It's Going to Break Again

If you like to work on your RV, there's always something that needs to be fixed. And if you don't like to work on your RV, there's still always something that needs to be fixed.

I could list at least a half a dozen things that I need to fix on my motorhome. I'm going to fix them, just not today. Some things have been on my list to fix for over a year.

Maybe it's like the old joke that goes like this: When a man says he's going to fix something, he'll fix it. You don't have to remind him every six months.

Here's a list of some of the things I'm going to fix when I get around to it

• Restring the blind beside my dinette window.

• One of the ceiling lights doesn't work (Yes, I've checked the bulb.)

• I need to replace the rubber boot that the TV antenna cable threads through. It covers the hole where the cable goes through roof. I have the new part. I just haven't climbed up on the roof to fix it yet.

• My swivel lounge chair needs to be fixed so it can be locked into place when going down the road.

• There's a small leak under the kitchen sink. Every now and then I take a pot out and it has a few drops of water in it.

• Where the glass panels connect to the bathtub needs to have some chaulking added. Enough water leaks out when I'm taking a shower that I need to wipe up the floor most of the time.

I think you can see why these projects get put off. They need to be fixed, but they're not urgent. And I sure don't want to pay an RV repair shop $129 an hour to fix these things.

One of the big advantages of fixing things like this yourself is that more than likely they will need to be fixed again (or something just like it, such as a different window shade will need to be fixed, or water will leak somewhere else, or a different light will stop working, etc.).

After you've fixed something once and know how to do it, you will find that it's a lot easier to fix it the next time. And there will be a next time.

In addition to things that need to be fixed

There are always projects that I want to get to in order to improve my motorhome.

For example, I have the materials to build a battery box to add two more coach batteries. I put them in one of the bays, but they were too heavy and it immediately started sagging and I had to take them out. I'm going to build a box and support it from the floor. I need to get that done because I'm going to be boondocking a lot starting next month. The extra batteries will come in handy.

I also want to add a stronger bracket and support to my dinette table so it won't wobble when I lean on it.

One last point: By all means, keep everything that moves oiled--jacks, slides, hinges, steps, etc.

What things need to be fixed on your RV? Post your comments in the Discussion Forum

Bottom line: Contrary to what you might think, working on your RV and fixing things can be a lot of fun, and it can be rewarding. It's a great feeling when a job is completed. It's all a matter of your attitude. Think about Tom Sawyer painting the fence.