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RV Repairs: When to DIY and When To See a Professional

Apr. 28 2022 Maintenance By Airstream of New Mexico

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Not all RV repairs need to be handled by a professional. Tackling certain camper repairs at home can save you a significant amount of money, but how do you know when you should DIY and when you should visit a service department?

Here at Airstream of New Mexico, we strive to make your life easier. We created the following guide to RV repairs. If you want more information or need to visit a service department, head over to our dealership. We are located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and also serve those in Santa Fe and Las Cruces.

Before You Begin

Examine Your Skill Level

Be realistic about your RV maintenance ability. Attempting a project that's beyond your skill level can end up causing more issues and a more expensive repair bill.

If you want to improve your skill level:

  • Take an RV repair course.
  • Watch camper maintenance videos (such as ones on YouTube).
  • Read through RV mechanics forums to learn more about maintenance.

Inventory Your Tools

Go over your current toolkit. Do you have all the tools needed for the camper projects you want to do? If not, consider expanding your toolkit accordingly.

Ordering RV Parts

At Home:

  • You already know exactly which part you need.
  • The part is easy to find locally.

At the Service Department: 

  • The part is out-of-stock online, but could be available at the dealership.
  • You aren't sure which part to get.
  • You aren't sure whether a generic part can be a viable substitute for an OEM part.

The Slideout

At Home: 

  • Do regular cleanings and pay extra attention to clearing any grime out of the tracks.
  • Lubricate the tracks.

At the Service Department: 

  • Inspect and repair the battery system.
  • Adjust the way the slideout is oriented after its gets skewed.

The Fridge

At Home: 

  • Defrost the unit when the camper will be sitting in storage for a period of time.

At the Service Department: 

  • Once you notice the smell of ammonia, turn the fridge off, air it out, and visit the professionals.

The Awning

At Home: 

  • Use special commercial cleaners to tackle any mildew growth.

At the Service Department: 

  • Repair or replace broken parts within the complex awning system.

For all of your RV repair needs, visit the experts at Airstream of New Mexico. Our service department maintains a large selection of common and hard-to-find RV parts. If we lack your needed part, we can quickly order it on your behalf. We can handle your RV repair and get your camper back on the road where it belongs. Reach out or stop by our dealership in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We also proudly serve those in Santa Fe and Las Cruces.