How do you fix that? Common Fixes for RV Owners
What Can Go Wrong? If you are new to RV ownership, you may not even think of things going wrong with your RV. You may have bought a brand-new RV and it is in perfect shape, at least for now, or you may have bought a second-hand one, and there may be some “issues.” Here we provide you with some tips on how to avoid the most common issues and how to fix things that frequently go wrong with RV’s. Of course, for the more serious problems, electrical or vehicle maintenance issues, you should seek out professional help.
1) Bathroom Troubles
How to Avoid It
Toilet problems can be both a frustrating and unsanitary situation, not to mention just downright disgusting. Make sure that you keep the channel around the inside edges of your camper toilet clear of any buildup, toilet paper, or crud. Check out this holding tank treatment for RVs that will also help.
How to Fix It
If your toilet is leaking and you notice that the rubber seal around the large valve is no longer doing its job, you’ll need to replace it. The water valve might also be part of the issue and need to be replaced as well. If you’ve had your RV for a number of years, this is one maintenance issue you’re likely to face at some point.
2) Tire Blow-Outs
How to Avoid It
A blown tire on an RV can be extremely dangerous and can often be avoided simply by checking the pressure on each of your tires before heading out on the highway. Also, try and avoid bumpy and poorly maintained roads.
How to Fix It
Make sure that you bring along an extra wheel and that you pull over immediately if one of your tires has blown. Here’s a video to show you how to replace your RV tire.
3) A Busted Water Line
How to Avoid It
It’s a good idea to empty your RV water tanks every day, but if you fail to do so, at least keep an eye on the forecast as it starts to get colder outside. When you’re storing your RV away for winter, make sure that your tank is completely empty before freezing temperatures start to set in. And, always add anti-freeze to your camper water lines as part of the winterizing process.
How to Fix It
Try applying a seal lubricant to your busted pipe or pump. If that doesn’t do the trick, you might consider replacing it.
4) Failing Battery
How to Avoid It
The fun and excitement of RVing can quickly come to a halt when the battery fails. Make sure you pay close attention to your fluid levels and have a gallon of distilled water on hand just in case. It’s also a good idea to wear hand and eye protection while doing so. Also, test your battery when you are ready to put your RV away after a trip. When it is starting to read low, it may be time to replace it.
How to Fix It
Fortunately, a dead battery is an easy fix. Simply plug your rig into AC power so that your battery can charge. If you find that the battery still won’t hold a charge, you’ll need to replace it.
5) Excess Sand and Dirt Inside Camper
How to Avoid It
Don’t go camping. Just kidding. But not really. We have found it almost impossible to keep excess dirt and sand out of the camper. It just kind of goes along with camping. However, if you are like me, you keep an extra dustpan and brush in several places in the RV. Then, when the dirt appears, you can instantly clean it up.
How to Fix It
Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to cut down on sand and dirt even getting into the RV. First of all, suggest that everyone take their shoes off before entering or just after stepping inside the camper. Have a convenient box or shelf to place shoes on right inside the door of the RV. If feet are dirty from outside play, try filling a dishpan with water and keep it next to the camper steps so that they can be rinsed off before entering. Outdoor rugs also can help to cut down on the amount of dirt that is dragged into the camper. And, as above, have plenty of dustpans and brushes or brooms around to make it easy to clean up as often as needed.
6) Window and Roof Leaks
How to Avoid It
If you compare your RV to your home, you probably know it is not exactly as structurally sound as home sweet home. All kinds of hazards may potentially damage the RV’s roof. Make use of a roof cover, if possible, to minimize exposure to the elements, or keep it under a structural roof. If you cannot manage to keep the roof covered, then inspect your RV’s roof every month or each time you are about to go for a trip for any damage and repair it if necessary. You can also apply rubber or silicone coating to your roof to protect it.
Windows, too, may spring leaks. If the window seals break down, fix them or replace them. Again, you can use silicone or rubber to seal or re-seal them. Check the window seals at least once or twice a month, or at least every time you are about to go out camping. And don’t forget to replace them if you see damage.
How to Fix It
If there are leaks in the roof, then there are a number of roof patch-kits on the market. Be sure to add some leak repair kits to the equipment in your RV toolbox. To repair a leak temporarily while you’re on the road, you can use special roof sealing tapes for RV’s. When you get back home, make sure that the mounting flange around the roof vents, antennas, and breather caps are all properly sealed using sealant specially made for your RVs.
If the roof vent is damaged or cracked, either from tree branches or exposure, the best solution would be to replace it. Use duct tape and plastic trash bags for the emergency repairs. Don’t forget to repair it properly at the first chance you get.
For windows, check if it is just a gasket leaking around the window frame. If so, then you need to remove that window, clean off the old seal, apply a new sealant and install that window again. Or, have it reinstalled when you get home.
For more great tips on fixing your RV, check with your El Monte RV Sales dealer, who can help you with any questions you may have. And, check out our pre-owned RV’s at El Monte RV Sales for some great buys.
