Doing Ventana maintenance

[Roadweary]

I’ve only had my 2013 Ventana a few months now, but I’m already thinking about the maintenance items coming up. This is my first diesel but I was hoping I might be able to do a few of the filter and fluid changes myself. I’ve just started looking for guides on this sort of thing but I had an immediate question. One of the downsides of the Ventana is the rear facing radiator. I assume I’ll have to get behind that radiator to do the work. Will I do this from below?
Gary

["007"]

This may help you find what you need to know.

[Roadweary]

Originally Posted by 007";1544843]This [URL="http://freightlinerchassis.com/documents/KnowingYourChassisv2-20100324124504000000.pdf

may help you find[/URL] what you need to know.

Thank you 007....that was some great reading. I'm still looking for some user experience on how to access the various filters but that PDF was chock full of information. I've thought that if I ever find my way to the East coast, it would be fun to attend the freightliner owner's school.

["007"]

There was a FL chat this evening you missed it unless they are still on look at top of forums chat lines.

["007"]

Different chassis, but maybe same engine, maintenance.

[hogdriver]

Gary

I'm not a mechanic by profession but I have done a lot of mechanical repairs. The first time you change oil you have to be ready for what entails. Most diesels hold something like 15 QT of oil. Very black oil. I don't know about you but capture, collection , and proper disposal is quite a challenge. If you have a large garage or farm and are used to such efforts then go for it. It's not hard but is very dirty and requires some thought. If you take it to Cummins or Freightliner my first service charge was something lose to $350. The best deal, I think, is look for places like Speedco near truckstops that are the Jiffy Lube equivalent for big trucks. I normally find one and get an oil change w filter, two fuel filters and chassis lube for under $200. The only two downsides are you have to watch their service guys like a hawk because they are usually covered in oil and if they need to start the motor or go inside you want the "clean" guy or yourself to do it. The other downside is they. frequently do not have the RV size filters in stock . I get around this by always carrying one spare set on board.

I do most of oil and filter changes on the genny as it is more manageable.

Good luck either way.

[Roadweary]

Thanks for some good advice Hogdriver. I'm aware of that $300 oil change number which got me interested in doing it myself. I will definitely check my area for a Speedco. I have done generators and agree that they're pretty easy.
Gary