I know at least one out of this group lives down in the Keys, so......!
End of next week I'm taking the trailer down to the Keys for December, including Xmas and New Years. I did the same thing last year, and on the way down, needed to get some work done at the Dodge dealer down in Kissimmee. While talking to the mechanic there, he said there was no good diesel mechanic once you left the mainland. Is this true, or is there a mechanic some of you could recommend south of Key Largo, if I get desperate?

John

 

John,
That would be me ... the southernmost member still in the USA !!

I honestly couldn't tell you of anyone that I would trust with my truck down here in the keys. The dealership mechanics are an absolute joke. If they come to work 3 days in a row and sober ... you are lucky.
I haven't had any trouble with mine yet (knock on wood) and if I did, I am lucky enough to have a detachment of US Navy Seabee mechanics right next door to my auto hobby shop. One way or the other, between the jet mechanics, the Seabees and my own mechanical background I am sure we could get most issues fixed. There are several marine diesel mechanics down here (but I don't know them personally). Just give it a good looking at before you head down here.

As far as if you should run into any problems while down here ... just know that you will have a spot to work on it at my shop. Give me a hollar when you get down this way (305)797-0813.

PISTOL

 

I was hoping you'd respond, but I didn't want to impose by naming you.

You just confirmed my worst fears, it looks like the guy I talked to was right. He even recommended towing to the mainland, rather than trusting my truck to a dealer down there. He said it would be cheaper in the long run.

I recently took my truck in to a local Cummins service center and had the engine seriously looked at, so I hope it should be as good as I can get it. From this point on, I will have to trust nothing breaks, but I've only got 100,000 miles on it so far, so the engine should be OK.

However, from what you just confirmed, what still worries me is if I have a problem with the rest of the truck. Earlier this year I did a global condition assessment of the Dodge, and tried to fix the weak items so I hope I got them all and they hold out.

Thanks for the offer of help if I get desperate, I hope I won't need it.

I will be staying most of the time in the upper Keys, Marathon, Sunshine Key area etc., but if I ever get down to see Jimmy B, I may just give you a call.

Thanks John

 

It sounds like you have something causing you to doubt your truck ??!!??!! These things are pretty dependable, but you know your truck better than anyone.

Look on the bright side ... if it does break down, you will be walking in 80 degree sunshine and not 3 foot of snow ;D ;D

PISTOL

 

It's a 93 which I've only had for about 18 months. I have no real idea what the previous two owners did to it. But I do know it sat for nearly three years in Arkansas without moving. Most of my problems have occurred because of the not moving, dry bearings etc.

So yes, I guess I don't quite trust it yet, but I do like it!

But, you're making me feel better already about the temperatures and the lack of snow. ;D

John

 

John H. I feel your pain. I have a fairly new to me 1997. Just have not had it long enough to have any faith in it yet.

You have a generous offer from Pistol, and it sounds like he has some connections. I would trust the Navy guys before anybody else. If you run into trouble, I'm sure one of them would be willing to give it a look see for a little side money, or heck, just a good dinner. The seabees are a great group. Had my timing chain let go when I was in the Navy, did not know the first thing about it. This shipmate (seabee), helped me change it out in a parking lot in Feburary at Great Lakes Navy Base in C-C-C-COOOLD windy weather (could see and feel lake Michigan from the parking lot). About 10 degree weather with 30 mph winds. This guy never met me before and never asked me for a penny! Of course I did not have to talk him into a few (actually many) warm up beers after.

I'll bet you could find a few marine diesel mechanics if you had to, but the Navy brothers would be your safest and surest bet. Enjoy the trip and try not to worry about it. Don't let it spoil your vacation. Bring your computor and this site can talk you through just about anything. Sounds like you will be pretty well covered should the need arise.

Good luck and have a safe trip, Kevin