DIY RV Fixes Any Newbie Can Do

Hitting the road in an RV is an adventure you’ll never forget, and in most cases, it will be some of the most fun you will have on the open road or in nature. There is a less memorable aspect to RVing though, and that is the dreaded fixes and repairs that are inevitable. To help you make more memories of the fun kind, here are some fairly easy DIY fixes and preventative measures that will keep you on the road with your headlights on, instead of on the side of the road with your hazards on.

Oh, and for the record, I am far from an RV tech or repairman. This is just based on my experiences over six years and 100,000 miles of RV life on the road.

Common Issues RVers Face

As an RVer, you’ll likely face a few common issues that can be easily fixed or prevented with a bit of know-how. These problems range from minor leaks and blown fuses to tire changes and roof repairs. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial to maintaining the functionality and safety of your RV. By learning how to handle these basic repairs, you can avoid unnecessary service calls and keep your adventure on track, all while saving a lot of money in the process.

Essential Tools and Supplies for DIY Fixes

Before diving into the specifics of DIY repairs, it’s crucial to have the right tools and supplies on hand. Here are some must-have items for every RVer:

• Basic Toolkit. Ensure you have a set of wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers. These tools will cover a wide range of basic repairs.
• Multimeter. Useful for diagnosing electrical issues, a multimeter can help you identify problems with your RV’s wiring and electrical components.
• Duct Tape, Zip Ties, and Sealant. These versatile items can temporarily fix leaks and other minor issues until a more permanent repair can be made.
• Spare Fuses and Bulbs. Electrical problems are common, and having spare fuses and bulbs can quickly resolve many issues without needing professional help.
• Tire Pressure Gauge and Air Compressor. Maintaining proper tire pressure is essential for safety and fuel efficiency. A tire pressure gauge and good air compressor help ensure your tires are always at the correct pressure. Just make sure that the air compressor you have is strong enough to fill RV tires, which often require a much higher PSI than regular passenger vehicle tires.

With these tools and supplies, you’ll be prepared to handle a variety of common RV issues. One final tip I can give before diving into a few specific DIYs is that while on the road, my wife and I try to take care of repairs in the parking lot of whatever stores we are buying parts at. If the space is there for you to make the repair comfortably, just realize that Murphy’s law is a real thing, and you will likely have to make another trip into a store to properly fix a problem. It’s easier to just walk back into a store instead of having to find another one to pull into along the way.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Simple Repairs

Fixing a Leaky Faucet

One of the most common issues you will come across while RVing is a leaky faucet, and in most cases, it is relatively simple to fix. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Identify the Leak Source: Determine if the leak is coming from the faucet handle, spout, or connections underneath the sink.
2. Gather Necessary Tools: You’ll need a wrench, screwdriver, and possibly replacement parts like washers, O-rings, clamps, or a hose.
3. Turn Off Water Supply: Ensure the water supply or pump is turned off to avoid any mess. A bucket or something to catch trapped water is usually a smart idea as well.
4. Disassemble the Faucet: Use the screwdriver and wrench to carefully remove the faucet or other component once you have determined the issue. In some cases, you will have to remove a few parts to get to the specific piece that needs to be repaired.
5. Replace Damaged Parts: Check for worn-out washers, O-rings, or hoses, and replace them as needed.
6. Reassemble and Test: Put the faucet back together, turn on the water supply, and test to ensure the leak is fixed.

Replacing a Tire on an RV

Changing a tire on an RV is slightly different from a regular vehicle due to the size and weight. Here’s how to do it safely:

1. Proper Weight Ratings for Jacks. Ensure your jack can handle the weight of your RV. Check the weight rating before purchasing or using a jack. You should also know what the weight rating for your RV is, as it is essential for many aspects of RV travel.
2. Check for a Spare Tire. Many RVs do not come with a spare tire, so your first step is to ensure whether or not you have one before hitting the road. If you do, make sure it is in good condition before setting out on your trip.
3. Proper Tire Inflation Levels. Use your tire pressure gauge to check that all tires, including the spare, are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended levels. Doing this regularly helps prevent blowouts or other issues.
4. Safety First. Park on a level surface and use wheel chocks to stabilize the RV. If you have stabilizers on your RV that can be easily and safely deployed while changing your tire, that is a bonus. You should also make sure to turn on your hazard lights and place a cone if you have one.
5. Loosen Lug Nuts. Before lifting the RV, slightly loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that needs to be replaced.
6. Lift the RV with a Jack. Position the jack under a sturdy part of the RV’s frame and lift the vehicle until the tire is off the ground.
7. Remove the Old Tire and Install the New One.  Remove the lug nuts and old tire, then place the spare tire on the wheel studs. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern by hand until the tire feels securely in place.
8. Lower the RV and Tighten Lug Nuts. Carefully lower the RV and then fully tighten the lug nuts in a similar star pattern with the respective wrench to ensure proper tightening.

Replacing a Blown Fuse

Electrical issues are common in RVs, but replacing a blown fuse is straightforward:

1. Locate the Fuse Box. The fuse box is usually found near the RV’s control panel.
2. Determine the Faulty Fuse. Identify the blown fuse by checking for a broken filament or discoloration. This is where a simple multimeter comes in handy to diagnose and confirm.
3. Replace the Fuse. Remove the faulty fuse and replace it with one of the same amperage. Avoid using a fuse with a higher or lower amperage rating, as this can cause electrical damage, or another blown fuse.

Patching a Roof Leak

A roof leak can cause significant damage if not addressed promptly, and the roof is something that I actually suggest you get professionally fixed if you are not confident in your DIY skills. That being said, a temporary patch can save your vacation until a professional can take a look. Here’s how to patch it:

1. Identify the Leak Location. Look for signs of water damage or moisture inside the RV to pinpoint the leak.
2. Clean the Area. Clean the area around the leak with soap and water, and let it dry completely.
3. Apply Sealant and Patch. Use a roof sealant to cover the leak area, then apply a patch over it. Press firmly to ensure it adheres well.
4. Allow to Dry and Test. Let the sealant dry completely before testing the repair by spraying water over the patched area.
5. Duct Tape Isn’t Great, but It Can Help. If you don’t have sealant or a patch but you do find yourself with a leak, duct tape can sometimes be a temporary solution. Be sure that the tape will not further damage your roof, paint, or leaky area before applying, but I personally feel that in the case of a leak, that risk is worth it if bad weather is coming.

   *A good idea, if possible, is to check a weather app on your phone. You may be able to simply wait it out if the weather looks OK for the rest of your trip.

Safety Tips and Precautions

• Turn Off Power. Always unplug from shore power and turn off the power supply before attempting any electrical repairs to avoid shock or injury.
• Wear Protective Gear. Use gloves, safety glasses, and other protective gear as needed to prevent injuries.
• Ensure Proper Ventilation. When working with sealants or other chemicals, ensure the area is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling fumes.
• Double-Check Work. After completing any repair, double-check your work to ensure everything is secure and functioning correctly. This is especially true if you are on the road and not at home with time and resources readily available for those dreaded multiple trips to the hardware store that I mentioned above.

Additional Resources

Just because you’re doing it yourself doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. I have three sources that I regularly use for help.

• Online Forums and Communities. You would be surprised how a simple Google search for your specific problem can come back with forums or websites where people are discussing your problem and how to fix it.
• Video Tutorials and Online Courses. YouTube searches can sometimes offer detailed video tutorials on various RV repairs. This is usually my favorite method, because I get a visual aide to reference.
• Call a Professional. Whether it is a local professional that you may have found in a search or someone you may personally know, sometimes calling someone with more knowledge can lead to a simple cheap fix. This has happened to my wife and I while on the road, and we’ve had professionals walk us through a few possibilities over the phone that ended up saving us a lot of time and money. You’d be surprised how many people, even those that make a living off these kinds of repairs, will be willing to give a little free advice over the phone.

Understanding and performing basic DIY repairs and maintenance can greatly enhance your RVing experience, giving you the confidence to handle common issues and keep your adventure on track. Practice these skills, learn from each experience, and soon you’ll be tackling more complex repairs with ease. Happy RVing, and hopefully we’ll see you on the road.