First Diesel and what I need to know

[JimNix]

Saturday I pick up my first diesel engine vehicle and am heading into unknown waters.

I've done some initial research, talked with some folks.

Now looking to lean on any of you who want to offer things I should keep in mind, be aware of, maintenance, general upkeep, fuel preference/additives, storage, and any other nuggets of wisdom.

How was your transition to diesel and what have you learned along the way?

[camper1999]

You love the diesel for towing. I learned to change your fuel filter sooner then recommended, I usually do every 10,000. Buy you fuel at places that have good turn over of their diesel. If you taking long trips I recommend the Pilot RV card. It is great pulling into the truck bays to fuel up, easy in and out. I am assuming your truck is new so you will have DEF, diesel exhaust fluid. Make sure you fill that up before trips so you do not have to deal with that during your travels. Besides that it requires normal maintenance like any tv, more frequent oil changes, trans fluid changes, and differential fluid changes. IF you tow diesel the way to go, enjoy!

[TURBS]

So what are you buying?

TURBS

"SABRE OWNERS UNITED"

[Brother Les]

Originally Posted by JimNix

Saturday I pick up my first diesel engine vehicle and am heading into unknown waters.

I've done some initial research, talked with some folks.

Now looking to lean on any of you who want to offer things I should keep in mind, be aware of, maintenance, general upkeep, fuel preference/additives, storage, and any other nuggets of wisdom.

How was your transition to diesel and what have you learned along the way?

Go to the Diesel truck Forum for the type of your truck. Those guys/gals will know 'their'/your truck inside and out. Read their advice and learn from their mistakes and then go make your own.......

[dan-nickie]

I would assume that since this is posted in the Berkshire forum, that the OP's new diesel is a Berkshire 390RB-60 instead of a truck.

Jim, I'm not sure where to start since you have so many questions.
I guess I would suggest you browse this Berkshire forum as you will probably find most of your curiosity has already been discussed many times.

My first diesel also. Hope you enjoy yours as much as we do.

[Brother Les]

Originally Posted by dan-nickie

I would assume that since this is posted in the Berkshire forum, that the OP's new diesel is a Berkshire 390RB-60 instead of a truck.

That is a good one......
I can't read backwards to much in the title... my apologies....

[beipers]

Originally Posted by JimNix

Saturday I pick up my first diesel engine vehicle and am heading into unknown waters.

I've done some initial research, talked with some folks.

Now looking to lean on any of you who want to offer things I should keep in mind, be aware of, maintenance, general upkeep, fuel preference/additives, storage, and any other nuggets of wisdom.

How was your transition to diesel and what have you learned along the way?

Always good to see Iowans on the forum. If your gonna run in cold weather, never leave home without diesel service and diesel service 911 fuel additives. Be sure you've got the right oil and antifreeze, they're different for heavy duty diesels than for gassers. The manual is your friend. Assuming this is a motorhome, you've got air brakes to also learn about.

[Campin Cajun]

Although I have not attended, I would recommend Camp Frieghtliner.

[rlocicero]

Proper maintenance based on hours or miles is extremely important. We base out maintenance by hours or miles whichever comes first. I would also suggest that you have your maintenance performed at a shop that provides oil sampling and testing. For a few bucks extra, they can send a sample of your oil out to be tested for problems. This can catch problems and possibly save you thousands of dollars in repairs.

[ernest917]

ABSOLUTELY recommend Camp Freightliner ..... Will teach you more than you ever wanted to know.....


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[lefaivre]

Congrats on your new DP. We have had Gas, Propane and DHL motor homes and I feel the DP is by far the best choice. One the upside you get a much more substantial unit with more power, better braking, longer life, and much more.

On the down side they are much more.expensive to fix and maintain.

My first and best piece of advice for you is ... even if it is not a requirement in your region to get air brake certified .... do it anyways. In our area the 2 day course costs about 150 dollars but is well worth is. The majority of the course is on how air brakes work, how to identify problems and what to do if they occur.

Unlike hydraulic brakes ... Air brakes are an open system. This means that each time you thought the brakes you loose a small volume of air. If you are in the habit of pumping your brakes on the way down a hill, you can very quickly run out of air and find yourself with no brakes.

Air brake systems have and in line compressor that is constantly replenishing your supply .. However if is very easy to outset that supply.

On a general maintenance front I have been told by Cummins that you should never store a MH for an extended period with dirty oil ... As dirty oil is very acidic. I take my unit in for engine and genset service once a year just before putting it into storage.

Always let your unit come up to temp before driving it under load. This is easily determined through the Allison display.

Other than that ... not much different than gas


Enjoy

Tim

[dan-nickie]

Good stuff.

[RodneyD]

Grip it and Rip it Jim, you will be just fine! The computer has it all..

[Iwannacamp]

IMHO. One cannot beat Schaeffers oil products. Fuel, oil and lubes.


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[gasman94]

X3 on Camp Freightliner. First diesel here also.....no comparison, but as stated above, maintenance costs can be high. You can offset by doing some work yourself. eg. Oil changes $80 myself....$200 at shop. Have fun with your new coach!

Rich

[CAT-RN]

Not sure from your post Jim as to what you purchased. But if you run into any issues a question on the forum will most likely get you a correct answer quicker than anywhere else.

Did you buy a coach from Total Value?

Russell

[lefaivre]

Gas man

Things must be a lot cheaper in the US. In western Canada the oil alone costs 90 dollars and up ... not to mention the cost of the filter.

The cost at a shop would be more than twice as much as you quoted.

[gasman94]

Originally Posted by lefaivre

Gas man

Things must be a lot cheaper in the US. In western Canada the oil alone costs 90 dollars and up ... not to mention the cost of the filter.

The cost at a shop would be more than twice as much as you quoted.

Walmart for Rotella and oil filter (I use Wix) at parts store. Freightliner oasis dealer in Kalamazoo, Mi $198 for oil change. I guess I'll quit complaining...LOL

Rich

[JimNix]

Originally Posted by f1100turbo

So what are you buying?

TURBS

"SABRE OWNERS UNITED"

390-RB-60...