New 7.3 V8 oil change

[Rondo-THOR]

Getting ready to change oil on the new 7.3 liter V8 in our 2021 Thor Vegas 24.1 ….. and looking for tips on accessing the engine oil cap for refilling crankcase. Anybody deal with this yet?

 

[RACarvalho1]

Did ours a month ago.
Go to an auto parts store and buy a funnel with a long hose.
Put a ladder in front of the MH and use it to hold the oil container higher than the fill cap...
Have patience, it will take time for the oil to flow but it works !

 

[Travelin' Texans]

How'd that old commercial go?
"FORD HAS A BETTER IDEA!"

 

[Lt Keefer]

How'd that old commercial go?
"FORD HAS A BETTER IDEA!"

You mean, after all these years, Thor hasn't figured out a way to build an RV with an accessible oil fill tube.

 

[phalexander]

You mean, after all these years, Thor hasn't figured out a way to build an RV with an accessible oil fill tube.

Dealers and oil change places often use a pump because the do this every day. You can do it if you try.

 

[Chateau_Nomad]

How'd that old commercial go?
"FORD HAS A BETTER IDEA!"

It's not the chassis... it's how the "aftermarket" RV builders choose to design their MH shells they build onto the chassis. Ford has no control over that.

All the fluid fills on my lowly (2019 E-350 cutaway) class C are easy to reach.

 

[Rondo-THOR]

New 7.3 v8 oil change

Thx for the reply’s fellas
My problem is that the Vegas body fits the Ford chassis so close that I’m unable to even reach the Oil Cap itself for removal
I’ll likely have to gain access by removal of the the “dog house” inside the cab ..

 

[chunker]

Thx for the reply’s fellas
My problem is that the Vegas body fits the Ford chassis so close that I’m unable to even reach the Oil Cap itself for removal
I’ll likely have to gain access by removal of the the “dog house” inside the cab ..

That doesn't seem like such a big deal to get clear access to the engine. While you have the cover off, use the time to inspect the engine for evidence of critters, mice etc., chafing wiring, and other anomalies.

 

[DavidEM]

I don't think that removing the doghouse will work for access to the oil filler port on the Axix/Vegas. The filler port is forward of the engine and the doghouse covers the middle of the engine.

I haven't added or changed the oil yet on my 2021 Axis as it only has 3,500 miles on it, but snaking a hose down from a funnel above the front hood seems the only way. It will take two people and a ladder to do it and I am dreading enlisting my wife for that chore.

David

 

[chunker]

I don't think that removing the doghouse will work for access to the oil filler port on the Axix/Vegas. The filler port is forward of the engine and the doghouse covers the middle of the engine.

I haven't added or changed the oil yet on my 2021 Axis as it only has 3,500 miles on it, but snaking a hose down from a funnel above the front hood seems the only way. It will take two people and a ladder to do it and I am dreading enlisting my wife for that chore.

David

Sharing the pleasure of RV ownership.

 

[mriro@aol.com]

7.3 V8 oil change

I have a 2023 and not changed the oil yet, however I have used a battery powered oil pump I've used on another RV I've owned and that should work fine. I tried a ' dry run' and seems it should work. The syphon on the pump fits well into the 5 quart oil container, the filler hose can be extended to reach the inconveniently placed filler port. Pumps 6 quarts a minute. You can find the pump on Amazon or eBay.

 

[DavidEM]

I changed my oil early this spring. I used a funnel and a long hose to reach the filler port. I was able to support the funnel with the windshield wiper which made it a one person job. Not nearly as bad as I imagined it would be.

Draining was also easy. I bought one of these oil drain containers which worked well. See: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0059HJSA2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

My local auto repair shop uses the oil to heat the shop during the winter so they were happy to take my contribution.

David

 

[The Gritz Carlton]

Thx for the reply’s fellas
My problem is that the Vegas body fits the Ford chassis so close that I’m unable to even reach the Oil Cap itself for removal
I’ll likely have to gain access by removal of the the “dog house” inside the cab ..

This is exactly why the truck dealers (chassis peeps) hate working on motorhomes. Most won't touch them and the ones that do charge double/triple labor rates. I've seen nearly the entire bedroom have to be disassembled on a DP just to gain access to parts of the engine. Worse, you have the owners and 3 dogs prowling all over the dealership looking for someone that will listen to all their road stories while the old man won't quit trying to tell the mechanics how to do their jobs. Do you think I worked at a commercial truck dealership...yes...Peach State Ford.

 

[happy-THOR]

On our 7.3 V8 a PVC pipe extension also made it fairly easy.
With 2x10 board ramps the oil filter is also easy to access.



PS: Use of 2x10 or other ramps is dependent on belly size........

 

[mriro@aol.com]

13,000 ramps

I find a pair of 13,000 lb. GVWR Capacity Portable Vehicle Ramp Set from Harbor Freight works fine and easy to use for my RV, truck and cars!

https://www.harborfreight.com/13000-lb-gvwr-capacity-portable-vehicle-ramp-set-63956.html

 

[happy-THOR]

I like those ramps. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[push toy]

you cant reach it through thr dog house.. i did my first change what a pain in the ass now i take it to a light truck dealer. cost me 100$$ and i drink coffee while they do it.

 

[phalexander]

Another reason to like the old engine. It is literally the easiest oil change ever. No ramps or jack, 15 minutes and under $50.

 

[mriro@aol.com]

V8 oil change

I've had both the V10 and the V8. The V8 runs cooler with one additional quart of oil, I get double the milage when towing my car and 4 mpg better milage when not towing, lower torque and superior upgrade power. Generally, engine noise is less with the V8, except for if the Fan clutch kicks in - when that happens the V8 is a bit louder.

As to the ramps, the Axis is so low to the ground I'd guess the changing oil/filter on the V10 would also require a ramp or driving up on 2x6s unless you are thin as a rail.

 

[phalexander]

When we were shopping recently for a small class C we decided to try a Chevrolet chassis. I’m really impressed. It’s 6.6L V8 makes 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque and it’s transmission seems perfectly matched. Recently returned from a 4500 mile trip and had 9.9mpg on a new engine. My chassis is bone stock and I don’t see any need for handling or ride enhancements. And it’s just as easy as the old Ford V10 to service. Maybe I’m just lucky but so far the only repair/issue has been to adjust the door latch striker to fix a sticking door.