The mere fact that recreational vehicles are larger than regular box type cars makes them more difficult to maintain and repair. Those of us who have had this problem know what it means.
Since this type of vehicle is mainly used for traveling purposes and they cover a great deal in terms of mileage, they have a bigger tendency to be sent to a shop for repairs. Knowing your shop and their ability to perform the work you need can be a money saver. This can cause a big dent in your pocket if you don't look for an RV repair shop with a good quality.
Wherever you are through out the US a Good Sam approved RV repair shop is not far away. Leave your RV repair bills to us-Good Sam Continued Service Plan
Whether you are renting or you are considering owning a recreational vehicle, here are some important tips to remember about RV repair:
1. Go for a class A body structure to avoid body leaks.
Recreational vehicles are more susceptible to stress because of the long hours that the vehicle spends on the road.You would need to spend a fortune in RV repairs costs if the body of your RV starts to leak due to inferior material.Especially note the material used on the roof and the metal railings on top of the vehicle, since this is where the most weight is applied when you carry your luggage.Never buy or rent an RV with a faulty roof design. It would cost you thousands of dollars just to repair the body and you are buying an RV so that you will have somewhere safe and dry to live once you go outdoors and you will not get that with a vehicle which has a leaking body and roof.
2. Check the machine's hydraulic system and overall engine design.
RV's or motor homes tend to get hot when used for a long time.Check out for any signs of leaks in the transmission, hydraulic system, brake and other engine components which have this problem, as well as the air conditioning system.Consult a professional when checking out the engine, especially if you are planning to own an RV.
3. Consider the vehicle's model, style, make and engine size.
There are several RV's that you can choose from.There are models where the trailers are collapsible, some are attached to the truck and need to be towed. You get to pick from motor coaches, camper vans, motor homes, travel trailers and other types of RV's.When deciding on the type that you will rent or buy, consider your storage needs, the number of people who will occupy the vehicle as well as the features that would make traveling more comfortable for you.The engine size and capacity should depend on the weight that needs to be carried or pulled. This extra weight is what initiates engine problems, so make sure that you are getting the right engine size.
Following are some examples of cost of RV repairs for Fifth Wheel RVs. These examples are for Parts & Labor :
1 Refrigerator $530.18 to $1,382.10
2 Heating Assembly $241.09 to $1,103.98
3 Waste System $378.94 to $3,390.10
4 Roof A/C $533.15 to $1,272.78
5 Water Heater $336.78 to $881.29
6 Aux Generator $284.86 to $1,223.55
7 Slide Out $453.73 to $1,574.52
8 Chassis (Landing Jacks) $386.64 to $1,140.20
9 Suspension $304.55 to $1,140.20
10 Fresh Water System $232.14 to $893.97
For those with a desire to do simple RV repairs themselves try this site:
RV repair training online can help here. Using just your home or business PC and internet connection, you can now learn all the important mechanical information about RVs and how to keep RVs in tip-top shape.
Online RV repair training is just like traditional correspondence courses or distance learning -- except that the lessons are deliver to you over the Internet. You can study wherever it suits you and at whatever time you available (even if it is at 2 am!).
The lessons will take you from elementary "walk-through" of the RV systems... up to whatever level you want to go. The lessons will include full-color pictures of each step of the training and clearly explained step-by-step solutions to each mechanical fault or problem.
You can repeat the lessons as often as you want till you are totally confident with your new RV knowledge. Of course, you can print out any or all of the lessons for ready reference at any time (to keep in your office, workshop, or in the RV while out on the road).
If you wish, you can complete your training online to certificate level, which of course will lead to a job or promotion in the RV or auto repair industry.