It’s always good to do as much planning and preparation as you can before a road trip with your RV. One area where people may not focus much attention is on RV maintenance and making sure that the camper is in good shape. You may end up having to make some emergency repairs on the road at some point, so it’s good to know what to do to prevent that from happening and what to do if repairs need to happen regardless of your prep work.

1. Perform a Pre-Trip Inspection

The best way to avoid having to make emergency repairs to your RV is to make sure it’s in good condition before you leave home. Check the tire pressure and condition, change oil and filters, test slide-outs, lubricate moving parts, and test all the systems on your RV for proper functioning. Spending a few minutes examining your camper now can save you a major headache in the future.

2. Get Roadside Assistance

Check with the insurer of your car or RV to see whether a roadside assistance service is available to use when you need it. Sometimes, insurance companies can extend coverage from your passenger vehicle to cover your RV as well. You should also have a number you can call to get some advice from an experienced technician.

3. Carry a Tool Kit

Having the right tools with you can help you make quick repairs and avoid wasting time. Pack an RV tool kit and keep it in your storage compartment where it’s easily accessible when you need it. Here are some items to include:

  • Tire jack
  • Spare tires
  • Hacksaw
  • Duct tape
  • Pliers
  • Vice grips
  • Wire strippers
  • Screwdrivers
  • Wrenches
  • Nuts and bolts

4. Maintain an Emergency Budget

You never know when disaster will strike, so it’s important to have some money set aside for emergency repairs. You’ll need to make sure that your travel budget has at least a few hundred dollars available to pay a mechanic in case you need a repair. A credit card is fine, but try not to rely on that too much so you don’t put yourself into debt.

Need some professional assistance with your RV before your next trip? Don’t hesitate to contact the service department at Baydo's RV Center in Fife or Milton, WA, to schedule a maintenance appointment. Our mechanics will promptly address any issues you’re having so that you can focus on planning your vacations. We proudly serve all our customers in Tacoma.