Since I have owned a MH I have a local dealership do the oil changes. On the Ford v-10 I have them do full synthetic and I get it done @7500 miles. The price is reasonable I think but I do have to drive it in, drive it home etc which can be a bit of a hassle. I have always done the gen set myself since it only takes 1.5 qts. I was wondering, by the time I buy the oil, filter, crawl under and over the engine to change it then figure out some way to dispose of the old oil, is it worth it? I think by the time I buy materials and my own labor I am not certain it’s even worth trying to save what would be about $20-30.00. I am not ill equipped but I am not a shop with a lift either. I don’t do my own truck either. Already figured out that the price I get to get that done with a free rotation in 15 minutes is way more cost effective to have them do it. I do however do my own tractor, simply because the hassle of dragging it somewhere would cost more. Anyway, what’s your thought on doing your own MH?

Oil service on both the MH and Genny runs me just about $300 at a garage. Doing it for the first time myself last spring barely broke $100.Disposing of the used oil was as easy as driving over to the local oil changers down the street on the way home from my storage.

I always do my own. That way I know it is done right. It also saves me money.

It's a dirty, messy job I wouldn't even consider, although many do not just for saving a bit of money, but insuring the job is done right.

dieharder wrote:Oil service on both the MH and Genny runs me just about $300 at a garage. Doing it for the first time myself last spring barely broke $100.Disposing of the used oil was as easy as driving over to the local oil changers down the street on the way home from my storage.That seems really high. I don't think I pay $100.00 I have to pull out a bill but it wasn't a lot of money.

$36.00 at my Ford dealer. Not worth my time to do it myself.

changing your own oil - is it worth it? | Good Sam Community

dieharder
Explorer
Feb 26, 2014
Oil service on both the MH and Genny runs me just about $300 at a garage. Doing it for the first time myself last spring barely broke $100.

Disposing of the used oil was as easy as driving over to the local oil changers down the street on the way home from my storage.
dalehelman
Explorer
Feb 26, 2014
I always do my own. That way I know it is done right. It also saves me money.
2oldman
Explorer II
Feb 26, 2014
It's a dirty, messy job I wouldn't even consider, although many do not just for saving a bit of money, but insuring the job is done right.
Effy
Explorer II
Feb 26, 2014
dieharder wrote:
Oil service on both the MH and Genny runs me just about $300 at a garage. Doing it for the first time myself last spring barely broke $100.

Disposing of the used oil was as easy as driving over to the local oil changers down the street on the way home from my storage.

That seems really high. I don't think I pay $100.00 I have to pull out a bill but it wasn't a lot of money.
RDG
Explorer
Feb 26, 2014
$36.00 at my Ford dealer. Not worth my time to do it myself.
Hikerdogs
Explorer
Feb 26, 2014
To me changing the oil myself is a matter of convenience not cost savings. Our local Ford dealer will do it for less than $50.00 and it costs nearly the same if I buy full synthetic and a Mtorcraft filter. The only real savings is I don't have to do it on their schedule. However it is a lot easier to have them do it when the temperature is below zero, there's 3 feet of snow in the drive or it's pouring down rain.

Most of the time they do the oil change in a stall without a hoist. A mechanic slides under on a creeper and uses a drain pan that sets flat on the floor. The only lifting involved is when they put a floor jack under each front wheel to unload the king pins for greasing.

Money wise it's a wash either way. When I do it myself I get the chance to personally inspect everything under the hood and chassis. I'm sure the mechanic does the multi-point inspection, but I still prefer a hands on approach from time to time.
OhhWell
Explorer
Feb 26, 2014
Very easy job and I get rid of the oil at the parts store down the street. I know it is done right and I can inspect the oil as it pours out. I would still change my own oil if it were more expensive.
We_Cant_Wait
Explorer
Feb 26, 2014
For now we're putting less then 5000 mile a year on our unit and with it needing state inspection every year I just combine the 2 into 1 appointment. Have to drive it in for the inspection so it's just as easier to just let them do the lube, oil and filter at the same time.
WoodGlue
Explorer
Feb 26, 2014
I have it done, and I stand there while they do it to make sure all the old oil drains out and that everything is done correctly!

WoodGlue
Executive45
Explorer III
Feb 26, 2014
IMHO, it's a lot easier to pull out my VISA than it is to spend an hour crawling under my coach.

It costs $288 at Speedco to change the oil, (42 quarts) both oil filters, both fuel filters, lube the coach completely, check the SCA in the coolant, adding any if necessary and disposing of everything. I'm allowed in the 'pit' if I so desire and they require me to witness and sign off on all the torquing of the drain plugs and filters. I also have to witness and verify the oil levels prior to them buttoning up the entire process.

To me, it's a no brainer. We combine the annual service appointment with a weeklong get-a-way from our 'winter' home......Dennis

Forum Discussion

changing your own oil - is it worth it?

About Motorhome Group

Related Content

SMART TV IS IT WORTH THE CHANGE ?

Washer/Dryer worth it?

Second AC worth it?

Prolite trailer- worth the extra $ ?

OIL CHANGE