What gets done on site
Most RV house systems are built to be serviced where they sit. Roof sealant, slide-out adjustments, water heaters, furnaces, refrigerators, water pumps, tank valves, converters and batteries are all common on-site jobs.
Motorhomes add a chassis and engine on top of the house systems. Some mobile techs handle both. Others focus on the living space and leave engine, transmission and heavy chassis work to a truck or diesel mechanic. Mention both sides of your problem so the right person accepts it.
- Roof inspections and resealing to stop leaks
- Slide-out problems: stuck, slow, crooked or leaking
- Water heater, furnace, refrigerator and A/C issues
- Generator starting and running problems
- Water pumps, leaks, tank valves and sensors
- Batteries, converters, inverters and solar
- Pre-purchase inspections on a used RV
Where the work can happen
RV techs work at campgrounds, RV parks, driveways, storage lots and even on the side of a quiet road in some cases. Some campgrounds and storage facilities have rules about outside service, so check with the office before the visit.
Roof work needs dry weather and safe access. Slide work needs clear space on the slide side. If you are in a tight site with trees or a neighbor close by, say so in your request.
Propane and safety
If you smell propane inside the RV, do not flip switches or light anything. Turn off the propane at the tank if you can do it safely, get everyone out, and call for help from a safe distance. Propane leaks are a job for a trained tech, not a do-it-yourself fix.
The same goes for smoke from an appliance or a burning smell from the electrical panel. Shut off shore power at the pedestal if you can do it safely, get out, and have it checked before using that system again.
How to get the most from a visit
RVs have a lot of systems, and a tech can often knock out several small items in one trip. Make a list of everything that is not working right, even the minor stuff. Photos of model and serial number labels on appliances help the tech bring the right parts.
Before a big trip, a visit to go over the rig is a smart move. Our RV pre-trip checklist covers what to look at yourself first.
Common jobs for RVs and motorhomes
Getting ready for the visit
- Note the RV year, make, model and type (motorhome, fifth wheel, travel trailer)
- Photograph the model and serial labels on any appliance that is acting up
- List every issue you want looked at, big or small
- Clear the area around slides, the roof ladder and access panels
- Confirm the campground or storage lot allows outside service
- Have shore power, water and propane available if the tech needs to test them