Simona Pilolla
Having proper spare parts means you can be more self-sufficient and spend more time doing what you enjoy.
Words by Steve Fennell
We have featured many how-to maintenance and troubleshooting articles in Snowbirds and RV Travelers. Fixing minor repairs is quick and simple at home with all your tools, parts and accessories at hand - not to mention that your local Canadian Tire and RV service centre is conveniently nearby. Yet, doing unexpected repairs when you’re at a rural destination may not be so quick, and not so simple.
Even though you may have a fully stocked tool kit, any part failure can’t be properly fixed without having the right one on hand and/or the equipment to fix it. Sometimes they can be addressed easily, other times not so much.
Knowing what to bring is not only important, but it’s smart RVing. It ensures that you can maximize your time on the road in the event of any issues and eliminate added costs and wasted vacation days.
Understand Your RV
Whether you own a trailer, fifth wheel or motorhome, you can narrow down your supply of spare parts (or everything you think you’ll need) by doing proper pre-season maintenance and pre-travel inspections. Nevertheless, it’s often without warning that problems occur. Understanding your A/C, heating and plumbing systems, as well as the appliances, lighting, and the RV’s electrical can save time troubleshooting and perhaps an expensive service bill.
It’s also important to base what you bring on your experience. If you’re a seasoned traveller, you’ll know how your rig operates, how the systems work, and the parts and tools you need. In the event you’re new to RVing, study the owner’s manual and ask questions at your local dealer or speak to other RVers.
Space in an RV is limited. So, designate an area for all your spare parts and necessary accessories that you need. Make them as easily accessible as possible.
Essential Parts to Consider and Never Say Never
Although it’s difficult to predict what may go wrong and what will need to be addressed, the list below is a good starting point. You may already have an understanding of what to bring, but it’s wise to bring more than less and be sorry later on during your trip.
● Battery Booster Cables/Portable Automotive Battery Chargers
The last comment you want to hear from a spouse when the battery of your tow vehicle or motorhome dies is “why didn’t you bring the jumper cables?” To avoid the inevitable blame and being stranded, jumper cables and/or a portable battery charger should be at the top of your list.
These are the unsung heroes of automotive engine batteries. They are almost always forgotten about until you need them and they can get you on your way. Both are widely available and a quality portable battery charger is a great investment. They provide a quick charge without needing another vehicle.
Mustafa Ozturk Dreamstimecom
Never forget jumper cables or a good portable battery charger. You’ll need them sooner or later.
● Important Fluids
Monitoring and topping up the fluid for the transmission and braking system as well as the coolant and engine oil are basic yet important tasks to do before, during and after an RV trip. The longer your trip, the more fluids will be used and the more they will need to be checked.
All of the primary ones can be purchased at most highway service stations. To save time and money, it’s worth having a good supply in your RV. You can replenish the fluids on the fly and ensure proper care for your tow vehicle or motorhome engines. Plus, regularly checking the fluids is preventative maintenance.
Plus, if you’re topping up the oil more frequently than you normally would, it may indicate a leak or another serious engine issue. It’s even a good idea to bring designated fluids for your RV generator, the RV hydraulic jacks (if you use them), and for certain A/C systems.
Andrey Popov Dreamstimecom
A quality multimeter can help troubleshoot a variety of electrical concerns.
● 12V Fuses and Quality Multimeter
Fuses support many RV electronics, including TVs, appliances, and lighting, to name just a few. When select components suddenly stop working, chances are likely it’s a blown fuse.
As there are a few types of fuses for RVs, determine what style(s) you need and purchase a fuse kit. They are widely available and can save a lot of distress when certain components won’t function. Keep in mind that larger RVs may have a few electrical panels that run several systems and have different fuses.
To find out if it's the fuse, test it with a multimeter, which is another essential tool to have during an RV trip. They can determine the power for AC and DC voltage, and all kinds of electronics, batteries and/or charging systems.
Welcomia Dreamstimecom
Extras parts for your toilet and plumbing system are also essential items.
● Roof and Window Sealants
Roofs, windows and vent seals should be in good shape but leaks, cracks, and other damage can happen without fair warning. Climbing on your RV’s roof or walking around your rig to find a leaking seal is never enjoyable on a vacation. Nonetheless, having a variety of proper sealants on hand can save time. They may fix the leak entirely or just be a short-term solution.
● Plumbing Parts and Designated Tools
Problems with the toilet and its plumbing will arise in any RV when you least expect it. Similar to a residential toilet, parts and components wear over time from frequent use and are one of the most common issues that can happen for many reasons.
Some of the replacement parts to bring include a flange seal, water valve, and flush ball seal. Most are widely available in kits from Thetford or Dometic and relatively inexpensive. These parts are also easy to replace with some basic DIY skills and the proper tools.
● LP Propane Regulator
Propane regulators simply reduce the pressure from the propane tanks to your RV appliances and systems to operate properly. The rule of thumb is to replace a regulator every 10 to 15 years, but when it becomes worn or damaged, systems that run on propane won’t be able to be used.
Cass Tippit Dreamstimecom
A spare propane regulator is great to have and worth bringing along on a trip.
A regulator can be purchased at RV parts stores, dealers, or Canadian Tire and a spare is handy to have. When it stops working, it’ll need to be replaced on the spot.
Before an RV trip for any length of time, having a good supply of spare parts, accessories, and tools will save a lot of frustration. Creating your stock of RV parts depends on your RV, the systems you use, and your level of DIY skills. You may never need everything that you bring, but it’ll provide peace of mind knowing that you have an option while you’re at a rural destination this season.