This trip has had the most issues (problems) than any previous trip. We had a slow leak in one tire thanks to a poor installation by Discount Tire fixed by another Discount Tire store. The latches on both the pantry door and BR door needed adjustments to remain closed. We took a rock to the windshield which will require a new one. We’ve had 2-3 other hiccups that we were able to fix. It’s certainly an adventure.
At any rate, a more serious problem involved our 30A shore cord. The connection on the side of our LD for this cord is treaded and has notches cut into the threads. The electric cord had a ring with tabs that fit into those notches locking it in place. Well both tabs broke off and I was unable to secure the cord in place. So I used gorilla tape to hold it in place then ordered a new 30A cord from Amazon which arrived overnight. The replacement is a fully screw on ring which is much better.
Our current issue is unresolved despite weeks of problem solving. The passenger side carpet was wet which we discovered after 400 miles of rain. I thought we had a leaking windshield. We dried the carpet and aggressively hosed the windshield. Carpet was dry. We’ve finally determined that it’s probably wet because the A/C condensation hose is blocked. So tomorrow I’m hunting for that hose.
Does anyone in the neighborhood know the location of that 2009 E450 condensation hose? Please know … I’d be grateful.
Some trips go without a hutch, others are the trips from hell.
We have had both and prefer the former.
Larry
The hose comes almost straight down. It should be on the passenger side, behind the block and somewhere near the transmission’s front half. It may not look like a drip tube. Best way to clean it is with a coat hanger stretched out.
Warning!
park on a hill with the back of the rv down hill and if possible the drivers side downhill. Approach from the under the passenger side door. When the damn brakes the water may be smelly.
In your yearly winterizing blast a shot of compressed air up the hose to keep it clear.
My experience is not with a Ford van but another older ford car.
I got very wet and even more smelly.
Thank you John for your guidance. Today was our first day without rain so I spent an hour looking for that A/C drain. I didn’t have success. ☹️
I found an online image of one type of Ford drain but that didn’t help. So far, YouTube hasn’t helped either.
I need to give my lower back a rest after pushing it to its limit. In the meantime, I’ll see if I can find a Ford dealership that might help me locate that elusive drain.
If anyone can give me any additional guidance, that would be terrific.
Aww, the joys of RVing! Sorry to hear about your trip woes, Ed. I wasn’t aware of the AC condensate issue. Is this something we should be adding to our preventative maintenance list, ya think?
John,
This may not resolve your condensation problem but it may resolve issues with smelly AC units while they are actively engaged.
Perhaps I’ve shared this tip before but here it is regardless.
Here’s a tip from my mechanic on smelly Automotive AC units. Several minutes prior to stopping your vehicle, if the AC is on, turn off the AC. This allows the condensation to evaporate and prevents it from collecting in the AC where it can stagnate and cause a stinky AC when it is engaged again.
This smelly situation occurred in my wife’s ‘06 Toyota Avalon even shortly after having had her AC condenser replaced. After returning to our mechanic, he shared this tip with us. Since then she has been following this simple practice and the stink has not returned.
Allowing the AC to run fresh air through it while driving and the unit is off should allow the moisture in the condenser to dry up and hopefully prevent condensation further down the line.
Just a tip from my mechanic.
Kent
Changing the filter in the cab AC might also be a good idea.
Couple sources to read.
https://www.irv2.com/forums/f87/e450-dash-air-conditioning-299397.html
https://www.justanswer.com/ford/4brvc-ford-e450-2005-e450-trouble-condensation.html
E-450 AC drain hose? - Jayco RV Owners Forum (https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f5/e-450-ac-drain-hose-50633.html)
Does it leak when a/c is not used? Leak only when traveling in rain? Does a/c freeze up where no cool air coming out of vents?
These are tough to find. Need to eliminate/pinpoint wether a/c is involved and/or rain.
Ron
Thank you Ron. Our passenger side carpet remains dry despite lots of rain. We only have this issue when using the A/C. The A/C works just fine and doesn’t freeze. I just can’t locate the drain. That Jayco forum discussion looks promising. So thank you 🙏 again.
Ed, perhaps a call to the Mothership might be helpful? Or Vince?
Thank you Ron. Our passenger side carpet remains dry despite lots of rain. We only have this issue when using the A/C. The A/C works just fine and doesn’t freeze. I just can’t locate the drain. That Jayco forum discussion looks promising. So thank you 🙏 again.
In Jayco forum, che57vy, may be worth contacting as he also has a 2009 RV and seems to know where the drain is. You might have to join the forum as I didn’t see a way to contact him.
Good Luck
Ron
According to Ford Customer Service at 800-444-3311, the A/C drain hose is in the vicinity of the evaporator core on the passenger side firewall. According to Ford, it might be either a nipple or a short piece of hose on the bottom of the evaporator core. Ford didn’t have a picture to show me. Nevertheless, I’m making some progress. So tomorrow, I shall go hunting…again. 🤩
Ed, perhaps a call to the Mothership might be helpful? Or Vince?
Is Vince back? Or is he on his own doing repairs? (Sorry, I haven't been on this forum for some time.)
If the latter, and someone has his number, I'd be interested should we ever need his help.
He was great help to us while at the Mothership.
Is Vince back? Or is he on his own doing repairs? (Sorry, I haven't been on this forum for some time.)
If the latter, and someone has his number, I'd be interested should we ever need his help.
He was great help to us while at the Mothership.
I believe he is now at Leisure CoachWorks in Fontana:
RV Repair RV Service RV Remodel Bus Conversion - Fontana CA (https://leisurecw.com/)
Modest Update: I’m still unable to locate that elusive drain. And our windshield crack continues to grow. But sitting by this mountain stream enjoying the beauty of this Smoky Mountain area … well frankly I’m not fussing about these problems. As with all RV hiccups, they’ll get resolved one way or another.
And tomorrow is Easter. So Happy Easter to my LDO Neighborhood. 😇
I think I can close this topic. Over the past several weeks, I called many RV repair shops near us in Fort Worth. Not surprisingly, none of them would worked on an A/C issue. So then I called every Ford dealer within 50 miles which was a good many. One (1) Ford shop said they’d look it. Unfortunately, this shop has some poor customer service reviews.
Finally I found a shop that services trucks and has an excellent reputation. The mechanic was very aware of our issue. He said the drain hose design on some E450s allows dust and debris to blow into the hose. He said it requires a simple modification to prevent this from happening again.
We have an appointment next Tuesday morning. I’ll follow up with additional information if I learn anything else. Maybe a picture or two?
Hope this helps.
Deep breath. The A/C issue described above is making me feel my age…old and worn out.
The recommended repair shop spent 3 hours working on the A/C leak. He even ran a scope down the drain and the drain was clear. He examined every part for a potential leak source. He carefully re-assembled everything and added some sealer in a suspected leak source. Cost was $225. I ran the A/C today on the way to get the windshield replaced. And that A/C continues to leak into the passenger side cab.
Time to implement Plan B. However, we don’t have a Plan B in the moment. Bottom line … dang!!
That sucks! So where is that darn drain located, Ed?
So where is that darn drain located.
It’s behind the A/C blower, which is behind the battery under the hood. The only way to easily get to it is to remove part of the passenger side carpet, the glovebox and the condenser coil housing. The housing is held in place by screws under the carpet. The housing has a 2”-3” plastic spout that fits into a firewall drain connection.
Hope this helps and that my nomenclature is correct.
Thanks, Ed. I'll bookmark your reply.
That leak is a real mystery and hope it gets figured out soon!
It’s behind the A/C blower, which is behind the battery under the hood. The only way to easily get to it is to remove part of the passenger side carpet, the glovebox and the condenser coil housing. The housing is held in place by screws under the carpet. The housing has a 2”-3” plastic spout that fits into a firewall drain connection.
Hope this helps and that my nomenclature is correct.
Is there a way to “open” up the area and run the a/c. Then you may be able to see the leak?
Ron
Ron … I suppose I could remove the glove compartment, the passenger side carpet, run the A/C and search for a leak. Your suggestion seems like the next logical step. I’ll need to dig up some energy for that step. Nevertheless thank you very much.
Just my thoughts Ed; The drain is placed at a low spot under the evaporator, to drain out onto the ground. I wonder if anyone looked up into the evaporator to see if something, i.e. leaves, papers, etc. could have gotten in and is diverting condensed water into another area where it is collecting high enough to come out a different location than the drain. I recently changed out a cabin air filter in my car and found all sorts of plant debris in the old filter. RonB
RonB … we checked that area for something that might cause a problem. It was relatively clean. Nevertheless it was a good suggestion that someone might consider in the future with a similar problem. So thank you.
Frankly, this A/C issue has kinda wore us out for now. In the meantime we’re working on a few other projects after 2800 miles and 2 months on the road. This Rig is looking good once again 😄.
Ron … I suppose I could remove the glove compartment, the passenger side carpet, run the A/C and search for a leak. Your suggestion seems like the next logical step. I’ll need to dig up some energy for that step. Nevertheless thank you very much.
Keep your head up. I give you credit for patience you are showing. If it was me I would lay awake and persue until death! And it still would not be solved.
When you feel like it take it back to the shop that did the last work and have them remove all the stuff for you. They can then test drive it and see if the leak can be found. It might need to be driven to leak. If no leak, take it home for few days and see if the leaks comes back. Might cost you a little but someone else is doing the work.
I wish you lived closer to me. I would help you.
Ron
BTW I looked at your pics of Katie Belle (love the name). WOW your LD is amazing. The changes you did are very professionally done and look great. The flooring looks like real wood and is so calming! Your pride in your LD can be seen in the pictures. Great work!!
I owned a 2010 Phoenix Cruiser and had the same pride. Previous owner took great care of it and I did the same for the 2 years I owned it. There is something about having a clean, shiny and well maintained MH that instills pride of ownership. We sold it and are still without a camping unit due to moving. Hopefully in the future we can get back into RVing.