Nothing puts a damper on your summer fun like a broken RV. If your RV is older, you might wonder if it is even worth fixing. You have many things to consider when deciding whether a broken RV is worth fixing or whether it might be time to part ways.
Common RV Problems Worth Fixing
Whether your RV is relatively new or has a few miles under the hood, eventually, something will break. Here are a few minor problems worth fixing, especially if you have a newer rig.
- Broken water lines or fittings
- Dripping faucets
- The water heater does not heat properly
- The black water tank monitor always shows full, even when not
- Broken or cracked windows
- Broken roof vents
- The toilet won’t keep water in the bowl
- Blown headlamp
If you experience these types of repairs, you can either do them yourself or get them repaired at a low cost. Regardless of the age of your RV, these types of small items can often be repaired in a worthwhile way. Even if you have several items, it should not break the bank.
One thing to note is that even though these types of items are small, they can grow into bigger, more expensive problems if they are not repaired quickly. For instance, that little leak in the faucet can damage the wood structures around it if you do not get it fixed. That little leak in the rubber roof can eventually damage the structure of the RV, appliances, furniture, or other belongings stored inside.
Major Repairs
The decision of whether to fix or sell your RV is relatively easy when it comes to small items, but when major repairs are on the list, the decision can be much more difficult. At this point, you need to think about the current resale value of the RV in its current state, how much you use it, and how soon you plan to purchase a new RV.
Here are some of the most expensive RV repairs you might encounter.
- Electrical system repairs: $1,500-$8,000
- Broken side-out: $500-$5,000
- Generators: $2,000- $13,600
- Water assemblies: $1,500-$5,000
- Transmission and engine repairs: $4,000-$44,000
- Trailer suspension: $1,000-$3,000
- Roof A/C: $1,500-$8,400
- Refrigerator: $2,000-$14,500
- Leveling system: $800-$12,000
As you can see, some of these major repairs can set you back quite a bit. Whether these repairs are worth it depends on the age and current value of your RV. In many cases, the cost of repair will make it not worth it, and the best decision might be to sell your motorhome. This is especially true if your rig is more than ten years old.
Other Considerations
When it comes to repair, your motorhome is a combination of many of the things that can go wrong with your home and many things that can go wrong with your car. It would be nice if nothing ever broke on your car or your home, but that is not realistic. Many RV problems can be avoided with proper maintenance and storage.
Another thing to consider is the ongoing cost of maintaining your motorhome. Routine maintenance can quickly add up over time, and you have to consider these factors in the decision to fix or sell an old RV. Maintenance costs can be even greater for older RVs because they tend to break more than newer models.
The last consideration in the equation of whether to fix or sell your old RV is how much you think you will use it. If the thrill is gone, then it might be time to sell, but if fixing it would make you fall in love again, then the repairs might be worth it. If you are thinking of upgrading soon, then you have to ask whether the repairs will increase the value of the RV or if they will not give you the return you expect.
Options for Selling Your Old RV
Many factors weigh into whether to fix or sell your old RV. If you decide to sell, you have to consider that those costly repairs will also make your RV unattractive to buyers. Dealers will give you a lower offer on broken RVs, too. Some dealers will not take them at all.
Bottom Line
If you find yourself in a situation where repairing the RV is too costly, and you can’t find a buyer, you might wonder what to do. Some businesses buy junk RVs and use them for parts. Many times, you can get cash the same day, and they are more likely to want your old, broken rig.
