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Topic: Other NC LD's? & Lazy Daze Parts Sources (Read 187 times) previous topic - next topic
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Other NC LD's? & Lazy Daze Parts Sources
As I mentioned awhile ago, the wife and I are the proud owners of a new to us 2001 MB. We are in the RTP area. I was wondering if there where any other folks on the boards in the area. I'm trying to find some good parts / service places around in case we need. There is a Camping World down the road a bit that I hope to go check out for their parts area.

Cheers
Sean
2001 MB
Re: Other NC LD's?
Reply #1 –
Sean, looking at the members map, there appears to be at least 3 other LD owners in NC.  In southern VA, there is 1 member in the VA Beach area, and 2 owners in the Charlottesville area that I know about.

Good luck and safe travels in your new to you rig.
2011 MB
Re: Other NC LD's?
Reply #2 –
Sean,

This link may provide some help, just drill down by state.  A phone call to the listed providers is recommended to insure they can do the work needed.  In my case I have found that chassis work is best left to either Ford or a reliable heavy truck maintenance provider.  Generator work I had done by a nearby Onan generator shop in New Bern, NC.  In my case, I have done most of the appliances myself (replaced the fridge, repaired the furnace and water heater, cleaned the water pump).  Hope this helps.  Since I am farther south and on the coast, there are not many good choices for RV work here unless you go to Wilmington.  Hopefully you can find a trustworthy mechanic/RV tech in the Raleigh/Durham area to do what is needed.

http://www.rvservicereviews.com/Index.asp

Art
Hubert, NC
Art & Bonny Taylor
Lazy Daze Newbs
2001 Green 30'TB "Maeve"
Re: Other NC LD's?
Reply #3 –
Down in charlotte I know of an RV repair center that specializes in refrigeration repair (for if your older fridge dies).

I also have a local company that specializes in weatherstripping and seals.

Regarding camper world, I’d be careful when seeking service, I have not been very impressed when discussing stuff with their techs. As usual YMMV
2000 RB
Re: Other NC LD's?
Reply #4 –
Quote from: henness  - 
I'm trying to find some good parts / service places around in case we need.

I live in the Triangle, and haven't found many good places around my area. 

Even getting an annual vehicle inspection can be a hassle.  I use North Carolina Auto Safety and Emission Inspections..  Call ahead for an appointment and prepare for varying expectations about how many of the running lights need to be illuminated.

If you know someone who works for a fire department or ambulance service, ask them where their vehicles are serviced.

Amazon and e-bay are my go-to for parts, along with the LD factory for special stuff. 

I've had decent experiences with tires at Discount Tire.  Remove and replace the wheel simulators yourself if you can. 

There are always a fair number of RVs in the service lot at RV & Motorhome Service | Gregory Poole and I think they do a nice job.  This would be my first choice for a serious issue.  Expect shop rates that compensate them well for the equipment and experience they have with larger vehicles.

My best bet has been to do anything I can myself, and try to find smaller independent mechanics that are also RVers.  Unfortunately, my latest find closed shop a couple years ago.

Search around for reviews of Camping World service before taking your rig there so you know what you might be getting into.  I've read a lot of complaints. 

CoachNet maintains a database of service shops that handle RVs.  I've found them to be a useful resource if you're a member. 

Another general observation is that rural Ford dealers tend to be more willing to work on the chassis than their more urban counterparts.  I had a very good experience at Ford Dealer in Kannapolis, NC | Used Cars Kannapolis | Hilbish Ford in Kannapolis, but it's not quite local to me. 

Another strategy, if you travel out west, is to schedule service in that area if circumstances allow.  I've had brake work done in Albuquerque and tire work in Phoenix.  My impression was that it was much easier to find places that are comfortable with larger vehicles. 

Rich
'03 MB in NC

2003 MB
Re: Other NC LD's?
Reply #5 –
I have found that many parts for the e450 are hard to come by at many stores. Napa has been my best bet for components thus far.
2000 RB
Re: Other NC LD's?
Reply #6 –
Rock Auto and Summit Racing are good parts sources for engines, chassis, and systems.
2003 TK has a new home
 
Re: Other NC LD's?
Reply #7 –
Quote from: Cor2man  - 
I have found that many parts for the e450 are hard to come by at many stores. Napa has been my best bet for components thus far.

Napa is a good source for things I need right now or tomorrow morning. Make sure to buy their 'professional grade" parts, rather than the standard or economy level parts.
If the Napa has a knowledgeable counter person, they can find almost any E450 part and get it within a few days. Unfortunately, they have one of the worse online catalogues in existence and they have eliminated their printed catalogues. 
When still employed, I had a rack of Napa catalogues over two feet wide, in my office.  What a loss!.

Today, I buy most auto parts either from Rock Auto, or, using the make and model number from Rock Auto,  search Google to find the best price. Rock Auto has the best online catalog of any company and includes a wide range of E450 parts . I often use the site for researching old parts for my Jeeps
RockAuto
Many times, I can find the right part cheaper on Amazon but not always. Ebay occasionally has a good price on parts I'm looking for, along with Summit Racing.
It pays to shop around. Google is your friend.
And make sure to purchase only 'professional grade' parts, they should be the same as OEM parts.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze