30 replies to this topic

[wicked1]

Has anyone had trouble getting their truck worked on w/ the camper attached?
I need to have some work done for the first time since I bought it a couple years ago.
It's a Tacoma w/ Fleet, flatbed.  Previous owner had all work done at dealers, including oil changes.  They kept up w/ all the other fluid changes according to the maintenance schedule.  Seems like a good way to go if I don't want to keep track of all that on my own.  (I have been doing oil changes on my own.. but previous owner didn't).  Anyway, I take it to the dealer.. I need a new CV axle.  They said, I don't think we can get that on our lifts, and sent me away. 

 

Rigs like this aren't common where I live.. And previous owner was on the west coast.. I have invoices from Alaska, Canada, Oregon, California, and Mexico.. Every 5000 miles, all toyota dealers..  So, maybe dealers here just don't know how to handle something like this.. not sure..

I've only tried one place so far, so.. Not a big sampling, but not a good start. 

 

[craig333]

I had a problem with the  Folsom Lake Dodge dealer on a specific issue (steering related) but  Elk Grove Dodge has never said anything about the camper.

[Taku]

nope. but it doesn't surprise me. I am waiting to see what happens when I take our new 21 in for service though. 

[byrdlover]

I've had my Tacoma serviced several times with my ATC Bobcat loaded and have never had a problem. In fact, the first time I had it serviced (major service) with the camper on, I called ahead to see if I needed to remove it and they said no (Hansel Toyota, Petaluma). I'm not sure if they would feel differently if I needed suspension or axle work.

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

I have taken my 2002 Tundra/Bobcat with camper on to my local dealer,Monterey,Ca.

No problem.

I have changed the CV joint on my own and there's no need to place the truck on a lift,IMO.

 

I have had fluids changed ,oil services,tires rotated,and front brake work.

No problem.

 

Sure hope I don't run into a service that needs to have the camper removed as I don't have jacks or brackets.

 

ATC has used the tri-pod camper jacks to remove and replace my camper from one truck to another.

Frank

[AWG_Pics]

Our 2019 Tundra with a 2019 Hawk does not seem to cause the Toyota dealer in Portland Oregon any problems. Not even with our Wilco swing hitch and a bike rack on back. Where do you live?

Edited by AWG_Pics, 26 June 2022 - 11:47 PM.

[wicked1]

I'm in MO. 
Not a lot of campers like this, here.

This is a little OT, but what do you think about independent neighborhood mechanics?  I'm sure anyone can change a front axle.. (I could do it if I had time).  But, otoh, I'd want to be sure they reassemble everything to spec, and not just impact tighten it to whatever.. I'm not sure how independent mechanics get their info....

(I'm an IT consultant for a few car dealers, but they're all chevy.. And they get a printout of exactly what to do, what each torque spec is, step by step instructions, for just about every job.  But that system is for dealers only. .Its access is locked to the dealers IP. Independents can't even buy into the system.)

[AWG_Pics]

I would try another dealer, the bigger the better, before going independent. Dealers sometimes screw up, but have the expertise to fix their screw ups.

 

Just drive it in to service like you done it a hundred times before. No talk other than tell them what you want. Then say you would appreciate a ride home and they can call when done.

Edited by AWG_Pics, 27 June 2022 - 12:50 AM.

[BBZ]

I haven't had any issues with my Ford and the camper on... however, I can see why maybe a mechanic wouldn't want the extra liability risk in case something happened..

[Vic Harder]

Some lifts are not able to lift heavy.  BUT, the dealership should have the latest/best.  Odd.