I was wondering if there is a logical reason why they would charge us extra...Our Four Winds Five Thousand 23.5' long class C is built on a Chevy Express van body, with the 3500 chassis. Engine is a 6 liter 8 cylinder. I was thinking that this RV uses the same amount of motor oil that a plain old Chevy van uses - with the same size engine.So I often call the lube shop for a price - I ask them "how much for an oil change for a chevy express van 6 liter 8 cyl 3500 chassis?"They quote me a price and when I arrive they always charge me ten or 20 bucks extra. I ask them why the higher price and they say it's a motorhome and motorhomes require more oil.Is this true? I think it is a bunch of baloney and they are ripping us off and think just because we have a motorhome we can afford to pay more. Is there a logical reason why they should be charging more just because we have a motorhome on a van chassis?

Could you have larger oil pan or additional oil cooler? When you call, ask how many quarts of oil the price covers. Then, when they change ask how much they used or, it should be on the invoice/receipt.

Servicing an RV requires either 1) a really large lift or 2) working on the ground. One requires extra capital costs and takes more valuable shop space. The other requires more time at each oil change. $20 seems very reasonable to me.That said.... No all shops care about re-couping their extra costs since oil changes are almost always a loss-leader anyways. The real value is getting you in the door for other required services or repairs.

carringb wrote:Servicing an RV requires either 1) a really large lift or 2) working on the ground. One requires extra capital costs and takes more valuable shop space. The other requires more time at each oil change. $20 seems very reasonable to me.That said.... No all shops care about re-couping their extra costs since oil changes are almost always a loss-leader anyways. The real value is getting you in the door for other required services or repairs.The oil shops we use don't have a lift they all have that below ground work area that you drive over. So there are no additional costs involved there - all the vehicles use the same drive over work area..

hotbyte wrote:Could you have larger oil pan or additional oil cooler? When you call, ask how many quarts of oil the price covers. Then, when they change ask how much they used or, it should be on the invoice/receipt.Maybe a better question I should ask....does a 2003 Four Winds 5000 23.5' on a chevy express 3500 chassis - how much motor oil does it take? Does anyone know?We have I believe the towing package and I think it does come with an extra cooler - does it look like a small radiator in back of the larger one?

We have had the same experience, it must be the MH "luxury" factor.

Every time we change oil in our class C they charge us extra

41 Replies

noe-place
Explorer
Aug 23, 2013
I have had oil changes done in several states in the 9 yrs we've had our C. One place in Oklahoma charged $60. for 6qts oil and filter while in S. Dakota I paid $148. for the same job. I think it's according to the type of place one uses for the change. Some have their prices posted and that's where I'd try to go like others said but ask if there's an additional charge for your MH. I change mine every 3K miles if I can find a place to do it myself. Doing it myself only costs about $50.
Dakzuki
Explorer II
Aug 23, 2013
DaHose wrote:
California requires people who sell oil to have a recycling tank. I buy from Oreilly's here in town and take my old oil back to them. I was lucky enough to get hold of a 5 gallon commercial vegetable oil bucket. I can change oil on at least two cars and the motorhome before I have to dump it. Makes life easier. I keep it by the gate and grab it/dump when I go get fresh oil.

Jose

You can get a container at Amazon for cheap. Link
DaHose
Explorer
Aug 22, 2013
California requires people who sell oil to have a recycling tank. I buy from Oreilly's here in town and take my old oil back to them. I was lucky enough to get hold of a 5 gallon commercial vegetable oil bucket. I can change oil on at least two cars and the motorhome before I have to dump it. Makes life easier. I keep it by the gate and grab it/dump when I go get fresh oil.

Jose
Dakzuki
Explorer II
Aug 22, 2013
mpfireman wrote:
Used motor oil is considered hazardous waste. that means proper disposal is required. Where I purchase our oil, they will take back your used oil, free of charge, but different states have vastly different regulations regarding the disposal of oil, batteries, antifreeze, tires, even your old oil filter's. So next time you purchase your oil, ask about disposal options. Our quick service oil shops charge a fee for oil and filter disposal.
Just don't dump it on the ground, or down the drain.

Anyone that is charging for motor oil disposal is double dipping and ripping people off IMO. Used motor oil is a commodity that is sold for money by those that collect it.
Dakzuki
Explorer II
Aug 22, 2013
nadsab wrote:

Yeah I can change it have done it many times before. I just get tired of having to deal with the used oil disposal.

Getting rid of used motor oil has never been easier. Many auto parts stores have a tank in the back you just dump it in.
jdog
Explorer
Aug 22, 2013
Next time you call for an estimate, tell them what you have, a motorhome. Don't play word games. Maybe thats why they jacked up the price after they learned what you were doing.
jdog
Explorer
Aug 22, 2013
srx-6 wrote:
Yeah I can change it have done it many times before. I just get tired of having to deal with the used oil disposal.

If that is the case then, you should know how much it holds.

You do know how much oil is needed! Why are you asking?
dicknellen
Explorer II
Aug 22, 2013
Per the oil/lube & brake shop where I go they have a higher rate fro RVs, they charge me the lower regular price since I always tell them to leave my tires alone. I always check & air my tires at home. Each time I go in I need to remind them so I don't get the higher MH charge. I had to have a discussion with the owner to get this non MH pricing. Dick
hotbyte
Explorer
Aug 22, 2013
GrumpyGator wrote:
I live down a dirt road. Used oil helps keep the dust down. :)

Now now...

Oil change on an old '76 Ford F100 I had was a continuous process. It leaked out old and I put back in new...just replace filter every so often.
GrumpyGator
Explorer
Aug 22, 2013
I live down a dirt road. Used oil helps keep the dust down. :)

Forum Discussion

Every time we change oil in our class C they charge us extra

41 Replies

About Motorhome Group

Related Content

Payload changes on Hills

Oil change service??? Mercedes-Benz sprinter.

Lithium - Charging

Battery Charging

Oil changes