Community Forums

Flutterby760 · 09-15-2009, 11:49 PM

I am a relatively new owner of a 2005 Damon Challenger. I am probably overdue on Lube, Oil & Filter change. My question is whether I should be going to a Ford dealer (which our nearby dealer advertises that he services Ford Chassis Motor Homes, or go to the local RV dealer who also advertises he supports Damon Motor Homes. My coach has the Ford V-10 gasser. Distance to dealers is almost identical, so not an issue. If there are other options (other than Do It Yourself) I would like to hear them also.
Appreciate your advice.
Rich

Route 66 · 09-16-2009, 05:25 AM

I would always go the Ford dealer.

They are geared for Ford work and the RV dealer is geared for RV work.

I believe any work done at one Ford dealer will be warranted by any other Ford dealer.

Richard S. · 09-16-2009, 06:22 AM

Just call your Ford service center to make sure they can handle your coach.

Hikerdogs · 09-16-2009, 08:01 AM

We always take our coach to the Ford truck dealer for chassis related service. We know they'll have all the parts and experienced technicians.

Even when it was under warranty the Dealer told us they would have to farm out some AC work to the local Ford dealer. I called Winnebago and explained the situation. Winnebago advised me to take it to the Ford dealer.

DriVer · 09-16-2009, 08:04 PM

I would take my motorhome to the Ford Truck Repair Center in a heartbeat compared to taking it to an RV dealer.

That said there are many independent RV type service centers like our sponsor Brazels and Redlands RV that accomplish excellent work on motorhomes.

**NLOVNIT** · 09-16-2009, 08:28 PM

Another vote for going with the Ford dealer, they have the techs that know that chassis. Plus, even though the RV dealer advertises they support your brand of MH, they might not do chassis work. Our dealer handles all work on our coach EXCEPT the chassis. For that, they send us to the local Ford truck garage.

Lori-

John Mo · 09-17-2009, 01:02 PM

I think most RV dealers don't want to deal with chassis issues. I'm not sure if mine would even do an oil change. If you have a Ford dealer nearby who can handle RVs (and you should call ahead and check), that's going to be preferable.

Flutterby760 · 09-17-2009, 11:31 PM

Thanks for all the replies. I appreciate you taking the time. I will call my Ford Dealer tomorrow and check on an appointment.

Rich
2005 Damon Challenger

Ernie n Tara · 11-12-2009, 10:19 AM

FWIW I use the local Quiklube for oil and filter changes (not for repair work). The cost w/ Mobile one 5W20 is on the close order of $160 for oil filters and lube for the both genset and vehicle. I suspect that ford will approach twice this. One caveat; I am experienced with vehicle repair (I used to own a service station - even worked on a couple of MH's).
Ernie

John Mo · 11-12-2009, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ernie n Tara

FWIW I use the local Quiklube for oil and filter changes (not for repair work). The cost w/ Mobile one 5W20 is on the close order of $160 for oil filters and lube for the both genset and vehicle. I suspect that ford will approach twice this.

WOW! I'm saving a lot more money than I thought on oil changes. All told I can do engine and generator for the cost of oil and filters -- probably $50-$60 using Mobil 1.

Not a Clue · 11-12-2009, 11:22 AM

For oil changes and lube I use an independent Fleet shop. They have been in business for 25 years and they check everything when I bring it in. Cheaper and easlier than taking it to the dealer. They also recommended a good tire place to get my tires balanced and aligned.

EngineerMike · 11-12-2009, 12:13 PM

The level of service at most local mom & pop places that do a specialty in RVs will be better than most RV or Ford dealerships. This is a generalization, so it is only usually true.

RV dealers are in business to sell RVs. Service is second almost always. There are a very few notable exceptions I've found (deMartini's in Grass Valley, CA spings to mind, where the service business is a related but separately run show).

Ford dealers have automotive tech's whose idea of cleanliness isn't my wife's idea, so as soon as a greasy-booted tech steps foot into our coach, there's gunna be trouble. Future Ford's Fleet Service Center in Roseville, CA comes to mind, and they say they do RV service all the time. They bent the screen door latch, greased the carpet & steps, and overfilled the crankcase. Sloppy service, performed in a sloppy way.

Redlands RV, Brazels and like local businesses (Sacramento Truck Center in Sacto, CA who has a separate RV service side) have booties for their tech's and they know to use them, covers for the upholstery should they need to use it to move your coach, etc. And they maintain their position high on the learning curve as to what types of RV service are needed on what chassis platforms. The local Ford outfit probably doesn't do enough RVs in a month to stay proficient in the full spectrum of issues unless they sell & service large Ford trucks as a staple. And then they will only know about chassis work. Redlands for instance has a guy who does HWH work.

In short, IIWM, I'd scout out the local shop that fancies itself an RV specialist, and then see what their customers have to say. You will probably be pleasantly surprised by the experience, and find a preferred place for taking your big toy.

**CLIFFTALL** · 11-12-2009, 12:30 PM

I carry 5-6 quarts of motorcraft 5-20 syn.and an oil filter. Both purchased at Wallyworld. When it's time for a change, I go to the nearest truck stop . I've never paid more than $40.00 to have them change the oil, filters, and lube the chassis.

I've done that for 58,000 miles ( about 12 oil changes.)

Cliff

Abnmarine · 11-21-2009, 12:27 PM

What is the oil capacity and filter part numbers for the V-10 if buying at the parts store? I pick up our RV in two weeks so I haven't seen the manual yet. I'll be changing my own oil with Mobil 1 syn as well.