Service on Mercedes Sprinter Winnebago Vita 24P

[raoaks]

Hi, new to the forum, just purchased Class C Winnebago Vit 24P with Mercedes Sprinter chassis. Dealer tells me that rv issues will be handled by them and Mercedes issues including routine service will have to go through Mercedes dealer. Problem is, I despise the St.Louis Mercedes dealer. Rude, super expensive, hassle to get appointments. My question is, can I take my RV to any automotive shop for routine oil changes etc, without voiding the warranty? Shop I have in mind is Rick’s Automotive in Springfield, MO. They are authorized to service sprinters but can’t do warranty work. Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

 

[Eagle5]

Good morning raoaks,
Yes, Rick's Automotive (being authorized to service Sprinters) would be a wise decision. Do keep all of the receipts for your oil and filter changes. Also, record the servicing in your Owner's Manual maintenance log. That is more than enough proof to authorize warrantee repair, should it ever be needed.
Welcome to the forum.
Eagle5

 

[creativepart]

I think you'll find that finding alternatives to Mercedes chassis service and Winnebago Dealer service to always be your best bet.

Mercedes dealers don't want Motorhomes in their service bays generally. And most Winnebago dealers service departments are overpriced, over scheduled and under trained to do just about any task.

Most of us, coming from an automotive background think... service? Head to the dealer. But RVs are not at all like automobiles. Finding good experienced independent RV techs/shops and independent chassis shops or techs is a top priority.

We're glad your here, but also check out the www.Sprinter-Source.com website and their Sprinter RV forum:

Sprinter RV's & Conversions Talk

Common aftermarket features found in Sprinters, RV's and Conversions

sprinter-source.com

 

[raoaks]

Thanks guys for the info,
We’ve had a Pleasurway Plateau Dodge Sprinter Diesel since new in 2009. Just got rid of it to purchase the new Winnie. We were to pick it up today at dealer, and drive it home. Got a call that while prepping it, they got some kind of air bag code and they had to send it to, you guessed it, Mercedes dealer. Mercedes was way to busy to look at it today so we might get it back on Wednesday next week. I rest my case about Mercedes service! And yes I’ve used Sprinter Forum many times over the years, great people there too. We had our Pleasureway Sprinter to Mercedes in St. Louis a few months ago for a starting issue,,they replaced everything but the sink and still didn’t fix it after 2 trips (2.5 hour drive one way) over $4,000 later and not fixed, took it to Ricks Automotive in Springfield, 30 minutes later they found bad starter, replaced it and I was back on the road the next day.

 

[Pointyears]

Hi, new to the forum, just purchased Class C Winnebago Vit 24P with Mercedes Sprinter chassis. Dealer tells me that rv issues will be handled by them and Mercedes issues including routine service will have to go through Mercedes dealer. Problem is, I despise the St.Louis Mercedes dealer. Rude, super expensive, hassle to get appointments. My question is, can I take my RV to any automotive shop for routine oil changes etc, without voiding the warranty? Shop I have in mind is Rick’s Automotive in Springfield, MO. They are authorized to service sprinters but can’t do warranty work. Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

Whatever shop you bring it to make damn sure they know to not lift the rear end up by the differential as that could permanently break the seal between the cover and the differential. Your old Sprinter might be the same way in which case I'm preaching to the choir, but better safe than sorry.

 

[SeeTheUSA]

Since 2005 I’ve owned three different Winnebago/Itasca motorhomes on Sprinter chassis and have suffered through the Mercedes dealership servicing nonsense in the north Dallas area … high cost, arrogance, lack of customer service … but then a couple of years ago found the dealership in Grapevine, TX. It has a large Sprinter-only service area and is friendly, responsive and thorough. They even let me do the ala carte selection of desired items rather than the ridiculous long and sometimes unnecessary complete A-B service lists (given our motorhome doesn’t get used like, for example, a typical Amazon delivery van). The technicians in the Sprinter building seem much more focused on the van product.

The Sprinter service area at the Grapevine dealership even has what I call a “regular type person” waiting lounge, so no need to dress up and act important!

Not sure if there are any such dealerships near you, but it may be worth a look.