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Sometimes troubleshooting a problem works. Other times it’s best to call a professional.
Words by Jessica Rider
When a system or component fails before or during an RV trip, it’s essential to recognize the difference between doing just a quick fix on the spot and when to call a professional RV technician.
My husband and I own and operate a mobile RV repair service. Air conditioning, slides, refrigerators and plumbing are the most common systems that break down given their constant everyday use when travelling.
Some can be a simple DIY project - others not so much. The following points clearly outline when it’s time to contact a certified RV technician.
A/C Systems
When your A/C is not cooling the interior as you would like, remember these systems are only designed to provide relief 20 degrees Fahrenheit less than the outdoor temperature.
First, determine if it is within that range but it could mean the A/C unit on your RV’s roof needs to be cleaned. This is an easy DIY project. Just unscrew the cover and clean the fan, coils, and filters, which should be done anyways at least twice a year.
Other times, an A/C unit may not turn on at all. The cause could be a blown fuse or the thermostat is not getting power. The latter step requires a little more knowledge as you need to check the amperage of the wires to the thermostat as well as the A/C unit. If you’re not comfortable or feel you can’t do this safely, contact a qualified RV technician to further determine - or fix - the problem.
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Is your fridge not working? One of the first steps is to see it’s getting enough power or any power at all.
Water Systems
What can happen at a campground is water will fail to run from the facets. In this case, see if the system is hooked up to the spigot correctly and is turned on. Next, check all the RV bypass valves and make sure they are in the correct position for proper flow. If there still isn’t flow, contact your local RV dealer and ask them to test the lines or valves for any leaks.
Refrigerators
There is nothing worse than getting some fresh fruit or meats only to realize that the fridge has stopped working and most of your food is spoiled.
One of the first steps is to ensure that it’s getting enough power or power at all. Some models run on both electricity and propane. You can narrow the problem by testing the fridge with each source. For instance, make sure there is enough fuel in the propane tank; look for any leaks in the lines and that the tank fittings are in good shape.
If you think the electrical power may be the issue, test the wires to the fridge using a multimeter to ensure it’s receiving the correct amount of amperage. Beyond this, a qualified RV technician will be able to determine the problem, whether it’s the unit itself or the power source.
Slide Systems
Electric slides are by far the most common system that we see malfunction among our customers.
The problem could be power-related, a broken slide cable, an out-of-sync track or a lockout function, which is typically found in large class As. Most of these issues can be easily determined. When a slide doesn’t close or open at a campsite, many designs can be manually retracted/detracted. This is only a short-term solution and will need to be properly repaired.
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If water is not coming from the facets at a campground, check the spigot as well as your RV’s bypass valves.
Who Should You Contact?
Calling a technician means going to the dealership where you bought your RV or contacting a mobile RV service company to fix the issue. There are differences.
The most obvious is a mobile RV service will come right to your location. They may be faster and more convenient, but you may experience a longer wait time since some companies don’t stock a large inventory of specific parts.
It’s also important to know if the mobile service is a legitimate business with insurance and employs trained RV staff. We have seen some companies claiming to be technicians, but they are just ‘one guy and a truck’ with no business credibility.
This may become a problem when they don’t fix the issue or make it even worse. The best solution is to find a reputable and reliable technician whether they are employed at an RV dealer or a mobile service.
Stay on the road this summer and visit as many destinations as possible by keeping RV maintenance a top priority. Knowing the difference between doing a quick DIY fix and hiring the services of a qualified RV technician will ensure hassle-free trips all season.
Happy Camping!
Based in St. Louis, MO, Jessica Rider and her husband own and operate Pull Through Sites Mobile RV Repair. They currently offer service and repair on a variety of RV classes within a 100 mi radius. The company has several partners in the industry throughout the US to further assist their customers and even has a technical support line with RVTI-certified technicians. For more information visit www.pullthroughsites.com