Planning an across country trip. What should I ask my mechanic?

[Sheena]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Hi all,[/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Heading to The Bay from Boston. I'm trying to find a mechanic with a lift that will support my 1989 Dodge Ram Xplorer Camper van. I want them to go over it thoroughly. Once I do find a mechanic (Locally I keep being told that their lifts can't handle the weight of my van), I'll want to have some questions prepared to ask them and I'd like recommendations for maintenance that is a must do. Thoughts?[/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Thanks everyone!
[/font]
1989 Dodge Ram Camper van B250 Xplorer
51,000 Miles

The van:
[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif][/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Some rust I found:[/font]
[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif][font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]http://imgur.com/a/tlrLB[/font][/font]

 

[cyndi]

I just tell them I'm going cross country and to check the van thoroughly. I bring a list of issues/concerns (i.e. van pulls to the left at 65 mph, gas mileage has suddenly gone down)

It's always a good idea to carry extra belts and hoses.

Use rvservicereviews.com if you're having trouble finding a mechanic with a lift.
http://www.rvservicereviews.com/

The lift excuse seems kind of lame to me. One only has to roll the van up onto a ramp to get under it.

MA is a bitch of a state for RVs. Not many options. NH may work better for you.

 

[Canine]

Cyndi is right,The van wouldn't have to be on a lift to check it out.You would mainly want to check steering components,u joints ,loose bolts and fluid levels.Pull the tires and check the brake pads.Check for loose wheel bearings.,leaking hoses,worn belts etc.Its not rocket surgery,Any shade tree mechanic should be able to do this in a couple of hours.

 

[ramblingvanman]

Most alignment racks can support your vehicle. That being said, I also don't see the need. Everything you need checked can be checked on the ground.

 

[user 2252]

Your owners manual lists recommended service as well as the recommended service intervals. It also provides recommended lubricants as well as other essential fluids. The owners manual for your vehicle is a great place to start.
I recommend taking it to a Mopar dealer where they have access to factory information as well as Mopar experience with your particular vehicle. Ask them if there is a fee for looking over your vehicle for safety and mechanical issues. It may be worth the peace of mind while humming a 1960's rock and roll song and cruising the nation's highways and byways.
I agree with Cyndi on the lift issue.

 

[Ballenxj]

1989 Dodge Ram Camper van B250 Xplorer
51,000 Miles

The van:
[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif][/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Some rust I found:[/font]
[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif][font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]http://imgur.com/a/tlrLB[/font][/font]

Hi Sheena, I just had a look at your van, and I'm really surprised they told you their lift wouldn't hold it. :dodgy:
With only 51,000 miles on it, I would just do the basics. Change fluids & filters. Change belts & hoses, and while you're doing that, have them order two  of each so you will have spares that you know will fit. Beyond that, just a physical inspection of brakes and suspension. Tires condition is important to look at, including your spare. If you have the room, you might consider carrying two spare tires. One could be mounted on the back door, while the other could be mounted in the usual spot under the rear.
The rust you posted look like mostly just surface rust that would be normal for the underside of most vehicles. Hard to be really sure from here, but I think you're OK on that one. Have you got roadside assistance insurance like AAA? That would help give a little more peace of mind.
Enjoy your trip.

 

[Oberneldon]

Sheena, I live in MA and when I first got my Class B with a higher roof than yours I was told the same thing. It is an excuse as they don't like working on older vehicles, campers, etc.

I found a mechanic to do my class B work and a place to have the alignment done after. PM me and I can give you the places. They are reputable and I had no hassles.

Brent

 

[flying kurbmaster]

I would ask your mech to check your oil, fill it up with gas, then I would go, it is only 4,000 miles or so what would you do to your van if you were driving it around Boston till March?

 

[Patrick46]

If you're single, and the mechanic is single...does he wanna come along for the trip??

 

[MrNoodly]

The basic question to ask a mechanic: Would you let your grandmother drive this van across the country the way it is?

But like "flying kurbmaster" said above, if you'd be willing to drive it the way it is a few months, then it's probably fine. I used to chuckle when Northeasterners would ask the guys on Car Talk what they should do to prepare their ten year old car to drive from Boston to, oh, Chicago, as if it required circling the planet several times. But 4000 miles across the country is no different than 4000 miles commuting and errand running. In fact, it's probably better, since there's less stop & go driving.

 

[Ballenxj]

If you're single, and the mechanic is single...does he wanna come along for the trip??

Hehe. I'll bet he makes sure it's roadworthy then!?!? :angel:

 

[Almost There]

Hehe. I'll bet he makes sure it's roadworthy then!?!? :angel:

Haha, maybe not!

I asked my mechanic to go over the van with a fine tooth comb and find everything that needed fixing. Yes, I gave him carte blanche, I trust him that much!

I also told him to treat it like it was his own...therein lay my mistake as his wife pointed out to me, "he don't fix nothing until it's broke and dead"... She said he'd head out and deal with it on the road.

Reminded me of the shoemakers' children!

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Haha, maybe not!

I asked my mechanic to go over the van with a fine tooth comb and find everything that needed fixing. Yes, I gave him carte blanche, I trust him that much!

I also told him to treat it like it was his own...therein lay my mistake as his wife pointed out to me, "he don't fix nothing until it's broke and dead"... She said he'd head out and deal with it on the road.

Reminded me of the shoemakers' children!

Whatever you do, DON'T ask your mechanic whether he thinks it's safe enough for his wife or girlfriend to drive.

You're liable to get an answer like:  "My wife, sure.  Not my girlfriend . . ."

Regards
John

 

[Sheena]

Sheena,  I live in MA and when I first got my Class B with a higher roof than yours I was told the same thing.  It is an excuse as they don't like working on older vehicles, campers, etc.

I found a mechanic to do my class B work and a place to have the alignment done after.  PM me and I can give you the places.  They are reputable and I had no hassles.

Brent

That makes sense. Come to think of it, I had the runaround in Boston with my 1974 Yamaha RD250. No one would touch it. Had to go up to New Hampshire. They were at least honest though - all the places I called said they weren't interested in working on an old bike. Sending you a message now.

 

[Sheena]

If you're single, and the mechanic is single...does he wanna come along for the trip??

Haha! Not currently in the business or trading those kind of services.  :blush: