Community Forums

ingram4868 · 06-18-2014, 09:44 PM

I have a few questions for the E-450 wizards. On the drivers "A" pillar there is a small switch labeled ON/OFF. I have no clue what it is for. The manual has no mention of it.

Under the hood is a second battery holding tray. What is the purpose of this and if it is intended for a second battery does it have its own charging system and cables?

The dual tires on the rear of the coach, are they provided by Ford as part of their basic chassis or are they put on by Coachmen specific to the design of their coach.

Thanks guys, so many questions and so little time to ask before our first trip.

caisert · 06-20-2014, 10:28 PM

Switch on the pillar is most likely to turn on heated mirrors. E450 comes from ford with duals. Don.t know about the second batt tray.

jamesrxx951 · 06-21-2014, 07:40 PM

The A pillar switch is likely an addon from the body builder. I have never seen a Ford product have a switch on an A pillar. As said above, the body builder may have added heated mirrors and that is what controls it. However you would think it would be labeled better. E series vans will have one battery under the hood and the second battery mounted on the right frame rail. The standard battery is mounted on the passenger side and I do not see how there would be any room on the drivers side for a battery. Maybe a pic will help to straighten that out.

ingram4868 · 06-22-2014, 08:43 AM

Thanks guys, I will take a couple of pictures later today.

cmalberto · 06-25-2014, 04:41 AM

I have your exact same model. No switch...Must be a build to option. I don't remember seeing the second tray either for batteries. I will have to check again though but recall.

We really do enjoy our rig. Surprisingly ours had no Tint on the windows - lots of heat comes through during the summer. Solving that problem next week.

Other lessons learned...go get it "professionally" aligned - just do it. Well worth it.

ingram4868 · 06-25-2014, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmalberto

I have your exact same model. No switch...Must be a build to option. I don't remember seeing the second tray either for batteries. I will have to check again though but recall.

We really do enjoy our rig. Surprisingly ours had no Tint on the windows - lots of heat comes through during the summer. Solving that problem next week.

Other lessons learned...go get it "professionally" aligned - just do it. Well worth it.

Alignment? It sure rides smooth without any vibration in the steering wheel. Does Coachmen do something to impact the factory settings?

I still haven't been out to the storage facility to take pictures. I have been looking for a good light weight dinghy tow car.

cmalberto · 06-26-2014, 04:27 AM

The way it was explained to me is that the factory alignment occurs while the chassis is built...then the rest of the coach is assembled PLUS all that weight. Mine drove straight but had issues with any kind of wind; or very uncomfortable / white knuckle experiences on smaller 2 lane roads. Well worth the 150-ish(don't remember the exact amount) expense.

jamesrxx951 · 06-26-2014, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ingram4868

Alignment? It sure rides smooth without any vibration in the steering wheel. Does Coachmen do something to impact the factory settings?

I still haven't been out to the storage facility to take pictures. I have been looking for a good light weight dinghy tow car.

Especially on a vehicle independent front suspension a fully loaded vehicle alignment is really needed. In many cases the rear will sag some and change the camber and toe. For the best handling and tire wear you would want to load up your motorhome the way it is when you travel and have them align it.

ingram4868 · 06-26-2014, 11:26 PM

Great advise, the alignment is now on my list of things to do and goodies to buy to get the coach outfitted. I brought the MH home today so I can get the pic's of the switch and 2nd battery tray.

I bought a Goldline cover and took it out of the box today. You would think the cover would be in the carrying case but sadly no. And to my surprise there are no written instructions on the proper way to install it or a sequencing order to properly fold it so that it is easier to redeploy. I did buy the ladder lift devise so I don't have to lug the 45 pounds up the ladder.

ingram4868 · 06-28-2014, 08:42 PM

There is only one battery tray under the E-450 hood. As you guys mentioned there is no possible way to fit anything else under that hood. I confused the E-450 with our new Suburban which does have a second battery tray.

I have ordered equipment through Camping World for the dinghy tow setup. Once it all arrives they will schedule the install. I really didn't have the time to research the tow equipment ahead of time so I left it to the pros to recommend and install what they felt was the best stuff. They did mention something about a Falcon 2 and an invisible braking system that does not need to be setup or removed for trips.

The Camco sewer hose that came in the startup kit looks to be maybe 12-15 feet if stretched. Do you guys feel that is enough length for most campgrounds or dump stations?

Thanks to all that have taken the time to help educate me with our first RV.

cmalberto · 06-28-2014, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ingram4868

The Camco sewer hose that came in the startup kit looks to be maybe 12-15 feet if stretched. Do you guys feel that is enough length for most campgrounds or dump stations?

Thanks to all that have taken the time to help educate me with our first RV.

Always carry a spare plus a union for that matter. You never know when you may spring a leak.