JTHarley
Northeast, Michigan, USA
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Joined: 02/27/2003
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Picking up the motorhome today from the freightliner service center. 28K miles, purchased new in 2007. Took it in for the 51 point PM....fluid levels changed, filters changed, valve adjustment (recommended between 25-30K miles) Noticed a small leak in the valve cover but a new gasket is put on with the valve adjustment so that should be fine. The dealer called and said the gasket on the oil pan was also leaking so they replaced that. Checked some error codes I was getting while driving, ride height, the works. Gotta get her ready for the big winter trip.
Since new, I have always taken the coach to freightliner for ANY service and maintenance. I know I could save some $$ and do this myself but I found with my last coach that the buyer was really sold on the point that I had these documents showing how well the coach was taken care of. How many folks do these maintenance items themselves? The last time I took it in the total bill was $1,100, Not sure what the bill will be this time because they are checking if the gaskets are covered under my cat warranty (they should be).
Anyway, just wonder how many folks here think service at certified freightliner dealers is a good selling point in the future or just paying too much to maintain your coach?
Jim , MJ & Spirit of Sambuca Bear
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HSIKES
Wilmington,NC
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Joined: 12/02/2007
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I carried mine to Gaffney,SC for the MAJOR SERVICE because I didn't have any service records from the previous owner. It had 15K miles but I wanted a starting point with all service done by the dealer. Expensive, YES!
They found many areas that needed attention and adjustments.
Also join the Freightliner club and you get discounts on service and parts.
I have the CAT C7 engine and it was suggested that I carry extra parts like the water pump belt, serpentine belt, fuel filters and test strips. They recommend that all owners carry these in a shrink bag in a cool place. You never can tell then one of these will break in a remote location or after hours and you have the correct part with you. Price was actually cheaper than the local auto parts outlet.
Now having said that, I also tend to agree that truck service centers like Speedco will do the basic changes cheaper than a dealer and that is the service plan for me. But for a major service point, back to the dealer.
Horace & Bobbi
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Buck62
Charleston, South Carolina
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Joined: 04/28/2005
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Like automobile makers just about every chassis maker has specified service intervals based on mileage or time. They normally call them PM level 2 at 24,000 or two years or level 3 at 36,000 miles ect. which is more detailed than just an oil change and chassis lube and cover more chassis items like hoses, belts, ride height, hydraulic oil and coolant changes. They are expensive preventative service ranging in cost from $1,000 to a little over $2,000 depending on the service level. The idea is to prevent break downs like replace all hoses and belts during the 3 year coolant change and replace hydraulic oil filters during the hydraulic oil change. So if you follow your chassis manufacturer's service plan you should not have any unexpected roadside breakdowns.
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JTHarley
Northeast, Michigan, USA
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I agree with the scheduled PM's......do it at a certified dealer. I am simply wondering if my perception from a buyers stand point was accurate. If and when I get my next coach it most likely won't be new as my previous 4 where. I for one would pay a little more or if I had to choose between 2 coaches, one service by the owner and the other serviced at an oasis dealer (same / same other than that) I would choose to pay more for the records. I understand that if you do it that way the new owner can use the vin # to look up all the service and repairs done by freightliner.
As I said the look on the buyers face when I pulled out the maintenance log said it all but is that the exception?
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Economical Handyman
S. California
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Joined: 02/19/2004
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I feal that many of the items that need service are simple and these Service Centers HOURLY rates are to HIGH, for simple jobs.
I don't think my MH would return the $$$ spent in a Service Center at sale time, over the money I save doing my own work.
DeWayne & Judy
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Ken451
southern Ohio
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The quality of work at Freightliner dealers seems to vary all over the map. I wouldn't trust the local Freightliner to do things right (not even on 18 wheelers). Gaffney, OTOH, has a good reputation.
Personally, I'd trust the local RV dealer more than I'd trust the local Freightliner shop.
Before it's worth it to a potential buyer, they have to understand the variances in maintenance shops. Most buyers do not. Frankly, if we had understood the complexities and difficulties in Class A maintenance, we probably would not have bought one!
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Executive
California/Arizona/South Dakota
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It's certainly refreshing to hear of someone having a positive experience from a dealer. I think JT is correct on his assessment of the value of records to a potential buyer. The IMPORTANT thing is to keep good records of the maintenance regardless of whether you do it yourself or have it done. I also found that keeping them in chronological order in a binder is much more effective than simply keeping the receipts in a box.. ...now if it's the IRS wanting to look at your receipts etc., then, IMHO, the box method is preferred... don't ask me how I know....  ....Dennis
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wny_pat
Western NYS
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Ken451 wrote:Personally, I'd trust the local RV dealer more than I'd trust the local Freightliner shop. That is a down right scary statement!
I have not had any dealings with a actual Freightliner shop, but have had with heavy truck shops and RV shops, therefore don't know if I could go along with it. I'll take the heavy truck shop any day of the week over a RV shop.
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JTHarley
Northeast, Michigan, USA
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For those in Michigan.....I have used the freightliner Oasis dealer in Traverse City and found them to be very good. My other choice is Diesel Sales in Saginaw. More of a big truck shop but I do see lots of RV's in there. Cat, Allison, Freightliner, Mack ect....They did this last maintenance.
Here's the summary
Oil change & filter
Air filter change
Valve Adjustment (first one)
Replaced valve cover gasket
Replaced oil pan itself and gasket (under warranty)
Complete Lube
Coolant system check
Checked Ride height
Air Dryer service
Air Filter
51 point check.. (ie belts, tires, water pump, road test ect....)
Ran a diagnostics on the onboard computer and gave me a print out. (very interesting)
Power wash and clean the engine.
My total......$1,200.00
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