Four Common RV Repair Problems—And How to Avoid Them
Your trailer or motorhome is a combination of a home and a vehicle – which means that when it comes to maintenance and repairs, you have to deal with potential issues of both.
Here are four common repair problems among RV owners and some tips on how to avoid and take care of them on the road:
Leaks in your RV roof
Roof leaks are one of the most common problems RV owners face (especially if you purchase a used vehicle and don’t know the entire maintenance history, so be sure to check out our post on buying a used RV). Leaks are often the result of worn seams or cracks, which expand and let in rain and moisture.
If left unchecked, leaks can cause all kinds of problems, including severe water damage and fast-spreading mold. If an entire roof needs replacing, you’re looking at thousands of dollars in repair costs.
Ideally, check your roof before all trips and schedule a complete service once a year. If you find a leak while on a trip, you can do a temporary repair by cleaning and drying the area, using a roof sealant or tape (like EternaBond or Cofair QuickRoof Extreme) and/or completely covering the area with a tarp, but you’ll want to get it checked by a professional as soon as possible.
Flat tires or blowouts
Flat tires are a common problem with RVs and are usually caused by overinflation, underinflation, or poor tire condition. A blown tire on an RV trip isn’t just an inconvenience, it can be extremely dangerous – more so than in a car due to the heavy weight of the vehicle.
You can avoid many issues by checking your tire pressure and condition before every trip (and if possible, anytime you stop to fill up your tank after a long day). As we noted in a previous post, a tire gauge is one of those tools you should always have in your RV, so make good use of it!
Also, just as you would for your car, look for uneven wear or bulges on tire treads, have them checked regularly, and replace them every 5-7 years or more often depending on your mileage and storage conditions.
And if you‘re traveling in your RV with your kids or grandkids, use routine tire checks as a learning opportunity! Show them how to use the tire gauge and how to look for cracks or wear when you’re stopped for gas or at an RV park.
Clogged toilet
Clogged plumbing of any kind is a hassle, but a clogged toilet can be a major problem, especially if you’re on the road (instead of at a campground), taking a long RV trip or traveling with a larger group.
RV toilets are generally not as durable as the ones in your home and are more likely to become stuck – for one thing, RVs have a smaller holding tank, so they get backed up much more quickly. And if the tank or pipes get overwhelmed, the entire plumbing system can be affected.
One good way to prevent problems is to use toilet paper designed for RVs and/or septic tank systems and avoid using too much toilet paper. Also, ensure that nothing else gets flushed (like feminine hygiene products, paper towels, or baby wipes). If you’re traveling with “RV newbies” – especially little kids – be sure to explain this to them prior to the start of your trip!
Brake failure
Unfortunately, RVs and trailers are more susceptible to brake problems than other cars because of their weight, constant heavy loads, and prolonged exposure to weather elements that cause corrosion. And because of the vehicle’s size, RV brake failures are potentially more dangerous for you and other cars around you.
RV brake problems can be caused by long periods of sitting (especially out in bad weather), by frequent stopping, extensive mountain driving that can cause overheating, poor electrical connections, or lack of proper adjustment.
Routine inspections of pads, drums, brake fluid and electrical connections is critical. You can also help avoid problems by braking slowly and carefully instead of jamming on the brakes.
(And if you’re new to driving large vehicles, be sure to check out our other tips for driving your RV.)
Watch for any of the following while driving:
Squeaking or grinding while braking, which indicates worn pads
A “pulling” of your RV to one side, potentially indicating uneven brake wear
A burning smell, which can be caused by overheating brakes.
A final note
Above all, one of the best ways to avoid maintenance problems is to keep your RV protected and out of the elements when you’re not using it. Storing your vehicle in a covered or fully enclosed area like ours will help protect your investment and guard against all the problems listed above.
If you need a covered or fully enclosed space to protect your RV, contact the team at Max RV in Clovis today!