Flat Rate Manual

1989-2023 NCM Associates, Inc. dba Spader Business Management. All rights reserved.

No part of this manual may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval
system, without permission in writing from Spader Business Management. Please direct your
requests to:

Spader Business Management

2101 W. 41st St. Ste. 49
Sioux Falls, SD 57105

800.772.3377 US and Canada

www.spader.com
spaderinfo@ncmassociates.com

 1989-2023 NCM Associates, Inc. dba Spader Business Management. All rights reserved. i
ii  1989-2023 NCM Associates, Inc. dba Spader Business Management. All rights reserved.
Acknowledgments
This edition of the Flat Rate Manual was edited by Greg Schneider of Spader Business
Management in Sioux Falls, SD. Spader gathered and revised data from dealerships across the
U.S. and Canada. We wish to acknowledge and thank all of the dealers who provided us with
information for use in this manual.

Introduction

This flat rate manual has been prepared for dealership management teams to be used as an aid in
managing their service departments.

It is our intent that this manual be used only as a guide for determining what to charge in
the sale of services to any customer. These time studies are guidelines and are not intended to
be absolutes for every dealership. It is recommended that dealers obtain actual time studies for
their dealership based on their own facility, the brands they carry, and the tools they have
available. The dealership may change these suggested times when they are in full agreement that
proper time studies have been done accurately.

Note The flat rate information contained in this manual has been compiled directly from data
submitted by dealers. In some cases, this means the terminology is regional, or the wording is
unfamiliar or incomplete. There are many variations between how different dealerships perform
the same job. Spader cannot always control the flat rate jobs given by dealers – we trust that the
dealers submitting information know what they’re talking about – and hopefully so will you!

 1989-2023 NCM Associates, Inc. dba Spader Business Management. All rights reserved. iii
About Flat Rate Times
Flat Rates should include time to:
 Pull the unit into the shop (uncover the unit if needed)
 Look up parts (“reasonable” amount of time)
 Pull parts from stock
 Perform the work needed
 Fill out the repair order with detailed notes
 Pull the unit out of the shop (cover the unit if needed)
 Clean up
 Diagnosis should be considered a separate flat rate job

The suggested flat rate times in this manual are based on these assumptions:
 Reasonably experienced technician (see below)
 Adequate facilities are provided
 Needed tools are readily available
 A reasonable supply of parts is available
 Technicians clean up after themselves
 No travel time is taken into consideration

Flat Rates should be based on the “Law of Averages”

Flat rate times are not set according to the best-of-the-best technician or based on a technician in
training. They should be a blend of the two.

Example If the best technician takes 1 hour to perform a certain operation and a trainee takes
3 hours to perform the same operation, the flat rate time is 2 hours.

iv  1989-2023 NCM Associates, Inc. dba Spader Business Management. All rights reserved.
About Unit Prep Times
Here are definitions for the Predelivery/Rigging/Setup sections of the flat rate manual.

UNLOAD & INSPECT Unloading units from delivery trucks, placing them on trailers or
storage racks and removing shrink wrap if needed (boats), and inspecting them for damages or
shortages.

TRAVEL LIFT / FORK LIFT If needed, loading the unit from a storage rack onto the
ground, into the water (boats), or onto a trailer if needed for unit prep.

TRAILER SETUP Adjusting tongue weight, winch height, checking lug nuts for proper
torque, greasing bearings, checking lights for proper operation, etc.

UNIT PREP/RIGGING/SETUP Completely making a unit ready for delivery with the
equipment it arrived with from the manufacturer. This includes whatever is required to have the
unit ready for the customer, including filling out paperwork. Unit prep time does not include the
time necessary to install additional equipment such as awnings, air conditioners, levelers, depth
finders, radios, ski mirrors, fire extinguishers, etc.

WATER TEST (BOATS) Determined by each dealership according to their standards for
rigging and the location of water.

CLEAN AND DETAIL FOR DELIVERY Cleaning up units after unit prep or before a
customer takes delivery.

PRE-DELIVERY INSPECTION This operation is the complete check of all systems

including running the engine for units that have previously been prepped but have been sitting on
the lot for more than 30 days. Units that have been sitting for an extended period of time tend to
have dead batteries, broken switches, parts missing and/or stolen, etc.

ORIENTATION Customer orientation on the unit in order to show the customer how all
systems on the unit operate. Some customers have never owned this type of unit before and
require extensive learning time; this should be taken into consideration.

POLICY ADJUSTMENT / GOODWILL Customer goodwill work or warranty work not

paid.

TOTAL HOURS Total hours required to have the unit ready for the customer.

HOURLY RATE Amount the service department charges per hour.

= PREP LABOR CHARGE Total amount to be charged to the Sales Department which is
considered a Collect-able activity in Service.

 1989-2023 NCM Associates, Inc. dba Spader Business Management. All rights reserved. v
 UNIT PREP MATERIALS Dollar amount for materials required to make a unit ready for a
customer. Examples: nuts, bolts, screws, washers, fluids, cleaning supplies, etc. The
recommended charge for this is 10% of the labor dollar amount. This amount for materials
should not include installed options.

UNIT PREP TOTAL Total to be charged against the sale for unit prep labor and parts.

vi  1989-2023 NCM Associates, Inc. dba Spader Business Management. All rights reserved.
Flat Rate Updates
Each year we strive to improve the quality and quantity of flat rate information available to the
industry. As new products and services are developed, and as existing job requirements change,
we work to revise and update this manual. Please help us by calling to our attention the changes
as you encounter them in your dealership.

Dealers who submit flat rate updates (additions, modified times on existing operations, or
identification of duplicates) are eligible to receive the new flat rate manual at a reduced price, or
even free.

* Send in 10-19 operations Receive 50% off the update price.

* Send in 20-29 operations Receive 75% off the update price.
* Send in 30+ operations Receive the update FREE!

Flat Rate Manual Update Process

 Fill in your dealership’s shop-studied flat rate time under the DEALER FLAT RATE TIME
column on the page where the operation is located.
 Photocopy the page and submit it along with the following cover page to Spader Business
Management in accordance with the update timeline. You will receive notification of this
timeline each year in the fall, and will be required to submit the flat rate changes by a
deadline date.

Flat Rate Update Notes

 Dealerships with more than one location with a flat rate manual at each store do not qualify
for multiple copies of the update at a reduced price. Each store needs to qualify for the
reduced price or free update individually.
 Warranty times from manufacturers are not acceptable flat rates to qualify for a free or
reduced-price flat rate update, unless you have created a retail version of the job based on
actual time studies in your shop.
 Spader software applications (Flat Rates Online and Service Management) have functions
available to submit your flat rates automatically. Contact the Spader Help Desk for more
information.

 1989-2023 NCM Associates, Inc. dba Spader Business Management. All rights reserved. vii
Spader Flat Rate Update Cover Page

Please fill in the information below and include a copy of this page with your
photocopied flat rate pages from this manual for the update.

Dealership: ________________________________ Date: ________________

Contact Person: ____________________ E-Mail: _______________________

Address: ________________________________________________________

City: __________________________ State/Prov: _______ Zip/PC: ________

Phone: ____________________________

Email updates to: spaderhelpdesk@ncmassociates.com

Subject: Flat Rate Update

viii  1989-2023 NCM Associates, Inc. dba Spader Business Management. All rights reserved.
Contents
Acknowledgments & Introduction iii
Flat Rate Updates vii
Accessories 1
Alarms 1 Lift Systems 43
Audio/Visual 1 Mirrors 44
Awnings 10 Mud Flaps 46
Bedliners 18 Racks 46
Cameras 18 Running Boards 48
Central Vacuum 19 Skid Rollers 48
Controls 19 Skirting 49
Deflectors 21 Slide-Out Rooms 49
Defroster Fans 21 Small Appliances 53
Driving Lessons 21 Smoke/Co Detectors 54
Fire Extinguishers 22 Snow Plows 54
Fireplaces 22 Solar Panels 54
Generators 22 Storage Pods 55
Global Positioning Satellite 26 Tie Downs 56
Hitches 26 Toolbox 56
Horns 33 Toppers/Pickup Campers 56
Hose Carriers 34 Tow Dollies 58
Jacks & Levels 34 Underdrive 58
Ladders 42 Vents & Fans 58
Latches 43

Appliances 65
Air Conditioning 65 Microwave Ovens 81
Air Conditioning Chassis 67 Ovens 82
Air Conditioning Coach 68 Range Hoods 82
Appliances 71 Ranges 83
Dishwashers 71 Refrigerators 84
Furnace 71 Washer/Dryer 89
Ice Makers 77 Water Heaters 91
Liquid Propane 78

Chassis 95
Air Bags 95 Guards 111
Axles 96 Handles 111
Bearings 98 Hubs & Drums 112
Body 100 License Plates 112
Bumpers 104 Moldings 112
Cables 104 Paint Shield 113
Canvas 105 Repaint 114
Couplers 106 Roof 114
Dash/Instruments 106 Rustproofing 117
Decals 108 Siding 118
Driver Area 109 Springs 118
Fenders 110 Steps 119
Frame 110 Sway Bars 121

© 1989-2023 NCM Associates, Inc. dba Spader Business Management. All rights reserved. vi
 Tow Bars 122 Windows 127
Utility Trailers 123 Windshield Washers 130
Valve Extenders 123 Windshield Wipers 130
Wash 124 Windshields 131
Wheels 124

Electrical 133
Batteries 133 Isolators 140
Circuit Breakers 136 Lights 140
Converters 136 Monitor Panel 144
Cords 137 Outlets 144
EMS Systems 138 Power 145
Engines 138 Solenoids 145
Fuses 138 Switches 146
Inverters 139 Wiring 147

Interiors 153
Bunks 153 Floors 165
Cabinets 154 Insulation 166
Carpet 157 Interior Protection 166
Ceiling 158 Mirrors 166
Chairs 159 Sofas 166
Closets 160 Tables 167
Countertops 160 Walls 168
Doors 160 Window Coverings 169

Mechanical 173
Alignment 173 Front End 185
Alternators 173 Fuel Systems 186
Auxiliary Coolers 173 Heating/Cooling Systems 187
Belts 173 Heating/Cooling Systems - Aqua Hot 189
Brake Magnets 174 Heating/Cooling Systems - Hydro-Hot 190
Brake Shoes 175 Ignition 192
Brakes 175 Oil & Filter 192
Carburetors 179 Parking Brakes 194
Cruise Control 179 Pumps 194
Differential 179 Safety Inspections 195
Drive Shaft 180 Shock Absorbers 195
Drive Train 181 Starters 196
Engines 181 Steering 196
Estimates 183 Transmissions 197
Exhaust 183 Tune Ups 198

Plumbing 201
Drains 201 Summerization 205
Faucets 201 Tanks 205
Fittings 202 Toilets 208
Hoses 202 Valves 210
Pipes 202 Water Systems 211
Pumps 202 Winterization - General 213
Showers 203 Winterization - Unit 214
Sinks & Tubs 204

vii © 1989-2023 NCM Associates, Inc. dba Spader Business Management. All rights reserved.
 Predelivery 217
Fifth Wheels 217 Travel Trailers 222
Motorized 218 Used Units 223
Park Models 219 Utility Trailers 225
Pickup Campers 220 Van Conversions 225
Tent Campers 221

© 1989-2023 NCM Associates, Inc. dba Spader Business Management. All rights reserved. viii
ix © 1989-2023 NCM Associates, Inc. dba Spader Business Management. All rights reserved.
 ACCESSORIES
DEALER
SUGG FLAT
RATE TIME
FLAT RATE
CODE OPERATION FLAT LABOR MATER
RATE RATE - IALS
TIME
TOTAL

ALARMS
0.8 000190 BACKUP ALARM INSTALL
3.5 321030 BURGLAR ALARM INSTALL
0.5 355080 INTRUDER ALARM INSTALL BATTERY OPERATED
2.0 321040 KEY ALARM INSTALL
4.0 325900 PROXIMITY ALARM INSTALL TRAVEL TRAILER

AUDIO/VISUAL
1.4 001000 ANTENNA CALIBRATE TV (ONE)
0.5 332000 ANTENNA CHECK LEAK/DIAGNOSE
0.5 355100 ANTENNA CLEAN/SCRAPE/SEAL

1.7 000300 ANTENNA INSTALL CB

4.5 366640 ANTENNA INSTALL CB CO-PHASE (DUAL)
2.0 000450 ANTENNA INSTALL CB ROOF-TYPE
2.8 000350 ANTENNA INSTALL CB THRU SIDEWALL
1.0 000460 ANTENNA INSTALL CELLULAR PHONE
1.3 355110 ANTENNA INSTALL GPS
1.5 000500 ANTENNA INSTALL RADIO
6.8 365750 ANTENNA INSTALL SAT TRACVISION SYSTEM

2.9 000900 ANTENNA INSTALL TV AIRSTREAM

1.5 001120 ANTENNA INSTALL TV CAL M TYPE
2.0 355120 ANTENNA INSTALL TV DELTA
1.9 001100 ANTENNA INSTALL TV GALAXY
1.0 325910 ANTENNA INSTALL TV HIDEAWAY
1.6 376590 ANTENNA INSTALL TV KINGDOME JACK STYLE RPL EXIST
5.3 358000 ANTENNA INSTALL TV MOBILE AUTO DIG SYS PREWIRED
1.0 001350 ANTENNA INSTALL TV MOBILE V SIDE MOUNT
1.1 001800 ANTENNA INSTALL TV PREWIRED
1.9 001200 ANTENNA INSTALL TV SKYLINER (TWO) W/BOOSTER
1.8 000950 ANTENNA INSTALL TV W/BOOSTER
2.5 368230 ANTENNA INSTALL TV W/BOOSTER HORSE TRAILER
AUDIO/VISUAL continued on next page...

© 1989-2023 NCM Associates, Inc. dba Spader Business Management. All rights reserved. 1
NEW! Identifies jobs added in this edition - most new jobs are contributed by fewer than 3 dealers.
ACCESSORIES
DEALER
SUGG FLAT
RATE TIME
FLAT RATE
CODE OPERATION FLAT LABOR MATER
RATE RATE - IALS
TIME
TOTAL

AUDIO/VISUAL continued.
0.5 373280 ANTENNA INSTALL TV WINEGARD WINGMAN
1.9 001550 ANTENNA INSTALL TV WINEGARD BATWING
0.5 374960 ANTENNA INSTALL TV WINEGARD ON SENSAR ANTENNA WINGMAN
2.9 325920 ANTENNA INSTALL TV WINEGARD W/BOOST NOT FAC PREP
4.3 358010 ANTENNA INSTALL TV WINEGARD W/DIGITAL MAGIC
2.0 372780 ANTENNA INSTALL TV WINEGARD W/POWER SUPPLY

2.1 001300 ANTENNA MOVE TV (ONE)

0.6 000400 ANTENNA R&R CB

4.0 372360 ANTENNA R&R FOR TIRE SENTRY SYSTEM
0.7 098200 ANTENNA R&R INTERCOM
0.6 000600 ANTENNA R&R RADIO
1.5 001900 ANTENNA R&R ROOF MOUNT
0.7 002000 ANTENNA R&R SIDE MOUNT
0.3 001920 ANTENNA R&R STEREO
1.1 350000 ANTENNA R&R TV
0.6 355130 ANTENNA R&R TV SIDE MOUNT
0.5 001560 ANTENNA R&R TV W/BOOSTER (ADDL)
0.7 001600 ANTENNA R&R TV WINEGARD (ONE)

0.4 362110 ANTENNA RESEAL RADIO/CB

0.5 001850 ANTENNA RESEAL TV
1.0 325930 ANTENNA RESEAL TV W/LIFT
0.4 355140 ANTENNA TIGHTEN
0.6 001250 ANTENNA TROUBLESHOOT TV

1.1 325940 ANTENNA BASE PLATE R&R/RESEAL TV

0.6 000200 ANTENNA BOOSTER INSTALL TV
0.3 321050 ANTENNA BOOSTER R&R TV
0.5 376600 ANTENNA BOOSTER WALL PLATE R&R TV
1.2 000250 ANTENNA CABLE R&R CB
0.2 000195 ANTENNA CRANK HANDLE R&R TV
AUDIO/VISUAL continued on next page...

© 1989-2023 NCM Associates, Inc. dba Spader Business Management. All rights reserved.
2 NEW! Identifies jobs added in this edition - most new jobs are contributed by fewer than 3 dealers.
 ACCESSORIES
DEALER
SUGG FLAT
RATE TIME
FLAT RATE
CODE OPERATION FLAT LABOR MATER
RATE RATE - IALS
TIME
TOTAL

AUDIO/VISUAL continued.
2.0 378640 ANTENNA ELEVATOR GEARS INSTALL TV
0.4 362120 ANTENNA GEAR R&R UPPER
0.8 098250 ANTENNA GEAR & WORM R&R TV
0.9 362130 ANTENNA GEAR HOUSING R&R INCL R&I GEARS
0.5 378660 ANTENNA HEAD INSTALL TV
0.3 324010 ANTENNA HEAD R&R
2.1 001400 ANTENNA POWER AMP R&R TV
0.4 001460 ANTENNA POWER SUPPLY R&R TV
0.3 325950 ANTENNA SHAFT R&R TV
0.6 368040 ANTENNA TUBES R&R WINEGARD

0.4 362150 CABLE FEED THRU ROOF/RESEAL

0.6 355150 CABLE FEED THRU WALL
1.5 370920 CABLE HOOKUP TIE INTO EXISTING SYSTEM EXTERIOR
0.3 380320 CABLE HOOKUP PORT R&R (REAR)
0.7 027900 CABLE TV JACK HOOKUP INSTALL EXTERIOR
2.0 376630 CABLE TV KIT INSTALL
1.4 028000 CABLE TV OUTLET INSTALL
0.3 028100 CABLE TV OUTLET R&R PARK

1.5 358020 CB RADIO INSTALL HAND-HELD CB

1.1 332010 CB RADIO INSTALL HAND-HELD CB PREPPED MOTORHOME
2.5 022800 CB RADIO INSTALL W/ANTENNA
1.1 022700 CB RADIO INSTALL W/O ANTENNA
0.1 023140 CB RADIO MICROPHONE R&R
0.6 023130 CB RADIO POWER UNIT R&R

1.2 023150 CD CHANGER INSTALL

1.5 350020 CD CHANGER INSTALL IN CABINET
2.0 332020 CD CHANGER INSTALL W/FM MODULATOR

0.4 321060 CD PLAYER R&R

0.5 373580 CD PLAYER R&R SWAY OUT W/CASSETTE PLAYER
5.8 362160 CD PLAYER/RADIO WALLMOUNT INSTALL W/ANT, CAB WRK
AUDIO/VISUAL continued on next page...

© 1989-2023 NCM Associates, Inc. dba Spader Business Management. All rights reserved. 3
NEW! Identifies jobs added in this edition - most new jobs are contributed by fewer than 3 dealers.
ACCESSORIES
DEALER
SUGG FLAT
RATE TIME
FLAT RATE
CODE OPERATION FLAT LABOR MATER
RATE RATE - IALS
TIME
TOTAL

AUDIO/VISUAL continued.
2.0 027510 CELL PHONE INSTALL W/ANTENNA
9.0 378750 CELL PHONE BOOSTER INSTALL

0.9 325960 DIGITAL MAGIC INSTALL AFTER SATELLITE

0.9 325970 DIGITAL MAGIC INSTALL W/SATELLITE
3.0 374950 DIGITAL TV INSTALL & FRAME OUT W/CUSTOM WOOD WORK BEDROOM
4.5 374950 DIGITAL TV INSTALL & FRAME OUT W/CUSTOM WOOD WORK DRIVERS AREA
3.5 374950 DIGITAL TV INSTALL & FRAME OUT W/CUSTOM WOOD WORK LIVING ROOM AREA

1.2 374930 DIGITAL TV CONVERTER INSTALL (FRONT TV)

0.5 374940 DIGITAL TV CONVERTER INSTALL (REAR TV)
0.9 370030 DIGITAL TV CONVERTER BOX INSTALL

0.3 378910 DVD PLAYER INSTALL BLU-RAY

1.2 350040 DVD PLAYER INSTALL DIRECT SIGNAL TO TV
0.7 350050 DVD PLAYER INSTALL TO SWITCH BOX W/ADAPTER
0.5 379530 DVD PLAYER DIRECT REPLACEMENT R&R

0.6 027940 GAMING SYSTEM INSTALL

0.2 023160 HEADPHONE JACK DIAGNOSE
0.1 023170 HEADPHONE JACK R&R
0.4 370050 INFRARED MOUSE EMITTER INSTALL
2.3 022900 INTERCOM INSTALL

1.4 027500 PHONE HOOKUP INSTALL

4.5 104400 PHONE JACK INSTALL (TWO)

2.0 027520 PHONE JACK INSTALL CUSTOM
1.8 321080 PHONE JACK INSTALL FOR COMPUTER
1.0 355160 PHONE JACK INSTALL W/EXTERIOR HOOKUP THRU WALL
0.3 332030 PHONE JACK R&R EXTERIOR
0.3 027550 PHONE JACK R&R INTERIOR
0.3 350060 PHONE JACK TROUBLESHOOT
AUDIO/VISUAL continued on next page...

© 1989-2023 NCM Associates, Inc. dba Spader Business Management. All rights reserved.
4 NEW! Identifies jobs added in this edition - most new jobs are contributed by fewer than 3 dealers.