How to Do RV Trailer Repairs

rv image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com

Traveling in an RV over time will result in aluminum siding damage, holding tank odor, RV refrigerator and furnace problems as well as broken accessories. These and other repairs are easy to fix. Some are so easy you can do them while you're on the road traveling. You'll only need a few simple tools to complete most repairs and no more than 24 hours to complete any one repair job.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Air pump

Step 1

Repair your RV refrigerator. Start by turning off all electrical power to the unit. Cut off the gas valve as well. Clean the burner assembly with an air pump. Gently tap the walls of the burner assembly to release dirt, dust and other debris. Repeat as necessary. A clogged or dirty burner assembly is the number one cause for improper cooling in an RV refrigerator.

Step 2

Troubleshoot your RV furnace. If the fan will not start, replace the battery if it is old and check that you have 12 volts at the furnace. If the battery is new and correct volts are used, check for a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. If these repairs are not necessary, check the thermostat. Take off the cover and locate the "anticipator" adjustment. Adjust the temperature to the maximum setting. Slide the anticipator slider up and down. Wait approximately 30 seconds for the fan to start working.

Step 3

Fix your black water holding tank gauge lights. Rid the tank of excess contaminants by flushing it with hot water and 1/3-cup of liquid laundry detergent. Allow the detergent to remain in the tank for approximately one hour. Rinse the toilet. You'll need to dump the tank before adding the detergent.

Step 4

Use a standard closet rod, available at home improvement stores, to replace a broken or weak closet rod. Use a wood panel to reinforce the rod. Line two 2-by-4 inch wood panels, so they both reach the same height when both are stationed on opposite sides of the wall. Drill the wood panel securely in place and then mount the two ends for the closet rod against the wood panel.

Step 5

Remove damage and dents to RV aluminum siding. Use sandpaper to smooth dents, scratches and other surface blemishes such as rust and corrosion. Apply a metal primer and then add waterproof caulk to the outside of the aluminum siding. Wait 24 hours for the caulk to seal. Paint the surface with acrylic paint.

Tips & Warnings

RV maintenance must be performed on a routine basis to improve the performance of your RV.

Always troubleshoot an RV before a repair is necessary.

Article Written By Charlie Gaston

Charlie Gaston has written numerous instructional articles on topics ranging from business to communications and estate planning. Gaston holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in communications. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive travel experience.

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