Re: What Sprinter specific maintenance items do you carry?
Well I just returned from about 3,300 miles of roaming around the Southwest and learned a little about what to carry for routine maintenance.
I carried the motor oil I picked up at the Mercedes shop since I had a heck of a time finding the right oil at a parts store. Didn't burn a drop but surmise it is only because I had the oil.
I purchased a small bottle of AdBlue DEF from the same shop at the recommendation of the service advisor. He felt it would not be needed but why not carry it?
Funny coincidence here at the dealership's service area. The service advisor and I were talking and I was telling him I was new to Mercedes and got around to telling him that I got my Sprinter converted to a motorhome. He said that his brother has one converted by Sportsmobile and then I notice that his name plate had the same last name as the person who was so influential in my decision to pursue a Sprinter based rig. Turns out he is the brother of the person I had mentioned (I mentioned him early in my "Build" thread elsewhere). Small world. So there is an added layer of trust now.
This gets complicated and I will post this in my "Build" thread but here goes. At about 4,300 miles the "check the DEF tank level" warning comes on. We're on Hwy 89 between Page, AZ and Kanab, UT - officially nowhere. Why did the warning come on? I was told I should be good until at least about 9,500 miles. About now I think I am brilliant for bringing the bottle of Adblue and dump it in (pretty cool pouring spout thingie too). Warning light should go out on its own now. Light is still on a hundred miles later. Crap. Finally get a phone signal and stop and talk to my shop. I can't reach my advisor so talk to the new guy who is really helpful but is going to the shop to ask questions. It sucks to be in a hurry - this is the Monument Valley to Death Valley drive day and don't have time to sit. Turns out that there is a possible known "calibration" issue and it may need to be brought in to be recalibrated. This is where I start worrying about the 16 starts left countdown and he tells me that the countdown may not be linear - meaning that depending on how I drive I could have 15 starts and then at the next stop only 10! No way of knowing if it is going to happen so theoretically I could stop with 5 to go and then it won't start again! Am I cursed or something? Why me... The light goes out for good the next day sometime and I never reach the "countdown to the last start". Whew.
I do a little research when I get home and find out that the vans are delivered to the dealer with only 1 1/2 gallons of DEF in the tank. Hmmm... that has been rumored to be about 3,500 - 4,500 miles worth. I may not have had the tank topped off by the dealer at prep? Either way it goes to the dealer soon. Note: under the hood a note says to add a minimum of 2 gallons of DEF if you add any...
I will always carry some AdBlue now in the space under an ottoman where it is relatively safe.
As Spenard said I will also carry a basic tool set.
I carry electrical tape and foam mounting tape for all of the little things that pop up, or in my case pop off.
I carry some adhesive backed felt and silicone circles so I can isolate items from rubbing/bumping.
I carry a couple rolls of those little Velcro straps so I can bundle items tightly so they don't rattle.
I carry painter's "blue tape" for about everything.
I always carry some stainless steel wire on a little spool but that is not specific to this rig.
I have had issues with my shower stall so will now carry some silicone sealant.
That's about what I have figured out to date and will add more as it becomes apparent.
Chumley
__________________
Charlie is the best antidote for a tough week at work. I get to see a different side of this great country and relax in different places on every trip. My vacation home is parked where money can't buy residence. Life is a long journey and my magic carpet is named Charlie.
|