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REPAIR, MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE FACILITIES
Since there appears to be difficulties with the Excel method of adding RMS facilities, for the time being, use this new thread/topic to add any recommendations you wish to share with LDO members. Simply add the pertinent information and it will be captured here for future reference. We will work to provide a system less complicated than updating an Excel doc. You still can go to the Excel doc in Albums to access older RMS entries. Be aware that most of the entries are dated and should be checked out before using.

To make it easier to search the thread, you might start any new post with the city and state in caps where the facility is located. For example: DENVER, CO - John's Alignment Service --- and then proceed to provide all the details.

Chris

This link to rv service reviews has been recommended by several members.

http://www.rvservicereviews.com/Index.asp
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: REPAIR, MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE FACILITIES
Reply #1 –
HOLTVILLE, CALIFORNIA. TRANSMISSION REPAIR/REBUILDING

I've mentioned this before, but it's worth saying again: if you plan to have a rebuilt transmission installed on a non-emergency basis, or to have your existing transmission rebuilt as a maintenance task, I highly recommend John Wood Automotive in Holtville, CA. You can search for my earlier posts for more details, but the gist is this: John Wood specializes in rebuilding Ford transmissions, and he installs custom-made beefed-up parts in places where his long experience (he worked for Ford for more than ten years before opening his own shop) tells him that the Ford parts are failure-prone. Billet-machined parts replace stampings, and so on. A couple of years ago I had my 2003 Lazy Daze's transmission rebuilt at John Wood's shop, and a larger transmission cooler installed, for a total cost just under $1,900.

Wood also ships remanufactured transmissions, so you could potentially have a local shop install one of his beefed-up trannies. My feeling is that if you're going to shell out for a rebuilt transmission, it might as well be an upgraded one rather than the same old Ford version, built as cheaply as Ford could make it.

Andy Baird
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: REPAIR, MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE FACILITIES
Reply #2 –
KINGSLAND, GEORGIA. FORD SUPERSTORE. GENERAL REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE FOR FORD TRUCKS

John.  If you are on I95 near Kingsland, GA, there is a highly rated Ford Superstore called Murray Ford of Kingsland.  Some of the reviews came from all the usual places like FB.   This Ford shop received very good reviews from consumers at New Cars, Used Cars, Car Reviews and Pricing | Edmunds.com.  The dealership's phone number is 888-375-3630 and the address is 2030 Hwy 40E, Kingsland, GA.  If you need for me to search for another transmission resource, please let me know.

Ed (Traxless)
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: REPAIR, MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE FACILITIES
Reply #3 –
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA. TRANSMISSION REPAIR/REBUILD.

The transmission was installed by American Transmission, (800) 233-3766, 5337 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville FL.  I am happy with the work.  They recognized that I was on a important trip instead of a vacation  and did everything they could to get me back on the road. This involved jumping me in line over fleet customers that had the luxury of hanging on a day or so.  The same model trans was installed and some updates performed. I do not know what the updates were. Because I am not from Jacksonville they said that if I have an issue to contact them and they will try to find a shop that will hemp me.
I told them I would camp locally for a couple days.  They said in that case I should stop by before going north and they will do a check before I head north.
The words seemed more than just talk. Hopefully I will never have to find out. 

John DaCrema
07 green Mid Bath.
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: REPAIR, MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE FACILITIES
Reply #4 –
JACKSON, WYOMING  In early August I had the misfortune to have my engine quit.  No warning, no big noises, it just stopped running.  I got towed to AutoTech, 1405 Gregory Lane 307-733-9198 (behind the UPS facility) in Jackson.  The place looked a bit shabby, but they took good care of me.  It was after 2 in the afternoon when we got there, and someone was tearing into stuff by 2:30.  At 4:45 they showed me a #3 ignition coil with scorch marks on the top.  Apparently, it had shorted and fired back through other wiring, popping a main fuse so everything shut down.  A bit bizarre, they said.  Next morning, they had a new coil which they put in.  Some tests, then some time to button everything back up, and I was out of there by 1 in the afternoon. 

The mechanic working on my engine was communicating with me the whole time.  He found the bad coil, pulled it, showed it to me, said they would order the part and install it the next morning, then check for any other possible damage, but if there was none, I would be done the next day.  They found no other problems, and things have worked fine since then.

Ken F in NM
'08 MB
Re: REPAIR, MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE FACILITIES
Reply #5 –
MILFORD, NH. LDN Auto Repair. 

Just an update to say that we found what we believe (hope) to be a competent mechanic to work on our 26.5' Mid-Bath LD.  Turns out the wheelbase was the maximum size that would fit on their lift.  (FYI - the shop is called LDN Auto Repair, located in Milford, NH.)

Steve Crisp
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: REPAIR, MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE FACILITIES
Reply #6 –
Quote from: Chris Horst  - 
MILFORD, NH. LDN Auto Repair.

Just an update to say that we found what we believe (hope) to be a competent mechanic to work on our 26.5' Mid-Bath LD.  Turns out the wheelbase was the maximum size that would fit on their lift.  (FYI - the shop is called LDN Auto Repair, located in Milford, NH.)

NOTE: If someone calls and tells LDN Auto Repair they have an RV, they will say "we don't work on RVs".

So perhaps add a comment that if someone needs that facility, give Steve Crisp a call at 603-732-3668 and I can try to ease them into it.

Or note that they should say it is the same size wheel base as Steve Crisp's RV (or less if a 23.5'), and therefore it shouldn't be an issue.

Steve Crisp
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: REPAIR, MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE FACILITIES
Reply #7 –
TORRANCE, CA - Wave 6 Catalytic Heater installation.  Meyers RV  433 Alaska Avenue (310) 328-1515. Not far off the 405 and Crenshaw.

Installation of my new Wave 6 Catalytic heater is complete. I am vey satisfied with the install done by Meyers RV in Torrance Ca.
 
After a brief discussion with Manny at Meyers as to the possible location of the propane quick disconnect its final placement was very satisfactory.
 
We had originally contemplated the connection placement inside the cabinet below the sink in the RB. It was thought that it may be feasible to mount it midway between the two shelves in the bulkhead between the cabinet and the furnace.
 
The final installation was in a more useable location in my opinion. It is now just right of the furnace grill and accessible without opening a cabinet or putting a hole in the furnace grill (something that I believe other LDO members have done). It is above foot level and nestled neatly beside the door jam (bulkhead?) of the RB.
 
While I have not tested the connection as of yet, Manny and the other team members at Meyers ran extensive tests for leaks and functionality.
 
I am now waiting for the Wave legs to arrive from Amazon. By Saturday night I should be feeling the warmth of my new upgrade.
 
Final cost for this professional installation was $372.50 ($248 of that was labor and $114.49 was for parts). Everyone at Meyers RV was very personable, curtious and down to earth. It's an experience I won't mind repeating. Manny even helped with my Flojet Macerator connection at no extra cost.
 
Meyers RV has a nice LD following already from what I was told. If these LD owners are on LDO then perhaps they can concur as to my satisfactory review.
 
After speaking with Manny at Meyers, I get the impression that they are dedicated to getting things done right.
 
They had my job completed in 2 1/2 days and except for the quick disconnect itself,  I would never have known they had taken my galley apart.
 
Located in LA county they are centrally located in Torrance CA at 433 Alaska Avenue (310) 328-1515. Not far off the 405 and Crenshaw.
 

Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: REPAIR, MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE FACILITIES
Reply #8 –
Quote from: Chris Horst  - 
HOLTVILLE, CALIFORNIA. TRANSMISSION REPAIR/REBUILDING

I've mentioned this before, but it's worth saying again: if you plan to have a rebuilt transmission installed on a non-emergency basis, or to have your existing transmission rebuilt as a maintenance task, I highly recommend John Wood Automotive in Holtville, CA. You can search for my earlier posts for more details, but the gist is this: John Wood specializes in rebuilding Ford transmissions, and he installs custom-made beefed-up parts in places where his long experience (he worked for Ford for more than ten years before opening his own shop) tells him that the Ford parts are failure-prone. Billet-machined parts replace stampings, and so on. A couple of years ago I had my 2003 Lazy Daze's transmission rebuilt at John Wood's shop, and a larger transmission cooler installed, for a total cost just under $1,900.

Wood also ships remanufactured transmissions, so you could potentially have a local shop install one of his beefed-up trannies. My feeling is that if you're going to shell out for a rebuilt transmission, it might as well be an upgraded one rather than the same old Ford version, built as cheaply as Ford could make it.

Andy Baird

I would like to provide an update for others as prices have increased significantly. I presently have the misfortune of shopping for a rebuilt tranny (4R100 with build date right smack dab in the middle of the known failure range). Have checked with John (CA.), Brian at BTS (AR.) and Chris at A-1 Performance Transmissions (GA.). John (shipping included) and Brian (no shipping) were both @ 5K, Chris (no shipping) is at 4K. Additionally, there is the trouble of locating a local shop which is willing to install customer provided parts as most will not. Leaning towards a Jasper tranny which provides the same 36 mos unlimited mileage warranty as those previously mentioned. Jasper is nationwide.
Ray
Now doing without...
Re: REPAIR, MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE FACILITIES
Reply #9 –
LITTLE ROCK, AR. - Whitey's Truck Center - Had TRANSMISSION REPLACED, drive-line and front end inspected/assessed. All work was completed in less time that what was initially estimated, costs were exactly as quoted. More importantly, I had initially asked to have u-joints and carrier bearing replaced (as a preventative measure). Garry Begoon (shop manager) called to during the repair to let me know that his mechanic evaluated the u-joints & bearing as being in good shape and that "I would just be throwing money away to replace perfectly good parts". However if that's what I wanted to do, he would proceed. Same with ball joints. Given that I was predisposed with replacement of these items, it would have been very easy for them to simply agree with me/tell me what I wanted to hear and make some extra $$.
Additionally, I was very apprehensive at the prospects of leaving my "one and only" with a shop I had never visited and knew only through on-line reviews. I had removed all cushions/personal items, put on seat covers, etc...Turns out that all the worry was for naught. With the exception of a "new" transmission underneath, you'd never know that anyone had ever been there. Garry, Ben and Doughty (mechanics) are honest, friendly and up-front. All indications were that Garry runs a no-nonsense type of shop. As a truck repair center, they work on any/all types of vehicles from personally owned autos to LRFD ladder rigs and LRPD swat vehicles. A family owned business that been there for 27 years, I feel that I have finally found decent folk to do business with and highly recommend them without any reservation whatsoever. Should I need major work done in the future, I will definitely go back! If in this area and need repairs, call Garry @ 501-568-7812 or visit Whitey's Truck Center. They'll treat you right.

In addition to great service, Enterprise rental is less than 1/2 mile from Whitey's making it very convenient. However I wouldn't recommend that you stay on S. University as it is riddled (pun intended) with ne'er′-do-wells.
Ray
Now doing without...
Re: East Bay Truck Center closed. Need a new service dept in San Francisco Bay Area
Reply #10 –
REDWOOD CITY, CA - Peninsula Truck Repair

Hi Crystal,
Sorry for the long delay. I'm on the road and haven't been checking in to the forum. I found Peninsula Truck Repair in Redwood City. Gabe is the owner/operator and he took my rig in at the last moment before I left on a 2 month trip, fixing a leaking wheel seal. I had one little misunderstanding over work done by mistake. At first his guy wouldn't refund me the charges, but once Gabe read my review on his own site, he called and corrected it. He also offered to reinspect my rig to clear up another misunderstanding with his worker.

Before that, he's done a couple of regular service jobs and new front brake job. I think he is honest and his guys do good work. It does help to know exactly what you need done and be clear what work they will do. They are not cheap compared to the Ford dealer in Petaluma, but Ford won't work on motorhomes anymore.

Their Info:
Peninsula Truck Repair
3018 Spring Street
Redwood City CA 94063-3927

1 (650) 365-3175
Peninsula Truck Repair | Redwood City, CA
2005 MB
Re: REPAIR, MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE FACILITIES
Reply #11 –

Timmons Auto & Truck Repair | Pleasant Hill Auto Repair

Their shop is relatively small and there's not a lot of wiggle room but they tool around in my 30'IB with no problem and I've seen bigger RVs there as well. The customer relations are superb and the service beyond reproach. I've had my LD serviced there for several years now.  
    [
    [/list][/list]
    Formerly: 2002 30' IB
    Re: REPAIR, MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE FACILITIES
    Reply #12 –
    PLEASANT HILL, CA - Timmons Auto & Truck Supply

    Quote from: Chris Horst  - 
    Timmons Auto & Truck Repair | Pleasant Hill Auto Repair

    Their shop is relatively small and there's not a lot of wiggle room but they tool around in my 30'IB with no problem and I've seen bigger RVs there as well. The customer relations are superb and the service beyond reproach. I've had my LD serviced there for several years now. 

    Lazy Bones
    Formerly: 2002 30' IB
    Re: REPAIR, MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE FACILITIES
    Reply #13 –
    GREEN VALLEY, AZ - Onan Genset Repair.  Jeff's Auto Repair, 219 W Calle De Las Tiendas

    I also had a problem with my Onan Emerald generator not starting. My LD is 2001 Mid Bath. I followed all the suggestion on checking things out from this forum. I concluded that it was the fuel pump. I made an appointment with Simonsen Generator Service in Tucson to have it repaired. In arrived in the morning for my 10 AM appointment I told them what I did and I figure that it was the fuel pump. They later confirmed that it was indeed the fuel pump but could not work on it that day. They verbally quoted me 8 hours at $90 an hour plus parts and tax. I made another appointment for the following week (which I later cancelled) and that I would need to leave it there for the day. They also charged me 1.4 hours ($126) for the inspection of the generator. On the way home I thought about it and felt it was too expensive to fix for the amount of time we use the generator. Once I got home I searched my Onan Certified Service & Parts Dealer Directory for any other dealers. I found one in Green Valley, AZ where I now live. I took it to them just to confirm Simonsen's assessment and see what they would change to fix it. They checked it out and said verbally that it would be under $500 and the inspection was free. I made an appointment  for the next day and left the LD  with them. I picked it up at 5 PM and the work was complete. The cost was $284 including labor, new fuel pump and parts and tax. Wow! What a difference. The mechanic even took me out to the LD and explained what he did and let me start the generator. First crank and it started. He said that they guarantee their work so if it happens again just bring it in. The company's name is Jeff's Auto Repair, 219 W Calle De Las Tiendas, Green Valley. Phone is 520-648-2712. I highly recommend them. I will also have my cars maintenance and repairs done there.

    Posted by Kevin Hannah
    Formerly: 2002 30' IB
    Re: REPAIR, MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE FACILITIES
    Reply #14 –
    I just had my transmission replaced at a place strongly recommended by Vince at the LD Factory.  And I could not be happier with the owner and their staff.  The shop is All-Car Specialist, located at 330 South Del Mar, San Gabriel, CA, 626-285-2205.  The owner is Paul Brow, very friendly, knowledgable, also teaches at local college -- just good people.  Cost when all was said and done for a new tranny installed in 2000 Mid-Bath is around $5K.

    S-
    Steven & Carol Crisp -- 2000 26.5' Blue Mid-Bath named Thistle Dew Too
    Our RV Motto:  "No place to be ... and all day to get there"
    2024 Adventure: The Great Eclipse Escapade!  HI(Air),NV,AZ,NM,Mason,TX(Totality!) ...
    Re: REPAIR, MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE FACILITIES
    Reply #15 –
    Our 2003 23.5' Fl transmission started making a whining sound, when under power, late last year.
    The nose was present in all gears, whenever the LD was moving forward and under power, not coasting
    Over a few thousand miles, the noise gradually became louder, indicating a developing problem.

    Researching the possible replacements, I found most to be in the $5000 range.
    Most of the replacement were just rebuilt or remanufactured stock units.
    I decided on John Wood because of his long term experience, many positive personal and internet reports and the fact that he builds a extra strong transmission, with the weak parts replaced with redesigned stronger pieces.
    John Wood Automotive -  
    The Tow Master transmission is designed to handle the power of a turbo diesel engine and the weight of a heavy trailers.
    It is a much stronger transmission than the stock unit.
    It came with a three year, unlimited mileage warranty. None of the other rebuilders, I found, offered an unlimited mileage guarantee.
    Beside getting to see your transmission upgraded, you get to spend time in scenic Holtville, where my great grand parent homesteaded near the beginning of the last century. Try to plan you visit to the winter, its getting a little  warm right now.

    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
    Re: REPAIR, MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE FACILITIES
    Reply #16 –
    Larry, how long did it take John Wood to do the install? Is it an overnight trip?
    Greg & Victoria
    2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
    Previously a 1985 TK
    SKP #61264
    Re: REPAIR, MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE FACILITIES
    Reply #17 –
    Quote from: HiLola  - 
    Larry, how long did it take John Wood to do the install? Is it an overnight trip?
    Arriving on a weekday, at about 3:00pm, the transmission was out by 6:00pm.
    John started the disassembly the next morning at 8:00am and was finished by 4:00pm.
    The mechanic finished the install by 6:30pm and I could have gone home.
    I choose to stay second night, locked inside their yard, to have John test drive it the next morning, before heading home.
    Spent over an hour in his machine shop, inspecting the various parts he has made or machines in-house.
    The billet torque converter is impressive, both inside and out.
    https://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/albums/72157680030510783

    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
    Re: REPAIR, MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE FACILITIES
    Reply #18 –
    So, to clarify, John rebuilt your old transmission?  Your photo link did not work for me (page not found).
    Greg & Victoria
    2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
    Previously a 1985 TK
    SKP #61264
    Re: REPAIR, MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE FACILITIES
    Reply #19 –
    Quote from: HiLola  - 
    So, to clarify, John rebuilt your old transmission?  Your photo link did not work for me (page not found).
    All the wear parts were replaced or remachined.
    The clutch packs were machined to hold more clutch plates, for greater torque capacity.
    The planetary gears were replaced with new Ford units.
    The oil pump housing was remachined and fitted with new gears.
    The thrust bearing that wore out was changed from a plain bearing plate to a roller bearing, after machining the shaft to accept the bearing.
    There was a lot of hand fitting and checking of various items.
    The torque converter is new, machined from billet steel. John had a large collection of the various converter stators, used in the different variations of the 4R100 he builds. The torque converter's "stall speed" can be adjusted to fit the needs of the engine.

    John like to drive the vehicle before the rebuild, if possible, plus he want to know what, it any,  performance modifications have been done or are planned so he can properly set up the shifting to suit the customer's needs and wants.
    The valve body is custom configured to provide a much higher locking force to the clutches, preventing slippage, while still maintaining smooth shifts.
    As interesting aside, John has dozens of 4R100s cores. I found several with  "Jasper" stickers and serial numbers on them.
    Evidently, there are a lot of blown 4R100s, caused by hot rodded 7.3L Power stroke diesels.

    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
    Re: REPAIR, MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE FACILITIES
    Reply #20 –
    The torque converter is new, machined from billet steel.
    ---
    Thanks.  ;)
    2003 TK has a new home
    Re: REPAIR, MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE FACILITIES
    Reply #21 –
    I'd like to recommend Team Ramco Transmission in Yuma, AZ. \

    I recently went there to try to add a larger cooler, but did not have room. I have a large transmission cooler now, but due to the weight of my Jeep, have been running higher temps than I like. After talking to Flash the owner, I decided to have them inspect my transmission and install one of their in house custom built Torque Converters.  It has a billeted aluminum cover, kevlar/carbon fiber liners, hand brazed fins, hardened splines and new bearings. The RPM was lowered thus creating less heat.

    The transmission was inspected and the shift points adjusted. My transmission showed no abnormal wear.

    You can stay in your RV in the shop lot. They have hot showers, free Wi-Fi and unlimited coffee. They give you a key to the gate if you want to leave. It's a noisy place with trucks and trains, but not too bad. One interesting thing is that every employee is an owner of the company. I found them all to be very professional and knowledgeable and honest. Flash, the owner, is a trip. Let's just say he's a bit right wing. But he's an honest guy and actually a lot of fun. He writes a lot of articles for industry newsletters and such.

    Here is a video another RV'er did on their shop and converters.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyHe-0edE88&list=FLSjVGLtW8z8R51vbd-0leOQ&index=1&t=6s

    I had my differential inspected and found a lot of metal in the filler cover. They disassembled it and found the bearings were very worn. These were replaced. I had noticed no noise of vibration from this but the carrier bearings were almost gone.
    This is at 60,000 miles. Check yours.

    I have seen a lower transmission temp on my Scanguage and between 1 and 2 more MPG.

    I am very pleased with Team Ramco in Yuma, AZ.



    2003 23.5' Front Dinette
    Re: REPAIR, MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE FACILITIES
    Reply #22 –
    SOUTHERN NEVADA - DOUBLE EAGLE RV AND ENGINE REPAIR, 6121 Boulder Hwy, Las Vegas NV 702-458-4700
    Vandals recently broke into outside compartments of 6 rvs in storage place.  (popped the compartments with a screwdriver).  In addition, they sliced the filler hose to my gas tank, tank was intact, but gas poured onto the ground when I took it to gas station to fill it.  Camping World mechanic recommended this place and they managed to fit me in, despite a full lot of rvs with problems related to the heat.  New hose was ordered and installed, and since it took less time than their estimate, they charged me less.  They do all sorts of chassis work, as long as rig is 10,000 pounds or over.  Very happy with their work.
    2000 TK
    Re: REPAIR, MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE FACILITIES
    Reply #23 –
    YUMA, AZ: Martin's Mobile RV Service
    Blank Title - Martn's Mobile RV Repair Service
    928-305-6564

    Diagnosed faulty Progressive EMS which cause LD electrical failure.
    Formerly: 2002 30' IB
    Re: REPAIR, MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE FACILITIES
    Reply #24 –
    RV Day/Night Shade Repair
    Quartzsite, AZ
    714-887-3953
    Rich

    I had Rich drive over to Parker, AZ and he re-strung all the shades in my LD for $130.00. He is an expert at any blinds or shades and did an excellent job on my broken string shades. All he does is blinds and shades. Highly recommended.

    2003 23.5' Front Dinette