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DanEllis · 02-25-2021, 06:02 AM

I'm in the final stages of purchasing a 2005 Monaco Diplomat. The regional service centers (REV) are not convenient. Where do people go for scheduled maintenance (ie., 100K) or "general check it out" maintenance? Is there a place like the Freightliner places (we've gone to Freightliner Gaffney for work on our 2002 Fleetwood Expedition). We're in North Carolina.

Thanks!

okcnewbie · 02-25-2021, 06:41 AM

This seems to be the million dollar question.
One of the Monaco mod sites says to use the local bus shop for general maintenance. I'm still searching myself. I need exactly what you're talking about and can even pay a high but honest price. I sure will feel better when my old coach has a " clean bill of health " by and honest mechanic.

vito.a · 02-25-2021, 01:50 PM

It will be difficult to find a one stop shop for the entire coach.
If you can perform some of the work yourself, that will help.
I would start by finding a local private truck/bus diesel repair shop. They will be able to change oil, fuel filters, lube the chassis as well as other maintenance items.
You can also take it to a Cummins corporate store that has Cummins Coach Care. These locations are listed online. In my opinion the hourly labor rate is high and the technicians are not well trained.

Outbound · 02-25-2021, 04:09 PM

A few years ago I found a good Diesel truck/rv repair shop about 30 miles from my home, they have good experience mechanics and seem to be fair on prices so worth the drive. I do most all repairs but for hard stuff I send it to them.

DanEllis · 02-26-2021, 06:01 AM

Does Freightliner (Gaffney) work on Monacos? I was amazed at how many leaking fittings, loose connectors, mis-adjusted things they found in my (to me...) perfectly running Expedition. My "truck" guy is OK for oil changes and battery changes but he completely missed the leaking air valves...

mb2875 · 02-27-2021, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vito.a

It will be difficult to find a one stop shop for the entire coach.
If you can perform some of the work yourself, that will help.
I would start by finding a local private truck/bus diesel repair shop. They will be able to change oil, fuel filters, lube the chassis as well as other maintenance items.
You can also take it to a Cummins corporate store that has Cummins Coach Care. These locations are listed online. In my opinion the hourly labor rate is high and the technicians are not well trained.

I would definitely avoid the Cummins factory service center in Charlotte. Had a problem that would only appear below 60 degrees so I had to get there the evening before the appointment. The next morning was very cold and perfect to show but after about a four hour wait they could find nothing and not willing to dig any deeper.

Mutt · 02-28-2021, 10:28 PM

As a minimum, when you take your coach in for service, you need to provide them with a list of what you want done/checked...and the location of the particular service items. There are so many coaches, along with the year of manufacture, that some service personnel absolutely don't know what they are looking for. Thus the reason for the $160 per hour charge. I hate to say that, but it's true. If they have your list, so they can check it off as serviced, you will at least have some confidence that your coach has some level of service accomplished. FWIW. Just pray the Lord will lead you to an honest service person.

RichardW · 03-09-2021, 08:58 PM

Dan, I’m in Holly Springs and have also been looking. If you find a good shop please post it and I’ll do the same.

MSHappyCampers · 03-10-2021, 11:25 AM

We've always had a Speedco do our oil change and lube. I understand they were bought out and most of the locations are no longer servicing motorhomes. Anybody have the latest on this?

UPDATE- I just called the Speedco in Tuscaloosa, AL that we have always used for maintenance services. The manager told me that the rumors are not true, that all Speedco locations still service diesel motorhomes and the Onan diesel generators, as long as the Speedco location has a pit.

vito.a · 03-11-2021, 10:00 AM

I used to love Speedco. They used to let me go under the coach with the diagram from my manual and point out all the zerk fittings. And they always seemed to have the right filters on hand.
Prices were great. After Loves purchased them the rates wet way up and they are always concerned about liability.
I now change the oil myself using a Femco compact drain valve and 5 gallon buckets to drain it into.