BAC Forum

General Boards => Technical Support => Topic started by: Steve Huber on August 30, 2022, 11:36:38 PM

Title: CAT Dealer v Shops that work on CATs
Post by: Steve Huber on August 30, 2022, 11:36:38 PM
I've been contacted by a number of members in the past few months that have broken down on the road and ended up taking their coaches to repair shops that work on CAT  engines. Consider that many of these shops lack the proper diagnostic tools and end up throwing parts at the problem while running up the labor bill.
IMHO if at all possible in case of a breakdown get your coach to a CAT Dealer. Yes, they may look a bit more expensive, but they have the experience and diagnostic tools to find and fix your problem. That said, obviously there may be CAT dealers that also try to run up the bill, but overall the odds are certainly better sticking with CAT when possible.
Just my opinion based on my observations.
Steve
Title: Re: CAT Dealer v Shops that work on CATs
Post by: Bob Disney on August 30, 2022, 11:59:12 PM
the local Des Moines Iowa cat dealer refuses to work on coaches
Title: Re: CAT Dealer v Shops that work on CATs
Post by: Steve Huber on September 03, 2022, 05:20:21 PM
Bob makes a good point. It appears the decision whether to work on RVs is made by the local dealership and not corporate wide. I believe Des Moines is serviced by Ziegler CAT in Altoona. I checked with Ziegler CAT in Fort Dodge and they claimed they were unaware of any decision to not service RVs. The service mgr noted that you need to make sure you are speaking to the truck service dept and not heavy equipment service. I'm also aware that Butler CAT in Rapid City, SD and Wagner CAT in Grand Junction, CO do not service RVs.
So, call ahead prior to a tow if possible.
Steve
Title: Re: CAT Dealer v Shops that work on CATs
Post by: Fred Cook on September 03, 2022, 05:52:49 PM
There are three Fabick CAT dealers in Missouri that work on motor homes. St Louis, Jefferson City and Springfield.
Title: Re: CAT Dealer v Shops that work on CATs
Post by: Dave Atherton on September 03, 2022, 11:45:41 PM
Steve, thanks for bring this to membership attention. Empire Cat, Az all service shops except
TruckShop in Phoenix. There are several forums that claim to be Caterpillar, experts be very
careful with do it your self wrenching that many feel knowing after watching videos will save
Lots of money.  Dave Atherton Retired Cat Mechanic
Title: Re: CAT Dealer v Shops that work on CATs
Post by: Bill Lampkin on September 04, 2022, 03:45:42 AM
Peterson Cat on the west coast. Not cheap but they stand behind their work.
Title: Re: CAT Dealer v Shops that work on CATs
Post by: Tom Webber on September 05, 2022, 02:27:14 AM
Ring Power in Ocala, FL speak with Shawn Finley. They have always treated me fair. I do not know if other location of Ring Power work on RV’s.
Title: Re: CAT Dealer v Shops that work on CATs
Post by: Mark Hosier on September 05, 2022, 03:32:50 AM
Gregory Poole is a North Carolina-based CAT dealer and service provider.  They have three RV service locations:

400 Gregory Poole Lane, Mebane, NC 919-568-7500
3201 Integrity Drive, Garner, NC 919-755-7010
5633 U.S. 301, Hope Mills, NC 910-424-4400

I have personally used and received good service at the Hope Mills location.
Title: Re: CAT Dealer v Shops that work on CATs
Post by: Steve Huber on September 05, 2022, 08:43:26 PM
I just added a list (by state) of CAT Dealers and if their websites indicate / state they service Motorhomes. It's attached to the  Service Providers Guide on the Private BAC Members Only board. https://beaveramb.org/forum/index.php/topic,5250.msg39315.html#msg39315
I'll update as needed based on member inputs.
Steve