Camp Freightliner Report

[wnytaxman]

So we made the trek down to Gaffney, SC. It was 12 hours and right at 700 miles for us. We stayed at the KOA in Gaffney, but we could have stayed at the Freightliner facility for free because we were having service done on the rig. The Freightliner facility only has electric so we opted to spend the $70 and stay at the KOA. Freightliner would come and pick us up every morning for the classes and take us back so we felt it was worth it to have the hookups and internet access. Cost of the class is $100 for the first person and another $50 for the second. It was literally probably the best $150 we spent. Freightliner also provides lunch both days and dinner on the first day.

There were about 14 people in the class. We were the only ones still working so it was a slightly older group. Most everyone had purchased their coaches used and the rigs were mostly 2005 to 2008 coaches. The only real difference between the 2005's and our 2011 was in the emissions and the gauges. Other than those two items the course was universal in what it covered. The classes were supposed to run from 8:30 to 4:30, but with all the questions we had we ended up keeping the instructor there until 7 each night. I felt sorry for the guy as I'm sure he wanted to be home with his family, but he stayed right there with us answering every question we had.

The course content was very comprehensive. It hit everything from how the diesels work, to what you should be carrying with you, to how to best utilize your engine brake, to what to do when you store you rig, and I could go on and on. For anyone with a Freightliner Chassis I would definitely recommend the class. It is well worth the time and money to make the trek down to Gaffney and hit the class. I called it the "Care and Feeding of Your Diesel" and that was pretty much what it hit, but we left with our heads spinning with all the info we got.

As for the service we got at Freightliner. I couldn't be happier with the completeness of their service. We were disappointed in how our unit handled in the wind from the time we had first purchased it. Well come to find out, it was out of alignment. It handled so much better on the way home. On the down side we had an air leak on the way home. However, because of our new found knowledge we knew that the leak wasn't critical as it was going to a block near the generator for an air line to fill tires, toys, etc. We did need to get it fixed when we got home though as it was making the compressor work overtime.

Two word summary...Great Class!

[tmmar]

Ed,
Thanks for the recap of the trip. Sounds like a very useful class.
Tom

[NWJeeper]

Great summation Ed. If I ever end up with a Freightliner I will definitely look into the class. It's a lot farther for us to go though so I would have to be retired.

Bad front end alignment huh? Hmm. Yet another one. Seems to be very common on new rigs as we have found out.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. If you buy a new motorhome, insist on getting it front end aligned right away!

Thanks for the report

[wnytaxman]

Ed,

Just so that you know, they do give the camp one week every year on the West Coast. I think it is somewhere in Oregon so you may have to venture south on I-5 to go to it if you ever get one of these Freightliners under you.

[NWJeeper]

Well that would certainly be better! I wouldn't mind a trip to Oregon. Thanks Ed.

[powerboatr]

Thanks for the report
sounds like you learned a good bit

was the koa 70 a night

[wnytaxman]

Originally Posted by powerboatr

Thanks for the report
sounds like you learned a good bit

was the koa 70 a night

No the KOA was $35 a night which is a special rate for Camp Freightliner. It was OK, nothing special either way. No cable, but they did have internet.

[Dbt803]

Ed,
Thanks for the report. I had hoped to go but family emgergencies prevented it. I am looking forward to it next year.

[malewis49]

Just made reservations for june 10-11 2013 .

[ernest917]

Do they still have this camp in Spring, TX??? If so, when is it??

[F.R.O.G.]

Wnytaxman, what a great write up! Thanks for sharing the information.

[malewis49]

freightlinerchassis.com/Owner-Information/camp.../menu-id-98.html

[wnytaxman]

Originally Posted by F.R.O.G.

Wnytaxman, what a great write up! Thanks for sharing the information.

You're entirely welcome Bob. It was a great course. I have yet to talk to anyone who didn't just rave about the course. Well worth the money and the time.

Ed

[ernest917]

I talked to Freightliner today and they haven't decided if they are going to have the Spring, TX Camp Freightliner or not.... Said they had poor attendance last year...

Sooooo.... Come on folks that would like to attend the camp in Texas - call them up and let them know you are interested.... I called today and they put me through to the guy that's making the decision (he's out of office until the 14th) and left a voicemail telling him I want to attend.... Can't drive all the way to SC to attend...

[Mmnsc]

Thanks for the great report. Scheduled to be at camp freightliner march 18 & 19 including service and alignment. Looking forward to it