Tips for Choosing the Best RV Repair Shop

It’s no secret that many people invest significant amounts of money in not only purchasing an RV, but also in the accessories fitted to their pride and joy. So, it may surprise you to hear that not everyone takes great care of their RV the way they should.

In fact, research tell us that people typically cut corners when it comes to servicing and maintenance of their RV, often going for a cheap deal or delaying the work well beyond the pre-determined service intervals.

Like all mechanical equipment, having a poor focus on maintaining equipment dramatically increases the chances of failure, meaning that breakdowns are more likely to occur when you are touring or when you least expect it. It is a good idea to have your RV fully checked over or serviced at least one month before your departure date. This will ensure that you RV is up to tackling the road conditions on your holidays. Pre-planning this service also provides you with enough time for any parts that require replacing to be ordered and fitted.

So now you can see the value in having someone regularly inspect your RV, how do you choose who that should be?We can all agree that there is no point in having an RV repair or service performed by a business who has a low skill level, poor reputation and that can’t access to best parts readily.The internet has made research a lot easier for you because you can research and filter through RV servicing businesses in the comfort of your own home or workplace.

It is best to narrow-down your search to a few local companies that you can then visit or call to chat about your needs.So, what is the best way of doing that? We have a few tips to help you:

Research and gather recommendations:

Start by researching RV repair shops in your area. Ask for recommendations from fellow RV owners, friends, or family members who have had positive experiences with repair shops. Online forums and RV communities can also provide valuable insights.

Social media platforms can also be a helpful resource, as there are often groups or pages dedicated to RV enthusiasts who can provide valuable suggestions.

Another great source of recommendations is word-of-mouth. Reach out to friends, family members, or fellow RV owners who have had positive experiences with RV repair shops. Attend RV meetups or gatherings to connect with other owners and ask for their recommendations. You can also inquire about referrals from RV clubs or associations you may be a part of.

Don’t forget to reach out to local RV dealerships and service centers. They can provide recommendations or may even have their own service departments. Contact your RV insurance provider as well and ask for a list of recommended repair shops.

Insurance companies often have partnerships or preferred repair shops they work with.

Check credentials and experience

To ensure that your RV receives the best care, it’s essential to verify the credentials and experience of the technicians working at the repair shop. Look for certifications or qualifications that demonstrate their expertise in RV repairs. These certifications indicate that the technicians have undergone specific training and possess the necessary knowledge to handle the complexities of RV maintenance and repairs.

Additionally, consider the experience of the technicians. Find out how long they have been working in the industry and specifically in RV repairs. An experienced technician is likely to have encountered a wide range of issues and gained valuable insights and problem-solving skills along the way. Their familiarity with different RV models and systems can make a significant difference in diagnosing and resolving issues efficiently.

Read reviews and testimonials

Before making a decision, take the time to read reviews and testimonials from previous customers. Reviews provide valuable insights into the experiences of others who have used the repair shop’s services. They can offer a glimpse into the quality of work, customer service, and overall satisfaction of past customers.

By reading reviews, you can get a better understanding of what to expect from the repair shop. Positive reviews can highlight exceptional service, skilled technicians, and successful repairs, giving you confidence in choosing that particular shop. On the other hand, negative reviews can indicate potential red flags or areas of concern to consider before making a decision.

It’s important to look for a balance of positive and negative reviews. This way, you can gain a comprehensive perspective on the repair shop’s strengths and weaknesses. Pay attention to specific details mentioned in the reviews, such as promptness, communication, pricing, and the overall outcome of the repairs.

Reading testimonials allows you to learn from the firsthand experiences of other RV owners. Their feedback can help you gauge the repair shop’s reliability, professionalism, and ability to address specific issues.

Visit the RV repair shop

Taking the time to visit the repair shop in person allows you to assess important factors that can impact your decision. When you visit, pay attention to the cleanliness and organization of the facility. A well-maintained and organized shop often indicates professionalism and attention to detail, suggesting that they take their work seriously.

Additionally, interacting with the staff and technicians gives you a chance to gauge their friendliness and professionalism. They should be welcoming, attentive, and willing to address your concerns or questions. Their expertise and knowledge can be evident through their interactions and willingness to explain the repair process or provide recommendations.

Visiting the repair shop also allows you to see the equipment and tools they have available.

Look for modern and well-maintained equipment, as this can indicate their commitment to staying up-to-date with industry standards and techniques. Adequate equipment ensures that they can handle the repairs efficiently and effectively.

Inquire about warranties

When you bring your RV in for repairs, it’s crucial to understand the warranties or guarantees offered by the repair shop. A reputable repair shop will stand behind their workmanship and the parts they use. Inquire about the specific warranties they provide and the duration of coverage.

Warranties give you peace of mind knowing that if something goes wrong with the repairs or the replaced parts, the repair shop will address the issue without additional cost to you. Make sure to clarify the terms and conditions of the warranties to fully understand what is covered and any limitations or exclusions that may apply.

By having warranties in place, you can feel more confident in the quality of the repairs performed on your RV. If any issues arise after the repairs are completed, the warranty ensures that you can return to the repair shop and have the problem resolved without incurring additional expenses.

When considering different repair shops, compare the warranties they offer.

Look for RV repair shops that provide comprehensive warranties on both labor and parts. A longer warranty period can also be an indicator of the repair shop’s confidence in their workmanship.

Access to a range of quality parts quickly

To enable a fast and efficient RV service or repair you want to ensure that your short-listed RV service centre has access to a range of parts and accessories, both genuine and non-genuine.

That way you will have an option to slightly reduce maintenance costs by using non-genuine parts where they the highest quality is not necessarily going to make a significant difference to the longevity of the workmanship.

Ofcourse, you can always insist that genuine parts are used on your RV, but it is nice to have the option.

A reputable RV service centre will have access to a network of part suppliers, meaning that most parts will arrive within 48 hours, which is important if you have a last-minute repair or service request.

Authorised RV Service Centre

A common question to ask an RV service centre is about their accreditations, and if they are a preferred service centre for your brand of RV.

The staff at an authorized RV service centre will have undergone brand specific training, as well as being certified as competent. They are bound by the Brand’s service guidelines and must adhere to high levels of customer service, otherwise they are at risk of having their certification revoked.

Good RV service centres take this certification very seriously and invest a lot of their time and own money into being a preferred repairer.

Choose Local RV Repair Shops over Dealers

Opting for local RV repair shops instead of dealers can offer a range of benefits. First, local repair shops often have a more personal and customer-focused approach. They tend to prioritize building long-term relationships with their clients, providing personalized attention, and addressing individual needs with greater care and flexibility.

Secondly, local repair shops typically have a deeper understanding of the local RV community and the specific issues that RV owners in the area may face. This localized knowledge can translate into more targeted and effective repairs for your RV, as the technicians are well-versed in the common problems and intricacies of RVs in the region.

Moreover, local repair shops often have competitive pricing compared to dealerships. While dealerships may have higher overhead costs and additional fees associated with their brand name, local repair shops can offer cost-effective solutions without compromising the quality of workmanship or the parts used. This can result in potential cost savings for you as an RV owner.

Additionally, local repair shops often have shorter turnaround times for repairs. They tend to be more agile and responsive to customer needs, allowing for quicker scheduling and completion of repairs. This can be particularly beneficial if you’re looking to get back on the road as soon as possible.

Compare prices

Comparing prices among different RV repair shops allows you to make an informed decision while considering your budget. While price should not be the sole determining factor, it’s essential to have a general understanding of the costs associated with repairs.

By comparing prices, you can ensure that you are getting a fair deal for the services provided. Keep in mind that extremely low prices may be a red flag and could indicate subpar service or the use of low-quality parts. On the other hand, excessively high prices may not necessarily guarantee superior service.

When comparing prices, it’s important to look beyond the total cost and consider what is included. Some repair shops may provide a breakdown of the costs, including labor, parts, and any additional fees. Understanding the pricing structure can help you evaluate the value you are receiving for the price quoted.

While it’s tempting to opt for the cheapest option, it’s important to consider the reputation, experience, and quality of work of the repair shop. Sometimes paying a slightly higher price for a reputable repair shop can save you money in the long run by ensuring that the repairs are done correctly the first time, reducing the risk of further issues or the need for re-repairs.

Reasonably Priced RV Service Centres

Unless you are mega rich, RV service and repair costs matter to most of us. The saying “you get what you pay for” is never truer when it comes to work being done on your RV. The RV itself already has a decent price tag, so the last thing you want to do is devalue the retail price by allowing a substandard repair or jeopardize the mechanical integrity with a poor-quality service. However,price should never be the main driving factor, either cheap or expensive, it should merely be a consideration.

What is more important is confidence in the RV service centre that they have the knowledge, skills, professionalism and integrity that you expect.Additionally, just because a repair or service is expensive, doesn’t automatically make it good. Likewise, with cheaper deals, you might be surprised to find that an RV service centre has a great connection to cheaper parts and has honed their processes to ensure that they are as efficient as possible, without sacrificing quality.

The take home message here is that is you need to take your time when choosing the best local RV service centre that suits your needs. While it is tempting to just call the first 5 companies at the top of a Google search, they may not be able to meet your expectations or provide high quality workmanship.Be sure to shortlist carefully and always speak to the RV service centre staff prior to make a booking with them.

Happy touring and enjoy your holidays!