We recently bought our first RV (Thor Tuscany 2013) from a private owner, but before we closed the sale the unit went through out an inspection at an RV dealership. Everything was fine beside few small things. The owner (77 years old) purchased the unit brand new and it still look like it, unfortunetely he didn't kept a log of maintenance (oil, filter, coolant, etc...). During the process of the purchase, I've asked him some questions and sometime he looked like if he lost his memory, therefore it is hard for me to rely on his answers.
I want to start brand new with the unit that as only 18,000 miles, therefore I'm planning to have new oil and other necessary liquids changed. This way I'll be able to start my own maintenance schedule.
I have one question to the RV Dream Community and especially those that have many years of experience and miles under their belts.
Is it preferable to go at an RV dealership or a Freightliner authorized dealer???
I won't go where the vehicule was inspected because the previous owner and the dealership are five hours away from my house. I have several RV dealership and authorized Freightliner dealer near by. I just want to know what is the best way to follow up on the maintenance program.
Thank You
Jean
dewwood said
09:54 AM Jun 22, 2015
Congrats on the new rig. I would recommend the truck dealership since that is what they work on. They have the proper technicians for that type of vehicle. The RV dealer would be good for items on the coach itself. The truck dealer would probably have all of the correct filters etc for your rig.
TRAILERKING said
10:03 AM Jun 22, 2015
I'd recommend the truck dealer or a Coach servicing company for the chassis/power train. The RV dealer will be "lucky" to handle issues items like the fridge, stove, A/C's, heaters, etc. Most are parts changers.....just want to sell you new things.
Trabuco said
10:09 AM Jun 22, 2015
I agree with a truck shop. Most RV dealers won't work on diesels or Allison transmissions. What engine does your rig have in it?
el Rojo and Pam said
11:19 AM Jun 22, 2015
It's not that hard to change your own fluids...just saying. Other than that I would go to truck service center.
And congrats on the new rig!!!!!!!!
Barbaraok said
02:10 PM Jun 22, 2015
el Rojo and Pam wrote:
It's not that hard to change your own fluids...just saying. Other than that I would go to truck service center.
And congrats on the new rig!!!!!!!!
Well it is if you have arthritis in the knees and back and don't bend well anymore. Plus, most RV parks don't let you do oil changes at your site, so for fulltimers it becomes very difficult to do your own.
Speedco is a good alternative. BUT for that first go over either the Freightline shop or a Cummins Coach Care would be a good place to go. Have them do a thorough going over of ALL fluids, filters, and BELTS. Make sure they look carefully at the belts. Then have them set a schedule for you for when the different fluids need to be changed out. Also it is a good time to have the air dryer looked at, have the brake pads checked, etc. And have them check for any computer program upgrades for both the engine and the transmission. Once you have everything done, you'll have your baseline to start your journeys.
MarkS said
02:10 PM Jun 22, 2015
Choose your mechanic carefully. Most diesel mechanics are only parts changers, including dealerships.
Steve C said
08:31 PM Jun 22, 2015
We have had lots of problems with the three new RVs that we have owned since 2010. We have had very poor results with all but two RV dealerships on fixing problems. Been to the factories where our three were built and had poor to mixed results there also.They know how to charge over a $100 an hour; but, in our experience few know how to fix anything. Most replace, not fix as MarkS suggested above. We have had poor results with mobile repairs services as well. Currently, we have finally found a good tech at the factory where our motorhome was built and we willingly wait on him to do the repairs.
I have only done yearly maintenance in the town where ours was built as it appears if we want it fixed we have to plan our travels to take us there for 2 weeks to a month each year. We know of several owners that do the same. In two and half years we have been to the factory four times, had factory mobile repair come several times and been to four or five factory recommended dealerships for repairs. Close to a third of the 21,778 miles our motorhome have come from trips to the factory or a dealership for repairs.
I now have a chassis problem that dealerships won't touch. Freightliner was recommended; but, I have been too busy traveling to get there. The tech I talked to at the factory told me it was okay to wait as long as my air brakes continue to work. Please post what you decide and what results you get. Speedco has been recommended to me for oil changes. Just haven't been in their area when it was time to do it. Good luck.
bjoyce said
09:42 AM Jun 23, 2015
I have not much luck getting good work done at any RV dealership, I prefer independent RV repair places. Most of those will send me to a truck or chassis shop for engine, transmission and other chassis issues like air bags, shocks, etc.
French Bikers said
09:15 PM Jun 24, 2015
Thank you all I went to a Freightliner autorised dealer and meet the people. They gave me a tour of the premises and present me all the mechanical. It does not mean they are the best but after an hour of talking I'm confident enough to give them a try. Basically more than 95% of the people have the same answer regarding RV Dealers vs châssis dealer or truck dealer. Therefore I Intend to go there. I will see after the first time, I don't mind to pay if I'm treated like a customer and not a number.
Thanks again
Jean
Selah said
05:42 PM Jul 2, 2015
Good choice on using a Frieghtliner shop. If you continue to use any Frieghtliner shop for your maintenance you will always have a complete service records going forward.
-- Edited by Selah on Thursday 2nd of July 2015 05:47:06 PM
Hi everyone,
We recently bought our first RV (Thor Tuscany 2013) from a private owner, but before we closed the sale the unit went through out an inspection at an RV dealership. Everything was fine beside few small things. The owner (77 years old) purchased the unit brand new and it still look like it, unfortunetely he didn't kept a log of maintenance (oil, filter, coolant, etc...). During the process of the purchase, I've asked him some questions and sometime he looked like if he lost his memory, therefore it is hard for me to rely on his answers.
I want to start brand new with the unit that as only 18,000 miles, therefore I'm planning to have new oil and other necessary liquids changed. This way I'll be able to start my own maintenance schedule.
I have one question to the RV Dream Community and especially those that have many years of experience and miles under their belts.
Is it preferable to go at an RV dealership or a Freightliner authorized dealer???
I won't go where the vehicule was inspected because the previous owner and the dealership are five hours away from my house. I have several RV dealership and authorized Freightliner dealer near by. I just want to know what is the best way to follow up on the maintenance program.
Thank You
Jean
And congrats on the new rig!!!!!!!!
Well it is if you have arthritis in the knees and back and don't bend well anymore. Plus, most RV parks don't let you do oil changes at your site, so for fulltimers it becomes very difficult to do your own.
Speedco is a good alternative. BUT for that first go over either the Freightline shop or a Cummins Coach Care would be a good place to go. Have them do a thorough going over of ALL fluids, filters, and BELTS. Make sure they look carefully at the belts. Then have them set a schedule for you for when the different fluids need to be changed out. Also it is a good time to have the air dryer looked at, have the brake pads checked, etc. And have them check for any computer program upgrades for both the engine and the transmission. Once you have everything done, you'll have your baseline to start your journeys.
I have only done yearly maintenance in the town where ours was built as it appears if we want it fixed we have to plan our travels to take us there for 2 weeks to a month each year. We know of several owners that do the same. In two and half years we have been to the factory four times, had factory mobile repair come several times and been to four or five factory recommended dealerships for repairs. Close to a third of the 21,778 miles our motorhome have come from trips to the factory or a dealership for repairs.
I now have a chassis problem that dealerships won't touch. Freightliner was recommended; but, I have been too busy traveling to get there. The tech I talked to at the factory told me it was okay to wait as long as my air brakes continue to work. Please post what you decide and what results you get. Speedco has been recommended to me for oil changes. Just haven't been in their area when it was time to do it. Good luck.
Thanks again
Jean
Good choice on using a Frieghtliner shop. If you continue to use any Frieghtliner shop for your maintenance you will always have a complete service records going forward.
-- Edited by Selah on Thursday 2nd of July 2015 05:47:06 PM