How Our Rattling Engine Led to a Three-Month Stay With Family
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Last year, Natalie and I spent the majority of our time RVing along the coast of Washington and south of Seattle. However, our trip was almost derailed by a rattling noise coming from our motorhome’s engine. We decided to investigate further during the holidays when we were staying at my parents’ house and discovered that the bearings on our air compressor clutch were shot. If we didn’t address it, the clutch would have eventually broken apart, and our engine belt would have come off, leaving us stranded wherever we happened to be.
When RV Repairs Put You in a Bind
My dad and I took on the task of replacing the clutch, but we wanted to do a thorough job, which meant also replacing the condenser and expansion valve. Unfortunately, the expansion valve wouldn’t come off the AC evaporator. We even took it to a radiator and AC repair place, but they said we needed to replace the entire unit.
We were in a bind because the company that made the part for our motorhome no longer existed. However, we eventually found a company that sells them and has them fabricated. The only catch was that we had to wait until March to get the part.
BBQs, Karaoke, and Poo Blenders
So for the next several months, we “squatted” at my parents’ house, thankfully. That meant three months of family BBQs, karaoke weekends, free laundry, and a huge backyard for our dog Leo to romp around in! Plus, we had the luxury of full hookups – electricity and water, and we were able to dump our tanks using a macerator pump (or as Natalie likes to call it, a “poo blender”).
What To Do When Severe RV Repairs Happen
It was an optimal scenario for our situation, but what if that wasn’t the case? What if we were across the country, far away from friends and family, and traveling down a major highway? Serious RV issues can be a nightmare for full-time RVers. It’s important to be prepared for the worst by having some backup plans in place. Here are some steps you can take for potential emergencies.
RV Emergency Tips
- Have a roadside assistance plan in place. Sign up for a reliable roadside assistance program that can offer you towing services, fuel delivery, and other emergency services. Keep the contact information handy. {We use Coach-Net Roadside Assistance.)
- Create an emergency plan. Sit down with your travel companions. Create an emergency plan that outlines what you’ll do in case of a serious RV issue. This should include where you’ll stay and how you’ll get repairs.
- Create an emergency kit. This should include a first-aid kit, emergency flares and cones, and other essentials like flashlights, batteries, and a portable radio.
- Carry essential tools and spare parts. Keep a toolbox with basic tools and spare parts, such as fuses, belts, and hoses, on board your RV. Depending on the age and make of your RV, you may also want to carry more specialized parts. (Our windshield wiper blades are hard to find, so when we eventually need to replace them, we have a spare.)
- Have emergency funds available. RV repairs can be expensive, so having money set aside for unexpected repairs can be a lifesaver.
- Secure your pets. If you travel with pets, it’s important to have a plan in case of an emergency. Keep your pets secure and have extra food and water for them as well.
- Consider investing in a generator or solar panels. Having a backup power source can be a lifesaver in case of electrical issues. (Our portable solar power generator from Jackery has been a lifesaver the past few years on the road. For more information on Jackery products, check out our review on the Jackery Solar Generator 1000. To order your own unit, follow our affiliate link to the product line.)
- Have a fire extinguisher. Make sure you have a fire extinguisher in good condition on board in case of a fire.
Don’t Let RV Repairs Derail Your Adventures: Hit the Road With Confidence
Whether you’re a full-time RVer or a weekend warrior, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for those unexpected RV repairs with emergency plans and kits, as well as have roadside assistance and emergency funds available. With a little preparation and backup plans in place, you can enjoy your RVing adventures with peace of mind. What are other RV emergency tips we can add to our list? Share with fellow travelers in the comments below for happy and safe trails!
