Category: RV Interior Care

Posts explaining RV interior inspection and care

RV Costs For Maintaining And Repairing An RV

This article is about the RV costs associated with owning, maintaining and repairing an RV.

And of course, many people buy RVs because they’re trying to save on vacation costs. So it’s often a budget thing that gets them into RVing.

And they have a budget for pretty much everything. That is, except for maintenance and repairs of the RV they intend to buy.

Many people budget in advance for owning an RV
Many people budget in advance for owning an RV

Very often, they have figured out the monthly payments, insurance, fuel and camping costs.

But maintenance and repairs on their future RV? Well, that’s kind of nebulous and more difficult to nail down.

Watch my video on how to save on RV costs

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Can You Project The Costs Of Owning An RV?

But RV maintenance and repairs can be a very significant annual cost for some RVers.

And of course, I can’t give you exact figures on what it’s going to cost you personally.

Because it will depend on the quality of the RV you have. And on the number of amenities and luxuries in it.

Also, it will depend to a large degree on how you care for your RV over the years too. In fact, that’s a big one!

But there’s several other factors as well. So what we can conclude is that it’s hard to give an exact figure that fits all situations.

A Good Source For Projecting RV Costs

But Wholesale Warranties has created an infographic that can be helpful.

Because I believe that it helps folks get a feel for many of the repair costs on an RV. By showing them what those costs could be before they buy.

And why am I turning to Wholesale Warranties for this information? Well, it’s because RV repairs is what their business is really all about.

That’s because they provide service contracts for RV buyers after their factory warranty expires.

So let’s take a look at what they say about RV repair costs overall and what you could expect.

Repair And Maintenance Costs For Motorhomes

And first of all, let’s look at a graphic they made on motorhome repair costs. Just look at the image below for that information.

The projected costs for repairing parts of a motorhome
The projected costs for repairing parts of a motorhome

Now taking a look at that, let’s go up to the upper left hand side of the graphic. And we’ll cover each component by going clockwise.

So let’s start with heating first. And you can see that their projection is that expenses could be $300 to $1,500 in repairs.

Moving on to the next item, they project repair costs on slide out rooms to be $500 to $1700.

Well, honestly I feel like that could even be a little low in some cases. But next up is refrigerators at $600 to $3500 for repair costs.

Then roof AC’s are about the same amount at $600 to $3500. But then we get to the transmission in a motorhome. And that can be significant!

In fact, repairs there can run $1,900 to $12,000 depending on the kind of motorhome you have.

Then the dash air conditioning in a motorhome could be $700 to $3,800.

More RV Costs Associated With Owning A Motorhome

And now, just take a look at engine repair costs. Once again this is a biggie!

And that is especially true if it’s a big diesel engine. In fact, repairs could range from $1,400 to $30,000. That could be a huge expense for anyone!

Next up is the braking components on a motorhome. And that could be $500 to $2500 to repair.

The repairs on the fuel system can range from $600 to $3400. And the leveling system repairs can go from $500 to $2,000.

Then there’s the waste system that can cost $400 to $3,400 to repair.

And finally, what if you have an installed generator in your motorhome? Well, that could run anywhere from $400 to $4,000 for repairs.

Is This All The Possible Repairs You May Have To Make?

Now one thing I want to mention here is that this is a very good overall layout for the general components of an RV motorhome.

But keep in mind that this is not all of your possible expenses on a motorhome.

Because there could be also expenses for water leak repairs. Or for replacing your tires regularly.

Or for replacing awnings, and so on. So what we have covered are just some of the major expenses that an RV motorhome can incur.

But I do feel that the graphic provides a pretty good breakdown on the major RV components.

Also notice that there’s a wide range of costs found for each listed component.

That’s because you can’t really nail down something specific for each situation.

There is a lot of variance in repair costs depending on what went wrong.

However I do feel that this graphic is useful. Because it helps you compare repair costs from one component of the RV to another.

So it could be a good idea to use the lower figures they’re giving here as a base for RV repairs.

Or you might choose to use a mid-range of figures in this graphic instead to produce your budget.

And then spread those costs over the years you plan on owning your RV.

RV Costs Associated With Owning A Towable RV

OK, let’s move along to towable RVs like fifth wheels and travel trailers now.

And of course they do not include the engine and drivetrain that motorhomes have.

So let’s take a look at the Wholesale Warranties graphic for those kind of RVs now. Just view the image below for that information.

RV costs for repairing and maintaining a towable RV
RV costs for repairing and maintaining a towable RV

So when you look at this graphic you’re going to notice something right away.

And that is that the costs associated with the house or the RV part of the towable is very similar to the costs of the house part of a motorhome.

That’s because they are similar in makeup. However what you don’t see in this graphic is the engine and drivetrain costs.

But that doesn’t mean that they aren’t still there. And why is that?

Where Are The Engine And Drivetrain Costs With Towable RVs?

Simply because those costs are transferred to the tow vehicle for a towable RV. And that’s often a truck of some type.

Now some feel that towable RVs are less expensive to maintain and repair than motorhomes.

However, you can see that often doesn’t take into account the cost of the tow vehicle’s repairs and maintenance as well.

So you need to add the tow vehicle’s costs in along with your towable RV.

And when you do, the repair and maintenance costs are pretty similar to motorhomes.

But there are a couple of factors that impact maintenance and repair costs.

And these factors are under your control. So let’s talk about that now.

A Huge Factor In Managing RV Costs

One of them is the size of RV that you choose. Because the bigger the RV you have, generally the more expense there’s going to be to care for it.

And the more luxury items and amenities in it, the more there is to go wrong.

For instance, the more slides you have, or the bigger slides you have, the more expense to repair them.

Also, what if you have an RV that has a lot of advanced technology in it?

Well, if a lot of things are controlled digitally in your RV, you may not be able to repair it yourself.

Instead, it may cost you to have someone who’s experienced and knowledgeable to make that repair.

So let me give you a few words of wisdom to remember here about RV costs.

And that is, generally speaking, usually the simpler and the smaller the RV is, the less costs you’re going to have to repair and maintain it.

The Costs Of Owning A Large RV

Now the most expensive RVs are often Class A diesel pushers like I own.

In fact, I made a video on that subject a little while back. And I showed how that I had made a projected budget for my repair costs.

However, I found that my projected budget was seriously low. It didn’t really match the actual RV costs that I encountered.

So I feel that it would be good for you view that video and see how that turned out. And you can view it by clicking here or on the image below.

The expenses associated with repairing and maintaining my personal Class A diesel pusher
The expenses associated with repairing and maintaining my personal Class A diesel pusher

Now the least expensive RVs cost-wise are usually small travel trailers. Ones with just the camping basics built into them.

Smaller travel trailers are usually the least expensive RV to own
Smaller travel trailers are usually the least expensive RV to own

So if RV costs could be a problem for your budget, decide what size RV will fit your budget. And maybe a smaller one will be best for you.

OK, now let’s talk a little bit about how to keep RV repair and maintenance costs down as much as possible.

The Best Way To Keep RV Repair Costs Low

And the number one thing you can do here is to learn how to repair most things on an RV yourself.

Now here’s the good news. Roughly 80% of things that go wrong on RVs can be fixed by the average owner with a little bit of knowledge.

And that kind of RV repair knowledge can often be found on YouTube these days.

If you do that, it can save you the big expensive hourly rates for labor that an RV facility is going to charge you on those repairs.

How You Can Prevent Many Large RV Repair Bills

Next up is to do your RV maintenance tasks on schedule. Don’t let them slide, or procrastinate them!

By doing that, you will help prevent many major RV problems that could be costly.

OK, let’s move on to number three on the list of ways to keep RV costs low.

How To Manage RV Costs With A Service Contract

And that is, if you want to manage your RV repair costs, you might consider getting a service contract for your RV.

This is also what some people refer to as an extended warranty. And that will help you cover the major repair costs that could come up.

Now personally, I think this makes most sense for those who own more complex and bigger RVs.

And that’s for the simple reason that they have more things to go wrong that could be expensive to repair.

So here I am going to recommend Wholesale Warranties as a good place to start.

I recommend Wholesale Warranties for RV service contracts
I recommend Wholesale Warranties for RV service contracts

And a good reason for that is they have a great reputation among the full-time RVing community.

A Word About Saving Money At RV Repair Facilities

But I also recommend that you choose a highly rated repair facility that’s nearby.

First of all, make sure you can trust them. Then establish a relationship and try to do your business with them exclusively.

Because that way they get to know you, and you get to know them well too. So it eventually becomes a working relationship.

And over the course of time, that kind of thing can lead to their saving you money on RV repairs and maintenance.

Conclusion

Well I hope these tips that I’ve given you will be helpful in managing your RV costs.

And I hope they will help you keep your repair and maintenance costs on your RV as low as possible.

Have safe and happy RV travels!

Azdel vs Luan – The Surprising Truth In This Controversy

This article is going to be talking about Azdel vs Luan in RV construction.

But first, I made a video about how RVs are made. And you can watch that video here.

That video helps to lay a basis or foundation for what we’re going to cover in this article.

That’s because it explained how that many RV manufacturers are using laminated wall building methods for their RVs these days.

Watch my video on Azdel vs Luan

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Azdel vs Luan – How Are RV Walls Made?

So let me show you what I mean by “laminated walls” in RVs. And as you can see in the following image, there’s a fiberglass panel on the outside of the RV.

An example of laminated RV walls
An example of laminated RV walls

Then it has a substrate behind it that gives it rigidity. After that, there’s the frame for the wall.

And in between the frame supports is insulation. Finally on the other side of the frame is the interior wall that you see inside the RV.

Now all of those layers are glued together first. And then the whole unit is run through a pinch roller or it’s vacuum bonded together.

So what comes out of that process is one big solid RV wall. There’s no sections to it.

What Is Luan Anyway?

Now for years, the substrate that supports the fiberglass outside panel has been made out of Luan.

So what is Luan anyway? Well, you’ve probably heard the term but just didn’t know what it actually meant.

And the explanation is that Luan is just simply an eighth to a quarter inch plywood board.

Azdel vs Luan - an example of luan plywood panels
An example of Luan plywood panels

It’s very strong but also very light. And therefore it’s a very good RV construction material that has been used for years.

However, it has one big drawback. And that is that if water gets into an RV’s wall, then Luan can begin to break apart.

In fact, it can delaminate away from that exterior wall altogether. And it can even rot inside the wall if the water intrusion goes on long enough.

Now how do you spot delamination on an RV? Well just go down to the end of an RV and look back at the sidewall.

An example of extreme delamination on an RV
An example of extreme delamination on an RV

If you see some blisters or areas where the fiberglass seems to poke out away from the wall, that’s delamination.

And that’s what we really want to avoid!

Azdel vs Luan – Using Azdel In RV Construction

Now since 2006 Azdel has begun to be used in the industry in many cases instead of Luan.

Especially on the RV’s outside walls to prevent delamination. Of course, Azdel started out being used just sparingly by RV manufacturers.

But it’s progressively being used by more and more manufacturers in the construction of RV walls.

And the question is, well then what is Azdel? The answer is that it is actually a composite sheet of material that’s man-made.

And it is impervious to water or humidity. In fact, you can take Azdel and just submerge it in water for months.

Azdel vs Luan - this is how Azdel is used in RV wall construction
This is how Azdel is used in RV wall construction

And if you did it would look just fine when it comes out of the water. That’s because it simply can’t rot!

So does that mean that Azdel solves all RV water intrusion issues then?

Azdel vs Luan – Does Azdel Resolve RV Water Leak Problems?

Well, I often see lots of comments on the internet from RV buyers that think that’s the case.

And so they refuse to buy any RV that has Luan in the RV’s walls. Because they feel that it’s vastly inferior.

And they are concerned that they’re setting themselves up for water problems if Luan is used in the RV walls.

In fact, they may like everything else about an RV. And the manufacturer may be very well known as a quality manufacturer.

But they’re still not going to buy that RV if it has Luan in the walls. So is that a reasonable stance to take?

Well, the reason for this controversy is that RV marketing people do a great job at marketing.

And marketing people want to make you see all the good things about something. But not necessarily any of the bad things.

Or they will tell you all the good things, but don’t give you the whole story. Or all the details about the other things that apply as well.

So if you listen to RV marketing people. it sounds like Azdel in RV walls is the perfect solution for RV water problems.

However let me make this point very clear. Azdel in exterior RV walls alone will not make your RV waterproof.

And it will not solve all of your water intrusion issues. Why is that?

How Extensive Is Azdel Being Used In RV Construction?

Because let’s just suppose that an RV has Azdel in the sidewalls. That sounds like water problems are solved for that RV, right?

Well, there is something that many RV buyers don’t know. And that is that the vast majority of RV builders still use a lot of wood elsewhere in the RV.

You can find it in the roof, the ceilings, the floors, and in the interior walls of the RV.

So if water gets in, it’s true that when it goes down the RV walls it may not delaminate that substrate from the fiberglass panel like Luan would.

But major damage will still happen in that RV wherever wood is being used.

You see, water doesn’t care if Azdel is in your RV or not. No, water just follows gravity and works it’s way down the inside of an RV.

And most RV leaks actually begin from the roof area. Secondly, followed by windows.

Azdel vs Luan – Delamination Is Not The Main Issue Here

Now suppose you have a water leak that starts to come in from the roof. And the water follows gravity from there.

Well first of all, it can and often does ruin the roof supports in the RV’s ceiling.

Then it can go down the sidewalls. And Azdel will probably help to prevent delamination there.

But then water continues on its way down and often ruins the floor as well as the RV’s interior walls.

So the real issue that we have here in RVs is not just delamination. No, the real issue here is water intrusion.

And the need for RV joint and seam maintenance and care on the part of RV owners.

Are The Marketing Claims Being Made Really Helpful?

Now this is nothing that RV marketing people are going to tell you. They’re not going to talk to you about maintaining your RV.

Or that even if the RV has Azdel in the sidewalls, you’ve got to watch the RV’s joints and seams. And keep them covered with the proper sealant.

Oh no, marketing people are not going to inform you of that. They are just going to try to sell Azdel as a water intrusion cure.

But here is the honest truth. There have been many thousands of very good RVs made in decades gone by using Luan and wood construction.

And many of them are still doing just fine. As long as the joints, the seams, and the windows are sealed with proper sealant.

So what if you plan on maintaining your RV? In other words, you’re going to buy an RV and not be one of those people who just doesn’t ever do anything to it.

Instead you’re going to actually try to maintain it and stay up with joint and seam maintenance.

Maintain your RV joints and seams to combat water intrusion
Maintain your RV joints and seams to combat water intrusion

Well if that’s the case, then Luan will work just fine in your RV’s side walls. Or anywhere else in the RV. It’ll be just fine!

What Happens When You Don’t Maintain Your RV’s Joints And Seams

But now what if you don’t plan on maintaining your RV? You’re just going to go on camping trips and run around with it? And that’s the end of your involvement with that RV?

Well then, you could have a lot worse problems than just delamination.

Remember how water follows gravity? So you could be replacing roof substrates.

Azdel vs Luan - Water damage on an RV's ceiling
Water damage on an RV’s ceiling

Or you could be replacing flooring or interior walls even if your RV has Azdel in the outer walls.

And all of that is very expensive! Yes your exterior walls could still be laminated just fine due to Azdel.

But all of this other damage can be taking place inside your RV because of water intrusion.

And those things can happen if you are not going to care for the joints and the seams of your RV.

Azdel vs Luan – Am I A Believer In Azdel Or Not?

Now let me say this for all of the Azdel fans out there. I personally believe in Azdel. I am a supporter of the use of Azdel in RV walls.

Yes, I want to see more products like Azdel being used throughout RVs. In the roof, the flooring, and the RV’s interior walls too.

In other words, more inorganic products being used in RV construction can only be a good thing.

However, what about choosing an RV these days solely on whether it has Azdel in the side walls?

Well, it doesn’t match the reality of what is needed to fully combat RV water leaks and damage.

Conclusion

So don’t just buy into the advertising ploys of RV marketing people.

Instead, commit to maintaining your RV. Commit to doing the work that needs to be done to keep water out of your RV.

If you do, your RV will last for years. And it’ll give you great service during the time that you own it.

Whether it has Azdel or Luan in the side walls or not!

Have safe and happy RV travels!

The Top 10 RV Tools That Are Must-Haves For Every RVer

All experienced RV travelers know that having the right RV tools on hand is essential. That’s because RVs constantly need minor repairs.

It’s not hard to understand why when you realize that an RV is a home that is driven down the road. And that means that it’s being shaken and jostled as it goes.

So RVs are subjected to stresses that stationary homes never experience.

That means that screws and bolts often get loose. And sometimes things break. But if you have the right basic tools on hand, you can handle most of these repairs yourself.

So this article is about the kind of tools every RVer should have readily at hand for minor repairs. Let’s get started on the top ten list of RV tools that will be needed.

(Watch my video on this subject by clicking on the image above)

Disclosure: Please note this post may contain affiliate links. This means โ€“ at no additional cost to you โ€“ I earn a commission if you make a purchase using our affiliate links. I only link to products and companies I use and feel comfortable recommending. The income goes toward supporting the free content on this website

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#1 – Cordless Drill/Driver

There are lots of screws that are used in the construction of an RV. In fact, that is the one fastener that you will most likely encounter in any repair project.

Of course, you can choose the more labor intensive way and just use a set of screwdrivers if you wish. But having a good cordless drill/driver will make your life so much easier.

And you could just choose a corded one instead. But my experience has been that although it works just fine, it’s more of a hassle to use.

That cord is always getting in the way it seems. And usually it happens at the worst times. So not having to think about managing an electrical cord as you work is great.

It may seem obvious, but don’t forget that you will also need a good assortment of drill and driver bits. The drill/driver is no real help unless it has the bits that go with it.

And finally, there is no need to overbuy this kind of tool. Expensive drill/driver sets are mainly for heavy duty use by professionals. So getting a lower cost quality unit will be just fine for your needs on minor RV repairs.

Cordless drill/driver I recommend

RV tools #2 – Drill/Driver hand tool

You may be wondering why I also recommend having a manual drill/driver after singing the praises of a powered one in the section above.

The main reason it’s a good idea to have one of these tools is to avoid over-tightening screws and fasteners. One of the last things you want to do is strip out a hole where the fastener goes.

And powered drill/drivers can do this very quickly if you aren’t careful.

So I often use the cordless drill/driver to screw in the fastener most of the way. Then I use the hand tool to finish it off.

That’s because you can feel when the fastener is getting tight by hand and then stop. But the powered tool can easily go too far before you know it.

Multi-use hand drill/driver I recommend

#3 – Claw Hammer

Almost any construction or repair project can benefit from having a hammer handy.

And one of the most versatile hammers available is the good old-fashioned claw hammer.

The hammer part of the head is useful for nailing things as well as taking things apart in demolition. It also can be useful for driving stakes in the ground.

The claw part of the hammer is great for removing things that are fastened down.

All in all, it’s a really useful and versatile tool that any RVer should have on hand.

Claw hammer I recommend

#4 – Utility Knife

There are all sorts of minor repairs and projects around an RV that can benefit from using a utility knife.

And there are several kinds of utility knives to be had. But I personally recommend using one that has snap-off blades.

I find that it works well for almost any project around the RV and allows you to have a sharp blade all the time.

Utility knife with snap-off blades I recommend

RV tools #5 – Multi-Tester

If you have any kind of electrical problem or issue on your RV, you will be glad to have an electrical multi-tester to use on it.

A multi-tester is one of the RV tools that proves it’s value over and over again.

It’s not uncommon to have electrical circuit issues on RVs. And diagnosing that kind of problem to find the source can be problematic.

But it’s almost impossible to diagnose these kind of issues without the help of a good electrical multi-tester.

Again, there is no need for a really expensive model if you aren’t a repair expert. And a good, useful multi-tester can often be had for under $75.

Electrical multi-tester I recommend

#6 – Gorilla Tape

Of all the RV tools that you really should have on hand, gorilla tape or duct tape whould be high on the list.

This stuff is so useful for so many kinds of projects around the RV, it’s hard to list them all. In fact, you may find yourself using it more than almost anything else to solve some RV issues.

Even if the RV repair is a temporary one, it usually buys you enough time to arrange for a more permanent repair later on.

So be sure to have a couple of rolls of this kind of tape in your RV tool bag.

Gorilla tape I recommend

Duct tape I recommend

RV Tools #7 – Tape Measure

It seems that I am constantly using a tape measure to find out how much room I have in the RV for something I need.

In fact, a tape measure is useful in almost any project or repair you encounter on an RV.

And it’s a good idea to have them in different sizes. I often keep a smaller 10 foot tape measure inside the RV.

Then for larger projects I have a 25 foot and a 50 foot tape measure in my RV tool bag as well.

25 foot tape measure I recommend

#8 – LED Flashlight

RVs are filled with small, dark places that are hard to see into easily.

So having a good LED flashlight that is small and yet powerful is one of your most valuable RV tools.

I also have different kinds of flashlights too, and I keep them in various places throughout the RV.

That’s because it’s important to have one handy for all sorts of things you do in the RV.

Some of my flashlights have a normal shape, but some are also flat or can be hung up as you use it. Just make sure that one is readily available when you need it.

LED flashlight I recommend

#9 – Ladder

Getting up to the top of an RV is going to be vital. So a good ladder is one of your most valuable RV tools.

Here again, I have more than one kind of ladder for my own use.

I have a very small single step ladder that comes in handy when getting to something just outside my reach.

Then I have a 6 foot step ladder that allows me to access almost any area on the sides of my motorhome.

And then I have a foldable ladder that can be converted from a step ladder into a straight ladder. And it is long enough that I can even use it to get on the roof of my RV if needed.

The key to buying a ladder for use around an RV is to get one that is as light as possible. Usually this means either a fiberglass or aluminum ladder.

Aluminum ladder I recommend

RV Tools #10 – Socket and Wrench Set

Just as there are all kinds of screws used as fasteners around an RV, you will also encounter lots of bolts and nuts too.

This means that you must have a good socket and wrench set to handle these kind of fasteners.

These days it is a good idea to have both SAE and metric sockets and wrenches to be sure that you have the right tool on hand.

Of course, then you need to choose the size of the socket set too. The main choices are 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 inch drive sets.

1/4 inch drive sockets can work for many small RV projects. But if you want a good overall size, 3/8 inch sets are probably the most useful for RV projects.

And 1/2 inch drive is usually too bulky for most standard repairs on an RV.

I know that a lot of RVers just grab an adjustable wrench when they encounter a nut or bolt. But an adjustable wrench can easily round off the heads of the nuts if you aren’t very careful.

So it’s better to take the time to find the correct size socket or wrench and do the job right.

Socket and combination wrench set I recommend

(These are affiliate links for the product on Amazon. It does not cost you any extra to buy the product using my affiliate link if you choose to do so)

Conclusion

The list of RV tools that I just provided in this article is by no means an exhaustive list.

But it is the list of tools that I find myself using more often than most other tools.

So if you feel that you want to try to handle most small and minor RV repair projects on your rig, this list is a good place to start.

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