RVing with no mechanical capability
I have seen a lot of people suggest that one should not purchase an RV if one is not at least somewhat handy mechanically. Well, I am not handy mechanically at all and I'm also an old guy who cannot b...
Forum Discussion
JimK-NY wrote:
Mechanical ability is not some sort of genetic attribute. Most of us learn how to do things the same way we learn other things. We have someone show us, or we spend time reading and learning on our own. If you are not willing to do that, you can count on spending a lot of money fixing simple repair and maintenance issues.
When my hot water heater stopped working, I googled and found common explanations and fixes. I tried cleaning the sensor which sort of worked. Then for $15 the next time it failed I replaced the sensor and fixed the issue.
On my last trip, the door latch broke and I was trapped inside. I got out a screwdriver and removed the latch. I was lucky. There was an RV parts place literally within one mile. With the help of the clerk, I bought the correct replacement and installed it within 5 minutes using all of 4 screws.
When my solar controller stopped working, I went to the nearest Camping World. I should have bought a new unit and put it in myself. Instead I had the technician install it. He screwed up and hooked up the wrong wires. The new unit fried and I had to stay another day while they sorted out their mistake.
If you are willing to apply a little effort, you can perform most repairs and maintenance requirements. If not, I have no idea what you expect to hear from others but you can count on spending more money and having to be at the mercy of wait times and incompetence at the RV repair centers.
I fear that I am just too old and not physically able to do most general repairs and maintenance. Also, when I do attempt to do minor fixes I usually do not do them completely correctly which ends up hiring a handyman anyway. As stated, I do have the funds to hire a mobile tech or even my personal handyman to handle the small to medium stuff. My cash reserves can even handle things like new AC, new refrigerator, new generator, tires, etc. Don't know if it can handle a new transmission, engine, extensive water damage, and similar. Those are the only things I'm a little nervous about. However, I would imagine most rv people never have to do that type of maintenance. A comprehensive roadside assistance plan should protect us when we are on the road so at least we have towing, motel, food, and car rental while our unit is being repaired.
