How Do You Get RV Repairs While Living Full-Time in an RV?

Have you ever felt like your part-time job was being the middleman between your RV dealership and the manufacturer?

The dealership says they’re waiting on the manufacturer. The manufacturer says they’re waiting on the dealership. And somehow you’re the one making all the calls.

It’s a game of telephone, except you’re still making payments on the thing everyone’s talking about.

When we first hit the road in 2021, we didn’t know any better. We thought this was just how RV repairs worked.

Now we know there are better ways to get help—and how we found one still makes me laugh.

After five and a half years on the road, we’ve had plenty of repairs. This summer, though, was the first time a repair displaced our family for such a lengthy stretch.

Ironically, it was another slide issue- this time in our Brinkley.

There were adjustments, more waiting, and eventually approval to replace the slide mechanism. Bish’s helped coordinate the process and loaned us a Super C with bunks during part of that time.

We were incredibly thankful.

But even with help, moving out of your RV is a lot when it’s your home.

You still have to work. The kids still have school. Everybody still expects dinner. Apparently, laundry doesn’t take a break just because your slide does.

So how do you handle RV repairs while living full-time on the road?

Here’s what we’d want another family to know.

Before you pack up and head to a service center, ask what can be figured out where you are.

Could a qualified technician troubleshoot the problem over a video call? Could a mobile technician come to you? Does the RV need to go into the shop?

Tell them you live in it full-time, where you’re located, and what your travel plans are. Send photos or videos that show the problem.

Then ask whether it’s safe to keep using or towing it.

Having someone help us remotely has made a big difference. It won’t solve every problem, but it’s worth finding out what’s possible before moving your entire home.

Our Keystone door repair taught us this the hard way: “We’re waiting on the manufacturer” isn’t much of an update when you later find out the manufacturer doesn’t have the request.

Get specific before rearranging your life:

Has the repair been approved, and are the parts actually there?

Does the shop need your RV now, or can you safely keep living in it until they’re ready?

How long should the work take, and who will keep you updated?

Will it stay plugged in, and can you access your belongings?

Then figure out where your family will stay. Ask about a loaner, but have a backup. Check any insurance coverage and get promises to cover accommodations in writing.

Look beyond the nightly rate, too. Eating out, laundry, pet fees—it adds up fast.

And remember, you’re moving your everyday life: school laptops, work equipment, clothes, and possibly half your kitchen. Find out what your temporary place already has before packing yours.

Apparently, everybody still expects dinner when your house is in the shop. Keep it simple and give yourself some grace.

Before buying, ask who you’ll call when something breaks—even several states away.

We’ve especially appreciated the Brinkley concierge service through Bish’s RV gives you a direct contact who helps coordinate between the dealership and Brinkley so you’re not chasing both sides.

Considering a Brinkley? We have exclusive pricing through Bish’s RV. Visit our Buying an RV page to learn more.

Want to try RVFix yourself? New members can get a one-year membership for just $10 through our exclusive offer. Click here and enter CODE: APeeples

It gives you access to virtual RV technicians who help troubleshoot and figure out your next steps; parts and repairs may cost extra.