Diesel pusher major repair?

[northwest323]

We are thinking of trading in for a diesel pusher. I understand that if significant engine repairs are required, the bedroom area (usually what is above the engine) has to basically be dismantled to access the engine. Is that true? Has anyone had to have repairs of this nature? If, so, cost, how long did repair take, etc? Thanks in advance.

[DJohns]

I think it depends on each coach. Not even by brand because each floor plan is made different. Now getting a shop to even work on major repair might be another story.

[Bill Joyce]

Our diesel pusher has a side radiator and only once in 17 years has anyone needed to go in from the top and the access panel was large enough that nothing else needed to be removed.  When we needed a new fuel pump they quoted us 1-1/2 days and then when they found it was a side radiator, it took half a day.  The rest of the quote was to remove and replace a rear radiator.  

[Barbaraok]

2 hours ago, Bill Joyce said:

Our diesel pusher has a side radiator and only once in 17 years has anyone needed to go in from the top and the access panel was large enough that nothing else needed to be removed.  When we needed a new fuel pump they quoted us 1-1/2 days and then when they found it was a side radiator, it took half a day.  The rest of the quote was to remove and replace a rear radiator.  

Same for us.   I think they've lifted the bed twice (hatch cover underneath, otherwise with a side radiator most work can be easily done, especially for firms with lifts.   

[Twotoes]

I have a 2015 Itasca Ellipse 42 QD (same as a Winnabego Tour 42 QD). My rear bath floor has a door to access the motor underneath. 

[Ray,IN]

September 2019 my exhaust manifold broke from the weight of the turbocharger and associated piping, which is a known issue with early ISC engines. i got a quote from a local HDT repair shop.

Two days prior to the appt. day I completely dismantled the  bed frame and pedistal, stood the mattress on its side in the hallway. I then put down carpet protector on all carpet and glazed tile in the MH.

After the work was completed the shop owner and the two technicians/mechanics who performed the work expressed their gratitude for making their job so much easier, as they would have likely had to removed the bed pedestal themselves and added hours to the job.

I returned home and reassembled the bed pedestal and framework, removed the dirty carpet protector and vacuumed the carpet, which was without one dirty/greasy spot.

My prime intent was to make their work as convenient as possible to pave the way for future engine work that may be more difficult.

[kb0zke]

We had an inframe overhaul done a few years ago. Ours has a bed that lifts up, so no dismanteling needed. They used an air compressor to raise the coach, put the safety stands in, settled it on the safety stands, and were able to work from below, above and from the rear as needed.