While it’s easy to plan the fun parts of the trip, as the person in charge, you’re also going to need to plan for the not so fun parts. This includes what to do for certain emergencies, like a maintenance issue that happens on the trip. Hopefully, you can still enjoy your vacation no problem and wait until you get home again before getting your camper repaired, but for all the instances in which you can’t do this, Airstream of Montana has provided some tips for handling RV repairs on the road. Take a look, and let us know if you have any other questions by stopping by our RV dealership in Missoula, Montana, near Bozeman and Kalispell, where you’ll also find a wide selection of trailer models.
Inspect your RV Ahead of Time
Of course, the best way to handle emergencies is to take every preventative measure so you can avoid them. Many maintenance and repair emergencies can be helped by doing a thorough inspection of your entire camper before the day of the big trip. You’ll want to check every nook and cranny, inside and out, top to bottom. This will help you catch any potential problems ahead of time, rather than finding out the hard way that they’re there. If you do this early enough, you might even get a maintenance appointment scheduled and have your RV in tip top shape with plenty of time to spare before your trip.
Roadside Assistance
Worst case scenario when it comes to RV emergencies? You break down on the side of the road. Flat tire, failing engine, anything that keeps you from safely traveling any further and forces you to pull over can instantly create a lot of stress. You might be confident enough to fix some issues on the fly (and have the tools to do so), but this isn’t a guarantee, so the best way to prepare is to have a roadside assistance number you can call to come rescue you. If you already have one for your commuter vehicle, then all you’ll need to do is let them know you’re adding an RV to your list of vehicles. If you don’t have one already, we highly recommend getting one. They’re often cheap and can save you a lot of hassle and expense.
Budget for Emergencies
No matter where the emergency happens or how severe it is, you’ll want to make sure you have the money to pay for a repair. It can be tempting to use your entire budget for more luxurious campgrounds or more expensive attractions, but if the worst happens, you might find yourself in some serious debt or even having to cut your vacation short. Make sure you save some of your budget specifically for emergencies, even outside of trailer repairs, so you can get back on the road stress-free once everything’s been handled.
Bring the Right Tools
Then again, not all breakdowns will result in a trip to the technician. Some repairs you might be able to tackle on your own, but only if you bring the right tools along. Some of the basics might include a spare tire and jack, but consider all the repairs you’re comfortable with fixing yourself and make sure you’ll have the tools to accomplish this. Just make sure to consult your owner’s manual ahead of time so you’re not using products that could damage your trailer. If you’d like to learn more about how to approach certain repairs, consider looking at online tutorials to expand your knowledge of RV maintenance.
But before you can tackle RV maintenance, you’ll need the RV. If you’re still looking for the right trailer for you and your family, then stop by Airstream of Montana and check out what we have available right now. We proudly serve Missoula, Bozeman, and Kalispell, MT.
