Living full-time in an RV is a dream for many, but like any dream, it comes with its share of challenges. The romantic vision of open roads, stunning landscapes, and campfires under the stars often comes with a less glamorous reality—RV repairs are unavoidable. Things break. Often. And sometimes spectacularly.
From broken stairs to failing water pumps, RV repairs are as much a part of RV life as the journeys themselves. For us, the Faiolas, these hiccups have tested our patience and taught us valuable lessons about problem-solving, resilience, and the importance of a good toolkit.
Table of Contents
Listen to the Podcast episode
Hey there, adventurers! 🚐
Did this episode get your wheels turning or make you think of your own off-the-beaten-path adventure? If it did, we’d really appreciate it if you could swing by Apple Podcasts to leave us a rating, drop a review, and hit that subscribe button. It’s a little way to help keep the journey going!
Have a hidden gem or an RV tip you want to share with us? We’d love to hear from you—leave us a message!
Safe travels, and we’ll see you out there on the open road!
SUBSCRIBE: APPLE PODCASTS | PODBEAN | SPOTIFY | IHEART RADIO | Plus, almost all podcasting apps. Let us know if you can’t find us on your app.
RV Repairs
Fixing RV Stairs
One of our earliest challenges involved our Lippert automatic entry steps. The first time they broke, we replaced the motor. Problem solved—for a while. Then, they gave up again. Tony spent hours tinkering, finally resorting to the universal repair technique—hitting it with a hammer. Miraculously, the stairs started working again, but we now keep a spare motor handy, just in case.
RV Toilet Repairs
Our RVToilets have given us a lot of trouble. Our half-bath and full-bath toilets have tested Tony’s DIY skills, from cracked water valves to broken flush mechanisms. In one instance, a toilet repair required us to replace the entire unit. A tip is to check for part numbers and have backups when possible.
Our main bathroom’s Vacuflush toilet pump needs a new repair yearly. We’ve repaired various pump parts over time, but a partial or complete rebuild is required almost yearly. In fact, during our most recent fix, we realized the shop’s address was the same one we visited precisely a year earlier! We were in the same place, on our way south to our winter location.
After noticing an unpleasant smell, we discovered a hose had detached from the black tank. The solution was to cut a hole in the floor to access the problem area. It wasn’t glamorous, but it worked. We modified the floor to make it easier to access.
RV Window Replacement
While driving through Michigan, we discovered a window had fallen out of our RV. A quick review of our security cameras revealed it had simply popped loose and flown away. We temporarily patched the opening with plywood and had to wait weeks for a replacement window.
Replacing RV Slide Covers
Slide covers are another common pain point in RV repairs. From regular wear and tear to outright destruction by high winds, ours have been through the wringer. One incident involved a railroad crossing gate damaging both the roof and a slide cover simultaneously. Another incident happened during a Wyoming windstorm when a slide cover ripped clean off, adding to our growing list of RV repairs.
The Importance of Regular Inspections
Living full-time in an RV means constant motion, which leads to wear and tear. Screws loosen, bolts fall out, and systems malfunction. We’ve learned the importance of regular inspections, especially underneath the RV. Missing sway bar bolts and suspension issues can go unnoticed but have significant safety implications.
Why DIY Repairs Matter
If you’re new to RV life, you might think taking your rig to a dealership is the easiest way to handle repairs. While this is sometimes necessary, we’ve found that learning to fix things yourself saves money and provides peace of mind. RV repair shops charge hefty fees and often take weeks to complete even minor fixes.
With the help of online forums, YouTube tutorials, and good old-fashioned trial and error, Tony has become our in-house RV repair technician. From water pumps to electrical systems, his efforts have saved us thousands of dollars—and plenty of headaches.
Lessons Learned on the Road
Every repair teaches us something new. Patience, adaptability, and resourcefulness are essential traits for full-time RVers. While it’s easy to get frustrated when things break, we try to approach each issue as an opportunity to improve our skills and make our RV more reliable.
For anyone considering the RV lifestyle, here’s our advice:
- Keep a Toolkit Handy: The basics, like screwdrivers, wrenches, and a hammer, can solve many problems and a must for proper RV repairs.
- Stock Spare Parts: Motors, valves, and other small parts are worth keeping in stock to avoid delays. Especially if you travel to remote areas.
- Join Online Communities: Facebook groups and RV forums are great for advice and support.
- Don’t Be Afraid to DIY: With some research and effort, you can handle many repairs yourself.
Embracing the Ups and Downs
RV living comes with challenges, but it’s incredibly rewarding. The freedom to explore the country, wake up to new views, and create unforgettable memories makes every repair worth it. When something breaks, remember: it’s all part of the adventure, and those RV repairs will become part of the story.
Have a story about RV repairs? We’d love to hear it! Click the message button to share your experience with us.
