Our RV feels like it is falling apart! We fix one thing, cross our fingers, and then something else breaks! We have driven the last 2,500 miles on some very bumpy roads. At the sharp, boulder-strewn turn into our new-to-us rural driveway, all the cabinets opened up, and the olive oil has added a nice sheen to the already too shiny tile.
Our RV is more than eight years old, and it’s headed toward the dreaded 10-year rule. And yes, things bump, break, and age out. Still…
Some things are relatively simple to fix, like the fallen sliding mirror door, which only required tightening the screws. I could reach them with a needle-nose pliers after blocking the door up and my husband lifting.
There was a tremendous creaking/popping noise in the front end, and we were very concerned about the frame. I-State Truck Center in Inver Grove Heights, MN, was really helpful in testing it out over every bump they could find after greasing it. Thank you to the reader who suggested taking diesel RVs to a truck center for oil changes and greasing instead of an RV center. Much cheaper and quicker!
Grease solved the creak, but the bumps must have jolted the bolts out that were holding the bathroom wall. This wall has never come undone before, but we are now experts at securing drifting walls in our RV and bolting them back into the floor.
But, unfortunately, the adjustments on the bathroom door that I did the day before are now history.
I just finished finding the air leak on our knock-off Freedom Air sleep number bed. The epoxy isn’t drying in the humidity, so I am destined for the couch tonight. My side, my bed! Besides, there is nothing like a grumpy, no-sleep, too-big-for-the-skinny-little-couch husband. I will take the couch.
The list goes on. The TV is about to fall off the bracket, and the door locking keypad only beeps.
But the jacks were not holding, and we sagged to one side last week, but before we could check the fluid, they healed themselves!
Now, if only the front air conditioner would do the same…
SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR RV?
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RVT1221
I can relate. On one trip I ended up with a geyser in the kitchen faucet when hubby hooked up the water and turned it on. During the drive the bumps loosened the screws holding the faucet together. The faucet!!!!! Our rig is currently at a truck service center getting new leaf springs and the dash AC fixed. Our furnace needed repair and we had to get a new AC for the living room.
Do I regret buying our RV? Not at all. It fit our price range and needs. From what I’ve read, all RVs need constant repair. I hope we have the big expenses taken care of now and will be able to handle the smaller things ourselves.
Maybe you should consider a new Keystone. There is a great article about Keystone in this issue. Just kidding. Ours is twenty years old this year and we just accept that loose doodads and rattling geegaws are part of the experience. No matter what we do, the bathroom door always opens when we’re moving. Thankfully the Chevy part of ours still runs like champ.
The first several trips in our Class A when it was new were mind numbing in regards to how much little stuff had to be fixed. Loose screws, loose wires, loose fixtures, loose fittings, complete with bunches of “what’s next” moments. I bought new so I knew exactly how thorough the post-delivery repairs were.
As I sat there in the wilderness soldering a CAN-Bus terminator, I wondered how folks who are not mechanically adept RV. Do they hire a mobile tech with every failure? Make a list as things show despair and have the shop fix things in a sizable batch? Do they just keep doing laundry with water soaking their floor with indifference or ignorance? I dunno….
I agree most TT/RVs will need many repairs – one should expect it. Luckily those needed for our 2022 micro mini have been easy enough that I’ve been able to do them – so far. If you don’t enjoy repairs and maintenance you won’t enjoy owning a TT. Likewise if you don’t enjoy children and dogs you won’t enjoy many campgrounds. Fortunately I enjoy all of the above. No regrets. Love trailering!
Nanci, looking at the photos of your bracket and it’s 2 screws that hold it in place.
Just tightening again and again will not solve the problem.
Basically, the substrate below the flooring will not keep the screws in place.
You need to redo the screw holes. A quick suggestion is a size larger screw, but that is only a temp fix. I have used inserts to do this type of repair.
We pulled ours over 15,000 miles of earthquake in the past 6 months. I think it should be mandatory that every “secretary” of transportation and “minister” of highways only be allowed to travel in a 1ton Ram truck with a trailer behind.
Forbidden from air travel during their time in office.😊
Thank you for sharing your troubles, Nanci! Congratulations on becoming adept at making so many different repairs! Sorry that it became necessary. Thankfully, our three-year old RV has not required us to learn as much or as quickly. Have a great week and safe travels!
Yes, you have to be a very “handy” person, or know one, to have an RV. The list of things I’ve repaired or had repaired over the last 10 years is too long to put here. But, the points are, you must stay after every little thing that breaks or needs attention, AND, keep up with items that required maintenance. Otherwise, the resale value will be reduced dramatically. And, keep track (document) anything you replace or upgrade, the info to be passed along to the new owner when you do decide to sell.
My dad was a western writer who sold hundreds of stories but had never been to Canyon de Chelly in northeastern Arizona. Around 1954 while I was serving my two years in the army, Dad, Mom and little brother hooked up their all aluminum exterior trailer (not an Airstream), and with the 4-wheel drive Jeep Station Wagon went to the canyon from southern California. I don’t know about now but then there was a miles long road of washboard and places worse than that. When they got there dad said he had to break out the tool kit and darned near put the trailer back together.