Van Routine Service

[FresnoBound]

How often do you guys get your van routine serviced.  I have been dropping mine into a local mechanic every 12 months more or less.  But he syas it should be dropped in twice a year, depending on the mileage being put onto it.  Is this true, or is he just looking for some extra business??

Thanks

[GypsyDogs]

Routine service.. you mean like oil changes and basic maintenance stuff? That I do myself at 3-5k depending.. I also service locks and hinges and lube points and treat rubber and check bulbs every 6mo or so.. and do my transmission fluid and filter every 25-50k (again, depending on how hard the miles are.. ) plugs and such as spec in manual.. tires and brakes Before they need changing.. all engine/drive parts serviced by Miles not days..
But then- I am ridiculously meticulous about such things.. probably more than necessary

[FresnoBound]

Routine service.. you mean like oil changes and basic maintenance stuff?  That I do myself at 3-5k depending.. I also service locks and hinges and lube points and treat rubber and check bulbs every 6mo or so.. and do my transmission fluid and filter every 25-50k (again, depending on how hard the miles are.. ) plugs and such as spec in manual.. tires and brakes Before they need changing.. all engine/drive parts serviced by Miles not days..
But then- I am ridiculously meticulous about such things.. probably more than necessary

Wow, that's impressive.  Have you worked on cars or in an auto garage at some stage.  You've got a lot of skills going on there.  All I can do is change my tires.

[rvpopeye]

Mechanic is being straight with you. Probably knows how many miles you put on and that you don't check these things often enough.
A lot of it is easier than you think .

Check tire pressure often (every morning before heading out at bare minimum). Ck oil level then too.
If you can get under the motor an oil change every 3-5000mi. is pretty simple . Just need to know your oil type/viscosity and pick up a filter. While you're under there , check the oil pan for seepage and if you do check bolts for loose ones . Transmission too , if automatic. (Just snug , not cranked tight is right.)
Air filters again , easy. Anti freeze ? yup , easy.
This one is really easy and your mechanic probably can't do it as well as you can !
Listen for things like new or a change in the sounds your rig usually makes . Clues they be arrrrrr ! .

A simple visual inspection of belts , hoses , battery and cables (don't forget ground wires to engine and chassis) will go a long way towards keeping you off a roadside miles from help. Check hose clamps for loose ones (need to be snug plus a little) and replace anything looking ain't right.
Go to an auto parts and pick up some spares of possibly hard to find essentials like bulbs ,filters , belts and hoses +sized clamps ,maybe a thermostat , plugs and wires. All cheap insurance against being stranded or waiting for the right part to be ordered.... BTDT-TMT (too many times)
Meaning both being stranded and having what I (or even a helpful someone else) needed to fix it and keep the show going .
If the engine is greasy grimy , clean it off , you'll have a chance of spotting leaks before it ruins your trip. Plus oil build up can feed a nice engine fire , those are a real treat you would like to avoid.
yup yup , BTDT too !
Have a go at it. I'm sure there's a bunch of YT vids if you need a confidence builder.
BUT don't throw away that mechanic's phone # though. Good ones are hard to find ...

Gypsy has fixed up more rigs than I can count. Anything she does should be considered for your list.

Oh one more thing. Have you made it to Fresno yet ?
Don't worry though you can still keep your forum ID if you did .......