Have you considered hitting the road in a motorhome or travel trailer, but you’re just too intimidated by going it alone? There are thousands of “solo travelers” who have thrown their inhibitions aside and jumped into RVing with both feet, and we want you to become one!
Today, we’ll take on the very real fears those of us who travel alone have regarding our RVs breaking down while we’re traveling. Join us and learn how to handle RV maintenance on the road as a solo traveler.
Download Camping World’s Customer Reference Handbook to track your RV’s maintenance needs.
Regular RV Maintenance
My father refused to take me to get my driver’s license at the age of 16 until I could show him I knew how to change a tire, perform an oil change, and tune up my car. I realized (begrudgingly) that was sound advice, as I learned to take good care of a vehicle I depended upon.
As a motorhome owner, I’m not suggesting that you become an RV mechanic, but implementing regular maintenance on your rig will help you avoid costly repairs and breakdowns on the road. And because you are a solo traveler, you cannot pass off this responsibility to anyone else. You don’t have to do the maintenance yourself, but you should be aware of the systems in your recreational vehicle that need consistent care.
Here’s a generic checklist to give you an idea (feel free to add your own specific items):
- Oil change on vehicle engine (for motorhomes every 3,000 to 4,000 miles)
- Oil change on generator (about every 100 to 150 hours of usage)
- Top off water in lead-acid batteries (both chassis and house batteries)
- Run the generator monthly with a partial load
- Check tire pressure and sidewalls
- Maintain good roof surface and seams
- Check slide-out seals
- Check fresh, gray, and black water tanks for leaks and use proper chemicals
- Winterize water system before freezing temps
- De-winterize for the spring thaw
- Sanitize freshwater system annually
- Check water pump
- Maintain awning(s)
- Change air and any hydraulic filters
- Check brakes
- Check electrical connections with trailers and tow vehicles
Read Camping World’s full tutorial on seasonal, annual, and pre-trip maintenance checks.
If you decide you can do some of these common maintenance requirements yourself, that’s great. If not, take your list to your RV mechanic so that you can be assured they’ve gone over everything before you hit the road. That will definitely give you more peace of mind.
Sudden RV Repairs
It’s inevitable that breakdowns and system failures occur, sometimes at the most inconvenient times. As a solo traveler, it may feel even more overwhelming, because you have no one else to share the load of worry and decision-making responsibilities. Many times being prepared for the unforeseen can make the uncertainty more bearable.
For instance, Good Sam offers roadside assistance plans to help with tire changes, towing, and repairs with many discounts. They also offer services like Travel Assist for emergency medical assistance, Tire & Wheel Protection for coverage when you need to repair or replace tires and wheels, and a variety of RV, health, and life insurance plans.
I have also found that mobile RV repair services come in handy, and their existence is growing along with the RV community. Many are even willing to help you learn some of the repairs they make on your vehicle so that you increase your maintenance skills. These repair services come to you and are well-versed in a variety of system repairs to help you stay on the road safely.
Camping World offers mobile service at a select number of locations nationwide. Repairs are limited to those that can safely and practically be performed on-site, and the convenience fee varies depending on travel time. Mobile-interested customers will need to call a specific location to see if the service is offered and, if so, to schedule an appointment. All charges, minimum diagnostic, travel, etc. are explained in detail to the guest at the time of scheduling.
One question many RVers have regarding repairs has to do with where they will stay while their motorhome or travel trailer is in the shop. Many services that specialize in RV repair allow campers to stay in their units at night in the shop parking lot or in an on-site campground. It’s just less worry that you will have to concern yourself with.
Where to Find RV Maintenance Near Me
No matter how much you can handle on your own, there may come a time when you need the assistance of a certified RV technician. That’s when exploring RV service centers near you must be done. Luckily, Camping World’s nationwide service network makes it easy to find a service center when you need one.
Find a Camping World Service location near you.
Pro Tip: There are many benefits of becoming a Good Sam member. But when it comes to RV maintenance, you’ll receive priority service at our nationwide service locations. Explore Good Sam membership today.
RV Maintenance and Repair Education
Making yourself aware of maintenance and repair issues that may arise in the future will give you a sense of security, knowing that you are as prepared as you can be when traveling. Go through your owner’s manual and familiarize yourself with your RV’s major systems work, such as your water system, water heater, and electrical system.
Learn how to check the water in your batteries so that you can enjoy boondocking without worry. Carry extra fuses, coolant, and distilled water with you, and learn how your electrical and water systems work so that you can trace back a problem to its source. You should also have the right tools in your RV to handle maintenance as it arises.
Download our RV tools checklist for guidance on the tools and supplies to stock in your RV.
Watch several YouTube videos on the same subject matter regarding your RV to learn from others who have dealt with repairs in the past, and don’t be too proud to ask for assistance when you need it. I still have a bit of a problem putting too much pressure on myself to “handle” it all alone. When something needs to be fixed, I’ve found so many people who step forward to offer assistance that it is humbling.
Camping World’s YouTube channel is a great resource for learning more about RV maintenance. Their How To video playlist is a great place to start if you’re relatively new to RVing and want to learn how to do things like improve A/C efficiency, replace a water heater’s anode rod, and much more. And their Troubleshooting playlist is great for learning how to solve issues with your power tongue jack, furnace, entrance door, and other RV components.
Traveling in an RV alone is no more daunting than living in a house alone. There will always be things that need fixing or attending to in both, so learn what you can about your new recreational vehicle and get help for the things that are out of your wheelhouse. Then take on the open road with abandon and enjoy seeing the country from the camping vantage point.
What do you think about traveling solo? Did you find this advice helpful? Leave a comment below.
Since he retired, my father has been utilizing the RV he purchased a year ago to go on camping excursions around the country. He needs my assistance to fix the RV’s engine, though, because there has been an issue with it recently. I thought it was interesting when you indicated that being aware of potential maintenance and repair difficulties will make you feel more secure because you’ll know you’re fully prepared for travel. Read the owner’s handbook for your vehicle and become familiar with how the hot water heater and refrigerator operate. Keeping this in mind, I’ll start exploring the city for RV services that can assist me with this aspect.
Enjoyed that, thank you. I’m a 70 yr. old woman who will be leaving a house of 28 years, selling all possessions and hitting the road in a few months.
Great article Shelley!