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Basil Shannon · 02-02-2007, 09:54 AM

Greetings from Casa Grande, AZ

My 2006 Apex owner's manual says I should change the TranSynd transmission fluid every 25,000 miles. The Allison owner's manual calls for changing fluid every 75,000 miles or 3 years for severe vocation or 150,000 miles or 48 months for general vocation.

What is the collective wisdom out there as to what the interval should be?

Basil Shannon · 02-02-2007, 09:54 AM

Greetings from Casa Grande, AZ

My 2006 Apex owner's manual says I should change the TranSynd transmission fluid every 25,000 miles. The Allison owner's manual calls for changing fluid every 75,000 miles or 3 years for severe vocation or 150,000 miles or 48 months for general vocation.

What is the collective wisdom out there as to what the interval should be?

EngineerMike · 02-02-2007, 10:35 AM

Not prominent in the lit is a filter change at the 5000 mile mark. Country Coach Showcase in Rocklin, CA mentioned it while I was getting some warranty work done & I looked it up and sure enough...

As to interval, I'd say not more than 4 years so as to avoid warranty issues on a new coach. As to the old oil, on the
Yahoo Diesel Pusher Newsgroup recently there was an interesting discussion about blending the used oil into your fuel tank. An interesting thought at today's prices for fuel. 'Course at today's prices for an engine... hmmm

Wayne R · 02-02-2007, 11:02 AM

I was told at Cummins NW that the 25,000 service is just filters and the fluid required to bring it back up to proper level. I questioned the mechanic and he said he pulled it up on the computer.

OldForester · 02-02-2007, 05:04 PM

I take my coach to Cummins NW and they said it's filters at 5,000 miles (a $300 experience), filters again at 25,000 miles, and fluid change at 50,000 miles. Filters are somewhat optional at 25,000 if you do them at 5,000 miles, but why take the risk?

Old Scout · 02-03-2007, 05:42 AM

Morning Basil--Greetings from South Texas,

Since Cummins really aint in the transmission business, I went to Steward Stevenson to get the scoop on Transynd (my 2003 came with reg fluid). According to them, the 5000 mile change out is probably a waste of time and $. Any dirt from assembly (WRV not Allison), or subsequent gear grindings will be trapped in the primary/permemant screen and will never get to the filters--so its you money, go for it!

Second thought was that for recreational use, total miles and wear/tear is not the issue, time/age is (like our tires). Therefore, regardless of miles (unless you manage to actually put 150K on the vehicle), just change filters at 2 years (top off fluid) and change both at 4 years. Other than "superior lubrication" it makes you wonder whether transyd is really worth the added cost).

Beside Basil, you guys will have a new coach before either of these events come up anyway (smile)

Take care

dean and jan

Basil Shannon · 02-05-2007, 04:12 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Beside Basil, you guys will have a new coach before either of these events come up anyway (smile) </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Ok Dean, you got me there. We kept the 2001 40' FDSS for only a year (holding tanks full?), the 2003 38'FDTS for 3 years and have now been in the 2006 Apex 40' FDQS for a year & 18,000 miles now. Great coach but short on CCC for full timers. We hope that a 42' or even a 45' tag Peak chassis will appear before I have to change the transmission fluid in this coach.

NOTHING DRIVES LIKE AN ALPINE!

Mike & Nancy · 02-05-2007, 05:08 AM

Hi Basil........Hope you and other Apex owners pass on your concern and desire for more CCC's. The "Focus Group" (Gail Stacy) should have this info. I known there are alot of Alpine Owners and wantabees that are concerned about the lower CCC's....Me for one. Like you said "Nothing Drives like an Alpine".

One of the main reasons we bought an Alpine was Chassis and the considerable CCC's. Now after 2 years of ownership we would like to move up 40 footer....Hopefully new owners of WRV will address this issue along with other suggestions made on this forum. I think Gail Stacy is really trying to get good owner input inorder to make a great MH even better. My .02 cents worth

gator67 · 02-05-2007, 08:34 AM

I never minded revealing my ignorance... what is "CCC"?

Basil Shannon · 02-05-2007, 08:50 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">what is "CCC"? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Cargo Carrying Capacity. Look on the weights placard, usually on the inside of a cabinet door.

swansnest · 02-05-2007, 09:45 PM

Basil - WRV chart says change the "fluid" at 5K which is crazy - Only the filter needs changing at 5K and then again at 25K since the Apex was "built" with Trans-Syn in it. On my '03, I had Alyson/Cummins NW change my fluid at 25K to Trans-Syn and they said at that time that I didn't need to do it again until 150K miles. I won't even think about changing mine until I have at least 125K miles on it. I am a firm believer in the value of Trans-Syn!

I did have the grease in my differential changed at 7K miles to remove all of the metal shavings from manufacturing and breaking the rear-end in! I shouldn't ever have to do it againn

Just thought I would add my 2c worth!
Tris