Berkshire preventative maintenance

[kingwood390bh]

The oil change was very easy. Just like a car, but alot more room under the unit. Have a large drain pan for the 12-18 quarts. Remove large bolt at base of oil pan and drain then replace. Remove oil filter, drain and replace. Since the filler nozzle is so high in the rear compartment, I used Mobil Diesel oil with the built in spout. It took 10 minutes. The fuel filter is another story...

[I-RV]

Originally Posted by dan-nickie

I RV curious what the significance of the highlighted lines are?

Dan
_________________________
2014 Berkshire 390RB-60

Although FR has a hand-full of Berkshire models, Freightliner has many variants of their Custom Chassis, with different engines, Detroit axle, Meritor axle, rear radiator, side radiator, etc. Therefore, even the Freightliner service schedule can be bewildering as to what applies to your MH. The service sheets that I sent to you were from Mike Cody, the Camp Freightliner instructor in Gaffney, SC. I'm not sure of why some item were highlighted.

Mike can either give to you or direct you to what service applies to your MH by giving your six digit serial number.

I was taken back by the fact that I need to change the axle oil every two years and change power steering fluid. I know nothing about trucks or busses, but for my cars, I never had changed the axle oil. The MH is a big investment and I therefore I feel that I need to take the recommendations. Also, I believe that the chassis warranty is for three years. If you need coverage of something major, they may want your service records.

I hope this helps you.

[Superchief]

The basic warranty for FL is 3 years or 50,000 miles. I believe you can purchase extended warranties as long as you are within the basic warranty period, per their website. Has anyone purchase an extended warranty from Freightliner? http://freightlinerchassis.com/docum...2324000000.pdf

[boowho]

Anyone know if our engines have a "mechanical fan drive gearbox" ?

I've been reviewing the maint intervals and one of those highlighted in yellow is the one mentioned above.

I imagine the ones highlighted are the really important ones, as the copies I have supposedly came out of a camp freightliner presentation.

Can anyone verify this?

I appears from looking at those recommendations, there are really only 5-6 critical items on the 6-month as well as the 15 month. It's tough to find a FL shop that is really up to speed on custom chassis'; most of them know less than we do, so I have difficulty taking anything they say as gospel.

Tom, you mentioned a magnetic plug on your front axle bearings. I didn't see that mentioned in my book, but there is one mentioned in the differential, BTW.

Boowho??

[Mmnsc]

Try to find a Freightliner "oasis" dealer. That is what FL recommends when it comes to servicing a Custom Chassis on a MH

[boowho]

Originally Posted by Mmnsc

Try to find a Freightliner "oasis" dealer. That is what FL recommends when it comes to servicing a Custom Chassis on a MH

Good idea.... There's one in Las Vegas, which I'll be going thru in three weeks.

BTW, anyone changed any of their fuel or tranny filters themselves?? Just spent an hour under my coach trying to get the tranny filter loose; no go....

Some idiot must have put it on as tight as it would go; then gave it an extra half turn (I mean the ones that have never even HEARD of a torque wrench, let alone used one).

Boowho??

[tmmar]

boo,
The magnet is in the cap on front hub oil reservoir that lubricates the front wheel bearings. I don't remember if there was one on my '08 but I know that there is definitely one on my '14 coach.
Also, I don't recall what year/drive train you have but if you have the 2500 transmission with an external filter, you should get a good filter wrench. It is just a spin-off/on filter just like a car oil filter.
Good luck,
Tom

[boowho]

Originally Posted by tmmar

you have but if you have the 2500 transmission with an external filter, you should get a good filter wrench. It is just a spin-off/on filter just like a car oil filter.
Good luck,
Tom

That's what I have...... using one of those strap wrenches I couldn't budge it. I've changed a lot of oil filters over the last 50+ years, but this one might even be frozen. I may have to destroy it to get it off.

Boowho??

[NV245]

I'd recommend finding a filter wrench like this for that filter (it's what I used to change mine). Note that it is 3/8 drive, can be used with an extension, and has real grabbing power (the harder you turn it, the tighter it gets on the filter). I have found them at Sears and Autozone, although the first one I purchased through a Matco jobber.


Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums

[boowho]

Anyone tried to change the fluid and filter themselves??

If so was it a tough job amd where is the filter located??

Does the system have to bled after changing the fluid??

Boowho??

[JTN8]

Just an update, got the 12 month freight liner motorhome chassis inspection and maintenance done to include all fuel filters, oil and oil filters with a complete chassis lube at my local Freight Liner dealer and it was $434.00 out the door. Took about 4 hours.

Jason


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[Campin Cajun]

That's not a bad price Jason.

I'm bringing mine for the one year next week. Will let y'all know the cost.


2013 Berkshire 390 BH