The worst part of owning an RV is when mechanical problems unexpectedly arise. Anyone who has owned a camper knows exactly what I’m talking about: the slide that won’t go in or out, the air conditioner that stops working on the hottest day of the year, the tank valve that won’t open, the weird noise coming from your converter just before the power shuts off.
It’s disappointing enough to have to spend part of your vacation at the nearest RV repair shop, but what happens when you’re in the middle of a national forest and there are no RV supply stores nearby? What if your RV is also your house and while it’s in the shop, your only option is to pay for an expensive motel?
Fortunately, there is another option: you can call a mobile RV repair technician who will travel to you and fix your RV on the spot at your location.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to reliably find mobile RV technicians, how to know if they’re qualified, and how the process works so you can prepare for your next emergency RV repair.
What are your options when you need RV repair?
When you need help with your RV, these are your options:
- Call roadside assistance. This is a good option when you’re broken down on the side of the road. The dispatch company will send someone to tow your RV to a repair shop or back to your campsite, but you’ll still need to find someone to complete the repair.
- Call the manufacturer. If your RV is still under warranty, the manufacturer may be able to find someone to fix your RV. However, they may be unable to find someone nearby and will require you to travel somewhere for the repair.
- Use Google to search for RV repair shops in the area. If you can find a nearby shop with immediate availability that offers mobile services, great! However, it’s not uncommon for RV repair shops to be booked out for several days or even weeks.
- Use RV Help to find a mobile RV tech near you. RVHelp.com is a free platform where you can find certified mobile RV repair technicians in your area who might not show up on Google because they travel full-time and don’t have a physical shop. Using RV Help, you can find a mechanic who will travel to you and work on your camper at your location.
- Fix Your RV Yourself. As a last resort, you can attempt to repair your RV yourself. If you choose this option, RV Help can also put you in touch with mobile RV mechanics who offer virtual services and can help you correctly diagnose the problem to get you started.
Addressing Common Concerns About Using a Mobile RV Mechanic
If you’ve never used a mobile RV mechanic before, here are some questions you may be wondering about:
Will an RV mobile mechanic actually be able to fix my RV on site, without access to a full garage?
In most cases, yes. Certified mobile RV mechanics are trained to address a wide variety of RV issues and carry the tools needed to do so. If a part needs to be ordered, they will most likely need to schedule a second visit. If a repair does require a visit to a garage, the mobile mechanic will let you know up front.
How do I know I can trust that they know what they’re doing?
Even though they’re mobile, certified RV mechanics run legitimate businesses. You can ask to see a copy of their insurance and read reviews on Google and the RV Help website. Additionally, you can ask for evidence of their certification by the RVTAA (RV Technician Association of America), RVTI (RV Technical Institute), or NRVTA (National RV Training Academy).
Do mobile RV techs offer after-hours emergency service?
Many mobile RV technicians do offer emergency service, though it may be at a different rate than their normal working hours.
Will an RV warranty cover repairs done by a mobile technician?
In most cases, yes. Just be sure to call your warranty provider and have them give approval after you receive the diagnosis, but before you agree to the repair. It’s also a good idea to ask the mobile mechanic directly whether they are able to work with warranty providers because they will likely be able to tell you.
How to Prepare for a Visit from a Mobile RV Repair Technician
If you’re stuck on the side of the road, there won’t be much you can do to prepare, but if you’re at your home or campsite, here are some things you can do to help the visit go smoothly:
- Plug in your RV or turn on the generator so the RV technician can access electricity.
- Hook up your RV to water if the repair involves the plumbing system, but leave it turned off if there is a chance of leaking or damaging the RV.
- If your RV has slides, put them out if the repair tech will need to work inside the RV.
- Gather any relevant instruction manuals, maintenance records, and receipts so they’ll be handy.
- Clean up toys and move lawn chairs if needed to make sure the mobile RV mechanic has a clear path to the areas that need work.
- If the issue only happens intermittently, take a video that you can show the mobile technician if needed.
Conclusion
When RV problems arise, having a mobile repair technician come to you can save time, money, and stress.
You can use websites like RVHelp.com to make it easier than ever to find certified mobile technicians so you don't have to let mechanical issues derail your travel plans or spend money on a hotel. By understanding your options, knowing what questions to ask, and being prepared for the repair visit, you’ll be able to confidently handle unexpected RV issues no matter where your adventures take you.
