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WFDolde · 05-25-2016, 05:05 PM

Have a new 2016 Tiffin Phaeton with a Cummins ISL 8.9L engine with 380 hp.
Have less than 2000 miles but it is six month old. The maintenance schedule indicates 20,000 miles or 6 months.

Can anyone tell me if it is necessary to have your oil changed at the six month interval to keep your warranty? Also would appreciate any info on the cost for this bad boys oil change and any recommendations for who is best to provide this service.

I had a 2015 Tiffin 36LA gas model and I did my own oil changes. I found the 6.8L V10 gas engine to be very easy to change oil and filter. Wondering if it is practical to change your own oil and filter on the Cummins ISL 8.9L engine

Thanks for any feed back!

Mr_D · 05-25-2016, 05:22 PM

Sure just as easy, just more oil and bigger filter.

vsheetz · 05-25-2016, 05:32 PM

If there is a Speedco in your area or travel plan they can be a good option.

Old Scout · 05-25-2016, 05:39 PM

Don't think the OP is asking about how or where--he wants to know when????? Unless there is a special case for the first oil change--eg, engine break-in time, the usual thought on this is 15k miles or one year. Newer engines may have 18 or 20k mileage limits but for most RVers, time and not mileage is the key factor. Again, most folks I know, change oil annually, regardless of mileage.....travel safe.....

vsheetz · 05-25-2016, 05:50 PM

Ah, right you are. This was discussed at Camp Freightliner. By the book, first change is at six months. But in reality most folks are doing first change at one year. I would do it at one year. I change all low mileage/usage engines at one year in my birthday month - Jeep, old pickup truck, lawn tractor, Motorhome, generators, etc.

luvlabs · 05-26-2016, 08:40 AM

To maintain your warranty, you need to change it at 6 months and 1 year during the first year. You can go to once a year or 15,000 miles after that. Normally at six months, you get your oil changed, chassis serviced, lots of things checked and adjusted on the chassis and so on. I would also suggest you get your differential oil changed as well.

And you need to start driving it more. 2000 miles in six months of ownership is just sad.

WFDolde · 05-29-2016, 11:11 AM

Never had heard of Speedco. Googled and found that we have one in San Antonio. I called them and they were very friendly. They wanted me to bring my own filters but wanted to provide the oil which was not he Cummins recommended product. Asked if I could bring my own oil and they were fine with it. So they seem to be very accommodating.
I just wanted to thank you for the great advise.

Steve Ownby · 05-29-2016, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WFDolde

Never had heard of Speedco. Googled and found that we have one in San Antonio. I called them and they were very friendly. They wanted me to bring my own filters but wanted to provide the oil which was not he Cummins recommended product. Asked if I could bring my own oil and they were fine with it. So they seem to be very accommodating.
I just wanted to thank you for the great advise.

What product does Cummins recommend? Speedco generally will have Shell Rotella T 15/40 which is an API CJ4 oil. Most widely used diesel oil in the country. I'm sure it meets specs. I have always found Speedco to be a great value and to do a good job. I was recently reported that Speedco's policy had changed. It has been ok with them for the customer to go down into the service pit. Report was that this practice is now forbidden. Your mission is to ask & report back.

As to your other question; it's easy to change oil/filter on a diesel. You just must be prepared for more used oil. A diesel chassis will also have many grease zirks.

curtsr · 05-29-2016, 07:27 PM

Just brought my 2016 Phaeton in for 6 month service, has 6300 miles. I went to local Freightliner dealer with the chassis manual checklist and had them do all items on the list. Cost $580 but gave me piece of mind that all is well after 6 months. Could have done it myself and saved receipts for warranty but wanted Freightliner to give it a good checkout the first time.

skypilot_1 · 05-30-2016, 10:47 AM

For an ILS, Speedco charges $175 for Rotella T. And $235 for Rotella T5. Which includes chassis lub. They will include the genny for additional charge. FL most have done a lot more on the "check list".

jwomack · 06-03-2016, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WFDolde

Never had heard of Speedco. Googled and found that we have one in San Antonio. I called them and they were very friendly. They wanted me to bring my own filters but wanted to provide the oil which was not he Cummins recommended product. Asked if I could bring my own oil and they were fine with it. So they seem to be very accommodating.
I just wanted to thank you for the great advise.

In the San Antonio area you can call Richard at Mobile RV Lube. He will come to your location and do complete lube service on engine and/or generator. He uses Cummins/Onan filters and recommended oil. I don't remember the exact cost, but my last one was around $700 for engine, generator, and a new air filter (about $200 filter cost). Phone # is (866) 785-8237.

They also have a representative in the Houston area and the DFW area.

skypilot_1 · 06-03-2016, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwomack

In the San Antonio area you can call Richard at Mobile RV Lube. He will come to your location and do complete lube service on engine and/or generator. He uses Cummins/Onan filters and recommended oil. I don't remember the exact cost, but my last one was around $700 for engine, generator, and a new air filter (about $200 filter cost). Phone # is (866) 785-8237.

They also have a representative in the Houston area and the DFW area.

Will he drop your oil in an RV park ? Wonder who is responsible for any ecological disasters, you or him.

twinboat · 06-03-2016, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skypilot_1

Will he drop your oil in an RV park ? Wonder who is responsible for any ecological disasters, you or him.

An ecological disaster ?

A five gallon spill isn't even a reportable amount.

Many mobile service trucks suck the oil out into onboard tanks.

I would also think the mobil service truck would be equipped with a spill kit and if it did happen, would simply clean it up.

jwomack · 06-03-2016, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skypilot_1

Will he drop your oil in an RV park ? Wonder who is responsible for any ecological disasters, you or him.

He did mine at Johnson Creek RV in Ingram. The Houston rep did a Pheaton at the storage facility where I keep my coach. I did not see a drop spilled at either location. They are very thorough and conscientious.