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03-08-2018, 12:52 PM
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#29
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Oregon
Posts: 195
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I might just be lucky, but maintenance on my 23 year old Navigator has been almost nothing thus far...and I tend toward the anal side as far as Preventive Maintenance, Checks, and Services (PMCS) goes.
Either International or Kenworth can do the Spartan chassis service. For filters, oil, and lube, I've done it twice since last October (when I bought it). Both times it was under $200. My genset had a filter and fluids change at my hand, for under $40.
As far as fuel, if my math is correct, we seem to be getting around 9-12 mpg combined. Since petrol (gasoline) is $2.70/gal and diesel is $3.15/gal around here, we're getting ALMOST the same punch per penny as our 2000 Tahoe...hauling around almost FIVE TIMES the mass. We've actually been using the motorhome for longer grocery and other shopping trips, since there's not much around our house until you get around the Caldwell/Nampa/Boise area. Winterizing? Tires getting a flat spot from sitting? Don't make me laugh.
A lot of your concern is going to be assuaged by ONE, doing your homework on new and used coaches, TWO, seeing a few with a competent mechanical rascal in tow, and THREE, driving a bona fide GOOD coach to see how everything should feel. I can tell you it was unbelievably awesome that I drive buses for a living--I was able to ascertain whether the chassis aspect of the Argo was any good, or if it was an automatic 'walk off the lot' deal.
Don't be scared off by stories of second mortgages and the like for an oil change...do your due diligence, remember that new and shiny is NOT synonymous with reliable or high quality, and you should do just fine.
Good luck!
__________________
Home sweet home...wherever we roam!
1994 HR NAVIGATOR 38WB
Rechristened 'The Argo'
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03-08-2018, 01:17 PM
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#30
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 1,975
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nothermark
It certainly runs up the cost over a gas chassis. That is why I keep pointing folks with shallow pockets at a gasser instead of an older diesel.
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My mech on my gasser is a diesel coach mech primarily. We talked about the expenses because I had originally looked at diesel coaches. After taking about our travel habits and the fact that we still work full time and cant get away on long vacations very often we would be better served by a gas coach.
FWIW to have him go through the new coach mechanically, the suspension and drive train, change the engine oil and generator oil and air filters check all the fluids it was $350. He told me that wouldn't even get an oil change on a diesel. I don't remember what he told me it would run to do all the maintenance and checks on a diesel but it was enough to cause me to go
A replacement workhorse 8.1 engine is under $5K plus installation and other bits and pieces but you get the idea.
And don't forget the cost of DEF on a newer rig.
I have a casual work friend that lets his diesel sit. Costs him $1400 every time he gets it out of the mothballs. I didn't get into what was involved but I know from experience gas rigs are more tolerant of that. You cant let a diesel sit unused for months without paying for it.
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2004 Winnebago Adventurer 38R
Proud Navy Mom
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03-08-2018, 03:35 PM
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#31
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: N.E. Florida
Posts: 1,397
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Forkyfork
My mech on my gasser is a diesel coach mech primarily. We talked about the expenses because I had originally looked at diesel coaches. After taking about our travel habits and the fact that we still work full time and cant get away on long vacations very often we would be better served by a gas coach.
FWIW to have him go through the new coach mechanically, the suspension and drive train, change the engine oil and generator oil and air filters check all the fluids it was $350. He told me that wouldn't even get an oil change on a diesel. I don't remember what he told me it would run to do all the maintenance and checks on a diesel but it was enough to cause me to go
A replacement workhorse 8.1 engine is under $5K plus installation and other bits and pieces but you get the idea.
And don't forget the cost of DEF on a newer rig.
I have a casual work friend that lets his diesel sit. Costs him $1400 every time he gets it out of the mothballs. I didn't get into what was involved but I know from experience gas rigs are more tolerant of that. You cant let a diesel sit unused for months without paying for it.
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Diesel farm equipment sits for many months...no ill effect.
Shelf life for diesel is quite long....gasoline not so much!
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DaveS
1998 American Eagle 40EVS
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03-08-2018, 06:40 PM
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#32
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 1,975
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FormerBoater
Diesel farm equipment sits for many months...no ill effect.
Shelf life for diesel is quite long....gasoline not so much!
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Not so much about the fuel.
__________________
2004 Winnebago Adventurer 38R
Proud Navy Mom
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03-08-2018, 06:46 PM
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#33
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Satsop WA
Posts: 1,619
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This is getting SNL type funny !
Carry on.....
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2007 Alpine Limited SE
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03-08-2018, 07:31 PM
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#34
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,951
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Bought my used Class A Diesel last Feb in Phoenix. Went on the road for the summer and got back to Phoenix in Oct. Took the RV to Massey Diesel in Phoenix for annual service, oil change etc. Cost was $850 including the generator service. Spent another $195 on the Aqua Hot annual service. Then my transfer switch went out and cost me $575. Next the 3 Aqua Hot pumps went and cost me $975. Next the batteries would not hold a charge. Replaced all 6 at $300 apiece plus $200 for labor = $2000. Now I’m replacing my cracked windshield costing me my $1000 deductible. Haven’t even got to replacing the tires in the near future
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2015 Itasca Ellipse 42QD
2017 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Hard Rock
2011 Harley Davidson CVO Street Glide
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03-08-2018, 07:47 PM
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#35
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Lake Havasu City, AZ & Plover, WI
Posts: 6,403
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TXTiger
Bought my used Class A Diesel last Feb in Phoenix. Went on the road for the summer and got back to Phoenix in Oct. Took the RV to Massey Diesel in Phoenix for annual service, oil change etc. Cost was $850 including the generator service. Spent another $195 on the Aqua Hot annual service. Then my transfer switch went out and cost me $575. Next the 3 Aqua Hot pumps went and cost me $975. Next the batteries would not hold a charge. Replaced all 6 at $300 apiece plus $200 for labor = $2000. Now I’m replacing my cracked windshield costing me my $1000 deductible. Haven’t even got to replacing the tires in the near future
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They took you to the cleaners on the engine and generator service. The most I've paid for complete engine, generator with all wet filters and lube service was under $500. That's the difference between the big shops in a big city vs a competent qualified shop in a rural area.
__________________
2006 Monaco Executive 44 Denali
2013 43 QGP Allegro Bus ( SOLD )
2013 Avalanche
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03-09-2018, 04:39 AM
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#36
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,026
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TXTiger
Bought my used Class A Diesel last Feb in Phoenix. Went on the road for the summer and got back to Phoenix in Oct. Took the RV to Massey Diesel in Phoenix for annual service, oil change etc. Cost was $850 including the generator service. Spent another $195 on the Aqua Hot annual service. Then my transfer switch went out and cost me $575. Next the 3 Aqua Hot pumps went and cost me $975. Next the batteries would not hold a charge. Replaced all 6 at $300 apiece plus $200 for labor = $2000. Now I’m replacing my cracked windshield costing me my $1000 deductible. Haven’t even got to replacing the tires in the near future
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Transfer switch, batteries, windshield and tires are not diesel specific issues. Many DP's do not have Aqua Hot systems. The more gizmos and convenience features on any coach, gas or diesel, the greater the likelihood of a costly malfunction.
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03-09-2018, 05:34 AM
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#37
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Fulltime, USA
Posts: 16,706
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Pros and Cons:
Had gas and diesel. Loved em both.
And I’m spoiled, so diesel, air ride, and huge storage won me over.
The difference twixed the two is chump change if they are treated good.
Happy trails
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03-09-2018, 07:46 AM
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#38
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Senior Member
Tiffin Owners Club
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 184
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2010 43’ Allegro Bus. I budget $4000 annual for maintenance
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Thanks, George
2010 Allegro Bus 43QRP
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03-09-2018, 08:43 AM
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#39
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Senior Member
Winnebago Owners Club
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 14,885
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I liken it to comparing a 900 sq foot house and a 1600 sq foot house. Invariably the larger house will cost more for maintenance, repairs and upkeep.
Which house fits your needs and wants the best? Which can you afford or justify?
__________________
Gordon and Janet
Tour 42QD/InTech Stacker
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03-09-2018, 08:47 AM
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#40
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Lake Havasu City, AZ & Plover, WI
Posts: 6,403
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Quote:
Originally Posted by glsponchos
2010 43’ Allegro Bus. I budget $4000 annual for maintenance
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Just curious. We have a 2013 Bus and our annual cost is below $1000. I should actually add $800 annually for the replacement of tires every 7 years, but still short of $4000. Are you including fuel??
__________________
2006 Monaco Executive 44 Denali
2013 43 QGP Allegro Bus ( SOLD )
2013 Avalanche
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03-09-2018, 12:37 PM
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#41
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Oregon
Posts: 195
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Crasher
Just curious. We have a 2013 Bus and our annual cost is below $1000. I should actually add $800 annually for the replacement of tires every 7 years, but still short of $4000. Are you including fuel??
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Yeah, I'm wondering what all folks are including in their 'scary sticker shock' figures.
__________________
Home sweet home...wherever we roam!
1994 HR NAVIGATOR 38WB
Rechristened 'The Argo'
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03-09-2018, 01:00 PM
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#42
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Senior Member
Texas Boomers Club Holiday Rambler Owners Club
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: What? Like right now? ;-)
Posts: 1,302
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Spent a total of 1100 in repairs for my ISC (just hoses really). And about 600 in maint. Nothing else.
Just runs.
Put 7K miles on it since purchase. Avg about 9mpg.
__________________
2003 Scepter 40PDBB - Roadmaster RR8S - Cummins ISC350 - purch aug16
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