Why we exist
American trucks arrived in Australia faster than the workshops that could look after them. Owners were being turned away for hoist capacity, quoted guesswork on diagnostics, or told to drive to Brisbane for a logbook service. We built American Truck Centre so Sunshine Coast owners have a genuine specialist on their doorstep.
Over 10 years in the industry
Our experience is specific, not general. We know how a 6.7 Cummins behaves when the EGR cooler starts weeping, what an eTorque fault actually looks like in live data, how a 10R140 shifts when the fluid is finished, and where the conversion-related electrical faults hide on Australian right-hand-drive trucks. That knowledge saves you money because we diagnose rather than replace parts hoping for the best.
Backed by Revolution Autocare
Running out of Revolution Autocare gives us the depth of an established Sunshine Coast workshop — equipment, parts supply and capacity — combined with the focus of a US truck specialist.
Equipment and capability
Full-size American pickups need workshop equipment sized for them. We run hoists rated for three-tonne-plus trucks, imperial tooling for RAM, Silverado, GMC and Ford fasteners, correct-capacity fluid handling for larger sumps and cooling systems, and manufacturer-level scan tools with live data and bi-directional testing for Cummins, Duramax, Power Stroke, HEMI and EcoBoost platforms. That's the capability that lets us take on jobs a general workshop has to turn away.
Inside the workshop
These are our own trucks on our own hoists — RAM 1500s and 2500s in for logbook servicing, brake and suspension inspections, filters and Penrite premium oil changes, carried out by our team rather than stock photography.
Genuine parts, sourced and fitted
We use OEM filters and genuine parts wherever applicable. That includes harder-to-get items most workshops won't chase: a genuine Mopar ABS pump supplied and calibrated for a RAM 2500, or a 220 amp high-output alternator to replace the factory 185 amp unit on a heavily accessorised 2500.
Who we help
Our customers range from tradies running a RAM 2500 or Silverado 2500HD as a daily work truck, to caravan and boat owners towing with an F-250 or Sierra Denali on weekends, to new owners who've just imported or bought a converted US truck and want it properly checked over. Whatever the use case, we service, diagnose and set trucks up to suit how they're actually driven.
Why a specialist is different from a general mechanic
A general mechanic can usually keep a HiLux or Ranger running without trouble, but a full-size American pickup is a different vehicle underneath the similar shape. Larger oil and coolant capacities, imperial fasteners, US-market electronics, and conversion-specific wiring and steering on Australian right-hand-drive trucks all catch out workshops that see one of these trucks a year rather than every day. As specialists, we know the failure patterns for each platform before they leave you stranded, and we carry the tooling to diagnose them properly instead of replacing parts on guesswork.
How we work
- Fixed-price servicing so you know the cost before you book
- Written quotes before any additional work
- Diagnosis first — we test circuits, not guess at codes
- Logbooks stamped and full digital service records kept
- Plain-English explanations of what your truck actually needs
Our standards and accountability
Every job is carried out in our own Caloundra workshop by qualified motor mechanics — nothing is sublet without telling you first. You get an itemised invoice showing parts and labour, your logbook stamped where the service requires it, and a digital record of the work kept on file so the next service picks up where the last one left off. If something isn't right after a job, bring the truck back and we'll look at it.
- OEM filters and genuine parts wherever applicable, with premium Penrite oils
- Written quote before any work beyond the booked service
- Old parts kept for you to inspect if you'd like to see them
- Digital service history retained for every truck we look after
- Australian Consumer Law guarantees apply to all parts and workmanship
Meet the team
Lachlan Matthews
Owner
Lachlan owns American Truck Centre in Caloundra and has spent more than 10 years working on American trucks and full-size US pickups. He oversees every job that comes through the workshop, from logbook servicing and diagnostics to suspension, towing setups and transmission work.
Specialises in: RAM 1500, 2500 and 3500 servicing, Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra servicing, Ford F-150, F-250 and F-350 servicing, Diesel diagnostics and fault finding, Suspension, airbags and towing setups, Automatic transmission service and repair
How our guides are written
The technical guides on this site are written by the American Truck Centre workshop team from jobs we've actually done on RAM, Silverado, GMC, Ford F-Series and other US vehicles, then checked against manufacturer specifications and current Queensland regulations before publishing. Where a figure depends on your exact build, model year or compliance plate, we say so rather than quoting a number that might not apply to your truck. Regulations change — if you spot something out of date, tell us and we'll correct it.
Frequently asked questions
- How long has American Truck Centre been working on US trucks?
- Our team has over 10 years in the American truck industry, working exclusively with full-size US pickups and their Australian right-hand-drive conversions.
- Are you part of Revolution Autocare?
- Yes. American Truck Centre is run out of Revolution Autocare, which means our US truck specialisation is backed by an established Sunshine Coast automotive workshop.
- Do you only work on American trucks?
- American trucks are our specialty — RAM, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC and Ford F-Series are the makes we see most, but they aren't the only ones we take on. If it's an American vehicle, ask us. That focus is what lets us know these vehicles properly rather than generally.
Start with these guides
- How Often Should You Service a Truck Transmission That Tows?
Fill-for-life assumes a life without a caravan on the back. Here's the interval we actually recommend for towing trucks.
- 6.7L Power Stroke Common Problems in F-250 & F-350 Trucks
The 6.7L Power Stroke is a strong towing engine, but a few recurring faults show up consistently in the F-250 and F-350s we service.
- American Truck Service Schedule Guide: 1500 vs HD-Series Intervals
Manufacturer service schedules assume normal driving. Towing, off-road use and heavy loads mean most Sunshine Coast trucks need the severe-duty schedule instead.