pallikas

Another important item, if your state requires a higher level/class of driver's license for diesel, take the time to get it ASAP. North Carolina requires it for any vehicle over 26,000 lbs, and/or air brakes. In our litigious society, the last thing you want is to be sued over the technicality that you had the wrong license class, regardless of fault. Also, my state Class B test is very informative in the above mentioned pre checks, and functions of the air brake system. Ditto on the draining of the air system, and also always check for water in the fuel/water separating filter. As for the turning, with the wheels behind you: easily mastered, after a little practice, but fun to watch the other drivers face, as you make a turn towards them, while rounding corners!

I bought my first RV two years ago, a 36-foot Winnebago diesel, and after NEVER driving an RV before, felt very comfortable after just one road trip. The biggest difference is that with an exhaust brake, you will learn to anticipate your stops, let the Jake brake do the work, and just use the service brakes to come to a full stop. Other than that, it is a pleasure, compared to my friends' gas, as the engine is in the rear, so the cockpit is quiet. Also, when sleeping while boondocking, the genset is in the front, so the bedroom is much quieter than gas. Other than that, it is all about the maintenance, more oil, and a filter/desiccant on the air brake line, that needs to be changed every three years. Also, the diesel is more sensitive to the cleanliness of the air filter and fuel filter(s). Relax and Enjoy the air suspension ride!

I have a 2000 Ford Excursion, and had the same issue. In my vehicle it is located on top of the rear differential on the driver's side. Just disconnect the wire, remove and replace it with a wrench. Part cost me about $81 at Ford. I would bet that the F53 chassis is the same set up.

My manual says clearly to not lift the wheels of the ground with the jacks. Although it does not say why, I assume the stress on the jacks and the loss of the braking action on the rear wheels. Specifically, it says to dump the air from the air springs BEFORE leveling. This gives you a lower starting point, so the jacks don't have to extend as far.

One thing that I found with the cabinets was to buy and install additional snap catches on the doors. Effectively doubling up the holding capacity of the doors. They were $0.98 each at the local home depot, and really keeps the doors tight. Also, got the dish holders from Camping world, which stack the plates and hold them, with a neoprene bottom. Using Correlle dishes, they stack tighter and do not rattle.