Authorized RV Service and RV Repair Center

Wilson RV is an Ohio Authorized RV Service and RV Repair Center for

• M&G Braking
• KVH TracVision
• Kingdome
• TracStar
• Dometic
• Blue OX
• Demco RV Products (Tow bars in stock)
• Roadmaster
• Hellwig
• Brake Buddy
• Remco
• Atwood
• Norcold
• Suburban
• Power Gear
• A&E
• Zantrex
• Coachnet
• HWH
• Evans Tempcon
• Cummins-Onan
• Splendide
• Generac
• Sealand
• Forest River

RV Service and RV Repair provided by
RVDA Certified Master RV Tech – Mike Wilson

Please contact us with any questions.

Complete RV Care

We offer total care for your RV,

providing comprehensive chassis diagnosis and repair as well as all coach service.

We provide excellent service and repair for  RV’s , campers, travel trailers, utility trailers

All RV Service and RV Repair is by appointment, please call or email.

Our services include a full assortment of major and minor mechanical, plumbing, electrical, heating, air conditioning, brakes, suspension, body, roofing, and accessories.

In addition to RV repair and RV service, we also perform upgrades and complete system installations.
System installations include towing products of all types, trailer and dinghy tow brakes, and back up camera systems. Upgrades also include engine performance enhancements, custom interior remodeling and design as well as complete roof replacement and leak repair.

Our fully equipped four bay RV shop is modern and always clean, well equipped and very efficient.

We are located in Sunbury Ohio – about 20 minutes from the north side of Columbus Ohio.

We treat you and your vehicle with respect.
We stand behind our work with a guarantee and personal phone support.

Wilson RV is an authorized Service center for
Splendide, Dometic, Norcold, HWH, Evans Tempcon, Onan, Generac
Forest River, Sealand, Atwood, Thetford & Suburban
We work directly with most RV Manufactures

We specialize in current model RV’s.
Owner Mike Wilson is a Master Certified RV Technician.
Here is a list of the most common RV Service and Repair we perform.

• Tow Bar installation

• Authorized Gale Banks Installer
  

• Master Certified RV Coach Service including all aspects of RV interior and exterior repair and service.

• Suspension Upgrades

• Workhorse Suspension Trac Bar
  in stock and ready for installation

• RV Awning Fabric Replacement

• Brakes

• Oil Changes

• Transmission Service

• Air Springs

• Plumbing

• Propane system

• Water leaks

• Cooling system

• Appliances (we stock most circuit boards)

• Furnace

• Water heater

• Lifeline Deep Cycle Premion Sealed RV Batteries
  Featuring AGM Absorbed Glass Mat Technology

• Front Transfer System

• Complete coolant flushing with our new Viper equipment

• Air conditioning flushing also available: We can get your A/C system back to new condition. Compressor failures and contamination are no longer a problem.

• Diesel and Gasoline Chassis Service

• Trac Bars

• Leveler Repair/Service

• Brake Service and Repair including Air/Hydraulic Brakes

• RV Roofing Repair and Replacement

• Sway Bars

• Shocks

• Belts

• Hoses

• Air Conditioning ( Roof top and engine)

• Tune Up

• Fully equipped diagnostics center

• Carburetor

• Fuel injection

• Anti lock brakes

• Exhaust

• Manifold repair and replacement

• Generator (Onan certified)

• Leveling jacks

• Charging system

• Awning

• Inverter sales and installation

• Authorized Gale Banks Installer

• Complete Transmission Flushing Service

Are you fixing your RV in the right order?

By: Master Certified RV Tech Mike Wilson, Wilson RV in Sunbury, Ohio

In our RV service department, we typically see multiple problems with vehicles when they come in for service.

Many times owners misunderstand the order in which problems should be solved. It may be helpful to have an understanding of how your vehicle works and operates, but it’s not required.

As a technician, it is my job to evaluate and diagnose your vehicle’s problems and I take it very seriously.

I like to carefully listen to the owner’s concerns and then evaluate the order of repair.
Often times owner’s choose to not repair each and every vehicle problem for a variety of reasons. It may be something they consider not important or it may not fit into their budget. Safety issues should always be addressed first. In situations where multiple problems exist, sometimes minor issues must be fixed in order to fix the larger problem.
After all, diagnosing a bad battery takes far longer if the vehicles battery charging system doesn’t work.
A technician must be able to communicate how one issue may be related to multiple problems.

Safety issues should always be addressed first.
Here’s an example of service in the correct sequence:
Customer complaint is with their brakes. They hear an annoying squealing noise under light braking. The noise is very loud. On a test drive I confirm the complaint. I hear the noise. Braking performance is normal. Next I physically inspect the braking system. I find the rubber hydraulic brake hoses are cracked. This certainly is not causing the noise, but is a safety issue because when a brake hose ruptures, the braking to that wheel is lost. Severe uneven braking and a low pedal would result from a ruptured brake hose. In an RV, this could be catastrophic. I find the noise issue is caused by the brake pads being dry and rusty on the backing plate side. Something we see often with RV’s. The brake pads are in good condition as far as the lining side, so the only resulting problem from the rusty dry condition is the squealing noise, not braking performance. Since there is no brake failure at this time, my customer declines replacement of the hoses.
They are annoyed by the squealing noise and wants that fixed.
As a technician, I would decline to repair the squealing noise unless the hoses are replaced too. This particular noise has no relevance to safely operating the vehicle and should not be addressed unless the faulty hoses are replaced.

Example 2:
Customer schedules service for their RV. They have a list of concerns. Their list in order as follows:
1. Dash air conditioner inoperable
2. Patio awning hard to roll in
3. Generator is loud

My opinion for order of repair:
1. Generator (Loud noise is a result of a faulty exhaust system. Carbon monoxide may enter the vehicle without a proper exhaust system. The generator should not be used until the exhaust is repaired)
2. The passenger side view mirror is missing. (The mirror has been missing for several years. This RV has no rear view camera. It is obvious from backing that the driver cannot see behind the RV. A definite safety issue) An issue not on the list. We find a lot of those.
3. Patio awning ( Proper operation of the retractable awning could cause the awning to extend while driving)
4. Dash air conditioner (Typically RV dash air conditioners don’t work well due to the large area and poor design. Dash air conditioners are always low priority on my list)

I suggest listing every inoperable item and issue for your vehicle and discussing them with your technician. You may be surprised with the explanation of how things should or should not be repaired and the order of repair.
Be certain you understand. Always get a second opinion if you don’t understand or don’t agree.

If you  would like to schedule RV Service please call
Wilson RV
Sunbury, Ohio (near Columbus, Ohio)
888-800-7340 ext #2.

How to Winterize your RV for Ohio Part 2

Aside from winterizing the plumbing system, when an RV is stored in Ohio or other cold weather states there are several other areas that should be prepared for winter.

1. Coolant/Antifreeze: Any RV with an engine or water cooled generator should have the antifreeze tested before freezing temperatures set in. Antifreeze should be tested for freeze point, reserve alkalinity, and PH level. This test can easily be done with coolant test strips available at your local auto parts store.
2. Oil Change: I prefer to store my Motorhomes with clean oil in them. In some cases, acids exist in contaminated oil and can cause internal problems in engines. I recommend clean oil, a clean oil filter, and chassis lubrication prior to winter storage. Along with chassis lubrication, be certain to check and fill all fluids so your RV will be ready for use after storage.
3. Tires: Check the air and fill the tires to their recommended pressure. Follow the manufacturers recommended pressures from the label located inside your RV or the owner’s manual. Apply a tire protectant to the tires. There are many available. Read the labels and choose one that will block harmful UV rays and keep the tires from drying out.
4. Roof: Carefully inspect the roof for any leaks or damage. Caulk or seal any problem areas. Be certain all vents are in good condition and not leaking.
5. Propane: I recommend turning off propane tanks at the shut off valve. Check the shut off valve with leak detector or soapy water to be certain it is not leaking in the off position. If the shut off valve is leaking, have it replaced by a professional before storage.
6. Batteries: Batteries need proper maintenance. Check and fill the electrolyte to the proper level before storage. There are some options to avoid battery freeze. Batteries will not freeze if properly charged. It is important to reach a balance with battery charge. Batteries can be damaged by overcharging as well. I recommend not leaving the shore power cord connected to electricity for extended periods (winter storage). The converter/charger will overcharge the batteries and the batteries be ruined. With easy access to the RV, the shore power cord can be connected to electricity in cycles. On for 2 weeks then off for 2 weeks. Another option with limited or no access to the RV is to disconnect the batteries. Before disconnecting, be certain the batteries are fully charged. If the batteries cannot be charged before storage, I recommend removing them and storing them in a non freezing environment. Be careful to follow proper battery safety. Flooded batteries can be dangerous. Do not store them near any combustible device.
7. Fuel Stabilizer: Add the proper amount of fuel stabilizer to any gasoline or diesel tank. Be certain to run the engine to distribute the stabilizer before storage. Small amounts of fuel turn bad quickly, therefore I recommend having tanks nearly full for storage. Carbureted generators tend to have fuel problems after storage due to the small amount of fuel in the carburetor float bowl. Some carburetors have a drain screw in the float bowl. I recommend draining the float bowl if there is easy access. Check your owners manual.
8. Rodents: Rodents can be a problem for RVs. There are several methods I use during storage to prevent rodent damage. Seal all areas where wires and lines go through the RV from outside to inside. Expanding foam sealer works well. Remove all food from the RV. Remove anything sweet and anything fragrant. Place moth balls inside and around the outside if stored inside. Do not place moth balls directly on any surface inside your RV. Use small foil containers so the moth balls will not melt into carpets or fabrics. Set traps and check them often. I set traps in compartments and inside all my RV’s during the cold weather. I check them at least once a week.

After you have completed part 1 & 2 of my guide to winterization you should be well prepared for winter.

If you want Wilson RV  to winterize your RV call 888-800-7340ext 2 to make your appointment today.

How to Winterize your RV Water System

The temperatures have dropped here in Ohio and the words frost and freeze are now showing up in the weather forecast.

So if you are staying in Ohio  it is time to winterize your RV.  Call 888-800-7340 ext 2 RV Service to schedule an RV winterizing appointment today or if you want to do it yourself here are the steps to follow.  Please read all steps carefully.

Materials needed

2 Gallons RV antifreeze

1 Blow out air connector (Camco 36103)

Air source (any air compressor with regulator set to maximum 40 p.s.i.)

Wrench to remove water heater drain plug (size depends on water heater make/model)

There are a variety of steps to correctly winterize an RV water system with a minimal amount of RV antifreeze.

It is important to follow the steps in exact order.

1. Drain and wash waste holding tanks
2. Drain fresh water tank
3. Open all hot and cold water faucets including the hand shower, any outside shower, and any outside faucets
4. Drain water heater by removing the drain plug
5. Drain water lines at drain valves if equipped
6. Disconnect the water line at the refrigerator’s icemaker if equipped
7. Loosen clothes washing machine water lines if equipped. Place a container or large absorbent towel under lines to catch water.
8. Blow water out by connecting an air source to the city water fill inlet. Compressed air can be used. An air pressure regulator must be used and set to a maximum of 40 p.s.i.
9. Flush toilet while air is attached to clear all water
10. Remove air source
11. Bypass the water heater. This can be done by switching the water heater bypass located at the rear of the water heater or at the remote location if so equipped. A water heater bypass should be installed if one is not already installed. A temporary bypass line can be used and then removed when finished as another option. I recommend not filling the water heater with RV antifreeze.
12. Blow water lines out a second time with the water heater bypassed. This will help clear any water left in the hot water lines.
13. Close all water line drains.
14. Close all faucets and showers, tighten clothes washing machine hoses, reattach and tighten icemaker line.
15. Disconnect the water inlet line from 12 volt fresh water pump. Attach a fitting with a 3 foot length of hose attached. Insert the hose in a 1 gallon bottle of RV antifreeze. Finding and accessing the water pump may not be easy, but it is worth the trouble. Do NOT add RV antifreeze to the fresh water tank. (RV antifreeze in the fresh water and hot water tank contaminates the tank. Over time it makes the water smell and taste bad. It can be very difficult and sometimes impossible to remove the smell and taste.)
16. Turn on the fresh water pump. Be certain the pump builds pressure by listening for it to shut off. Check to be certain there are no leaks or open lines.
17. Open each faucet and shower one at a time until you see RV antifreeze run out. Be certain to open both hot and cold. Flush the toilet until you see RV antifreeze. Let a small amount of RV antifreeze go into the toilet waste tank. Close the toilet valve and then add a small amount of RV Antifreeze to keep the seals moist. Change over to a second RV antifreeze gallon if needed.
18. After all faucets and toilet are done, loosen refrigerator icemaker line until RV antifreeze appears and then tighten. Repeat with washing machine hoses.

1. Turn off the water pump. Remove the fitting and hose and then reattach original line.
2. Change the water heater bypass back for normal operation.
3. Install water heater drain.
4. Pour a small amount of RV antifreeze into all sink drains to keep the drain traps from freezing.

The process of winterizing using the fresh water pump keeps the amount of RV antifreeze used to a minimum. It also winterizes the pump at the same time. This completes the guide to winterize your RV water system.

This  is provided for information only. Articles are based on the best professional judgment and experienced opinion of the writer.

How to Winterize your RV part 2

RV Service is very busy

RV Service has been very busy this month and it looks like that will continue thru the end of the summer.

Right now appointments are being scheduled about 3 weeks in advance, so if you need RV Service for a summer trip be sure to call 419-529-2700 to make your appointment.

Don’t wait or you might not be able to get the work you need done in time for your trip.