Going to Gaffney

[Tom and Karen Mitchell]

Our rig is due its 3 year / 36K service, and we'll be in the neighborhood of the Freightliner home in SC.

Has anyone had their rig serviced there, and is the price comparable to other service locations?

[FleetMan]

Lots of people intentionlly take their equipment there for maintenance and servicing. They specialize in motorhomes and do excellent work. Prices are comparable, discount if you are a member of FMCA and FCOC. If a "Camp Freightliner" class is scheduled for the time of your visit and you can get in, it will be money well spent.

[Martind4]

I think their prices are more than reasonable when compared to other truck shops, and they know what they're doing. Good advice on Camp Freightliner, I attended a class in April and it was very worthwhile.

[fputnam]

We'll be there July 12-13. Maybe we'll see you there.

[smlranger]

You will not be disappointed in the work or the folks at Gaffney. Their prices are reasonable and they do know the chassis. We try to get there every year for whatever service is needed.

[MaverickBBD]

It was 105 degrees in Gaffney yesterday. The parking lot has 50 amp. You will probably need it for you ac. Techs are great and very knowledgeable. Make a list of any items or questions so you can discuss them when you meet with the tech when they pick up your coach in the morning.

[Gary RVRoamer]

One caution about "reasonable prices". They are indeed reasonable, but they are also very thorough. If you just ask for an M3 (3 year service), you may well be astounded at the bill because there are a lot of things on the recommended service list. Think in terms of $1000+. Look the list over carefully (it's available on the web site) and make sure you are prepared for all that will be done for that service interval. Transmission, air dryer, all filters and fluids changed, etc. You can delete any items you don't need or want. And if you want the generator serviced, that's an extra. Be sure to specify it if it has not been done in the past year.

We were at Gafney a week ago - got in without an appointment on a slow day and got one item taken care of (Haldex air dryer service). Since you will need 4-6 hours of shop time, you really need to make an appointment.

[fputnam]

Thanks for the heads up. We have a new to us 2005 Meridian 34H with the 350 C5 Cat. We know that oil and filter changes have been done one a regular basis for the last 3 -4 years. But we don't know if the M3 service has been done or if the valves have been adjusted as required. Otherwise we have put about 5k miles on our baby so far and are real pleased so far. One concern though is when going from 2500 feet to near 9000 feet in elevation on a recent trip, I really had to keep a close eye on the temperature gauge. Power was not a problem, but overheating was. It was a pisser having the power to go the speed limit 55-60 but having to limit myself to 45 and a lower gear to keep from overheating when going up the mountain.

We're planning on 2 to 2.5K dollars for this initial check up. We've scheduled 2 days for all the work and we're going to Camp Freightliner at the same time.

[majfrizz]

while you are there at Gaffney, they can also do a very good 4 point weight of your coach. i had my M3 done while attending the class, well worth it.

[mbisson]

Who do you call for an appointment and how much notice is required? I will be traveling and probably can give them a weeks notice. Our schedule is no schedule, so it would be call them when we get close. My coach has had regular oil changes and the trans switched to Transynd. Also had the cooling changed out. What I don't know about is things like the air dryer. I would just like them to do the once over and let me know what it needs. Thanks for any advice you can give me.
mike

[majfrizz]

(864)206-8613


unless they have a last minute cancelation, it might be hard to get in for a full service on a short notice.

[smlranger]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fputnam Thanks for the heads up. We have a new to us 2005 Meridian 34H with the 350 C5 Cat. We know that oil and filter changes have been done one a regular basis for the last 3 -4 years. But we don't know if the M3 service has been done or if the valves have been adjusted as required. Otherwise we have put about 5k miles on our baby so far and are real pleased so far. One concern though is when going from 2500 feet to near 9000 feet in elevation on a recent trip, I really had to keep a close eye on the temperature gauge. Power was not a problem, but overheating was. It was a pisser having the power to go the speed limit 55-60 but having to limit myself to 45 and a lower gear to keep from overheating when going up the mountain. We're planning on 2 to 2.5K dollars for this initial check up. We've scheduled 2 days for all the work and we're going to Camp Freightliner at the same time.

Your overheating issue is most likely a dirty radiator/intercooler. Ask them to put cleaning the radiator on the list. Also, ask them to make sure your slobber tube (crankcase vent tube) has been extended down past the frame. On these rear radiator DP's, you need to plan to soak the rad/intercooler with Simple Green followed by a good spray with a garden hose every year. You can find a bunch of threads on these forums about cleaning the radiator.

Also, CAT recommends replacing the two thermostats in your engine about every 3 -4 years. Gaffney does not keep CAT T-stats in stock (ask me how I know). If you want your T-stats replaced, you will need to tell Pat when you call to schedule your visit (so they can get them) or get them yourself and bring them with you.

[Gary RVRoamer]

In the spring and fall there is a long wait time for an appointment because the snowbirds going to/from Florida all want to stop for service. In summer, your chances are better, but it's a matter of luck. At times I've been told flat "NO" for even a simple job, and other times they can take you in with hardly any notice. All you can do is call ahead and ask.

If you have no schedule, why not make an appointment and make it happen? You can stay in their lot (50A electric at the site, water & dump station on the property) if you get their early.

FL has a new web site and the info on the Service & Training Center is harder to find. Here is a direct link:

FCCC Service & Training Center

It has phone & location, maps, and you can download the M1/M2/M3 maintenance forms there as well.

[mbisson]

Gary,
Thank you. That is the kind of info I was looking for. Now all I have to do is get the wife to agree to go south after the Indiana rally. She is now talking about going home the northern route.