Is it tricky finding repair shops to work on a cargo van?

[qinomad]

Recently purchased a Dodge Ram 3500 cargo van. Have never owned a cargo van before so apologies up front if this is a dumb question...

I took it into my local shop (that I've used before) to get the check engine light looked at, and an oil change - the guy said it's way too big for his shop. This is a full size van but not a high top or anything.

I asked him what he recommended, and he said the dealership is probably my best bet. 

The van came with repair receipts from other shops that clearly weren't dealerships... like Walmarts and other places. So my question is - how common is this? To run into shops that won't work on a cargo van? Do different Walmarts have different policies too? What about Jiffy Lubes and the like, do they do oil changes on cargo vans?

 

[MrNoodly]

I haven't had that problem. A van is pretty much just a pickup with extra bodywork.

 

[qinomad]

I haven't had that problem. A van is pretty much just a pickup with extra bodywork.

Thanks MrNoodly - that's what I was thinking and hoping. I'm in a fairly urban area at the moment, so maybe it was just out of the guy's comfort zone or something. Just wanted to double check before I hit the road in a few weeks.

 

[Weight]

Some mechanics specialize and don't want to get involved in heavier work. There are 10 that will work on a 1 ton for each one that wont.

 

[Almost There]

The only time I've had a problem with anyone not being able to work on my van (with a 24" high top on it) was one WalMart location that didn't have the height clearance on an outside 'carport' sunshade thingie. I went 2 blocks down the street to a Jiffy Lube for an oil change.

I've had vans since 1975 and have never had a problem finding a mechanic to work on them.

It is a gas engine isn't it? - if it's diesel all bets are off...

 

[JD GUMBEE]

Sounds like the guy did not want the work.
Vans make up a huge portion of our vehicles. Nothing strange about them.

 

[qinomad]

Thanks and agreed. I was just a little freaked out because I just bought it and it triggered all sorts of "what else do I not know about this" thoughts.

It's a sign I need to chill out and relax. Something I hope my upcoming road trip will help with tremendously.

It also occurs to me that this "village" I live in (which sits on the edge of Chicago), while being less than 5 square miles, has a population density of over 11,000 people per square mile, and growing. I really need to get away from this place. 

It's too many people in too small a space. No wonder the guy can just pass up on business like it's nothing. I ended up calling the nearest Dodge Dealership -- soonest appointment was 3 weeks out. What the heck?

Finally found a place. Taking it in today. Wish me luck!

 

[Weight]

I have an old Dodge. Dealership mechanics are trained on the latest models. Former Dodge mechanics often open their own shops after leaving Dodge. They know more about the older vehicles. But any shop worth it's ahit has a subscription to online information such as ALLDATA.