That was quite the adventure down into the abyss of the black tank. We have ventured on that same expedition. What we have done to tackle that buildup of, ehhh, leftovers, ... on the surfaces of the black tank is a very simple solution. Yup, a "solution". After your quite efficient rinse, we also then add 5 gallons of hot water (not boiling) and a full cup of "Dawn Ultra" dishwashing liquid (the blue type) and drive around for a while. Lots of turns, stop and go, a really good "scrubbing" of the tank. If Dawn Ultra can clean the crude oil off of wildlife making them squeaky clean, it can and does a super job at giving your black tank that "factory fresh" feeling. After your drive, dump and rinse and we will guarantee that "Happy Camper" celebrations of a job well done. Safe Travels.
I like your videos the most. I come here to get quick answers and solutions. Thank You for not being self indulgent when it comes to YouTubing. Keep it up.
As retired Doc..about fell out of chair when the Prostate Exam Sign came on with the video laughing so hard! I will never look at my Navion toilet the same. Great maintenance video. Thank you Ron!
Ron, I bought a 2015 Navion last year (2020) and thanks to your awesome videos, I feel more comfortable doing a lot of the maintenance myself. Thanks again!
Ron, I just wanted to thank you for all your videos. My wife and I just purchased our 2017 24J and are looking forward to hitting the road. Loving all your instructional videos, you have no idea how much you've already helped! We are looking forward to doing the same. My father lives in San Diego, if this Corona thing calms down, my wife and I would love to take you out for lunch. (I know that's not happening anytime real soon)
Another fantastic video, Ron!! You are such a good instructional video maker!! I just bought a 2006 View. It looks and runs great at the present, but with your help, I will be much more able to keep it that way!!
I’ve learned soooooo much about my sprinter maintenance from watching your tutorials, thank you Ron! I (& many others) appreciate your creativity, pertinent information, and time it takes to put out these videos. * Also, there really fun to watch.
Thanks for really showing the down 'n dirty parts on camera (like that toilet seal lube). Clear, straight-forward, perfect level of detail. ::thumbs up::
You make the best, and most comprehensive, informative videos I have seen on CZcams for sprinter RV. Thank you for sharing your expertise!! Do be careful on that beautiful roof.
Ron the super engineer !!! Thank you so much for these videos, you just get better and better !!! I am contemplating this motor home in the near future now that I am retired. You must be very pleased with it, because you are REALLY into this RV !!!! Thank you so much !!! If I buy this, you videos will become my video owners manual
Funny but I have an owners manual but rarely use it. Mostly I refer to it for the video info. Much rather watch a video about it. Now that you’re retired, thinking of making your own videos?
amazing videos- i have had this RV for 3 years and would always search for information - your videos are just so helpful - learn a lot from all of them!!!! thank you so much
The Cummins manual from my same QD3200 says to use non synthetic diesel rated oil that meets one of the API listed specs. Rotella and Valvoline diesel oils easy to find at 15-40W at Walmart. It suspends the soot particles better and resists fuel dilution better than oil made for gasoline only engines.
I saw today that my Walmart store is now again, again selling Rotella 0W40 oil which is great in winter cold starts. they offered only 5W40 for last 2-3 years.
Ron, another thing to check is the outdoor speaker cones on the side of the RV. Mine had holes in both the front and back on my 14J and I have never even used the speakers. I was shocked to be able to see daylight from inside the coach when I was changing out my TV and had pulled the panel in the kitchen cabinet to get to the wiring
Great videos. Haven't seen them all yet, though. Hey, my RV is just over 10 years old. Thought it might be a good idea to take snapshots of the decals that are posted on the outside, with all the ratings, because some of them have become almost unreadable. Got the prints in a notebook inside the rv for reference.
We were told to put a cup of fabric softener in the toilet, and a bag of ice on the last part of the trip. Fabric Softener makes everything slippery, Ice knocks stuff loose as you drive.
Peter Salm a lot of different methods for sure. Detergent and fabric softener makes some sense. Ice cubes does not. They just float and bob up and down a bit. No proof they do anything.
Ron, thanks again for the informative video - can you please publish the two products you used - the lubricant for the slide out gear, and the plumbers grease. Also, since I know you're a checklist kind of guy, how about including some pdfs or documents that are the actual checklist of tasks with these helpful repetitive activities. Like coach annual maintenance, engine/drive train/ and camper components.
Ron you have a great videos any tips on the steps on your view. Mine always turns off, I hit the motor with a hammer and it works again. I have a replacement motor on hand just need to replace it sometime.
Ron, you're the best, a man after my own heart, concerning DIY. I have a problem with my 2018 Winnebago 24D with a Diesel generator. It starts up right away, runs for 18 seconds & then blows the F2 30amp fuse in the generator. I can't figure out what's causing this?? Can you help??
Question: I have a 2022 Winnebago Navion. When parked in my garage or storing and connected to shore power, should I have the battery switch on or off. By having the switch on or off how does that effect the inverter. Thanks for all your great videos! They are very informative and helpful.
Ron, I have enjoyed your videos. I have recently purchased a 2015 Mercedes Sprinter 24’ Forest River Solera and completed my first round trip of 3,500 miles. I drove 11 hours in a single day counting stops for fuel and eats. Toward the end of journey I experienced my speed reducing to 40 miles per hour and then the engine icon came on. Is this a maintenance issue? The engine has 46,500 miles on it and has received oil changes every 10,000 miles with next one due at 50,000 miles.
On the Road with Ron My problem with losing power was due to a metal plate (holding a bracket) cracked and allowed air to escape when the manifold pulled away from a rubber gasket. I had no turbo power. A mechanic made a knew metal plate from cutting a stainless steel sheet to size with drilled holes on each side and connected the bracket. The bracket held the manifold on the left side and a hose on the right side of bracket with the rubber gasket in between. It completely restored full power. I have since ordered the metal plate part to keep an extra should I have the problem again. The best part was it was a $98 total charge by the mechanic.
On the Road with Ron I had a EGR valve go bad in New Mexico on my 2014 View with 35000 miles on it. Had to be towed from Cuervo,NM to Albuquerque. 140 miles. My engine lost all power. You might want to have your EGR valve cleaned. This is a common problem on Mercedes Sprinters.
@@ontheroadwithron2432 nothing in particular, I didn't realize that all the grease things were sealed on Mercedes (or maybe all modern vehicles?), I use to change my own oil years ago on my cars and back then there was lube to do too
@@MarkKruegerProfile Yes, I remember those days. When they first can out with the "sealed for life" bushings, I changed a few by adding Zerk fittings. Not needed anymore.
@@ontheroadwithron2432 Thanks ... I'm at 258H so its getting to be time. Rigs been in the shop with a blown inverter. I upgraded to a 2000w, and first trip out it blew. Manuf defect. Supposed to be ready tomorrow....
what is the normal temperature of your transmission fluid? My scan gauge says my oil is reading 200-210 on a regular basis, and that seems too high to me. what is your experience? Thanks
@@ontheroadwithron2432 Thanks - there seems to be so much focus lately on transmission temperatures above 200 degrees, shortening the life of the fluid, and the life of the transmission. A lot of folks are adding supplemental transmission coolers. I understand that high temps damage transmissions, but seems like Mercedes would provided cooling to keep below 220 if that was necessary with the new synthetic fluids. What do you think? I don't tow anything, and rarely go to moutainous terrain,but I do live in Florida where it is hot!
@@ontheroadwithron2432 I have not seen test data, just anecdotal evidence of people with failed transmissions. They always say heat is responsible for 80-90% of transmission failures, and they use a chart they find online to show how heat destroys the fluid and thereby shortens the life of the transmission. The thing is, that chart has been around for a long time - probably precedes the development of synthetic fluids. I am certain synthetics don't fail as quickly as conventional fluids. I hear of people pulling Jeeps over the Rockies with their stock Sprinter-based RV's, and then again, I hear about people whose transmissions fail at 30-40,000 miles, which they attribute to heat. At this point, I think I'm just going to drive it and keep an eye for leaks. I think probably a good idea to change the fluid at 30-40k miles instead of 60k. If I find any research that adds any new insights, I will let you know. Thanks so much for your channel. Great information that I can work with.
Georgia Harper I do know that the early Sprinters had transmission problems but the tranny was redesigned around 2010 and no issues since. I suppose with a marginal design, running cooler could extend its life.
That was quite the adventure down into the abyss of the black tank. We have ventured on that same expedition. What we have done to tackle that buildup of, ehhh, leftovers, ... on the surfaces of the black tank is a very simple solution. Yup, a "solution". After your quite efficient rinse, we also then add 5 gallons of hot water (not boiling) and a full cup of "Dawn Ultra" dishwashing liquid (the blue type) and drive around for a while. Lots of turns, stop and go, a really good "scrubbing" of the tank. If Dawn Ultra can clean the crude oil off of wildlife making them squeaky clean, it can and does a super job at giving your black tank that "factory fresh" feeling. After your drive, dump and rinse and we will guarantee that "Happy Camper" celebrations of a job well done. Safe Travels.
I’m going to add some soap and see how it does. Don’t have dawn so will some low sudsing laundry detergent.
I like your videos the most.
I come here to get quick answers and solutions.
Thank You for not being self indulgent when it comes to YouTubing.
Keep it up.
Glad you like the content. Just a hobby for me.
As retired Doc..about fell out of chair when the Prostate Exam Sign came on with the video laughing so hard! I will never look at my Navion toilet the same. Great maintenance video. Thank you Ron!
That’s as close as I want to come to being a proctologist but I think about it every time I have to lube the toilet.
Ron, I bought a 2015 Navion last year (2020) and thanks to your awesome videos, I feel more comfortable doing a lot of the maintenance myself. Thanks again!
Ron, I just wanted to thank you for all your videos. My wife and I just purchased our 2017 24J and are looking forward to hitting the road. Loving all your instructional videos, you have no idea how much you've already helped! We are looking forward to doing the same. My father lives in San Diego, if this Corona thing calms down, my wife and I would love to take you out for lunch. (I know that's not happening anytime real soon)
Another fantastic video, Ron!! You are such a good instructional video maker!! I just bought a 2006 View. It looks and runs great at the present, but with your help, I will be much more able to keep it that way!!
I’ve learned soooooo much about my sprinter maintenance from watching your tutorials, thank you Ron! I (& many others) appreciate your creativity, pertinent information, and time it takes to put out these videos. * Also, there really fun to watch.
alex harris thanks. It is a lot of work but I do get inspired during the editing when I think of something new to try. Cheers
Thanks for really showing the down 'n dirty parts on camera (like that toilet seal lube). Clear, straight-forward, perfect level of detail. ::thumbs up::
You make the best, and most comprehensive, informative videos I have seen on CZcams for sprinter RV. Thank you for sharing your expertise!! Do be careful on that beautiful roof.
Thanks. It’s my hobby now after retiring.
Your channel is awesome you took us down the drain. Never seen anybody do separate maintainance
Ron the super engineer !!! Thank you so much for these videos, you just get better and better !!! I am contemplating this motor home in the near future now that I am retired. You must be very pleased with it, because you are REALLY into this RV !!!! Thank you so much !!! If I buy this, you videos will become my video owners manual
Bruce Moore very kind. The RV keeps me busy during retirement. And of course the Gkids.
Funny but I have an owners manual but rarely use it. Mostly I refer to it for the video info. Much rather watch a video about it. Now that you’re retired, thinking of making your own videos?
Thanks Ron for the great videos and the reminders. And showing how to get it done.
amazing videos- i have had this RV for 3 years and would always search for information - your videos are just so helpful - learn a lot from all of them!!!! thank you so much
Great video thank you
Thank for your videos. Very clear and practical!!
Thanks for the tip on the toilet seal mine has been leaking down
we really love your videos!! Informative, funny! thanks so much!
The Cummins manual from my same QD3200 says to use non synthetic diesel rated oil that meets one of the API listed specs. Rotella and Valvoline diesel oils easy to find at 15-40W at Walmart. It suspends the soot particles better and resists fuel dilution better than oil made for gasoline only engines.
I saw today that my Walmart store is now again, again selling Rotella 0W40 oil which is great in winter cold starts. they offered only 5W40 for last 2-3 years.
thanks Ron
Funny, interesting and informative, thanks, Ron!
Ron, another thing to check is the outdoor speaker cones on the side of the RV. Mine had holes in both the front and back on my 14J and I have never even used the speakers. I was shocked to be able to see daylight from inside the coach when I was changing out my TV and had pulled the panel in the kitchen cabinet to get to the wiring
Great videos. Haven't seen them all yet, though. Hey, my RV is just over 10 years old. Thought it might be a good idea to take snapshots of the decals that are posted on the outside, with all the ratings, because some of them have become almost unreadable. Got the prints in a notebook inside the rv for reference.
You're terrific! keep 'em coming
Thanks Ron. You helped me add a few things to my annual list. Forgot that gasket on the toilet 😯
We were told to put a cup of fabric softener in the toilet, and a bag of ice on the last part of the trip. Fabric Softener makes everything slippery, Ice knocks stuff loose as you drive.
Peter Salm a lot of different methods for sure. Detergent and fabric softener makes some sense. Ice cubes does not. They just float and bob up and down a bit. No proof they do anything.
Another great video, very informative and you even gave us a little “cheesecake” 😜
Thanks
Thanks.
Ron, thanks again for the informative video - can you please publish the two products you used - the lubricant for the slide out gear, and the plumbers grease. Also, since I know you're a checklist kind of guy, how about including some pdfs or documents that are the actual checklist of tasks with these helpful repetitive activities. Like coach annual maintenance, engine/drive train/ and camper components.
I'll add them to the description.
Just saw your rv on the road
Josiah Moran in traffic on the 70
Use some of that spray lube on your entry steps too! I noticed your garage doors are as noisy as mine. A little lube there too : )
You are the man! Thanks!
Ron you have a great videos any tips on the steps on your view. Mine always turns off, I hit the motor with a hammer and it works again. I have a replacement motor on hand just need to replace it sometime.
Ron, you're the best, a man after my own heart, concerning DIY. I have a problem with my 2018 Winnebago 24D with a Diesel generator. It starts up right away, runs for 18 seconds & then blows the F2 30amp fuse in the generator. I can't figure out what's causing this?? Can you help??
Very unusual. Always a chance if a short somewhere. Are you referring to the circuit breaker in the genny compartment?
OMG that was nasty but interesting at the same time. Maybe a quarterly black tank flush checkup good idea. 😊
Aurora Nite I just do mine once a year unless the gage starts reading funny.
Thanks
Question: I have a 2022 Winnebago Navion. When parked in my garage or storing and connected to shore power, should I have the battery switch on or off. By having the switch on or off how does that effect the inverter. Thanks for all your great videos! They are very informative and helpful.
Actually i never turn the battery switch off unless I’m working on the electrical system.
Thank you Ron!
do you like the slide-out. I am going across country just me and a cat. i like the view.But the slide,
Ron, I have enjoyed your videos. I have recently purchased a 2015 Mercedes Sprinter 24’ Forest River Solera and completed my first round trip of 3,500 miles. I drove 11 hours in a single day counting stops for fuel and eats. Toward the end of journey I experienced my speed reducing to 40 miles per hour and then the engine icon came on. Is this a maintenance issue? The engine has 46,500 miles on it and has received oil changes every 10,000 miles with next one due at 50,000 miles.
I'm not a mechanic, but the Mercedes is quite complicated but not likely a maintenance issue unless your fuel filter is plugged.
On the Road with Ron My problem with losing power was due to a metal plate (holding a bracket) cracked and allowed air to escape when the manifold pulled away from a rubber gasket. I had no turbo power. A mechanic made a knew metal plate from cutting a stainless steel sheet to size with drilled holes on each side and connected the bracket. The bracket held the manifold on the left side and a hose on the right side of bracket with the rubber gasket in between. It completely restored full power. I have since ordered the metal plate part to keep an extra should I have the problem again. The best part was it was a $98 total charge by the mechanic.
Have you ever had a problem with your EGR valve
Joe Copeland no. Seems to be fine
On the Road with Ron
I had a EGR valve go bad in New Mexico on my 2014 View with 35000 miles on it. Had to be towed from Cuervo,NM to Albuquerque. 140 miles.
My engine lost all power. You might want to have your EGR valve cleaned. This is a common problem on Mercedes Sprinters.
Do you have any videos on doing the chassis lube? I saw the service b video but I couldn't find anything about a lube job.
The chassis itself does not have any grease fittings. Anything in particular you wanted to lube?
@@ontheroadwithron2432 nothing in particular, I didn't realize that all the grease things were sealed on Mercedes (or maybe all modern vehicles?), I use to change my own oil years ago on my cars and back then there was lube to do too
@@MarkKruegerProfile Yes, I remember those days. When they first can out with the "sealed for life" bushings, I changed a few by adding Zerk fittings. Not needed anymore.
Excellent as always. Have you cleaned the oil strainer on the genny?
San Diego Mike no, 106 hrs so will look next time
@@ontheroadwithron2432 Thanks ... I'm at 258H so its getting to be time. Rigs been in the shop with a blown inverter. I upgraded to a 2000w, and first trip out it blew. Manuf defect. Supposed to be ready tomorrow....
Ron, did you have any issues with parking the RV in the National Parks ? Thanks for the videos.
No issues. Being small, we could fit almost anywhere. This helped when we didn’t have reservations
Thank you
Really like your View! What kind of fuel mileage do you get?
15.1 mpg average
what is the normal temperature of your transmission fluid? My scan gauge says my oil is reading 200-210 on a regular basis, and that seems too high to me. what is your experience?
Thanks
Georgia Harper that seems ok. Mine runs 190-210 normally. 220 on hills.
@@ontheroadwithron2432 Thanks - there seems to be so much focus lately on transmission temperatures above 200 degrees, shortening the life of the fluid, and the life of the transmission. A lot of folks are adding supplemental transmission coolers. I understand that high temps damage transmissions, but seems like Mercedes would provided cooling to keep below 220 if that was necessary with the new synthetic fluids. What do you think? I don't tow anything, and rarely go to moutainous terrain,but I do live in Florida where it is hot!
Georgia Harper have you seen any actual test data? Lotta people have opinions on this.
@@ontheroadwithron2432 I have not seen test data, just anecdotal evidence of people with failed transmissions. They always say heat is responsible for 80-90% of transmission failures, and they use a chart they find online to show how heat destroys the fluid and thereby shortens the life of the transmission. The thing is, that chart has been around for a long time - probably precedes the development of synthetic fluids. I am certain synthetics don't fail as quickly as conventional fluids. I hear of people pulling Jeeps over the Rockies with their stock Sprinter-based RV's, and then again, I hear about people whose transmissions fail at 30-40,000 miles, which they attribute to heat. At this point, I think I'm just going to drive it and keep an eye for leaks. I think probably a good idea to change the fluid at 30-40k miles instead of 60k. If I find any research that adds any new insights, I will let you know. Thanks so much for your channel. Great information that I can work with.
Georgia Harper I do know that the early Sprinters had transmission problems but the tranny was redesigned around 2010 and no issues since. I suppose with a marginal design, running cooler could extend its life.