Shenandoah Valley Diesel

Shenandoah Valley Diesel is a diesel and gas repair shop based in Staunton, Virginia. It calls itself a "family owned, ASE Certified, Diesel & Gas Repair Shop" with "over 40 + years' experience." You bring the RV to its shop at 867-B Middlebrook Ave. Ask whether it will come to your campground or driveway before you count on that.

It says it "works on all Trucks, Motorhomes & Diesel Engines." Its list runs from computer diagnostics and engine overhauls to brakes, transmissions, air conditioners and alternators. For fuel injection, it names Augusta, Rockingham and Rockbridge Counties, and points east and west, including Albemarle, Highland, Bath and Allegheny Counties. Its fuel injection brands include Navistar, Detroit, Caterpillar and John Deere. Before you book, ask which of these jobs it has done on a motorhome.

It publishes no hourly rate, diagnostic fee, RV pricing or trip fee. Ask for a price on your job, and whether a trip fee applies, when you call 540.885.6500, before you hand over the keys. It lists hours of 8:00AM to 5:00PM Monday through Friday, by appointment on Saturday, and closed Sunday. It lists no after-hours or emergency service. Payment is due at pickup, by cash, check or major credit and debit card.

ASE certification is earned by individual mechanics, so ask which tech would work on your rig and whether that tech holds it. The shop introduces Jim, who calls himself "Jim the tech guy." It says you get to "talk to the people that work on your vehicle," so test that on your first call. Ask about a warranty, licensing and insurance before the work starts. Google rates it 4.6 stars from 36 reviews.

This is a good fit for an owner near Staunton who can bring the RV in on a weekday, or for a diesel owner with a fuel injection problem who wants a price before the work starts. A traveler who needs a tech at a campsite should ask first whether it comes to you.