Does anyone have any experience with Cummins "Coach care" service? I just found a reference for it today as I was looking for information on an engine and transmission inspection. Or is there even such a thing? Looking to purchase our first Motorhome and I'm confident about looking at all the systems inside a coach but limited knowledge about larger Diesel engines and Allison Transmission. Do I need to be concerned about a 2002 U295 with just over 100K miles? Thanks
Just my opinion, I wouldn't be near as concerned about the drive train with a 100,000 miles as I would be about bulknead issues which if you are not familiar with Foretravel construction. You need a Foretravel knowledgeable inspector's input. It is a big purchase and paying for an inspection can save you money in the long run.
If the coach has been properly maintained (are records available?) then it should be barely "broken in" at 100k miles. The engine/drivetrain should be good for 500k miles or more. It all depends upon the care the previous owner(s) have given it.
We have a Cummins Coach Care about 40 miles from us. I have been there several times. The Coach Care part will do pretty much any engine, chassis and transmission service related stuff as well as generator service and repair. They have sever really good RV technicians for RV related things. This Cummins facility also has a major engine repair and rebuilding shop as well as a general truch shop. The Coach Care facilities are in the same building but are a different shop. They also have overnight plug in spots for a couple coaches.
Their work is first class in my experience, not inexpensive though. The technicians take great care to keep your coach clean, never a fingerprint, a smudge or any mess left behind. They will save your old parts if you want and show you what they worked on if you ask.
I take my coach to the Allison transmission service center (about 30 miles) for fluid changes. Another great resource.
I immediately, after my purchase, took my coach to Cummins for an inspection. I then had them do a full service on the engine and generator. For the most part I was happy but I have noticed they did not grease all of the points and my engine oil seems like it is a bit over full. Cummins is having a chassis inspection sale right now, price is $329 for full inspection I believe. Check it out on their website.
Remember, the quality of the service depends more on the quality of the tech actually doing the work than the name on the sign!
Said another way, not everyone in each shop has the same expertise.
And even a great tech can have a bad day. I also judge a business on how they handle a mistake they make.
When I owned a Class 8 Mack truck. A tech that changed my oil had forgot to torque the oil drain plug and it fell out after a few thousand miles. He was a good tech, But was going through a divorce and was mentally distracted. The shop fired him on the spot as his marital misfortune had effected his work for other customers as well. The shop changed the oil again and then a few days later had me in to take an oil sample and send it out to a lab. They said they would be 100% responsible for a rebuild if need be. But I saw the drop in oil pressure and killed the engine while it still had about 10PSI and that saved the engine.
I have had good experience with Coach Care- one in Avondale, AZ where they diagnosed and fixed my problem on the CAPS pump.
Then in West Chester, Ohio for fuel pressure solenoid and another part that was confusing my ECM- engine has run great since then.
Cummins Power Club card also helps with the bill - 10% off parts and labor. ^.^d
Was in Nag last week and Keith Risch told me that he has just started to inspect for buyers that are out of town (Nag) flying to cities across the US on weekends to inspect coaches,
Brett Wolfe and Keith are the two best inspectors there are. You can message Brett for info
Call Keith at (936) 462-3764
The price of the inspection is cheap no matter what it costs, it could really save you, there are a few members who probably wish they had an inspection after they rebuilt their "looker perfect" coach.