10 Common RV Repairs The Average Do-It-Yourself Guy Can Fix

Top 10 RV Repairs

Winter can be very destructive to water systems if the RV hasn’t been properly prepared for below-freezing weather. 

Common freezing related failures would include:

#1   Burst water lines or cracked fittings
#2   Leaky faucets
#3   Burst water heater
#4   Broken water pump

Assuming that draining all 3 water tanks (Clean, Gray, and Black) is part of your returning home from every trip procedure, the likelihood of splitting a tank from ice is unlikely.  However, if you tend to let draining the tanks go until later in the week, putting it off may actually lead to forgetting that simple chore.  Then, when that first hard freeze sneaks up on you, the results will be extremely expensive.  Replacing RV water tanks is usually a big project.

Plastic is a common material used throughout RVs.  Here is where the weight and cost restrictions come in.  RV toilets are a common source of problems.  When in storage, heat builds up inside the RV, rubber seals get stiff, and anything that controls water flow can deteriorate.

#5  RV toilet doesn’t keep water in the bowl, or the water valve lets water run continually

 

When you take the protective cap off your waste water drain with the intention of attaching the sewer drain hose, are you greeted with a half gallon or so of nasty water?  This can cause all kinds of problems for you.  If the waste tank shut-off valves are leaking, the liquid in your Black tank can drain away while you're hooked up at the RV resort.  This will leave a mass of solids in the bottom of the tank that will set up like concrete.

#6  Waste tank valves leak water

On the subject of waste tanks, does your Black water tank monitor almost always show full?  This will be a reoccurring problem on every RV on the road.  

#7  Black or Gray water tank monitor lights always show full or partially-full, even right after you drain the tank

 

I think the favorite campgrounds are those back in the woods.  The more secluded and private, the better.  Nobody likes parking amongst 300 RVs in the middle of an open field.  That’s just not camping.  Of course, there is a bit of a risk driving down a narrow road to get into the more secluded spots.  For example, that one branch that you didn’t notice hanging over the road just might become a "gotcha" moment.

#8  Puncture hole in the rubber roof membrane
#9  Broken or cracked window
#10  Broken refrigerator vents, A/C cover, or roof ventilation covers

Before you get out the toolbox and dive right in, be sure to consider what’s involved with do-it-yourself RV repairs.  If you take care of common home repairs on your own, odds are you’ll do just fine.  Following instructions and taking your time will be the key to success.