Setting out on an RV adventure is the ultimate way to experience freedom on the open road. Whether you’re cruising along a scenic byway or exploring the hidden gems of America, your RV doubles as your ride and your home along the route. That means an RV breakdown would be a double whammy for your trip.
Even the most meticulously maintained RVs can encounter breakdowns. Knowing how to handle these situations is crucial to keep your journey safe and enjoyable.
This step-by-step guide walks you through the exact steps to take in the event of an RV breakdown:
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first step in handling any breakdown is to remain calm. A clear head will help you analyze the situation more effectively. Pull your RV to a safe location, preferably out of the traffic flow, and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
Once safely parked, take a few moments to evaluate the issue. Is it something minor, like a flat tire, or something more significant, like engine trouble? Do you see any obvious signs of damage or leaks? How is your family holding up?
LED road flares are also an important safety tool to use at this point to notify other drivers of your RV breakdown zone.
2. Prioritize Safety
Safety should always be your top priority. Ensure everyone in the RV is safe and out of harm’s way. If you’re on a busy highway or in an area with limited visibility, it’s wise to exit the RV and stand at a safe distance from the road.
If it’s safe to do so, set up reflective triangles, flares, and/or LED flares around your RV to increase visibility, especially if it’s dark or the weather conditions are poor. This step is critical in preventing accidents and keeping both you and other drivers safe.
Once everyone is safe, you can begin finding a resolution to your RV breakdown.
3. Consult Your RV Manual
Your RV’s manual is a valuable resource in a breakdown situation. It contains specific information about your vehicle to help you troubleshoot the problem. For example, the manual might provide instructions on resetting an electrical system, checking the oil, or changing a fuse.
You’d be surprised how often an RV breakdown can be aided with a bit of troubleshooting using your RV manual!
That’s why you want to familiarize yourself with the manual before you hit the road. Understanding basic troubleshooting steps can save you time and stress when facing an unexpected issue.
4. Call for Roadside Assistance
Even if you can troubleshoot to get to the bottom of the cause of your RV breakdown, it’s generally still wise (and often necessary) to get outside help. That’s where RV breakdown insurance is a lifesaver.
Having the right RV breakdown insurance is vital before leaving on your trip. That’s because roadside assistance services are equipped to handle various RV-related problems, from towing to emergency repairs.
When shopping for roadside assistance, look for RV-specific plans. Traditional roadside assistance for your car won’t be helpful because they won’t tow an RV or handle other RV-specific issues like food spoilage, accommodations needed during the RV breakdown, or help to refill certain fluids such as propane for your appliances or gas for your generator.
That’s why Roadtrippers Roadside Assistance is motorhome breakdown insurance that covers all these bases.
5. Communicate with Your Roadside Assistance Provider
When you call for roadside assistance, be prepared to provide detailed information about your situation. This includes your exact location, the nature of the problem, and any immediate safety concerns.
Most roadside assistance providers use GPS technology to locate you, but having a clear description of your surroundings is still helpful. This will help the technician or tow truck driver find you more quickly, minimizing waiting time.
6. Document the Breakdown
While waiting for assistance to arrive, take the time to document the breakdown. This includes taking photos of any visible damage and writing down key details, such as the time of the breakdown, the weather conditions, and any unusual sounds or smells you noticed before the breakdown.
Documenting the incident is essential for insurance purposes and can also help the mechanic diagnose the issue more accurately once you reach the repair shop.
7. Stay Updated on Your RV’s Repairs
Once your RV has been towed to a repair shop, communicate closely with the mechanics. Ask for regular updates on the status of the repairs and ensure that any necessary parts are being ordered promptly.
Discuss timelines with the repair shop if you’re traveling on a tight schedule. Some repairs may take longer than others, and knowing the expected time frame can help you make alternative travel arrangements if necessary.
Roadtrippers Roadside Assistance offers the trip interruption benefit to help you in the event repairs to your RV require overnight stays. In the event of an RV breakdown more than 50 miles from your home, the trip interruption benefit will reimburse you for hotel and restaurant expenses up to a maximum of $1,500 per occurrence.
8. Consider Temporary Accommodations
Depending on the severity of the breakdown, you may need to consider temporary accommodations while your RV is being repaired.
If your RV is your primary living space, having a plan for where to stay in the event of a breakdown is crucial. That’s why we built a feature into our RV breakdown insurance to cover the cost of qualifying accommodations so you aren’t left hanging.
Once you know everyone is safe and that help is on the way, take some time to explore lodging options in the area. By working out alternative accommodations ahead of time, you’ll help reduce stress for everyone involved.
9. Reflect on Preventative Maintenance
After the breakdown is resolved, take some time to reflect on your RV’s maintenance routine. Proactive maintenance is the best way to prevent future breakdowns. This includes checking tire pressure, fluid levels, and the battery’s condition before each trip.
Consider creating a maintenance checklist that you can follow before every journey. Keeping your RV in top condition will reduce the likelihood of unexpected issues and ensure that your future adventures go off without a hitch.
Course: RV Maintenance Made Easy
What to Look for in RV Roadside Assistance
Now that you have a step-by-step guide for handling RV breakdowns, take a moment to ensure you have the right roadside assistance plan in place for you. At minimum, RVers should look for:
- Towing Services: If your RV breaks down and can’t be fixed immediately, you’ll need to be towed. Confirm that your RV breakdown insurance will cover towing for RVs of your size and how far they will tow you.
- Emergency Repairs: RVs require special considerations for things like flat tire repairs, fluid delivery, and more. Make sure the assistance plan you choose has the tools needed to help with your camper.
- 24/7 Availability: Breakdowns can happen at any time, day or night. That’s why it’s important to check that you can reach your roadside assistance provider anytime you need them.
- Expertise: RVs are complex vehicles, and not all mechanics are equipped to handle them. Choose a roadside assistance provider with specialized knowledge in RV repairs.
- Accommodation Assistance: In the event of a motorhome breakdown far from home, you’ll likely need alternative accommodations while your RV is in the shop. That’s why you want to pick a roadside assistance plan that’ll cover your stay.
We built our roadside assistance insurance to check off all the boxes above (and more). If you choose Roadtrippers Roadside, you can rest easy knowing you have a plan built by RVers for RVers.
RV breakdowns can be stressful, but you can handle them efficiently and safely with the right preparation and knowledge. Staying calm, prioritizing safety, and calling for RV roadside assistance are critical steps in managing any roadside emergency.
Remember, the key to a successful RV trip is enjoying the journey and being prepared for the unexpected. Investing in an RV roadside assistance plan tailored to your travel style is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your vehicle.
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