RVs, an acronym for recreational vehicles, are automotive units that can be used as a home. These vehicles allow you to live comfortably as you travel, but you will need money for gas, maintenance, repairs and parking fees.

While you can avoid expensive RV repairs by undertaking regular maintenance on your RV, you are still going to need some repairs. Think about it this way – normal cars have issues. When you throw in some features of a regular home, problems become inevitable.

If you are new to RVing, read along to learn about some common problems you may encounter with your RV.

Engine Failure

RVs are big, unwieldy vehicles that are specially built for long-distance travel. As a result, the strain on the engines of these vehicles is significantly greater than in ordinary cars. 

The good news is that RV engines are ruggedly built to take on the additional strain. With regular engine maintenance, your RV should run smoothly and efficiently. On the other hand, neglecting engine maintenance will subject your RV to prolonged strain, thus increasing the risk of a breakdown.

Flat Tires

Your RV's engine runs hard to get you rolling, but it's the tires that take the brunt of your long trips.

As the main point of contact between your vehicle and the road you are traveling on, your RV tires carry the weight of the entire vehicle. The problem with that is that the tires cannot always handle that. What's more, road obstacles such as speed bumps, potholes, and curbing subject the tires to additional stress, increasing the risk of a flat.

The best way to deal with flat tires is to carry spare tires so you can change your tires when the need arises. You can then get the damaged tires checked and fixed at a nearby auto service shop.

Leaky Roof and Windows

Since it doubles as a home, your RV has windows and roof vents to ensure proper ventilation. Unfortunately, the seals that keep these openings watertight can deteriorate or get damaged over time, putting your vehicle at risk of water damage. Having a leaky roof and windows can also make it harder to keep warm in winter due to the increased load on your air conditioning system. 

Leaky windows can be sealed with window edge weather-stripping. Roof leaks, on the other hand, can be fixed by applying appropriate sealant or patching compounds.

Like normal car issues, RV issues won't go away by themselves. The best way to deal with these problems is to seek out an RV repair professional at the earliest sign of trouble.