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Topic: Cost, and What to Do Yearly? (Read 646 times) previous topic - next topic

Cost, and What to Do Yearly?

Hi everyone, I know the question has recently been asked but....2012 FT Nimbus 40 foot, put only a couple thousand miles on this year after buying used directly from FT. Asked three different service centers for routine maintenance plan, they have completely different ideas. Anywhere I can find what I should have done prior to our first long trip? Thanks !

Re: Cost, and What to Do Yearly?

Reply #1 –
Do what needs to be done based on time and mileage.  Probably nothing out of schedule because the first year was low miles.  Check all the fluid levels and tire pressures.  You might want to drain the fresh water tank, add some disinfectant and water and run it through all the water lines and then flush all of that out and then fill to go.

Get your tool kit together.  For some it is a credit card and a phone.  For others it is more.  Mine grows every year.

Get your expectations in line.  Fun happens. Every once in a while stuff happens.  Something won't work right or will need repair. Figure it out, get it fixed, don't panic.  Fun resumes.

Have a great trip.  Take your time and enjoy it.  If you get to meet some Forum Folks along the way, gravy!

Re: Cost, and What to Do Yearly?

Reply #2 –
When I first got our coach - I sat down and read every manual cover to cover, and put together a little cheater notebook to remind me about basic maintenance and recommended schedules.  Things like fluid & filter changes, appliance cleaning, things to give the ol' eyeball check on regularly...

It took a longgg time to go through all the manuals (But after each manual, there was a rewarding victory beverage awaiting me!)  Now, I feel like I know where to begin if somethings goes wrong, or if I think of something that hasn't been attended to in a while.  And if I don't know, to the forum I go!

There are other things that weren't really discussed much in my manuals.  Things like.... the appropriate interval on putting in a new air dryer kit.  Or maintenance on the water pressure pump... But if you read this forum enough, you'll see pretty much everything you should think about addressing eventually!  Some things, you won't have to worry about (hopefully) for a decade!  Others, you should stay on top of.

The list is far too great to just make a general all-encompassing list that spans all years and models - but if you have a question about a specific system, use the search function.  Somebody has asked about it before, guaranteed!

One good general place to start would be old posts about people evaluating the systems and quality of existing coaches prior to purchase.  That is when the most detailed inspections usually take place.  See if you can spot things that are going wrong often, or maintenance people have noted that the prior owner fell behind on.  Then, make your own notes/reminders so that you remember to do it.

But back to your original question - if you want to know about basic engine and major systems maintenance schedules, the manuals (that are hopefully still with your coach!) are the best place to start.

And this is the other best place:  Foretravel Motorhome technical help and information links
While some of these systems aren't found on your 2012, you should be able to get the general gist of quite a few of the major systems using this information.
 

Re: Cost, and What to Do Yearly?

Reply #3 –
When I bought my coach 11 years ago, I asked FT Service for a maintenance schedule.  They copied one for me on the spot.  It has been my bible ever since.