Page Last Updated: December 18, 2017
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This Page documents the repair, replacement, modification or upgrades made to any individual component or system in either the truck or camper.
This Page documents the repair, replacement, modification or upgrades made to any individual component or system in either the truck or camper.
These are the items that broke, were poorly designed or simply inadequate for our requirements. The list is ordered chronologically.
This is not a service log that details regular suggested maintenance, add-ons or parts replaced under warranty or due to TSB's in either the camper or truck.
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EXPLANATIONS
TRUCK / CAMPER
Item
Resolved
NOT Resolved
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2014
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CAMPER
Fresh Water Pump
Pump Failed To Draw
A Shureflo, not even a year old, hardly used. It just stopped working after we un-winterized the camper. They are so inexpensive that paying a service tech $100 / hr to troubleshoot the problem was foolish. Replacement Pump #2 was about $75 installed.
NOT Resolved
2014
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CAMPER
Fresh Water Pump
Pump Failed To Draw
A Shureflo, not even a year old, hardly used. It just stopped working after we un-winterized the camper. They are so inexpensive that paying a service tech $100 / hr to troubleshoot the problem was foolish. Replacement Pump #2 was about $75 installed.
Second Pump Failed To Draw - February 06, 2015
Our 'less than one year old' new Shureflo pump failed again.
Resolved
Update March 20, 2015: Pump #3 was installed at Giant RV Centre in Wintergarden, FL. It's under warranty. We may ship it back to the manufacturer.
Broken Electrical Connector - September 10, 2017
Pump failed again, no power. I investigated and found a wire had become disconnected; further investigation revealed a broken female connector at that wire.
Resolved
Update September 12, 2017: I replaced the connector and reconnected, pump drew water.
Third Pump Failed To Draw - September 13, 2017
Pump runs on but will not draw water. I investigated for plugged aerator, plugged filter, leaking water lines, air bubble in pump head ... all to no avail. I suspect the diaphragm is torn.
Resolved
Update September 27, 2017: SHUREFLO Pump #4 was installed at Leisure Ways in Kingston, ON.
Update March 20, 2015: Pump #3 was installed at Giant RV Centre in Wintergarden, FL. It's under warranty. We may ship it back to the manufacturer.
Broken Electrical Connector - September 10, 2017
Pump failed again, no power. I investigated and found a wire had become disconnected; further investigation revealed a broken female connector at that wire.
Resolved
Update September 12, 2017: I replaced the connector and reconnected, pump drew water.
Third Pump Failed To Draw - September 13, 2017
Pump runs on but will not draw water. I investigated for plugged aerator, plugged filter, leaking water lines, air bubble in pump head ... all to no avail. I suspect the diaphragm is torn.
Resolved
Update September 27, 2017: SHUREFLO Pump #4 was installed at Leisure Ways in Kingston, ON.
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CAMPER
Removable Window At Step-up
Incorrect Factory Installation
This literally fell out of the window frame even though the latch was secured. There was a 1/2 inch gap between the glazing and the frame completely around the window. Gasket had not been installed and insects easily gained entry to the camper. This window is intended as a secondary escape hatch to allow an individual to pass from the camper to the rear seat of the truck in an emergency.
Resolved
Gasket installed, now airtight, biting insects kept out, window can be secured.
CAMPER
Removable Window At Step-up
Incorrect Factory Installation
This literally fell out of the window frame even though the latch was secured. There was a 1/2 inch gap between the glazing and the frame completely around the window. Gasket had not been installed and insects easily gained entry to the camper. This window is intended as a secondary escape hatch to allow an individual to pass from the camper to the rear seat of the truck in an emergency.
Resolved
Gasket installed, now airtight, biting insects kept out, window can be secured.
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CAMPER
Turnbuckle Tie-downs
Low Quality Material Used
The threaded portion of this equipment is corrosive and began to show signs of rust and seizing almost immediately. The manufacturer HAPPIJAC who makes the Qwik Load turnbuckles should only be using stainless steel or chrome to assemble them.
Resolved
I ran a rubber boot made from a bicycle inner tube over all but the stainless upper handle and the lower hook.
CAMPER
Turnbuckle Tie-downs
Low Quality Material Used
The threaded portion of this equipment is corrosive and began to show signs of rust and seizing almost immediately. The manufacturer HAPPIJAC who makes the Qwik Load turnbuckles should only be using stainless steel or chrome to assemble them.
Resolved
I ran a rubber boot made from a bicycle inner tube over all but the stainless upper handle and the lower hook.
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TRUCK
Rear Suspension Leaf Springs
Inadequately Sized Leaf Pack
Rear suspension sagged 1 - 2 inches when the camper was loaded - this is with the Ford 'Camper Package' option. Ford's fault? ... hmmm, don't know, but I suspect we were just expecting too much from the factory suspension.
Resolved
Update: We installed SUPERSPRINGS at the lowest setting and the rig now rides level. Ford should modify what they consider to include in their so-called 'Camper Package'.
Update Oct 17, 2015: CANNIFTON GARAGE removed the MOE helper spring and re-installed the Supersprings at the medium setting. Apparently, the original install was done incorrectly by leaving the helper in place. Once the supersprings settled they were resting on and creating a worn down notch in the top of the helper ... in actuality, the helper was stopping the supersprings from moving as much as they should have.
Click here for details on this upgrade.
TRUCK
Rear Suspension Leaf Springs
Inadequately Sized Leaf Pack
Rear suspension sagged 1 - 2 inches when the camper was loaded - this is with the Ford 'Camper Package' option. Ford's fault? ... hmmm, don't know, but I suspect we were just expecting too much from the factory suspension.
Resolved
Update: We installed SUPERSPRINGS at the lowest setting and the rig now rides level. Ford should modify what they consider to include in their so-called 'Camper Package'.
Update Oct 17, 2015: CANNIFTON GARAGE removed the MOE helper spring and re-installed the Supersprings at the medium setting. Apparently, the original install was done incorrectly by leaving the helper in place. Once the supersprings settled they were resting on and creating a worn down notch in the top of the helper ... in actuality, the helper was stopping the supersprings from moving as much as they should have.
Click here for details on this upgrade.
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TRUCK
Battery
Stopped Holding A Charge
We called roadside assistance twice for a boost.
Resolved
Update: Replaced the original 4 year old battery with a DIEHARD 7000 / 875 cca and a good reserve capacity. No fault here, the battery was past it's serviceable life ... they just don't last like they used to.
TRUCK
Battery
Stopped Holding A Charge
We called roadside assistance twice for a boost.
Resolved
Update: Replaced the original 4 year old battery with a DIEHARD 7000 / 875 cca and a good reserve capacity. No fault here, the battery was past it's serviceable life ... they just don't last like they used to.
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TRUCK
Shock Absorbers
Ineffective - End of Service
The original shocks were never intended to handle a constant 4000# load and resulted in noticeable body sway and bounce at times.
Resolved
Update: Replaced with BILSTEIN series 5100 RV quality shocks.
Click here for details on this upgrade.
TRUCK
Shock Absorbers
Ineffective - End of Service
The original shocks were never intended to handle a constant 4000# load and resulted in noticeable body sway and bounce at times.
Resolved
Update: Replaced with BILSTEIN series 5100 RV quality shocks.
Click here for details on this upgrade.
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CAMPER
LP Detector
End Of Life or Defective?
This started going off for no reason that we could determine. Often at 10 pm or 3 am. We purchased a sniffer and searched for leaks and investigated possible battery gas leakage from the battery compartment. We finally gave up trying to determine the source of the 'problem' and pulled the fuse to disable the unit.
NOT Resolved
CAMPER
LP Detector
End Of Life or Defective?
This started going off for no reason that we could determine. Often at 10 pm or 3 am. We purchased a sniffer and searched for leaks and investigated possible battery gas leakage from the battery compartment. We finally gave up trying to determine the source of the 'problem' and pulled the fuse to disable the unit.
NOT Resolved
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CAMPER
Solar Batteries & Compartment
Poor Design & Potentially Unsafe
The solar batteries have been installed inside the camper in the step up below the bed. Access is extremely difficult, the two battery covers are tightly secured, there is little room for manoeuvring the batteries around. The batteries should be removed for winter storage, but seemingly? ... this needs to be done without moving the slide and ... well the slide operates better with the electricity the batteries provide. It seems that Lance expects the slide to be left 'IN', the batteries somehow removed from this location and then awkwardly slid along the floor and underneath the slide, one at a time. Additionally, the Power Converter electrical panel has been mounted inside the battery compartment ... something the manufacturer of the device stipulates, 'Should NOT Be Done' due to potential sparking, ignition and fire danger.
CAMPER
Solar Batteries & Compartment
Poor Design & Potentially Unsafe
The solar batteries have been installed inside the camper in the step up below the bed. Access is extremely difficult, the two battery covers are tightly secured, there is little room for manoeuvring the batteries around. The batteries should be removed for winter storage, but seemingly? ... this needs to be done without moving the slide and ... well the slide operates better with the electricity the batteries provide. It seems that Lance expects the slide to be left 'IN', the batteries somehow removed from this location and then awkwardly slid along the floor and underneath the slide, one at a time. Additionally, the Power Converter electrical panel has been mounted inside the battery compartment ... something the manufacturer of the device stipulates, 'Should NOT Be Done' due to potential sparking, ignition and fire danger.
Update October 12, 2014: We wrote a letter to LANCE CAMPERS requesting solutions to this problem. They are aware of the design flaw with the battery compartment and are addressing it with next years 855s model by providing an exterior battery jump point at the rear of the camper. They assured us that once the batteries are covered inside the compartment there is no danger of spark ignition due to close proximity to the Power Converter. None of this really helps us ... we will eventually replace the batteries with AGM's and try and improve the compartment layout ourselves. We won't purchase another Lance product.
Resolved
Update May 4, 2016: We replaced the solar batteries with (2) EXIDE Group 31, Megacycle AGM 200, model XMC-31, 925 cca @ 0 degrees F.
Click here for some detail on this upgrade.
2015
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CAMPER
Kitchen Sink Tap
Damaged: Winter 2015
Tap control arm won't secure to the tap stem, set screw stripped.
Resolved
Update July 31, 2015: I was able to replace the set screw with one that was not stripped and tighten the control arm stem.
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CAMPER
Solar Motion Light
Damaged: Winter 2015
The small solar panel mounted at top-rear-left camper corner was torn off, probably by some low tree branches.
CAMPER
Solar Motion Light
Damaged: Winter 2015
The small solar panel mounted at top-rear-left camper corner was torn off, probably by some low tree branches.
Resolved
Update July 10, 2015: New panel was installed and I rigged up a metal guard to protect the panel from being dislodged.
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TRUCK
Rear Anti-Sway Bar
Inadequate
The original equipment was not effective with this top heavy camper load and sway was not being controlled.
Resolved
Update July 2015: Replaced with a HELLWIG Big Wig rear anti-sway bar.
Click here for details on this upgrade.
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CAMPER
Dinette Upholstery
Poor Quality Materials
After approximately 200 nights in the camper, the dinette upholstery started to fall apart and became uncomfortable to sit on. The seat foam had flattened out by the half way point of our 2014/2015 trip to Florida. The seam stitching began to unravel and we temporarily duct taped it together.
TRUCK
Rear Anti-Sway Bar
Inadequate
The original equipment was not effective with this top heavy camper load and sway was not being controlled.
Resolved
Update July 2015: Replaced with a HELLWIG Big Wig rear anti-sway bar.
Click here for details on this upgrade.
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CAMPER
Dinette Upholstery
Poor Quality Materials
After approximately 200 nights in the camper, the dinette upholstery started to fall apart and became uncomfortable to sit on. The seat foam had flattened out by the half way point of our 2014/2015 trip to Florida. The seam stitching began to unravel and we temporarily duct taped it together.
Resolved
Update July 27, 2015: New dinette cushions by MORGAN UPHOLSTERY, Gananoque ON.
Click here for some details on this upgrade.
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CAMPER
Battery Disconnect Switch
Defective: July 22, 2015
The switch is used to shut power off to the camper's interior which is provided by the (2) camper batteries. If the switch is left open while the camper is not being moved, there can be a slow drain on the batteries. This pull on/push off switch seems to work sometimes. We are afraid that it will eventually stop working and will be in the closed position when it does.
Resolved
Update July 29, 2015: New battery disconnect switch installed and electrical checked for parasitic drain; none found.
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CAMPER
TV Video Mode
Defective: August 28, 2015
Five minutes into watching a DVD and we got the message 'No Signal' on the TV screen. On investigation, the yellow ended RCA plug was broken ... the male part had lost it's metal sleeve and eventually the remaining plastic just broke off.
Resolved
Update October, 2015: Repair made at a Kingston auto electronics shop.
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2016
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CAMPER
Backup Camera
Defective: June 12, 2016
No video signal.
NOT Resolved
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CAMPER
Hot Water Tank
Defective: June 20, 2016
We
have wrestled with a hot water tank leak since the drive on the
Trans-Labrador Highway in the Fall of 2015. It initially became apparent
as a pump that cycled on when it shouldn't have needed to. In
hindsight, I suspect now that a minor leak in a plumbing fitting at the
tank was the reason for the pump coming on. A small amount of water
collecting in the HW tank cabinet became a larger amount and then a
significant leak. Attempts at sealing the leak with epoxy, in a
confined, tight, restricted area were unsucsessful. Eventually, we
called in the proffessionals at Philmar RV Repair in Whitehorse.
The
area that I had to work in was quite difficult. I tried a combination
of mirrors and lights to focus on an area that was quite tight to
access. In the end, technicians needed to shut the water off, disconnect
water/electrical/gas lines, remove the tank and re-plumb a couple of
poorly done connections.
Resolved
Update August 2, 2016: Repair made by PHILMAR RV, Whitehorse, YT. A choice of inferior materials by the manufacturer ATWOOD and a lack of care by the technician that completed the plumbing was the cause of our problem. An original, thin-walled aluminum connector had split and was replaced with a brass fitting; as was a second fitting, installed with the same materials that we suspected would also eventually fail in the same manner.
Update August 2, 2016: Repair made by PHILMAR RV, Whitehorse, YT. A choice of inferior materials by the manufacturer ATWOOD and a lack of care by the technician that completed the plumbing was the cause of our problem. An original, thin-walled aluminum connector had split and was replaced with a brass fitting; as was a second fitting, installed with the same materials that we suspected would also eventually fail in the same manner.
Click here for the details of this repair.
Philmar RV repair, removed the tank and replaced the plastic fittings with brass, installed a new, non-corrosive anode, redid all gas and plumbing connections, flushed and cleaned the tank and pressure tested it. In summary, they used materials that should have been installed by the manufacturer in the first place.
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2017
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TRUCK
Tires
End of Service @ 48k
The 275/70R18 Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 2 has a diameter of 33.2", a width of 10.8", mounts on a 18" rim and has 626 revolutions per mile. It weighs 52 lbs, has a max load of 3640 lbs, a maximum air pressure of 80 psi, a tread depth of 15/32" and should be used on a rim width of 7-8.5".
Resolved
Update July 27, 2017: Installed NITTO Ridge Grappler 295/70R18. The 295/70R18 Nitto Ridge Grappler has a diameter of 34.29", a width of 11.77", mounts on a 18" rim and has 606 revolutions per mile. It weighs 69.4 lbs, has a max load of 4080/3750 lbs, a maximum air pressure of 80 psi, a tread depth of 16.4/32" and should be used on a rim width of 7.5-10".
TRUCK
Supersprings
Became Ineffective
Supersprings model ss13, were installed in June 2014, in an attempt to strengthen LOAF's rear suspension. After driving an additional 50,000 kms, we noticed they 'appeared to have lost their effectiveness' and we weren't sure why?
Resolved
Update October 26, 2017: It was decided, to rebuild the rear suspension by adding 2 new leafs to LOAF's original spring pack (with lower helper spring) and to re-install the original upper helper spring that had been removed in the past to accommodate the supersprings installation.
Click here for the details of this upgrade.
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2018
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