Forum Discussion
SpinRite
Sep 20, 2013Explorer
Welcome, Leah,
I know this has been a disheartening beginning for your family.
Keep in mind that your RV is just a truck carrying a house around on its back. If the truck portion needs repair, you will likely be better off dealing with a truck repair place or an independent mechanic who is familiar with your year and brand of truck, rather than the RV place (which is more familiar with the 'house' portion.)
Try looking in your local CraigsList or Yelp! to find the right mechanic or truck service shop.
Also, there has been a bit of confusion over the terms "starting" and "turning over." These simple words each carry a large amount of diagnostic information and reversing their usage causes a lot of consternation in the listener.
When you turn the ignition key to 'start,' the electrical starter motor engages and begins turning the gasoline engine; this is called "cranking" or "turning over." If this works OK, it means that the battery and starter circuitry is functioning.
The main motor may "try to start" or "kick" or "fire" but still not "catch" or turn on its own without the starter. This also gives the mechanic a lot of info.
Finally, when the engine does "run," the starter is no longer needed and is released. Even if its not running properly yet, the possible causes of the problem has been greatly reduced.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery for your rig.
I know this has been a disheartening beginning for your family.
Keep in mind that your RV is just a truck carrying a house around on its back. If the truck portion needs repair, you will likely be better off dealing with a truck repair place or an independent mechanic who is familiar with your year and brand of truck, rather than the RV place (which is more familiar with the 'house' portion.)
Try looking in your local CraigsList or Yelp! to find the right mechanic or truck service shop.
Also, there has been a bit of confusion over the terms "starting" and "turning over." These simple words each carry a large amount of diagnostic information and reversing their usage causes a lot of consternation in the listener.
When you turn the ignition key to 'start,' the electrical starter motor engages and begins turning the gasoline engine; this is called "cranking" or "turning over." If this works OK, it means that the battery and starter circuitry is functioning.
The main motor may "try to start" or "kick" or "fire" but still not "catch" or turn on its own without the starter. This also gives the mechanic a lot of info.
Finally, when the engine does "run," the starter is no longer needed and is released. Even if its not running properly yet, the possible causes of the problem has been greatly reduced.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery for your rig.
About Motorhome Group
38,762 PostsLatest Activity: Nov 29, 2025