Mobile RV service in Tampa FL, is an excellent choice for any camper or traveler! Having a heavy motorhome towed to a repair shop is cumbersome and expensive, and might take hours to arrange. On the other hand, mobile repairs are extremely convenient, especially for heavier vehicles and those that have broken down completely.
If you’re concerned about mobile RV repair costs, note that many services are more affordable than you might expect. It’s also worth those costs, considering the hassle and expense of towing your rig to a shop. To ensure your camper is always in good condition, consider some vital information about repair and maintenance costs.
How Much Does Mobile RV Service in Tampa Cost?
As with any vehicle repair, RV service costs vary according to work needed, materials used, and other such factors. For example, battery cleaning, which extends battery life, might cost $150-$300 for up to six batteries. New batteries might cost between $150-$400 each. Check out some other average costs for various RV services:
- Slide-out maintenance reduces the risk of a slide getting stuck while open or closed! Cleaning, replacing worn parts, and testing the slides might cost $250. Slide-out repairs might cost around $250 for parts, and then added labor fees.
- Tire rotation might average around $75. New RV or camper tires might cost between $125 and $400 or more, depending on their size and brand.
- Generator maintenance ensures your equipment starts and runs on demand! Cleaning, lubricating moving parts, replacing the oil and air filters and other such tasks might run about $150. Generator repairs can start at $1200 and go up from there.
- Replacing an RV awning usually averages between $500 and $2000 depending on the material size and quality.
- RV roof replacement usually costs $300-$325 per linear foot, or around $7000 or more for a 36-foot rig.
If your RV repair contractor adds labor fees to any repair costs, expect this to run between $125 and $175 per hour. Mobile RV repair contractors might also add a mileage fee, usually $1.50 per mile on average.
How Much Is an Oil Change for an RV?
An RV oil change is typically more expensive than a standard vehicle service. One reason why is that most cars need 4-6 quarts of oil, while a motorhome typically requires 6-8! Consequently, you’re paying more for the oil itself during every service.
Oil changes for most average sized motorhomes might cost $80 to $100. Larger, Class A motorhome oil changes average $150 to more, while a Class C might average around $100. These prices typically include changing the oil filter and topping off fluids.
Do RVs Need a Lot of Maintenance?
The more often you use your RV, the more maintenance and repairs needed. Additionally, taking your motorhome over rough terrain or parking it under hot sunlight means added wear and tear! Park model RVs, which stay in an RV park, still require regular updates and repairs.
- As with a vehicle, you’ll need to purchase new tires for an RV over time. The more miles you put on your rig and the rougher the terrain, the more often those tires need changing.
- Motorhomes need regular oil changes and new batteries, just like cars and trucks.
- Full hookup campsites allow you to plug in water hoses, sewer hoses, and electric cables. These parts need periodic checking, repairs, and replacement.
- RV appliances need maintenance, just like home appliances. This includes cleaning, replacing belts and hoses, and checking wiring for needed replacement.
- RV roofs might peel or otherwise suffer damage over the years, especially when parked in harsh sunlight. Your RV might need a new roof coating every few years.
There are also some hidden costs with owning an RV. For example, RV owners without a garage or yard need to rent a storage unit. An RV cover, to protect the camper while parked, might run around $150. Many campers use propane for fuel and heating. Refilling propane tanks might run $2 to $4 per gallon, on average.
Most importantly, it’s vital to remember gas costs for a camper! A towable RV still means added drag on your vehicle. In turn, you’ll probably pay more for gas when towing your rig. Larger motorhomes and campers also tend to have poor gas mileage, so ensure you’ve budgeted for those costs.
How Do You Service an RV?
Motorhomes need servicing similar to other motorized vehicles, including regular oil changes. They’ll also need tire rotation and replacement, and new batteries. RV owners should also top off coolant, braking fluid, and power steering fluid as needed.
If you use your RV every year, it’s recommended you bring it to a service station for annual maintenance. An RV mechanic should check its engine, brakes, and undercarriage. He or she should also look for leaks around the roof and body. Your RV generator, deep cycle battery, and hoses and wiring also need checking.
It’s also vital that an RV owner check the chassis of a towable camper. It’s not unusual for the chassis to get pulled out of alignment while on the road. This can risk uneven tire wear and pressure on the chassis and RV body.
RV floors also need regular check, as trapped moisture under a camper can risk wood rot and a rusted chassis. Soft floorboards need replacing and mold needs cleaning as well.
An RV owner might also want to empty their camper every year and give it a thorough interior inspection and cleaning! Emptying cupboards completely allows you to check for holes, water leaks, and pest infestation. A thorough cleaning also reduces the risk of mold growth and ensures a more comfortable camper that’s ready for use.
Contact a Certified RV Repair Technician
Before you go on the road, you might also check for a mobile RV repair contractor. You can often find mobile RV service in Florida, Arizona, the Carolinas, and other areas often home to campers. Having a mobile service on speed dial can ensure a safe and comfortable camping journey, even if your rig should break down!