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lms1943 · 02-26-2012, 05:52 PM

We are the new (to us) owners of our 1st motorhome, a 2001 Airstream XC360. It has the 300 Cat and Allison trans. and Frieghtliner chassis My question is us there an advantage to haveing it serviced at either the Cat dealer or the Frieghtliner dealer.
ThankYou

Vegasdan · 02-26-2012, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lms1943

We are the new (to us) owners of our 1st motorhome, a 2001 Airstream XC360. It has the 300 Cat and Allison trans. and Frieghtliner chassis My question is us there an advantage to haveing it serviced at either the Cat dealer or the Frieghtliner dealer.
ThankYou

Simply put, no. Not all Freightliner service locations will take in a motorhome even with a Freightliner chassis. Look for a Freightliner Oasis service station is you want to use them.

Pusherman · 02-26-2012, 06:16 PM

Many FL dealers are also certified for either Cummins or CAT or both. You may get lucky and find one who is both a FL and CAT dealer. It's a good question to ask. Be sure to ask if they work on motorhome chassis's. Some shops don't like working on coaches due to the requirement of keeping them clean on the inside.

If you have any local clubs in your area, they are a good source for recommendations on where to take your coach for service.

Ralph A · 02-26-2012, 06:30 PM

I agree with the earlier comments. In my case I have made it an annual event to visit the Freightliner Factory Service center in Gaffeny, SC. In fact this year in May we are going to attend the Freightliner Chassis Owner's school.

hawgguy · 02-26-2012, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ralph A

I agree with the earlier comments. In my case I have made it an annual event to visit the Freightliner Factory Service center in Gaffeny, SC. In fact this year in May we are going to attend the Freightliner Chassis Owner's school.

Me too.. My 12 year old son and I are going April 12 & 13.

Pusherman · 02-27-2012, 05:10 PM

Gaffney is a great experience. The service center is tops. Camp FL and Mike Cody are tops! I highly recommend it. Been there. Done that.

Gary RVRoamer · 02-27-2012, 07:32 PM

Freightliner Factory Service Center is HIGHLY recommended. Terrific service at reasonable prices. And unlike most dealerships, your coach will be serviced when your appointment says it will be service

Freightliner Oasis dealers run the gamut from so-so to quite good.

historyljc · 02-27-2012, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hawgguy

Me too.. My 12 year old son and I are going April 12 & 13.

Just going to miss you. We'll be there on the 18th for service. I took the class 4 years ago. Say hello to Mike for everyone.

hawgguy · 02-27-2012, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by historyljc

Just going to miss you. We'll be there on the 18th for service. I took the class 4 years ago. Say hello to Mike for everyone.

I assume the local KOA is the place to stay?

Downsizer · 02-27-2012, 08:47 PM

You never mentioned what type of service you needed. If it is just a good oil and filters (oil, fuel, etc.) to be change for either the engine and or the generator (diesel) - try a Speedco. We tried one on our last oil change (Cummins) and it was awesome! They let you in the shop, can talk and question the service guys, watch them doing the actual work and pay about 1/3 the price of a "factory" store. They do not do transmissions on RV's since they are automatics, but it sure was a great visit! They're located on most major Interstates in big trucking highways. Find them at Speedco.

hawgguy · 02-28-2012, 07:16 AM

Rats! Just called Gaffney. The service slots are all booked for the 4/12, 4/13 dates of the Camp Freightliner.

Jim_HiTek · 02-28-2012, 10:11 AM

I learned early on that factory stores really think they are something special. Quoted $2800 for a master cylinder replacement and brake bleed from Freightliner. Did it myself for around $550 (mostly parts). Expect a truck shop would have done it for $800 or so (2 hours @ $100 per hour plus part & fluids).

Quotes I got over the years from every factory shop I talked to about anything on my rig usually turned out to be double what I could get at independent shops. For instance, Onan generator bearing broke apart and froze the genset. Onan shop quoted $1200 and hinted it might be more. Independent shop did it for $630.

If the shop is certified, and if you get work done that's required for your warranty, that work has to be accepted by the manufacturer down the road if you have a issue, even if it's not a 'factory authorized' shop. Federal law. (But you do have to have your receipts for things done).

But, to each his/her own.