What To Do When Your RV Breaks Down

A motorhome parked on the side of the road as its driver changes a flat rear tire.

If you spend extended periods of time on the road in your RV, sooner or later, you’ll face some obstacles. From finding dump stations to securing a campsite for the night, life on the road demands constant adaptability. That adaptability becomes even more important when your RV breaks down.

Breakdowns can be frustrating and stressful, but the right mindset and strong RV emergency preparedness can keep a breakdown from derailing your trip. They may even turn the experience into an opportunity. The following RV travel tips will prepare you for any eventuality when your RV breaks down.

Stay Calm & Stay Safe

If you notice signs that your RV is breaking down, stay calm. Pull over to a safe location to avoid creating additional danger for yourself and others on the road. Once safely off the road, ensure your passengers and any pets are secure, then set out any hazard lights, cones, or flares you may have for visibility.

Be Prepared Before Trouble Strikes

Not everyone is prepared for what to do when their RV breaks down, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Keeping essential paperwork, a first-aid kit, and RV repair tools and supplies on hand can make your life much easier.

Insurance and roadside assistance information - Having easy access to this is one of the simplest ways to ensure peace of mind during a breakdown; plenty of providers offer towing services, roadside assistance, and even helpful RV repair tips
A tool kit and spare parts for common mechanical issues - Spare parts, including a spare tire kit, can help you quickly get back on the road
First aid kit, water, and food - Getting back on the road is likely your top priority, but it’s wise to be prepared for delays, as breakdowns don’t always occur in convenient locations; having backup power for your phone is also wise
Maintenance log - A detailed, up-to-date record of all maintenance performed on your RV can make it easier to narrow down likely causes of mechanical trouble and respond quickly and confidently

A motorhome parked in a lot near a beach with its hood propped open.

Troubleshooting & DIY Fixes

It’s unlikely you’ll face a problem that someone else hasn’t faced before. Many of these problems are easy to fix on your own and may be the difference between reaching your destination and being stranded.

Blown fuses - Turn off power to the fuse box and isolate your battery by switching it off or removing the leads, then use a multimeter to determine whether a fuse is blown; having spare fuses on hand for critical systems makes replacing one that has failed a simple matter
Minor electrical issues - Short circuits often stem from external factors or aging components; short circuits can be fixed by reducing the power load, inspecting the connections, and keeping spare fuses handy
Battery problems - Batteries have a limited lifespan, and in some cases, their connections may need to be cleaned; your RV toolkit should include a battery terminal/post cleaner or an old toothbrush to clear away corrosion before reconnecting power leads
Flat tires- While slightly more involved than changing a car tire, the process of changing an RV tire is nearly the same; break the lug nuts before jacking up the flat, use a bottle jack to lift the trailer, remove the flat, mount the spare, tighten the lugs, lower the RV slowly, and torque the lug nuts to the proper level according to your RV’s manual

Worried about having the right tools? Fortunately, there are plenty of options. Many hardware stores and auto parts shops offer tool loan programs. Some RV services can deliver replacement parts directly to your location. Diagnosing issues on a large RV can be difficult, but referring to your maintenance log and inspecting the RV section by section can be extremely helpful.

Finding Help When You Need A Repair Shop

If your RV problems aren’t easily solved on your own, it’s probably best to call a professional or have it towed to an auto shop, as the last thing you want is to worsen a mechanical issue through inexperience.

Finding an auto shop wherever you are can be intimidating, especially if you’re not familiar with the area. Today, there are apps for everything, including RV maintenance. An RV is an investment like any other vehicle, and tracking its condition is essential to protect its value. You can do this with websites and apps such as:

RV Life Maintenance - For $65 per year, the RV Life Maintenance tracker lets you log repairs and costs, as well as reminding you of upcoming maintenance so you’re never caught off guard
RV Help - Available in both standard and Pro versions ($99 or $199 annually), this app provides access to mobile RVTAA-certified technicians who can assist you at your campsite, along with virtual remote tech support for immediate help
Coach-Net - For $179 per year, this app offers 24/7 all-inclusive roadside assistance, towing services, and can dispatch a mechanic to your disabled vehicle’s location

Identifying the root of your RV’s issue is essential to getting back on the road. Once inspected, be sure to ask relevant questions before authorizing any repairs. It’s natural to want to get back on the road quickly, but understanding the necessary repairs ensures your RV’s long-term health.

A motorhome being hooked to a heavy-duty tow truck.

Staying Connected Without Cell Service

Camping in a remote area with no cell service can be either therapeutic or nerve-wracking, depending on your circumstances, but it doesn’t have to limit your ability to communicate. Options like a CB radio or satellite messenger can help.

CB radios transmit and receive signals via handheld walkie-talkies or vehicle-mounted radio units. These typically reach a radius of a few miles, allowing you to contact local assistance resources. CB radios are especially useful in emergencies, allowing you to seek help from other travelers and locals.

In areas without cellular service, a satellite communicator can be a reliable alternative. Garmin’s inReach Messenger Plus, for instance, offers 2-way messaging, location tracking, and weather updates, and can send an interactive SOS message to Garmin’s 24/7-staffed Garmin Response coordination center. The device also provides access to the reliable Iridium satellite network. The inReach Messenger Plus and similar devices offer many of your phone’s capabilities and are often all-weather protected. No matter the conditions, satellite messengers can help you stay connected.

The RV Community: You’re Not Alone

When you own an RV, you become part of a community of fellow RVers. You can build a network of fellow RVers with whom you can share your experiences and communicate while on the road, or even join an RV club. Such affiliations can include communication via a CB radio or satellite messenger. Reaching out and sharing your journey can lead to lasting connections and valuable support when you need it most.

Membership-based clubs like Escapees RV Club, Good Sam, Roadtrippers, and Coach-Net offer assistance during breakdowns and emergencies. Escapees offers 24/7 emergency support, a nationwide network of trusted service providers, and comprehensive coverage, from tire changes and fuel delivery to mobile mechanic services and lockout assistance. Services like Roadtrippers can also tow Class A Motorhomes, travel trailers, and fifth wheels.

Keeping Perspective: Breakdowns As Part Of The Adventure

Having your RV break down is unfortunate, but there’s often a silver lining to the delay. You might stumble upon rest stops with hidden attractions you’d have missed otherwise. You could encounter nature where you normally would not have. You may even meet friendly locals eager to lend a hand when you need it most.

While this setback may disrupt your plans, it also offers a chance to reassess and regroup before moving on. It doesn’t have to take much time; it can simply help you fine-tune your itinerary by adding or removing activities.

Stay Ready, Stay Resilient

All in all, fixing your RV on the road can be challenging and confusing, but being prepared for this will ease tensions. Following your RV emergency preparedness checklist will give you a strong base to fall back on. Having the right tools, insurance, and a plan in place in case of a breakdown can make getting back on the road much easier.

Adapting to your situation may be difficult, but there’s always a way forward, starting with knowing when to ask for help. Whether it’s communicating with another RVer or finding RV repair shops in the vicinity, support is always within reach of the prepared RV owner. Support from the RV community may jump-start your adventure after a setback.

If you’re currently in the market for an RV, explore RVUniverse.com to find new and used RVs for sale from industry-leading brands such as Airstream, Coachmen, Forest River, Jayco, Prevost, Thor Motor Coach, Tiffin, Winnebago, and more.