Mechanically Challenged RVer

[Jayco-noslide]

A few words about those of us who are not mechanics and tend to run the other way from some of the posts which imply that almost anyone can do such and such themselves. We have RVed with different types of RV's for over 40 years and there's always something not working or needing repaired or replaced. We do very little of it ourselves. Learned a lot and we can winterize and use Google to figure out some things but mostly depend on RV shops or mobile repair. So, I'm saying don't let a lack of skill keep you from enjoying the pastime. It can be costly so don't get into it if you never have some "extra money" or can responsibly use your credit card. Whatever goes wrong, there's always someone who can fix it.

[toedtoes]

STBRetired wrote:
I think you are missing Jayco-noslide's point. You don't HAVE to DIY to enjoy RVing. I do a lot of DIY because I enjoy it. If someone doesn't enjoy it they should not feel like they are less of an RVer than those of us that do. Yes, it will cost more money if you have others do the work for yoou, but that is just one more thing to consider when you decide if you can afford RVing.

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[STBRetired]

I think you are missing Jayco-noslide's point. You don't HAVE to DIY to enjoy RVing. I do a lot of DIY because I enjoy it. If someone doesn't enjoy it they should not feel like they are less of an RVer than those of us that do. Yes, it will cost more money if you have others do the work for yoou, but that is just one more thing to consider when you decide if you can afford RVing.

[et2]

At 199.00 labor rate I can certainly do research and read manuals to do what repairs I can. My experience with one chain dealer is they're rip offs, and the techs many times are hacks when it comes to repairs. I'm not paying that labor rate to have something done half bass. They'll charge you the full hour even if it takes 20 minutes and you get your rig back with more problems than you went in with.

It's amazing what you can do if you read and give it a try.

[Veebyes]

There is always something new to learn. The past few weeks I have been learning roof top AC. Thoroughly cleaned it & changed out the fan motor. Not hard but hot up there on a sunny day. Hate to think what a repair place would havecharged.

[D_E_Bishop]

Jayco - No Slide, My towed just gave up the ghost after 240,000 miles. I rebuilt my first chevy six in 1949, I was 9 years old but a couple of months ago when the Suzi gave up and had two pistons at the top of their cylinders, I called a young friend who is working on his ASC license and after talking to him and knowing we didn't have the space to do the repairs and that I can no longer do them, I sold the Suzi and I'm looking for a better(hard to find) towed.

You sound like you know where you're at and I think you have profited in the long run.

[D_E_Bishop]

Jayco - No Slide, My towed just gave up the ghost after 240,000 miles. I rebuilt my first chevy six in 1949, I was 9 years old but a couple of months ago when the Suzi gave up and had two pistons at the top of their cylinders, I called a young friend who is working on his ASC license and after talking to him and knowing we didn't have the space to do the repairs and that I can no longer do them, I sold the Suzi and I'm looking for a better(hard to find) towed.

You sound like you know where you're at and I think you're going to profit in the long run.

[Katdaddy]

YouTube and this forum are your friends. A lot of projects are scary, until you watch someone else do it and see how simple it really is.

[Matt_Colie]

Jayco,

You do realize that many of us were born knowing all this stuff.
RIGHT ;);)

First, the choice of not having slides was a good one.

Second, not doing things that you don't know how to do will keep you out of trouble.

Third, you seem to be literate and I would guess have an IQ over 80...
That may put you ahead of the people that you might have to pay to do some things.

You said that you learned how to winterize the unit. That is a very good start. That proves that there is more that you can do. So, collect all the documentation for the unit and everything installed or regularly carried. In your spare time, pick up the binder that you put all of that in and read one. If there is some that recently required attention, read that one first and look at the bill. Many of the better manuals have trouble shooting trees in them. If you can understand them, you are halfway there.

Next, buy a tool box that fits someplace convenient in the unit. Buy a collection of tools that you feel you can use. If they don't even cover the bottom of the tool box, that will be a good start. Next time something needs help, look at the book and see if you can figure it out. If no, no loss. But, if yes, think of what you may have just saved.

I do all my own work. Right now, my own coach is up on stands in my barn because it needs some attention. This is kind of a special case because it is a vintage classic and the nearest place that might get it right is 130 miles away. But, the real reason I do my own work is not just to save time and money, it is to get it done right the first time. If it isn't right, I don't have to take it back, either.

Matt

[Veebyes]

You Tube is your friend. When you don't know or are not sure YouTube will almost certainly help

[Bobbo]

MarkTwain wrote:
Suggest you also look at Good Sam Emergency Roadside Service. After you break down, they will tow you to a qualified RV shop who can fix your RV. Been a member for 29 years:)

Also look at CoachNet.

[MarkTwain]

Jayco-noslide wrote:
A few words about those of us who are not mechanics and tend to run the other way from some of the posts which imply that almost anyone can do such and such themselves. We have RVed with different types of RV's for over 40 years and there's always something not working or needing repaired or replaced. We do very little of it ourselves. Learned a lot and we can winterize and use Google to figure out some things but mostly depend on RV shops or mobile repair. So, I'm saying don't let a lack of skill keep you from enjoying the pastime. It can be costly so don't get into it if you never have some "extra money" or can responsibly use your credit card. Whatever goes wrong, there's always someone who can fix it.

Suggest you also look at Good Sam Emergency Roadside Service. After you break down, they will tow you to a qualified RV shop who can fix your RV. Been a member for 29 years:)

[JimK-NY]

The older I get, the more I find I can do for myself. At least those things that do not require strength, agility or working on the roof of an RV.

[Airdaile]

The older I get, the less I do myself.

[wa8yxm]

There is very little on this RV that I can't fix.. but there is much I do not care to fix.

Had one shop charge me for like 4 hours labor on a job I could have done in 30 minutes.. If I'd have had a place to do it.

I have no idea what took the idiot so long to remove a bolt but I could have done it in minutes.. Oh well. I;ve done it in the past.

The moral.. If you know how long a job should take. You know when you are getting ripped off.