When I bought my Jayco Melbourne 29D, the Jayco dealer told me that there was ONE Ford dealer in the greater St. Louis metro area that would service the E-450. Last week that dealer told me to buzz off; they now refuse to do even an oil change! Is this a nationwide problem? What in the world is going on?

Local dealer here still does them and I get email updates that service may be due. This dealer sells lots of trucks also and was a fleet dealer dont know if he still is. They WILL NOT do any front end alignments however so not sure what other things they will do.

When I was trying to locate a Ford dealer to do oil changes on my motorhome, I ended up calling Ford Customer Support. Very helpful, gave me about 3 dealers within reasonable distance.Edit by Barb

I'm at a loss as to why this would be...

There are two Ford dealers in our local area. One will work on RV's and the other doesn't. The difference is that one has a truck lift and the other doesn't.

Same at GM dealers some work on MH and Medium Duty Trucks and some don't.I have found if the dealer sells medium duty trucks they will work on MHs.

Ford Dealers Won't Service E-450 | Good Sam Community

bukhrn
Explorer III
Apr 29, 2015
nomad 289 wrote:
chasfenwick wrote:
What in the world is going on?

$100+ for local dealer to do oil change.
Told him that was absurd, dealer in another state did it for $27.

He sheepishly admitted that RV's have to go on a special lift, so higher shop rates are charged for service.

That's BS, (on his part, not yours) The E450 can Easily be done outside in the parking lot, WITHOUT a lift.
I do my own in my driveway & don't even have to jack it up.

Went into parking lot to examine how hard it would be to do myself...
E-450 is the Easiest oil change of anything I've seen! Filter and drain plug are super accessible.
Went to parts dept. and bought 5 Motorcraft oil filters for future changes, then Wally World for oil.
You can get the Motorcraft filters at Wally World also, & a lot cheaper than at the dealer.

(Motorcraft filters have some sort of necessary valve others don't.)
Any Quicky oil change shop with a underground "pit" and sufficient overhead clearance can service your E-450; you provide the filter. Watch for tailswing, inexperienced tech. came within 4" of clipping the door:S
wbwood
Explorer
Apr 29, 2015
Our local Ford dealer does. But they did ask for the length of the RV. At 33' we are ok.
kyhawk
Explorer
Apr 29, 2015
tracyb-oh wrote:
Have had the same problem here in Cincinnati. Had a Ford Truck dealer not too far from home that did our service for years. Then we noticed the big sign out front was down and a Peterbuilt sign went up. When we called they said they are no longer a Ford dealership. After lots of calls and questions there is only one dealer left who will work on our Ford E450. It is there now getting a fuel pump replaced. There are lots of Ford dealerships but they won't work on the large chassis. Even the new Camping World facility that just opened said they couldn't help. We have a great place to work on the RV issues but getting the Ford E450 part worked on has been a challenge.

Is that Fuller Ford, or is there another one I don't know about?
Toot_Mc
Explorer
Apr 27, 2015
For oil change I just take my coach to Kwik Kar and he pulls her into bay and puts the brand of oil That I prefer. he also has filters, oil and air or he can get them quick. he will even get the brand of filters i want and have them delivered while I wait. I have never waited more than two hours.

So you might check with like jiffy lube, Kwick kar and a few dealers like that. for class c's most of there bays will accommodate and they have pits below floor level to have access to your coach drains. They can also change your transition and rear differential fluids.
rvit
Explorer
Apr 27, 2015
We had the same problem in NH with the F350 chassis. Had to call Ford and they directed me to a Dealership about 50 miles away. I think this is common.
Tvov
Explorer II
Apr 27, 2015
Are we talking about general maintenance service, or warranty repairs?

For just general regular maintenance, pretty much any shop (or yourself) should be able to do it and stay within warranty, as long as you keep ALL paperwork that the service was done. Receipts, work orders, dates, times, etc... and keep the maintenance log in the glove compartment filled out.

For actual warranty repairs, you might have to find an "official" shop (usually a dealer) to do the repair. But, even then, an independent garage might be fine, if you once again keep all paperwork and info on the repair. You might have to jump through some hoops to get reimbursed for the work. Speaking of which - you should check with the manufacturer before having the work done at an independent shop.

My local Ford dealership works on trucks and ambulances, and I have seen RVs in their shop. They are very happy to bill for work - especially if it is covered warranty work!
PSW
Explorer
Apr 27, 2015
This discussion makes me realize how lucky I am! There are two independently owned "quick lube" type places within three miles of my house. Both are owned and operated by the same family for over 25 years and had the same guys working in them for years. Down the road about six miles is my tire, service and repair place: locally owned by the same family for forty years with two bays built especially to service RVs and similar sized commercial and farm trucks. I have done business with them for thirty years.

I suggest you forget the dealer for anything except major warranty work and find a good local shop and get to know them. I have always stayed away from "authorized dealers" on all my vehicles all my life. Unless, of course, it was a warranty or recall problem. They always seem to care less, charge more and appreciate your business less than the local guys trying to make a living.

All that being said, it ultimately will be dictated by the size of your rig. Mine is only 24 feet long. The OP has a biggun.
tracyb-oh
Explorer
Apr 27, 2015
Have had the same problem here in Cincinnati. Had a Ford Truck dealer not too far from home that did our service for years. Then we noticed the big sign out front was down and a Peterbuilt sign went up. When we called they said they are no longer a Ford dealership. After lots of calls and questions there is only one dealer left who will work on our Ford E450. It is there now getting a fuel pump replaced. There are lots of Ford dealerships but they won't work on the large chassis. Even the new Camping World facility that just opened said they couldn't help. We have a great place to work on the RV issues but getting the Ford E450 part worked on has been a challenge.
pconroy328
Explorer
Apr 26, 2015
Walmart changed the oil in our 23' Class C.
beachcomber_1
Explorer
Apr 26, 2015
Drake Tire on Broadway in Alton, Illinois does my oil changes. Alignments also. Too much hassle to change and get rid of the used oil.