Community Forums

kewlbreeze · 07-22-2021, 07:44 AM

Hi again,

I just bought the 2007 Itasca Meridian SG with a Cummins engine on a Freightliner chassis. I am new to Class A pushers.

It is time for the 50,000 mile service. I have two choices:

1> Take it to a Frieghtliner service Center (who is very busy)
2> Take it to a Cummins Custom Coach facility. (who are not as busy but very professional)

In the experience of the group - which one would be better or is it a toss up?

The only issues are:

a> The dash AC is blowing cool air - not cold
b> As discussed in another post - the air compression gauges fluxuate thereby starting the buzzer (very annoying) but brakes seem unaffected
c> It needs the normal 50,000 mile service for the engine and chassis

Your input is appreciated

Dennis
Planet Houston

R.Wold · 07-22-2021, 09:04 AM

Since two of your issues are chassis related and any shop can do maintenance I’d go to the Freightliner shop. Cummins would probably do the other work but my Ive found that they charge at least 50% more for labor. It’s good that your Cummins shop is “very professional” - my experience with them left me thinking they haven’t discovered the concept of customer service yet. Freightliner shops on the other hand have been reasonable, honest and have treated me with courtesy and respect.

vettenuts · 07-22-2021, 03:23 PM

I have a Cummins facility that is also Coach Care who does some of the maintenance work that I won't do. I asked about the A/C and they said they would work on it but that it would take more than a day owing to getting parts. Freightliner on the other hand may have parts on hand. I couldn't wait so took my A/C issue to Bay Diesel since we were headed to Red Bay anyhow.

I have Cummins do the engine work, i.e., coolant, belt, fuel filters since that is their swim lane.

TexasTom · 07-22-2021, 03:36 PM

The Freightliner service center near me has an Oasis RV service department. Very good work, and expensive. To give you an idea, my local truck service group will do annual maintenance (oil, filters, lube, etc) for about $600. The Freightliner charges start at $1,500 for the same work.

ByeTheWay · 07-22-2021, 03:43 PM

I've been to both Freightliner and Cummins in Phoenix. I'd go to Cummins.

Both have clubs with discounts

chindog · 07-22-2021, 04:33 PM

If you go to Freightliner, be sure to join the Freightliner Chassis Owner's Club beforehand. You can save 5% on labor if you are a member.

Cat320 · 07-23-2021, 07:58 AM

I have used Freightliner in the past but am looking for somebody else. They are expensive, don't take appointments, are not too knowledgeable about RVs, charge 10% of the total bill for shop supplies, and expect to wait all day regardless of what they are doing.

Fischse · 07-23-2021, 08:02 AM

As someone else mentioned, take it to Bay Diesel in Red Bay, AL. Whatever extra you spend on gas, you’ll save there… also, you’ll get much better service and they will teach you

2cyber71 · 07-23-2021, 08:09 AM

Any good diesel truck shop can do the 50,000 mile routine.
I use my private mechanic, he’s the best.
He’s getting ready to retire, then I’m lost

chindog · 07-23-2021, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cat320

I have used Freightliner in the past but am looking for somebody else. They are expensive, don't take appointments, are not too knowledgeable about RVs, charge 10% of the total bill for shop supplies, and expect to wait all day regardless of what they are doing.

I use the Freightliner factory service center in Gaffney, SC, and I've found none of your accusations to be true. In fact, you'll have to wait for them to work you in if haven't made a prior reservation. They absolutely do know about RV's and RV chassis, since that is where they are produced. The Camp Freightliner 2 day class is held right there at the service center where RV owners are taught in depth about their chassis. They charge a flat $25 for shop supplies on jobs over $500. They charge $125/hr for labor, which is not excessive, plus FCOC members get $6.25/hr knocked off that rate.

Cat320 · 07-24-2021, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chindog

I use the Freightliner factory service center in Gaffney, SC, and I've found none of your accusations to be true. In fact, you'll have to wait for them to work you in if haven't made a prior reservation. They absolutely do know about RV's and RV chassis, since that is where they are produced. The Camp Freightliner 2 day class is held right there at the service center where RV owners are taught in depth about their chassis. They charge a flat $25 for shop supplies on jobs over $500. They charge $125/hr for labor, which is not excessive, plus FCOC members get $6.25/hr knocked off that rate.

I was not talking about Gaffney....they are totally different, and provide good service. My comments are specifically about Doggett's 10 or so Freightiner Centers in the SW.

tim myers · 12-10-2021, 01:33 PM

I am in the same boat, have Stoops Freightliner about 15 miles to the north of me and Cummins Coach Care about 35 miles to the south of me. I have a local shop that has dome most of my Mx work, but they only do exactly what I tell them to do rather than a standard list of Mx items called for by Freightliner. I am thinking of using either Stoops or Coach Care for my annual Mx in May. Just not sure which to use.