Community Forums

Inthe70s · 12-30-2015, 10:13 AM

For the most part, in the Denver metro area, none of the Ford dealers work on the F53. I try to do most of my maintenance myself but for tasks that beyond my comfort level, I take it to a medium truck service shop and they will work on anything related to the F53....all for a low hourly rate of $130.00 per hour....and they are generous with estimating their "time" on everything....and their customer service is on the poor side.

I've told several mechanics in the area that if they wanted to specialize in RV's, ATV's, and even boat engines.....they could make a fortune and keep busy forever. They just need to charge a decent rate and provide competant service.

Virago-Rider · 01-01-2016, 08:15 AM

It's really not that difficult to do the maintenance. If you have health issues that would make it difficult, there might be a high school student that is interested in cars.... I do 90% of the maintenance myself. But, my back issues won't let me twist and turn into place to change spark plugs. So, I found a high school senior at my church... I direct, he turns the wrench.... After, I hand him a cold Coke and $20.

🚌🚍🚌
1998 Thor Windsport 33SL on 1997 F53 chassis.
2007 Chevy Uplander TOAD.
1985 Yamaha Virago XV700

Sent from my iPad2 using iRV2 - RV Forum

aviator37 · 01-01-2016, 09:02 AM

I think it would be scary to venture out on the open road in a motorhome and not be able or willing to handle basic maintenance and repairs yourself. Oil changes, air filters, tire pressures, basic plumbing and electrical repairs are all easily handled. Keep a log book on repairs and focus on "prevention" while it is safe in your driveway. This really adds to the motorhome experience and enjoyment of the machine.

wildtoad · 01-05-2016, 10:43 AM

Finally found a Ford dealer in central SC that will work on my yet to be delivered motorhome. Lugoff Ford which is near Camden says they will. Only 21 miles away, so that's one more item checked off the list of many.

Pirate · 01-14-2016, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeRoi2

A possible source of dealers is the Ford Truck Fleet site. They dutifully list all of the different Ford dealers by geography, what size and weight their lifts can handle, and whether they work on RV's or not.

I found the info useful as a starting point. I then called the closest dealers to confirm info and set up an appointment. Guess what? 90% WILL NOT work on F53 chassis motor homes. Just don't want to be bothered. They don't care what the Ford website says.

My entire front end failed on my 2 month old THOR Windsport. This was pointed out to me by the independent truck tire dealer I took it to for alignment. Your RV will come from the factory badly in need of an alignment. You should get this done ASAP after purchasing it. Both Ford and THOR will deny payment for alignments unless you complain, loudly. LThey suggested call Ford, as it should be warranty repair. Their estimate, informal, $2K, 2 days of labor plus parts and alignment.

Spent hours on the phone trying to find a Ford dealer that would even look at it. Finally found one, many miles away. Drive there, leave RV, with promise of 3-4 days.

2 weeks later they say it's ready. Pick it up, steering wheel points at 3 as I am driving straight. They didn't bother centering the wheel, which means it has to go back!

Then I get to the freeway, and it drives MUCH worse, much much worse!

Thanks a lot for nothing, Sunset Ford of North Hollywood! Called them. They sent out all of the work! Couldn't tell me why the front end failed at 4K, much less why it wouldn't be expected to fail again. This after telling me they worked on F 53's all the time. Bring it back and we will try to figure out what is wrong, that's the best they can do.

Called Ford customer service back and asked them what now? Best they could come up with was to recommend an RV service center that is Ford approved for a second opinion, but they can't get it in for 3 weeks! But it is Ford approved.

Called the Service Manager at the RV service center, and he says Ford called him and asked him to look at my chassis, but no explanation. When we talked, he said he had no front end shop, did not do alignments, and did not feel he was going to be much help, if any at all. He had no idea why Ford was sending the coach to him.

This has been my experience with Ford chassis service so far. THOR warranty service has been even less helpful. I am jumping through all of these hoops only to facilitate the Lemon Lawsuit that I can see is going to be the final resolution of all of the problems we have had with this motor home. We bought it in October, and are still trying to get all of the deficiencies it was delivered with, fixed. The list grows faster than the repairs seem to be able to get done.

Had I not bought a new coach, with a worthless warranty, I could have paid to have the independent truck tire dealer fix my RV in 2 days, correctly.

Instead, I am dealing with THOR and Ford, whose only solutions involve pointing the finger at each other. I give the finger to both of them.

Which Ford Fleet site is this you mention? The one I found does not have provisions for specifying F-53 or motorhome.

jmcannonball · 01-14-2016, 05:48 PM

On our previous Cruisemaster with a F53 chasis, we took it to our local Ford Truck dealer for service/warranty.

vsheetz · 01-14-2016, 07:29 PM

I have an independent auto repair shop that also does Motorhome service. Reasonably priced and do a good job.

Newmar 14 · 01-17-2016, 04:01 PM

Where are u located?

Sue46 · 01-18-2016, 06:49 AM

Besides our Ford dealer(never went to them, but did call) we are aware of and have used 3 independents, all within 15-20 mins. of our S&B home. I find it easier to be in a smallish town than a big city. People need the work and are willing to do it.

We were in Phoenix and having some work done on the RV(solar and propane line install). Mentioned we needed an oil change, guy next door came over and did it while working on the MH. Sometimes you just need to ask.

purrin along · 01-18-2016, 11:15 AM

Tom sorry for being late to the show,glade you found
a dealer.If they don't work out for you,I have been using
Ft. Mill Ford for my service. They are set up for large rigs,and
do good work.

Barry

wildtoad · 01-19-2016, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by purrin along

Tom sorry for being late to the show,glade you found
a dealer.If they don't work out for you,I have been using
Ft. Mill Ford for my service. They are set up for large rigs,and
do good work.

Barry

Thanks. As part of my search, I wrote to Ford and they called and told me about Ft. Mill. A little further away, but not much and on the way to my dealer. So now I have two options. You'd think that there would be one dealer in the state capital area that would service them, but not the first time I've run into this.

Tom