talked to Alex at Freightliner and he was surprised there was a CEL without an active fault code.

Alex directed us to Truck Country in Indianapolis and right as we checked in it went into 5MPH derate mode. This place can not look at it until Monday so we are once again in a hotel.

Alex called the shop and told them about our issues and where we were so they were expecting us when we got there.

lwmcguire · 07-31-2021, 01:15 AM

Dang, that is just not right

Judge · 07-31-2021, 01:36 AM

That just sucks…. plain and simple. I was hoping the loose pins in the fuse box was the root cause… but I had my doubts after the first wiring repair.

Hopefully these guys will be more competent and thorough.

Intermittent problems are the toughest but sounds like a bad sensor or some other part that is in the early stages of failing. Especially after filling the DEF and there was no change in the level.

TS2020 · 07-31-2021, 01:53 AM

Bummer for sure...

I've been following the DEF issues on IRV2 and was hoping to not see this issue on our FL RVs... Feel for you... And hope this can be resolved soon...

Thanks for keeping us informed...

dkoldman · 07-31-2021, 01:55 AM

Now I an gonna get mad (tapping my feet). But you one calm dude, at least to us anyway

This time of the year Indianapolis is nice place to be though. Plenty to do downtown. They also got the best team in the NFL, and there is just no venue like Lucas Oil Stadium. If you happen to see a Indy Colts cap pick it up for me.

Make the best of life's moments. These stories have a way of ending well. I am expecting no less for you.

**EA37TS** · 07-31-2021, 02:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkoldman

Now I an gonna get mad (tapping my feet). But you one calm dude, at least to us anyway

This time of the year Indianapolis is nice place to be though. Plenty to do downtown. They also got the best team in the NFL, and there is just no venue like Lucas Oil Stadium. If you happen to see a Indy Colts cap pick it up for me.

Make the best of life's moments. These stories have a way of ending well. I am expecting no less for you.

I did my ranting where it was deserved, Freightliner. It does no good to loose one’s cool on a forum.

Because of my discussion with Freightliner the dealer knew I was there for a repeat repair and I was pissed. Three folks came out to greet me before I could shutdown the coach.

Chance · 07-31-2021, 02:51 AM

Glad you’re keeping it together given the bad luck and what you are both going through. Like you say, getting angry usually doesn’t help anyways.

powerboatr · 07-31-2021, 03:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EA37TS

I did my ranting where it was deserved, Freightliner. It does no good to loose one’s cool on a forum.

Because of my discussion with Freightliner the dealer knew I was there for a repeat repair and I was pissed. Three folks came out to greet me before I could shutdown the coach.

patience of steel you have

its very crazy disheartening etc to have a trip flubbed by crazy stuff

getting the cel right after you barely got on the road

OH MAN

pray it gets solved fast and right

freightliner 800 number saved our bacon once going to south texas
weird cel lights and they walked me through a eye ball check after we found the codes and got us an appointment for down the road and a way to safely get there ,

still no excuse for these systems to go crazy, its not like they have not had to run def systems now for 10 years

chunker21 · 07-31-2021, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EA37TS

I did my ranting where it was deserved, Freightliner. It does no good to loose one’s cool on a forum.

Because of my discussion with Freightliner the dealer knew I was there for a repeat repair and I was pissed. Three folks came out to greet me before I could shutdown the coach.

Makes that Ford F550 chassis that Thor uses look better and better.

**EA37TS** · 07-31-2021, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chunker21

Makes that Ford F550 chassis that Thor uses look better and better.

Not to me. I’ll take the Freightliner issues over the Thor build issues any day of the week. More dealer to take you in on a moments notice.

This to will pass.

Skip500 · 08-20-2021, 07:13 PM

Did they ever solve the problem?

**EA37TS** · 08-20-2021, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip500

Did they ever solve the problem?

Changed the DEF Header during the third breakdown. We made it home without incident and will see what the future brings.

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