RV service is inevitable in every RVers life. From routine maintenance to major repairs, everyone who owns an RV will have to deal with this at some point. We know that we’ve had to.
But, getting RV service doesn’t have to be a bad experience. Read on to learn about the most common issues we face when getting RV service. And learn what you can do to have a better experience.
Let’s dive in.
Getting RV Service Can Be a Nightmare
Let’s face it – RV problems stink on their own. Nobody wants the added stress of a terrible RV service experience, but it always happens.
Whether it be poor communication, astronomical costs, or wait times that stretch into several months, the hassle of RV service sometimes feels like more work than it’s worth.
And according to an RV mechanic, these are the first systems to fail in your RV.
The Downsides of RV Service:
We admit – not all RV service is bad, and not all RV service centers are bad. But there may come a time when you encounter a bad service experience. This poor service can be exponential if you’re receiving mobile service.
Here are some of the most common downsides to getting your RV serviced.
Wait Times
Long wait times are a hallmark of the RV service industry.
Especially if you’re dealing with warranty work. Any RVer who’s had extensive RV repair done knows you can wait a long time to get back in your RV – sometimes as long as 6 months. That is a considerable problem for full-timers.
It’s also an issue for part-time RVers. Service crews can eat into your two weeks of vacation time.
We’ve experienced this with RV mobile service that only had minor repairs. They’ll tell you one day and time they’ll arrive, but that’s never a guarantee. At least, that’s our experience.
Cost
RVs are expensive on their own – repair work can cost an arm and a leg.
If you’re having RV repair done that isn’t covered by warranty, be sure you get the costs in writing upfront. This will prevent you from getting hit with a huge number you weren’t prepared for after the work is done.
Our mobile RV repair cost almost doubled simply because the “mechanic” had to make a trip to the RV parts store…which was just a Camping World located less than 10 miles away.
Pro Tip: RV repairs can be a big problem for RVers using social security to travel.
Poor Communication
RV repair centers are typically huge and busy places. Sometimes, you won’t get the same person on the phone twice.
This leads to a myriad of communication issues. From he-said, she-said, to not getting to the root of the problem, communication issues are among the most common issues with RV repairs.
Dealing With Warranty Work
Having RV warranty work done is notoriously complicated. When you get RV warranty work done, you not only have to deal with the RV service center.
You also have to deal with your warranty company or RV manufacturer.
You may have a good or bad experience depending on your warranty company or manufacturer. Issues that can arise with warranty work include poor and miscommunication, wrong parts being ordered, and extremely long wait times.
This is one issue we’ve never experienced personally. Our RV manufacturer, the Alliance company, prides itself on good service, which has proven true.
Tips for Having a Good RV Service Experience
While these points may make getting RV service seem like it’s all doom and gloom, that’s not the case. You can have a good RV service experience, and you can be an active participant.
Here are some tips to increase your chances at having a good experience.
Read the RV Service Center Reviews
If you’re in a city or have the ability to travel to other service centers, read reviews and compare them. This is one of the most important aspects of ensuring you get good service – reviews exist for a reason!
Of course, this won’t always be possible. And sometimes you’ll be stuck in a small town with only one service center. But if you can, always choose the repair center with the best reviews.
Remember Communication Goes Both Ways
Communication goes both ways. If you’re having a problem with communication at the RV service center, don’t be afraid to get assertive.
This is your RV, your home on wheels. If you feel like you’re not being listened to or they’re just doing a bad job at communicating to each other, say something! Stay on top of the shop.
There’s a saying “the noisy wheel gets the grease” – the more you bug them, the more they’ll want to be done with your repair. Within reason, of course.
Understand Your Warranty Plans
If you’re having warranty work done, be sure that you understand your warranty. If possible, make a connection with the manufacturer or warranty company.
Also, try to get everything in writing. Be as involved in this process as possible.
If your RV repair shop tells you the warranty company did something wrong or forgot something, you can check on this yourself.
As a result, this will hold the repair center accountable and help you get back on the road quicker.
Have RV Service Come to You
If you have an issue that doesn’t require being in an RV repair shop for any particular reason, hire a mobile RV technician. They can even come to you at your campsite. Also, they typically have great rates.
As a result of hiring a mobile tech, this helps support local businesses. It also saves you time and headache.
Getting Your RV Serviced Doesn’t Have to Stink
While needing repairs on your RV isn’t anybody’s idea of a good time, getting your RV serviced doesn’t have to suck.
Be an active participant in your RV service, stay on top of communication, and read reviews so you know what you’re getting into.
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