Even though not all RVs are created equal, with differences in amenities, size, weight, build materials, and overall quality and durability, they do share some similar “problems” that need to be taken care of. Just like any other product on the market, time and use (or non-use) affect the functionality and resilience of the entire unit or certain components. RVs are especially susceptible to issues since they are built to mimic a home that is able to be moved at any given moment. Even cars have issues due to intended use and are built specifically for transportation, when you add in features from a home, that is traditionally stationary, you are bound to encounter a few “hiccups” along the way. With high end recreational vehicles, the longevity of the parts that make up your RV may increase, but you will still eventually need to repair or replace these issues.
Water Lines/Water Pump Issues
Most RVers typically make use of their recreational vehicles during the warmer months since not many people enjoy subjecting themselves to the cold unnecessarily. Since this is the case, most people store their RV for the winter months. When you store your RV, it is good practice to ensure your water tanks are emptied to prevent the expansion that occurs when water becomes ice, bursting lines or damaging your pump. Being that everyone occasionally forgets or overlooks smaller details, damage to water lines and pumps is a common issue that causes the need for repair work to be done on RVs across the nation.
Toilet Issues
When camping, there are many options for alleviating the need to use the restroom. While going in the woods or using a community restroom are both viable options when outdoors, that defeats one of the major advantages of camping in an RV, having your own private bathroom. In traditional homes, toilets can last a long time even with wear and tear due to typical usage. When you add the portability of an RV to the mix, the bumping and bouncing due to the road or terrain in the wilderness can shorten the lifespan of your porcelain throne significantly compared to their stationary, at home counterparts. Some common issues found with RV toilets can be, water not staying in or constantly flowing in the toilet bowl due to valve or rubber seal issues. Though these issues may seem like they are ok to put off, they should be addressed as soon as possible. Toilet issues can not only cause issues with your water supply, but can lead to water damage that becomes a much costlier repair.
Tire Issues
If you have driven any land based vehicle before your RV (if you haven’t, I suggest getting well acquainted with driving a car before an RV) you should be well aware of flat tires. It is safe to say that we have yet to perfect one of the most important parts of the most common modes of transportation in the world. Even common passenger vehicles, whose sole purpose is to get us from point A to point B faster than our legs can take us, experience flat tires and require regular replacement. Whether you believe it is a built-in obsolescence or just a lack of better a better option, tires are highly vulnerable to road debris, wear and tear from typical usage as well as damage from non-usage. Knowing that daily driver vehicles encounter issues with their tires though they weigh significantly less than most RVs, it should be no surprise that tire blowouts are a common issue with recreational vehicles as well. Though steps can be taken to prepare for or prevent some issues, like ensuring proper inflation levels, checking tread wear regularly and carrying a spare that is in good working condition, you are bound to encounter an issue with your tires eventually.
Roof And Window Issues
Being that RVs are meant to be portable, rather than stationary like a house, the roofs and windows are made of materials and assembled differently than your typical house. Since your house is meant to be stationary, the roof and windows are built from materials that are better suited for long term exposure to the elements. On your RV however, some aspects of each part needed to be sacrificed to allow for mobility. To keep the weight down, the roof of your RV is similar to the sides, rather than the traditional shingled or tiled roof found on a house. With constant exposure to direct sunlight in addition to striking low hanging debris (mostly tree branches), your roof can take some damage. As for your windows, in order to better absorb the constant vibration of travel, a sealant with a more rubberized finish is used to help prevent shattering rather than the typical sealant used on a house, that is solely to prevent leaks and withstand the elements. Though the sealant used on an RV is meant to absorb shock better than what is used on a house, like everything else, it eventually will succumb to the consistent jarring and exposure to the elements causing the need to be reapplied or even having the window replaced if the issue is ignored for too long.
User Issues
As was mentioned earlier, we are all susceptible to forgetting a detail here and there, it is part of being human. With that in mind, it is highly likely that you will forget to unhook a hose or take down an awning or even leave a slide-out in the out position. If and when it does happen, just know, you are not alone in this. This has made our list because it is a common occurrence amongst RV users and people in general. To help combat this, I recommend creating a checklist that you laminate and mount somewhere you will see before you can drive off. Include a grease pencil or dry-erase marker so that you can check off each task before you depart and erase when you reach your next location.
When It happens
The reason we know about these common occurrences is because we fix them. Here at Crossroads Trailers we have a highly experienced team of certified technicians that are ready and able to get your RV in tip top shape. We can service your RV from front to back and inside and out so that you can get back to enjoying your time on the road. If you are in need of a repair or service to return to or maintain the smooth operation of your RV, give us a call at (856) 697–4497 and we will be glad to help get your RV where you want to be.
