Common RV Problems and How to Fix Them
RV living is great. We all love hitting the road for a weekend, a week, or even full-time. Our motorhomes and travel trailers are homes on wheels, perfect for sightseeing or remote work.
We love our RV life so much that we’re happy to put up with some RV repair now and then. At Leisure Coachworks we’ve seen all types of damage, wear and tear, and general maintenance. Here are some common RV problems, and how to fix them.
Sticky Slide Outs
One of the most common RV problems we see in our shop is slide outs that aren’t working properly. Some are noisy, some are crooked, and some won’t budge at all. These big, heavy rooms have a lot of moving parts to wear down, get stuck, and break.
Most of the time, slide out RV problems are best fixed in the shop. But not always. Sometimes a stubborn slide-out is just letting you know you have a weak battery, a blown fuse, or a broken switch.
Check to make sure the slide-out arms aren’t locked (a common mistake, don’t feel silly), and that your vehicle is level.
Depending on your DIY comfort level, you can try and check for these relatively easy-to-fix issues.
Identifying a minor problem might save you a trip to the shop.
Your slide outs need regular, consistent maintenance. Learn how to lubricate your system and set up a regular maintenance schedule with your shop.
Read our article to learn more about slide out maintenance and repair.
Slide outs are also prone to another common RV problem: leaks.
Water Damage
Leaks are every RV owner’s enemy. Water seeping in through the roof, around windows and doors, and around slide outs is as common as it is maddening. A little leak can cause a lot of damage and an expensive RV repair.
There is a lot you can do to prevent leaks and keep them from getting worse. The first step is checking your seals. Check them thoroughly and check them often. Even the best sealants won’t last forever.
Read our roof sealants article to find out which brands we recommend for that leak-prone area.
While you’re checking seals, look for leaks. Catching them when they’re small can prevent a whole lot of heartache. In addition to around the seals (doors, windows, roof vents, slide outs, all of them) check where the walls meet the ceiling.
Feel for soft spots that are hiding little leaks. Check cupboards and storage compartments. Water loves to sneak in where you aren’t looking.
If you’ve found and stopped a leak, bring your rig into the shop. Water damage is sly and even a little can lead to problems like mold.
Plumbing Problems
A close cousin to water damage is plumbing problems. The last thing you need in your RV life is a backed-up toilet or a clogged sink. But as we know, well, stuff happens.
Fortunately, a lot of plumbing issues can be solved pretty quickly and easily. Everyone has plunged a toilet in their time and most of you have snaked a drain. The basics are similar, but the details will vary based on your systems.
Have a plunger handy. If you have a fully-flushing system it might do the trick. The key is to keep things moving, in both the toilet and sink. If you don’t use a lot of water, some hot water down a clogged drain might dissolve a blockage.
If your toilet is leaking, it might be time to replace your seal or water valve.
Because your RV is not exactly like your home, don’t DIY too far. A clogged toilet is bad, a damaged plumbing system is worse. Bring your coach or travel trailer into the shop and let the pros do the dirty work. That’s what we’re here for!
HVAC Problems
RV furnaces and air conditioning get a lot of use. From hot summer days to cold winter trips, these components see a lot of wear and tear.
The first thing to do if your RV AC is blowing warm air is to change your air vent filters. This is basic maintenance that you can do yourself. Have your shop show you how and keep a supply of filters in your RV.
Clean filters help your HVAC system last longer and work more efficiently.
RV repair to the HVAC system is not limited to changing filters. You may have a faulty thermostat, use enough power to trip a breaker, or need replacement parts.
Unless you’re comfortable and experienced at DIY RV maintenance, take your camper or trailer to the shop if changing the filter doesn’t solve the problem. You’ve put a lot of time and money into your RV, treat it kindly.
Power Problems
One of the biggest, most complicated systems on your motorhome or 5th wheel is power. Whether you’re running on batteries, solar panels, a campground plug-in, or a combination of all three, electricity is one of the primary benefits of RV living.
The more complex your vehicle, the more complex its power needs and electrical systems. Yet sometimes the problem is as basic as a drained battery. We all forget to plug in once in a while.
Other electrical RV problems are not so simple. Fixing anything electrical is dangerous. No RV repair is worth the risk of electrocuting yourself. Electrical systems that have been incorrectly repaired can also lead to fires.
Electrical work is perhaps the best example of a repair that should be done by a professional. At Leisure Coachworks we have experts trained to handle these complicated systems. They will make sure your repairs are done correctly and safely.
The DIY Dilemma
You undoubtedly know a lot of RVers who are proud of the work they do on their rigs. And that’s great. Managing basic maintenance, replacing parts, and solving problems is second nature to some of your fellow travelers.
The DIY dilemma is when you feel like you have to do things yourself. We all know someone who is comfortable troubleshooting and doing every single RV repair themselves.
If that’s not you, don’t worry. You have nothing to prove and you have a lot to lose by diving in unprepared. The abundance of DIY advice and video tutorials available to anyone with an internet connection make repairs seem easy.
They’re not—at least not all of them. Most people don’t have the knowledge and experience to go it completely alone. Some of you just aren’t interested in learning how to fix everything on your camper. The most important thing you can do when it comes to RV repair is to know your limits.
Take on what you can handle. Learn as you go. Have a shop you trust help you figure out when to leave it to the professionals. Above all else, know that you do not have to DIY your RV repair.
The time you spend traveling in your RV should be fun. It’s time to see the sights, be with family, and enjoy the great features of your investment. It is not a time to worry about doing repairs that make you uncomfortable.
At Leisure Coachworks, our expert technicians have worked on just about every model of campervan, trailer, and motorhome out there. They know the systems, know how to work safely, and understand that repairs are part of everyone’s RV life.
Bringing your rig to the shop when there’s a problem avoids accidentally making things worse. This is a big issue with DIY repairs. What seems like a small job can easily turn into a big one. A professional repair can give you peace of mind as you hit the road. You may find more joy and less stress on every RV trip by letting someone else fix your rig.
We see you serious DIYers out there. You’re the ones who know your vehicles inside and out. We’re very impressed by some of the DIY work we see. Browse our Parts Store for the items you need to do your repairs. We’re here when you need help. For some of you, maintenance and repair is a welcome challenge.
For others, it’s a burden. We’re here for you, too. We will help you figure out your DIY limits and plan a maintenance schedule to avoid as many repairs as possible.
Motorhomes and travel trailers are big investments and complicated vehicles. When things go wrong, it’s nice to have a place you can trust to help you get back on the road comfortably and safely.
There’s a place for everyone at Leisure Coachworks. We can lend a hand to the diehard DIYer. We can take care of all your RV maintenance and repairs. And we can accommodate everything in between.
Contact us, call, or stop on by our full-service shop in Fontana, California for RV repair that’s right for your RV lifestyle.
