I am wondering with all the knowledge flowing here from folks who have owned motorhomes for many years if you can tell me which parts usually malfunction first? Aside from tires...Given: 1. we always make sure the refrigerator is level when parked.2. We check the seals on roof and everywhere where water can infiltrate several times per year (aiming for 3 - 4).3. We keep it maintained and use it well:)Our motorhome is a 2006 25 Jayco Escapade...just tire replacement so far...so what is going to give up first?Donna

I'd have to say 'day-night' shades are the first thing to fail.

We are on year three with our 2003 Executive -Replaced the Alternator.Replaced the electronic control box for my AquaHotReplaced the tension spring in the LR slide topper Had the built-in water pressure regulator removed after it failed, which gave us MUCH better water flow in the coach, along with a good WATTS regulator.Have had the entry door adjusted. A few Bin doors adjusted. All were getting difficult to open.The Cruise Control needed attention as it would not turn on. Adjustment to the clock-spring in the smart wheel fixed that.Puppy scratched the heck out of the tinting on one LR window, which we will likely address this coming season.I voluntarily changed all the lighting to LED's so I will probably never have to replace another bulb.That's it for us!

I 2nd water pump. Oh.. and the city water inlet valve.

The slide toppers take such a beating along with the factory shocks!!

What rv parts usually go first? | Good Sam Community

31 Replies

dcason
Explorer
Feb 15, 2014
I think the thing we will carry as a spare part would be the water pump. If we are out in the boonies we could change that out and not have to resort to going somewhere (probably not close) or pulling water out of the tank from down below. Probably most other things could wait at least a few days without too much suffering.

That refrigerator I am going to take really good care of!
Jim_Shoe
Explorer
Feb 15, 2014
Oops. double post.
Jim_Shoe
Explorer
Feb 15, 2014
Go to your local RV parts store. Walk the aisles, noting what's out of stock. That will be what breaks first.
CavemanCharlie
Explorer III
Feb 15, 2014
I have a older Travel Trailer , I've had several of them over the years. On them the first thing that seems to start to go is the entry door. There built cheaply and after enough years of flying open in the wind and hitting the side of the trailer they start to fall apart. I've never had one yet that I didn't have to reinforce.
Veebyes
Explorer II
Feb 15, 2014
bdpreece wrote:
The most expensive ones!

True. 4 door Dometic fridge last fall. Near $5K installed. OUCH!
bdpreece
Explorer II
Feb 15, 2014
The most expensive ones!
mosseater
Explorer II
Feb 15, 2014
In our case so far:
decals
caulking
tires
plastic and rubber seals
last year, I tightened up the dinette joints,
also, the awning is showing signs of rot and had a small roof leak at the front/side lap joints.
We're on year six and so far, things are holding up pretty well. Better knock wood, eh? Seems like I'm always waiting for the other shoe to drop.

My upcoming guesses for repair are:
Slide seal
slide power unit
water pump
battery
misc. electrical
more roof leaks
supspension work
brake work
Veebyes
Explorer II
Feb 15, 2014
The front goes first. Usually followed by the back.
tatest
Explorer II
Feb 15, 2014
My experience:

1) Wiper blades (2 years at most, UV can take them out in 6 months).
2) Awning fabrics, particularly if you brush against tree limbs.
3) Strings in day-night shades (someone who doesn't know how they work can break the strings the first time they touch them).
4) Batteries, life is 3-5 years
5) Tires (if working on 5-7 year replacement).
DutchmenSport
Explorer
Feb 15, 2014
Those little rubber caps that cover the Satellite or Cable coax connection, those rubber covers that covers the city-inlet hose hook-up, those little rubber covers that cover the black tank flusher. I have a constant supply of replacements for these.... and if you have a traditional travel trailer with the traditional 4 inch tublar bumper where you can carry you stinky-snake, you'll loose those rubber-plastic end-caps. I use small bungie cords now to keep them on.