Oil change interval

[tomv]

I have a Class A 2010 Fleetwood Terra on a workhorse chassis 22w. Just got the oil changed for the second time (at 5600 miles on the odometer) the problem I have is that it barely fits in the bay where I have the oil changed requiring me to remove the Mirrors to get it in. The first time I had it changed I used regular oil 5W 30 this time the guy who I know seeing the trouble we had getting the RV into the bay recommended I go to full synthetic oil. I have been changing the oil every 3,000 miles and he felt I could go 4,500 miles between changes using full synthetic. Financially it is cheaper to use the synthetic and change every 4,500 miles plus it is a more convenient. What does everyone think?

[Mr_D]

You might investigate having oil analysis done. That will let you know if the oil needs changing or not.
Cummins (I know you have a WorkHorse) says you can't extend the change interval just by changing to synthetic oil, you also have to do oil analysis if you want to try that.

[wildtoad]

Somewhere in all the literature you got with the MH you should have a chassis owners manual which will tell you how often to change the oil. The 3,000 mile myth has long been debunked as a sales pitch by oil change companies. Modern engines and oil result in the ability to go much longer between changes. Do what the manual says but I also suspect the mechanic is right.

[jcthorne]

I suggest an oil pan and a cressent wrench and crawl under to do the oil change rather than remove mirrors to bring it in a door that does not fit.

The synthetics are good for the engine and oil analysis will tell you exactly how good the oil is. For a motor home that sits alot, at least annual changes would still be a good idea.

[jfran304]

Personally I have switched to Mobil 1, 10w30, fully synthetic Extended Mileage and I change my oil between 5k to 7k miles.

I have also switched to the larger capacity oil filter. (The Advance Auto Parts web site does not list the Workhorse but this is the filter I use.)

Buy Bosch Distance Plus High-Performance Oil Filter D3322 at Advance Auto Parts

Jon

[njs42]

Check the manufacturers reccomendation for oil changes, you will be surprised I am sure. Most RV driving is done at highway speeds a situation that gets you the maximum out of your oil----much more than cross town, constant idling etc; I do not remember the interval off hand and my rig (same chasis and engine) is in storage right now.

I guess I agree that changing your own oil would be just as much bother as removing your mirrors---so why not?

The 3000 mile oil change was in vogue when cars only ran for 100,000 miles, FDR was president and gas was 23 cents a gallon------new oil, new cars, new expectations.

[777Rich]

I have a W22 Workhorse 2004, the owners guide has change at 7500, however the workhouse custom chassis guide on the workhorse web site states 3000.

I am also wonder and plan to use 5000 as the point. Unless I will be traveling when that magic number arrives and in that case plan to change regardless of milage before departure.

[dieselclacker]

Rich777,

I have a 2004 W-22 also, and have been using 5000 oil change interval since new, except for the first change, which the dealer did for free. I now have 43k miles no problems. I use Mobil-1 10W/30 year round. I do my own oil changes, and have yet to change the oil in the middle of a trip also.

Dieselclacker

[max49]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomv the problem I have is that it barely fits in the bay where I have the oil changed requiring me to remove the Mirrors to get it in.

I'd find a shade tree to do it under than take the mirrors off
The MH has to be about the easiest vehicle I've owned to change the oil.

[Dave Leeper]

Is there anyone who changes there engine oil by engine hours instead of mileage??

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Leeper Is there anyone who changes there engine oil by engine hours instead of mileage??

Yes; My Generator has an hour meter.