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.