As an RV owner, you’ve undoubtedly developed a healthy respect for planning. After all, any trip around the country is going to require more than just a few minutes of packing and no one knows that better than you. In fact, if you’re reading this article right now, it’s likely that you’re preparing for another great adventure. We wish you all the best in your travels and hope you cover many miles without incident. To help ensure that all goes well, here is our guide to the most common causes of RV breakdowns and how you can avoid them:
1. RV tire blowout. At Coach Specialists of Texas we see this all the time. Because RVs handle a lot of miles, their tires experience a great deal of wear and tear. Sometimes it’s unavoidable due to debris on the road, but we would encourage you to take every precaution you can when it comes to your tires. Having a tire blow out on the highway is extremely dangerous and can be very destructive to your motorhome. So be sure to check your tire pressures regularly and inspect your tires for any damage often, regardless of how many miles you’ve traveled.
2. RV roof damage. This is another very common problem we see in our collision repair customers’ motorhomes and it has happened to many brand new RV drivers, as well as seasoned ones, so experience won’t necessarily prevent you from having this break down. The best thing you can do is be extra cautious when approaching bridges, buildings, signs, wooded areas, and any environments with questionable clearances. Be very aware of the size of your vehicle, driving slowly and carefully when appropriate.
3. RV side panel damage. Many times this kind of damage is caused by trees lining the road and the damage can be very costly to repair. Again, be conscious of your vehicle’s size and of any potentially damaging elements alongside the road.
4. Dead batteries in the RV. Few things are as frustrating as the moment you go to start your RV and find it won’t start. To avoid a dead battery, be sure to utilize any cut-off switches and charging systems. Another good idea is to double-check to make sure everything is turned off after each use. There are many power drains in an RV, so take extra care to be vigilant about them.
5. Water intrusion in the RV. To prevent a water problem in your motorhome, follow all regular maintenance procedures, including winterizing your vehicle and inspecting often for faulty seals and areas of leakage. Insurance doesn’t typically cover water damage due to poor maintenance, so make sure you’re on top of this as much as possible.
Are you in need of an RV repair shop?
As RV enthusiasts ourselves, we know what you’re up against. At Coach Specialists of Texas, we have the technicians, the training, and the facilities to solve any RV problems you might possibly have. We are the exclusive direct repair facility for many insurance companies, including GEICO, Nationwide, and USAA. Great customer service, strong communication, and fast, superior repair work are the hallmarks of our business.