Owning an RV offers incredible freedom for travel and adventure, but like any vehicle or home on wheels, it’s prone to wear and tear from constant movement, weather exposure, and heavy use. Many RV owners face recurring breakdowns in key systems and parts, often due to vibrations from driving, environmental factors, or simply age.
In this article, we’ll cover 21 common RV components that tend to fail, describing each issue, offering DIY repair options where feasible, and advising when it’s best to consult a professional. Regular maintenance can extend the life of these parts, but some failures are inevitable.
Always prioritize safety, and if you’re unsure about a repair, err on the side of caution.
1. Tires
RV tires bear immense weight and endure long drives, inactivity, or rough roads, leading to blowouts, underinflation, uneven wear, or dry rot from UV exposure and age. These issues can cause dangerous handling problems or flats on the road.
DIY Options: Regularly inspect for cracks, bulges, or tread wear; maintain proper pressure per your RV’s specs (check with a gauge weekly); rotate and balance tires every 5,000-8,000 miles. For minor punctures, use a tire plug kit if the damage is small and not on the sidewall.
When to Contact a Professional: If you notice severe dry rot, blowouts, or if tires are over 5-7 years old regardless of tread, have a tire shop replace them. Alignment or balancing issues also require pro equipment.
2. Batteries
RV batteries power lights, appliances, and systems but often fail from depletion, corrosion, or age, especially if left unused or over-discharged, leading to dead starts or no interior power.
DIY Options: Clean terminals with baking soda and water to remove corrosion; charge with a portable charger or solar panel; test voltage with a multimeter (should be 12.6V+ when full). Replace lead-acid types every 3-5 years with matching specs.
When to Contact a Professional: If batteries won’t hold a charge after testing or if there’s a parasitic drain you can’t trace (e.g., faulty wiring), an RV tech can diagnose charging system issues.
3. Water Pump
The water pump circulates fresh water from the tank to faucets and fixtures but can fail from calcification, corrosion, or overuse, causing low pressure or no flow.
DIY Options: Check for loose connections or blown fuses; flush the system with vinegar to remove buildup; replace the pump (about $50-100) by disconnecting hoses and wiring—follow your model’s manual.
When to Contact a Professional: If the pump makes unusual noises or fails after basic checks, or if it’s integrated with complex plumbing, a pro can handle potential electrical or tank issues.
4. Propane Regulator
This device controls gas flow from tanks to appliances but diaphragms can fail from age or contamination, causing leaks, hissing, or inconsistent pressure.
DIY Options: Inspect for leaks with soapy water (bubbles indicate issues); replace the regulator (inexpensive part) by shutting off tanks, disconnecting lines, and installing a new one—test afterward.
When to Contact a Professional: If you suspect a gas leak or the system doesn’t regulate after replacement, call a certified propane tech to avoid fire hazards.
5. Water Heater
Water heaters provide hot water but malfunction from sediment buildup, faulty elements, or leaks, resulting in no hot water or strange noises.
DIY Options: Flush the tank annually with a wand to remove sediment; replace the anode rod every 1-2 years; check and clean the burner or pilot light if gas-powered.
When to Contact a Professional: For electrical heating elements or persistent leaks/tank damage, a pro is needed to prevent water damage or gas risks.
6. Refrigerator
RV fridges run on multiple power sources but fail from improper leveling, dirty fins, or leaks, leading to poor cooling or complete shutdown.
DIY Options: Ensure the RV is level; clean cooling fins and vents; check power sources and fuses; reset by turning off/on.
When to Contact a Professional: If there’s a refrigerant leak or control board failure, specialized tools are required for repairs.
7. Furnace/Heater
Furnaces keep the interior warm but can fail from dirty components, thermostat issues, or blower motor problems, causing no heat.
DIY Options: Clean filters and vents; check propane levels; reset the thermostat or replace batteries in it.
When to Contact a Professional: For motor or ignition failures, a tech should handle gas lines and electrical diagnostics.
8. Air Conditioner
AC units cool the RV but clog from dirt or fail due to refrigerant leaks, leading to warm air or no operation.
DIY Options: Replace or clean filters monthly; clear drains; check thermostat settings and power supply.
When to Contact a Professional: Refrigerant recharges or compressor issues need certified HVAC expertise to avoid voiding warranties.
9. Slide-Outs
Slide-outs expand space but get stuck from wear, misalignment, or weak batteries, causing noise or failure to extend/retract.
DIY Options: Lubricate mechanisms quarterly; check fuses and battery charge; manually crank if powered out (per manual).
When to Contact a Professional: For motor failures, alignment, or seal replacements, pros have the tools to prevent further damage.
10. Awning
Awnings provide shade but tear from wind, UV damage, or mechanism wear, leading to fabric rips or failure to deploy.
DIY Options: Clean fabric and lubricate arms; patch small tears with tape; retract in wind to prevent damage.
When to Contact a Professional: For motor or full fabric replacement, especially if structural, a shop ensures proper tensioning.
11. Roof Seals
Seals around vents and edges crack from sun and weather, allowing leaks and water damage.
DIY Options: Inspect annually; clean and apply RV sealant to cracks; remove old caulk before resealing.
When to Contact a Professional: Extensive damage or full roof resealing requires pro inspection for underlying issues like rot.
12. Slide-Out Seals
These prevent water and pests but tear or crack from movement and exposure, leading to leaks.
DIY Options: Clean and condition with protectant; replace seals by removing old ones and adhering new strips.
When to Contact a Professional: If seals are integrated with mechanisms or leaks have caused damage, pros can realign and repair.
13. Toilet
RV toilets can clog, leak, or fail seals due to improper use, buildup, or wear, causing odors or water issues.
DIY Options: Use RV-specific toilet paper; plunge clogs; replace seals or valves with kits (common parts available online).
When to Contact a Professional: For persistent leaks, vacuum breaker issues, or black tank problems, a plumber avoids sanitation hazards.
14. Brakes
Brakes wear from towing weight and hills, leading to squealing, reduced stopping power, or failure.
DIY Options: Inspect pads and rotors visually; adjust if drum-style; bleed lines if spongy (use a kit).
When to Contact a Professional: Full replacement or if integrated with anti-lock systems requires shop tools and expertise.
15. Suspension Components
Shocks, springs, and bushings degrade from road vibrations, causing poor handling or noise.
DIY Options: Check for leaks on shocks; tighten loose bolts; replace bushings if accessible.
When to Contact a Professional: Alignment, spring replacement, or if affecting steering—pros ensure safety.
16. Electrical Wiring
Wiring frays from movement or rodents, causing shorts, flickering lights, or fires.
DIY Options: Inspect visible wires; tape minor frays; replace fuses or breakers.
When to Contact a Professional: Deep diagnostics, rewiring, or inverter/converter issues need an electrician.
17. Generator
Generators provide off-grid power but fail from fuel issues, overload, or lack of maintenance.
DIY Options: Change oil/filters regularly; clean carburetor; check fuel lines for clogs.
When to Contact a Professional: Internal repairs like starter or alternator require specialized knowledge.
18. Leveling Jacks
Jacks stabilize the RV but stick or leak from dirt, hydraulics, or wear.
DIY Options: Lubricate and clean; bleed hydraulic lines; replace fuses.
When to Contact a Professional: Pump or cylinder failures need hydraulic experts.
19. Windows and Doors
Seals crack, latches break from use and weather, leading to drafts or security issues.
DIY Options: Replace weatherstripping; adjust hinges; lubricate locks.
When to Contact a Professional: Frame damage or full replacement for proper fit.
20. Plumbing Lines
Pipes crack in cold weather or from pressure, causing leaks under sinks or tanks.
DIY Options: Wrap with heat tape for winter; patch with tape temporarily; replace sections with PEX tubing.
When to Contact a Professional: Extensive leaks or gray/black tank repairs to prevent contamination.
21. Converter/Charger
This converts AC to DC and charges batteries but fails from overload or age, leading to power inconsistencies.
DIY Options: Check fuses and connections; reset breakers.
When to Contact a Professional: Internal board failures or integration with solar systems require pros.
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