OUTLAW Mods and Easy Fixes

[focker]

Legacy Workhorse Outlaw owners I am wondering if anyone has ever encountered this and has advice. Since I have first owned the unit every 6-8 months I lose the power assist brake (I assume that is what it is, the whirring noise when depressing the pedal with the engine off), the cruise control and the brake lights. I replace the 20amp fuse and we are back in business. Now I have had to replace the fuse 4 times in one week so it is becoming much more frequent. Does anyone have an idea of where to look for my intermittent short or what else might ail our system?

[focker]

Originally Posted by focker

Legacy Workhorse Outlaw owners I am wondering if anyone has ever encountered this and has advice. Since I have first owned the unit every 6-8 months I lose the power assist brake (I assume that is what it is, the whirring noise when depressing the pedal with the engine off), the cruise control and the brake lights. I replace the 20amp fuse and we are back in business. Now I have had to replace the fuse 4 times in one week so it is becoming much more frequent. Does anyone have an idea of where to look for my intermittent short or what else might ail our system?

I think I found the issue thanks to a member in the Workhorse forum:

[Scarab0088]

Originally Posted by focker

I think I found the issue thanks to a member in the Workhorse forum:

WHAT THE HECK IS THAT!?

Something strapped to the receiver hitch?
Your photo?

OH MAN! Our trailer wires are tucked-up well behind the diamond plate fascia. Probably looked like a good idea to "he with the zip ties". Low point should never be the wiring

[focker]

Originally Posted by Scarab0088

WHAT THE HECK IS THAT!?

Something strapped to the receiver hitch?
Your photo?

OH MAN! Our trailer wires are tucked-up well behind the diamond plate fascia. Probably looked like a good idea to "held with the zip ties". Low point should never be the wiring

Bingo, it is the receiver and yes someone (maybe even the factory?) thought it was a good idea to zip tie the wire kit to the bottom of the hitch. Clearly going out of steep driveways started rubbing the wires bare and shorting them. I have a feeling repairing the wires and moving this will permanently solve our intermittent fuse problem.

[Mike Bachman]

Originally Posted by focker

Bingo, it is the receiver and yes someone (maybe even the factory?) thought it was a good idea to zip tie the wire kit to the bottom of the hitch. Clearly going out of steep driveways started rubbing the wires bare and shorting them. I have a feeling repairing the wires and moving this will permanently solve our intermittent fuse problem.

Mine is zip tied in the same place, but on the side instead of the bottom.

[Mike Bachman]

Scott,

That picture isn't the hitch itself, but the cross bar that it's welded to, right?

[focker]

Originally Posted by Mike Bachman

Scott,

That picture isn't the hitch itself, but the cross bar that it's welded to, right?

It is the hitch, that is the bottom looking up of the actual receiver. I think the top of the rear mud/brush flap was probably what was rubbing the wires when it was going in and out of driveways or low spots.

[Scarab0088]

Originally Posted by focker

It is the hitch, that is the bottom looking up of the actual receiver. I think the top of the rear mud/brush flap was probably what was rubbing the wires when it was going in and out of driveways or low spots.
Attachment 130980

Ah, the venerable Putnam Hitch Products receiver
They went out of business sometime in '09-'10 (the recession again ) and restructured as Hitchweb.com.
See: Putnam Hitch Products, Inc.: Private Company Information - Businessweek

But - "what the heck?" - "he, with the zip ties" was having a rather special time the day your Outlaw was made (there's at least 5 in the photo, not counting the 2 that were removed).

Interestingly...the 8,000lb receiver (LCI Product) on the new Outlaws looks almost identical to the old 5,000lb version :

Photo from a 2017 37BG currenlty at MHSRV


Safe Outlaw Travels

[Badlands]

Originally Posted by Scarab0088

No decals to fade or peel.

Attachment 42680

Attachment 42681

Attachment 42682

The first and third picture are of Mike Bachman's 2007
The second picture is from a recurring ad on-line, usually labeled "Better than new."
See: http://actionsportsracing.com/outlaw_rv.html

This post has to be labeled as a "Mod" category, because it is NOT and "Easy Fix"

I just love how clean and timeless they look in all-white.

I went to action racing could not find the ladder that Mike put on his outlaw. I need this mod, getting on a regular ladder just doesn't cut it. Judy

[Scarab0088]

Originally Posted by Badlands

I went to action racing could not find the ladder that Mike put on his outlaw. I need this mod, getting on a regular ladder just doesn't cut it. Judy

Judy and Kerry,

Mike purchased his Outlaw with the ladder already installed. I believe it was made for a towable Toy Hauler, but I haven't found it.
The reference to that website was just where that decal free unit was being sold...not selling the ladder.

Mike sent this photo taken off the lable on a very similar ladder he saw:


If you find it for sale, hope you share about it.
Best luck

[Mike Bachman]

What I have is an early Atwood ladder #MHL1851-1 that isn't made any more. In fact the Atwood site doesn't list any ladders. The only Atwood ladders I could find were #MHL2241 (hinged) and #MHL2240. Neither of the ladders is as long as mine, but you can get an extension #MHL2227. All three ladders can be found at:
RV / Camping Leisure Mats, Rugs & Steps at Eastern Marine

[Scarab0088]

Great post, Mike!

Since I couldn't find the 1851-1, I kept looking...wanting one that folds flat when not in use.

Like this:
Welcome to Retractable Ladder

Haven't pulled the trigger yet. We still use a ladder carried in the garage...for now.

Safe Outlaw Travels

[Timon]

Originally Posted by Scarab0088

Great post, Mike!

Since I couldn't find the 1851-1, I kept looking...wanting one that folds flat when not in use.

Like this:
Welcome to Retractable Ladder

Haven't pulled the trigger yet. We still use a ladder carried in the garage...for now.

Safe Outlaw Travels

I ran across this company. They mainly do boats but the do a lot more including RVs. Follow the link and go about 1/2 down. Looks like a really nice RV ladder complete with hand holds. This style wouldn't work with the Outlaw but I'm guessing they can come up with something that would.

Blue Coral Sport Fishing Towers - Ladders and Platforms - Pensacola Florida

[themnfitz]

The dealer I bought my 2016 37rb from advised me to use the front levelers to jack up the front to reduce the ramp incline. I've unloaded my relatively light Honda Shadow like that once so far and it still slides if only the front brake is used (but not as fast! )