Common RV Repairs You Can Do Yourself
If you own an RV, then you probably view it as your pride and joy. Your motorhome gives you access to adventure; enabling every destination explored to feel both new and comfortable. As comfortable as your RV is, if you are on the road for long periods, you will be sure to encounter certain issues.
Often, costs incurred by RV repair and maintenance costs can be high. The good news is, thanks to the age of information we are in, you do not need to rush to your mechanic for every problem you encounter with your RV.
There are several common repairs that you can handle yourself. Here, we will look at some of them;
Easily replaceable parts
In the course of your travels, things are bound to break. Fortunately, several RV parts are easy to replace. Light bulbs, for instance, could burn out. Making sure you have extra bulbs will enable you to replace spoilt ones easily. Also, be sure to turn the switch off before replacing light bulbs to avoid burns and electric shocks.
Another part of your RV that is prone to damage is your windows and seams. These can be damaged by either water or debris. Replacing or resealing them is simple since it only takes a screwdriver and RV sealant.
Spot seal roof
A damaged RV roof can cost you upwards of $3,000. Maintaining a bird’s eye view of your roof, skylights, vent lids, and other places that water could creep in will go a long way in helping you avoid extensive water damage. Spot seals will be sure to keep your RV on the road, helping you avoid the costly visit to the repair shop.
Always have lap sealant close by because it is excellent when it comes to resealing problematic areas. Lap sealant is affordable and can be purchased either on Amazon or at a Home Depot. Before applying a fresh coat though, you will first need to scrape off the old sealant.
Vent lid replacement
Due to the different, and sometimes harsh, weather conditions RVs experience, the vent lids quickly wear out. All it takes to replace vent lids is knowing the correct lid to use. Determining the proper lid starts by identifying the bracket being used to attach the lid to the vent.
Removing the lid from the vent and taking it to an RV parts store is the best way of making sure you have purchased the proper lid. Once that is sorted out, the actual installation is not difficult.
Toilet and water systems
Issues with your RV’s plumbing system can bring a fun adventure to an uncomfortable standstill. Luckily, most plumbing issues can be easily dealt with. It all starts with understanding how to use the facilities properly. Too little water or excessive toilet paper can affect flushing, which can lead to backups and clogs.
Also, remember leaving the black water drain pipe constantly open when hooked to a sewer connection is a wrong move. This is because it will allow the liquid waste to drain first leaving your sewer drain pipe or holding tank with sludgy clog which is something you wouldn’t want to deal with.
Air conditioning
Depending on where you are headed, the air conditioning in your RV is a necessity. Your RV air conditioning must be working well if you are planning your trip over the summer. There are many air conditioning, heating, or ventilation issues you can sort out yourself.
If the air coming from the vents is not cool, then your RV air vent filters could be dirty. If this is the case, simply replacing it should do the trick. Though this is something you should do regularly.
There is no reason to cut your trip short if you encounter some of these problems. A simple repair or replacement of the part will see you back on the road in no time.