By Greg Illes
Some folks are handy, and some others – maybe not so much. Personally, I’m the handy type. In fact I’m so handy that it sometimes can be more of a hindrance than a benefit. “Opa can fix anything,” is the mantra of my grandkids, so when it breaks, fix it I must (even if it’s not worth fixing).
I’ve lost count of the number of busted medieval swords, party balloons, and cheap plastic toys that I’ve patched up in one way or another. I’m familiar with adhesives, welding, electronics, metals, soldering, and plastics, and sometimes it takes all my skills to make a $2.95 gewgaw get operational again. But it keeps the kids smiling, and it keeps my aging OCD hands and brain busy.
On my RV, there are so many things that need fixing, or just routine maintenance, you’d think that I’d get tired of working on it. Well, yes, I do occasionally need a break. But in general, I just love working on the beast.
I don’t think my RV is any more problem-prone than any other. It’s a reputedly reliable name-brand and has the typical assortment of constituent components: engine and chassis, body, appliances, plumbing, electrical. Basically, a broad spectrum of things ready to break.
Being handy means that I don’t have to depend on others to get me out of trouble when something goes wrong. But I’ve noticed that things do go wrong, on a fairly regular basis. (And no, it’s not because I’ve been inexpertly fiddling with them.) I carry a fair assortment of tools and parts with me (far more than the simple kit in the picture), and I’ve often put them to good use.
So here’s my quandary: Every time I fix some odd or end, I always wonder what a non-handy RV owner would do? Over the years, I’ve met quite a few people who hardly know which end of a screwdriver to hold onto. How do they cope?
Well, really, what are the choices? You either live with the fault, or you pay, and these days I mean PAY. The shop rates here in central California are over $120 per hour, and it can take many, many hours to remedy some RV problems.
Well, I’ve known for a long time that very few RV owners are “wealthy,” so how do they get their rig’s little foibles fixed up? I honestly don’t know for sure. I’m thinking that most people are simply forced to act handy, whether they can live up to the demand or not. After all, who would curtail a vacation, drive hundreds of miles to an RV service center, and wait days or weeks – just to get a leaky faucet fixed? I have to believe that most would tackle the job themselves.
Now UPGRADES – that’s an entirely different story. This is optional work. These don’t have to be done, and the rig runs fine without changing over to digital tank gauges, or quad shock absorbers, or having a high-power inverter installation to run the microwave. My fondest projects are upgrades, and I’ve done way more than my share over the last several years.
For the non-handy, upgrades are simply going to cost a lot of cash, and have to be carefully considered. Ah, but for us handy types, upgrades are a labor of pure joy, saving money and enhancing “the beast” for the betterment of all mankind. Okay, maybe that’s too enthusiastic <grin>. Let’s just leave it at “for the better.”
So what’s YOUR category? Do you DIY, or pay through the nose, or somewhere in between?
Greg Illes is a retired systems engineer who loves thinking up RV upgrades and modifications. When he’s not working on his motorhome, he’s traveling in it.
##RVT803 ##RVDT1349
I do all of my maintenance and small repairs myself. I do have a warranty, so if the cost of the repair exceeds the deductible and I have the time, there is a local dealer that I trust. I have been a mechanic, a journeyman machinist, and am a licensed Civil Engineer. There is little I won’t do or more frequently, over-do.
I was told as a young man: “If women don’t find you attractive, make sure they find you handy”.
😀 —Diane at RVtravel.com
I do what I can on my own or with family help. Large or engine related issues have to be sent out.
I do everything I’m capable of doing myself. IT might not always be fun but its satisfying to know I saved money, time, and frustration. In places where I camp- if there’s someone close by that has an issue I enjoy helping out if I can-its fun and you meet some nice people.
I learned from my father, who grew up on a small farm during the depression, how to fix or repurpose most anything. Now – six yrs into fulltiming – I’ve repaired, tightened, loosened, replaced or remodeled many things in our first rig (30′ Airstream) and our current (’07 Tiffin 32′ Class A). R&R old analog tv w/ HD flat screen (incl reshaping & refinishing the wood bezel), added sound bar to tv setup; replaced circuit board for stabilizing jacks; replaced leaky water heater, and upgraded all faucets as well as installing supply shutoffs; invented a better shower head holder; rehung a loose microwave; repaired almost every window shade; reupholstered couch; replaced the dining room window; and tightened every handle, knob, hinge, and slider as needed.
If you can’t fix stuff, you better not buy an RV!
We are super handy! In fact, my wife is so handy she became a Nationally Certified RV Technician! There isn’t much we can’t handle upgrade it repair. Engine stuff is difficult but usually we can fake it till we make it work and we know enough in general that we have the confidence to try.
Congrats to your wife- that’s a great accomplishment.
Was doing wheel bearings and many other things myself for many years. I stopped because of the G-size tires on my 5th wheel. They are super-heavy. Now back to a travel trailer after my wife became a leg amputee I continued to let the dealer do the work. After a bearing lube I drove about 1,000 miels to Florida and the bearings on one wheel totally failed. Turns out the bearings were pitted – on all four wheels! Now I’m going to start doing it myself again. If a bearing shows the slightest amount of pitting or burning I’ll replace it instead of waiting by the side of the road seven hours before a flatbed trailer could tow my rig.to a nearby RV Park. Glad I had insurance for the tow.
A great source of instruction is on http://www.youtube.com You can find almost anything on that site.
I consider myself ultra handy…as Greg notes, there is always something needing repair or upgrade on RVs, so I’ve upgraded almost everything on my rig to a crazy extent, and I travel with a crazy amount of tools for “fun.” My record crazy fix to date: welding a stranded fellow’s busted hitch roadside via buzzbox and generator. Folks sometimes hesitate to actually ask me for help, but I’ve saved many fellow campers from annoying-to-serious issues.
https://www.youtube.com/user/GyroGearlooseHelis
I consider myself to be a “do-it-yourselfer”…having remodeled three houses and a lake front camp.
Most RVs are not built to any high standard.
Something is always failing or requiring a serious upgrade. I use the “McGiver” system quite often. I have redesigned quite a few RVs to meet my personal standards.
Many new RVers quit the RV lifestyle because of the poor quality and even poorer over-priced service found at most RV dealers.
Labor charges are way over the top for what little you get.
Considering the earthquake level of shake rattle and roll inflicted on them by our poorly maintained U.S. highway system we are lucky if they last a year.
I have been in the RV lifestyle since 1983 and the overall quality has not improved in the over 30 years I have been on the road.
Do it yourself or do without!
I’m a diy’er at home but know nothing about motors and such in a motor home. What would you suggest would be the best tools and other essentials to keep on hand. I’m a quick learner .
Danni,
I’m a truly advanced fiddler and mechanic — I even have an Aircraft/Powerplant certification (A/P) for small airplanes. But I don’t try to do much on my engine/chassis. Firstly, it’s REALLY heavy work needing a lot of strength, and some body flexibility that I’ve lost in the last 50 years. Often requires two guys. Second, it’s FAR more tools than I want to pack around on a daily basis. So for example, I’ll change hoses and belts, but (even though I know how) you won’t find me pulling driveshafts or cylinder heads.
As for tools, that’s way too long an answer for this comment column. I suggest you poke around rvtravel.com with the search tool — there have been some very good articles written about tool-kits, they should give you a great starting point.
I have either replaced or pulled the drive train from the engine back to the rear end. What I did not replaced I had rebuilt. I have a 38 foot class A motorhome. It is on a ford F-53 chassis. My biggest complaint is trying to work on something which is jam pack into a tight place. I also cuss ford for using poor quality hardware for fastners, I had to use a cutting torch on many a bolt head to remove a part because the bolt heads were rusted and rounded off.. My advice if you buy a used motorhome you had better be handy. I have taken my rig to be fixed by a shop only to have to redo their shoddy work. I once did a brake job in the desert. After doing this kind of work things like replacing the crappy carpets and fawcets are childs play and what ever else needs repairing.
I’ve done repairs/remodels for the 45 years or so we’ve been RV’ing. I was an engineer in the Navy and worked 34 years in the HVAC field. Thank God. I can’t imagine not having the knowledge to fix things. Over those years I have seen people who did not know how to use a screwdriver but I never complained because they paid me to do the repairs.
I believe folks who buy an RV really need to take a course in basic mechanical skills. It will pay for itself…
You have to be a tinkerer,to own one of these things or they will absolutely break you… I am my extended warranty….
My friend says all RV’s are junk and I have to agree, some more than others. Always something to work on or tinker with.
It’s all a part of the RV life.
(There are no easy jobs)
Ditto what all of the others have said, in addition to building a 1936 Hudson Terraplane street rod, keeping a 1968 MGB on the road and driving the wheels off a 1998 Dodge Cummins (265,000 miles), building a 14×26 sunroom addition to the house and also my 28×24 shop and all of the maintenance around the house.
I am getting less handy every year and so is hubby. He could probably do a lot but he does not want to. Lucky for me, at my home base I have a friend, Ron-who-can-do-everything except computer stuff. I call Ron, and for $200 he spends the day working on my HoneyDo list. Last time, he fixed my house back door which was off kilter, installed a new handheld shower and fixed the mixer attachments so they would hang the regular shower head higher, adjusted the Roadtrek bathroom door latch so it would stay shut, and adjusted three cabinet latches that were unreliable. He also reinstalled a piece that fell out from under the dashboard, some kind of air vent. There were a couple of other jobs on the list, too.
Greg,
Good article. We’re not rich either but if we were, I think I’d still do a lot myself. It’s the satisfaction I get knowing it’s done right and not having to worry that something else was broken in the process. I know some who aren’t handy that will pay to have work done but I think most others just let it go until it becomes a big problem or it just stays inoperative. I carry an assortment of common spare parts but most of the time they are used to fix someone Else’s rv or boat. I get a kick out of being there when someone needs help. Satisfaction and appreciation are great rewards.
I often say that RVs are like boats: if you don’t like messing with them, you shouldn’t own one.
I’ve been able to do 90% of my own repairs thanks to troubleshooting techniques gained from both my father and my career. I am naturally PRO-active as opposed to RE-active with all the various components on an RV. I know this, because if something breaks down, and I know I’ve done more than my share of due diligence, I become a very unhappy camper. Stand back and nobody gets hurt.
On the other side, I’ve upgraded and modified sooooooo many things, I suspect I’ve made more changes than even I can remember.
RV manufacturers may build them, but I suspect they don’t own or live in one. Hence my nickname “Gizmo”.
Owning 2 different 1975 GMC’s will test your abilities. Thankfully, they are simple, compaired to today’s beasts. Thanks to the “Black List,” (owners willing to help) nothing is too tough to accomplish.
It’s my curse! I do most everything myself and yes, sometimes I do it wrong and have to re-do, but in the end I know it’s been done right. I’m very skeptical of shop mechanics as to their knowledge and abilities. Only thing I can’t do is residential air conditioning and considering learning this too.
I do all my own maintenance and upgrades. We’re fulltimers in our motorhome and I carry what my wife lovingly calls my garage in a couple of our motorhome’s basement compartments.
We upgraded from an older 35′ no slides ’91 orphan motorhome. I didn’t have as much room or weight capacity for my tools in that one so I didn’t carry as many tools.
I’m also a gadget guy and have to upgrade a lot of the older tech in my present 04 Newmar Mountain Aire MADP.
I have always done my own work, early in life it was a matter of survival due to limited income. Later I just enjoyed doing it knowing it was done right and at minimal cost. Now at 77 I’m slowing down on the things I want to tackle, luckily I have a step son in law a block away who is still able and willing to help. God bless him.
We have had so many things on our 2017 motorhome to fix that I now write and keep a “how to” manual. As much as I would like to just hire someone to take care of everything, getting a tech out or taking it to the dealer to languish in their lot is just not an option as full-timers. We have had great luck with the manufacturer answering questions and with online research. Right now, I sigh with relief as at this particular moment everything is fixed, right down to the paint dings touched up!
Being a roving motorhome though , that could change at any moment.
I thank heaven I live with a handyman. We have been married 45 years and the amount of money he has saved us by “doing it yourself” is unreal. Last week we were getting ready to move our 2005 31ft class c when the light went out in the original microwave. Maybe it just needed a bulb but he had fixed it about 4 years ago and it looked terrible. We had ordered a microwave convection oven which was the best fit we could get. It took about an hour to refit the new appliance. The next morning we were on our way as scheduled. I frequently wonder about people who cannot fix their own stuff particularly since motorhomes are of such poor quality now. Our 15 year old home on wheels looks new in and out. This is why I have a problem with parks which refuse entry to RVs over 10 years old. I am also very curious about what other people do. Our new microwave/convection cost around $300 what would installation cost have been? Would we have had to change our plans while we waited for RV tech availability? We had time to do a little research as well to make sure we got a well rated replacement for a good price. If we would have had the work done would we simply had to just take what was available from the dealership with a huge mark up? Finally I would encourage all handymen out there to pass it on. Now, It is easier to learn to do stuff utilizing the internet.
However the courage to tackle a job is something you learn at your parents/grandparents side.
I’m VERY HANDY. Had a “Check Engine” light on Class-C. With test equip learned it was a bad signal from ABS sensor. To change the sensor you have to pull wheel, rotor and hub. Hub held on with special bolts at 95 FT-LB. Eventually got the new sensor installed. Still engine light . Traced wire harness, discovered wire was cut at the factory and finally at 17,000 miles had fatigues. Soldered new wire in. Wrapped with heat resistant aluminum tape. Put all back together. My cost $38. Dealer would have charged $200 to discover that a new harness ($$$$$$) would be needed + another $200-300 to install. Sometimes it’s good to be handy
My partner and i love working on the RV. Most of the regular maintenance we do ourselves. there are a few things we will not do, mostly due to safety. things like tires and things around tires, some engine work. most everything else, we tackle on our own. and we love it!!
Our motor home is now 20 years old and I try to do as much as possible on my own but when I need help I usually will call a mobile repair guy rather than wait for days for an appointment at a shop. We full time so we detest motel/hotels when we have our own on wheels.
I’ve done 95% of my maintenance, repairs & upgrades over the last 10 years of fulltiming. A typical example of how bad customer service & the quality of rv repair work has gotten is my experience this week. It’s also why I dread having to take my rv to a shop & rarely do. I needed full brake replacement on my tandem axle 5er, so I ordered the exact same brake assemblies as the originals from a very popular, reputable online trailer parts source. Two of the boxes ,upon arrival, were split open & one had to be rebuilt by UPS. Fortunately, all the parts were there, though the bulk, wrapped wheel bearings had split open & were bouncing around inside the box. In addition, there were a bunch of parts (hitch tube, nuts & bolts) in the box that I didn’t order & had nothing to do with brake assemblies. I then took the brakes & rv to a reputable rv service center that charges $10/hour more than others in the area. As they were finishing the installation, I just happened to be sitting in my truck nearby watching them work. They re-mounted the last tire & lightly tightened the lug nuts with an air gun. I took that to mean he was planning to hand torque the nuts to the 110 ft/lb I had specified. I then got distracted & when the brake job was done, I towed the 5er back to the campground. A few hours later I realized I had not seen him hand torque the lug nuts, so I got my torque wrench & checked the nuts. All 32 of the nuts were barely more than hand tightened. He had not hand torqued a single one of them. If I had waited a couple of hundred miles down the road to re-torque them, as I always do after tire work, I would have had wobbly wheels, damaged wheel lug threads & possibly a wheel fallen off with major damage.
The moral of this story is don’t trust anyone else who works on your rv. Always ask to see the used parts they took off & visually check all work done by a shop.
Try to find a shop that is willing to let you watch. If they don’t let you, that could be a red flag. Always ask for the parts back. It’s your chance to learn about what went wrong and why it might have happened. You may learn ways of preventing a re-occurrence in the future. AND, you may find the defective part is repairable. I do most work myself but I have ways of fixing defective parts to reuse in an emergency or as a genuine replacement.
If you repair yourself, there are plenty of RV Salvage Yards, surplus yards and internet resources that can save you a ton.
I’m a ‘pay through the nose’ while painfully learning. Despite reading volumes I still don’t know what I don’t know. Not just fixing, but learning the terminology. My aim is to be somewhere in between, increase knowledge, skill, and confidence.
As landlords for many years, my husband and I are both very handy. We use the Jayco Forum to gather knowledge……except for when a wheel fell off our 2019 TT. The axle manufacturer shipped a new axle to the repair shop and also reimbursed us for the labor cost. Thank goodness it happened in the repair shop parking lot.
It helps if you’re handy, but so long as your RVing is with other RVers, it is highly likely you will have helpful, nice people around should you have a problem with your rig. And because so many systems on RVs are the same across brands, it’s also highly likely that someone else has experienced and fixed the problem you’re having and even has the tools and small parts (if needed) to fix it.
One more great thing is that expert RVers like this love helping – and I would go so far as to say that it’s one of the main reasons they enjoy RVing. To us, it’s one of the greatest things about RVing – that you’re always among friends who are looking out for you!
Happy camping!
Jim
This is timely because I am swapping out the tankless water heater in my Jayco today for a traditional water heater. Last year I completely re-worked the audio visual system to add a satellite, DVD player, additional speakers and a wireless headphone. I welded a solid steel wheel to my receiver hitch to help mitigate tail end drag because my class C is 31 feet long and can have issues with that. The list is much longer but the idea is, I love working on the RV. And, it might surprise you to see that a woman has done these things. I don’t think it’s so special because I feel most any woman can do these things, we just don’t get introduced to that skill set as often as men. My advice ot women needing maintenance/repairs is this – if you are planning to call a pro to repair something, think about giving that repair a try yourself. If you fail, you can then call the pro but at least you tried and you might even learn something that can help you with your next repair attempt. Julie
Way to go Julie! I’m impressed! Like you, I have done my own repairs. I started out by sealing my RV roof (50-60 rivets exposed) then worked on the undercarriage removing rust, applying rust preventative and repainting. My latest project was doing a full tune up on my generator….Fuel and air filter, oil and spark plug change. I am installing a mud flap next to keep dirt and debris from kicking up on my tow vehicle. I am driving a 31′ Class C with Chevy Spark tow vehicle. There is no reason why women we can’t at least try. Like you say, if all else fails we can call for service. In my area service runs $175/hr so I will continue to do my own work as long as its feasible.
Cheryl
I started with sending everything to the shop, but in this last year, I have worked on learning how to do maintenance types of things. I have done a few upgrades and planning to learn more how to do things myself.
So far I’ve been able to repair everything that has needed repair on two TT and a class C we’ve owned.
With You tube, a person can find “How To” information on most any problem that comes up.
Being an avid Do It Your-selfer for many years….. even building our home and installing all of its systems – from a book and with no experience. Doing virtually all of our auto repairs (as physically able) – so 20+ years ago a plunge into the class A Rv world. I have done numerous upgrades, repairs and maintenance on two units. I fully concur with Mark McGahey below as he stated “If you can’t fix stuff, you better not buy an RV!” To that I can only add – “unless you are independently wealthy – and don’t wish to get your hands dirty….”
The critical thing in Rv repair and maintenance is get a book for your unit! I can also add our motor home is prior to OBD-II technology so not plagued with numerous sensors – altho IT is OBD I so has it’s share (I haven’t had an “Engine Light” – but I do have book for it – along with many saved MH Magazine articles on all types of repairs. I carry em’ along too. When my wife complains about the weight of the books – because I try to restrict the weight of what comes on board – I tell her “these will get us home again!”
Like Greg and several others below, I truly enjoy working on the “beast” ! it is a great sense of accomplishment. (Waxing 34′ twice a year – not so much!).
PS: A most critical factor is to keep a DETAILED maintenance, repair and modification record!
Happy trails……..
We bought a 1977 class C five years ago for $400. The original owner had spent a lot on the drivetrain, tires, and the brake system. Overall, it was in pretty decent shape but had developed an issue that required it to be towed to a shop. I bought it and was able to do the needed repairs where is was parked. Being an older unit, everything is simple to diagnose and repair. Being a retired auto mechanic with some knowledge of electric and plumbing comes in handy. Sure has been a lot of fun with no major problems as of yet.
I have built 2 houses, finished many basements, changed engines/transmissions, and a long list of other minor items. I no longer go on any roof. I do around the house and on the 5er the small things I want to do. Anything major I call a mobile tech. Just like the lawn, it used to be fun, now I have a service that takes care of everything.
Like Captn John we have done our share of home renovations, engine overhauls, etc. but at our age we have to leave more things to “experts” (who aren’t always). No more climbing under the van. And I don’t allow my husband on roofs or trees if i can avoid it. But we certainly do the less risky things ourselves, including mowing the 1/2 acre lawn with a walk behind mower. I’m physically challenged these days, but hubby tries his best to be handy. And I’m glad he is.
Thankfully I’ve been “Technical” all my life. Started working on lawnmowers at 13 yrs old. I do everything possible on our motor home. We’re 15 yrs full timer, been coast to coast, Alaska 3 times, I have yet to find an RV Tech that was qualified to carry my tool box. They are under paid, under educated/trained, and many have an attitude against “Rich” RV owners. I tell each one that this RV is ALL I own, I am not rich, but it doesn’t seem to help. All this, compounded by the diminishing work ethic within the U.S. Everyone wants to take home a check, but no one wants to work.
I have one diesel shop that I trust to do the chassis work, stuff I don’t have the equipment to do. Still, I check their work. Examine all parts. Many times I prescribe how the work is to be done, after much research to find the best method. My chassis is a Roadmaster, that truck shops don’t see often. Lots (Most) of truck shops do RVs as a side and don’t delve into the nitty gritty of RV peculiarities. I respect this is due to cost/profit issues. They must focus on their main income, which is trucks. THESE people respond by respecting MY focus on RV things, by listening and accepting things they might not be aware of.
The shop at my selling dealership once stated I knew more about the RV than they did. They proved that later when, within 48 hrs, I had to redo work they had done. That was their last chance.
I have many stories of RV world incompetence.
Like others here, I advise all prospective RV owners to be self reliant, or prepared to spent lots of money and TIME at repair shops.
Richard West
I fix anything within my ability. I love working on the TT. My DW also enjoys the results and over we will discuss ideas. We’ve added storage, created a privacy curtain, installed back of drawer guards and the one that always gets a smile, we installed a hook in the storage compartment to hold a canvas bag where we place all of our safety pins or springs. Our expert help was limited to the new roof. Right after we purchased the TT we started making it our own.
I do probably 90% of the repairs and maintenance but, now that I’m 75, my ability to hold wrenches, screwdrivers, etc. is diminishing. It takes me longer now to do most things. Something like installing a new air conditioner I’ll leave to the experts..Because of a torn bicep muscle I can lift more than 30 pounds only once a day without causing a week of pain to my right arm and shoulder. If I decide to get a washer and dryer I’ll have those installed, too. Maybe the laundromat doesn’t look so bad after all. 🙂
Relating to the first paragraph above, “we” are expecting our first grandchild. I chose Opa for my grandpa name. DW chose Nonna for her grandma name. (German, Italian) First time I’ve seen Opa used. Go Gregg – uhh Opa!
I can fix most anything even spending four hours working on a $5 item. One of my mottos is: “I’ve fixed so much, with so little, for so long, I am now capable of fixing anything with nothing”.
Really nice quote!
I started out by sealing my RV roof (50-60 rivets exposed) then worked on the undercarriage removing rust, applying rust preventative and repainting. My latest project was doing a full tune up on my generator….Fuel and air filter, oil and spark plug change. I am installing a mud flap next to keep dirt and debris from kicking up on my tow vehicle. I am driving a 31′ Class C with Chevy Spark tow vehicle. There is no reason why women we can’t at least try. Like you say, if all else fails we can call for service. In my area service runs $175/hr so I will continue to do my own work as long as its feasible.
Cheryl
As Red Green always said, if you can’t be handsome, you better be handy. I was fortunate to have a father who ran a small logging operation and could fix just about anything. I learned a lot from watching him. I also raced motorcycles in high school and worked in a motorcycle shop until I was paralyzed at 18. In my younger years I could crawl under cars and get into tight spaces to do most repairs. Now as a sixty year old, whose lost a lot of mobility, I have to either find somebody I can coach or pay for the repairs I can’t get reach.
I’ve been fortunate to find a great mobile mechanic and a great mobile RV repair guy near our hometown. Both charge about $75 per hour and can fix just about anything on the RV. I think it helps that I know how to diagnose and explain about 90% of the problems before I call the technician so they know what they’re getting into. On my iPad, as we travel, I make a list of repairs or things I want to improve upon. The list generally grows until it’s time to have one of the technicians over for something big, then there’s usually a few more hours of things on my list they can check off.
It is frustrating when I’m unable to reach a simple repair, but that’s the hand I’ve been dealt and I live with it. I’ve also learned that our trusty Winnebago is now 16 years old and once multiple things start breaking, it will be a whole lot less frustrating for me to find a newer model than pay someone to keep repairing this one, especially if things break I can’t fix while on the road.
I could have quoted this article, word for word… And knowing that “Dad can fix anything” makes my family pretty careless IMHO.
I’m in the “extremely handy” category (self declared!) because push-come-shove I could weld steel into a frame and do all the carpentry and wiring to make the whole trailer… but I’m not quite THAT crazy yet. Typical RV construction is driving me closer by the day, it seems… Sometimes I fantasize about ‘built right from the axle up.’
I’ve been wealthier and I’ve been MUCH poorer, and through it all I have always fixed or upgraded everything I thought I possibly could. I know well that I can LITERALLY buy all the tools needed for the same cost as hiring someone to do just the labor — and I get to keep the tools! Even if I mess it up the first time, I learn and get it right next time — and it’s repeats are still cheaper than hiring it done. And when *I* am done, I know that no corners were cut or damage hidden or shoddy materials used. I almost never, ever have to redo anything I’ve “fixed” — something that can definitely not be said of those who need to call workmen many times for the same problem. DIY isn’t a compromise — it’s BETTER on many levels.
…and capability lowers your blood pressure! Being “able” has saved my bacon MANY MANY times. On one RV trip through Maine, I got my 6-ton trailer through hills and deep into the woods before a final !!SPRANG!! declared that my WDH mount had actually cracked through on one side, damaging the “A” of the tongue with it. The trailer could not be towed and no one *I* could find would consider repairing it on site. So, I drove the truck back into town and borrowed an AC-driven welder (!) from a moderately incredulous mechanic for a generous deposit, and my generator was just powerful enough to get the job done. Imagine being STUCK and needing a professional welder to come rescue you — imagine the wait and the bill that entails. Yeah, I’m crazy for what I’ve taught myself to do, but it sure helps me sleep at night knowing I am equipped and knowledgeable enough to handle anything I could “reasonably” handle. Curing cancer and nuclear war are still on my “to learn” list…
I disagree with the term “Handy” or “Good with their hands”. Either a person is educated in repair, either self or formal ,or they are not. It is NOT a natural ability as much as it it is knowledge of repair. BS/MA Industrial Arts/ Industrial Education.
My father was in construction, he was a cement mason, bricklayer, master plasterer and could build anything. Whenever he did anything around the house my 2 brothers and I were always there to help. My father didn’t think that I (a girl) wasn’t able to do the same things my brothers could. I use to be very “handy”, but now at 74 yo, I have limitations. I do fix anything I can, but find somethings I just can’t handle anymore. Now, if I can’t handle a fix, I keep an eye on the repairman.
Good article. Having owned and lived in a Class A since 2016 I often wonder how many owners cope with maintenance and repair of their rigs. Not that I have had many serious problems, but I have found it tremendously helpful to learn about and maintain all the various systems on our RV.
For example – I have found that many are terribly ignorant about their RV electrical systems. Very few seem to comprehend how and why there are both 12v DC and 120v AC systems on their RV, complicated by the ability to have multiple inputs and how to manage all that. Add in all the complexities of chassis systems and maintenance, and then all the systems and appliances for the house – I wonder how some cope with all that. It appears that many do not even regularly check something as critical as their tire pressures before driving off every day. Almost none ever check the electrolyte levels on their lead-acid batteries.
I would classify myself as a full-fledged DYIer – partly by past experience and a lot out of necessity. By that I mean – I think (unfortunately ) that there are many so-called RV techs who really do not know what they are doing, but are more than willing to ream customers while they waste time trying to understand something – so they usually just start replacing parts – hoping that one will fix the issue. I have learned – mostly from past automotive experience – that to resolve many technical issues that very often cleaning, lubrication and proper re-assembly fixes things. Very rarely have I ever found a really defective or worn out component. But most techs were not trained about the importance of using a good grease (for example) in preventing water incursion or to prevent corrosion on an electrical connection. They mostly appear to only want to replace parts – at a very high cost.
It just seem that many RV owners just go ahead until something goes wrong. If minor they often just learn to live with it. If major then they scramble around trying to find a shop in the area which might be able to fix it.
I know that there is a wide range of skill-sets amongst humans, and that having technical & mechanical abilities are not skills which many possess. But to me successful living in an RV does require some degree of knowledge about how the beast works.