Common RV Problems that you don't want to see

What features should you avoid when buying an RV?

This is a hot topic these days as manufacturers try to pump out RVs as fast as they can. Since the start of 2020 and the emergence of the Covid virus, RVs have become the new IN thing. The problem builders have run across is a shortage of parts and a lack of quality labor to meet this demand. So, what are the most Common RV Problems you don’t want to see?

This is a tough question of sorts, as there are lemons to be had from any manufacturer. Repairs are just a problem that anyone that has an RV will have to deal with, but some are much worse than others.

We are not going to address the different makers of RVs, but more on the different components that can and will give you problems. The more bells and whistles you have the more components that may give you fits.

I love RVs and camping, so don’t think I am trying to deter you in any way from joining the RV lifestyle. These issues are just a part of life that comes with it.

Let’s begin

For instance, slide-outs. The failure rate is quite high. And they always seem to get stuck when they’re open. Then you got to call a mobile repair guy to close it up so you can get home. So if you can get by with an RV that has no slides go for it.

In addition to slide-outs, here are some other features to be ready to repair….

Air Conditioners…. they break down and you sweat.

Water Pumps…. they fail and you get no fresh water, can’t shower, can’t wash hands, body or bottom.

Water Heaters…they fail and you take cold showers

Furnace…. they break down…. and you get cold.

Stove…. it won’t start and you got to eat dry food or make a campfire.

Most common problems with RV's you don't want to see — Photo by Anna Shvets

Generators… break down and you have to run just batteries until they die.

Leveling system…. they get stuck and you’re stuck until the mobile repair guy comes and fixes it

Power Steps… they break and you can’t close them and you’re stuck until the mobile repair guy comes and fixes them.

Power Awnings…. a 15 mph gust comes along and they tear and the frame bends Then you can’t close them and you’re stuck until the mobile repair guy gets there.

Stove…. it won’t start and you got to eat dry food or make a campfire.

One thing is for sure…..The mobile repair guy loves you.

Is owning an RV worth it?

Yes, owning an RV can give you the freedom that you always wanted. It can provide significant savings compared to the costs of a typical vacation with flights, rental cars, accommodations, and meals out.

Are RVs a waste of money?

is it a good investment?

You can’t look at owning an RV as an investment unless you call it investing in your leisure time. When you pull off the lot you probably lose 25% of your so-called investment. The rate of depreciation on an RV is a rapid one unless they are treated with kid gloves.

The only real way an RV could be an investment is if you were to rent it out and pay it off quickly. This also has its downsides as the RV will be put through a lot of abuse from renters.

I went into it knowing I was not going to get my money back in cold hard cash, but in experiences and time with my family. That to me is the best investment I could make!

How long does an RV last?

An RV that lasts 20 years or around 200,000 miles (whichever comes first) has had a well-lived life. Ours has only 70,000 miles but is over 30 years old and running great. I love the workmanship of the older models as compared to the newer ones with fake wood and plastic.

Will the price of RVs go down soon?

Possibly, if more used RVs hit the market as expected and dealership inventory gets back to 2019 levels. This combination would definitely push prices down, but that all needs to be seen to be believed.