I don't like electricity. Well, let me rephrase that. I have a great deal of respect for electricity.
So, when there is something with the wiring gone wrong, I prefer to have someone else holding the wires. ;)
Engine-wise, I'm not really into tinkering around in there.
I also have very bad allergies in season and asthma, so spending the day outside in the lousy air quality does not go well for me.
But with all that, I bought a 1975 motorhome. No warranty. No service agreement.
I have a dedicated auto shop that works on it. I bring my suv in also. I am always reasonable and happy when I go in (I never get short with them because something went wrong with my vehicle). I never complain about their rates. In return, they want to keep my business, so they will cut an hour off here or there. They will give me specs and have me buy parts to eliminate their markup. It's a good partnership.
In addition, I have found that a lot of people enjoy working on these old dodge engines, problem solving, etc. So, I have a few folks who will help me "do it myself" - which usually ends up with me watching them do it, because they can't resist getting their hands in there.
I also have several RV repair places within 10 miles of me for the house side. Most things I can do myself, but some things I prefer to take in. Checking propane system - take in. Change a light fixture - do it myself.
There are some things I have learned to do. My wiper motor died. I helped my boss put in a new one. It was bad so we had it switched out. I helped him replace it. It went bad several months later. I put the third one in myself (finding a new not remanufactured).
At first, my boss expected me to sit on the side and let him do it all. But I quickly taught him I was interested in learning. So now I'm in there with him. It helps. I may not know how to fix something new, but if I've helped him work on an area, I can usually go back in and adjust/replace. It also helps with diagnostics. I usually have an idea of the problem. I may text him or a fellow clipper buddy and say "this is happening. I think it may be this or that. Am I on the right track?"
My clipper buddy can't keep his hands off my clipper either. We will meet up camping and he will be under my rig within 5 minutes.
I always "repay" with gifts or lunch, etc. They both always say I don't need to, but I do. If at least to encourage them to keep wanting to "play" with my clipper.
