Oil Change

[CoachPJG]

I am having a hard time finding anyone to change the oil on my 2013 3170ds. Either they won't take motorhomes or want over $125-$150 for the privilege. Is that the going rate? I have 3400 miles on my coach and I am getting ready for an 3000 mile trip. I am thinking about doing it myself. I have not changed my oil since high school, so it has been a LONG time. Any recommendation, hints or suggestions? What about lube points? How many? Location? I have seen a diagram for another chassis, anyone have one? I am sure there is one in the manual, but who has time for that?

[Geri]

IHO $125 is way out of line. We needed our first a long way from home and the local Ford guy had us if he'd wanted. It was $56 which included his going through all the rigamarole including topping off the windshield fluid and checking the tires. On past motor homes we've had good luck with generic lube shops, Jiffy Lub etal, if they have a big bay. And worst comes to worst, doing yourself is only a little inconvenient and messy. Then self certify that you've done it in the maintenance log.

[lbrunning]

imo $125 is a good price if you are getting a good tech doing it using quality oil and filters. you can bet that with a cheep oil change you are getting the cheapest oil and filter they can buy and done by the guy with the least experience in the shop.

[paulmlac]

I found a Ford dealer nearby that did it for (I think it was) about $40.

Several ideas...

I called the local Ford dealers off their website. If a dealer couldn't do it I asked them if they knew one that had a big bay for trucks. That's how I found the dealer.

Might want to say what area you are from in case someone on the forum knows the area and has a reco.

Also might want to post on another Internet RV class C forum (not a brand specific one) to get to more people for a reco.

[RoadTrip]

I changed mine and it was a lot easier than I thought. I can slide right under and the oil drain and filter are both easy to find and easy to reach. I use Mobil 1 and the whole thing costs me under $40.

Hardest part - taking the oil back to the store to recycle.

[RvBill3]

I have a Chevy, but anyway, my local Chevy dealer welcomed me with open arms. Thanked me repeatedly for the business. Price was in line with what I pay for my truck.

[dstankov]

Originally Posted by RoadTrip

I changed mine and it was a lot easier than I thought. I can slide right under and the oil drain and filter are both easy to find and easy to reach. I use Mobil 1 and the whole thing costs me under $40.

Hardest part - taking the oil back to the store to recycle.

On the recycle issue, I live in Virginia and our county landfill accepts used oil, antifreeze, etc... up to 10 gals per visit, without a fee to residents. Also, in some areas local lube shops are required by law to accept used moter oil for recycling. Many will take the used oil without charge because they sell it to the oil recycling companies. One word of caution, make sure the used oil is not contaminated with water etc... or you may have some difficulty with the disposal.

[RoadTrip]

Originally Posted by dstankov

On the recycle issue, I live in Virginia and our county landfill accepts used oil, antifreeze, etc... up to 10 gals per visit, without a fee to residents. Also, in some areas local lube shops are required by law to accept used moter oil for recycling. Many will take the used oil without charge because they sell it to the oil recycling companies. One word of caution, make sure the used oil is not contaminated with water etc... or you may have some difficulty with the disposal.

lol - thanks. I meant the hardest part was getting up off the couch to take it back...

[Garrette]

The only advice I have here wether you preform the maintenance or not is to keep meticulous records.

[MKM]

I had my local Ford dealer do the first one on my 2013 model. They said they do them all the time and it was around $60. I also have them do any warranty work on the chassis as opposed to an RV facility. Warranty repairs get done with no questions asked and they have the parts available.

[ATVer]

Originally Posted by CoachPJG

I am having a hard time finding anyone to change the oil on my 2013 3170ds. Either they won't take motorhomes or want over $125-$150 for the privilege. Is that the going rate? I have 3400 miles on my coach and I am getting ready for an 3000 mile trip. I am thinking about doing it myself. I have not changed my oil since high school, so it has been a LONG time. Any recommendation, hints or suggestions? What about lube points? How many? Location? I have seen a diagram for another chassis, anyone have one? I am sure there is one in the manual, but who has time for that?

An Oil change on the Sunseeker is one of the easiest vehicles I have. The filter and oil drain are very easy to get to and the vehicle is so high you don't even need a jack. Walmart sells the recommended motorcraft oil and filter so they are easy to find.

[CoachPJG]

Thanks for all of the replies. I did it myself. It was even easier than I remember. There is a lot of room under there to move around. A lot more than my old 1986 Chevy S-10. It took about 30 minutes, and about $45.00 in supplies. I will do it myself from now on.

[SunSeeker 3050]

Originally Posted by ATVer

An Oil change on the Sunseeker is one of the easiest vehicles I have. The filter and oil drain are very easy to get to and the vehicle is so high you don't even need a jack. Walmart sells the recommended motorcraft oil and filter so they are easy to find.

ATV , I didn't see anyone answer your question on lube points. I know this is an old post but could you tell me how many you have found and how your history of self service has been to date?

[Total Loss]

During warranty periods, I buy the oil and filters from the dealer.
You may pay a few more $$$ but they have a record.
Keep the receipts with your warranty info and write the mileage down.
Just did that with my Volkswagen TDI.
It's out of warranty but I am going to turn it in this year for the diesel issue so I want to show regular maintenance for top dollar return.

[SunSeeker 3050]

TL, I like your idea. I'm terrible at keeping receipts and running data logs. This puts it in their history if the supplies are purchased in your name.

[geeman53]

I change our oil . It's a piece of cake . The old oil goes to Walmart and the new oil & filter of my choice goes into the Chevy 6.0.- EASY !

[DocsDad]

A local reputable truck repair shop might do it for you. We have one that does our Ford for about $55 including the generator. (I assume you have the V10.) Our 2014 was a Chevy and used Dexos oil. The same shop charged about $80 for that oil change.

[Chrisc40]

I found a Ford dealer to do all the work I need. I asked around at local dealers and they had no problem sending me to a competitor sonce they never anticipate getting into that end of the business. Tasca in RI is a pretty good place.

[n-e-d]

Originally Posted by Chrisc40

I found a Ford dealer to do all the work I need. I asked around at local dealers and they had no problem sending me to a competitor sonce they never anticipate getting into that end of the business. Tasca in RI is a pretty good place.

Chrisc40 let me know how you made out with Tasca. I looked at a Transit van there and found out they work on Motorhomes was thinking about bring my sunseker there

[Chrisc40]

They do a pretty decent job. They have the gigantic lift to do any work needed. If you go all the way around back and talk to them they'll give you a price sheet listing all the prices for typical work. If you go there to drop off the RV it's better to take the street just before their main entrance as your heading towatd Garden City. It brings you to an entrance right near the service garage.