Forum Discussion

david1601's avatar
david1601
Explorer
Mar 17, 2019

Oil Change

Kinda new to the cross country RVing. We are leaving May 2nd for 3 & 1/2 months on a trip to the west coast and back across Canada. It will be around 9,000 miles total. My question is about getting the oil changed in a 36' gas RV that is 12' tall.

What are the best places do this? Truck stops, dealerships? Or do you do it yourself and if so, how do you dispose of the old oil properly? At home I do this myself but have no idea about on the road.

Thanks.
  • VoodooMedicineM's avatar
    VoodooMedicineM
    Explorer
    Mar 17, 2019
    Look for a pit at Walmart. They go under without lifting the rv. They're not at all of the service depts but if you ask they will know.
  • js218's avatar
    js218
    Explorer
    Mar 17, 2019
    I've used truck stops and large truck repair shops no problem.
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Mar 17, 2019
    Places such as Great Canadian Oil Change. But bring your own oil--much much much cheaper.
  • esyers's avatar
    esyers
    Explorer
    Mar 17, 2019
    Some Walmarts have a bay high enough. Walmart also accepts used oil if you change it yourself.
  • IB853347201's avatar
    IB853347201
    Nomad
    Mar 17, 2019
    Often you can get a mobile mechanic to come to your campsite and do for you. Just google "mobile mechanic" when you decide it's time. Usually they are very reasonably priced.
  • John_Wayne's avatar
    John_Wayne
    Explorer II
    Mar 17, 2019
    Get the valve that replaces the drain plug the one with a nipple to attach a plastic drain tube. Get one or two empty jugs. Drain the oil into the jugs. Take a large freezer bag put it over the oil filter unscrew the filter the oil will drain into the bag. Drain the bag into one of the jugs and toss the bag and filter. Fill with new oil. Take the jugs to an auto parts store. You're done.
  • BarneyS's avatar
    BarneyS
    Explorer III
    Mar 17, 2019
    My advice would be to use a mobile RV maintenance service once you reach your halfway destination. We used one just like this one several years ago while we were in Texas and were completely satisfied. They come to your location and change oil, grease, etc. with very reasonable prices. Often, you can inquire at the campground office and, if they allow it, will have a recommendation of a good place to call.
    Barney
  • azrving's avatar
    azrving
    Explorer
    Mar 17, 2019
    I have a fumoto valve on my CTD which let's me dump directly into the empty gallon jugs that I bring along. I hold a plastic garbage bag over the filter while I remove it and then take the jugs to a place like O'Reilly's.

    Draining the filter on to firewood makes greater fire starter.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Mar 17, 2019
    I have only gone to 3 places with my Workhorse
    Campign world 99 dollars and they put in the wrong oil. never again will they do that to me.

    A Workhorse authorized service center (Dealer with a TALL door) Slid under on a crawler and Never lifted the RV As I recall about 65 dollars give or take a couple not sure if full or semi-synthetic.


    An RV dealer Same method. Semi-synthetic. Same price.

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