For millions of travelers across the country, an RV represents unlimited freedom. Whether you’re a long-term nomad, continuously on your way to the next destination, or a weekend warrior looking to enjoy an occasional getaway, your RV is your ticket to a much bigger world. Of course, to take full advantage of this freedom, you’ll need to take care of your vehicle and ensure any problems that arise are addressed quickly.
In the following blog post, we’ll provide professional advice from the experts at Albany RV, a locally owned and operated business that provides RV repair that Bend, Oregon, travelers can rely on, as well as those from Eugene, Salem, Newport, and others. We’ll discuss how to identify and fix the most common RV problems, whether they’re mechanical, electrical, or structural. We’ll also help you determine when it’s best to get professional repairs, so that you can confidently maintain your RV and enjoy peace of mind as you embark on the travel adventures of your dreams.
Tire Blowouts
A blowout can occur on any vehicle with rubber tires, but the risk tends to be greater for motorhomes and travel trailers. This is the inevitable result of the added weight and greater distances faced by these types of vehicles. RV owners who neglect basic tire maintenance can frequently find themselves stranded by the side of the road, nervously awaiting assistance.
The easiest way to address the problem of tire blowouts is to focus on prevention. RV tires are heavy-duty and built to last, but they still require regular attention to ensure they continue to function properly. One of the most common causes of tire blowouts is low tire pressure. If your tires are not kept at the proper psi, they will warp excessively while on the road, ultimately causing the tire casing to weaken and eventually fail. You should invest in a tire monitor to check your tire pressure, and you will likely need to add more air to your tires before each trip.
If your RV has been stored without being used for a long period of time, your tires will be at an even greater risk of a blowout. The rubber they are made from needs to be heated and flexed periodically by driving on the road. Otherwise, they may dry out and begin to rot. This can occur invisibly, eventually leading to a catastrophic blowout. This issue can largely be prevented by periodically taking your vehicle out and driving it around to give the tires some exercise, whether or not you are planning a trip in the near future.
Electrical Failures
The electrical system in your RV is far more complicated than the one in your car. That’s because your RV needs to be able to power appliances such as your refrigerator and television. The complexity of this system means that electrical failures are common in recreational vehicles. Frequently, RVs can experience blown fuses, overloaded circuits, and faulty wiring, all of which can prevent them from operating at maximum capacity.
To prevent overloads from occurring, you should always ensure your vehicle doesn’t receive more than its maximum allowable amperage. Most RVs require 30 to 50 amps, and a larger amount can cause your electrical equipment to short-circuit. If you have a vehicle that is optimized for 30 amps, and you accidentally plug in 50, it can cause the whole system to fail.
If a problem such as a blown fuse does occur, the fuse box in your RV is most likely located in a cabinet or possibly behind an appliance such as the refrigerator. You can replace blown fuses yourself if you have access to a multimeter, or you can contact a professional who specializes in RV repair near Bend, Oregon, if you aren’t comfortable doing so. You may also need to contact a professional to repair faulty wiring if you can’t access it easily.
Plumbing Clogs
The plumbing system in your RV is not like the one you have in your house. It lacks the necessary water pressure to handle things like paper towels or excessive amounts of toilet paper. Most RVs don’t have garbage disposals, and the sinks are vulnerable to getting clogged by food particles or an excessive buildup of grease. These plumbing issues can lead to your black and grey water tanks overflowing at very inopportune times.
Preventing plumbing issues is a matter of going easy on your sink and toilets. Try to avoid putting anything in them that they cannot handle, such as paper towels or food waste. If they do become clogged, you may be able to clear the blockage using a chemical drain cleaner. Pour it in and allow it to dissolve the buildup. If this doesn’t work, you may need to disassemble the plumbing and clear the blockage manually.
Do so very carefully to avoid spilling any wastewater inside the RV. One of the most common reasons for RV repair is an interior that has been saturated with polluted water. Needless to say, this may necessitate some expensive detailing, so it’s best to avoid it if possible.
Roof Leaks
While you’re on the road, your RV is more than just your vehicle; it’s your house. Like any house, it is vulnerable to the ongoing fury of the elements. As a result, one of the most common problems to plague recreational vehicles is a leaky roof, because RV roofs have seams and skylights that can weaken and allow water to slip through. This can lead to damage in the interior of your RV, as the water encourages metal parts to rust and causes mildew and mold to grow in the upholstery.
Repairing a leaky roof in your RV is a matter of being diligent and keeping an eye out for any signs of water damage. If the interior of your RV begins to smell musty, or if you notice black spots beginning to appear on the carpets and upholstery, this may indicate that one or more leaks have developed. You may also notice streaks running down the inside walls, which may be brown or red due to the presence of rust. Over time, these leaks will cause a great deal of damage to the structure of the vehicle and can lead to other interior problems.
A leaking RV roof cannot be repaired with the same type of sealants you would use for a building. You will need to purchase roof sealants that are specifically designed for RVs, which are available from many suppliers. Once you pinpoint the source of the leak, you can apply this sealant to block more water from entering the vehicle. Note that if the damage is already extensive, you may need to seek the help of a professional who specializes in RV bodywork. If you have any questions about the issues listed above, or if you are facing a problem with your RV that we haven’t covered, contact Albany RV. Our experts are a great option for RV repair for campers near Bend, Oregon. We’ll be happy to help you get your vehicle back on the road and running better than ever.
