Are you handy? Can you fix just about anything that breaks? How about with your RV? Do you carry a well-supplied tool kit and lots of spare parts, so that if your RV needs repair you are equipped to handle about any problem that comes along? Hey, maybe a trip to a parts store is in order, but once you have a replacement for what’s broken, you can do the repair. Is that you?
Or are you a bit more challenged when it comes to fixing things that go wrong? Most of us, we suspect, are somewhere in the middle. But how about you? Are you Mr. or Ms. Handy Person, or Mr. or Ms. Klutz?
Inquiring minds would really like to know. So here’s your opportunity. And remember, it can take a few moments for the poll to load, especially if you have a slow Internet connection, so stand by.
My problem is that I can diagnose most issues but no longer have the stamina to actually complete the repair. It’s very frustrating, especially when I get something “fixed” and realize that I could have done a much better job were I physically able.
This is another one of those polls where the polling model doesn’t allow for enough flexibility to answer appropriately. First, in today’s increasingly complex RV’s, the technical knowledge needed to make repairs is significant, such as in electronic control systems. But then, the poll doesn’t allow a differential between types of RV’s. So, a small tent camper, vs a simple pull behind vs a large 5th wheel vs an average size Class B or C vs all the way up to the larger Class A diesel pushers. Is the poll asking about fixing the chassis and all related systems and drivetrain, or just the RV non-chassis related items?
So, it’s hard to qualify the answers. I’m very handy and can easily fix a lot of stuff. Track down the problem, read the manuals, research on the Internet, buy parts if needed and make the repairs and adjustments. But yikes, if it comes to repairing Silverleaf control systems or Freightliner chassis items, the unit has to go to the shop.
Well said John. I can do many of the repairs in the inside of our 40 DP. But when is comes to the Freightliner chassis and engine it is out of my pay grade.
I thought the poll was pretty straightforward. How good are we fixing stuff on OUR RV. There are some things that are electronic and need more expert knowledge. But overall, my wife and I can figure up a way to fix most things.
My wife’s favorite saying is, “There’s work to be done, people willing to do it, and I’m willing to pay them”. This also goes for our ‘stix and brix’ home. [grin]
Perfect response.Husband is a vintage racer & works on his own race cars, even rebuilds engines. DP is a tad bigger. He is very capable of many things, however somethings too complicated or difficult to get to. Many things house or chassis “we” can do. I’m his helper. I find articles/YouTube videos or read the manuals. A task he, like many men, don’t seem to enjoy. If we are going to have someone fix it we try to buy the part(s). Saves money & time. Recently had the hydraulic motor go out, no steering! (Fortunately happened 1/2 mile from home & were able to return). We bought the motor & called Coach-Net to understand process for getting mobile tech out to our house. When motor arrived we called to schedule. By the way, we had just switched to Coach-Net several months ago, so this was our first experience. They were fantastic. Kept us informed as they were trying to locate an available mechanic, who was great. Also paid for service call charge which equaled premium!
Going through a significant learning curve! My partner passed away in 2019 and he was the handyman! Ive severely limited the number of trips since his passing due as much to confidence as to the pandemic. Thank you for this newsletter as well as other helpful online media. If i dont know what or how, i know there is help out there just text away!
I’m a lifetime mechanic, freshly retired. We’re on our first snowbird trip. My dilemma was how many tools to bring. I want to be able to adress any problems, but can’t bring hundreds of pounds of tools.
I’m probably at 200 lbs, including bottle jacks and stuff for changing a tire. I carry a spare for the coach in the trailer that our toys are in. I want to be self sufficient if we get a flat. I think the best recent mod is the TST tire monitor sytem, I have 10 sensors, coach and trailer.
I could do almost all repairs needed. Replaced retractable steps adjusted slide outs, replaced awning and cooling sys repair on my class A. Now all I can do is drive, at 75 years body has given out and all I can accomplish is being the driver. My Onan gen went out, service told me I would need over $2,000 so MH been parked for two years while I save up for repairs. Discouraging to say the least, as we would leave Texas, every spring and not head home till the geese headed south. Hope I can get on the road again before my health takes another down. Love the open road and freedom of RVing. Happy trail to all, God bless your travels.
I have recently gone to rving full time. I built a 20′ cargo trailer into my shop trailer. I brought everything I could ever need, from my 850 lb Maximizer tool box to my 75 plastic tubs of alphabetically organized parts, a scooter to get around on, air compressors, welder, torches, and even a sandblaster and pressure washer. I’m set for almost anything. The downfall is that it also weighs around 12,000 lbs, but gas is cheap right now.
You are literally the only other person I’ve ever heard RV travel with a welder. A few years back I had to borrow a welder in the next town when my trailer couldn’t move, and ever since carry a breadbox size buzzbox and 240/120 adapters to use it with 12KW RV pedestals or even my 3.6KW genny.
Frustrated by my own lack of ability, I can design a computer system to analyze complex scientific data, but I can’t take apart (let alone put together) an RV furnace.
At one time I could fix just about anything. Now I only dream about it. After my back fusion 4 years ago it’s only going down hill.
I still attempt some things. But end up on regretting it. Enjoy life..
After all … I AM my extended warranty!!!!
My wife and I bought a 2005 Itasca Spirit about 4 years ago. I’ve done most of the small maintenance jobs like oil changes and transmission fluid changes along with the filter replacements. I’ve done the air conditioning tune ups and replacement of vent fans. I did a carb change out & tune ups on the Onan generator. We have done upgrades & redecorating of the interior & added a solar charging system. I found out that I had a long standing leak into the over cab compartment of the rig which required me to tear out all of the wooden deck in the overhead. I was reluctant at first, but after watching numerous posting on U-Tube I knew that I could do this. I organized my work in small stages and stayed with it. After about 5 weeks of work- I got it done. It was hard work but it was doable. Being a building maintenance man by trade was helpful as I had all the necessary tools I needed.
In an earlier life (~1973-1980) I was an auto mechanic. Since DW & I married we have completely renovated a 1920’s home and our much smaller ranch-style retirement home. So I have the tools and the skills to tackle nearly everything, but also the wisdom to know I don’t always have to if I don’t feel like it. There’s a moderately-sized but 30+ lb. tool box in the MH but I seldom need it outside of preventive maintenance done at home.
My hubby can fix about anything — but over the last few years has decided he truly has retired so we hire repair people to do the bigger jobs. We’ve been carrying tools (a lot of them!) since we started full-timing in 2009 and in our first real stop, exploring the town, we came across some motorcyclists who’d stopped because one of them had problems. It was great to be able to say, “Hold on. We’ve got just the tool to fix that.” 🙂
1963 VW Westfalia- I could do EVERYTHING. 2014 Roadtrek – I can take care of the coach, but not a thing on the computerized drivetrain.
toughest part is exactly that – parts. waiting for plumbing part now. manufacteurs are way behind with COVID.
I can fix almost anything with 3 or 4 trips to the hardware store.
• First trip to buy what I think I need
• Second trip to buy what I really need. (Maybe parts, maybe tools)
• Third & sometimes fourth trips to buy parts to fix what I broke trying to do the original repair.
I’m in my 70’s and have never had to call a pro to finish the job. (That’s cause for revoking your man-card.)
But sometimes its been close and cost more than a pro would have charged.
Depends, if duct tape will fix it, I’m great – anything else, I’ll need help 🙂
I way able to fix almost everything for years. When we got our Diesel Pusher I soon realized that things have gotten more complex and my physical handicaps prohibit me from doing other things. I still do temporary repairs that will get me to somewhere I can get it fixed but will pay someone else to do it right.
I can fix most anything RV related, but leave the engine and drivetrain to the dealerships. The thing that motivated me to do my own repairs was watching friends pay ridiculous fees for half assed repairs by “technicians”.
Agree.
I am proud to say that in 46 years of RVing I have never had a dealership or a repair tech. work on any of my rigs. VW westies x3, travel trailer x1, coleman popup x1, vintage 5th wheel x1, custom toy hauler x1 but at my age I am wondering for how much longer will I be able to keep up with the tasks. RVing is a hobby that requires alot of attention to the equipment.
Crazy but I still own and use most of them. As one of the YouTubers says “Love Your RV” and always park indoors when not using. I can hear if coming. How do I park all of that equipment indoors, I have lots of buildings. Leaving a RV in the weather all of it’s life will destroy the rig over time.
Reminds me of my 2nd tt. Before I could get it home I had to crawl under it and reroute the cable to the TV because it would not reach. ( brand new) I pulled all the windows and resealed them . Braced the fresh water tank & fixed the pickup so that it could pickup the bottom 9 gallons of water. The slide I could not fix to my satisfaction. Sold back to the dealer.
Current TT I’ve replaced the 2 slides gearbox’s and repaired the slides floor. ( gearbox’s are prone to destruction due to NO limit device )
I’m near my limit as crowded campgrounds, crowded trails ,disrespectful people & all the maintenance & repair on both TT &TV.
My wife is a Nationally Certified RV Tech! We got this!
I could put the Roman Empire back together if I had enough duct tape and baling wire.
I can fix ANYTHING on my RV (given enough time and money).
I built mine from the ground up so fixing it just takes a little longer