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Expensive RV repairs can hinder summer plans but also use up some of your travel budget for the season.
Words by Jessica Rider
When buying a new RV, it’s easy to overlook the required routine maintenance of modern components and systems. In reality, it’s one of the key factors to prevent them from malfunctioning and most importantly, paying a large bill to get them fixed if they break down.
New model-year motorhomes and trailers have many residential appointments and features. In this article, we address some of the most costly RV repairs that can be the result of poor upkeep or lack of routine service.
Electrical Assembly
If you were to remove the underbelly of your trailer or motorhome, you would find all of the wiring and electrical that support most of your RV’s electronic systems. On most units, the electrical assembly runs from the front of the unit all the way to the rear.
While maintaining it can be tricky, there are main connection points for systems like your house and automotive batteries, and converters/inverters. Be sure they are free of corrosion and not damaged. They should also be checked throughout the season or when a certain system is not functioning as it should. Inspecting all the wire connections in your fuse box is also important and needs to be done at least once a year.
Most connection points are relatively easy to inspect but when they are neglected or not replaced when needed, the damage can accumulate and result in a large repair bill.
Slides
Slide-outs are operated either by cable or track systems, a Schwintek design, and through-frame systems. All have pros and cons.
For instance, cables can fray or the motors that run them can malfunction. Most slideouts with cable systems can easily be checked and should be done several times per year given their use.
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Some electrical assemblies can be easily accessed to ensure wiring is not damaged or needs to be replaced.
Track and through-frame systems can be maintained as well with little effort. The motor is typically mounted in the wall of the RV near the slide area and the one for a through-frame system is usually underneath the slide.
There are some basic things that can hinder a slide from extending or retracting like a toy or a pillow or something more restrictive such as a rusted track. Always make sure they slide in and out easily and even listen to hear if the motors are struggling.
If you hear an odd sound or the slides are moving slower than normal, check your power source, which is your battery, and then inspect the cables, tracks and rails for anything that would prevent proper movement. The cost to repair a broken slide can be anywhere from $800 - for a simple fix - to $3,000 so routine care is very important.
Fresh and Waste Water Tanks
We can’t preach enough about the importance of maintaining holding tanks, especially your black water tank. Be sure to use proper chemicals during every trip and flush it out at least every other trip to ensure it stays clean.
The holding tanks are one of the first systems installed in an RV and they are mounted in the frame. Repairing one requires the removal of the underbelly as well as any wires and plumbing that connect to the tank.
Some replacement parts may just be a few hundred dollars (depending on your tank type) but the labour to change or fix one can cost a few thousand since it’s a very intensive repair. Proper maintenance can also prevent major plumbing or other malfunctions.
Leveling Systems
Electronic levelling systems are one of the most convenient features of a trailer or motorhome. Simply press a button and they level your RV in a few seconds.
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It’s worth the time to catch minor repairs before they becoming larger problems, which can easily result in costly service bills.
However, these systems can malfunction and before you know it, there’ll be four different error codes on your system panel and your RV won’t be able to move. My husband and I have been there and getting a levelling system repaired is expensive.
First and foremost, check your battery to ensure it’s providing enough power to raise or lower the legs. If there isn’t enough, they may struggle to properly extend or retract.
It is also essential to inspect the levelling system for rust or wear. If the legs are bent or are not properly aligned, it may need to be replaced. Parts can be anywhere from $400-$800 plus labour.
A/C Units and Refrigerators
We encourage customers to check their A/C units at least twice a year, which means getting on your roof, removing the cover and cleaning out any built-up debris. Also, your refrigerator should always be cooling properly with sufficient air circulation behind it. Sometimes a repair can be as simple as replacing a fuse, which could cost $60 to $80, other times you need to replace it, which could run between $1000 to $4,000.
Just like your home, large repairs on an RV are never fun and they certainly are not cheap. Routine maintenance on these systems is essential and can help prevent costly service bills. If you’re ever in doubt about a specific issue, speak to your local dealer, RV service centre or camping retail store.
Happy Camping!