The last thing anyone wants to face on vacation is a broken-down vehicle, leaks, or other mechanical problems. The best way to prevent RV problems is to make a regular maintenance schedule. Even if you have a brand-new RV, some of these problems can show up. You should be prepared with tools and equipment and be ready with the number for a trusted mobile semi truck repair company or RV roadside service.

RV maintenance is generally not very time-consuming, but if you start using your camper more often or for longer trips, you will have to spend more time maintaining and fixing it. The more you use or move your RV, the more likely you are to have problems with its different components, and the quicker they will start breaking down. Here are some of the most common RV problems that you need to be ready for.

Flat or Blown Tire

One of the most common reasons an RV will be sitting on the side of the road is tire problems. Most RVs are not factory-equipped with high-quality tires and many people recommend getting better tires immediately if you plan on making long or frequent trips. If a tire is damaged, isn’t inflated correctly, or is not rated for the correct weight, it can blow out. Tire blowouts on RVs are known to cause a lot of damage to the vehicle, ripping apart the fenders, breaking fiberglass components, and permanently bending and warping metal siding.

Flat tires can be hard for a driver to notice when they are on a trailer or the back of an RV, and if you continue driving on a flat tire it can begin to rip apart, causing the same kind of damage as a blowout. If your vehicle doesn’t come with tire pressure sensors, make sure you get an aftermarket version installed. Proper tire maintenance and monitoring can save thousands of dollars in repair bills.

Plumbing Leaks

Plumbing leaks are common in RVs, as they are in houses. However, in an RV the leak can cause significant damage as so many electrical and mechanical parts are located together in the underbelly and storage areas. Many RV owners install moisture sensors in these sensitive areas for this reason. If you think you have a plumbing leak or have unexplained water standing somewhere, shut your water supply or pump off while you search for the problem. If you cannot find the location of the leak, you might have to call an RV repair person who can help you locate and fix it. A small leak can cause a lot of damage quickly, so don’t delay.

Storage Tank Issues

The storage tanks under your RV hold fresh water, water from the sinks and shower, and water from the toilet. The tank that is most likely to experience issues is the tank from the toilet. It has the most solid waste to break down and can easily develop clogged areas or buildup of solid material. Maintain your black water tank by making sure to use enough water when flushing, using toilet paper that is approved for RV use, and never flushing anything except toilet paper. Wipes and other products cannot break down at all and will cause clogs in the pipes leading to or from the tank. Also, make sure to maintain the tank by flushing it well each time you dump it. Make sure to research the best ways to maintain and use your tanks and follow your RV manufacturer’s instructions.

Old Batteries

Your RV batteries will eventually need to be replaced, just like your car batteries. RV batteries that are well-maintained last much longer than those that aren’t. Batteries that contain water need to be topped off regularly and not allowed to go dry. If you are storing your camper, your batteries will eventually lose their charge, which lessens their life. Maintain your batteries during storage by disconnecting them from the camper or running a trickle charger or solar charger that will keep them charged and happy. Finally, if your batteries are making strange noises or won’t hold a charge, it is probably time to recycle them. You don’t want to find this out in the middle of a camping trip, so make sure you check them before you leave.

Window or Door Latch Problems

Because your RV experiences a lot of twisting, turning, and bumping while you drive, your door and window latches can easily get misaligned and become difficult to use. If you have ever been in an RV park, you probably know the sound of RV doors slamming all over the campground. While some of the slams are caused by overeager children (and adults!) they are also caused by door latches that don’t work well or RVs that aren’t leveled properly. When the RV isn’t level, the wall can be slightly twisted, causing the door latch to become misaligned. Maintain your latches by leveling your camper as much as possible each time you use it and occasionally adjusting the latches if necessary.

Slides Not Moving

Slide problems can be common in RVs, especially those that are used frequently or which have been in storage for a long time. The slides need to be maintained regularly according to the recommendations of the manufacturer or your RV repair person. The gears may need regular lubrication, especially if you are driving over salty, wet roads or your RV has been in the same position for a long time. You should also make sure your RV is leveled well before you move the slides. as an unlevel camper could cause twisting in the gears and mechanics of the slide system. If your slides are not maintained or if they develop problems, they may eventually refuse to move. Since your camper can’t be towed with the slides out, there is a manual slide crank on most RVs, allowing you to retract the slides so you can take the vehicle to be repaired.

Roof Problems

Roof leaks are common in RVs, especially around edges, seams, and on older campers. The roof on an RV needs maintenance and it will need to be recoated every so often. How often you will need to work on your roof depends on your RV, how frequently you use it, and how it is stored. If you do notice a leak, get it repaired as soon as possible and check for water damage and mold in your walls and floors. Small leaks in the roof can take a long time to become noticeable and any area in an RV that is wet over a long time can develop mold or rotten wood.

You also need to make sure the seals around the slides are moisturized and lubricated in order to prevent leaking in this area. This is especially true if they sit in the sun or are in a dry climate. And continue to keep an eye on window caulking and seals to monitor any water intrusion, especially during and after rainstorms.

Conclusion

RV ownership can be very rewarding and allow frequent camping trips, vacations, and cheap travel. Make sure your next trip is relaxing and rewarding by keeping up with a strict and thorough RV maintenance schedule, staying safe, and taking care of problems as soon as they appear.