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Old 09-10-2019, 03:52 PM   #1
scottkeen
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Does everything on a RV break?

I would just like to confirm, does everything on a RV have to break?


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Old 09-10-2019, 04:36 PM   #2
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Eventually
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Old 09-10-2019, 04:43 PM   #3
scottkeen
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That's what I thought.

In the 1.5 years I've owned this 2011 RV:

* Toilet valve broke
* Refrigerator quit working on AC power
* Water hookup wall was leaking
* Circuit breaker panel clasp broke
* Light fixture wall sconce broke while traveling
* ...probably forgetting something...

I'm sure you all have your own list, and it's ongoing
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Old 09-10-2019, 04:47 PM   #4
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Ditto:
Toilet valve (on new 320 toilet)
Water hookup leak (Use quick connect garden hose connections now)
Wall sconce broke after 10 miles of washboard/pothole road in Canada (use JB Weld to fix)
...probably forgetting something also
oh yeah, the bottom hinge on the Norcold refer, required a new door.

p.s. just replaced the turbo actuator on the RAM today...so it goes.
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Old 09-10-2019, 04:48 PM   #5
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I hate to say it but it sounds like you have had a lot less problems than others. I hope all or most were repaired under warranty with little loss of time to you. I am a strong believer in that if you can't do most of your own work you should probably not own an RV. I guess if you have lots of money for repairs that would be the exception. Good luck in the future with the unit!!
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Old 09-10-2019, 05:50 PM   #6
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Unfortunately, these things take a beating on the road. Fortunately most things are fairly easy fixes with parts from Lowes or Home Depot. Don't get me started on my boat!
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Old 09-10-2019, 06:42 PM   #7
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To give yourself an idea of what its like to be an RV, have someone else drive you down the road a few miles with you in the fifth wheel (choose a semi rough road) and you will realize that they are rolling earthquakes. Its no wonder they survive one trip let alone 100,s or 1000,s of trips down the road.
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Old 09-10-2019, 10:04 PM   #8
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I have owned my trailer for 6 years with only one plumbing fitting that cracked. Just returned from 10k mile trip to the East coast and back. On this trip I had 1 flat tire while at a CG. I think the older trailers were built better.
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Old 09-10-2019, 10:21 PM   #9
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I had the glass in the front door slide down in the frame. I fixed it with some sticky tape stuff.

Water inlet wouldn't work
those plastic things that are supposed to keep the mirror doors closed

Shower drain wouldn't stop leaking no matter what I did. Had to cut the old one out in little pieces and replace with a new one. That was not fun.

bent one stabilizer don't ask me how.

its the pleasure of owning a RV. so far I love the experience boo boo's and all
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Old 09-11-2019, 05:04 AM   #10
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yes. that is where duct tape comes in......
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Old 09-11-2019, 05:41 AM   #11
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Folks we tend to forget from time to time that we all had tools in the stick house for a reason. Water leaks under the sink, toilets that don't shut off etc. Now think about what would have needed fixing if you had a 6.0 earthquake every week or so.
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Old 09-11-2019, 05:51 AM   #12
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At some point in time --- YES. In some ways an RV is like a boat-- a hole in the water you throw money into. Except for us it's a box on wheels .
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Old 09-11-2019, 07:00 AM   #13
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YES!! Your 2011 RV has been subjected to many miles of Cat 1 thru 5 earthquakes, depending on the road. Additionally, if you are on US 1 on the northern Maine coast, that RV seems to be being hauled on square wheels plus Cat 5 we found yesterday.
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Old 09-11-2019, 07:15 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by h2ojocky View Post
I have owned my trailer for 6 years with only one plumbing fitting that cracked. Just returned from 10k mile trip to the East coast and back. On this trip I had 1 flat tire while at a CG. I think the older trailers were built better.
You are right, my first two Montana rigs were far better quality, the third was not quite as good, and my current one is clearly last in terms of quality. Having said that, it has been a really good rig once I worked thru the issues.
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Old 09-11-2019, 07:50 AM   #15
scottkeen
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Quote:
Originally Posted by prndl View Post
Ditto:
Toilet valve (on new 320 toilet)
Water hookup leak (Use quick connect garden hose connections now)
Wall sconce broke after 10 miles of washboard/pothole road in Canada (use JB Weld to fix)
...probably forgetting something also
oh yeah, the bottom hinge on the Norcold refer, required a new door.

p.s. just replaced the turbo actuator on the RAM today...so it goes.

Oh, that's hilarious -- not the breakage, but the exact similarities to my breakages. Even the wall sconce.
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Old 09-11-2019, 07:57 AM   #16
scottkeen
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dmcgrew View Post
I hate to say it but it sounds like you have had a lot less problems than others. I hope all or most were repaired under warranty with little loss of time to you. I am a strong believer in that if you can't do most of your own work you should probably not own an RV. I guess if you have lots of money for repairs that would be the exception. Good luck in the future with the unit!!

I'm fairly handy and have done all my installs and repairs myself -- the most recent install of a washer/dryer was the most modification I've done to my RV to date. I had to cut out the back of the laundry closet to get it to fit and then cutting the 4" hole in the side of the RV for the dryer duct vent was one of those "can't go back now" moments.



I've learned to keep all my tools in chests in my truck, whether I'm towing my RV or not, but especially if I'm out with the RV. I've also learned to switch just about every power tool from corded to cordless.
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Old 09-11-2019, 07:58 AM   #17
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Yeah, always something. Seems like I'm alway fixing something in my S&B house. I'd hate to think what else I'd have to repair if I bounced it down the road a while.

These trailers actually hold up surprisingly well considering the abuse they take. Clearly, some are built better than others and hold up better than others. But still, they all take a pretty good beating...especially on some of the roads we travel.

It helps to be handy and have plenty of tools.
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Old 09-11-2019, 08:06 AM   #18
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IMHO, if you no not have the tools and at least some handy skills. you are going to be in a world of hurt owning any RV. If you no not possess those 2 items, you better have DEEP pockets, cause sooner or later someone is going to be reaching into them. LOL
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Old 09-11-2019, 08:15 AM   #19
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I'm sure my list will grow, but I'm keeping duplicates of many RV parts in the RV:
  • Dometic toilet valve (tip: Don't buy the non-Dometic knock-offs, I bought 2 and they both leaked)
  • Hot water heater anode rod
  • Hot water heater electric heating element
  • Hot water heater electric on/off switch (replaced this already)
  • Water pump and connection hoses
  • Sewer hose, water hoses, water pressure adapters, etc
I also have backups of certain appliances in case the primary appliance fails:
  • Big Buddy propane heater in case the RV furnace fails
  • Electric oil-filled radiator heater in case the Big Buddy fails or I'm out of propane. Plus I'd rather use the CS electricity instead of my propane
  • Electric fans in case the RV air-conditioner fails
  • Induction cooktop in case the RV propane stove fails. Plus I'd rather use the CS electricity instead of my propane
  • Portable 100W solar panels and charger so I can charge my RV house battery in case the RV converter fails
  • ...and (drumroll...) 5-gallon bucket in case the RV toilet fails
I plan to get a 2nd air-conditioner (the bedroom is pre-wired for 2nd A/C) not because I need it, but in case the main RV air-conditioner fails. I'm actually considering a portable air-conditioner instead that vents out a window, just so I can wheel it around to use where it's needed.

Also plan to get a dual-fuel (gasoline/propane) inverter generator. Looking at the Champion 3500W Dual Fuel.

Love the RV. But I don't trust it 100%, so I've learned to have spare parts and backup systems, and keep my tools with me.
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Old 09-11-2019, 08:31 AM   #20
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This is our second Montana and yes things break. We are long timers do many ,many miles a year over our excellent road systems. We do not have a lot of money for repairs but we did have enough for a good extended service contract which has taken care of major issues . We repair what we can on our own. IMO this 13 3402 is better constructed than our 06 3400 was.
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