10 Tips for on the Road RV Repairs

Your RV can break down on the road just as any car can. Be prepared for doing any on the road RV repairs by following these helpful tips.

The last thing any RV camper wants to hear when on the road is a faulty engine, a cranky appliance, or about a hundred other things that could possibly go wrong. RV journeys can be long and to far places where utilities, maintenance shops, and repair centers may not be easily available. Unfortunately, RV repairs are not as straightforward as car repairs. From sewer systems to hydraulics, refrigeration, brakes, or slide mechanisms, anything can go awry.

It is always better to start your journey prepared. Whether you are headed on a long trip or a short getaway, always keep some maintenance essentials with you. But that is not all. It is important to know some key repair tips so that you are able to manage by yourself. Read on below to see what handy RV repair tips we have compiled just for you!

Read the RV Manual

Every RV has a manual, and so will yours. Be sure to read your manual before setting off on your trip. It will tell you all about the systems in your RV, be it oil changes, air conditioning, batteries, tires, wheel bearings, or heating. The manual won’t only tell you how your machinery will perform best but will also protect your warranty. As an RV owner, reading the manual will also help you take control of the benefits that come with the RV.

Know Your Service Plan

Whether you bought your RV through a dealership, are renting it, or purchased it directly from the manufacturer, it is important to know what service plans are available to you. Having a dealer or manufacturer is convenient because they can directly provide a website chat or helpline if you are facing a roadside problem. Once you are aware of what services are available to you from the manufacturer or dealer’s end, you can add the numbers in your RV repair contacts.

Set Aside A Repair Budget

RV traveling is an expensive undertaking. Between fuel, food, tourism, and campground fees, RV campers may have little to spare. That is why it is wise to set aside an RV repair budget so that your expenses are not disturbed, and you have enough to keep your RV on the road. The budget will vary for each RV, so a good place to start would be to determine the age of your RV, how big it is, and whether you plan to manage any maintenance yourself.

Conduct Regular Maintenance Checks

Don’t wait for your RV to tell you when things aren’t okay. Keep up with regular RV maintenance checks to make sure things are running on track. This could mean checking in on your RV batteries and storing them indoors if they are not in use during the winter. It could include yearly furnace cleaning, checking tire pressure continually, lubricating the gears, or cleaning out your AC filters on time. Regular maintenance makes sure that RV problems don’t get out of hand, and the same goes for your repair bill.

Learn the Basics Yourself

RV travel can take us far from civilization and modern life, whether that is into the woods or next to the lake. That is why there may come a time when you do not have any assistance or mechanics around. It is for those special occasions that you should know the basics of RV maintenance yourself. You can start off by learning to change flat tires, change a dead battery, fix roof leaks, and repair faulty appliances.

Keep A Track of Repairs

This may not seem like an important task to do, but it is essential to your RV’s health, maintenance, and re-sale. Whether you repair something yourself or have it done from a repair shop, make sure you keep a record of it. This will help you stay on top of repairs and keep a record you can refer to the next time you visit the shop to have it looked at, or just to pass on to the next owners if you decide to sell it.

Bring Along the Basic Tools

Every RVer should pack a toolkit of RV essentials for the bad days. This will help if you are handling the repairs yourself, or even if you can’t fix it, any RVer or mechanic nearby who can help would have all the necessary tools at hand. Essential repair items could include waterproof lubricant spray, RV awning repair tape, putty tape, a car jack, spare tires, and a basic tool kit.

Consult the Campground

If you are not sure who to call for an RV diagnosis and there is a lack of mechanics around, your RV campground is your best option. RV campground hosts are RV owners often and might even have an on-site dealership. This means that they have experience dealing with RV issues and can guide you in the right direction, if not help you fix it. Besides the camp hosts, you can even discuss with other RV owners around you. Chances are someone would know how to help!

Hire Mobile RV Specialists

If you cannot go to the mechanic for whatever reason, have the mechanic come to you. Some RV shops have several mobile mechanics on call, or this could even be a one-man operation. Either way, you can call up a mobile RV mechanic to come take a look at your RV to fix it. These days, it is as easy as calling up a food delivery. Even if you are not on the road, you can have a mobile RV specialist come to your place for routine maintenance, like having a look at the oil, tires, and filters. Companies like RVForce have mobile RV specialists on call, and you can find out more on RV apps.

Know Where To Go For Help

RV repairs are not every mechanic and auto shop's cup of tea. They can be extensive and part of a bigger problem. So when you are not in an emergency situation and can take your time choosing who to go to for help, there are several options to consider. The primary would be your RV’s dealership or manufacturer. Naturally, they would know the most about your rig and its specifications and systems. You can also establish a regular pitstop or RV mechanic who would know your automobile and its maintenance history, instead of going to a new one each time. Be sure to get reviews of mechanics and autobody shops online at RV community websites beforehand!

Conclusion:

That is all for the top 10 tips for RV repairs on the road! Motorhome issues and repairs are part of the journey, so do not panic in unforeseen situations. If you follow these tips, you will have covered each base on your part. High chances are you will be able to help yourself, and if not, there is a whole RV community out there to lend a hand. Have a safe journey ahead!