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novasquid · 11-29-2020, 07:59 PM

Hi guys, sorry for the noob question, but is $200 reasonable for "Standard bearing repack, new seals and grease, test magnets, inspect springs and drums" on my single axle Helio travel trailer? The quote is from Summit RV in Tacoma, WA.

I bought it new in 2019 and have trailered it from VA to WA, so it currently has about 4k miles on it. The electric brakes are squealing now and I was quoted $200 for the work. Does that seem reasonable? I was hoping to do maintenance work myself, but the lack of time and knowledge is preventing me.

nicky8668 · 11-29-2020, 08:04 PM

No. Don’t go to RV dealers for this types of work. Find a trailer shop or a place works on semi. My camper bearings were repacked and brakes were readjust for $50 at a semi shop. All done in 30 mins in front of me.

My town has heavy semi traffic and a lot of semi shops. So competition may drive the price down. But definitely not $200.

novasquid · 11-29-2020, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicky8668

No. Don’t go to RV dealers for this types of work. Find a trailer shop or a place works on semi. My camper bearings were repacked and brakes were readjust for $50 at a semi shop. All done in 30 mins in front of me.

My town has heavy semi traffic and a lot of semi shops. So competition may drive the price down. But definitely not $200.

Thanks for the tip. But Summit RV isn't a dealer, it's a standalone shop that specializes in RV repair and maintenance.

nicky8668 · 11-29-2020, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by novasquid

Thanks for the tip. But Summit RV isn't a dealer, it's a standalone shop that specializes in RV repair and maintenance.

Yeah. Repacking bearings and adjust brake are pretty standard services. Even some auto shops can do that. No need to pay the premium rate at an RV shop.

nicky8668 · 11-29-2020, 08:12 PM

Btw, mine is a single axle. Double the rate for a tandem.

novasquid · 11-29-2020, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicky8668

My town has heavy semi traffic and a lot of semi shops. So competition may drive the price down. But definitely not $200.

There's a place called "Tacoma & Fife Trailer Repair" nearby that I think specializes in semi trailers, but I can't tell for sure since they don't have a website and none of the reviews on google talk about what type of work they do. I guess I can give them a call on Monday and ask if they work on travel trailers.

ShelbyM · 11-30-2020, 05:11 AM

What you are paying for is mostly the bearing pack and seals. It's a pain in the butt and $200 doesn't sound unreasonable to me. The RV repair shop should be fine. Around here folks use horse trailer shops as well. Never heard of using a big truck repair.

lezmark · 11-30-2020, 07:42 AM

I have a question. With it so new and with the miles, should servicing even be necessary?

TIME2CAMP · 11-30-2020, 08:15 AM

Sounds high. I paid about 100 for a repack.

novasquid · 11-30-2020, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lezmark

I have a question. With it so new and with the miles, should servicing even be necessary?

i thought so too, and asked Helio if squealing brakes was normal or should be covered under warranty. he was quick to remind me that the maintenance schedule calls for brake checks after the first 3 months.

David 70 · 11-30-2020, 08:34 AM

Most of the time the original bearing grease pack is pretty skimpy. After pullig it that far a check would be a good idea. So far as the price, if he thinks it's too high just get more quotes and go from there. Prices vary all around the country.

ArtJoyce · 11-30-2020, 08:39 AM

brakes squealing is common in those areas of high humidity. I think its from light surface on the brake surface. But a new trailer with 4k on the brakes the shoes need adjusting.

travelorer99 · 11-30-2020, 09:01 AM

Ill start off by I didn't need to but had to. Hooked up in dark, unplugged break away switch, by accident, left in morning, diesel truck didn't notice breaks were on, double axel, 6 miles down road, smoke coming out of back of camper.
So, back to OP post. I have never done trailers before, It was $80 for each tire/axel, ( I did the work) four new break assemblies and seals and best grease I could find. It is easy and takes little time.

nicky8668 · 11-30-2020, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShelbyM

What you are paying for is mostly the bearing pack and seals. It's a pain in the butt and $200 doesn't sound unreasonable to me. The RV repair shop should be fine. Around here folks use horse trailer shops as well. Never heard of using a big truck repair.

Take the wheel off and apply some grease are pain in the butt? Semi shops do it everyday, just at a larger scale (18 wheeler trailers), so a travel trailer is like a miniature toy for them to work on.