When you’re miles from the nearest town and something breaks on your RV, having the right parts on hand can mean the difference between a minor hiccup and a trip-ending disaster. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or full-time traveler, being prepared for roadside repairs is essential. Anyone setting out on the open road should have necessary items such as a spare tire, jack, and fluids for motorized vehicles, but RVers need to consider other items to keep their house on wheels safe and sound. At Bucars, we know what keeps RVers rolling, and we’ve compiled the ultimate list of must-have emergency RV parts to keep your adventure on track.
The Basics
Simple, low-cost items like spray lubricant, electrical tape, duct tape, bungee cords, and rope can go a long way when you have to “MacGuyver” a road trip repair. Make up a kit to always keep in one of your storage compartments and take stock of what’s inside at the beginning and end of each camping season.
Electrical
Fuses are the number one item you’ll need to keep powering your adventures. Keep a selection of blade fuses on hand to replace blown fuses inside your electrical panel. You should also look at specialty fuses for other items such as your power tongue jack, thermal breakers, or inline solar fuses. You will also want to carry a selection of replacement light bulbs for interior lighting, tail lights, brake lights, and turn indicators. It can’t hurt to throw in an extra extension cord and a few types of electrical adapters – you never know what the power situation will be like at a new campground.
Fresh Water
A length of pex line, pex cutters, and an assortment of valves and fittings can come in handy if your RV’s fresh water system suddenly springs a leak. Consider the “shark bite” style of connectors that don’t need any special tools to install. Don’t forget a funnel to easily top of your fresh tank from a bottle.
Sanitation System
Aside from plenty of extra toilet chemical and toilet tissue, many smart RVers choose to carry an extra sewer hose, caps, and valve handles. Sewer problems are no fun on the road!
Roof & Awning
The roof of your RV is a cornerstone to it’s structural integrity. Any sort of mishap such as hitting low-hanging branches, could potentially damage the rubber roof membrane and cause water leaks. Dicor brand lap sealant is the top method to repair roof leaks and seal up areas around skylights and air conditioners. Keep a tube on hand and don’t forget the caulking gun! In a pinch, Eternabond tape is another way to seal up roof punctures and keep your adventures dry and cozy. And in the event of a tear in your awning, awning tape is a must-have to patch it up.
Running Gear
Be sure to have a spare tire on board. A portable air compressor is a great investment to keep your tires properly inflated. Additionally, it is a good idea to have a set of wheel bearings and bearing grease to keep you on the road in the event of a bearing blowout. It’s also a good idea to keep a variety of cotter pins, hitch pins, and quick chain links on board in case any wiggle loose during your travels.
Lastly, consider having a backup set of keys for your entrance door and storage compartments tucked away in the glove compartment.
We hope this list gives you peace of mind and helps you avoid a road trip mishap. Here at Bucars, we carry a huge selection of RV parts to help keep you safely on the road and we’re always happy to give recommendations and advice with a smile.
