RV Repairs on the Road
Hitting the road in your RV can be a great way to make new memories with your family or embark on new adventures. But all that can come to a screeching halt if your RV experiences some sort of major break along the way. Whether it breaks as you’re trying to leave the campground or in the middle of the road, you’ll want a plan to help tackle this problem. Airstream of Utah has provided some tips for preventing and preparing for these emergencies so you don’t find yourself up a creek without a paddle. If you need additional advice, stop by our location in Salt Lake City, Utah and chat with one of our experienced staff. We serve Park City, Provo, and Ogden.
Inspect your RV Ahead of Time
It’s always better to try and prevent an emergency from happening in the first place, rather than finding yourself in a stressful situation when you’re supposed to be having fun. Before you hit the road, take some time to inspect your RV for any signs that it might need some repairs. This means a thorough inspection, from top to bottom, inside and out, looking in every nook and cranny. You might run into an issue you think can wait until after the trip, but tread carefully. You never know when a minor issue can turn into a major problem. If you’re not sure, ask a professional to inspect the rig and get their opinion on when you should fix the problema.
Roadside Assistance
The best piece of advice we can give you for emergencies is to have a roadside assistance plan in place. At the end of the day, you might find yourself stranded with an RV that you don’t have the skills or resources to fix and you’ll just need a good, old fashioned tow. Luckily, if you already have a roadside assistance plan in place for your commuter vehicle, all you have to do is inform the program or company you use that you’ll also be adding an RV to your list of vehicles. If you don’t have one you already call, then you can always join a program, often for very cheap.
Budget for Emergencies
The biggest mistake most people make when budgeting is using up all their money in one fell swoop. This can make for more exciting or luxurious experiences, but it’ll leave you high and dry if you encounter an emergency repair. Make sure you have enough money set aside to pay all your expenses, including paying the technician and the tow company if you need it.
Bring the Right Tools
That covers what you’ll need for repairs you can’t tackle on your own. However, if you bring along the right tools, you might be able to repair certain, smaller maintenance problems on your own. But only if you bring the right tools. The most basic of these tools are a spare tire and a jack. A flat tire is probably one of the more common issues you’ll run into so it’s at least a good idea to have the supplies on hand. You can also upgrade your toolkit to include items like a hacksaw, side cutter pliers, vice grips, and wire strippers, as well as--your friend and mine--duct tape. And don’t forget to always consult your owner’s manual before attempting any repairs.
While it can be convenient and cheaper to try and fix things yourself, there are plenty of instances in which you’ll need professional help. When this happens, bring your trailer to the service department at Airstream of Utah so we can get you back on the road in no time. We welcome all current and future RV owners from Salt Lake City, Park City, Provo, and Ogden, UT.