Oil And Filter changes

[Davenlsn]

I have a question for you Alpine owners:
How many of you change your own Oil , Filters, and Fuel Filters?
I used to do my own on the gas motor-homes we had in the past.
I decided to have it done by a shop and got the bill and had the hicups.
First was a $95.00 Oil Filter. Second was $5.99 quart of oil (times 28)=$167.75
Third $135.00 labor.
$95
$167.75
D/Fee$1.50
total $399.25
tax $37.78
TOTAL $437.03

Does that seem like a fair price for an oil change?

[KIX]

Originally Posted by Davenlsn

Does that seem like a fair price for an oil change?

Fair price? No, but ............
Take a look at a Fumoto oil drain valve to replace the plug in the oil pan on your engine. It makes oil changes a whole lot easier. There are some tricks to changing the filter too without spilling oil.

[Mr_D]

That's one of the reasons I do as much of my own work as I possibly can plus I know it's done right! And if it isn't I know where the culprit lives!

[LETMGROW]

Originally Posted by Davenlsn

I have a question for you Alpine owners:
How many of you change your own Oil , Filters, and Fuel Filters?
I used to do my own on the gas motor-homes we had in the past.
I decided to have it done by a shop and got the bill and had the hicups.
First was a $95.00 Oil Filter. Second was $5.99 quart of oil (times 28)=$167.75
Third $135.00 labor.
$95
$167.75
D/Fee$1.50
total $399.25
tax $37.78
TOTAL $437.03

Does that seem like a fair price for an oil change?

I think that is a great price. (for Me) PM me and I will make an appointment for you at my shop and offer a first time customer discount of 10%. Plus I will wash the windshield, check all fluid levels and replenish them. Check all lights, tires, hoses and belts and lube the door and hood hinges.
A small charge for extra fluids would apply.
Lynn

[lanerd]

The only filter that would cost that much is the air filter. Oil and the two fuel filters would only be in the $30 range...+ or - a few bucks...certainly not $95.

I get my oil from Walmart in 2ea 2.5 gal (@$34 ea) and 2 ea 1 gal (@$13 ea....add that up, it's 28 quarts), for about $100 bucks (depends upon tax). I usually get my filters at a rv rally where Freightliner has a parts trailer and being in the Freightline club, I get a 10% discount. Every little bit helps. The generator takes 6 quarts (I think) plus an oil, fuel, and air filter. So that also adds a few bucks to the equation.

Labor is getting more expensive every day. If this amount is eating at you (giving you hic-ups), best you learn to do the normal maintenance yourself.

Fumoto valve for both your engine and generator is a great idea...makes life so much simpler.

Ron

[Old Scout]

Price vary across the country, and from shop to shop but going rate for items--in my opinion: oil filter $40-45; no mention of fuel filter price but $30-35; labor $125 /hour; oil $4-4.50 per gal.....How about greasing drive line and suspension, and checking fluids?
PS-- most 2003s [400 ISL] dont like more than about 26 qrts of oil--otherwise, increased blow-by.

[tiredvet]

Originally Posted by Old Scout

Price vary across the country, and from shop to shop but going rate for items--in my opinion: oil filter $40-45; no mention of fuel filter price but $30-35; labor $125 /hour; oil $4-4.50 per gal.....How about greasing drive line and suspension, and checking fluids?
PS-- most 2003s [400 ISL] dont like more than about 26 qrts of oil--otherwise, increased blow-by.

Good advise OS.If the OP has the 350 ISC it takes 22 qrts of oil with filter.

[Old Scout]

OOPS--I meant to say $4-4.50 a qrt for oil, depending on brand--synthetic, something over $6.00 per qrt, or more.....
PS--have to assume since they got 28 qrt in--it must be an ISL 400--I sure hope so.

[D Lindy]

Did you take your coach to a factory authorized (i.e. Cummins) service center? If so look around for an independent truck service center. Here in western NY, I have my 8.9ISL Cummins serviced - oil, oil filter, fuel filter, chassis lube, and NY State inspection for around $225. I use Dino oil, can't see the need for the $$$ Synthetic being as most Dino's are part synthetic anyway.

[Davenlsn]

I took my coach to an independent garage. No fuel filters were changed just the oil filter. They did use Delo 15-40 oil and yes I have an ISL 400. My coach only has 22570 miles, I also noticed on the sticker he put on my windshield they wanted to see me again in 5000 miles or 5 months to take another pile of my hard earned cash. I was to the understanding 1 year or 12,000 miles.

[lanerd]

Originally Posted by Davenlsn

I took my coach to an independent garage. No fuel filters were changed just the oil filter. They did use Delo 15-40 oil and yes I have an ISL 400. My coach only has 22570 miles, I also noticed on the sticker he put on my windshield they wanted to see me again in 5000 miles or 5 months to take another pile of my hard earned cash. I was to the understanding 1 year or 12,000 miles.

I change all the filters (except air) along with the oil, every year before I put it away for the winter. I only put about 3000 to 4000 miles a year on it...no where close to the mfg'ers recommended mileage limit.

Your independent garage is looking to help lighten the load in your wallet.

Ron

[wolfe10]

Go by Cummins oil change interval advice. For most ISL's:

15,000 miles or one year.

Just check the Cummins engine manual for your year model engine.

Brett
2003 Alpine 38FDDS

[Mule Skinner]

Camping world. Around $275.00 semi synthetic
Oil and oil filter. They also hit all grease fittings. Generator adds $100.
I make an appointment for first thing in the morning so I can sit in the coach and wait.
A lot of oil to deal with at the house.

[Old Scout]

WOW, Camping World--probably not my first choice for service....