,
I purchased a tune from 5 Star Tuning to update the truck. In discussions track side with another V10 owner, he was quite pleased with how a tune, headers, and exhaust had improved his truck. From online forums I read how the tune was the most significant upgrade of the three items and, regarding 5 Star tuning, everyone complimented them on their tune, service, and ongoing support. With a limited budget, I passed on the exhaust upgrades and ordered the 5 Star Tuning system.
5 Star Tuning has an incredible online reputation. They personally drive RVs with Ford V10s. They were the place to go for an RV tune. Typically you get only one tune for an RV – tailored for the setup of your vehicle.Shipping was quick and no issues. Detailed instructions were included, as well as an SCT X4 Power Flash that was updated with the latest SCT software as well as the tune for my RV. RV’s typically get one 5 Star tune, whereas a pickup truck you would have more choices (economy, towing, performance, etc.). With an RV it is already a tow tune, performance is not usually a focal point, and economy – well, this is an RV. I let 5 Star Tuning know that apart from a K&N filter that my RV was stock. The tune is setup for your specific truck and the modifications that you have put in place. Installing the tune was simple and takes very little time. Plug into the OBDII port and follow the instructions. With that done I took the RV on a four and a half hour test drive to Watkins Glen International Raceway and back for a ChumpCar weekend. The van was flawless. It was almost ready for our trip out west. Phase 1 complete.
Bug spatter! When you're heading out on a long trip, wax your vehicle. That will make cleaning up a bit easier. Our RV was a literal bug smorgasborg anytime we stopped. We laughed at RVs in campgrounds without a bug on them – Garage Queens!Basic maintenance was a must. Oil and filter change was completed with Amsoil Signature Series 5W-30 motor oil and an Amsoil EA oil filter – both rated for 25,000 miles so well beyond the limits of this trip. While changing oil on an RV is a snap due to the high ground clearance (no jack required), I had no interest in having to change oil part way. For about four years now I have used Amsoil Signature Series in all of my street vehicles (well, my Mazda RX-8 still gets dino oil). I stowed a partial gallon of oil just for safety sake – and sold it on the return trip to a traveller in a VW Vanagon whose diesel engine was alerting him to dangerously low oil levels. He checked the Internet to confirm it would work in his little diesel and then, five dollars later, headed off on his journey. I hope he made it!
There are so many scenic spots to enjoy between Banff, Alberta and Jasper, Alberta. In addition to the official lookouts, sometimes it was necessary to stop on the roadside to take in the view. We'd climb onto the roof to enhance the view; here we climbed the hillside.The lifetime K&N filter was easy to service and I had the K&N cleaning/oiling kit with me so that I could do another service at the half-way point if needed. The transmission fluid has been changed and updated with Amsoil ATF – 18 quarts of it. The differential has been drained and Amsoil Severe Gear 75 150 has been installed. I just happened to have some on the shelf, as I switched from 75 150 to Severe Gear 250 in my Nissan – outlined in Search for Traction.
To change the differential lube the entire back of the 2000 E450's differential must be removed. While I wished there was a drain plug, this gave me a great opportunity to see the inside – which looked great to my untrained eye. It also gave the opportunity to sop up the last bit of fluid before applying some RTF and then bolting it back together. I let it dry for several hours before adding the Amsoil Severe Gear lube.
