Saturday, September 02, 2006
COACH-NET LIST OF COMMON RV FAILURES
RV NEWS 09-01-06
Top Operational RV Issues Preventable, Coach-Net Says
LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. - 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 AdvantageTM, 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 web site.
Top Operational RV Issues Preventable, Coach-Net Says
LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. - 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 AdvantageTM, 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 web site.
