Forum Discussion

Bayley's avatar
Bayley
Explorer
Feb 08, 2015

DIY RV Repair and Maintenance

I'd like to become more efficient at repairing and maintaining my 5th wheel myself. Does anyone have any experience with Bob Livingston's RV repair manual? Is it worth the money?
Thanks for any feed back.
  • Although I have seen and used this book, there have been a lot of changes in the past few years, and unless he has major updated it in the last few years, I would like to see more recent information. However for DIY stuff, most of the general concepts haven't changed, so it is really good to give you an overview of systems. Just don't be suprised to how much things have changed over the years.

    If I were a few years younger, I think one of the RV Tech training schools would be a great idea. A good well-trained RV tech that doesn't mind working should be able to do well in this day and time.
  • Doing your own repairs and maintenance and leaning the proper driving techniques are a must. If you do not have a mechanical background, I would highly recommend a reputable RV maintenance course as well as a modified CDL course.
  • Well I am fairly handy and can fix most things.I have learned to look on one of the forums or do a search on youtube.I don,t think you can come up with something that hasn't been broken,bent or tore up on a camper that hasn't been discussed on here or any of the other RV forums.
  • I won his book. I thought it was a lot of help for me when I had a problem
  • I have the book you're referring to. I really love Bob Livingston and his editorials in Motorhome mag but the book seems very general in nature. I bought it when I just started rv'ing about 20 years ago. Since then I've gained most of my experience and knowledge from doing simple rv maint tasks and asking questions online. I subscribe to tons of info online as well- much of it very enlightening. You'll never stop learning- that's for sure. One thing I have not done is take an actual rv repair course...as two of you have mentioned- it would be a great thing I think. Have fun in your rv learning!
  • With youtube there has become lots of videos showing exactly ow to do various things to your RV. I personally benefited from one on repairing my furnace and installing a new awning fabric. Both videos where specific to my model.
    Both ALLSEASONS RV REPAIR AND BRYANT RV repAIR have great things on the net

    ALSEASONS IS AT https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNHdv2yCCHw2hUXqHknkuXw
  • one very important note. take pic,s before you tear it apart. and mark the wires.
  • midnightsadie wrote:
    one very important note. take pic,s before you tear it apart. and mark the wires.


    can't agree more