[Foodsman]

Yah its me again...

A few questions please...

1. Where do you perform maintenance, oil changes etc?
I can't do it at my home, the driveway is a quarter mile long and mostly up hill with a 15 degree grade. Even if I could get up I'd have to back down to which I say "not me"! So if you can't do it at home where do you do it?
2. Once I change the oil and other fluids where do I dispose of them?
Thats a lot of stuff with the oil alone being 20 gallons? So not only do you need a place to take it, but if I remember weight and measures 20 gallons of oil weighs a few pounds...
3. Are you allowed to do any maintenance outside your coach in an RV park?

Are there other questions I'm missing in line with my question above? If there are other questions that I don't know enough to ask I would appreciate your filling me in... I was always at the shallow end of the family gene pool...

Thanks guys,

Harry

[folivier]

I do my own oil and filter changes. The first time I changed the oil on both coaches I used a tub to catch the 8 gallons of oil. Then I added a Fumoto valve to make it easier. Now I just save the old jugs and use them for the next oil change. Most auto parts stores will accept used oil.
Some campgrounds will allow you to work on your coach. Not all, and even then "don't ask, don't tell". There are mobile service guys that will do oil changes and other work while at a campground. Truckstops usually have a pretty good deal on services. I had a fuel filter changed at a Petro truck stop recently. Less than $50 to change it and that included 2 spares.

[Foodsman]

Hi Forest, When you say "included 2 spares" what does that mean, 2 filters? And its $50 bucks just to install the filters?

[folivier]

$50 bucks for 1 filter installed and 2 more for spares. So $50 total for 3 filters, 1 was installed. I think it worked out to be $12/filter and $14 for changing it out.

[Foodsman]

Hi Forest,

I think where I'm confused is I thought you changed your own oil and would install the filter as well?

[folivier]

I do, but had to have a fuel filter changed while on the road. Just pointing out that many truck stops have service/repair facilities and can do oil changes, etc.

[Fulltiming]

Harry, fuel filters can plug up and you always should be diligent in carrying spares with you. Minimize the amount of air that gets into the fuel system when you change the fuel filters or it can be very difficult to start the coach again.

[Ozarkguy]

Harry I hope you realize that there are a large number of "Gear-heads" on this site, that being they will tackle anything mechanical. That doesn't mean everyone is or has to be to own Large Class A motor-coach. Everyone has their own skill sets. But it doesn't mean that you need to take the coach to Newell for everything ether. Many wouldn't consider anything but, but some have found a local mechanic or service center that they trust and preform work for a fair price.
Only you know your level of mechanical aptitude and where or what you feel comfortable doing. That may be expanded after a time, after watching someone else..call it OJT.. If you find a coach that has been well maintained and has a fresh service behind it.. or a warranty such as a slightly used coach from the factory with a warranty.. You have many miles to put behind you before you need to worry to much.. The Gurus will be here for support if we can.. So pick something out and get your hands on it.. open the doors and bays.set in all the seats, play with the knobs and switches ...take a ride.. many questions will be answered..
Then you can focus your questions..

[Foodsman]

Thank's guys, very good information and as always I learn more every time I read one of your posts. Thank you...

[MrE]

One thing that I would suggest with any coach that you're interested in purchasing, let someone else drive while you wander around the coach listening to noises. We rode in a fairly new American Eagle, and a 20+ year old Newell, bought the Newell because it was SUBSTANTIALLY quieter. To me frame rail vs. monocoque isn't even a question...go with the monocoque or semi-monocoque every time.