changing My Own Oil on 2003 Brave?

rv-time · 06-09-2009, 07:40 AM

As a newbie I'm looking for information on changing my own oil on my 2003 Brave 32N Workhorse.

Any directions or recommendations. A local RV service quoted $99 for a change with oil and filter.

Thanks for any info...
Jim

Clay L · 06-09-2009, 08:16 AM

It's really an easy thing to do since there is a lot of room under there.

I use a plastic bag around the filter when I remove it to catch the oil that always wants to run down my arm.

I do a lube job at the same time. I have 13 grease fittings total. My 2004 WH does not have the bell crank tube fitting yet or I would have 14. I think they stared installing that fitting in 2004 or so.

I like the pistol grip grease guns better than the other type and find that a flexible hose on the gun is a necessity.

RVThere · 06-09-2009, 11:31 AM

Jim,

I also changed the oil very easily for 5 years when I had my 2003 Suncruiser with a Workhorse. Use a high quality filter (Wix) and high quality synthetic oil (Mobil 1 or Amsoil). Use the money you save in labor to buy better oil and filter and still have money left over to take Carol out to dinner!

Run the engine for a few minutes before you drain to make sure all the crap is suspended in the oil and drains out.

depchief · 06-10-2009, 07:49 PM

Very easy job on the Workhorse. I use synthetic oil 5/30, 1 quart oil filter, good brand as mentioned above. The plastic bag on the filter and I use a plastic bag in the drain pan for easier clean up.(an old plastic dish pan), 15 mm combination wrench.
You might find the pan nut is very tight, take a longer lever under with you.
I have found that the bigger 5 quart oil containers are not easy to use when replacing the oil.
The 1 quart oil filter will mean you will use 7 full quarts.

Good luck you just saved some money

stubeje · 06-10-2009, 07:53 PM

Been changing my own oil everytime since new. For more room I run the coach up on the jacks. Mobile 1 in Engine and tranny.

Olive · 06-11-2009, 06:47 PM

I had a 1998 Adventurer I changed the oil on from new until I sold it in early 2008. Like the others have said it's an easy job, Easier for me than you guys cause I'm a little thing and could pretty much sit up under there to work on it.

I also lubed it.

I haven't tackled the diesel yet. It needed other things each time oil change due so I've let Freightliner do it but one of these days I will start doing it.

Dmiles · 06-11-2009, 08:46 PM

Just do it dude. Compared to the family sedan, you could have a party under there.

My local shop charges $150, and I see them get it from someone everytime I'm there, even company delivery trucks...same price. Most guys complain a little, but rationalize it most saying they just don't have enough time. I really kind of enjoy doing it, but if you held a gun to my head I couldn't name one American Idol winner, or one person that got kicked off the island so to each his own I guess.