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Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Common Camper Problems and Ways to Avoid a Serious Issue on Your Trip

Sooner or later every RV owner encounters some type of motorhome malady. For some this is a minor incident that is quickly fixed and forgotten, but for others a single problem can quickly lead to a significant inconvenience. While it isn’t enjoyable to be the bearer of bad news, some camper parts fail more than others and can give motorhome owners more trouble out on the road. To help remedy any common problems you might encounter, you can find tips on how to avoid these broken parts or make a repair by reading below!


Common Problems with Your Camper
Many of the problems a camper driver encounters are similar to those of other motor vehicles. For instance, be on the lookout for a dead battery, flat tire, or overheating engine. However, the repair for these issues isn’t always the same. At RV Upgrades, we sell parts, replacements, and tools that are specific to campers and motorhomes, that way you can be sure you are receiving the right product for your vehicle.

Other common problems with your camper don’t happen under the hood, but are related to other parts of your RV. For instance, issues with the stairs, railing, hitches, and ladders on your RV happen more frequently than you might think. These camper parts get significant use while you are out on the road, and are often exposed to the elements. This can cause them to break or become brittle over time. Luckily, each of these is an easily repaired inconvenience.

Finally, damaged RV roofs can be a pesky problem. While this part of the motorhome is designed to withstand wind and rain, a number of RV owners still experience leaks or other issues. Sealant, RV roof tape, and other fixes can solve the problem, but spotting a roof issue before it leaks is the most cost-effective means of dealing with this RV issue.

How to Avoid a Major Inconvenience
A few motorhome owners actually experience the biggest problems with a new vehicle, not an older model. Therefore, you want to be certain to drive a new RV in your local area before hitting the highway or taking it on an extended trip. These short drives could alert you to any mechanical or electrical problems with the RV and give you an opportunity to find a fix while close to a trusted mechanic and the dealership.

This might also come as a surprise, but one of the best ways to keep your motorhome running smoothly is to drive it frequently. The longer engine parts, the battery, and even the brakes sit idle, the more likely it is these parts will rust or experience other forms of rot. Therefore, even if you don’t have an upcoming trip, take your camper for a few laps around the block.

If your camper does sit in the driveway, garage, or storage lot for an extended amount of time, for instance six months, you will want to do a thorough check of the camper parts that might atrophy or rust within this timeframe. You also will want to check all the fluids in your camper, such as washer fluid, coolant, and oil. You want to make sure all of these fluids are at the recommended level and fresh, if applicable, before heading out on the road.

Keep Adequate Roadside Assistance on Hand
While certain repairs are within the abilities and experience of a recreational RV owner, others could require extensive knowledge of vehicles, their engines, and other parts. In fact, just diagnosing the problem may require a trained eye. You don’t want a lack of knowledge to leave you stranded; instead, subscribe to a roadside assistance membership program that is going to help you in the event of an accident, flat tire, dead battery, or unknown problem.

The things to confirm before you sign up for a plan is what locations and destinations are covered. If you intend to travel internationally, for example to Canada or Mexico, you want your roadside assistance to remain applicable and useable. Also, be certain that the company does repairs in remote areas or after hours, since a breakdown is possible on rural roads or overnight. Another imperative question to ask is what repairs fall under the offered plan and whether other emergencies are covered. Of course, deciding on a plan is about finding one that fits your RV lifestyle and travel plans.

Finally, make sure you have the appropriate contact information for your roadside assistance as well as any membership cards they give you stored in your motorhome, where they can be easily found and utilized in the event of an accident or other emergency.

While you are investigating an adequate roadside assistance plan, don’t forget to check your insurance options and coverage. Your motorhome not only needs to be added to a plan, but will require separate insurance from your other personal vehicles. If there is a problem while you are on a trip, you want it covered by insurance.

Finding the Replacement Parts You Need
In the event that all your proper planning and prevention doesn’t stop an accident or incident from occurring, you may need a replacement part for your motorhome. Luckily, RV Upgrades has camper parts and other accessories to keep you out on the road. Check out the in-depth responses to our frequently asked questions, or ask your own question to make sure you get the exact part you need for your motorhome.

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