- Propane smell: leave the RV, shut off the tank if safe, and call 911 or your propane supplier. Propane leak response
- Carbon monoxide alarm: get everyone into fresh air and call 911. Carbon monoxide safety
- Smoke, fire, burning smell or melted plug: shut off power if safe and leave. Call 911 if there is fire.
- Brake or tire failure: do not drive. Arrange a tow or roadside help.
Pick the system that is acting up, or type a few words, then open the symptom that matches. For a particular part, the repair guide finder searches 44 component guides. Each answer gives safe checks you can do without opening energized, pressurized or fuel-burning equipment, the guide to read next and the kind of technician to look for.
No symptom matches that search. Try a shorter word, or browse all troubleshooting guides.
Power and battery
Nothing works: no lights, no outlets
Safe first checks
- Check whether the campground pedestal has power: ask staff or try another site.
- Confirm the battery disconnect is on and the battery monitor shows charge.
- Look at labelled breakers, GFCI reset buttons and DC fuses you can reach without opening panels.
Stop and call a technician if you notice: burning smell, melted plug, tingling metal or repeated breaker trips.
Look for: RV electrical technician. Find RV repair in your province
Outlets are dead but the lights work
Safe first checks
- The 12 V system is fine, so the problem is on the 120 V side.
- Check the pedestal breaker, your power cord and plug for heat damage, and any GFCI outlet.
- Try a different pedestal or a known-good adapter before suspecting the RV.
Stop and call a technician if you notice: a scorched or warm plug, or a breaker that trips again straight away.
Look for: RV electrical technician. Find RV repair in your province
Lights dim or die, outlets still work
Safe first checks
- The 120 V side is fine, so look at the battery and 12 V side.
- Check the battery disconnect, battery voltage on the monitor, and accessible DC fuses.
- On shore power, confirm the converter is running; a dead converter drains the battery.
Stop and call a technician if you notice: a swollen or hot battery, or a rotten-egg smell near it.
Look for: RV electrical technician. Find RV repair in your province
Battery will not charge or drains overnight
Safe first checks
- Note what charges it: shore power, solar or tow vehicle, and test one source at a time.
- Check for loads left on, such as a fridge on 12 V or a stereo.
- In freezing weather, lithium batteries may refuse to charge until warmed.
Stop and call a technician if you notice: a hot or swollen battery.
Look for: RV electrical technician. Find RV repair in your province
Lights flicker, dim or buzz
Safe first checks
- One fixture flickers, others fine: reseat the connector, then test the fixture elsewhere.
- All lights dim when the fridge, pump or fan starts: check battery voltage and terminals.
- Flicker only on shore power: test voltage at the battery with shore power on.
Stop and get help if: Stop and disconnect the battery if you smell hot plastic, see melted insulation or find a connector too hot to touch. One widely used wiring guide states that "undersized wiring or bad electrical contact can cause a fire." Do not work on the 120-volt side, do not bypass a fuse, and do not swap in a larger fuse to stop a blow.
Look for: rV electrician or mobile technician who works on 12-volt systems. Find RV repair in your province
The inverter is on but there’s no AC power
Safe first checks
- No lights or display on the inverter: press the power switch; check the disconnect.
- Display on, no AC at outlets: reset breakers; confirm which outlets the inverter feeds.
- Works for a minute then shuts down: turn off big loads; check battery voltage.
Stop and get help if: An inverter has DC and AC sources at once. One manufacturer warns that "live power may be present at more than one point," and that "turning off the inverter will not reduce this risk, the inverter must be totally disconnected from all sources." Do not open the unit, do not touch battery cables with metal tools, and never connect the inverter's AC output to any power source.
Look for: rV electrician or technician who services inverter/chargers. Find RV repair in your province
The house battery won’t charge while driving
Safe first checks
- House battery never charges while driving: check the blue input LED and the connections.
- Starter battery drains with house battery: check wiring for a bypass.
- Alternator will not start charging: ask whether an energize input is needed.
Stop and get help if: Disconnect the battery negative cables before making any change to the electrical system. An isolator can get hot, so it must be mounted on a non-flammable surface and given room to cool.
Look for: rV or marine electrician who installs battery isolators and charging systems. Find RV repair in your province
Water and plumbing
Water pump runs constantly or will not prime
Safe first checks
- Make sure the fresh tank has water and the pump switch and its fuse are on.
- Look for an open faucet, a leak under sinks or a loose fitting that lets pressure drop.
- Check the pump inlet strainer if the pump is noisy but moves little water.
Stop and call a technician if you notice: water leaking near wiring or the battery.
Look for: Mobile RV technician or dealer service. Find RV repair in your province
Weak water flow at the taps
Safe first checks
- Check whether the problem is on city water, the pump, or both.
- Clean the faucet aerators and any inline filter, and check hose kinks.
- If using city water, test the campground pressure and use a regulator.
Stop and call a technician if you notice: bulging hoses or a leak that keeps growing.
Look for: Mobile RV technician or dealer service. Find RV repair in your province
No hot water
Safe first checks
- Check that the heater is switched on and set to electric, propane or both.
- Make sure the tank is full before heating, and that the propane supply is not empty.
- On electric mode, confirm the 120 V breaker is on.
Stop and call a technician if you notice: a propane smell, soot or flames outside the burner area.
Look for: RV propane and furnace technician. Find RV repair in your province
Water on the floor, ceiling stain or soft wall
Safe first checks
- Shut off the pump and city water to stop new water entering.
- Note when it appears: during rain, after filling, or while the pump runs.
- Check roof sealant, window seals and plumbing fittings in view, without climbing on a wet roof.
Stop and call a technician if you notice: a spongy floor or wall, or water near electrical equipment.
Look for: RV leak and roof repair shop. Find RV repair in your province
Tank sensors read wrong or the tank will not drain
Safe first checks
- Sensors often read full from residue; compare against how much you have actually used.
- Check the hose for kinks or a blockage and make sure the dump valve opens fully.
- Never use harsh chemicals or force a stuck valve.
Stop and call a technician if you notice: sewage backing up into the RV.
Look for: Mobile RV technician or dealer service. Find RV repair in your province
Water lines frozen
Safe first checks
- Move to a warm location or heat the underbelly area gently, without open flame.
- Open a faucet so pressure can ease as the ice melts, and check fittings for cracks once thawed.
- Do not run the pump against frozen lines.
Stop and call a technician if you notice: a split fitting or water spraying after thaw.
Look for: Mobile RV technician or dealer service. Find RV repair in your province
The toilet bowl won’t hold water
Safe first checks
- Bowl slowly empties; floor stays dry: watch the closed blade or ball.
- Water appears around the base: dry the area and trace the first moisture.
- Bowl keeps filling: shut off the water supply immediately.
Stop and get help if: Turn off the pump, disconnect city water and relieve water pressure before permitted service. Wear suitable gloves, protect the floor and keep cleaning tools separate from potable-water equipment.
Look for: rV sanitation or mobile plumbing technician. Find RV repair in your province
A tank gate valve is stuck or leaking
Safe first checks
- Handle is difficult to pull: stop forcing it and identify the arrangement.
- Handle moves too freely: confirm actual blade movement through service access.
- Waste collects behind closed outlet cap: arrange contained diagnosis at a dump point.
Stop and get help if: Wear gloves and eye protection suitable for the work, keep potable-water equipment separate and follow the disposal site's rules. Do not open a suspect outlet cap without a controlled way to contain trapped waste.
Look for: rV sanitation technician or professional waste-service provider. Find RV repair in your province
The fresh-water tank fills while on city water
Safe first checks
- Level rises only in tank-fill mode: return to the documented normal city-water setting.
- Level rises in normal city mode: confirm actual valve positions and plumbing layout.
- Gauge changes without visible corroboration: verify level by an approved independent method.
Stop and get help if: Turn off the city-water source if the tank level is rising unexpectedly. Do not block the tank vent or overflow to stop water appearing outside.
Look for: rV water-system technician. Find RV repair in your province
The fresh tank won’t fill, spits back or overflows early
Safe first checks
- Water returns immediately from fill: stop and inspect the documented fill route.
- Filling slows after a short time: reduce flow and verify level safely.
- Gauge says full almost immediately: use an approved independent check.
Stop and get help if: Use potable-water equipment and the filling method specified for the RV. Never seal a hose tightly into a gravity fill, block a vent or increase pressure to force water past a restriction.
Look for: rV potable-water and tank-system technician. Find RV repair in your province
Hot water turns lukewarm at every tap
Safe first checks
- One shower is lukewarm; sinks are normal: inspect that fixture's settings and manual.
- Every hot tap is lukewarm after dewinterizing: compare actual valves with the RV diagram.
- Temperature changes when another fixture opens: record which combination changes it.
Stop and get help if: Turn off all water-heater energy sources before changing bypass configuration or opening plumbing. Allow water to cool and depressurize as instructed.
Look for: rV plumbing technician; qualified appliance service if heater fault remains. Find RV repair in your province
The macerator pump hums, runs slowly or won’t empty
Safe first checks
- Hums with no discharge: switch off promptly; isolate before approved clearing.
- Runs slowly with long uphill hose: compare setup with pump limits.
- Completely silent: check dedicated circuit and manual.
Stop and get help if: Wear protective gloves and eye protection and treat all waste-side parts as contaminated. Isolate electrical power before touching a pump, manual shaft feature or blockage.
Look for: rV waste-system and macerator technician. Find RV repair in your province
The black tank flush gives no water or leaks
Safe first checks
- Water leaks in cabinet only during flush: stop supply and inspect the dedicated rinse circuit.
- Hose has water, no rinse discharge: use component-specific service; do not increase pressure.
- Tank level rises unexpectedly during flush: stop immediately and verify safe drainage.
Stop and get help if: Use a dedicated non-potable hose and follow the RV’s exact flush procedure. Keep the black-tank discharge path open as the manufacturer directs; never leave flushing unattended or use a closed-valve timed fill as a generic cleaning method.
Look for: rV plumbing and backflow-system technician. Find RV repair in your province
Heated tank pads aren’t warming in freezing weather
Safe first checks
- Switch lit, no warmth in mild weather: check approved activation conditions before diagnosis.
- Tank liquid unfrozen, drain valve frozen: assess valve/pipe heating and insulation separately.
- Fuse fails repeatedly: stop and obtain electrical diagnosis.
Stop and get help if: Do not energize a pad outside its manufacturer’s permitted tank contents and operating conditions. Do not bypass thermostats, install a higher fuse or apply flame to thaw plumbing.
Look for: rV electrical and cold-weather systems technician. Find RV repair in your province
Heating, cooling and fridge
Furnace will not start or blows cold air
Safe first checks
- Check the thermostat settings, the battery voltage and the propane supply.
- Make sure the furnace vents outside are clear of snow and debris.
- A furnace needs steady 12 V; a weak battery is a common cause.
Stop and call a technician if you notice: a propane smell, soot, or repeated ignition clicking with no flame.
Look for: RV propane and furnace technician. Find RV repair in your province
Air conditioner is not cooling
Safe first checks
- Check the breaker and shore power; an overloaded supply causes shutdowns.
- Clean or replace the return air filter and clear the outside vent.
- Give the unit a few minutes between restarts.
Stop and call a technician if you notice: a burning smell or a breaker that trips each time.
Look for: RV air conditioner technician. Find RV repair in your province
Refrigerator is not cooling
Safe first checks
- Check the power source setting and propane supply for an absorption fridge.
- Make sure the vents are clear and the RV is level while the fridge runs.
- Do not overload it before it has cooled down.
Stop and call a technician if you notice: a strong ammonia smell or yellow residue at the cooling unit.
Look for: RV appliance technician. Find RV repair in your province
Windows wet, mould or heavy condensation
Safe first checks
- Run vent fans, crack a window or roof vent, and use a small dehumidifier on shore power.
- Keep propane cooking and showers vented, and avoid drying wet gear inside.
- Check for a real leak if the same spot is wet when it has not been cold.
Stop and call a technician if you notice: black mould covering large areas or soft walls.
Look for: RV leak and roof repair shop. Find RV repair in your province
Hydronic heat is cold, gurgling or showing a fault
Safe first checks
- Gurgling or cold spots in some radiators: check expansion tank; follow the bleed procedure.
- No heat, display shows a low-battery error: charge the battery; reset per manual.
- Fan, gas or overheat error on the panel: note the message; follow the reset in the manual.
Stop and get help if: Hot glycol can scald. One Alde manual warns, "Never actuate the drain valve lever as long as the water heater is still warm," and that water above 125°F (51°C) can cause serious scalding.
Look for: technician certified for your hydronic heating brand (Alde or Aqua-Hot). Find RV repair in your province
The thermostat is blank or the heat pump won’t heat
Safe first checks
- Blank thermostat: check the house battery and fuse.
- "Er" on display: check the remote sensor; call if it persists.
- Unit not responding: have a technician check the signal wiring.
Stop and get help if: Disconnect 115 VAC and 12 VDC before touching any control board or jumper. One manual states that failing to do so could result in injury or death, and that only trained technicians should install and program the system.
Look for: rV air-conditioning technician who services rooftop units and thermostats. Find RV repair in your province
The 12-volt compressor fridge keeps shutting off
Safe first checks
- Fridge stops, display off: recharge the battery; check the setting.
- Power light flashing orange: charge, then restart.
- Red error light flashing: check supply and ventilation.
Stop and get help if: Do not use the fridge if it is damaged. Keep the cooler away from naked flames and heat sources, never immerse it in water, and do not store flammable aerosol cans in it.
Look for: rV electrician or authorised repair centre for compressor refrigerators. Find RV repair in your province
Slides, brakes, tires and generator
Slide-out is stuck or moves unevenly
Safe first checks
- Check the battery voltage; slides need a strong 12 V supply.
- Look for obstructions, tree limbs or an item caught in the track, from outside.
- Do not force a slide or crank it by hand without the manual.
Stop and call a technician if you notice: grinding noises, a racked frame, or a slide that will not close for travel.
Look for: RV slide-out specialist. Find RV repair in your province
Brakes, tires or hubs show warning signs
Safe first checks
- Check tire pressure, tread, sidewall cracks and bulges before the next trip.
- Feel hubs after a drive; one much hotter than the others needs inspection.
- Listen for grinding and watch for the trailer pulling to one side.
Stop and call a technician if you notice: any suspected brake failure or damaged tire: do not drive on it.
Look for: RV brake, axle and tire shop. Find RV repair in your province
Generator will not start or runs rough
Safe first checks
- Check the fuel level, fresh fuel and the generator breaker or switch.
- Check the oil level; many units shut off when low.
- Run it under a light load first, in the open air, with CO alarms working.
Stop and call a technician if you notice: a fuel leak, or any exhaust smell inside the RV.
Look for: RV generator service centre. Find RV repair in your province
Awning is torn or will not retract
Safe first checks
- Retract it in wind or rain risk and never leave a damaged awning out.
- Check the arms and fabric for tears, bent parts or loose fasteners.
- Use the manual release only as the manufacturer describes.
Stop and call a technician if you notice: a bent arm or an awning that cannot be secured for travel.
Look for: RV awning and canvas repair. Find RV repair in your province
The electric tongue jack won’t lift or lower
Safe first checks
- No light, click or movement: identify the jack's actual power feed and specified fuse.
- Light works; motor clicks or slows: compare the sound and accessible voltage readings during a brief command.
- Motor sounds normal; leg stays still: stop cycling and report the exact sound to the manufacturer.
Stop and get help if: Chock the trailer on firm ground and keep people clear of the coupler and jack foot. Do not remove the jack, mounting bolts, foot or load-bearing parts while they support the trailer.
Look for: mobile RV technician or trailer service shop. Find RV repair in your province
Stabilizer jacks are stuck, bent or uneven
Safe first checks
- Both powered legs are silent: check the documented power feed.
- One side contacts ground first: follow the assembly's contact procedure; do not force equal extension.
- Motor runs but legs do not move: stop operation and identify the assembly.
Stop and get help if: Chock wheels and keep occupants clear of the mechanism. Do not retract a loaded, damaged assembly until the RV's support condition has been assessed.
Look for: rV chassis or trailer service technician. Find RV repair in your province
Hydraulic levelling jacks won’t retract
Safe first checks
- Control panel is dead: identify the system and documented power source.
- All jacks refuse to retract: record all messages and required operating conditions.
- One jack remains extended: photograph its position without going underneath.
Stop and get help if: Keep clear of jacks and the underside of the RV. Never rely on hydraulic jacks alone while working beneath it.
Look for: manufacturer-authorized levelling technician or RV recovery service. Find RV repair in your province
Read the full guide: Hydraulic Levelling Jacks Will Not Retract
Electric entry steps won’t extend or retract
Safe first checks
- Nothing happens when the door opens: compare documented operating conditions.
- Steps react to a nudge at the door: inspect the visible sensor and mounting.
- Motor runs but the tread barely moves: stop cycling and request inspection.
Stop and get help if: Keep hands, feet, children and pets out of the mechanism's sweep. Do not lie beneath powered steps or assume they are safe because the door is closed.
Look for: rV entry-step service technician. Find RV repair in your province
Trailer lights, brakes or charging fail at the 7-pin plug
Safe first checks
- Several lamps behave strangely together: inspect the plug and documented ground path.
- One function fails everywhere: compare with a compatible tester.
- One lamp fails; equivalent lamp works: inspect the affected branch safely.
Stop and get help if: Park securely, apply the tow vehicle's parking brake and chock the trailer. Keep people clear while controls are tested.
Look for: trailer electrical and brake-system technician. Find RV repair in your province
The trailer breakaway system or its battery fails
Safe first checks
- Battery indicator shows low or no response: identify the kit and prescribed test conditions.
- Indicator seems normal; brakes do not activate in approved test: stop and obtain full system diagnosis.
- Cable or pin is damaged: replace with exact approved components.
Stop and get help if: Do not tow until the safety fault has been repaired and verified. Chock and secure the trailer before inspection.
Look for: qualified trailer-brake technician. Find RV repair in your province
The trailer suspension clunks or shows worn shackles
Safe first checks
- Shackle holes appear elongated: photograph and obtain measured inspection.
- Fresh metal marks or repeated clunk: identify the location without crawling underneath.
- Trailer sits unevenly on suitable ground: record stance and loaded condition.
Stop and get help if: Inspect from safe ground-level positions with the trailer parked and chocked. Never use stabilizers or a tongue jack as the sole support for under-vehicle work.
Look for: trailer suspension shop or qualified chassis repairer. Find RV repair in your province
Read the full guide: Trailer Suspension Shackle and Bushing Wear
Trailer tires are wearing unevenly
Safe first checks
- One shoulder wearing rapidly: position, tread depths and stance.
- Both shoulders worn: cold pressure and actual load records.
- Centre wear: tire specification and service history.
Stop and get help if: Do not continue towing on a tire with exposed cord, a bulge, separation, significant damage, pressure loss or contact with the RV. Stop for a wheel that appears displaced or a suspension fault.
Look for: trailer-capable tire and alignment shop. Find RV repair in your province
The brake controller says the trailer is disconnected
Safe first checks
- Disconnects on bumps: inspect plug retention and moving harness sections.
- Fault only when brakes applied: obtain manufacturer-specific current and circuit tests.
- New actuator never detected: verify supported brake type and approved adapters.
Stop and get help if: Treat an unexplained brake-disconnection warning as a reason to stop towing and arrange diagnosis. Keep stationary tests away from traffic with the combination secured.
Look for: trailer electrical and brake-controller technician. Find RV repair in your province
Read the full guide: RV Brake Controller Says Trailer Disconnected
The tire-pressure sensor drops out or a valve leaks
Safe first checks
- Gauge confirms falling pressure: stop and arrange tire/valve assessment.
- One position missing, pressure stable manually: follow the sensor’s service and relearn procedure.
- Several rear positions disappear together: check system power and approved placement.
Stop and get help if: Pull over safely before investigating a pressure-loss alarm. Do not drive on a tire that may be underinflated or damaged.
Look for: rV tire and TPMS specialist. Find RV repair in your province
Body, doors, windows, floors and awnings
The entry door won’t latch or the lock sticks
Safe first checks
- Deadbolt works open but binds closed: compare gap and contact marks.
- Key will not enter fully: try an undamaged correct spare without force.
- Handle moves but latch does not release: stop testing before someone is trapped.
Stop and get help if: Work with another way out of the RV available and keep keys outside while testing. Do not allow a child or pet to become locked inside during diagnosis.
Look for: rV body shop or qualified RV locksmith. Find RV repair in your province
A storage-bay door leaks or won’t stay latched
Safe first checks
- Wet corner beside the seal: compare the closed-door gaps.
- Staining above the opening: trace upward before replacing the gasket.
- Wet only after driving: photograph lower seams and latch engagement.
Stop and get help if: Support a top-hinged door using its approved stay; a weak gas strut can let it fall unexpectedly. Keep clear of pinch points and do not work beneath an unsupported lid.
Look for: rV body and compartment-door repair shop. Find RV repair in your province
A window is foggy between the panes
Safe first checks
- Inside surface wipes clear: note indoor moisture and outside temperature.
- Outside surface wipes clear: check again as conditions change.
- Cloudiness remains after both faces are cleaned: photograph in angled daylight.
Stop and get help if: Do not drill, heat or cut installed glass. Keep an emergency exit fully functional and do not apply film or a cover that interferes with its operation.
Look for: rV glazing specialist or window manufacturer. Find RV repair in your province
A window won’t open, or a screen or latch is broken
Safe first checks
- Tear in mesh; frame is straight: identify profile and removable-screen method.
- Mesh repeatedly pulls out: inspect the groove and compare original material.
- Sliding pane drags: clean only permitted accessible channels.
Stop and get help if: Keep the window closed and secured as required while removing a permitted screen. Do not lean outside, stand on furniture or remove glass retainers to reach a screen clip.
Look for: rV window specialist or manufacturer parts support. Find RV repair in your province
Read the full guide: Window Won’t Open, Stuck or Torn Screen
The floor feels soft or spongy
Safe first checks
- Softness beside a fixture or exterior opening: trace water and inspect the surrounding area.
- Broad flex without visible staining: identify the floor system before cutting.
- Finish bubbles but substrate feels firm: have layers assessed separately.
Stop and get help if: Keep people and heavy objects away from a floor that is sinking, separating or visibly failing. Stop using an unstable toilet, seat, step or appliance mounted in the affected area.
Look for: rV structural/body repair shop. Find RV repair in your province
Read the full guide: Soft Floor and Subfloor Repair Planning
Drawers or cabinet doors fly open while driving
Safe first checks
- Drawer slides smoothly but opens during travel: inspect catch and striker alignment.
- Drawer binds or moves unevenly: empty it and compare both sides.
- Door rubs despite a working catch: check mounting before adjustment.
Stop and get help if: Empty the affected drawer or cabinet before inspection. Support a door or drawer while releasing hardware, and keep fingers away from spring-loaded catches.
Look for: rV cabinetry repairer or interior service technician. Find RV repair in your province
Read the full guide: Cabinet, Drawer Latch and Slide Repairs
The underbelly panel is sagging, torn or dragging
Safe first checks
- Heavy bulge after using water: stop adding water and arrange controlled inspection.
- Dry loose edge after rough road: inspect supports and fit compatible repair materials.
- Tank appears lower than before: stop travel and obtain chassis/plumbing assessment.
Stop and get help if: Do not go under an RV without appropriate independent support and a safe work area. A swollen panel can release contaminated water or falling debris.
Look for: rV body, tank-support and underbelly technician. Find RV repair in your province
The awning won’t extend, retract or stay closed
Safe first checks
- Nothing happens when you use the switch: check the house battery voltage and the awning fuse.
- LED strip works but the motor does not: check the motor fuse, then call a technician.
- Motor runs but fabric does not roll: look for a locked arm or knob without forcing it.
Stop and get help if: Never stand under an awning arm while you free a jam, and never open the roller tube without holding the pull strap. One manufacturer warns that "the fabric roller tube is under spring tension, which will attempt to close the awning quickly and unexpectedly." Do not leave an open awning unattended, and keep it stowed when snow, heavy rain or wind is expected.
Look for: mobile RV technician or dealer service department that repairs awnings. Find RV repair in your province
Water or a draft comes in around a slide-out
Safe first checks
- Drips at the top corners after rain: inspect the seal; check the roof edge.
- Draft or daylight round the room: look for gaps; compare corners.
- Seal torn or hanging off: trim, then replace the section.
Stop and get help if: Keep hands and people clear of the room and gear racks whenever it is moving. One slide-out maker warns, "Always keep away from the gear racks when the slide-out room is being operated" and that moving parts can pinch, crush or cut.
Look for: mobile RV technician or dealer service department that repairs slide-outs. Find RV repair in your province
There’s a crack or chip in the fibreglass or gelcoat
Safe first checks
- Hairline crack near a corner or window: monitor; seal if cosmetic.
- Chip beside a latch: clean out and fill with gelcoat.
- Star or spider crack: check the panel back for damage.
Stop and get help if: Wear eye protection, skin protection and a dust mask when cutting or grinding fibreglass. Gelcoat hardeners are hazardous, so read the safety data sheet for your product and work with ventilation.
Look for: fibreglass or RV body repair shop. Find RV repair in your province
There’s a musty smell or mould
Safe first checks
- Musty odour, no visible mould: look behind cushions and in cabinets.
- Black spots on a window frame: improve ventilation; clean small areas.
- Stains on a ceiling or wall: find and fix the leak first.
Stop and get help if: Mould can irritate the eyes, nose and throat and can worsen asthma, with infants, children, seniors, pregnant people and people with respiratory conditions at higher risk. Health Canada recommends a qualified professional for a single patch larger than 3 m², for mould that returns after cleaning, for sewage-contaminated water and for suspected mould inside walls or ceilings.
Look for: qualified mould assessor or RV body repair shop. Find RV repair in your province
A window leaks or has failed sealant
Safe first checks
- Drip at top corners: check the roof above first.
- Water trails down the wall: water-test from outside.
- Stain below the sill: inspect inside and outside.
Stop and get help if: Check whether the window is an emergency exit before you touch it, and never block or permanently seal an egress window; see the emergency exits guide. Glass can be heavy and the frame can fall outward, so a second person should support a window that is loosened.
Look for: rV body shop or technician who seals and replaces windows. Find RV repair in your province
Appliances, TV and internet
The roof vent fan won’t run or the lid won’t open
Safe first checks
- Keypad and lid both dead: identify the fan's fuse and disconnect arrangement.
- Lid works; fan does not: review mode and inspect safely with power isolated.
- Fan works from keypad but not remote: use the exact remote instructions.
Stop and get help if: Isolate the fan supply before removing a screen or performing permitted cleaning. An automatic fan can restart without another button press.
Look for: rV ventilation/appliance technician. Find RV repair in your province
The stove or oven won’t light or won’t stay lit
Safe first checks
- No spark at any burner: identify the exact model and ignition supply.
- One burner does not ignite: cool and clean only removable permitted parts.
- Pilot will not stay lit: follow the manual once; stop repeated attempts.
Stop and get help if: If you smell propane or an alarm activates, stop attempting ignition. Leave the RV, avoid flames, switches and other ignition sources, and shut off the supply only if it is safe to do so.
Look for: appropriately qualified RV propane-appliance technician. Find RV repair in your province
The microwave has no heat or no power
Safe first checks
- Display completely dead: confirm which source feeds the appliance.
- Display works; nothing starts: review normal operating settings.
- Light and turntable run; food stays cold: check the exact manual before another test.
Stop and get help if: Leave the appliance off if the door, hinges, latch area or cavity is damaged, or if there is smoke, burning smell, repeated arcing or repeated circuit tripping. Do not defeat a door interlock or operate the appliance with a damaged door.
Look for: qualified microwave appliance technician; RV electrician for supply faults. Find RV repair in your province
The washer-dryer won’t drain, spin or dry
Safe first checks
- Will not start: record lights and check the manual.
- Tub remains full: confirm holding-tank capacity and hose condition.
- Drains but will not spin: try only a permitted load correction.
Stop and get help if: Stop a leaking machine, close its accessible supply valves and disconnect power safely. Do not force open a locked door containing water.
Look for: rV laundry-appliance service technician. Find RV repair in your province
Read the full guide: Washer-Dryer Drain, Spin and Drying Problems
The TV has no channels or no signal
Safe first checks
- TV says no signal on HDMI: select the intended device or TV tuner.
- No broadcast channels after moving: select antenna mode and rescan as directed.
- Campground cable gives no channels: confirm park hookup and cable selection.
Stop and get help if: Keep clear of overhead power lines and do not climb onto the roof to improve reception. Some antenna systems send low-voltage power through the coax.
Look for: rV antenna/electronics installer. Find RV repair in your province
Wi-Fi is connected but there’s no internet
Safe first checks
- One device fails; others work: compare on the same Wi-Fi network.
- All devices connect but none browse: read the router's WAN status.
- Cellular works; campground Wi-Fi does not: check the authorized portal and park requirements.
Stop and get help if: Use the router's official management method and keep administrator credentials private. Do not post screenshots containing passwords, SIM identifiers, account details or remote-access tokens.
Look for: router manufacturer support or qualified mobile-internet installer. Find RV repair in your province
The range hood fan is weak, noisy or dead
Safe first checks
- Fan noisy but little exhaust: check full airflow path before replacing motor.
- Light works, fan silent: inspect permitted supply points; obtain service as needed.
- Humming without rotation: switch off and isolate before inspection.
Stop and get help if: Do not operate propane cooking equipment without its required ventilation. Let the stove cool and isolate the hood’s actual supply before owner maintenance.
Look for: rV ventilation and appliance technician. Find RV repair in your province
The central vacuum has no suction or won’t start
Safe first checks
- Motor runs, suction weak everywhere: check approved consumables and accessible seals.
- Good at unit, weak at hose end: inspect removable hose and fittings.
- Stops after several minutes: correct airflow and follow cooling procedure.
Stop and get help if: Isolate the vacuum supply before removing approved covers or clearing debris. Do not open motor/electrical housings or bypass thermal protection.
Look for: rV appliance or central-vacuum technician. Find RV repair in your province
Common questions
What should I do if I smell propane in my RV?
Stop what you are doing, put out flames, leave the RV and shut off the propane at the tank if it is safe to reach it. Do not use switches or phones inside. Call 911 or your propane supplier from a safe distance and read the propane leak response guide afterwards.
Is it safe to keep troubleshooting if my carbon monoxide alarm sounds?
No. Get everyone into fresh air, open doors, and call 911 if anyone feels dizzy, sick or has a headache. Do not re-enter until the source is found and fixed by a qualified technician.
How do I know whether to fix a problem myself or call a technician?
Do the safe first checks listed for your symptom. If the problem involves propane, energized electrical equipment, brakes or tires, or the first checks do not solve it, call a qualified technician.
Does this tool give a diagnosis?
No. It lists common causes and safe owner-level checks. Your manufacturer manual and a qualified RV technician take precedence.