Question for York, PA area Travel Trailer owners...

Update - I ended up taking the Layton to Nello Tire here in York. No issues. I did end up doing a complete suspension rebuild on it though, because after talking to Steve at Harbolds and determining the correct way to check it for play, the left side had considerable play and did warrant repair. So I ordered a kit from Ebay from a place in California. Great deal, got a kit with all new shackels, bushings, "wet" bolts and equalizers for $46.00 shipped! The bolts were a litte longer than my originals by about a 1/16" so I used flat washers on the in-board side of the frame brackets, no issues there. Everything went together well, especially with the tips from Steve. I will continue to buy parts and supplies from Harbold's as well, in light of how helpful Steve was about this job. Also, since the grease zerks included with the kit are not spring loaded, I installed caps on all the zerks to keep dirt and debris out of them.

I really like Nello tire, I find them to be very honest folks, if it needs something it needs it, if not, they pass it and don't nit-pick. I'll be taking it there from now on.

Thanks for the replies/info, I appreciate it.

Still looking for some place close to my area, but I appreciate the help.

-G

We also use the little dealer in Landisville - Lancaster County RV.
We have used Stoltzfus Rv in Adamstown too. Their head mechanic is great but that is probably too far for you.

Hi 31tundra.

Good information, thanks. I'll keep that in mind. It's always good to hear of a reputable RV dealer like that. I appreciate the help.

-G

Camper G

There is a little dealer in Landisville on the other side of the river. It is Lancaster county RV and they do a fantastic job. they do not nit pick. If it is legal, they pass it.

I realize that it is probably further to drive than what you were looking for, but, it might be worth it.

They're prices are reasonable. They do not take plastic,-- cash or check only.

Lynnmor wrote:
I used Ben's once, they jumped right on the plastic spring bushings. Many stations will inspect a trailer, no need to go to a dealer. I have had so much bad work done at inspection stations that it may be better to just pay the fine.

FWIW, since I do hold a PA Class 7 State inspection mechanics license, I have considered this option (not having it inspected), however I've continued to deal with it and have it done over the years. I would never take my rig to anyone to inspect where I would not sign the sticker myself and I know it's safe and road worthy in all aspects. However, it would take just one time, one accident where I could be completly without fault and the attorney for the adverse would be the first one to point out my trailer was not inspected as a way to lessen the negligance of their client.

So although it is a pain and hard to know who you can trust, I continue to have it done.

Wow, thanks for the responses guys. I appreciate that. Yes, I agree lots of crooked stations out there that's for sure. I have first hand knowledge of a lot of them from friends who came to me to check things out before they agreed to repairs only to find when I inspected the issue there was NO issue!

At this point, I guess I'll have to keep looking. Based on Lynn's response I wont be going to Ben's and Mike's comment is why I don't like Harbold's. My Rig is lucky if it sees the street 5-6 times per year tops, which is why I'm looking for a good station that won't nit-pick. I'm sure the plastic suspension bushings on my rig show some wear due to it's age, but all the parts are sound, nothing is broken and the rig tows arrow straight.

In my mind, on a trailer, if the brakes are in good working order and have over the legal limit lining thickness (2/32 for bonded shoes), the frame is sound, all lights work and there are no broken suspension pieces (no cracked leaf springs or spring bolts, etc, then it should pass. (EDIT: It goes without saying, but tires need to be in good condition with good tread left (2/32" or greater), preferably greater) and no severe dry cracks.)

Anything above that is nit-picking and what I'm trying to avoid.

Thanks again.

I used Ben's once, they jumped right on the plastic spring bushings. Many stations will inspect a trailer, no need to go to a dealer. I have had so much bad work done at inspection stations that it may be better to just pay the fine.

I use Shoemakers in Dillsburg. No issues yet. Great rep for many years, but not around the corner for you.

I use Harbolds . The work is always good and can't complain about the pricing. You are correct, the people skills are lacking but I never had a problem so I overlook it.