FMCA member and diesel mechanic Dave Atherton enjoys sharing his expertise.
By Gary Milner, F409834
FMCA National Vice President, Midwest Area
June 2019
As you travel, you can meet some amazing people. Such was our experience in Quartzsite, Arizona. A warning light came on in our motorhome and my wife, Glenda, and I needed someone to check it. We arrived in Quartzsite and found Dave’s Diesel Diagnostic Service, C13690.
This is no huge shop with flashing signs, because that is not Dave Atherton, F102483. What you find is a little diesel operation that is by far the best we have ever used. Dave has been a diesel mechanic for more than 40 years, and he knows his stuff. He diagnosed our problem in minutes, and it was an easy fix.
We decided to stay with Dave for another few days, and in doing so, we learned a great deal about this amazing man. It saddened us to learn that Dave lost his wife, Patricia, to cancer recently. He talked about her with such pride, respect, and love. Like many FMCA members, they wanted to retire and travel. Eventually that led to full-timing. However, after many years of driving to FMCA rallies and conventions, they settled in one location, Quartzsite.
Dave’s training and experience working with Caterpillar heavy equipment led him to open a little business in Quartzsite. He felt he could help fellow FMCA members and others by diagnosing problems with their Cat and Cummins diesel engines. He provides a computer diagnostic printout that pinpoints the necessary repairs or concerns. He shares what the diagnostic analysis shows regarding the engine’s history. Customers learn ways to improve engine performance and fuel efficiency.
Dave shared a story with us. Recently a female traveler’s diesel pusher motorhome broke down in another city. She took it to a shop and was told she needed a complete engine overhaul that would cost about $40,000. She was uncomfortable about how the shop operated, including their communications with her. Then she found Dave through a friend. He helped get her RV towed to his location and found a used engine for one-third the other shop’s price.
We have seen many people come through his shop asking for advice. You can tell he loves what he does, and he loves people. He knows people are less likely to be taken advantage of if they have basic RV maintenance and troubleshooting knowledge.
Dave said he would welcome invitations to present seminars for FMCA chapters or area rallies. He also answers questions under the “Ask Dave” section of the Diesel RV Club chapter’s online forum, http://forum.dieselrvclub.org/index.php?action=forum. And, he is a member of the Beaver Ambassador Club chapter.
As you travel in Arizona, consider a stop at 1010 W. Main St., in Quartzsite. Or reach him at (605) 999-0720; david.e.atherton@gmail.com. Dave is truly a great supporter of FMCA and its members.