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Top Operational RV Issues
Preventable, Coach-Net Says
 LAKE
HAVASU CITY, Ariz., Aug. 31, 2006 -- Coach-Net
Technical and Roadside Assistance urges
travelers to review maintenance procedures,
service their RVs early and check system
operation to avoid potential issues they may
encounter on their next trip. In researching
more than 85,000 service calls, Coach-Net found
the majority of operational RV issues
preventable.
Engine
Engine concerns top the list at 31.7 percent
of the calls.
"Most inoperable engines are not due to
catastrophic engine failure," says Patrick
Cipres, RVIA-RVDA Master Certified Technician.
"Minor problems such as those caused by
incompatible coolant, a filter needing to be
changed or improper fuel are the root of most
calls related to chassis." If left unattended,
minor issues often lead to major ones.
Brake and Suspension Systems
Modern air brake and suspension systems
result in the second most common call to
Coach-Net. "Many stranded travelers simply need
operational guidance," he says. "For example,
when trying to level their RV, some owners
unknowingly 'dump the air' in the suspension,
causing system failure."
Reviewing the owner's manual and checking
system operation prior to use will help
travelers avoid this problem.
Batteries
Third on the list are batteries. Ensure they
are well-maintained - even new ones. If the RV
is in storage or at an RV park, charge the
engine battery every 7-10 days by running the
engine for an hour. If the RV is plugged into
shore power, the house battery charges
automatically, but check the water level weekly
at a minimum. If power problems begin at a
campground, question the reliability of the
shore power connection.
Slide Rooms and Leveling Systems
Twenty-four percent of calls surveyed reveal
the most common "house" issues are slide rooms
and leveling systems that fail to retract. Many
times they will stick from non-use.
Avoid getting stuck during vacation, and test
slide rooms beforehand to ensure they are in
good working order - especially if the RV has
been stored.
Electrical AC 110-Volt
Fifth on the list of concerns is overload of
the electrical alternating current (AC)
110-volt. RVs are rated to operate harmoniously
with the appliances outfitting them. Be careful
about adding big amp draws, such as a hairdryer,
a blender or coffeemaker. The roof air
conditioner probably is the largest power
consumer, so before switching it on "high," turn
off other appliances, or risk tripping a circuit
breaker.
"It's clear that a concerted effort is
occurring industry-wide to reach exceptional
levels of customer satisfaction," says President
and CEO Henry Stroup. "By conducting research we
are identifying opportunities to help our
industry partners and RVers alike enhance the RV
lifestyle."
Meeting the demands of RV travelers
throughout the United States and Canada since
1987, Coach-Net pioneered RV Tech Advantage(TM),
which provides RV owners access to a team of
RVIA-RVDA Certified Technicians 24/7, 365 days a
year to troubleshoot common operational issues
they may encounter with their RV. Additional
information is available on the website
http://www.coach-net.com.
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