Community Forums

SSteve · 06-12-2008, 11:53 AM

Help us Obi-wans, you're our only hope...

The schedule says we take delivery of our Bounder (˜07 38N) late next week. This will be our first diesel and we've been hard at it trying to learn as much as we can.

But, while we were thinking about how we were going to enjoy our new baby, we sort of missed the fact that it's really almost two (model years) old--hardly "new" when speaking of motorhomes.

When we finally did think about that, a few things suddenly came to mind. We will be the first owners which means the coach has been sitting around for a year or so (in Tucson). Besides realizing we should diligently inspect for sun/UV issues, we figured we'd be sure the engine oil has been changed recently (or at least documented as having been changed), but, after that, we drew a blank.

What other items in a Cat diesel/Freightliner chassis require an annual service? We know most issues should be covered under the manufacturer's warranty for a year, but we just read a post about someone in a similar situation assuming the required service had been done by the dealer. It had not, but there was no proof either way. The not so happy owner was stuck with a hefty engine replacement bill.

We'd like to miss out on that adventure if we can.

We want to be as sure as we can that the dealer has taken care of as much as possible before we take delivery and anything you have to offer is most appreciated.

Thanks much
SSteve

P.S. We're posting this in both the Fleetwood and Freightliner sections hoping for maximum effect

SSteve · 06-12-2008, 11:53 AM

Help us Obi-wans, you're our only hope...

The schedule says we take delivery of our Bounder (˜07 38N) late next week. This will be our first diesel and we've been hard at it trying to learn as much as we can.

But, while we were thinking about how we were going to enjoy our new baby, we sort of missed the fact that it's really almost two (model years) old--hardly "new" when speaking of motorhomes.

When we finally did think about that, a few things suddenly came to mind. We will be the first owners which means the coach has been sitting around for a year or so (in Tucson). Besides realizing we should diligently inspect for sun/UV issues, we figured we'd be sure the engine oil has been changed recently (or at least documented as having been changed), but, after that, we drew a blank.

What other items in a Cat diesel/Freightliner chassis require an annual service? We know most issues should be covered under the manufacturer's warranty for a year, but we just read a post about someone in a similar situation assuming the required service had been done by the dealer. It had not, but there was no proof either way. The not so happy owner was stuck with a hefty engine replacement bill.

We'd like to miss out on that adventure if we can.

We want to be as sure as we can that the dealer has taken care of as much as possible before we take delivery and anything you have to offer is most appreciated.

Thanks much
SSteve

P.S. We're posting this in both the Fleetwood and Freightliner sections hoping for maximum effect

Sammie · 06-12-2008, 02:13 PM

After sitting that long I would definatly put a good charge on all batteries coach and chassis and have them checked for holding a charge. Batteries that sit for a long time without being charged have a tendency of going bad.

Steve

historyljc · 06-12-2008, 06:37 PM

SSteve,

Congratulations on your new coach.

Your RV Dealer will be best at handling maintenance on the "house" portion of your motorhome. You probably should look to Freightliner & Caterpillar for service and maintenance on your chassis and engine.

Your owner's manuals from Cat and Freightliner will have service schedules in them. Also you might wish to take a look at the Freightliner Service Center website and Caterpillar Service Center Locator.

Gary RVRoamer · 06-13-2008, 02:22 PM

Also use the Freightliner Service Center link to access the Owner Info tab on the same page. You can view/download a lot of useful information, including copies of several manuals. Even though you will receive paper copies of some (not all) of them, the electronic copies are machine searchable to find the data you may need. Get the Maintenance manuals as well as the operator manuals.

Technically your new rig needs the annual (m1) service and the two year (M2) service shown in your chassis owners manual. I probably wouldn't worry much about the filter changes, e.g. air filter, but I would probably do the fluid changes based on age, even though there is essentially zero miles on the clock. You might call Freightliner Service in Gafney to get their opinion.

One thing to remember is that your tires are already 2+ years old, even though they've hardly been driven. And two years of sitting around is hard time for a tire. Nothing to be done about it now except to recognize that new tires will be needed in about five years.

SSteve · 06-15-2008, 08:09 AM

Thanks to all for your offerings. Lots of good stuff to know.

SSteve

Korryp · 06-28-2008, 04:40 PM

Bought the same model and year this afternoon. Lots of good info posted so far about a 1 or 2 yeara rig. I get mine after I get back from my trip to yellowstone and kind of wish I could take it instead of my 32W Bounder.