Various Common RV Problems That Most Owners Suffer
RV

Various Common RV Problems That Most Owners Suffer

Recreational vehicles (RVs) are much fun, aren’t they? But they do undoubtedly a lot more work, too. RVs are an excellent excuse to escape for some time, whether it is for an extended trip or the long weekend. Like any house, there exist some of the common RV problems which will happen over time & demand your attention.

As we already know, RVs are fun, but what if the things go iffy? That fun will be quite short-lived, and it can be expensive, too. According to the industrial stats, out of 10 RVs, every 3 RVs will require some serious repair by their 2nd year only and almost every RV after eight years.

Common RV Problems

Some of the problems are mentioned below so that you can be prepared both practically and financially.

1. Burst Water-Lines

Broken water-pump or burst water-lines are among the usual RV problems. But this problem can be avoided if you store the RV properly in the winter season.

Burst Water-Lines

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Ways to Avoid

Don’t forget to empty the water tanks on a daily basis. If you are of the kind who neglects to empty the water tanks for few days, then stay mindful about the weather forecast. Also, make certain you empty the tank before its first freeze. If you’re not going to use your RV during winter, it is necessary to take great care of water-lines before you put RV in the storage.

Ways to Fix

You can apply a dose of sealing lubricant, so they keep working properly. If it still leaks, then considers replacing it.

2. Tire Blowout

Problem with carrying the weight on those four wheels’ that tires cannot always handle that, especially when you are traveling over poorly kept or bumpy roads. A tire blowout is quite dangerous because they are very heavy and because of the size of RV. But you can avoid this problem. All you need to do is check the pressure regularly, especially before you take your RV to a ride.

tire blowout on rv

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Ways to Avoid

Don’t forget to keep an extra wheel with you every time you’re traveling. And check the pressure of that spare wheel on a daily basis as well.

Ways to Fix

However, if you experience a tire blowout, immediately pull over your RV to replace a tire. Stay safe whenever you break down on the roadside.

3. Toilet Malfunctions

The last thing that anyone wants in their RV is the toilet trouble. It is not only annoying but also unhealthy. You know you have a problem when the water doesn’t stay in the toilet bowl or water keeps running from it. This is the problem you should address sooner and not later. If the rubber seal around the large valve is not in good shape, then replace it.

If the water valve is not closing completely, then you will have to change that also. Thankfully, these water valves are quite cheap. Be prepared to face this problem after years as there’s not much one can do to avoid this problem.

Toilet Malfunctions

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Ways to Avoid

Slide valves seals are getting aged with time, so to extend their life you need to keep the channel around inside edges clear of calcium buildup, toilet paper, and every other crud.

Ways to Fix

If the valve gasket still leaks, then the best actor’s to replace it. Yes, you will need to pull the toilet out. Don’t worry replacing a gasket is quite an easy job. Not so many people talk about the septic system, but it is important as well. So to keep the septic system up to date requires so many key components, and one of them which I feel is the most important one is the tank holding treatment you use.

The best holding tank treatment for RV will make sure that tissue and waste have broken down. This way there will be no cogs, and your bathroom won’t smell bad.

4. Battery Failure

RV without the battery loses its appeal. If the outlets do not work or the lights do not get turned on or if the motor does not start, then there is a chance there is some problem with the battery. Keep checking the fluid levels regularly in the battery and also test charge to ensure it’s working properly.

A quick suggestion: Disconnect battery cables if your RV is not in use because that will prevent the electrical device from drawing the battery even if they’re off.

Battery Failure

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Ways to Avoid

Check fluid levels regularly in the battery and add some distilled water if needed. Make sure you wear hand and eye protection and keep those open flames away from you at least 10 feet as battery gives off the hydrogen gas. Also, invest in the sealed batteries which are maintenance free, so there won’t be anything to worry.

Ways to Fix

In most of the cases, charging dead batteries is an instant RV repair. If you are in the campground, plug the rig into an AC power so that battery gets charged. And if your battery keeps falling, then all you can do is to replace it.

5. Window and Roof Leaks

surge protector on your RV power

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You think of the RV as if it’s your home, don’t you? But the reality is quite different because your RV is not structurally sound. Starting right from poor weather to sunlight to the low-hanging branches may potentially damage RV’s roof. Make use of roof cover if possible to minimize the exposure to elements. If you cannot manage to keep the roof covered, then inspect your RV’s roof every month if there is any damage or not and repair if necessary. You can also apply rubber coating to your roof to protect it.

Windows, too, may spring leaks, if the window sealing breaks down. Check window seals at least twice the month. And forget to replace them if you see even a single sign of the damage.

Ways to Fix

If there are leaks in the rubber roof, then there’re a number of roof patch-kits that you can buy. Be careful in adding the right equipment for RV toolbox. To repair it temporarily while you’re on the road, you can use a special roof sealing tapes for RV. When you get back later, make certain that mounting flange around the roof vents, antennas, and breather caps are properly sealed using sealant specially made for your RVs.

If the roof vent’s damaged or cracked, either from tree branches or exposure, best action would be replacing it. Use duct tape and plastic trash bags for the emergency repairs. Don’t forget to repair it properly at the very first chance.

For windows, check if is it just a gasket material that’s leaking around a window frame? If yes, then you need to remove that window, clean the old seal off, apply a new sealant. Now, install that window again.

Despite your preparation and planning, RVs get broken down sometimes. On a simpler note, make certain you take great care to attend the simple things when you’re using the RV.

Have you ever experienced such problems when using your RV? I’d love to catch your suggestions on what problem to look out for. Share your experience in the comment section below.