Community Forums

Pa Miller · 06-26-2016, 08:03 PM

Some of the things I've read on this site of broke down RV's , If I was buying one I'd be asking too WYO !!

Gordon Dewald · 06-26-2016, 08:12 PM

I would hazard a SWAG that most original, second and sometimes third owners of MH do not need to use a diesel repair shop.

We mostly get the really scary horror stories shared. Seldom do we see a thread that asks "How many miles have you gone without any issues with your drive train?"

Perhaps someone could start one?

Pa Miller · 06-26-2016, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gordon Dewald

I would hazard a SWAG that most original, second and sometimes third owners of MH do not need to use a diesel repair shop.

We mostly get the really scary horror stories shared. Seldom do we see a thread that asks "How many miles have you gone without any issues with your drive train?"

Perhaps someone could start one?

True Gordon ...

timjet · 06-26-2016, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WyoFree

Why is it diesel pushers are the ones you hear about most of the time?

Just a guess but I would bet most folks on the Class A Motorhome forum are DP owners, consequently more complaints about DP's. And like Gdawgs said, most complaints are not drive train related.

GA Navigator · 06-26-2016, 10:26 PM

I just did a 3000+ mile over three week trip in my 22 year old diesel with 148,000 miles and had only one problem and it was not chassis related.

1994 Holiday Rambler Navigator
Cummins 8.3
Allison MD3060

SuperGewl · 06-27-2016, 05:05 AM

As others have stated, It's not always the drive train that is the problem. Most problems are the other stuff that has been stuffed inside. Not without saying that it may be on a DP but it's not the engine or tranny itself.

Go back and take another look and pay more attention to exactly what is wrong with the coach and you may see a completely different pattern form.

All said enjoy the new coach and remember to perform your maintenance

TMan59 · 06-27-2016, 07:37 AM

Gassers are so inexpensive that if they breakdown folks just buy another one.
Park the old one in the backyard, just in case.

SpaceNorman · 06-27-2016, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Most diesel shops give preference to trucks. They're earning a living, most RV'ers are not.

There's definitely some truth to Mr_D's comment. Couple that with the fact that most diesel shops are servicing fleet customers that are bringing in a constant flow of vehicles for service. It's not hard to understand why they're going to see the "fast track" as opposed to a individual bringing in what is likely to be perceived as a vacation toy.

There's also the fact that few diesel repair shops stock large parts inventories these days. Unless your talking common parts (belts, etc.). The MO of most shops is "tear it down ... determine what's needed ... order parts .... put it back together". Unless they've got a local source ... the "order parts" phase can take days (unless you tell 'em up front you're will to pay of expedited shipping). In many cases - it may take a couple of iterations of this cycle to completely fix a unit.

IF you're a fulltimer living in your coach - or an "out of towner" stuck somewhere due to a breakdown - and make it know to the shop at the time - I think you up your chances of moving thru the shop a little quicker.

ChasA · 06-27-2016, 08:19 AM

I agree with Norm. Stay with your coach and make sure they know you're not leaving your coach.

Mudfrog · 06-27-2016, 08:32 AM

Around 8 or so years ago, our gas engine developed a miss on our way to the campground. Had to limp it home then to add insult to injury, found after getting back home, that we had just driven fairly close by to the nearest authorized Workhorse shop.

Made an appointment, then got the rig to the shop where they kept me on hold for close to a month. After two weeks, i was on the phone almost every day trying to get an update but i could tell (at least had the feeling) they hadn't even looked at it yet. My guess was because i was an individual who didn't have a standing contract with them. They have to keep their BIGGER paying customers happy. I can imagine that it may take longer with some diesels but i'd bet it's not because of parts shortage, at least not the majority of the time.

Oh, and what's bad is that for all this waiting and not knowing, our problem turned out to be a bad spark plug.

pcurt23 · 06-27-2016, 08:34 AM

Well, I guess you have a point. My rig is getting the turbo and pacbrake replaced. If I had a gasser I would have neither of these things to worry about. Of course getting up the hill and slowing going down the hill would be bigger issues with me.
Had two gassers and the noise drove me crazy.

Coma · 06-27-2016, 09:06 AM

There are fewer diesels in the cars we learn to drive on. Many have a diesel MH as their first diesel experience so problems seem more daunting. I read on these forums that 60% of diesel RV problems are cooling system related. Large diesel motors are constructed differently. The cylinders are not part of the engine block. They are called sleeves or liners, they can be replaced without removing the engine. This makes rebuild easier, but requires the cooling system fluid to work differently. Because of the resonance of combustion, the liners can develop pitting if the cooling system doesn't have the right balance of borates and nitrates. OAT (organic acid) coolants are replacing traditional coolants but don't fix earlier problems. They take at least yearly testing.

Air Dryers need service and are often placed in inaccessible locations without a pit to work from. The Roadmaster (Monaco) and Mountain Master (Country Coach) chassis are no longer made. Cooling stacks, radiator and charge air cooler, are custom made for those application and many times must be made to order.

Aqua Hot, Air Bag leveling are systems that require specialty training , often not found at Truck service centers.

Fuel systems require different maintenance and diesels are not tolerant of poor quality fuel.

Back to the diesel experience i mentioned, many new owners will treat their diesel MH's like they treat their car. That is, they put gas in it till something breaks. That is guaranteed to cause an expensive lesson with diesels.

These extra systems differentiate luxury diesels from anything else and with preventative maintenance often work flawlessly for years.

CarlAda · 06-27-2016, 10:00 AM

One thing is true, whether it's a gasser or a DP, few people start threads about things that are working properly.

If you base things simply on what is reported in forums, you're going to get a somewhat skewed idea of reality. Yes, do your homework and research, but don't focus on negative comments only.

I've had my diesel in the shop, as we all likely have. But, I don't consider it to be a reason not to continue owning a DP or as a reason to have a gasser for my next one. I'm fortunate to have a great mechanic near me that, while he's busy, always takes the time to keep me happy with his service.

Examine your needs and find something that meets those needs and then enjoy it!

The Ventana is a fine coach. Enjoy!

SpaceNorman · 06-27-2016, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coma

The Roadmaster (Monaco) and Mountain Master (Country Coach) chassis are no longer made.

Is this a true statement? According to the Monaco website - the current Monaco Diplomat coaches are built on a Roadmaster chassis.

I've never been able to get a clear picture as to who actually builds (and/or has built) the Roadmaster chassis. I can't help but think that one of the major chassis builders OEM'ed them to Monaco to be marketed as "Roadmaster" chassis ... but have never been able to find anything that definitively identifies exactly who.