Editors note: This was posted in our Facebook group RV Horror Stories by group member Charmon Kelley Poche. We thought it was so good we’re posting it here for more RVers to see.
If you are an RV owner, especially a lady, you need to pony up and learn how to fix things. We all know RVs are cardboard stapled together with cheap parts, so knowing that, what’s next?
Go to book stores. YouTube videos are “pure gold” so use them. Ask the old-timers in these groups. When the RV tech fixes that leak don’t just drive away and smile with a thank you. Say show me! Climb under, climb on top and ask how it happened, how did you repair it, where can you get the part or material.
Take notes! Learn. Inspect every inch of that rig before every trip! Yes, every trip! Carry some basic tools, ass loads of duct tape, cardboard to lay on under the belly, gloves and clothes made for work. Learn to inspect your tires, rims, and “understand” trailer weight, tire pressure, and your vehicle tow capacity.
As I said, YouTube is your best friend; don’t just watch one on a particular subject, watch every one you can find until you have an understanding. When you find something you can’t fix, you need to ask what you CAN do to prevent it from getting worse until you can get it to a technician.
Water and the sun is the ultimate enemy. Be proactive: open cabinets, pull things out, look at corner walls and crevices for discoloration. Pull things from underbelly compartments and look close and listen for dripping water. Seek and you WILL find. It’s only a matter of time.
Everyone should have a logbook of things that need to be addressed and dates when work was done. And if you really want to be proactive there are online courses for RV tech education. This costs time and money but an RV tech costs more.
If you have an RV tech come out, follow him/her around and learn. No one can fix everything but you can learn to get yourself out of a bad situation temporarily. Good Luck and God be with you.
Excellent advice. Good for RVs and houses too! Good for single women traveling alone and those traveling with a companion who takes care of everything. And for those of us who leave the driving to the companion, learn that too! Learn what driving that coach or pulling that 5er or TT feels like. Knowledge is power!
Good advice for everyone, regardless of {bleeped}. Nothing wrong with going into a new, exciting, complicated project blind, but staying clueless is just asking for trouble down the road. Plus I’ve found it’s fun to learn about these systems. Being able to either avoid the problems in the first place or being capable of fixing something on the road is extremely rewarding. Have even been able to help many of our fellow campers out as a result. Makes for a much more interesting retirement overall.
Sure do agree Roger. That is exactly how it feels (walking into it blind) and becoming a quasi expert at the end. At least in respect to my configuration and particular problem being solved. Then, I know more about my RV and how to resolve in the future. What a lot of fun.
Couldn’t agree more. I would add and emphasize how essential it is to learn and understand the RV’s Battery/Electrical system and troubleshooting skills. Mike Sokol’s columns and advice have been the most helpful, especially with his way of communicating so that it is easy to understand and put into practice. Mike has said that “troubleshooting electrical” issues is a skill unto itself, and I sure do concur.
“Righty tighty, Lefty loosey,” Works every time.
Your yoga mat is an excellent addition to your coach. Softens the ground when you must get down.
Ha! First thing I had to adapt to, is my water connectors require lefty-tighty!
Charmon you are so right. A little basic knowledge can go a long way. And a little advice, years ago I use to run a woman’s car care clinic and the very first thing I would tell the ladies,”Never say the words that you know nothing about the problem you are having”. Act as if you have some knowledge on the issue or even do a little research before hand. This will keep you from being ripped off. I’ve seen it too many times. When they think you know nothing the cash register rings. Ask as many questions as you can. Happy motoring.
Good advice for everyone. Cheers.