First Impressions, New Axis 24.1

[pmorris92223]

Safety recall notice 20S73/NHTSA Recall 20V795. 2021 E-350 Econoline

 

[Chance-THOR]

The doghouse insulation recall should certainly apply to Cutaway Chassis (hence Class B+ and C motorhomes, and many commercial applications), but I’d be surprised if it applies to vehicles that are built on a stripped chassis since they are shipped without a doghouse. I suppose it’s worth checking for peace of mind if nothing else.

 

[twovillagers-THOR]

Amazing!

The tecall reads "on your vehicle, it may be possible that the engine cover insulation does not fully extend to the perimeter of the factory engine cover. Vehicles on Ford chassis may have higher engine compartment temperature at certain idle conditions. " Doghouse, not a likely fix. But it does go on to say "driver and passenger side may be subject to skin irradiation or minor burns". We never experienced that much heat off the Doghouse. We'll see what, if anything is done. My only cost is time.

I'm amazed! Based on the minimal amount of doghouse insulation in my 2019 Vegas, RV manufacturers should have recalled tens of thousands more!

 

[pmorris92223]

We haven't noticed a lot of heat from our doghouse but we have the V8 and I guess they are supposed to be a little cooler. I'll know if there is a difference after Ford gets finished. I'd be surprised if there is anything different.

 

[DavidEM]

FWIW I plugged my VIN into the NHTSA link above and my E350 was flagged as subject to the recall.

I am surprised Ford didn't exclude all stripped chassis VINs (used to build the Axis) from that recall notice as the dog house is not theirs. It will cause me to go to a commercial Ford dealer to clear the recall if for no other reason than resale hassle.

David

 

[ducksface]

Do we know its the dog house and not an integral part of the chassis, like the exhaust heat deflectors or a wrap cover the rear of the valve covers or the engine/trans bellhousing?

Does anyone have a picture of the small strip of space they need to add insulation to? I'm pretty sure it's just that two pieces have a gap between them. I don't know how or where I acquired this info.


I did a perfunctory perusal of the recall, at best.

What's the reality?

I'm thinking I wouldn't go out of my way to have a 2x11 inch piece of fluff added to my firewall.
If I'm there, cool.
No special stop(unless some fact presents otherwise)

 

[pmorris92223]

For me the dealer is 10 miles away and as I said I don't mind the trip. Might get to look at some new Ford's.

 

[ducksface]

For me the dealer is 10 miles away and as I said I don't mind the trip. Might get to look at some new Ford's.

Get us a picture if you can.

 

[pmorris92223]

Of the Mustang E or the repair?

 

[Pabs4]

We have owned our Vegas 24.1 for about 16 months and have experienced no significant problems. I have had to replace both house batteries. My two biggest gripes are the size of the shower and wishing the beds were a few inches longer. The only annoying problem I have not solved is a persistent rattle/creaking in the left front area of the cab where the dash and window meet-still working on that one. Overall, we are happy with our choice and feel we it offers good value. I plan on keeping this RV until either it becomes unuseable or we become too old to use it!

These are the most important changes I have done to date:

--Replaced the sofa with recliners. BIG improvement in comfort.
--Added heat/soundproofing under engine "doghouse" and in cab area. This was a major improvement in noise and heat transfer from engine into cab area.
--Sealed air leaks between intake and supply in Coleman A/C and closed up the "ducts to nowhere".
--Added Bilstein 5100 steering damper to minimize lane wander. Added SSF-106-40 Sumo springs to front to reduce lean while turning as well as sway.
--Added TPMS.
--Replaced LED lights in galley area to individually switched LED lights.
--Added soap dispensers in bathroom and shower.
--Replaced mattresses in bedroom.
--Added ROKU to TV.

By the way, David, I have the V10 and our mpg is very similar-9 to 10 at Interstate speeds. Running the generator reduces it by about .5 mpg.

These are the ones that come to mind. This forum has been invaluable in learning about the Vegas and I greatly appreciate all of the postings by members!

The shower is still an issue for us. It’s small, but our biggest issue is our water switching back and forth between hot and cold. We have followed the suggestions from people to only use hot water and ensure the pressure was 50psi. We have tried using our on board water pump along with the water from the park. I can get the kitchen sink to keep a stable temp, but the shower is still a mystery. I have to admit, it’s a tiny bit fun to hear my husband squeal when it switches to cold water I’m also not a fan of the flimsy shower floor, but at least the shower is ours and we don’t have to worry about someone else’s cooties. Adding soap dispensers in the bathroom is genius! I will be doing that this week!

The beds... Scott’s feet would hit the wall when he was sleeping. We finally ordered a king sized 8” thick mattress topper that would fit in the bedroom, and allow us to sleep crosswise. Now our feet are on the driver side and our heads are on the passenger side. We replaced the tv mount in the bedroom with a full motion one. It works for us.

We also replaced the uncomfortable sofa with power recliners from RecPro. It’s so much more comfortable! We also have ROKUs on both inside TVs.

We had zero insulation in our doghouse, so that is the first thing we did. I also found a way to wrap pool noodles with some insulation and shove them into the curved area on either side of the windshield. I added insulation inside the coach where our feet rest while traveling (under the dash).

We also added a tpms. It saved us on our trip last week. It was cold when we were preparing to leave. An hour or so into our trip we received an alarm that one of our tires had pressure that was too high. We pulled over and remedied the problem.

You can see in my signature the handling mods we have done. I am now thinking we will be adding Sumo Springs. I would also really love to have a leveler system installed.

I completely agree with you about how valuable this forum has been for us! We have gained so much knowledge from the people here! Many thanks to everyone!!

Pam

 

[taylorbob1]

......... I would also really love to have a leveler system installed.

Pam

Other than the up-front cost of
$3-5,000...levelers on a Vegas/Axis is wonderful
I will never ever own another RV without a hydraulic leveling system

 

[twovillagers-THOR]

Sumo Springs

I have only recently added the SSF106-40 Sumo's, but have taken a test drive. There is much less lean in the corners with just a slightly firmer ride. We have a longer trip scheduled for next month.

The shower temp is touchy. We have the hot water set at 115 and temper it with just a little cold, then let it run continuously while using the shower.

I am also replacing the tail lights with Partsam triple LED lights (on order). As others have posted, I found a slight amount of moisture intrusion on the right side. Not serious yet, but I sprayed Flex Seal on both sides. It is drying while I await delivery of the lights.

 

[Scubawise]

Please send pictures, make, how to of the soap dispensers

 

[twovillagers-THOR]

Soap Dispensers

Please send pictures, make, how to of the soap dispensers

I can't figure out how to insert a screen shot, but here is the link:

https://www.amazon.com/Bosharon-Sha...ome-garden&sprefix=bosharon,garden,175&sr=1-2

They are also available as a double or single dispenser.

 

[Scubawise]

Great thx twovillagers!