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mrfix · 04-19-2020, 08:27 AM

I have always done all of my own maintenance and repairs, the problem I'm having is, I just purchased a new 2021 motorcoach that came with 3 years total maintenance. I have an issue with anyone putting a wrench to my equipment, to take advantage of the free maintenance I will have to let a shop do it. What would you do?

Xmcdog · 04-19-2020, 08:35 AM

Interesting delema.
You didn't say what MH you have, oil burner or gasser.
How familiar are you with the type of engine. Etc
Also how will it affect your warranty?
Congratulations on your purchase. Enjoy.

Old Scout · 04-19-2020, 08:55 AM

….Agree--proper disposal has become more and more difficult....I have been a DIYer for my ISL400 for 17 years and 185K miles....for me, annual disposal of engine oil and filters [1-oil and 1-fuel] is still doable, but barely.....though not on an annual basis, disposal of used coolant, transmission and hydraulic fluids are the challenge....I also tend to be incumbered by an ethical sense of wanting to dispose where I buy stuff--I know, my cross to bare.
PS--my brand of DP was in production for about 10 years and for a couple of years, the factory recommended hydraulic fluid was diesel motor oil...

Roadfrog · 04-19-2020, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrfix

I have always done all of my own maintenance and repairs, the problem I'm having is, I just purchased a new 2021 motorcoach that came with 3 years total maintenance. I have an issue with anyone putting a wrench to my equipment, to take advantage of the free maintenance I will have to let a shop do it. What would you do?

As much as I like to DIY my own stuff, given the opportunity such as yours, I'd drop the rig off and take my family on a short vacation. Money better spent.

Pigman1 · 04-19-2020, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrfix

I have always done all of my own maintenance and repairs, the problem I'm having is, I just purchased a new 2021 motorcoach that came with 3 years total maintenance. I have an issue with anyone putting a wrench to my equipment, to take advantage of the free maintenance I will have to let a shop do it. What would you do?

Your choice, but like others in this thread have mentioned, I've had dealerships, Cummins and Cat centers and other service centers lie to me repeatedly, especially in areas like greasing universals, "S" cams and places where you may not easily see. I'd have a discussion with the service manager where you need to take it and if they cannot bend the rules, I'd do it myself. We've got over 250,000 RVing miles on 3 brand new class A coaches and a used class C. BTW, I'm 79 years old. Not fast, but thorough.

timjet · 04-20-2020, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrfix

I have always done all of my own maintenance and repairs, the problem I'm having is, I just purchased a new 2021 motorcoach that came with 3 years total maintenance. I have an issue with anyone putting a wrench to my equipment, to take advantage of the free maintenance I will have to let a shop do it. What would you do?

Yes a dilemma.

I would never use a shop that would have you drop off your motor home and say we'll call you when it's done. The few things I've had a shop do I've always made an appt and watch what they are doing after asking if I may do so.

Over time I've developed a relationship with a shop about 100 miles from home. They are not cheap but so far I've been satisfied with their work.

Twomed · 04-21-2020, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pigman1

Your choice, but like others in this thread have mentioned, I've had dealerships, Cummins and Cat centers and other service centers lie to me repeatedly, especially in areas like greasing universals, "S" cams and places where you may not easily see. I'd have a discussion with the service manager where you need to take it and if they cannot bend the rules, I'd do it myself. We've got over 250,000 RVing miles on 3 brand new class A coaches and a used class C. o lBTW, I'm 79 years d. Not fast, but thorough.

My hero...

guess I have a few more crawls too

mrfix · 04-21-2020, 03:41 PM

Yhank you it's a 2021 Fortravel Realm

mrfix · 04-21-2020, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pigman1

Your choice, but like others in this thread have mentioned, I've had dealerships, Cummins and Cat centers and other service centers lie to me repeatedly, especially in areas like greasing universals, "S" cams and places where you may not easily see. I'd have a discussion with the service manager where you need to take it and if they cannot bend the rules, I'd do it myself. We've got over 250,000 RVing miles on 3 brand new class A coaches and a used class C. BTW, I'm 79 years old. Not fast, but thorough.

These are my concerns and the reason I would like to do my own service.

Pigman1 · 04-21-2020, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrfix

These are my concerns and the reason I would like to do my own service.

In my opinion, a good plan. But you already know my position.

Some things to consider. You may need to buy some specialized tools such as a torque wrench and torque multiplier to help remove wheels, a couple of good grease guns and the appropriate tubes of grease. Any special lubes such as Aqua Shield for ride height linkages, special lube for turbo charger, and so forth. I'd say your costs for these items will still be less than paying a clown for a bad job.

Also, get in your books and start developing a checklists on what has to be done and what interval is needed. This is not easy in some cases. You need to get into your rig manuals, engine manuals, transmission manuals, and specialized directions for a lot of things not obvious in your user manual. The internet is a great source for a lot of this and sometimes a call to a supplier is needed. I have all my manuals on my computer (backed up as well) and when I find out something I didn't know, such as on a forum, I take that info and put it on the computer as well.

Finally, this and other forums are a great source of info. Be it what is needed, where to get more info, and exactly how to do something. Use the forums freely. Also, your manufacturer is a good source. I make any number of calls to Tiffin about issues I have and get what I need without having to take the rig to the factory, or to a dealer. Really, at first it's getting smart and learning about your rig, but the more you do it, the better and quicker it gets. Besides, it's not a chore for me. Would you rather work on the RV or go shopping for a new chair for the living room or new curtains for the bedroom??? (LOL)

DDQ · 04-23-2020, 11:02 AM

There is a very good you tube that caught my attention. it was made by Josh - Adept Ape for CAT Diesels. This little movie really got my attention. Look for the video on filling your filters. I have a CAT C-7 350 horse. I found that you should plug the center hole and fill with only the outer holes. Once full you can spin on the filter after removing the center plug. If you fill the center hole and you get dirt in the fluid that you are filling you can take out your HUEY! The HUEY is very sensitive to dirt and contaminants. They are very expensive to repair or replace. VERY EXPENSIVE!