Where to go for service?

[LaMonte Monnell]

I have a question about getting proper service done on my 2001 Contessa. I need to get an oil and filter change, also I have a leaking line going into the a/c compressor for the dash air...an oil leak somewhere above the starter, and want to have the serpentine and water pump belts checked.

Should I take it to CAT service center( 3 miles from my house) for this as its all engine related stuff, or to a RV service center?

[Tom and Pam Brown]

My recommendation is take it to the cat dealer.  The only other recommendation would be to have the chassis manual available to show them the grease points on the chassis.

[David T. Richelderfer]

A year ago I took my coach to a local truck service company, Eagle Freightliner.  The company works on all species of trucks, transmissions, etc., changed all my oils and filters, and serviced my Onan generator.  I left the coach there for several days where it was parked in a bay out of the sun.  My alternative was to take it to one of several RV sales/service companies 35 miles away, or take it to Bend 215 miles away.  Eagle Freightliner has a couple truck shops on I84 within 100 miles of me here in NE Oregon.  The shop I went to is only 5 miles away from my home.

Had I needed service on something unique to my RV, then I would likely take it to Bend... which I have done for slide work.

[Karl Welhart]

There are a number of good well know repair places in your area.  Additionally, the CAT dealer will do the chassis/engine work that you listed in your message.  My personal option is that most CAT dealers do not really understand the needs of RV folks.  I would prefer to see you go to a well establish RV service center like Alliance in Wildwood, FL.

[Gerald Farris]

LaMonte,
You will probably be OK with a good RV center that understands diesel pushers like Alliance Coach, but I prefer to take engine related repairs to a Cat dealer, especially something like the oil leak that you referenced. Most RV shops will not even work on something like an engine oil leak, so you will probably end up at the Cat dealer anyway. One point though, all Cat dealers do not work on RVs, so be sure to call ahead.

Gerald

[LaMonte Monnell]

thanks for all the great advice! It sure helps to get so many opinions to help me decide!