Just put a deposit down on this rig and I fly out to see it Memorail Day weekend. Anyone have any feedback or what to look for other than the norm? This will be my first class A and dp and we plan to graduate to full time in eight years.

Rig turned out to be a nightmare. Water and rust damage in several under storage compartments, water leakage in ceiling around refrigerator and ceiling above toilet, hole in skylight of shower that had plastic bag shoved in hole and duct tape , ants, etc... This was after dealership had cleaned it up and promised 'like new'.

Spent a $1000 flying out to Louisiana but it was money saved as we didn't buy the rig and it was a hard leason learned. Just found a 95 36' u280 an hour from home today with 120k miles on it and nothing major wrong. We'll test drive next weekend when owner gets back to town and have it mechanically checked.

Can anyone recommend a mechanic to look over engine, chassis and interior components in Sac area?

I don't have any personal experience up there but have heard a lot of good things about De Martini from Monaco Momma and others. Maybe give them a shout or look up the responses to this link re: good/bad reviews re: DP service.

RV REVIEWS - CALIFORNIA

Check or sort by area and then browse to the Sac. area. Read the reviews for the date, type of service and any/all reviews as negative ones could be lost/hidden by more recent good reviews and visa versa.

This one had excellent reviews.

http://www.rvdoctorgeorge.com/

This one gives a breakdown of their services...Nice!

http://www.rvcollisioncenter.com/services.html

I print and keep a current list for the areas we will be travelling in/through JIC.

Good luck.

Thanks, I'll check them out today. Got another suggestion on rvnet to check showcase in Roseville I called them and to do an engine, chassis and coach check was going to run over $400. Does this sound about right?

Sorry for the late reply. When we were going to go and get our DP from Texas, I stopped by a local (newer) Diesel shop and asked if they could give it a once over and let me know if I needed anything. They said sure...for a nominal fee.

When we got back with it, we dropped it off and said take your time. Three days later they called, apologized for the delay and gave me a short list of some issues (air leveling valves and a few others).

They said it was a good purchase and after fixing the minor issues to just drive it as it needed nothing major.

This cost a whopping $0.00!

I brought them a large case of cold Corona beer for their kindness and trouble.

You may find a place like this...or not. If they would itemize what the $400 buys you, it might be worth it. For that price, I would hope they would at least change the engine and generator oil and filter and inspect, tighten and lube everything else.

Bottom line, I would check everything out for myself (correction, yourself) and if your gut feels good, go for it. Most maintenance can be handled with basic tools and knowledge (oil, filters (diesel filters require a little more care to prevent air entering into the system) greasing zerk fittings, checking for leaks, tight belts, correct coolant SCA levels (diesel only). The rest would need a shop (heavy mechanical, wheel balance and alignment etc).

I think I have driven past Showcase when I was still down in Sacramento area. I think they used to advertise 2 full page color ads in Motorhome magazine also. It looked to be very highline...which usually means very high $$$$$ too.
We never had to have anything other than warranty work done while the coach was in California...and that was done at DeMartini.

You may also want to check their used inventory...
Good Luck

MonacoMama

PS...Hi quikduk!

Hi MonacoMama. Still lovin' that bed!!!!

BTW, The DW and I are trying to plan a trip within the next several weeks but so far, we are undecided due primarily to fuel prices.

Re: this members search for a decent shop, I don't know what his/their budget is for a coach but there are a LOT of nice ones hitting the market due to the fuel prices. California Coach Co...

http://www.californiacoachcompany.com/default.asp

...has some NICE inventory but I do not know about their service etc. They just seem to have some of the nicest models (and nice prices to boot... ) but their coaches look like the "pick of the litter".

BFN