Like any vehicle, your RV can face mishaps and accidents—especially if you don’t take care of it. These occasional complications don’t have to ruin your road trip, though. When you’re aware of the common problems you might face on an RV trip, you can handle every issue like a pro. From keeping a few handy tools in your vehicle to conducting routine inspections, a little preparation and awareness go a long way toward keeping your RV in good shape. As you enjoy your travels, keep an eye out for these common RV problems so that you can fix them before they turn into major repairs.

Rainy roofs

If it’s cold, wet, and dreary outside, you want the interior of your RV to be a warm, cozy haven. A leaky roof can ruin your RV’s interior. Exposure to sunlight, low-hanging branches, and other general wear and tear can cause dents, cracks, and other damage to the top of your RV. While these flaws might seem like a minor issue in good weather, a leak will ruin your day as soon as it rains. Leaky roofs can lead to water damage, mold growth, and other serious problems in your vehicle. Avoid roof problems by visually inspecting your RV regularly. Use caulk and other sealants to repair minor damage and prevent leaks.

Water system woes

When you travel in an RV, you bring your own private kitchen and bathroom with you. However, a faulty water system ruins these perks. Plumbing issues make up many of the common problems you might face on an RV trip. In cold weather, you may suffer frozen pipes, which can crack and burst. A lack of proper holding tank maintenance can also lead to bad odors and expensive repairs. Even if you take good care of your water system, you might still run into issues, such as your freshwater tanks filling up unexpectedly. Keep your owner’s manual on hand and learn your way around your RV’s water system so that you can identify problems as soon as they arise. Even simple solutions like installing pipe heaters, checking your tank valves, and dumping your tanks properly can help you avoid or fix many of the common problems that arise in an RV.