Owning an RV is a great excuse to get away for awhile, whether it is for a weekend trip or a road trip. However, like any home, RVs have some common issues that may occur over time. Although avoiding these issues may not be possible, being prepared can mean a world of difference.
Blown Out Tires
One of the main problems with carrying a lot of weight on four wheels is that the tires can’t always handle it all, especially if when traveling over bumpy or poorly kept routes. RV tire blowouts are particularly dangerous due to the size of the vehicle and being top-heavy. You can avoid blowouts by checking your tire pressure regularly, especially if you plan on taking your RV on the road. Make sure you also always have a spare tire, don’t forget to regularly check the pressure of your spare as well.
Battery Failure
An RV without power can lose a lot of its appeal. If your lights won’t turn on, the outlets don’t provide power or the motor won’t start, chances are there’s something wrong with your battery. You should regularly check the fluid levels in your battery and test the charge to make sure your battery is in working order. It can be a good idea to disconnect the battery cables when your RV isn’t in use, this can prevent electrical devices from drawing power from your battery even though they are turned off.
Toilet Trouble
The last thing someone wants to deal with in their RV is toilet problems. Not only is it unpleasant but can also be very unhealthy. If water doesn’t stay in your toilet bowl or if the water continuously runs, you have a problem that you’ll need to address sooner rather than later. Make sure that the rubber seals around the large valve are in good condition and replace them if you find they are not. If your water valve will not close completely, it will have to be replaced. Luckily, water valves can be relatively cheap, unfortunately you’ll have to remove the toilet to fix the valves. Due to having no access to the water valve without the toilet being removed, there isn’t much you can do to avoid replacing them, so make sure you are prepared when the time arises.
Water Line / Water Pump
A broken water pump or water line is one of the most common problems RV owners experience. This can usually be avoided by properly storing your RV during cold seasons and keeping the water tank empty. If you don’t plan on using your RV during cold months, be sure to care of your water tank and water lines before storage.
