How to Repair an RV Interior

rv, image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com

Traveling in an RV over time may result in leaks, dents, cracks, inoperable appliances and faulty cooling. These and other interior problems are easy to repair. 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 all can be done on your own without the assistance of an RV repairman.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Filler
Epoxy resin kit
Air pump

Step 1

Repair a bathroom leak. Locate the area where the water leak has caused a visible sign of damage. Remove all the trim in this area. Remove the paneling from the wall. You can separate the paneling if it is glued to a foam insulating board once it is removed. Check for additional insulation in the walls. Remove as necessary. Allow any water stains to guide you back to the leak. Replace damaged studs with new ones. You also want to check for damaged sealing along corners. If sealing is dried out, remove and replace with new caulk and silicone. Reinstall the walls.

Step 2

Cover up interior dents in woodwork and wall paneling. Use a filler to fill holes and scratches in oak, walnut or other wood paneling colors. You can also use matching baton strip in the same material finish to cover wall blemishes.

Step 3

Troubleshoot an inoperable RV furnace. Before initiating any repairs, check that the correct volts are used and make sure the circuit breaker is not tripped or your RV have not blown a fuse. If these repairs are not necessary, check the thermostat. Take off the cover and locate the "anticipator" adjustment. Set the temperature to the maximum setting and then slide the anticipator slider up and down for about 30 seconds. Wait for the fan to start working.

Step 4

Repair an RV fiberglass shower pan with an epoxy resin kit. Follow the directions printed on the product. As a general rule, you must mix the contents of the formula into a durable paste (bond) and apply to the crack.

Step 5

Repair the burner assembly for proper cooling in an RV refrigerator. Turn off all electrical power to the unit and cut off the gas valve. Clean the burner assembly with an air pump to thoroughly remove dirt, dust and other debris. Repeat as necessary. A dirty burner assembly is the number one cause for improper cooling in an RV refrigerator.

Tips & Warnings

Squeeze tubes offer the easiest application for filler.

See a professional RV repair professional if you are unable to complete any of the above repairs.

Resources

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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