New and Confused

[bfkhome]

Hello to all. Just bought a used diesel pusher 2003 Itasca Horizon (Winnebago). It seems to be in terrific shape with only 29,000 miles and has been well maintained (or so they said). The dealer proved to be just about useless. Gave me the typical sales pitch and essentially wanted me off the lot as soon as possible so they could move on to the next guy.

But I am fairly mechanically inclined and I felt I could easily figure things out. But immediately (as I drove off into the sunset) I realized I was "in Kansas anymore!" I was in the diesel world and wow is it different from what I know about gasoline engines, maintenance, etc.

I quickly realized that I'd need professional help with maintenance and also that I really really needed to establish a baseline as to where things are right now (oil, transmission fluid, coolant, etc) so that I could start following the manufacturers recommended maintenance (Catepillar engine, freightliner chasis, Allison transmission, ONAN (Cummings) generator).

The BIG problem I'm having is finding people who actually do mechanic work on these type of vehicles. The small-time rv lots will do SOME things like change oil but checking out belts, hoses, spark arrestor on generator, radiator, etc. is proving complicated.

My big question is what do most owners of diesel motor homes do for maintenance? Is there usually a single source or do I have to find a mired of "specialists" for each system on the coach? I immediately figured out that I have a radiator/coolant issue as I'm having to add water each time I take the unit out.

[Veebyes]

Diesels are fairly simple beasts. They like clean air, clean fuel & clean oil.

You are wise to start with a baseline. Clean filters all around, fresh oil, a check of all hoses, check for seepage around injectors & fuel pump, check for seepage at all gaskets. Getting access does not look easy. My experience comes from diesels in boats. Most of them seem easier than a DP. Doing the routine checks seem easy enough but any real work, like getting to the starter in a DP, horrors.

Bottom line, if you are comfortable with a gas engine adapting to maintaining a diesel is no great mystery.

[Roy_Lynne]

Just wanted to welcome you to the forum. This is a great site for help as you see.

[Bob___Ann]

I would confirm what chassis it is and then schedule an appointment with the authorized local service center. Tell them that you want to be present to learn about your investment. Yes it may cost a little bit more but you can see everything done and checked properly and make notes as you go. This will go a long way with your comfort level.
The dealerships are mostly used to make repairs on the motor home itself being what is built on the frame.
Before going too far be sure to check the DOT code date on the tires. If you have a 2002 coach they could be 2001 tires and may be up to 11 years old. If they are over 8 years old I recommend replacement. If you have a blow out it could do much damage to the body etc. not to mention the chance of an accident.
Enjoy your new rig and may see you down the road

[bfkhome]

Thanks all for such fast replies! Lots of your comments have been very helpful. Many are confirming what I already figured out and that is you have to be creative and imaginative. I'm starting to feel more comfortable as I get to know the rig and drive it some. Luckily it was in pretty good shape (other than the radiator problem) and even that is not 100% shot. I just have to keep the coolant topped off. Since I posted I have found a large diesel truck dealership who is willing to look at it. After the 1st of the year I'll be moving out to the west coast (San Diego area) and I am already finding more options for potential service in that area so if I can just get it to the west coast I think I'll be alright.

[dcason]

Son works for DOT so maybe see if you have a dept of trans in your area that someone might want to pick up some cash on doing work for you.

He works on cars for extra money. (NY)

[Heavy_Metal_Doc]

Much of getting repair work done is a matter of networking. talk to people. Ask around with friends / coworkers / neighbors / church group -- whatever..... Someone always knows someone who does that kind of work. You don't need an "RV engine" serviced, you need whichever model of engine used in that chassis serviced....and when you discuss it further you can tell them it's in an RV. This applies farther than just the main chassis - I don't know the specifics of your RV, but I do know the same engine powers certain RV generators as what powers some little Kubota tractors I've dealt with - belts, filters and so on -- all the same.

If you are mechanically inclined, then basic maintenance stuff is very much like any car. If you can change the oil in your car / pickup truck, then you can change the oil in your Freightliner chassis'ed RV - there's just gonna be more oil (bigger drain pan) and possibly more than one filter.

[tatest]

Winnebago put that on a Freightliner chassis. Freightliner service centers will take care of the chassis, whether it is powered by Cat, Cummins, Detroit, or Mercedes-Benz. They usually also are service centers for Cummins-Onan power equipment.

What you get is factory service. Factory service is not cheap, but it is usually competent.

There are smaller, independent truck service businesses that might charge less for services (parts will be about the same). Many are very good, but you need to know who you are dealing with.

For house stuff (other than the generator) you are at the mercy of RV service shops.

Smaller C motorhomes are in the same situation. For me it is Ford dealer, a local alignment/tire/brake shop for the chassis, local RV dealer for house stuff, and I have to find an authorized Cummins/Onan service center to take care of the generator.

[wny_pat1]

All kinds of small diesel shops out there that will work on your DP. Many don't like to because the engine is not as accessible as one under the hook, but they will. I would not trust most RV shops to work on a diesel engine.

[JnJnKatiebug]

Not always possible but try to find someone who is certified to work on diesel engines and who also like to do a little "moonlighting". I have a friend who has worked at a school bus shop for 25 years. He has every Cummins/Allison certification you can get. One Saturday each spring he spends the day servicing and going over my rig. Last year he charged me $200 labor, I gave him $250 (cash). I want to make sure he continues to be my friend.

[Tin_Pusher]

Freightliner, if one is nearby, the one here is open 24 hrs.

It ain't gonna be cheap 🙂

[yrusoslo]

Hello, First I would call the dealer and see what kind of reply you get. It should be under some warranty. Camping World, if you have one near by. A good truck repair shop. Either a truck stop or indenpendent shop. Also Stemco does sevicing on class a rv's. Good luck. But don't get taken.

[mockturtle]

Our Foretravel had a Caterpillar engine and, if we weren't near the Foretravel factory for service we relied on truck mechanics. They are expensive. I wouldn't have most RV service centers work on a DP.