Mechanics, who do you use?

[yiyinyc]

Good morning, So I have a basic question . I want to get a van and have it converted into my forever home. But I am worried about who will service the van. Do I need to go to a specific mechanic? or can any good trust worthy do the job? or am I to go only to the dealership that the van is from??

Someone help me.

 

[wmgeorge]

Go to the dealership who sells your brand of van and it should be one that services trucks. The conversion is on you to service. Are you mechanical and able to do the conversion and I am assuming you know about RVs?

 

[Hatteras Jim]

If you get a sprinter van, MB that sells and service sprinters would be your best option; however, if you do cross country trips, they can be difficult to find when you breakdown. After owning a diesel sprinter, I would avoid them at all costs and stick to something US produced that runs on gas. We passed a lot of Ford and Chevy dealers on our way to find a MB shop. If you get a domestic product, any problems with the mechanical parts of the chassis could probably be handled by your local mechanic IF their lift can handle the weight (and height) of your camper. If you are doing the conversion yourself, detailed pictures, wiring schematics and blueprints are most helpful when chasing down problems years later (either by yourself or a mechanic). Goodluck.

 

[mobilelists]

Good question. While the MB platform is very reliable and popular, it always gives me that added thrill of what will I do when it stops working and I am far from home. My last event was on the Maine coast in the urban area around noon during a weekday. Calls to the local MB dealers said that they could look at it in about 3 to 6 weeks. After reviewing the report from my code reader it seemed to indicate wheel speed sensor. We chose to cautiously drive 350 miles to my favorite MB dealer in northern NJ. All worked out for us but it was there for almost a week and no charge as under warranty.

Contrast with my fishing popup truck camper. Couple year old GMC Sierra 3500 gasser. Not only are there lots of Chevy/GMC dealerships across the country, but I "believe (hope)" almost any mechanic would be willing to (try to) fix it. Not that they would successfully fix it. Then there are my post high school mechanic skills that might re-emerge if necessary and ease of obtaining parts from local parts stores or those many dealers.

Not to get into a van vs truck camper debate, rather, a traditional American platform found all over your travel area vs a MB platform that is not. The other van platforms might not have this repairing weakness but then I have not had one so I am not able to comment. I think your concern is just good planning.

Have fun.

 

[youngnretired]

We bought a 2008 Roadtrek popular 2.5 months ago. I first started out with a Mercedes at the top of the list, because of fuel mileage and they are SO huge inside. We looked at one, and the owner explained about some mercedes having emissions issues, so I started reading forums to learn more.

We went to Alaska last fall, and if anyone hasn't driven the Alcan highway, it's extremely desolate. Mercedes quickly moved off the list because I didn't want to get a Mercedes, and be on an alaska trip, have an issue, drive some 600 miles (if it would drive) and spend two weeks waiting for our home to get fixed.

Maybe I'm more on the negative side, but I try to fix what I can when things break. We chose chevy because it's is the easiest and most serviceable brand in the US. The modern Ford's and Ram are close behind, but the Chevy tops the list for servicability.

 

[Hatteras Jim]

We bought a 2008 Roadtrek popular 2.5 months ago. I first started out with a Mercedes at the top of the list, because of fuel mileage and they are SO huge inside. We looked at one, and the owner explained about some mercedes having emissions issues, so I started reading forums to learn more.

We went to Alaska last fall, and if anyone hasn't driven the Alcan highway, it's extremely desolate. Mercedes quickly moved off the list because I didn't want to get a Mercedes, and be on an alaska trip, have an issue, drive some 600 miles (if it would drive) and spend two weeks waiting for our home to get fixed.

Maybe I'm more on the negative side, but I try to fix what I can when things break. We chose chevy because it's is the easiest and most serviceable brand in the US. The modern Ford's and Ram are close behind, but the Chevy tops the list for servicability.

We took our sprinter to 48 states and visited 8 different dealerships in the process. We too, expected to travel the Alcan; but, due to the numerous breakdowns on ALL of our trips, decided to see Alaska another way. 10 starts left when you are in the middle of nowhere, is not good. You made a wise choice.

 

[Atlee]

Good morning, So I have a basic question . I want to get a van and have it converted into my forever home. But I am worried about who will service the van. Do I need to go to a specific mechanic? or can any good trust worthy do the job? or am I to go only to the dealership that the van is from??

Someone help me.

I bought a rather old Roadtrek (2004 C190P). I bought one with a Chevy chassis rather than a Mercedes. I liked the MB chassis, but I was concerned about finding a MB mechanic in let's say rural North Dakota. I figured it's be easier to find a Chevy mechanic than a MB one.

I did check in with the local Chevy dealer, but he wouldn't work on Class B RV's. He said he didn't have the proper equipment to work on it , without potentially damaging the RV stuff underneath. So, I asked who would he recommend.

He recommended a shop called Northern Motors. This scop worked on any truck/Van up to and including Kenworth tractors.

I was happy with the work done. He check things like the belts. They were no more than 10k miles old. Replaced the tires, and shocks and oil.

I use a small 2 man shop for all the RV repair needs