Let's get serious

[pattypape]

The first few and last sentences are for Mike H.

Rates at our home base in SouthEast Michigan are about 95/105 per
hour.
We visit family in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and schedule
truck/chassis pit work at a trusted garage for about 65/75 per hour.
They will also do some RV Work.
Rates at the BB dealer in Michigan, last checked three years ago were
about 95/105. They are too far away to travel and I do not need their
help, once was enough.

Fortunately our drive train has been a solid performer.
But I would use Cat, ZF, and a Big Truck Tire Store.

And also fortunately, all the other work, With the help of these
forums, I have been able to perform myself.

Such as Fluid/filter changes, radiator rebuild, hoses,
belts, alternator/batteries etc. motorhome electrical system,
rv appliance repairs and replacement, & some upgrades.

I would suggest that one needs to be somewhat skilled at repair work
to own any motorhome, or have deep pockets or stay home.
Most of the problems are broken parts, so ya do some research, ask
questions, then ya just fix-it.

Many problems especially in a complicated BB are intermittent.
Sometimes you hear the noise, sometimes not, sometimes there are
electrical Gremlins sometimes not.
So how much does this cost to fix???, When it happens at the
most inconvenient time??? Who pays for this hourly time????

No experience will help find the hidden , bad ground, frayed wire, or
random intermttent circuit boards. Sometimes electrical/mechanical
parts are temperature, humidity, vibration sensitive. I have chased
a few electrical issues for 2 or 3 years, to find the culprit.

If you ask a mechanic to go fishing for trouble,
do not be surprised at the invoice or if the problem re-occurs.

I would also suggest owning a complete set of common mechanics tools,
& electrical testers, Then use them. Do not be afraid of taking
things apart It is already broke.
It is amazing how much one can repair. House electrical,
plumbing, and numerous mechanical problems.
Most important I try to stay within my tool box and skill level.
This means anything bigger that 3/8 drive is too big a problem for a
driveway, or campground.

With good routine maintenance and most common trouble repairs
completed between trips.
These Birds will continue to roll with quite a few problems, that are
in need of repair.

Bottom line for me: this is a hobby and a life style, No one knows
where or when a failure will occur,,, if it does I will pay any price
to get moving again.
My feeling is every time I repair or replace a part ,, I have money
in the bank for a future failure.

Lastly, for us this is great fun and recreation, When you are having
fun, you do not get money back. Golfing, fishing, Sports events, or
any other form of recreation that we enjoy costs bucks.

So, If I need help I will gladly pay the going rate for that area.
Hopefully it will be in Germantown, Wisconsin, or Archer, Florida or
Duncan, Oklahoma.


Bill 88 FC Michigan




--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Mike Hohnstein"
<MHOHNSTEIN@...> wrote:
>
> I think it's probably realistic to pose a question to the group as
a whole. I think the time has come for members to step up to the
plate, particularly the ones who feel they need a genuine service
facility to fix on ALL Wanderlodges, and state what they view as a
fair labor rate. Have at it you guys, what are you willing to spend,
actually pull out the dusty wallet and drop some dinero. I'm
sure 'ol Macy will be VERY interested, and such information could
well be instrumental in justifying such a venture.
> Don't be shy, let's hear it!!!
> Mike Hohnstein
> Germantown, WI
> AutoTransDesign.com
> 83FC35
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>